Greece remains among the top choices for travel in the Mediterranean over the next 12 months, maintaining the strong brand it has built in recent years in the major Western European markets, while further enhancing its image. (Cover Photo: The islands of Koufonisia, Source: visitgreece.gr)

More specifically, Greece ranks 3^rd in preference for outbound travel over the next 12 months in the German and Italian markets, 4^th in the French and UK markets and 6^th in the Spanish market. Compared to 2024, it is particularly encouraging that Greece has moved up by one position in the UK market—which, together with Germany, constitutes one of the two strongest inbound tourism markets in terms of revenue and arrivals for Greek tourism—as well as in the Spanish market, while its ranking remained unchanged in the other markets.

The data come from the latest study (January 2026) by the Institute of the Greek Tourism Confederation (INSETE), titled “Brand Greece: How attractive is Greece as a tourist destination? Comparison with competing Mediterranean destinations”. The first part of the study focuses on key European markets such as Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Spain, and Italy. The research underpinning the study was conducted by GWI in two waves in 2025 (7,402 respondents) and in two waves in 2024, focusing on visitors’ preferences regarding potential travel destinations over the next 12 months, thus including the summer months, which are of critical importance for Greek tourism. The markets examined contribute nearly half (47%–48%) of total inbound tourism revenues, according to official data from the Bank of Greece for the period 2023–2024.

INSETE (Institute of the Greek Tourism Confederation SETE) is a research and strategic planning arm of four partners with intense activity in critical areas of the Greek tourism market: SETE, the main association of Greek tourism businessesas the principal partner, The Hellenic Hoteliers Federation (HHF), The Hellenic Association of Travel & Tourist Agencies (HATTA) and The Confederation of Entrepreneurs of Rented Rooms and Apartments(SETKE). Its mission is to contribute to the promotion and enhancement of the Greek tourism sector through research, data, analysis, and supporting public and private policies.

 VisitGreece.gr is the official tourism portal of Greece, operated by the Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO). The website serves as the primary digital platform for promoting Greece as a year-round travel destination. It provides comprehensive information on destinations, activities, events, and travel planning, including transportation, visas, and safety tips. VisitGreece.gr also offers inspiration for themed trips, itineraries, and unique experiences, helping international visitors easily explore and plan their stay in Greece. (Source: visitgreece.gr)

Mainland Incredible Destination: Greece is a popular destination not only because of its amazing islands but also because the mainland offers plenty of options for a memorable Mediterranean holiday! Explore unspoilt fishing villages full of tranquil charm, tower towns, and traditional stone built villages or try the exciting city breaks on offer. Visit archaeological sites, learn more about the country's fascinating culture, travel along the spectacular coastline and enjoy its picture-perfect scenery! (Source: visitgreece.gr)

With regard to the INSETE Study, Greece ranks within the top five in all of them, holding 3^rd or 4^th place, except for the Spanish market where it ranks 6^th. Even in that case, however, Greece has moved up by one position, confirming the strong brand of Greek destinations in major markets. Another factor confirming the positive momentum of Greek tourism is the fact that the difference in preference between Greece and the country ranked one position higher in the UK and Spanish markets is only around 2 percentage points.

Compared to competing countries in 2025:

• German market: Greece ranks 3^rd, with Italy and Spain in 1^st and 2^nd place respectively. Germans state that they would choose Italy for outbound travel over the next 12 months at a rate of 26.8%, Spain at 24.9%, Greece at 19.7%, Austria at 19.0%, and France at 17.9%.
• French market: Greece ranks 4^th, with Spain in 1^st place, Italy in 2^nd, and Portugal in 3^rd. For French travelers, Spain records a preference rate of 26.9%, Italy 24.8%, Portugal 15.1%, Greece 12.6%, and so on.
• UK market: Greece, with a preference rate of 19.9%, ranks 4^th, with Spain and Italy in 1^st and 2^nd place respectively, France in 3rd place, and Portugal in 6th place.
• Spanish market: Greece, with a preference rate of 9.5%, ranks 6^th, with Italy and France in 1^st and 2^nd place respectively, followed by Portugal in 3rd place.
• Italian market: Greece, with a preference rate of 16.8%, ranks 3^rd, with Spain and France in 1^st and 2^nd place respectively, and Portugal in 5^th place.

