Greece Travel Tips and Guide

With the choice of basing yourself on the historic mainland or on one of the multitude of spectacular islands on offer, you are sure to easily find the perfect place to spend your holidays in Greece.  There are in fact over 70 islands with at least 100 people living on them, so whether you want a really quiet retreat or a big and brash lively resort the possibilities are endless. 

No matter where you end up, the summer season which runs mainly between May and October in Greece will usually ensure that you will be able to enjoy a hot and dry holiday.  It is not recommended though to travel in the winter months if you’re in search of the sunshine because the temperatures are very likely to plummet.  Many ferry services are available between the islands, meaning that it’s straight forward hopping from island to island if you fancy exploring still further.

Greece is also one of the best places around to find cheap holiday deals for single travellers who are looking to get themselves away.  Many places don’t charge under occupancy supplements which hinder single travellers so much in other destinations.  Many of the main tourist islands such as Rhodes, Crete, Corfu, Zante, Santorini and Skiathos (to name but a few) have a plethora of jaw-dropping, rugged scenery to enjoy with many beautiful bays on offer also.  

In Greece, you are certain to receive a warm and welcoming greeting from the friendly locals who will make you feel relaxed and able to forget all about your worries as you embrace their fascinating culture.  And despite the strong position of the euro against the pound, you will find holidays in Greece more affordable than you’re expecting as food and drink are both priced reasonably here, allowing you to make the most of your time away.

Once the climb up the steep cliffs was made for the sake of the salvation of souls. Today it is fun for athletes of extreme kinds of sports in Greece. Meteora is a true monastic town, located near the towns Kastraki and Kalambaka in the mountains of amazing shape in Thessaly, in the heart of Greece. 

This is a special place in Greece where everyone can feel both very small and very big; to evaluate the greatness of the human spirit and the frailty of the human body. Meteora rocks in Greece are a geological phenomenon, over the explanation of which many scientists have been puzzling.

Wheeling monasteries in Greece

Ancient writers settled centaurs here. And someone even supposed that there was the "Black Cave" - the entrance to Tartarus in the Meteora mountains in Greece. But these rocks are famous not only for pagan legends, but also by Orthodox monasteries - the most significant after Mount Athos in Greece. Hermits settled in these mountains as early as in the tenth century. The first monastery in these places was Megalo Meteoro Monastery (Μεγάλο Μετέωρο), ie " hanging in the air". From here the name of this place comes – Meteora.

To understand better the significance of this monastic center for Greece and the whole Orthodox world, we must walk from a monastery to another one, not sparing our feet, to enter churches, which are older than 600 years old, to examine ancient frescoes, icons and sacred relics. To never forget Meteora, it is enough to take a look at at the fantastic stone forest and red caps of monasteries, whelling somewhere very high, between heaven and earth.

Archaeological Museum:

Spending time in Rhodes town during your Rhodes holidays is a dream of almost everyone. Especially when you visit the Archaeological Museum of this town you will come across with completely different experience. This museum is beautifully designed with two story building and situated in the medieval town of Rhodes. You can see many different statues in the central patio; one of the famous one is Hellenistic statue of the lion, which grasps all of your attention. You can also see the military weapons like Stone catapult missiles.

There are many descriptions written over the way throughout the passage. These dedications and captions make us feel if we are part of the history. The first floor of this museum is filled up with ancient exhibitory items. The main findings such as prehistoric Ialyssos and Kameiros from the Geometric, archaic and conventional periods, boats, statuettes, jewelry, and metal objects are placed in the small room.

In the sideways of the entrance in the huge patient's hall you can see momentous wedges from the ruling era of Knights during the 14 and 16th centuries and heraldic shields. The worth seen rooms are those covering the statue collection with works from the ancient, traditional, Hellenistic and Roman time.

Museum of Greek Modern Art:

The Museum of Modern Art is situated in the middle of the medieval town. The Museum upholds the comprehensive assortments of Greek art of the 20th century. This all consist of several paintings, sculptures, designs and precious manuscript of the well-known Greek artists, for example Maleas, Parthenis, Theophilos, Tsarouhis, Vouzianis, Hatzikiriakos, Gikas and Moralis, on the Sokratous street.

Nestoridion Melathron is a place where three different historical periods are seen to meet together, by means of all the services of a contemporary museum, for example a souvenir shop, a multimedia room, a library and repair workshops. So this museum will give you everything under one roof for your Rhodes holidays.

