The fame Alypa has gained over the years is impressive, given that it is a small settlement with few inhabitants. But those who visit admire the small, pebbly beach with green-blue waters between the traditional Mani tower houses.

For this reason, Alypa is rightly considered one of the most beautiful parts of the southern part of the Laconic Gulf.

Alypa is 20 kilometres from Areopolis and 81 kilometres from Sparta. According to the 2011 census, there were only 43 permanent residents in the village that touches the foothills of Mount Sangria.

Alypa: The enchanting port of Mani

Historically, Alypa is connected to the village of Exo Nymfio (which is only 1 kilometre away) and, more broadly, to Oitylo. It was recognised as a distinct settlement in 1951 and was given the name Alipos.

In 1955, it was decided to call it Halikia, but was renamed again in 2001, taking its current identity. Before the formation of a complete road network in the wider area, the village functioned as a port thanks to its jetty, serving sea transport with Gythio.

Alypa has a very special charm and stands out for its typical Mani aesthetics, with some traditional tower houses reaching up to the coast—thus creating an amazing combination of the white pebbles and the exotic green-blue waters of the beach.

American director Paul Mazursky chose Alypa for the filming of Tempest (1982) and brought international fame and recognisable Hollywood figures, such as the Greek-born John Cassavetes, Susan Sarandon, and Gena Rowlands to the village.

For the same reason, it was chosen in 2003 for a Plomari ouzo advertisement.

Despite these glories, Alypa has been unaffected by mass tourism. Therefore, do not expect luxurious hospitality infrastructure or impressive beach bars when coming here.

If you’re looking for something more cosmopolitan, you’ll have to head to other locations in Mani. This particular village doesn’t even have hotels or guesthouses.

Of course, you can search for Airbnb accommodation, but otherwise, the settlement is suitable for a quiet day trip. You will combine swimming and eating before returning to your accommodation.

Just make sure you get there early because parking isn’t always easy.

The beach of Alypa stretches for about 250 metres. It is made up of white pebbles, which are quite coarse and can be difficult for children or the elderly—so it is good to bring special beach shoes.

Also, note that this is an unorganised beach, so you should arrive here with your umbrellas and mats. You can also sit on the rocks west of the beach.

It is definitely worth bringing a mask (or goggles) when going to the beach: Under the blue-green waters of the settlement, there is also an amazing seabed full of small fish, crabs, and starfish, which makes it perfect for underwater exploration.

by Paul Antonopoulos

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Kitries is one such perfect village that can be a main destination or your base for exploring the wider Messinia area.

Kitries is less than half an hour’s drive from Kalamata. On summer weekends, many residents of the Messinian capital choose Kitries to enjoy fresh fish by the sea. The idyllic atmosphere in the picturesque fishing village is always felt when visiting.

The village was once very prosperous and had a special page in Greek history.

At the beginning of the 19th century, Kitries was an important port in the Messinian Gulf and the seat of the Bey of Mani. The region enjoyed a largely semi-autonomous status and was ideal for preparing and igniting the spark of the Greek War of Independence.

To do this, the disputes of the powerful families of the region had to be overcome first. So it happened.

In 1818, a group of Filiki Etairia leaders arrived in Mani, unofficially headed by Christoforos Perraivos. The Filiki Etairia reconciled the most powerful Maniote families: the Mavromichalis, the Troupakis and the Grigorakis, who had mutual suspicion and rivalry bordering on enmity.

The pact was signed on October 1, 1819, in Kitries, in the mansion of Petrobey Mavromichalis, who at that time held the title of Bey.

Of course, most visitors to Kitries today do not choose to spend time at the destination with its historicity in mind. A bigger incentive is the small pebbly beach, with its beautiful waters and few sunbeds, mostly protected from the wind.

Also, there are good food options and a wonderful natural environment with green slopes around the small bay that reaches the sea.

What is certain is that if you want to spend some relaxing and quality days and at the same time have a very good base to get to know Messinia, Kitries is a great option.

Food

Gaitanaros (Tel: 2721058370) offers excellent seafood and a breath of the sea.

The wood oven sets the tone in Ano Mera (Tel: 6975714717), which cooks traditional dishes.

You can also find delicious fish by the sea in Klonaridis (Tel: 2721058648), while Mimis (Tel: 2721058010) is another excellent choice for those who love the sea.

