Traditional holiday food

Holidays are coming and very few people can resist the seductive aroma of gingerbread cookies, roast turkey, Christmas pudding and other delicacies traditionally prepared and consumed this time of year.

Greece has its own traditional holiday dishes and it is a great Christmas destination for foodies, especially for those who have a sweet tooth. These are the top 5 traditional holiday foods you simply must try!
Christopsomo
This Greek bread, which translates as “Christ’s bread”, is decorated with an early form of the Christian cross and is sometimes served with honey on Christmas Eve.

Melomakarona
The melomakarono is an egg-shaped Greek dessert made mainly from flour, olive oil, and honey.

Kourabiedes
Kourabiedes resemble a light shortbread, typically made with almonds. These pastries are shaped either into crescents or balls, then baked till slightly golden. After they cool, they are usually rolled in icing sugar.

Vasilopita
Vasilopita is a New Year’s Day bread or cake in Greece which contains a hidden coin or trinket which gives good luck to the receiver.

Diples
Diples is a Greek dessert, made of thin sheet-like dough. The dough is rolled into long, thin strips, frie, folded in hot oil and then dipped in warm honey, chopped nuts and cinnamon. Diples are typically served in New Year’s celebrations.(source:protothema)

Gavdos wins a place amongst the 10 hidden paradise islands of the world!!

Gavdos wins a place amongst the 10 hidden paradise islands of the world

Thrillist site publishes a list of 10 hidden paradise islands of the world which remain unknown to many – Historical Gavdos is one of them.

Gavdos – Greece

With fewer than 50 residents and a free naturism camping, the island attracts campers and naturalists from all over the world. Only a few know the island since  It is accessible only by boat and most tourists choose the most popular and closest Crete.

Saba – Caribbean
It has fewer than 2.000 inhabitants and has only one road. There aren’t any sandy beaches and luxurious resorts in this little paradise of 12 square kilometers, but only a potentially active volcano.

Staniel Cay – Bahamas
The only  5 square kilometers island does not offer many accommodation options. On the other hand the lovers of the sea can explore its amazing underwater caves.

Palmyra Atoll – Pacific Ocean
An unspoiled garden of Eden with attractions of damaged shipwrecks and a legend for a buried treasure.

 Utila – Honduras
A tiny island with white beaches, plenty of parties and 12 organized dive spots for those who want to swim with the harmless, but scary whale sharks.

Lamu – Kenya
Accessible only by wooden boat. Lamu is a strange window into the past, where donkeys are the main form of transportation, the locals live off the fish they catch in the evening and the houses are made of coral and shells, creating a truly exotic getaway.

Palm Jumeirah – Dubai
An artificial creation with sand and stones in the shape of a palm, which includes luxury villas and shops like Beverly Hills.

Vieques – Puerto Rico
For over 50 years the US Navy used about two thirds of the island for free shooting, but now is a calm paradise with stunning reefs, free semi-wild horses and striking plants.

Fernando de Noronha – Brazil
An ideal place for snorkeling and diving or observing wildlife, with very friendly dolphins that swim in the water.(source:protothema)

Survey: Only Quarter of Britons Want UK to Keep Parthenon Marbles..

Only 26 percent of Britons believe that the sculptures that once adorned the ancient Parthenon in Greece should remain in London’s British Museum, according to a recent opinion poll conducted by international market UK research firm, YouGov, on behalf of The Times newspaper.
The poll was conducted a few days after the British Museum decided to lend a Parthenon sculpture to Russia’s State Hermitage Museum – an action that angered the Greek government.
The poll found that nearly one in two Britons (49 percent) believe that the Parthenon Marbles should be returned to Greece, while 24 percent did not express an opinion.
When asked if they agreed with the decision of the British Museum to send the Parthenon sculpture on a loan to Russia, 39 percent of respondents said they agreed with the decision, while 37 percent disagreed.
Generally on the issue of lending exhibits displayed in British museums to other museums around the world, 57 percent of respondents said they were in favor against 25 percent who argued that sculptures could be damaged that way.
The marble statues that once decorated the Acropolis in Athens have been the subject of dispute since they were taken from the Greek capital by the Earl of Elgin in 1803 and later housed in London’s British Museum.
The opinion poll took place between 7 and 8 December and among 1,589 Britons.
 A caryatid from the Erechtheion, stands alone, displayed at the British Museum.
(source:gtp)

Greece Hits New Heights in Jan-Nov Passenger Numbers!!

