/countries/show/greece/1.rss en-us Buckingham Palace is not the only place to see the changing of the guard. You can also experience this in Athens, twenty-four times every day. Around the clock, two guards called the Evzones keep a watch at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Hellenic Parliament in Syntagma Square of Athens. The two guards on duty switch their positions every 20 minutes, and remain completely motionless until the next switch. Every hour, on the hour, the two soldiers perform the elaborate ceremony of changing of the guard with two replacement Evzones who arrive from the Guard Barracks located behind the Parliament Building. The guards’ particular marching style consists of a normal march with intervals of striking the ground with their right foot. During the guard change in Athens, the Evzones perform their movements very slowly and in highly stylized fashion. The Evzones are a ceremonial division made of volunteers drawn from the Infantry, Artillery, and Armoured Corps units of the Greek Army. Serving as the Presidential Guard is a high honour in Greece, and the soldiers who get recruited must be at least 1.86 meters (6.1 feet) tall and have served a minimum of 6 months in the operational army unit before training to become an Evzone. The Evzones are famous for their traditional garments, notably the fustanella (a kilt-like piece of clothing). Although tourists usually giggle at the outfits, the guards’ uniforms have a lot of history and tradition behind them. All of the clothes are hand-made based on the uniforms that soldiers wore during the Turkish occupation of Greece in 1453-1821. There are 400 pleats in fustanella, representing 400 years of Turks in Greece. The Evzones are dressed in tsarouhis: red leather clogs with black pompons on the toe. The sole of each shoe has 60 nails and weights over 3 kilos. The soldiers also wear phareons: traditional garrison caps with long black tassels. A third Evzone in regular military uniform, and police officers, are always present to ensure that the guards on duty are not bothered. You can pose for pictures with the Evzones, but you are not allowed to touch them. The third soldier also ensures that the Evzones on duty are tidy. Watch this soldier wipe the sweat off the guard’s foreheads and fix the tassels on their hats. The Evzones take their job very seriously and remain completely motionless when on duty. During a protest in Athens in 2001, the Evzone on guard did not flinch as a Molotov cocktail was thrown into the guardhouse next to him. Aside from their duties in Syntagma Square, the Evzone unit is also responsible for raising and lowering of the flag on the mount of Acropolis, and serving as official guards to the President and foreign ambassadors. Every Sunday at 11 a.m. a larger ceremony of changing of the guard takes place with the entire Evzone unit of over a hundred soldiers and a military band present. Thu, 14 Jul 2011 23:57:49 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/evzones-athens http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/evzones-athens There is an air of mysticism which surrounds the Greek Islands. As the setting for some of the oldest myths, it is no surprise that there is a powerful allure drawing tourists and travellers to these majestic islands. Some of the Greek Islands have become so popular that they have lost some of their authentic appeal and become tourist hotspots filled with hotels, gift shops and tourism agencies. The beautiful Island of Santorini, though a popular destination, has somehow maintained a low-key atmosphere with traditional villages and unique, breathtaking landscapes. Aside from the spectacular sunsets over sunken volcanic islands, one must-see site is the cliff-enclosed Red Beach. Cut off by striking red cliffs, reaching the beach on foot is an adventure all on its own. The journey to the Red Beach of Santorini starts out in Fira, about one hour north by moped. The winding, narrow roads take you through yellow fields and along precarious cliffs dotted with low, domed white houses with the traditional blue trim. It’s interesting to note that almost all buildings on the island of Santorini follow the same colour scheme, which is part trademark and part sun protection, but either way invoking a sense of awe in those who see it. Once you arrive at the parking area, the Red Beach is accessible by boat or on foot. Hiking up the red cliffs, the view of the ocean and the enclosed rocky beach is an unexpected wonder, way beyond your expectations. Though the Red Beach can get slightly crowded in high tourist season, its unique red and black sands make it worth the slightly precarious trek down the narrow rocky path. The Red Beach and surrounding cliffs are a dark shade of maroon due to the type of lava which cooled here thousands of years ago. The island of Santorini itself was formed by a volcanic eruption some 3,700 years ago, and is the biggest of the Greek Islands and has been described by many as the most picturesque. Once you’ve completed the trek, it is time for a well-deserved swim in the