Some information and tips for an excursion in the wider region:

Kitries is 253 kilometres from Athens, 15 from Kalamata and 23 from Kardamili.

The beach of Sandova is very close to Kitries, about 3 kilometres away. It has fine sand and is very popular among the youth, as there are many beach bars that keep it open at night as well.

If Kitries or Kalamata is the base of your excursion, we recommend you visit the amazing archaeological site of Ancient Messina.

Kitries is a quiet base for holidays in Messinia and the Southern Peloponnese. The modern city of Kalamata is always just a short distance away.

by PAUL ANTONOPOULOS

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The Molyvos International Music Festival celebrates its 10th anniversary this year and invites the public to a special musical experience from August 9 to 19.

The enchanting island of Lesvos, especially the town of Molyvos, will be the setting for a rich program of concerts and events, highlighting the concept of friendship and its power to unite people and cultures.

The main Festival (August 16 – 19), as every year, will be framed by the opening concerts, which this year will take place on August 9, 10, 11 and 12 in the medieval Saplitza warehouses of the Lower Castle of Mytilene, in the Ottoman Castle of Sigri, in the archaeological site of the Sanctuary of Messa and at the Roman Aqueduct of Moria, respectively, but also the Molyvos Musical Moment, the spontaneous concerts in alleys, beaches and other parts of Molyvos, which pleasantly surprise residents and tourists.

In Molyvos, with its unique architecture and enchanting landscape, a festival with a deservedly earned place next to the most important classical music festivals in Europe will celebrate the beauty of human connection.

DATES

09/08/2024 at 00:00

19/08/2024 at 00:00

More details HERE.

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See the Top 10:

Pai huang gua (Smacked Cucumber)

Smacked cucumber is a traditional Asian dish that’s especially popular in Tibet as a snack for picnicking. The dish is usually made with a combination of cucumbers, garlic, sesame oil, black vinegar, and soy sauce.

The cucumber is peeled and smacked with a rolling pin so that it’s bruised and starting to break apart. It’s sliced into chunks and mixed with the rest of the ingredients. The ingredients are tossed well and then served on a large plate.

The cucumber is smacked because it will absorb the flavors of garlic, oil, vinegar, and soy sauce even better and it will have a more intense flavor.

Tzatziki

Tzatziki is a Greek concoction made from yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, and numerous herbs and spices such as dill, mint, or parsley. It is usually served as a sauce accompanying many meat dishes, as a simple dip, or an appetizer.

Its name is derived from the Turkish word cacik, denoting a very similar dip, although some suspect that tzatziki was derived from the Indian raita dip.

Tzatziki is always served cold, and it is especially popular to serve it with dishes such as gyros and souvlaki. Often, it is served with pita bread as part of the first course of a big meal.

With its huge popularity, and the fact that it is one of the best summer dips, it is not strange that there are many regional variations of tzatziki, in countries such as Iran, Iraq, Turkey, Cyprus, Bulgaria, and Serbia.

In third place is the Mexican Aguachile (a type of ceviche that in its most classic version consists of fresh raw shrimp, cucumber, red onion, lime juice and chili in water, which gives the dish its name).

Next is the Polish Mizeria salad which consists of thinly sliced ​​cucumbers that are seasoned with salt and pepper and then mixed with creamy sour cream or yogurt. The main part of mizeria is a handful of freshly cut dill, one of the favorite herbs used in Polish cuisine.

The top five is completed by the Turkish Cacık , which is very similar to the Greek tzatziki.

Found in various forms throughout cuisines of Southeast Europe and the Middle East, cacık is a refreshing Turkish dip made with strained or diluted yogurt mixed with finely chopped cucumbers and minced garlic.

It is traditionally flavored with olive oil, dill weed, mint, either lemon juice or vinegar, and sometimes even oregano, thyme, sumac, and paprika. Cacık is served chilled and it is used for virtually everything from various appetizers to main dishes.

It pairs especially well with classic Turkish meat fare such as köfte and kebabs of all kinds. As a side dish, cacık is typically enjoyed in place of a salad, diluted with water and eaten with a spoon, like soup.

by PAUL ANTONOPOULOS

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The stunning isle boasts naturally beautiful sea, greenery, history and churches- making it the perfect location for the filming of the hit musical movie ‘Mamma Mia.’

