Mystical, magical, breathtaking Meteora

Meteora, one of the most amazing places in Greece, if not in the world!

In fact, the producers of James Bond found them so impressive that they had Roger Moore climb the stone face of one of its rocks in the movie “For Your Eyes Only”.

Meteora, are giant rock formations crowned with five-hundred year old monasteries which look like they are inaccessible to anyone but … God ! It’s a rare geological phenomenon, one of nature’s mysteries. However, as amazing a marvel of nature as these imposing rocks are, the monasteries built on the top of these, are a marvel of man and seem just as miraculous.  In order to build them, monks were bringing material and people up with ladders and baskets! This was also how the monasteries were reached until the nineteen thirties but (don’t worry!) now there are pathways and steps to the top.

The word “Meteora” in Greek means literally 'hovering in the air' and if you have visited Meteora or seen pictures, the name makes absolute sense. Being inaccessible to the Turks during the Ottoman occupation, it was these monasteries that kept alive the Hellenic culture and traditions and were not only religious centers but academic and artistic as well.
Meteora is a natural work of art, a visual feast for the soul, a divine destination not to be missed in your next trip to Greece!

Kalimnos Island, the Climber’s paradise!

Set deep in the heart of the Aegean Sea, lies the traditional and homely island of Kalymnos, just a few miles off of the Turkish coast and very close to the world famous holiday destination of Kos Island.
A few years ago, you would have heard of Kalymnos only if you were interested in buying some sea sponges! It was only around 1996 that climbers discovered Kalymnos and since then the island has become a world famous climbing destination, home to some of the most amazing rock climbing you'll ever experience.

Nowadays, Kalymnos attracts sport climbers from all over the globe, all year round, giving life to an island that was “unknown” (and therefore unspoiled) even to Greek people. Ironic, if you think of the fact that the locals always blamed these rocky mountains for their bad luck and for not being an attractive travel destination like the rest of the Greek islands!!!
What is so special about rock climbing on Kalymnos Island that makes it a top destination worldwide?
•Great rock quality: too many good quality rocks close to each other. Could be compared to Thailand rocks in quality but are superior in density.
•Surrounded by some of the finest limestone crags in the world, offering a huge range of climbing possibilities to suit every style. Over the past few years, the development of new routes on the island has increased greatly with more and more new lines every year, including now what is approaching 2000 routes! In addition, there are still unlimited unexplored sectors, waiting for pioneers to map and explore them. Will you be the one?

•Routes of all range of difficulty: no matter if you are a beginner or a high demanding top climber, you will definitely find the proper route for you.
•Easy access: Kalymnos is a small island and most of the cliffs are just 5-10 minutes driving and 5-20 minutes walking distance.
•Excellent weather conditions all year round but the best time to visit Kalymnos for rock climbing is during either the autumn (September – November) or spring (March – May). In July and August expect it to be quite hot! However, even during that period, the famous Aegean Sea wind "meltemi" will cool you down and as most cliffs have shadow until 13:00-14:00, why not sharing your day between climbing and swimming?

The beautiful thing about Kalymnos isn't solely the climbing experience; it's the whole package it can offer you! Kalymnos is still considered an unspoiled, traditional, authentic Greek island. You will experience there the vibrant scene of Greek island life, picturesque architecture as well as incredibly interesting people who greet you so welcomingly to their island as if you were old friends! Most of them are sponge divers (or their family has at least one member that is!), so expect to hear some of the most fascinating diving stories you’ll ever hear! Unlike other Greek islands, you can still find inexpensive accommodation and food, which is - by the way- really delicious. Kalymnos also has an interesting and colorful underwater ecosystem, so why not grab your goggles and go snorkeling? There are enough things to do on the island that you should never get bored, even on your climbing rest days!

Bring the Greek marbles back to where they belong !

Good morning from Corfu Island (Kerkyra)

Valia Kalda - Pindos National Park

Greece … off the beaten track!