cool Aegean waters. Floating in the soft waves while looking up at the gigantic, red cliffs is as relaxing an experience as you could hope. Even as the sun begins to set, it’s hard to say goodbye to this small strip of beach. Many people report that Santorini's beaches have some of the world’s most breathtaking sunsets, and nowhere did this ring truer than in the view sitting on the Red Beach watching the sun sink into the horizon and light up the red cliffs, giving them the appearance of being on fire. With much to explore and experience, a trip to the Red Beach is wonderful way to spend a full day in Santorini. Thu, 26 May 2011 01:16:03 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/red-beach-santorini http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/red-beach-santorini To taste the very best of Greek cuisine, visit Plaka: one of the oldest districts of Athens. With its streets closed to car traffic, Plaka dining brings the charm of a small Greek village into the city of Athens. Whether you are looking for a light lunch during a day of sightseeing, or a full dinner in the evening, Plaka is the best place to find food in Athens. In the morning, get energized with a frappé foam-covered ice drink made from Nescafe instant coffee. Although the Greek frappé was apparently an accidental discovery, it’s the most popular summer beverage in Greece; and is available all over Plaka. Ask for it “medium sweet” and relax under the umbrella of a restaurant in Plaka before a day of tourist sights. For lunch, you could never go wrong with a Greek salad, grilled calamari, gyro or souvlaki dish. Pita bread with tzatziki sauce makes the best appetizer, and every restaurant in Plaka serves alcoholic beverages. Greek beer is great; so is chilled house wine or a jug of sangria. For an afternoon snack, chill out with a cup of Greek yoghurt with fresh fruit, nuts and honey. No time to sit down at a restaurant or café? No problem! Just grab an ice cream from one of the street vendors in Plaka. Other great on-the-go foods are grilled corn, roasted nuts, and fresh coconut slices and rolls. Your best option is koulouri: a type of Greek sesame bread that you can buy for about 30 cents. Always deliciously fresh, Greek koulouri of Plaka is as epic as the baguette of France. Try some of the other dishes of Greek cuisine by going to a Greek taverna for dinner. Tavernas in Plaka offer menus with a number of foods at a fixed price. Taste the traditional Greek moussaka, dolmades, and a variety of meat dishes and deserts all for about 12 euros. The best thing about Plaka taverna's is that most of the tables are outside in the narrow streets. This way, even while eating, you feel in the middle of the life around you. Many venues offer live music at nighttime, and there are also street musicians who wander the narrow streets playing for anyone who will listen. To get away from the street life, choose one of the restaurants in Plaka that offer tables on stairways and balconies, which are charmingly decorated with pots of geraniums. These provide some privacy while still overlooking the passersby on the streets. Another secluded option is the rooftop restaurants. These are the best at night once the sun has set. Tue, 25 Jan 2011 17:46:39 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/plaka-taverna http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/plaka-taverna Trace the path of Ancient Greek history to the centre of the earth, as you find your way to the Temples of Apollo. These temples of great magnitude are found within Italy, Turkey and Greece, yet it is at The Temples of Apollo in Greece that you feel as if you were visiting on the day Apollo defeated Pythos in Ancient Greece. In Greece, The Temples of Apollo are found in Corinth, Bassae, Patroos, and Delphi. Each of the temples are popular in their own right, but The Temples of Apollo at Delphi is where the epic history begins. As the story goes, Apollo was one of the most important deities of Ancient Greece. When he set out to find his way in the world, Apollo stumbled upon Delphi and believed it to be the most perfect place. He established his temple, and his cult began. However, this temple was already occupied by Pythos, the snake God that Apollo took on and defeated. After all the years of wars and destruction, The Temples of Apollo at Delphi still stand tall. The Temples of Apollo are found on the south slopes of Mount Parnassus, nestled under The Phaedriades (the Bright Ones). The twin cliffs of Mount Parnassus glow a radiant red when they catch the sun setting into the night’s sky. Daily excursions can be sought out from Athens, as the city is located 180 km away. When you make it to the Temple of Apollo, walk along the Sacred Pathway and feel time and life sweep away from your memory as you become awestruck by the beauty of the structures and statues along the way. Wed, 17 Nov 2010 17:53:17 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/temple-of-apollo http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/temple-of-apollo Climbing Lycabettus Hill (also known as Lykavittós) is one of the best ways to spend an evening in Athens. One of the tallest of the mounts in Athens, reaching 277 metres above the city, the sunset atop Lycabettus Hill offers a spectacular view of Athens and the Aegean Sea. According to ancient mythology, Lycabettus Hill was the mount originally intended for the fortress of Acropolis, but the city’s patron goddess Athena dropped it by an accident.  