The Decorative Arts Collection:

The Decorative Arts Collection features items that were collected from Marica Montessanto all through the era of the Italian rule of Rhodes. The assortment gives tourists a framework of the environment in the center of the houses of the Dodecanese.

You will have the opportunity to admire customary apparels, work of art, woodcuts, metallic, and pottery objects. These traditional apparels are especially admired by women of all the ages. You will have many things to explore during Rhodes holidays in the Decorative Arts Collection Museum.

Folklore Museum:

Folklore museum is situated in the old town of Rhodes island. This museum consists of a prosperous compilation of local outfits, Rhodian, Lindian and European plates. This museum is filled with the, colored plant or geometric decorum, embroidered bed linings and curtains which are from the era of 17th and 18th centuries. This museum is simply the best for exploring the history during your Rhodes holidays.

Byzantine Museum:

Byzantine museum is situated adjacent to Panaghia Nikis Church, in front of Mylon Gate, in the Old Town of Rhodes. It was constructed in 1480 by the Grand Master at the time when the Virgin emerged at this place. Just after emergence they granted success to the town then in cordon with the Turks.

By visiting this museum you can make your Rhodes holidays ideas the best one. Especially those who love to see outstanding objects of the 14th century can find it on Byzantine museum. There are many historical items & icons like the Virgin Hodegetria from late Byzantine and post Byzantine era. Also you will find amazing paintings which are full of colors with traditional look. The history of these paintings trace back to the arch roofed cathedral of Aghios Zachariou.

Perfume has been a desired commodity since ancient times and many of the techniques used are still used to some degree today. When looking at ancient attitudes towards perfume it is surprising to discover how much it actually reflects the expectations of it in the modern day. To understand the nature of it in Ancient Greece, historians rely upon written sources, excavated mosaics and other pictorial representations and artifacts such as perfume bottles. From these items, lots can be determined about the function, importance and production of it in ancient Greece.

The art of perfume making began in the island such as Crete and other Greek colonies. It was brought to the agora or marketplace and sold from stalls. The ancient Greeks quickly began to experiment with them, and created their own extraction techniques which incorporated boiling herbs and flower petals. These methods isolated the required plant ingredients and then perfumes were made by infusing the extracted scents in oils. The process was a simple version of modern techniques but could create as wide a variety of them as can be enjoyed today.

The ingredients were mainly homegrown flowers such as iris and marjoram, roses, lilies, and violets. Herbs and spices such as sage and cumin were also used. Incense and myrrh were seen as decadent and were perfume ingredients reserved for gods until the 4th century when there was a shift in tastes, ideology and availability. Like other ancient civilization, the ancient Greeks imported oriental essences to create more exotic perfumes. However, unlike other civilizations, they kept them mainly for their own use, rather than for export.

Perfume was central to ancient Greek life. It was so popular that the politician Solon temporarily banned the use of it to prevent an economic crisis. It was at the centre of hospitality, wealth, status, daily life and even philosophy. It was seen as erotic, mystical and spiritual. It was linked to beauty which was inextricably linked with divinity. The origins of perfume and perfumery are interwoven with Greek mythology. In Homeric tradition, the Olympian gods taught perfumery to people. The colour and scent of the rose is attributed to events surrounding Venus and Cupid.

Perfume was worn by both men and women and was central to cult worship as it was seen as pleasing to the gods and able to win their favour. It covered the scent of sacrifices during ceremonies, and was used as a good omen for marriage and childbirth. Babies were anointed with it for good health. It was also central to death. Perfumed libations were carried at the front of the funeral procession. Bodies were burned wrapped in perfumed shrouds which were thought to help secure a happy afterlife. Other bodies were buried with containers of it, again as offerings to the gods.

Perfume was also integral to cleanliness, and used in elaborate bathing rituals by both men and women. It was used so widespread that the philosopher Socrates openly disliked and dismissed its usage claiming it made a free man indistinguishable from a slave. Athletes used perfume after exercise for medicinal purposes in the form of balms and unguent oils. This is an early recognition of the possible therapeutic and healing properties that are reminiscent of attitudes towards aromatherapy and aromacology in modern times. Hospitality also required an abundance of perfume as guest`s feet were washed and anointed on being seated. Some wines were also perfumed according to works by Appicius, in the hope that they had medicinal properties.

With the importance of perfume so apparent, it is no surprise that it was stored in bottles shaped as birds an animals, sometimes only a few inches in size. Many are found from around the 6th century BC and are known as plastics. In fact, the perfume bottles are spun ceramics and they commonly adopted a shape which reflected the type of perfume to be contained.