The town is also filled with fabulous bars, taverns and boutiques, so there is something to do both day and night for singles, couples and families alike.

Skopelos is virtually covered in forest, with 80% of this hilly island featuring pine trees, while several resorts lie scattered around the shore. Olive and plum groves also help make up much of the lush, green interior of Skopelos and there are many pleasant walks along forest trails.

Skopelos is a popular day-trip destination, making it a great escape from the sometimes overcrowded and hour away Skiathos.

Skopelos has some wonderful beaches including Koukounaries, Big and Little Banana, Agia Eleni, Agia Paraskevi, Lalaria and Vromolimnos.

With less sandy beaches than its more populated neighbour Skiathos, the pebble beaches here are mainly confined to the south coast between Stafylos and Loutraki. Most can be visited by bus, although some require a bit of a walk so make sure you are prepared with good walking shoes, hats and water. Sandy beaches are definitely worth the journey to get to and most are quite tranquil- allowing both privacy and relaxation.

Picture perfect Skopelos Town is filled with roofs of blue slate and red tile flowing down to the steep harbour amphitheatre. Visitors can enjoy the waterfront promenade of restaurants, bars and shops pitched beneath trees of mulberry and a cliff wall ends with chapels that lead up to a 13th century Venetian Kastro. Now a designated preservation area, the streets have more than 130 churches hidden away.

The village →

Before climbing the hillside to the mountain village of Glossa, the main road passes through the Klima – with two villages-  Palio Klima and Neo Klima although the whole area is also known as Elios-Klima.

When you get to Glossa, you will find a picturesque hillside village, which is home to 1,200 people and views that are nothing less than magnificent. The traditional village way of life is still evident and many houses in the village have wooden balconies and the surrounding fields are full of plum and almond trees. Several dirt roads provide walks to nearby sights of interest.

The sights →

These must see sights include the monastery of Agion Taxiarchon, built on the ruins of a 7th century Byzantine church and the Gourouni Cape lighthouse. Tracks lead down to often deserted beaches with coves at Myrtia and Koutria to the north-west and Perivoli, Pethameni, Hondrogiorgi, Keramoto,Mavraki and Spilia in the north-east.

Many however are difficult to find and only Spilia and Perivoli have roads leading to them. Pethameni is at the bottom of a path but Hondrogiorgi has easier access and is popular amongst locals.

At Spilia there is a cave and a chapel to Agios Ioannis built on a spectacular headland above a double coved beach. The headland was created when the cliffs collapsed into the sea and the pretty chapel featured strongly in the popular film ‘Mamma Mia’.

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On the other hand, there is no doubt that it is the driver of developments towards the electric future of the global automotive industry, as it is the primary goal of all its competitors.

In addition to its commercially successful passenger models, the American market is waiting for the much-discussed (not always with a positive sign) Cybertruck, while in the category of large trucks, the Semi has already established its presence.

Recently, discussions about the Tesla Bus, a project that has been developing since 2016 and for which new images and reports have brought it back to the centre of interest, have flared up.

Which gets even bigger if Tesla decides to get into the mass production game like the Chinese have for government transit buses.

Greece will change all its buses within the next five years. It will all be electric. Recently, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport agreed to the supply, in the first phase, of 250 electric buses until the spring of 2024.

How would you see – if this is produced in the next two years – we see Tesla buses doing the city routes? Why not.

Moreover, Greeks like Tesla, with almost 3000 cars sold in our country in the last three years…

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This is a critical success, according to the municipal Authority, and at the same time, a justification of the planning implemented by the Municipality of Heraklion, in cooperation with all relevant bodies, to establish itself as a sustainable gastronomic destination.

For 2023, Heraklion is one of the seven cities from around the world recognised as Creative Cities of Gastronomy by UNESCO. This distinction was the result of the cooperation of the executives of the Greek National Committee for UNESCO, the Municipality of Heraklion and the Development Organization “Heraklion MAE”.

As the mayor of Heraklion, Vassilis Lambrinos, emphasised: “The recognition of Heraklion as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy comes as a reward for our choice to place the gastronomy and agro-food of our country at the centre of our tourism policy and confirms the prominence of Cretan cuisine and local products and producers can and should be a key axis in the strategy for strengthening the tourist brand of Heraklion.”