The island of Santorini (Source: visitgreece.gr)

The INSETE Study notes that for the Italian and Spanish markets, competing Mediterranean destinations for Greece such as Croatia and Turkey fall outside the top 10. In addition, it should be taken into account that Greece remains high in the preferences of Western Europeans despite its geographical position, which does not favor road access in the same way as in the case of Germany, which borders France and Austria and through them has access to Italy, making road travel easier—and potentially more economical. Similarly, in the case of France, both Italy and Spain share borders with France and therefore benefit from easy road access. This factor underscores that the attractiveness of Greek destinations is based on a strong and recognizable tourism product.

Elías Kikilias, General Director of INSETE, stated to the Athens News Agency: “The Greek tourism brand, having established itself at the highest level of competition in the Mediterranean, has entered a phase of maturity in an environment where competition is competition is structural in nature, not driven by short-term circumstances, with Spain and Italy acting as leading destinations. Strengthening sustainability and resilience, preserving destinations’ identity, and differentiating our tourism product within the framework of a long-term and coherent strategy that coordinates public and private efforts are more imperative than ever”.

(Source: amna.gr, insete.gr) 

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Nestled in the heart of Mykonos, in the historic area of Tria Pigadia, the Aegean Maritime Museum, is a cultural institution dedicated to safeguarding and celebrating Greece's profound connection to the sea.  Established in 1983 and opening its doors to the public in 1985, the Aegean Maritime Museum is a private non-profit institution focused on the preservation, study, and promotion of Greek naval history and tradition, particularly that of the Aegean's merchant fleet.

The museum's historical significance is multifaceted, beginning with its visionary founder, Georgios Drakopoulos, a native of Mykonos. His pioneering efforts in establishing the museum were recognized with an award from the Academy of Athens in December 1987. The physical home of the museum itself also carries a rich history. It is housed in a traditional 19th-century Cycladic building that once belonged to the legendary Captain Nikolaos Sourmelis. Captain Sourmelis played a crucial role in aiding the Cretans during their struggle against the Ottomans, using his merchant ship, the "ENOSIS," to provide significant assistance. This historical residence imbues the museum with an authentic connection to the maritime past it strives to preserve.

A Treasure Trove of Naval History

The museum boasts one of the most significant collections of naval history in Greece. Its extensive exhibits span a vast timeline, from the pre-Minoan era to the early 20th century. Visitors can explore a diverse array of artifacts, including: ship models, historical maritime documents, rare engravings and maps, ancient artifacts, nautical instruments, fittings, and tools, coins with naval themes, dating from the 5th century BC to the 5th century AD.

Further enriching its offerings is a continuously expanding naval library, which houses approximately 5,000 rare editions, manuscripts, and photographic archives. The museum's outdoor space also features marble replicas of tombstones from Delos and Mykonos, depicting scenes of shipwrecks and sailors lost at sea, adding a poignant dimension to the exhibits.

Preservation of living historical exhibits

The Aegean Maritime Museum holds the distinction of being the first museum in Greece to undertake and complete the rescue and preservation of living historical exhibits. These remarkable artifacts include:

• The "Armenistis" Lighthouse of Mykonos (built in 1890)

Perched on the northwestern tip of Mykonos, the Armenistis Lighthouse was one of the largest and most iconic lighthouses of the Aegean. It was first lit on September 19, 1891, built in response to a maritime tragedy that shocked both Greece and the international community.

In 1887, the British steamship Volta ran aground on the northern coast of Mykonos. The accident claimed the lives of 11 out of 22 crew members, sparking international outcry. In the aftermath, the then–Prime Minister of Greece, Charilaos Trikoupis, ordered the construction of a lighthouse at Cape Armenistis to ensure that such disasters would not be repeated.

The original lighting mechanism, built by Sautter Lemonier and awarded at the Paris International Exhibition, operated with kerosene. The system vaporized the fuel and, through a specially designed optical assembly, produced a powerful light visible up to 30 nautical miles away. The beam stood 184 meters above sea level and 12 meters above the base of the building, providing sailors with a much-needed beacon of safety in the once treacherous waters of the central Aegean.

For nearly a century—from 1890 until 1983—the Armenistis Lighthouse shone continuously, guiding countless ships safely through the region.

In 1983, the lighthouse was modernized and automated, replacing the old optical system with more efficient technology that no longer required the presence of a lighthouse keeper.

Fortunately, the story of the original mechanism did not end there. In 1987, the Aegean Maritime Museum requested its preservation. After extensive restoration work, the historic device—complete with its lenses, pulleys, lamps, and fittings—was relocated to the museum’s lush garden, where it is proudly displayed and in working order once again.

•  The Aegean type sailing ship "Evangelistria," built in 1940

The “Evangelistria” is one of the last authentic Aegean sailing vessels of the traditional perama type. It was built in Syros in 1940 by the renowned shipwright Mavrikos and his sons, commissioned by the Mykonian captain Antonis K. Bonis.