Lekuthos were used for liquid perfume and were slim elegant glass bottles. Aryballes were used for oils and unguents. Alabastron perfume bottles were highly prized, mainly amongst women and it was common for the craftsmen to brand the bottles to mark their craftsmanship, making them even more collectable. As you can see, there are many similarities to modern day attitudes towards perfume.

The Greek Islands are one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world. The warm, sunny weather, breathtaking scenery and miles of golden beaches all make it a must visit place for anyone wishing to get away from wet, wintery weather, and that's just the mainland. What makes Greece unique among sunny holiday destinations in the Mediteranean is the abundance of beautiful islands that are worth visiting. Santorini is one such island.

Santorini is one of the most picturesque and unusual of the Greek islands thanks in large part to the fact that it is made of what remains from a volcanic explosion that occurred years ago. There is a thriving community on the island and the nightlife is as spectacular and entertaining as the island is beautiful. The island has a reputation for luxury which is reflected in the boutique hotels in Santorini, which are some of the best in the world. If you are thinking of making Santorini your holiday destination some time soon you'll be pleasantly surprised at what's on offer. The island may look and feel like it's been forgotten by time in all the right ways, but the facilities in boutique hotels in Santorini are certainly not second rate.

Poetry in motion - The 'Homeric Poem's luxury hotel is one of the most romantic boutique hotels in Santorini. It attracts honeymooners who loose themselves in the picturesque views across the volcanic crater out to sea and also writers looking to find inspiration in the myths and legends that are linked to the place. If it's style your looking for the 'Homeric Poems' has everything you'll need for your stay. There are self catering facilities should you wish to take advantage of them and it is one of the many boutique hotels in Santorini that have a stunning swimming pool with poolside bar. There are sauna and massage facilities and all nineteen suites have private terraces, ideal for couples on a romantic break or individuals looking for piece and tranquility.

Watch the sun go down - One of the most exclusive boutique hotels in Santorini is Katikies. Again it is popular with honeymooners but is also popular with the monied jet set who take advantage of its ideal location and state of the art facilities to enjoy a break away from everything. The views across the ocean as the sun sets are breathtaking and worth the journey to Santorini alone. With three swimming pools and a rooftop fine dining restaurant the Katikies is the height of luxury and even the most basic room has a private terrace that faces the extinct volcanic crater. There is also a villa available for hire that has seven rooms but is no less luxurious.

Old school charm - If views over the volcanic crater aren't a priority then one of the best inland boutique hotels in Santorini is 'Zannos Melathron'. The name means mansion and was built in the 19th century by Michael Zannos. Situated in the inland village of Pygros the hotel has all the charm of a a traditional cottage but with all the room and the luxury facilities that you'd expect from boutique hotels in Santorini. There is a Michelin star quality menu in the hotel restaurant and many people consider the food to be some of the finest in the whole of Greece. With a recently opened spa and rooms that have great views due to the hotels elevated position the hotel offers a truly spectacular holiday experience.

Some of the most beautiful and unique vacation destinations around the world are islands. While everyone has their favorites, for those looking for an excellent island vacation, the following information can provide a starting point. Hopefully, you will find a destination that fits both your budget and your idea of a good time.

The Cayman Islands: For the person interested in scuba diving, the Cayman Islands are a wonderful choice. There are shipwrecks, corals and reefs to keep the diver entranced while underwater.  The water is comfortably warm, and the visibility can often reach 100 feet or more. If diving is not your choice of activities, try out one of the many restaurants in the area. The Cayman Islands are unique in that they offer not only traditional island food, but a variety of top quality international food as well.

The Greek Islands: The choices abound if you decide to make the trip to any of the over 6,000 islands off of the coast of Greece. Of course, not many of these islands have accommodations for those looking for an island vacation. Some of the larger and more populated islands of Greece are Crete, Euboea, Lesbos, Rhodes and a cluster known as the Ionian Islands. The waters off the islands of Greece are clear, making it a popular choice for diving vacations. If you are not interested in diving, you will find something to keep you entertained in the many restaurants of the area.

Hawaii: Hawaii, the big island, as well as the other islands that make up the state, is a beautiful vacation spot. Water sports, such as surfing, are a big part of the culture. For the person who confines their activities to land, choices are abundant as well, with golf a popular and readily available activity.

St.Barts, Caribbean: The white sand beaches make this island a gem. The contrast between the white sand beaches and the deep blue water looks like something out of a Technicolor movie. While the area doesn’t boast of any amusement parks or water slides, it is the home to many top notch restaurants.