At the top of the hill is an observation deck, two restaurants, an amphitheatre, and a small 19th century Byzantine church: the chapel of Agios Geórgios. On the eve of Easter Sunday, a procession of candles encircles the hill slopes and moves towards the church. The event reflects the possible meaning of the name of the hill—a combination of the Greek words "lyki" and "vaino," meaning “path of light.” There are a number of Lycabettus Hill trails available to the summit, with varying levels of difficulty; and it is best to start your ascent from the southern side of the hill on the Ploutarchou street in the Kolonaki district. Trails are also some of the best places for jogging in the city of Athens. The hillsides of Lycabettus are popular with locals and tourists alike, and as you walk up the hill, you are greeted by many friendly Athenians who come to the trails of Lycabettus for a run or to walk their dogs.  Take the funicular for an easier but less scenic alternative to hiking up Lycabettus Hill, but don’t be fooled by the large glass windows of the cable car. The funicular goes up inside a tunnel, and there is no view of Athens during the ascent. Climbing on foot, on the other hand, gives you a chance to stop at numerous viewing platforms with benches that rim the summit. It is best to arrive at the peak of Lycabettus an hour before the sunset. This will give you enough time to look around, visit the church, and sip a frappe at one of the restaurants. Better yet, pack your own wine and sit barefoot at the rail of the viewing platform with a glass of red. There is a flagpole at the top of Lycabettus Hill, and right around the sunset two soldiers take down the flag and perform a folding ceremony. Lycabettus Hill is probably the best spot to watch a sunset in the city of Athens. The viewing platform at the top overlooks all of Athens, the Aegean Sea, the islands, and the hills north of the city. All of the Athenian historical sites are visible, as well as the Acropolis, the Olympic Stadium, the Parliament Building, the National Archaeological Museum, and the Academia. As the sun sets behind the mountains, watch the Acropolis and other ancient sites light up for the night. Wed, 06 Oct 2010 05:12:44 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/lycabettus-hill-athens http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/lycabettus-hill-athens Ancient Olympia, site of the first Olympic Games, is one of the most important sites of antiquity in Greece. Nestled between the Alfios and Kladeos rivers, Ancient Olympia started out as a grove devoted to the Greek god Zeus in the 10th century BC. Today, the buildings are now weather-worn ruins beneath the cool refuge of the valley. The Olympic Games as we know them began in the 8th century BC and were organized by three rulers as a type of truce between their lands. Since that day, the Olympic Games have occurred every four years from 776 BC to AD 393 during the full moon after the summer harvest. At a time when Ancient Olympia was the centre of the Games, the rules about who could participate were very strict. Only true-born, free Greek men were allowed to compete. Winners were crowned with a branch off the olive tree which grew next to the Temple of Zeus. The women of Ancient Olympia were banned from viewing or participating in the Games, and were killed if caught sneaking in. The present day grounds of Ancient Olympia fosters twenty-three intact ruins, with the gold medal in grandiose charm going to the Stadium where the Games were actually held. Walking through the archway entrance moves visitors to a primitive time where ancient Olympians once competed. The power of Ancient Olympia comes to life as countless visitors burst into a foot-race across the Stadium's field. While retracing the steps of athletes through Ancient Olympia, it can be hard to control your imagination, which is easily overrun with thoughts of spectators and world-class athletes bringing forth an era of athletic mastery. During this five-day period on the sun-baked soil of Ancient Olympia, athletes competed in events such as the long jump, wrestling, chariot races, boxing, discus, javelin and running; many of which are still practiced today. Both the temple of Zeus and the altar of Zeus are impressive, showing Ancient Olympia’s dedication to this Greek deity. The Temple of Zeus used to house the Zeus Statue: one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It was sculpted by Phidias, and was revered by all, standing 12-meters high and made of ivory and gold-plated bronze. During the time of the Games, it was worshipped by civilians who believed the statue was a rare opportunity to commune directly with