Pindos National Park, also known as Valia Kalda, is located in northwestern Greece, near the town of Grevena and is one of the most important National Parks in Greece. It was established in 1966, belongs to the Natura 2000 ecological network and is considered one of the most important protected areas for the maintenance of mountainous biodiversity. Valia Kalda, which means "Warm valley" in the Vlach dialect, is characterized by extensive forests of black pine and beech in the park's lower and middle altitudes and Balkan pine at higher altitudes. The National Park has several peaks over 2,000 meters, rapid streams and mountain lakes.

In addition, the area hosts a population of Eurasian brown bears which is a conservation priority species. Other mammals that live in the park are wolves, deer, wild cats and the Balkan Chamois. The park further provides shelter for more than 80 species of birds, including 10 types of rare bird species such as the Eastern imperial eagle, the Golden eagle and the Lanner falcon. A large variety of reptiles, amphibians, and insects, complete the picture.

Valia Kalda offers opportunities for hiking with its dirt roads being in a rather good condition (except in winter). The park is best accessed from north, from the village of Perivoli, while there is also a track from the west side, near Milia village. A climbing resort lies near Mavrovouni peak, at a height of 1,950 meters (6,400 ft.), which can be an ideal base for your excursions to the Park's area. According to the local legislation, it‘s not allowed to collect any organism of any kind , while camping and staying in the park's area after the sunset is prohibited. Additional restrictions include the lighting of fires, while activities such as kayaking and rafting need a special clearance from the local forestry.

One thing is for sure … visiting Valia Kalda is a once in a lifetime experience!

Breakfast in .... Greece!

KOULOURI THESSALONIKIS

Greeks are not really a nation of having breakfast. We usually grab a “koulouri” on our way to work with nothing more than a coffee in our belly. If you've ever found yourself walking the streets of Athens or Thessaloniki on an early morning, then you might have happened upon a street vendor selling the famous Greek “koulouria Thessalonikis”, otherwise known as “simitia”.

It’s a plain, circular bread, topped with sesame seeds, crunchy on the outside but soft on the inside. Nowadays, the “koulouri” has evolved similarly to bagels in the United States; new flavors have been created in addition to the traditional plain variety, so we now also have the breakfast…option of a “koulouri” with cheese (usually feta), “koulouri” with chocolate, “koulouri” with cream cheese and “koulouri” stuffed with black or green olives.

The “koulouri” is a common snack and street food for both Greeks and our neighbors, the Turks. Actually, they were brought to Greece by Greek refugees from Asia Minor and Constantinople (Istanbul) who settled in Thessaloniki, the second largest city in Greece, and this explains why their…full name is “koulouri Thessalonikis”.

Local Tip: The “koulouri” must be eaten fresh, so it is best consumed early in the morning (not later than 10 or 11) or at a street vendor that has high turnover.

WORLD´S MOST BREATHTAKING BASE JUMPING SPOT

ZAKYNTHOS (ZANTE), GREECE

Zakynthos’ Navagio Beach (Shipwreck) is one of the most beautiful beaches around the world, but the spot is also one of the most picturesque Base Jump spots on the planet. BASE jumping, is an activity where you jump from fixed spots and use a parachute to break your fall. “BASE” is an acronym that stands for 4 categories of fixed spots serving as the jump platform: Building, Antenna, Span (bridge) and Earth (cliff/rock).

Navagio beach (under the 4th category - Earth) attracts thousands of visitors every summer and has become a meeting point for experienced BASE jumpers from all over the world. Every year the spot hosts the Summer BASE Jump Boogie event, where the best of the best make more than 300 jumps in five days. The jump off point is situated on the edge of a high cliff that overlooks the bay at 656 ft./200 m height. Once you jump, you have about 2 to 5 seconds before deploying your parachute and landing safely on the sandy beach.
While free falling in this breathtaking spot, the views and the excitement of the fall will definitely feed your adrenaline rush craving. At last…BASE jumpers have found their own paradise!