According to the deputy mayor of Development Planning – Digital Transformation – Integrated Rural Development and Tourism, Giorgos Sisamakis: “Heraklion is a multidimensional place with a history and continuous cultural presence of 5,000 years that plans and implements urban development actions in terms of sustainability and resilience.

“Our declaration by UNESCO as a city of gastronomy and our participation in the ‘Creative Cities’ network is a special honour for us. We are committed to consistently continuing the effort to introduce the uniqueness of Cretan cuisine and the Cretan way of life to the whole world, strengthening the touristic identity of Heraklion and our intangible cultural heritage.

“I would like to warmly thank the president of the Greek National Committee for UNESCO, Mrs. Aikaterini Tzitzikosta, and the staff of the Committee, who, from the beginning of the drafting of the file, stood by us with key suggestions and advice so that a competitive nomination could be submitted, but also the Municipality of Thessaloniki, the first city to participate in the network, for its support.”

Regarding the inclusion of Heraklion, the president of the Greek National Committee, Ekaterini Tzitzikosta, said: “The candidacy of Heraklion stood out as it was a multifaceted proposal, with a national and international dimension, but also with a modern sustainable view of gastronomy which is a priority of UNESCO“.

In December, an event will be held in Heraklion to present the city’s inclusion in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.

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In his story, the British singer mentioned with warm words about the “warm” and “generous of spirit” spectators, repeating once again – as he had done from the stage – appreciation to Greece.

Robbie Williams also showed the rosary with blue beads he received to “ward off the evil eye.”

“So to celebrate the most incredible show that I had last night with the most warm people, generous of spirit, in a most intimate beautiful setting, that I’ll be eternally grateful for, thank you Greece, I’ve got this to ward off the evil eye. It’s a present I’ve been given today that I’m very grateful for. God Bless you Greece, I love you,” he said.

The divisive statement

The English artist took to the stage of Terra Vibe, after eight years and thousands of people gathered there to admire him.

Those who attended had the opportunity to hear various stories from his personal experiences, as on the occasion of his 25 years in the music scene, the artist “opened up” to his audience.

Interacting with him, he even tried to make a joke about his Greek fans, but it didn’t have the effect he wanted.

Specifically, the conclusion drawn from his words was that he characterised the Greeks as “thieves”.

“None of them wanted to touch my ass or anything but they all wanted to steal the jewels off my pants. That’s Greece. You can keep your body Robbie, we will sell these tomorrow on eBay,” he can be heard saying to the crowd.

Robbie Williams went on stage at the Rockwave Festival in Athens after eight years of absence and caused delight and excitement in the Greek audience.

The English singer celebrated his 25 years on the music scene with an impressive 90-minute concert, performing his big hits such as “Let Me Entertain You”, “Angels”, and “Feel”.

Of course, his program did not miss his big hit, “Me and My Monkey”, in which he gave a rare acapella performance.

However, viewers had the opportunity to learn about various aspects of his life and listen to his songs. The star talked to his audience and did not hesitate to mention his battle with depression, drugs, and the people who “saved” him, namely his wife and their four children.

His audience adored him, as expected, both for his performance and for his stage presence. The singer has not been in Greece since 2015, when he had appeared again on the TerraVibe stage.

The only difference his fans may have noticed was that compared to other years, Robbie Williams lacked the boundless energy he once had on stage. After all, he himself has spoken again about the long struggle with Covid.

Recently, in fact, he had interrupted his concert in the Netherlands for this reason.

The star published on his personal Instagram account snapshots from last night, while he did not fail to thank the people who honoured him with his presence.

Underneath a series of photos posted, the singer wrote: “Greece: thank you for last night. It was beautiful. I love you, Rob x”

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The decision to unveil the collection in Greece was a deliberate one by Louis Vuitton, as the country perfectly embodies the essence of the collection’s inspiration. Designed by Francesca Amfitheatrof, Louis Vuitton’s Artistic Director for Watches and Jewellery, “Deep Time” draws inspiration from the concept of geological time—the vast expanse of time from the Earth’s creation to the emergence of life. The collection elegantly showcases the intricate relationship between Louis Vuitton’s exceptional craftsmanship in high jewellery and the hidden gemstones found within the Earth, symbolising the evolution of our planet.

