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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Dressed in a black tank top and denim cut-off shorts, Moore embraced a relaxed yet stylish look. Her outfit, complemented by tinted sunglasses and a warm smile, highlighted her effortless charm.

The actress was seen affectionately cradling her Chihuahua, Pilaf, as she spent quality time aboard the sun-kissed yacht.

This picturesque retreat comes on the heels of Moore’s recent social media activity, where she shared first-look photos from her upcoming show “Landman,” a new project from “Yellowstone” creator Taylor Sheridan.

(Source: Daily Mail UK)

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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 sacred flame, borne from the timeless embers of Ancient Olympia, has traversed the Greek landscape during its national leg of the torch relay since its ceremonial lighting on April 16. Amidst grandeur and reverence, it will transition to the next phase of its voyage.

On April 26, amidst the historic surroundings of the Athens Panathenaic Stadium, the flame will ceremoniously pass into the custody of Paris Games organisers, marking the transition from Greece to France. Departing the following day aboard the iconic vessel ‘Belem’, the flame will continue its journey, serving as a beacon of hope and solidarity.

Prior to its departure, the ‘Belem’ will open its decks to visitors, offering a unique opportunity to witness the flame’s embarkation. A testament to maritime heritage and Olympic spirit, the vessel embodies the essence of this historic occasion.

As the flame sets sail for Marseille on May 8, it heralds the commencement of the French leg of the 68-day relay. This symbolic journey will culminate in the grand spectacle of the Olympic Games’ Opening Ceremony on July 26, embodying the timeless values of peace, unity, and athletic excellence.

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Kalymnos offers the cheapest overall package holiday destination.

Amidst Greece’s array of sought-after destinations like Corfu, Santorini, and Mykonos, Kalymnos remains relatively unknown but boasts remarkable affordability. Which? research indicates that a week’s stay on this charming island averages £847 per person.

Nestled amidst sapphire seas, Kalymnos enchants visitors with secluded coves, rugged mountains, and quaint towns. Accessible via its bustling neighbor Kos, travellers embark on a scenic 40-minute boat journey included in the package price.

As holidaymakers seek value without compromising on beauty, Kalymnos emerges as an enticing option, inviting exploration and relaxation against the backdrop of Greece’s stunning landscapes.

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Summer House on Karpathos named one of the World’s Best Designed Homes

A stunning holiday home located on Karpathos island, set over a rocky cliff and featuring an open-air dining area that looks out across the Aegean Sea, has been named one of the world’s best-designed homes for 2018 at the prestigious World Architecture Festival Awards.

Named Patio House, the property was designed to blend in with its beautiful surroundings, as the French owners asked that the home not compete with the natural beauty of the landscape.

The result is a simple grey concrete structure topped with a gravel roof, which Swedish architectural firm OOAK designed.

The property’s bright interior combines references to traditional Karpathian architecture with Scandinavian furniture and a variety of materials. Windows are perfectly positioned to frame specific views of the sea and landscape.

Situated below the home, the outdoor living room connects the house and the sea. Downstairs, you will find the patio, which includes an outdoor kitchen, dining area, and lounge space with unobstructed views of the water below.

The entry features a massive sliding wooden door that opens up to an interior courtyard. Beyond the courtyard, the public space of the home is an open-plan family room with a living area, dining space, and kitchen.

There are two bedrooms and a bathroom, while on the other side of the home is the master suite. All of the rooms feature massive windows that frame beautiful views of the water and hillside.

The home is decked out in a minimalist Mediterranean style. Bright white walls, stone tile flooring, and warm-toned furnishings reflect the traditional Cycladic style while still feeling fresh and modern.

The result is a bright and airy home perfect for relaxing and taking in the views after a day on the water.

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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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