Zeus. Although the sculpture no longer exists, you can visit Phidias’ workshop while roaming through Ancient Olympia. Other monuments worth seeing in Ancient Olympia, having stood the trials of time, are the Baths of Kladeos (a place where the athletes could rest and recuperate), and the Palaestra (a training ground for the ancient Olympians). Although it is mostly an open field now, the Palaestra is still an amazing place to walk on knowing it was the ground on which so many trained for glory. It can be easy to forget that these ruins are over 2,000 years-old, and as such, are amazing that they are standing at all. For those who have a difficulty imagining the ruins of Ancient Olympia at their peak grandeur, the Olympia Archaeological Museum is very helpful. As a small museum, it can be seen in under an hour, and is a must for anyone visiting Ancient Olympia. The Olympia Archaeological Museum showcases pieces found at Ancient Olympia, such as the Hermes of Praxiteles from the 4th century BC, Nike the Goddess of Victory, and many artifacts representing Zeus. Thu, 22 Oct 2009 19:29:23 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/ancient-olympia http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/ancient-olympia Harmoniously blended with its natural surroundings, the Acropolis towers gracefully over the archaeologically-rich and modern city of Athens, often referred to as the most important historical compound left behind by Greek Antiquity. The Acropolis, or city on the edge, was erected on a flat-topped rock high above the rest of the city as a form of defense. Its location atop a rocky crag doesn’t stop hundreds of tourists from climbing up to it every day and admiring what was formerly the cradle of one of the grandest civilizations of all time. The Acropolis of Athens is only one of many acropolises that were erected in Ancient Greece, but it is by far the most famous having been the greatest cultural center during the peak of Ancient Greek civilization. Many decisive events in Ancient Greek history are connected to this majestic compound. Although archaeological evidence shows that it has been used since the Neolithic times, the famous monuments and buildings that make up the Acropolis we recognize today were built under the authority of the statesman Pericles during the second half of the 6th Century BC. The most famous sites at the Acropolis include the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, and the Temple of Athena Nike, all of which were built in dedication to different aspects of Athena, the patron goddess of Athens. These sites housed religious rituals and worship, as well as opulent statues which are now exhibited at the Acropolis museum. One can’t help but feel the power and splendor that emanates from this ancient complex when climbing up the steps to its majestic entrance. Taking in the sheer magnitude and significance of the ruins is a sensation much compared to being swept back to the birth of Ancient Greek civilization. This lofty perch also offers some of the best views of the architectural and artistic gems that Athens city has to offer. Sun, 12 Oct 2008 23:43:20 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/the-acropolis http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/the-acropolis Enjoy one of life's simple pleasures, as you sail along the beautiful coast line of the Greek Islands. For those familiar with these idyllic Islands, the mere mention of its name brings back warm and fuzzies of beautiful sun, breathtaking beaches, and great culture. The Greek Islands are made up of over 6,000 individual islands, of which only 227 are inhabited, offering you the welcome choice on how to to spend your nights, from a small quaint bistro to a lively pub. A popular destination for boating enthusiasts is Symi, as it offers a taste of neoclassical Greece at its finest, evident in its alluring skyline and charming harbour front. Santorini is undoubtedly one of the most popular islands. Perched 250m above the Aegean Sea sits the city of Fira, offering some of the most breathtaking views, unsurpassed anywhere in the world. The air here is almost as infectious as the buzzing nightlife. The Greek coast line spans over 16,000km, half of which is along the mainland and the other half along the island shores. Well known for its remote beaches, quiet sandy coves, and brilliant swimming, Skyros is a staple in a Greek sailing adventure. Mykonos is a reclusive and growingly popular destination, offering a flair for those with a taste for the absence of pace. If sailing the Ionian Islands hit Corfu and cruise down to Crete, both a must see for those new to the Greece. A mingling of the two give you a taste of lush untouched countryside and striking mountains, mixed with hints of ancient ruins and modern city scape's. The warm and appetizing culture of the Greek Islands is vibrant and ever changing, waiting to charm the next wanderer. Sat, 24 May 2008 20:53:03 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/greek-islands http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/greek-islands