It comes as no surprise, then, that the iconic French house chose the Herodeion, one of the oldest open-air theatres in the world, to create an air of mystique for this enchanting event. The performance directed by the acclaimed Greek choreographer and director, Dimitris Papaionou, paid homage to the birth of Aphrodite, while the accompanying music was composed and performed live by the internationally renowned violinist Renaud Capuçon.

“Deep Time” takes its audience on a captivating journey into the depths of time itself. This remarkable collection is the most diverse range of precious jewels that Louis Vuitton has ever introduced, comprising over 170 unique pieces, with the first chapter alone featuring 95 stunning creations. It boasts an unprecedented array of precious stones meticulously crafted into wearable works of art.

“At Louis Vuitton, we consistently embrace adventure and explore extraordinary, unexpected realms,” expresses Francesca Amfitheatrof, who looked to tectonic movements and the apparition of life as her inspiration behind the runway presentation. “Deep Time will transport you to the deepest recesses of the past—a time and place so remote and perhaps challenging to comprehend. Yet, these timeless gems will transport you precisely to the beginning of our planet, to the genesis of our world’s history and its mystical geological heritage.”

Prior to the unveiling, an exclusive dinner was hosted for a select group of Louis Vuitton’s esteemed guests from around the globe at the Four Seasons Astir Palace hotel in Vouliagmeni. Inspired by Greek cuisine, the menu featured delightful flavours and was paired with wines from the renowned island of Santorini. The table settings and décor carried the unmistakable Louis Vuitton signature, exuding elegance and refinement.

As the evening progressed, Louis Vuitton and Francesca Amfitheatrof warmly welcomed their distinguished guests, who enjoyed the dinner while gazing upon the deep blue sea and witnessing the breathtaking sunset. The pinnacle of the event was the presentation at the Herodeion, where various art forms, including dance, music, visual arts, and the creation of luxury jewellery, seamlessly intertwined under the enchanting shadow of the Acropolis.

Among the elegant attendees was Ana de Armas, who had previously attended a dinner at Amanzoe in Porto Heli as a guest of the house. She showcased pieces from her own Louis Vuitton jewellery collection, although she had departed Greece by the time of the “Deep Time” unveiling. However, another muse of the house, Léa Seydoux, graced the occasion, exuding elegance in a cream midi skirt, white shirt, black heels, and high jewellery pieces from Louis Vuitton’s collections.

Other notable guests included the Greek actress Klelia Andriolatou, who looked radiant in a 3D jacquard box crop top and Louis Vuitton pants, complemented by black heels and a multicolour Patite Malle bag. The event also saw the presence of Japanese actress Aya Ōmasa, Hong Kong actress Chrissie Chau, Thai actress Urassaya Sperbund, and Chinese singer and dancer Victoria Song, all donning exquisite creations from Louis Vuitton’s High Jewellery collections. Their elegant attire and the magnificent pieces of jewellery further enhanced the glamour and sophistication of the evening.

The unveiling of “Deep Time” in Greece not only showcased Louis Vuitton’s exceptional craftsmanship but also celebrated the rich cultural heritage of the country. By choosing the iconic Herodeion as the venue, Louis Vuitton paid tribute to Greece’s historical significance and its deep connections to art and beauty. The combination of Dimitris Papaionou’s awe-inspiring performance, the live music by Renaud Capuçon, and the masterful choreography that mirrored the birth of Aphrodite created an ethereal atmosphere, captivating the audience and immersing them in the mystique of “Deep Time.”

This extraordinary event marks yet another milestone for Louis Vuitton, a brand that continually pushes boundaries and creates unforgettable experiences. The “Deep Time” collection not only showcases the exquisite artistry of high jewellery but also invites us to reflect on the timeless beauty of our planet and its fascinating geological history. With its diverse range of precious stones and meticulous craftsmanship, this collection undoubtedly epitomises luxury and sophistication.

As the evening drew to a close, guests left with memories of a truly enchanting experience, carrying with them the allure and elegance of Louis Vuitton’s “Deep Time” collection. This remarkable unveiling in Greece will undoubtedly be remembered as a milestone in the realm of high jewellery, where art, culture, and luxury intertwined to create an unforgettable celebration of beauty and creativity.

Photos courtesy of Louis Vuitton and Instagram.

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