With a capacity of around 90 tons, an overall length of 20 meters, and a beam of 6.38 meters, the vessel was a remarkable feat of craftsmanship. It carried two masts with sails totaling 220 square meters. In its prime, the Evangelistria was not only a reliable merchant ship but also a magnificent presence on the Aegean Sea, turning heads wherever it appeared.

For decades, it served as a vital link between the islands of the Aegean, transporting essential goods and supplies. During World War II, despite the dangers of wartime, the Evangelistria continued to sail, delivering food and provisions to the islands and even reaching as far as Thessaloniki.

A symbol of maritime tradition and resilience, the Evangelistria remains a testament to the artistry of Aegean shipbuilding and the seafaring spirit of Greece.

•  The cable steamship "Thales of Miletus," built in 1909

The vessel that would later be known as “Thales of Miletus” was originally built in 1909 at the Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Co. in Virginia, USA, under the name Joseph Henry, commissioned by the U.S. Government. In 1947, the ship was transferred from the United States to Greece, handed over to the Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (OTE), and renamed Thales of Miletus.

As the first Greek cable-laying ship, the Thales of Miletus played a vital role in modernizing communications across the Aegean and Ionian Seas. It was tasked with laying and maintaining submarine telephone cables between the Greek islands—a mission it carried out tirelessly until its retirement in 1983. During its long service, the ship laid 140 new cables and performed repairs on more than 630 existing lines, ensuring the steady flow of communication in an era when reliable telephony was still in its infancy for many island communities.

The Thales of Miletus holds a special place in maritime history as the oldest surviving cable ship in the world. Remarkably, it still preserves its original engine room, complete with two authentic steam propulsion engines. It also remains the oldest vessel registered in the Greek Shipping Registry with exceptionally high technical specifications for its time.

Today, the ship stands not only as a monument to Greek maritime and telecommunications history but also as a floating museum. Beyond its historic steam-powered cable-laying machinery, visitors can find fascinating exhibits that trace the evolution of telecommunications from the early 20th century. Onboard displays include optical telegraphs, radar equipment, and other instruments that mark milestones in the field.

Both the "Evangelistria" and "Thales of Miletus" are meticulously maintained and can be visited as floating museums.

Modernization and a Dynamic Future

Recognizing that cultural heritage is not a static imprint of the past but a dynamic axis of identity and development, the museum recently underwent a comprehensive modernization. This project, spearhead by the Museum itself and supported by a programmatic agreement between the Ministry of Culture, the Municipality of Mykonos, , included:

• Renovation of infrastructure while respecting its traditional 19th-century Cycladic architecture.

• Upgrading internal functionality and improving conditions for exhibiting and preserving artifacts.

• Introduction of new technologies, including the digitization of collections and the creation of a virtual tour via its new website.

• Implementation of a "phygital" approach, blending physical and digital spaces to offer an authentic and experiential visit.

This modernization effort, with significant technical, administrative, and political support from the Municipality of Mykonos, ensures that the museum can project its naval tradition to a global audience, from Mykonos to the most remote corners of the planet. It reinforces Mykonos's role as a hub of culture, history, and modern creativity leaving a legacy for future generations. Beyond its physical presence, the museum actively participates in international conferences, exhibitions, and events -such as Maritime Week, and engages in significant publishing activities related to Greek maritime history.

Through its extensive collection, unique live exhibits, and recent embrace of digital technologies, the Aegean Maritime Museum stands as a dynamic and revitalized institution, dedicated to preserving and showcasing Greece's rich maritime heritage and continually evolving to share its rich history with the world.

I.L.

All photos from Aegean Maritime Museum's Facebook page

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Vanishing Landscapes is a two-year research project culminating in a four-day-on-site gathering (6-9.3.2025) at the fragile lagoon of the Aitoliko (Etoliko). Its starting point and inspiration is the work of the late artist Vasso Katraki, whose early paintings and prints pay attention to the lagoon and the communities who lived from and worked around it—fishing, surviving, hand to mouth (Cover Photo: Airview of Aitoliko, Source: C messier, commons.wikimedia.org).

According to the organizers, “by using the Centre of Engraving Arts – Vasso Katraki Museum in Aitoliko as a springboard, we will explore how an arts institution rooted in land and community can create meaning for the future: from looking back at Katraki’s prints and connecting them to the surrounding environment, to listening to and learning from the human and more-than-human communities that have evolved with the waters, to reflecting on the transforming landscape, so that we can find tools to live together and adapt to our radically changing world”.

