Κυριακή 25 Ιανουαρίου 2009

Elafonisi Crete

If you are looking for exceptional beauty, elafinissi is exactly what you wish nature to show you. Most people say that going to Crete means visiting Elafonissi. It is truely an amazing beach, with its main characteristic a really small island separated by the shore with a shallow lagoon. You can easily walk to get to the island through a narrow strip of sand, with really shallow and green waters around you. The tiny "private" beaches formed on the island add to the charm of the place.

At some parts, the sand is pink, due to the seashells that exist there in abundance. The beach, although famous, is, thank God, not developped and spoilt by the human factor. If one adds the tropical green waters, and the shallowness of the sea (this is why surfers from all over the world choose this place) , the place is dreamy. Elafonissi is 75klm on the south-west of Chania but, due to the harsh nature of Crete, you need about 1-1.5 hours to get there. There is a small cantine that can offer you the basics but do not expect any beach bars or restaurants in the area!



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Sougia, Crete


Right in the south of Chania, there is a small paradise, overlooking at the Libyan Sea. This small village has one of the longest beaches in the island of Crete: Sougia. The place, a place for hippies in the past, has not changed a lot. The atmosphere on this long and relaxing beach is the same as in the village. The eastern part of the beach is for free campers, with tents reaching the first houses of this picturesque village. It is one of the few places that, although receiving lots of tourists,has remained the same. And not only the village but the people themselves. The village has a couple of bars and a few taverns along the seaside road, and quite a few rooms for rent, but it is adviced to book well in advance!





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Koloumpos, Santorini

Koloumpos is one of the most characteristic beaches in Santorini. It is an non-organized beach that, although so beautiful, not so many tourists visit it, probably because it is at an isolated part of the island of Santorini, while most other beaches (Kamari, Red Beach, Vlthada, etc) are at the southern part. Some people would say it is a deserted beach but, I would not say this since I have seen bathers over there even in November. The most characteristic of the beach is that, at its southernmost point, it ends up to a huge cave, offering shadow and charm to the scenery. To reach the beach, drive towards Oia. About 4klm after Thira (Fira), you will see a small sign towards Koloumpos (Κολούμπος in Greek) on the right side. Head down and, after 1.5 klm turn left. It is another 1.5-2klm from there until you see a hotel and a small car park opposite where you will probably see more cars. Take tha small path to the beach and you are there.


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Σάββατο 24 Ιανουαρίου 2009

Kavourotripes Halkidiki


The first time I went to this beach was in 2001. It is close to Thessaloniki, on the second peninsula of Halkidiki, close to the village of Sarti. Although it is a hidden paradise, it has become very popular to the people of Thessaloniki lately. However, in June or September and during weekdays in July and August it is still quite OK.

The place is a paradise. It is, for me, maybe the best beach I have ever been to. Pine trees ending to the sea and white spherical rocks, forming tiny golfs that inspire isolation. The beach is a nudist one, especially the southern part of it. Although free camping is not allowed, you can find some tents under the pine trees. If you love beautiful beaches, then you really mus go to this place upon the next time you visit Greece