French Polynesia: Bora Bora is one island here, but the entire area provides a wonderful option for a secluded, not touristy, choice in island vacations.

Fiji Islands: If you are looking for an island that has unspoiled natural charm, it is not likely that you will find one that matches the Fiji Islands. The beaches are lush with sugar fine sand, and the island is surrounded with a variety of coral reefs which make scuba diving a truly memorable experience. The Great Sea Reef is the fourth longest in the world. The island teems with lush vegetation.

British Virgin Islands: The British Virgin Islands offer the traveler a variety of choices. The Virgin Islands boast coral reefs which make snorkeling and scuba diving an absolute pleasure, as well as beautiful, unspoiled beaches and plentiful accommodations. The weather and water are extremely conducive to sailing. Also, the inner island offers many wonderful hiking trails. Considering the amount of choices, there is bound to be an island in the British Virgin Islands that will suit your desires perfectly.

Aruba: Located in the Lesser Antilles, Aruba is in the southern portion of the Caribbean Sea, off the coast of South America. While many of the islands in the Caribbean are covered in lush foliage, Aruba has a more arid climate. The weather here is warm and sunny for most of the year due to the dry climate and the island's location outside of the hurricane belt. The island has an active night life with casinos as well as more traditional activities. Sailing, scuba diving, snorkeling and deep sea fishing are also fun island activities.

Jamaica: Jamaica is particularly well-known for its laid back culture, but there are other attractions too. The beauty of the island, combined with the great local cooking flavors, make Jamaica an island that must be included on any list of top islands. Located in the Greater Antilles, Jamaica, an English speaking island, has a distinctly African feel, such as with the popular jerk-seasoning Jamaican food is known for. In a sea of beautiful islands and vacation destinations, Jamaica’s wonderful culture sets it apart. 

Florida Keys: The Florida Keys are a whimsical choice for island vacations. The Keys offer the United States traveler the ability to vacation on a gorgeous island, far enough south to be enjoyable during the winter months. The Keys are connected to the US by a series of bridges, and the drive itself is a treat.

Whether you choose one of the islands on this list, or another island, it is important to carefully research your destination to get the most from your island vacation. There are so many beautiful islands to visit, it can be hard to decide whether to visit a new island each vacation, or return to an old favorite.

Lanzarote is one of the most popular islands for European holidaymakers, not just for the traditional summer weeks but for winter too, as the weather for the island - often in the 70's even in December and January - make it the ideal destination for tourists from Northern Europe to head to to escape the winter blues.

And being able to relax on the beach and catch some rays over the Christmas and New Year festivities is enough in itself to tempt many to take a holiday in Lanzarote then.

But now a leading internet site has confirmed what many holidaymakers to Lanzarote already knew - that not only are the beaches great but one Lanzarote beach ranks among the best in the world.

The site points out that while Lanzarote is just a hundred miles off Africa, it is Spanish, and describe the locals as 'passionate'. And of Lanzarote's 90 beaches they say the best one, which ranks among the best in the world, is on the south of the island, at Caleta del Congrio, with an 87 per cent privacy rating.

They also suggest that those who like wind surfing should head for a different Lanzarote beach - the four mile long Famara Beach.

Other areas that were in the top beach list include Barbados, Turkey, Paros in Greece, Loreto in Mexico and Malibu in California.

World class beaches and water sports aren't all that await Lanzarote tourists though. Puerto Del Carmen for example, which is one of the island's most popular towns for holidaymakers, is a hub of excitement for many family activities.

And if the Lanzarote tourist is looking for a sports filled holiday rather than a family one, Puerto Del Carmen offers sports enthusiasts a wide range of activities. Locally owned diving shops often take tourists on amazing underwater adventures to various places around the island. Diving schools are available for those who wish to learn to dive or snorkel.

Windsurfing, swimming, boating, jet skiing and paragliding are also very popular water sports enjoyed by many locals and tourists. Sports enthusiasts also can enjoy golfing, cycling, running, hiking, camping and other local activities, including the Ironman competition.

Costa Teguise, another area favoured by tourists taking holidays in Lanzarote, is the smallest of the three large resorts on the island. It is about 6 miles northeast of the capital city Arrecife. The entire resort is built on former lava fields and saltpans. The resort consists of several apartment blocks, bungalows and villas. Primary attractions are the golf course, a marina, commercial shops and entertainment. Many visitors enjoy the water park in the outskirts of the resort.