Vanishing Landscapes, Visuals Angelina Stavela

Vanishing Landscapes is an invitation to experience the fragile ecosystem of Aitoliko. Its overlapping micro-geographies—the Acheloos and Evinos rivers, mingling salt and fresh waters, neighbouring alluvial forests and salt basins—constitute an ecosystem with a vibrant, multilayered biodiversity, making it a key pit stop for migratory birds. The local geography has held sway over the human imagination for centuries, from ancient myths to epic tales and the national fervour surrounding Greece’s independence from Ottoman rule.

Vanishing Landscapes, Campus Novel in their screening lecture performance “A place like you and me: Composing stories for transregional liminality”, challenge organised order, value judgments, and dominant narratives related to living beings and the environment (left), Yiannis Papadopoulos’ three-day research-based workshop “People descended from Trees and Deer” explores the unique natural characteristics of the Aitoliko area, with a focus on producing materials using printmaking practices (right)

As part of the Vanishing Landscapes project, the organizers have invited a diverse group of contributors—Nuno da Luz, Yiannis Papadopoulos, Campus Novel, Cinema Fulgor (Portugal), Dulcinea Compania, and hiboux ARCHITECTURE—to create a series of site-specific contributions that explore the region’s delicate ecosystem and its cultural contexts. These contributions will take various forms, including a sound walk, a three-day workshop for fine arts students, and a film programme that encourages reflection on rural cinema and the ways in which we can come together around film far from urban centres. This multi-format programme invites both local and visiting participants to explore the fragile yet resilient landscape of Aitoliko, through collective experiences that blend art, ecology, and community.

Vanishing Landscapes is part of the Transformative Territories: performing transition through the arts European cooperation programme, which aims to redefine the significance of arts and transformative practices within our societies. Co-funded by the Creative Europe Programme of the European Union,  it is supported by the National Bank of Greece, Municipality of Sacred Town Messolonghi, Heinrich-Böll Stiftung Thessaloniki and Institut Français de Grèce.

Messolonghi - Aitoliko Lagoon House (Source: D. Eleftheriadis, commons.wikimedia.org)

Messolonghi - Aitoliko Lagoon Boat (Source: D. Eleftheriadis, commons.wikimedia.org)

Aitoliko, often referred to as the "Little Venice of Greece," is a town in Aitoloakarnania, Western Greece, located about ten kilometers northwest of the historic Sacred Town of Messolonghi. It is built on a small island in the middle of the Aitoliko-Messolonghi lagoon and is connected to the mainland on both the east and west by two stone arched bridges, each approximately 300 meters long. Historically, the town was known as "Anatolikon" before and during the Greek Revolution of 1821. The first recorded mention was made by the Spanish-Jewish traveler Benjamin of Tudela in 1153 AD, who referred to it as "Natolikon", likely a variation of "Anatolikon" (Eastern), because it was the easternmost lagoon islet of the Echinades Islands or possibly due to its location to the east of the Acheloos River.

Aitoliko Lagoon - Flamenco birds (Source: (Source: T. Lachanas, commons.wikimedia.org)

The Messolonghi-Etoliko lagoon is the largest in Greece and one of the largest in the Mediterranean. Because of the geomorphology of the area that has been changed after human intervention in the period of 1960-1995, nowadays the area consists of a system of six separate lagoons that present different natural characteristics. They extend over 15.000 ha while the broader area of the biotope includes coastal ecosystems, swamps, salterns and reclaimed areas which are now used for cultivation. The lagoon is formed between the estuaries of Acheloos and Evinos, is classified as Environmental Park and is protected by the Ramsar Treaty (Source: visitgreece.gr). 

Vasso Katraki working at her studio, (Source: etoliko.gr) (left), The debt of Antigone, Stonecut, 103x103 cm (Source: Vasso Katraki Museum – Printmaking Art Centre)

Vasso Katraki (Leonardou) (1914 - 1988) was a major figure in Modern Greek art and printmaking. Born in 1914 in Aitoliko, she studied painting with K. Parthenis and printmaking with Y. Kefallinos at the Athens School of Fine Arts (1936-1940). She was among the students of Kefallinos who created the famous War posters in 1940-41. Soon after, she became involved in the Greek Resistance, illustrating many illegal printed materials of the era with her woodcuts. In 1949, she co-founded the art group Stathmi. Her first solo exhibition (Athens, 1955) marked a decisive shift in her technique, cutting her works directly into stone rather than wood. The development and perfection of this entirely personal technique became an integral part of her printmaking practice.

