Τετάρτη 3 Ιουνίου 2009

Antiparos camping

One of the "alternative" places in Greece is the island of Antiparos. As the first half of the name implies, this island stands next to Paros, or, it is the answer to the tourist masses of Paros island. Take on of the frequent ferries from Pounta port in Paros and, in less than five minutes, you are at the small capital of the island of Antiparos. Take any of the village paths towards the north and you cannot miss the camping, after ten to fifteen minutes walking. The beach, right on the west of the camping, forming a small cape of sand, is one of the most beautiful hidden paradises in Greece. Shallow green waters, and the island of Diplo only a few meters opposite, form one of the most amazing and relaxing sceneries. The beach itself is a nudist one, and, furthermore, it is one of the first three official nudist beaches in Greece. Of course, make sure you take a lot of water with you. However, the beach itself has some small trees and, if you need some shadow, it will not be that hard to get some.

So, whether you are willing to leave your swimwear at the hotel or not, this beach is definately a paradise waiting to be discovered.


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Δευτέρα 25 Μαΐου 2009

Armenistis camping in Sithonia

Armenistis camping in Sithonia is an organised camping, on the second peninsula of Halkidiki, just a few kilometers in the south of the village of Vourvourou, facing mount Athos. The camping itself offers everything you may want: Spacious places to leave your tent, bar, restaurant, super market, doctor, and, of course, an organised beach. Although the camping, especially between 15th of July and 15th of August is packed with people, the sea always remains so clear and green, you think you are on a tropical island. Armenistis is the ideal solution for those seeking something cheap and organised, and a perfect spot to begin the discovery of Sithonia, and its fantastic beaches.


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Σάββατο 11 Απριλίου 2009

Vlyhada Beach

Heading towards the South, just before entering the village of Emporio, turn left at the sign Vlyhada, and follow the street. Go through the cliff and park the car outside the small tavern, at the parking of the small harbor. Right there starts the long beach called Vlyhada. The typical characteristic of this amazing beach are the rocks offering their shade to the sand. They have been sculptured by the winds during the centuries, and now they form an extraterrestial scenery, fascinating the visitor. Locals show real respect to this scenery, and the only intervention they made was the creation of a very small cafe, offering the basics to the visitor, and some sunbeds. If you like more isolation, walk for a few meters further, and lie down naked on the sand, as the beach is a nudist one at its second half.


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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