Playa Blanca is a quieter area of the island, and often preferred by those who take villa holidays rather than hotel accommodation. Once a small fishing port, Playa Blanca is very popular with families due to its size and many family friendly beaches. Two more beaches were recently added to Playa Blanca to help make up for the lack of space on the main central beach. Along the well maintained and manicured streets there are several shops, restaurants and clubs. Lanzarote's Playa Blanca offers many sports and attractions for tourists of all ages.

But above all, if Lanzarote should be a magnet for any particular type of tourist, it has to be the beach lover - there's 90 to choose from including one of the best in the world!

Some years ago, I bought open rural land on the outskirts of the quaint fishing village of Plaka, opposite to Spinalonga (Elounda)on the island of Crete, Greece. It provided a solid learning curve of dealing with the bureaucracy. As a result, my recommendations here are 8 tips not to be overlooked today if you intend to buy land for development for a house or apartments (and designated outside a town or village limits):

1. Note: Building Regulations are administered by each prefecture. While the basic rules are applied nationwide, Crete's building regulations can vary, taking into account local circumstances. Be sure when taking advice, to listen to comments that relate to the prefecture (County) you will be located, not elsewhere. Crete has four separate administrative counties: Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion or Lassithi.

2. Be aware of the variation in the time it takes to issue a building permit by the nomaxia (county hall). Some permits are approved in a few weeks but they can take up to a year or more. Once your architect submits the application and it is accepted a reference number or what the Greeks call a "protocol" number is allocated to the file. The issuance date and protocol number have to be prominently displayed on the work site of your future home until building activities are completed, and all taxes and government charges paid - including clearance from DEH, the electric company. After the date of approval, you have four years to complete the build of your home or apartments.

3. Note: Forestry Department Clearance Needed. Outside of town/village limits, land that looks as though it is fallow, disused or not a tree in sight, may be designated forest in old official documents. Ensure the architect applies early for clearance to build in the permit process.

4. Archaeology Department Approval. With Crete's civilization dating back some 3,000 years or more, you never know where historical artifacts are to be found in remote villages and areas. The local archaeology department gives clearance to build as long as there are no relics on the site to be disturbed. If permission is given the department may have grounds to designate the site - as a "national heritage" place, or of historical interest and beauty, and had a dwelling originally on the land. If either is the case, your architect may have to follow a suitable traditional building design laid down by the authorities.

5. Hire a Surveyor. A custom has developed that foreign buyers of property in Crete have to pay for a surveyor to be hired by the seller to establish boundaries of the proposed land to be transacted. As time goes on this will become less important with the establishment of a computer-based, Greek National Land registry ( "Ktimatologio" - which is replacing the "Hypothykophylakion", or public registry for titles of all kinds of immovable property in Greece). Get a Surveyor. Do not take the chance that after a contract has been signed, an angry neighbour complains the boundary is not accurate.

6. Tighter Building Codes along the Coasts of Crete. Coast means tourist activity in Crete and a target for tax collection. Be aware that building design, erection of pergolas, verandahs and swimming pools, even the color scheme may require special consideration, and if not may have potential tax implications once you have moved in. Check out your architect's best advice.

7. Plan to Rent? Then an EOT Licence is essential. There are no more gray areas in short term holiday rental of expat property in Crete. For that reason and the tax office, explore all the issues regarding having to obtain an EOT License from the Greek National Tourist Organization, balancing its cost versus income benefits. If an EOT license is incorporated in your building permit application, it dictates a very different form of application with binding tax implications.

8. Buy in Winter time. It is the time of year when local Cretans are not under so much financial and general stress, unless they have to find money urgently to pay their annual tax. Either way it is to the buyer's advantage. Prices in the "off season" can be more flexible.

Note: This is not an exhaustive list and further questions should be asked of your architect with whom you will sign a contract to plan and build your dream home in sunny Crete.

Strap on your white thong and your fluffy wings because this Valentine's Day is all about playing Cupid. Cupid is a cute little cherubic young man that was given the duty of pointing his bow and arrow at people and shooting hearts to ensure they will fall in love. Cupid is the son of the Roman goddess of beauty, Venus. He is also known in Ancient Greek mythology though he is known by another name. In Ancient Greece, it is Aphrodite's son, Eros who is the young boy who offers love to all that seek love in return.

A wonderful Cupid roleplay can mimic the mythological story of Cupid. At one time, Cupid was sent to punish one of the most beautiful mortals in existence. This mortal's name was Psyche. Cupid went to punish her, but she was so beautiful that he became lovesick and decided to marry her instead. However, as he was a God and she was a mortal she was forbidden to look at him. While there are other things that happen, you can use these details to create your very own, holiday roleplay.