Her art covers a wide range of subjects, from everyday scenes to mythological allegories, reflecting her social awareness and deeply humanitarian inclinations. Her aesthetics are strongly rooted in Greek tradition, yet she ventured into daring abstract schematizations, which over time grew increasingly intense through the contrast of black and white. During her exile to Yaros island (under the dictatorship of 1967), she expressed herself by painting pebbles with blank ink. Her most mature works, dated after 1970, are large prints featuring clean-cut, monumental forms that she carved into sandstone and printed on white paper.

Vasso Katraki, Inquisition, Stonecut, 100x115 cm (Source: Vasso Katraki Museum – Printmaking Art Centre) (left), Waiting I, 1971, Stonecut (sandstone), 106x76 cm, (Source: Athens National Gallery), (right)

Katraki presented her work in over 20 solo exhibitions in Greece and abroad and participated in group exhibitions and international art fairs, such as the Ljubljana Biennial (1956, 1977), the Tokyo Biennale (1960, 1970), the São Paulo Biennale (1957), and the Venice Biennale (1966), where she was honored with the International Lithography Award, ‘Tamarind’. In 1958, she won 1^st prize in printmaking at the Alexandria Biennale and the Lugano Biennale (Premium ex æquo). In 1965, she became an honorary member of L'Accademia Fiorentina delle Arti del Disegno, and in 1976, she received 1^st prize at the International Exhibition Intergrafik (East Berlin). In 1980, she presented a retrospective exhibition at the Athens National Art Gallery. After her death in 1988, numerous honorary retrospective exhibitions and tributes have been organized in her honor.

(Source: Contemporary Greek Art Institute)

Vasso Katraki Museum – Printmaking Art Centre in Aitoliko

In 1995, the Vasso Katraki Museum – Printmaking Art Centre was established in Aitoliko and opened in 2006, featuring a permanent exhibition of her complete body of work. The engraver bequeathed all of her works to her hometown, which are now permanently housed in one of the museum’s halls. The museum’s second large hall occasionally hosts other exhibitions and events. Additionally, the basement of the museum has been designed to eventually function as a School of Engraving.

Vasso Katraki Museum – Printmaking Art Centre in Aitoliko

Also read: Greek Ramsar Wetlands

“Democracy” exhibition at the National Gallery | Interview with Syrago Tsiara

I.A.

The post Tracing Katraki’s Legacy in the Waters of Aitoliko – Reflections on Art, Community, and Environment appeared first on Greek News Agenda.

Olympus is the highest mountain in Greece and second highest in the Balkans. Primarily famous as the residence of the twelve gods of Greek mythology, it is a National Park of great importance for the country’s biodiversity, a popular destination for hikers and climbers, and an important landmark for the area’s identity and history.

Olympus in myth

The exact origin of the word Olympus is uncertain, but it most likely has pre-Greek roots. The mountain was considered to be the seat of the “twelve gods”, the major deities worshipped by ancient Greeks – which is the reason why these are often referred to as the “twelve Olympians”.

In ancient Greece, it was primarily Zeus who was called by the epithet “Olympian”, as he was the king of the gods and ruler of Mount Olympus. The ancient city of Olympia in the Peloponnese (quite far from Olympus Mountain) took its name from that epithet, as it was the center of the cult of Olympian Zeus. Hence, the mountain has indirectly lent its name to the most important athletic event worldwide, the Olympic Games, which used to be held in Olympia.

Location, morphology, geology, climate

The Olympus massif is located on the border between the regions of Thessaly (central Greece) and Macedonia (northern Greece). The highest peak of Mount Olympus, called Mytikas, reaches 2,917 meters (9,570 feet). The mountain features steep slopes, deep gorges, and high peaks, with over 50 summits, with a terrain consisting of rugged cliffs, alpine meadows, and dense forests.

It is mainly composed of limestone and dolomite, which formed during the Mesozoic era (about 200 million years ago). The mountain was shaped by tectonic movements and erosion, creating its steep, jagged peaks; due to its limestone composition, it features karstic formations, including caves and sinkholes.

The climate of Mount Olympus varies significantly with altitude, ranging from a typical Mediterranean climate at low altitudes to an alpine one at higher altitudes, with colder temperatures, frequent fog, and heavy snowfall in winter. The peaks are covered with snow for most of the year, while strong winds and rapid weather changes are common at high elevations.