The January-November 2014 period was the best so far in the history of Hellenic civil aviation as some 43 million passengers passed through Greek airports during the first 11 months of the year, an increase of six million compared to 2013.
More specifically, 43.2 million passengers passed through Greek airports during the first 11 months of the year against 37.1 million during the same period in 2013.
Domestic passengers reached 11.2 million over 9.3 million in 2013 (an increase of 20.5 percent) while international passengers stood at 31.9 million against 27.7 million (an increase of 15.1 percent).
During January-November 2014, domestic flights increased by 1.9 percent and international flights rose by 13.7 compared to the same period of 2013.
According to the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority, passenger traffic is expected to improve even further in December due to the holiday season.
In November alone, domestic passengers increased by 36 percent and international passengers were up by 23.5 percent. Domestic flights last month increased by 12.2 percent and international flights by 17.2 percent.
The total amount of flights at Greek airports last month were 19,227 of which 13,012 were to Athens and Thessaloniki.
(source:gtp)

Mediterranean cooking: Moussakas

A delicious national dish from Greece!

Serves: 1 baking dish Preparation time: 20m Cooking time: 2h Ready in: 2h 40m



Ingredients
6 eggplants
Olive oil for frying
For the minced beef sauce
700g. minced beef
1 large onion, grated
1 glass of white wine
A shot of olive oil
2 tablespoon of tomato paste
5 allspice berries
6 tablespoons chopped parsley
Salt and pepper
For the béchamel sauce
6 tablespoons butter
8 tablespoons flour
800ml milk
3 eggs
1 pinch of nutmeg
1 cup finely grated Kefalotiri or any other hard and salty cheese
Salt and pepper
Preparation method
Step 1
Cut the eggplants into thick slices 1 cm thick, salt them and place them in a strainer for ½ hour.
Step 2
Rinse them with plenty of water and drain them with your hand.
Step 3
Dry, then fry them in olive oil until browned. Put them onto absorbent paper to strain their juices.
Step 4
Prepare the ground beef. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and sauté the chopped onion and garlic. Add the minced meat and cook stirring continuously until it turns into little grains. Add the wine. Dissolve the tomato paste in a little water and pour over the meat. Add the allspice, the parsley, salt and pepper. Allow the mixture to be cooked until the water has evaporated.
Step 5
Prepare the béchamel sauce. Heat the fresh butter in a saucepan, add the flour and cook until browned. Then, pour the hot milk, stirring continuously to prevent clumping. Once the sauce thickens, remove from heat and add the nutmeg, salt and pepper. Add the grated cheese and stir. Pour the eggs and stir quickly until absorbed in the mixture. Leave aside.
Step 6
Preheat oven to 170 degrees. Place half the fried eggplants at the bottom of the baking dish. Add the minced meat on top and straighten all over. Make a second layer with the remaining eggplant. Pour the béchamel. Straighten with a knife and sprinkle with a little grated cheese.
Step 7
Put the pan in the oven for about 1 hour until top forms a golden crust.
Before you cut it into pieces, let the moussaka stand for half an hour.
Source: Olive magazine
Photo: George Drakopoulos 
Food Styling: Tina Webb

Tourism is a national affair

According to the Minister of Tourism Olga Kefalogianni, during the past couple of years Greece had successive records while the tourism industry is developing into a catalyst for enhancing the Greek economy

 
During her speech at a conference on “Entrepreneurship in Crete and Attika, the Minister of Tourism Olga Kefalogianni stated that “Tourism is a national affair” and added that “tourism must unite, compose and produce results for the good of the region and its people, for the good of Greece”.
Furthermore Ms Kefalogianni stated that the industry has recovered and that during the past couple of years Greece had successive records while the tourism industry is developing into a catalyst for enhancing the Greek economy.
According to Ms Kefalogianni, Athens will soon be transformed to a  major tourist destination.
(source:protothema)

Rethymno by bike..