Cupid, the strong and handsome God of love, has been sent to punish the beautiful Psyche. While Cupid will naturally be wearing his white underwear and preferably his bow and arrow, Psyche should be in something devastatingly sexy to show off her beauty. For this you could choose something as simple as a flowing gown or as naughty as a baby doll nightgown or a body stocking. Once Cupid finds the beautiful Psyche he should do as he has been told and capture her. He should take her into his arms and tell her that he's not letting her go. As he has been sent to punish her, it may be a good idea to restrain her to ensure she cannot get away. Once he's done this it will be time for the punishment to begin!

Tonight Psyche's punishment will be a good spanking. Using a paddle Cupid can press it to her bottom and give her a hard swat. After a few more of those swats she will begin to feel the warmth of the leather paddle and Cupid might find it harder to resist her. Being the softy that he is, he might want to offer her some pleasure to go with the pain. For this he could use a strap-on butterfly vibrator. This will allow Cupid to continue to punish her, while she feels the pleasure from the vibrations at the same time. Cupid will not be able to resist Psyche for much longer. Of course, when he gives in to her beauty she will not be able to look at him any longer. 

Place a blindfold over her eyes so that she would not be able to see him any longer. As he continues to spank her and she moans in pleasure from the mix of torturous pleasure and pain she is given, it will begin to drive him mad. Cupid might be a God, but he is still a man. Soon he will have no choice but to pick her up and take her to his love nest to show her how enamored he has become with her beauty. As Cupid lays her down, he will have the opportunity to make love to his beautiful queen. Of course, if he's feeling naughty he might decide to leave her little butterfly on to further increase her climax. By the end of the night your beauty queen will be devoted to you and you will be her full-time love God.

Chios is known as the fragrant flower of the Aegean and is located in northeast Aegean Sea of Greece and is the fifth largest of all the Greek islands, sitting just five miles from the Turkish coast. Chios is a mountainous island with its highest peak Pelineo.

Chios not traditionally a tourist favorite is gaining a reputation as an island sought by package tourists, with crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches and good facilities. Its beautiful and significant beaches like Komi, Daskalopetra, Agia Markella, Vroulidia etc. which are organized cosmopolitan resorts make the island special. Around the rest of the island, there are an amazing array beaches there to be sampled.

Things to see

There are more than 30 monasteries and hundreds of churches in Chios. Probably the major historical attraction on Chios is the monastery, Nea Moni, about 11 kilometers from the city of Chios. It was founded in the 11th century when three hermit-monks found a miraculous icon of the Virgin here and they persuaded the Byzantine Emperor Constantine IX Monomachus to build a magnificent monastery and church on this site. The 11th century church is still considered one of the finest examples of ecclesiastical architecture in this part of the Greek Orthodox world and its mosaics are also highly regarded.

In Chios, also, there are several museums. Some of the most attractive are the following:

The Byzantine Museum which was housed in the 19th century on the central square of Chios and contains a collection of items and findings that have been discovered on the island and donated from private collections. The Palace of Ioustiniani stands between the Castle of Chios and the main square of the capital. The exhibition displays Byzantine murals, post Byzantine icons, small works of arts and Byzantine and Genoese sculptures.

The Maritime Museum is located in the centre of Chios and explains its maritime tradition by displaying various items that give historical information about this tradition and about the development of shipping commerce in the area. Chios is also known for its production of "masticha". The small villages of Pyrgi and Mesta are just two of the villages known as "mastihohoria", where their production of mastic, a substance once used like chewing gum, saved them from the Turkish army's wrath. The villages are enclosed within walls and are best explored on foot, these towns, built like mazes, have a wonderful atmosphere to them. Mastic chewing gum can also be bought in these villages

When to come

The island's climate is warm and moderate, categorized as temperate Mediterranean, with modest variation due to the stabilizing effect of the surrounding sea. Average temperatures normally range from a summer high of 27 Celsius to a winter low of 11 in January. The weather is fairly good from May to October and the sea is not chilly and this makes it perfect for a summer destination.

August is the month on which most of the traditional festivals take place. These are mostly celebrations of Greek Orthodox Saints accompanied by food and drink and traditional Greek dances until early morning hours with participants from all age groups, nationalities and social classes. These festivals are not to be missed. On the other hand August is really the month that almost all Greeks take their summer vacation to island destinations. Even Chios can get overcrowded in August. If relaxing vacation is what you are after August in Chios is not your best choice.