Sites of interest

On the eastern slopes of the mountain is the Enipeas Gorge, one of the most famous and impressive canyons in Greece. It is a popular hiking destination, offering a mix of dense forests, waterfalls, caves, and historical sites. It is named after the Enipeas River, which forms small waterfalls, natural pools and streams, ideal for a refreshing swim in the summer.

The gorge is home to oak, pine, and beech forests, as well as rare flowers, while golden eagles and peregrine falcons can sometimes be spotted. Among its attractions there is also the ruins of the historic Monastery of Agios Dionysios (Saint Dionysius), established in 1542 and destroyed during the Nazi occupation of Greece.

At the foot of Mount Olympus, in the Pieria regional unit, lies the village of Dion, named after the god Zeus (deriving its name from “dios”, the genitive of Zeus in Ancient Greek). It is famous for the Archaeological Park of Dion, located at the site of the eponymous ancient city, an important religious and cultural center of ancient Macedonia. It was home to the greatest temple of Zeus in the ancient Kingdom of Macedon.

The Archaeological Park encompasses extensive ruins from residential and public buildings, an agora, bathhouses, workshops, sanctuaries, theaters and a cemetery. Among the park’s most notable sites are the Sanctuary of Zeus Olympios, with a majestic temple dedicated to the father of gods, surrounded by altars for sacrifices and inscriptions honoring Macedonian kings, the Temple of Demeter, the Sanctuary of Isis and the Ancient Theater of Dion -both built during the Hellenistic period- and the Roman forum and public baths. The Archaeological Museum of Dion, located near the ruins, houses a rich collection of statues, inscriptions, mosaics, pottery, and religious artifacts.

Biodiversity and conservation status

Due to its great natural significance, Mount Olympus is a protected area that was given national park status in 1938, becoming Greece’s first national park. It was also designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1981. This protected status helps safeguard the diverse ecosystems and rare species that inhabit its slopes. Efforts are made to preserve the delicate ecosystems, which include both Mediterranean and alpine species.

The Mount Olympus National Park covers an area of approximately 1,200 square kilometers and is known for its unique biogeography, with its various climatic zones resulting in rich biodiversity. The area’s flora is divided into four vegetation zones:

• low-altitude forests, which feature typical Mediterranean vegetation, including oak trees, strawberry trees, kermes oaks, bay laurels, cedars etc.
• mid-elevation forests with both deciduous and evergreen species, mainly black pines, beech, fir and chestnut trees, and a rich undergrowth of ferns and wildflowers
• high-elevation coniferous forests with pines (with the Bosnian pine being the most typical) and shrubs
• the alpine zone (above 2,200m), featuring low vegetation such as mosses, and alpine flowers.

The park is home to more than 1,700 plant species, about 25 of which are endemic to Olympus, meaning they are found nowhere else in the world; these include the Ramonda (Jankaea) heldreichii, a rare relict species of the Cenozoic Era, and the Campanula oreadum, a bellflower, both encountered exclusively in Olympus’ alpine tundra.

The mountain’s fauna includes wild boars, roe deer, foxes, badgers, and wild goats, while the rare Balkan chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra balcanica) can be found in rocky areas. Reptiles include the Greek tortoise, Balkan green lizard, and salamanders in the rivers, and the endangered meadow viper (Vipera ursinii). There are also over 100 bird species, including golden eagles, peregrine falcons, and woodpeckers, and alpine choughs and rock partridges in high elevations, while insects include many endemic butterflies, beetles and bees.

Mountainiring

Mount Olympus offers some of the most breathtaking mountaineering and hiking routes in Greece, ranging from beginner-friendly trails to challenging ascents to Mytikas (2,917m), the highest peak. Organized mountain refuges exist at various altitudes; no special permits are required. The first recorded ascent of Mount Olympus was made in 1913 by Swiss climbers Daniel Baud-Bovy, Frédéric Boissonnas, and their Greek guide Christos Kakkalos.

Litochoro, a small town at the foot of the mountain, often serves as the main gateway for hikers and climbers. There are also various other hiking routes, such as the one starting at Prionia (1,100m), the highest point accessible by car, and following the E4 European long-distance path through lush forests and waterfalls. Most trails pass through beech and pine forests, but also the Enipeas Gorge, waterfalls, natural pools, caves, and historical sites, and of course offer breathtaking panoramic views of the mountain.

Read also via Greek News Agenda: Meteora, the hanging monasteries of Greece; Ancient Olympia: Panhellenic Sanctuary and home of the Olympics; Athos, the ‘Holy Mountain’

N.M.

