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Arrivals – Departures |
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Athens International Airport – Eleftherios Venizelos |
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Better check the weather... |
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National Observatory of Athens |
Poseidon |
Ntua.gr |
Accuweather |
Weather Underground |
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| Plaka (capital) |
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 The capital has approximately 2000 residents, and is located on the northwest side of the island.
This white-washed town, gently climbing towards the castle on the neighbouring volcanic hill of the island, got its name from the flatness of the land it was built on. The city was first inhabited after the ancient city of Klima was abandoned, either during the 5th or the 6th century B.C. The town developed quite rapidly during the Middle Ages after the ancient Chora was destroyed, because the castle could no longer house all the residents that had taken refuge inside its walls fearing the pirates. The view from the castle, especially at dusk, is magical. |
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| Worth seeing |
•The Archaeological Museum, boasting important finds from different periods, but mostly known for its faithful copy of the famous statue of Aphrodite, the original of which adorns the Louvre Museum in Paris. •The Folklore Museum, housing objects of everyday use – part of the cultural heritage of the island – as well as significant publications. •The church of Ipapanti tou Christou or Panagia tis Thalassitras found near the castle, stuck like a white shell on the side of a rock. •The church of Panagia tis Korfiatissas, which also happens to be the Metropolis of the island, built on the rocks that lead down to the beach, overlooking the sea. The gold-plated Epitafios (tomb) dating back to 1600 A.D. is very impressive, and so are the historic icons of Creto-byzantine influence. •The church of Kimisis tis Theotokou (Dormition of the Virgin), also known as Panagia Skiniotissa or Mesa Panagia, is located inside the castle sharing the wonderful view. •The Catholic church Panagia ton Rodon (Rozaria) built next to the church of Panagia tis Korfiatissas. •The seaside expanse of Sarakiniko with the spectacular moonscape. The absence of any vegetation in combination with the luminous white rocks creates a unique environment. This impressive effect is created by a volcanic formation complemented by the multitude of fossils and small caves, offering great chances of exploration. All you have to do is immerse yourself in the beauty of the sunrise and you’ll feel like you’re on another planet. |
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| Where to swim |
•Try the beautiful beach of Plathienas with a nice view of Arkadies, 7.5 km away from Plaka. •Sarakiniko forms an amazing natural pool where you can even swim at night. •Don’t forget the beach with the armirikia (a bush that grows near saltwater) at Firopotamos. The town has a lovely church, Agios Nikolaos (Saint Nicholas). •The beach at Mandrakia has two lovely bays, Limanakia and Drapano. The homes of this fishing village are colourfully painted and the cliffs have been shaped to protect their fishing boats. •There’s also a beach at the holiday settlement of Mandrakia with two lovely bays, Limanakia and Drapano. The village houses are all painted with •Swim at the pebbly beach of Tourkothalassas, and at Nerodafnes at Trahila.
Southern Beaches •The beaches of Geronto and Katergou, with their dark sand and absolute blue waters, near the district Xilokeratia. Making sure you have packed supplies with food and water as the beach is isolated from all forms of civilization. •Enjoy a swim at the peaceful beach called Agio Yianni, located near Ammoudaraki. •The remaining peaceful beaches on the west side of the island are Agathia, Triades (three beaches and an accessible cave). •Relax in a wonderfully deserted sandy beach, Ammoudaraki, with shallow waters. |
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