If you are in the mood for wonderful bike rides under Crete’s sunny skies and feel the urge to explore the countryside, as well as its rich history, cycling in Rethymno is a fine option for you. Some paths may be demanding with their hilly terrain, others less strenuous, but all the more beautiful. Explore Rethymno’s magnificent nature, amidst the White Mountains and Mt. Psiloreitis, get to know beautiful beaches, legendary caves, historic monasteries and traditional villages. Try out the Cretan dishes that burst with flavour, served with a glass of raki or cretan wine while listening to folk music played on a lyra (three-stringed bowed musical instrument). So leave the conventional vacations aside and get to know places, the cyclist way!

Amazing bike routes

A wide variety of paths throughout the entire region of Rethymno leads to traditional villages boasting beautiful architecture such as Maroulas, Chromonastiri, Pikris, Mountros, Amnatos, Argyroupoli, Spili, Margarites, Anogeia and many more. There are routes climbing high on Mt. Psiloreitis or going down steep gorges such as Kourtaliotiko and Kotsyfou, to end at isolated beaches in the south. Other courses lead to monasteries, such as Arkadi and Vosakos and cross plains scattered with Byzantine country chapels, such as the Amari plain. Follow picture-perfect paths through dense olive groves, reach places affording amazing views, test your stamina in difficult climbs, enjoy lovely landscapes and take a short break in picturesque cafes - you’ll find one in every village.
There are routes recommended for beginners and others for more experienced cyclists. Take your pick among narrow country paved or dirt roads.

Useful information

Paths recommended below follow the region’s terrain. You can either choose to take them as they are or create your own, based on your abilities, stamina and time limits. Each one of the 22 routes on the list include information on the type of path and distance in kilometres. Download the Cycling Routes brochure about Rethymno where apart from the above information you’ll get a good picture of the best sights and villages on your way. There are indicator symbols that describe each place as best as possible.

You will find information on heights, distances measured in kilometres and recommended stops. But safety comes first! So enjoy your bike ride wearing your helmet and carry with you a raincoat as the weather can be unpredictable. Have some concentrated food with you and the phone number of someone you can get help from if anything goes bad.

Route suggestions

Rethymno – Mountros – Argyroupoli - Rethymno, 58 km. / Road Bicycle
Rethymno - Argyroupoli - Rethymno, 48 km. / Road Bicycle
Rethymno - Kastelos, 27 km. / Road Bicycle
Rethymno - Prases, 28 km. / Road & Mountain Bicycle
Rethymno - Karoti, 39 km. / Road Bicycle
Rethymno – Roustika - Bale, 56 km. / Road Bicycle
Argyroupoli – Myriokefala – Asi Gonia, 28 km. / Road & Mountain Bicycle
Rethymno - Arkadi, 47 km. / Road & Mountain Bicycle
Vrysina Route, 48 km. / Road & Mountain Bicycle
Rethymno - Plakias, 42 km. / Road & Mountain Bicycle
Plakias – Kotsifou & Kourtaliotiko Gorges, 37 km. / Road Bicycle
Tour of Plakias, 54 km. / Road & Mountain Bicycle
Tour of Kentros, 47 km. / Road & Mountain Bicycle
Tour of Amari, 71 km. / Road Bicycle
Rethymno – River Dam - Patsos, 30 km. / Road & Mountain Bicycle
Spili - Preveli, 39 km. / Road & Mountain Bicycle
Agia Galini - Triopetra, 58 km / Road & Mountain Bicycle
Panormo – Margarites - Bali, 66 km. / Road Bicycle
Rethymno - Melidoni, 64 km. / Road Bicycle
Platanias – Arkadi - Eleftherna, 53 km. / Road Bicycle
Rethymno – Vosakos Monastery, 47 km. / Road & Mountain Bicycle
Rethymno – Anogeia - Nida, 72 km. / Road Bicycle

You can download the brochure here!
(source:VisitGreece)