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Europe's past is inextricably linked with ancient Greece. In the heart of Macedonia, close to the city of Pella (the capital of the ancient kingdom of Macedon) and Axios River, lies the ancient city of Europus, an important urban center of the ancient Bottiaea region. It was a prosperous city in the heart of the Macedonian kingdom, and the birthplace of Seleucus I, one of Alexander the Great's most important successors and founder of the legendary Seleucid Empire.

The city’s inhabitants are said to have been the first to bear the ethnonym “European” – as the name Europus has the same root as the name Europe. The rather obscure history of Europos is highlighted in the special exhibition “The City of Europeans”, the result of cooperation between the National Archaeological Museum and the Ephorate of Antiquities of Kilkis, as part of the “National Museum Encounters” initiative.  The exhibition will run until Sunday March 16, 2025, and will be accompanied by lectures, guided tours and other activities for the public.

Visitors to the exhibition will have the opportunity to discover key features of the ancient city through Hellenistic tombs, as well as installations and laboratories that shed light on many little-known aspects of daily life.

Europus: an ancient crossroads between the Aegean Sea and the Balkans

The ancient city of Europus lies southeast of Mount Paiko, west of Axios River. Its location allowed it to control the waterway between the southern Aegean and the Balkans. The region's dense forests and the possibility of transporting timber across the Axios contributed to its early development as an intermediate trading post with southern Greece.

The first traces of human settlements date back to the prehistoric period (c. 3000 BC). In classical times, the town was part of the administrative region of Bottiaea, and Thucydides refers to it in his account of the Peloponnesian War. In Hellenistic and Roman times, the town was put to the test by repeated invasions, as witnessed by the honorary statues of Roman officials who helped repel the invaders.

Excavations and unexpected discoveries complete the evidence of aspects of the city's public, private, economic and religious life.

The archaeological site includes an excavated part of the Europus cemetery, where the good preservation of surface structures and enclosures has made it possible to track social stratification, the latter being traced in the selection of category, size, building material of funerary monuments (Macedonian, carved or brick, vaulted or with a simple tile roof) over a long period of use, from the Classical to the early Christian period (4th B.C.). Χ.- 4th-6th).

Translated from the original article which appeared on Grèce Hebdo (Intro photo: Panoramic view of the ceramic kiln in the workshop area of the ancient city. Source: Ephorate of Antiquities of Kilkis)

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The two-lake system of Great Prespa (Megali Prespa) and Little Prespa (Mikri Prespa), located at the north-western tip of Greece and surrounded by mountains, form one of Europe's most important wetlands and a landscape of outstanding natural beauty. Hundreds of bird species nest and breed here, including Dalmatian pelicans, cormorants and herons.

The Prespes area, declared a "national park" in 1974, is protected by European and international conventions, while Little Prespa is also protected by the Ramsar Convention as a unique wetland. The Little Prespa Ramsar site covers an area of around 5,000 hectares and was one of the first to be included on the list of wetlands of international importance, in 1975.

The area of Prespes Lakes is known not only for its natural beauty, rich biodiversity and waterfowl populations, but also for its cultural heritage, notably its Byzantine monuments and the traditional architecture of its villages (houses built of stone, wood, earth and reeds). The villages of Agios Germanos and Psarades (a traditional fishing village) are among the most picturesque in the region. One of the Prespes' most famous sites is the islet of Agios Achillios (Mikri Prespa), home to the important monument of the Basilica of Agios Achillios, dating from the 10th century AD.

The best-known local produce are the giant white Prespes beans ("Gigantes" in Greek), a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) product.

"Poliprespa": a sustainable development program for the Prespes region

The "Poliprespa" program (2018-2023), which was designed specifically for the Prespes region, was made possible thanks to the collective effort and active participation of local residents and stakeholders, who implemented around 50 projects. Its aim was to create an innovative development model for the region, combining the preservation of the natural and cultural environment with improvements in the daily lives of local residents. The program, 40% of which was funded by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, involved the municipality of Prespes, the Society for the Protection of Prespa, the "Pelekanos" agricultural cooperative, local schools and cultural and sports associations, among others. The three pillars of the "Poliprespa" program were: "Environment", "Economy" and "Society".

Environment

Protecting the natural environment and biodiversity is at the heart of the Poliprespa program. Environmental management projects were carried out to protect the wetland ecosystem, with benefits not only for biodiversity, but also for the local community. Within this framework, the rural development initiatives undertaken ensured the protection of natural resources.

The management of the Mikri Prespa reed bed (purchase of an amphibious machine for reed mowing), the use of plant biomass for animal feed and the intelligent agriculture project (use of an application for sustainable agriculture) are just some of the projects carried out.

Economy

To strengthen the local economy, agro-environmental projects have been designed and implemented, with the aim of offering products and services specifically adapted to the characteristics of the Prespes area, such as the project to protect the quality of the famous IGP giant white beans.

Ecotourism is another project of the "Poliprespa" program, which aims to promote the development of sustainable tourism, preserving the region's natural and cultural values. To this end, the old water mill of Agios Georgios (Europa Nostra Award 2016) has been restored. In addition, an app for five hiking trails and a workshop for the conservation of the region's Byzantine antiquities have been created.

Society

The "Society" pillar includes projects implemented in the fields of education, sport and culture, which have contributed to improving social services and succeeded in cultivating the creativity and cooperation of the region's children and young people.

The various projects were designed to meet the needs of local schools (equipping computer and chemistry laboratories, school outings and trips, etc.), as well as those of cultural and sports associations (organizing cultural events, upgrading facilities at the local sports center, participating in sporting events, etc.). The modernization of the municipal library has helped to attract a greater number of young people and children, as well as to organize a range of educational activities.

To mark the completion of the program, a digital platform is being developed to create an online community and facilitate cooperation between the inhabitants of the Prespes region.

Translated from the original article which appeared on Grèce Hebdo (Intro image: © Society for the protection of Prespa/ Z. Anastasiadou)

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Chalkidiki is primarily famous as a tourist destination, known for its idyllic beaches and impressive natural beauty; but, apart from its seaside and mountain landscapes, it is also renowned for its high-quality food products. Among these are some of Greece's best wines, coming from its vast vineyards and numerous wineries. This makes it ideal as a wine tourism destination, following the path of the Chalkidiki Wine Route, part of the Wine Routes of Northern Greece.

The Chalkidiki Peninsula has a rich and centuries-old wine tradition and some of the most important vineyards in Greece; grapevines were cultivated and wine was produced in the region from as early as the 5th century BC. The vines span the area’s hills, with many of them extending to the seashore.

More specifically, vineyards are cultivated on the west coast (Nea Propontida, Agios Pavlos), on Sithonia (the middle Chalkidiki’s three peninsulas, also known as "fingers" or "legs" in Greek), in the mountains of the region (Arnaia and Marathousa) and also on Mount Athos (the third peninsula, famous for its large monastic community). In central Chalkidiki many varieties of white wine are grown, such as Roditis and Sauvignon Blanc, while red wine varieties include the Xinomavro, Grenache Rouge, and Cabernet Sauvignon. In all of the wineries that are open for visitors, one has the opportunity to walk among the vineyards and visit their infrastructure to see the production process up close.

Wines with ''Protected Designation of Origin''

Chalkidiki produces some wines with PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) or PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) status. Among them we found the eponymous PGI Halkidiki wines, and the PGI Mount Athos wines; the Sithonia peninsula, in particular, is home to its namesake variety, PGI Sithonia, as well as the PDO Slopes of Meliton red wines. The ideal climate allows fine Greek grape varieties such as Assyrtiko, Athiri, Malagouzia and Roditis to produce high-quality white wines. Among the red varieties we find the famous Limnio, which was even mentioned in the writings of Aristotle.

Agios Pavlos (Kassandra Peninsula)

The recommended wine tourism route starts off in the southern part of Thessaloniki, Agios Pavlos on the Kassandra Peninsula, with its temperate climate and green vineyards.

Slopes of Meliton (Sithonia Peninsula)

On Sithonia Peninsula, on the green slopes of Meliton, one can stroll among the picturesque vineyards and discover the 24 different varieties of wine produced there. The ''Plaghies Melitona'' ("Slopes of Meliton") vineyard on the western slope of Sithonia, where the eponymous PDO varieties are produced, is one of the most important of its kind in Europe, and a model of organic viticulture.

Arnea and Marathousa (North Chalkidiki)

Traveling to Arnea and Marathousa and the charming hills of northern Chalkidiki, one encounters vineyards that produce wonderfully fruity white wines and deep reds.

Mount Athos

The last part of the route consists of the Mount Athos Vineyard. It is located on the third "finger" of the Chalkidiki Peninsula, and access to it, as well as to the area's famous monastic community, is only allowed to men. The area produces the eponymous PGI varieties; its boundaries include the administrative area of Mount Athos and the neighboring administrative district of Ouranoupoli, at an altitude between 100 and 400 meters. Traditional agricultural practices are exclusively applied throughout the peninsula, making Athos one of the most consistent examples of organic farming.

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N.M. (Translated from an original article in Punto Grecia)

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