Rhodes beautiful Greek island.

Rhodes
 Rhodes owes its name to the mythical nymph Shaves, daughter of Poseidon, God of the sea. She is interested in Elios, the Sun, who, according to mythology, is the protector of Rhodes.
 The island of Rhodes is a small paradise: a strategic position close to the coast of Anatolia, a unique climate with over 300 days of sunshine per year, 1398 sq 90 thousand inhabitants, only a seedbeds, a dreamy landscape distributed tra mare e monti, shoal as Crystal, endless sandy beaches, valleys filled with colorful butterflies.And again, a long 3000 years history in which events and meet the deeds of every kind, from the foundation of the first urban settlements, such as the creation in Lindo, 408 BC, at the northern end of the island, a new polis: Rhodes.
 Every age has left a mark, put a trace in the geography of the island, in the traditions and popular customs.
Discovering the city of Rhodes
Obviously, however, the cultural and artistic hub of the island is Rhodes, the capital. The city of Rhodes can be divided into two distinct parts, the old town, enclosed in walls built by the Knights with the Castle and the new town, largely built after 1912 by the Italians. The old town retains great charm, where there are Byzantine churches, mosques, Arabic baths or Hammam, palaces goticheggianti and some modern building.

Beyond the walls there is the picturesque Marina of Madouk where was the colossus of Rhodes, dedicated to the Sun God. In the new town you recognize the signs of passing Italian, from the Palazzo del Governo, extravagant replica of the Palazzo Ducale in Venice, architectures of many monumental style buildings like the National Theatre.

Excursions, beaches and entertainment on the island of Rhodes

It all makes the island a truly unique place, a cosmopolitan centre of international resonance offers visitors at any time of year plenty of opportunities for fun and recreation.

IXIA: Ixia area is located a few miles from the city of Rhodes. Excellent bus links to the city of Rhodes. The area offers several restaurants and entertainment venues.

FALIRAKI: was originally a small village situated along a sandy beach 5 miles long. The continued development of tourism has now made this area a Center packed with hotels, restaurants, bars and nightclubs.

KALLITHEA: small Cove with sand and rocks about 6 miles from Rhodes, formerly famous for its spa, is a town full of charm and atmosphere.

LINDOSis situated 50 km south of the capital, and is the second city in importance and beauty after Rhodes. Visit theAcropolis, which stands on the Hill at whose foot has developed the village well preserved example of 17th century architecture.
 There are numerous local taverns and shops, which are frequented by day, because at night the area is very quiet.
Beaches of Rhodes.
The sun and sea interacting together influenced Rhodes as on of the Mediterranean's most popular resorts. With its emerald waters, golden sand and pebble beaches together with the cedars and pines of its rich forest grounds and unspoiled natural landscape one can experience its magical spell, a temptation not only for the Greeks but to foreigners alike. The beaches in Rhodes not only attract families and couples but are extremely popular to water sports enthusiasts, beach volley ball and tennis fanatics.
The beaches around the town of Rhodes are home to large hotel units who's guests make up for the majority of sunbathers in this area. On the east coast of the island the beaches are definitely favored by the majority of visitors to the island and are considered the most beautiful. On the south coast the beaches are still under development, and to the west are virtually unspoiled. Our tour will commence from the town of Rhodes and the nearby beaches, proceeding around the island in a clockwise direction along the coastline.
Beaches on the East Coast
The island's best beaches are located along the east coast which offer a wealth of white sandy sheltered beaches with mild to moderate winds. The east coast beaches are more favorable to the avid tourist and are just perfect for families with children.
Beaches on the South Coast
The beaches south of Lindos are far less crowded - Glystra, Pefki and Gennadi are all fine beaches and they're increasing in popularity among summer visitors keen to avoid the busier resort areas.
The 11-kilometre stretch between Gennadi to Plimmyri in the south east corner of the island is an almost uninterrupted beach of pebbles and sand dunes and you'll always be able to find a deserted spot.
Prassonissi, at the south western tip of the island, is a Mecca for windsurfers - the sand spit tethering it to the main part of the island has calm water on the east side while waves as high as two metres break on the west side.
Beaches on the West Coast
The west coast has its own share of frequently visited beaches, the beaches are pebbled and are often subjected to prevailing shore winds when the sea can get very aggressive , which makes swimming virtually impossible during the summer months and is off putting to its visitors. On the contrary though such weather conditions on the west coast appeal to sporting enthusiasts who like extreme water sports, and is considered as a windsurfers paradise.
Rhodes Town beach
One of the most photographed beaches in Greece it still retains something of the cosmopolitan character of the 1970's. It defies one's powers of imagination to conceive what this beach must have seen in all the years since the English writer Lawrence Durrell described it as the finest beach in all the Mediterranean.
The multi-coloured umbrellas, the towering hotels, the Casino and the Aquarium in the background, once a favourite subject for photographers - are now the theme of cult postcards. Hundreds of foreign visitors descend on the beach every day, as well as local people enjoying their midday break - especially before the high season really gets under way. The best spot on the beach is definitely the area in front of the Hotel Mediterranean. On the Aquarium side and on the part known as Elli Beach, you'll find few beach bars near the beach.
Weather
The Island of Rodos has an ideal winter climate and holds the European sunshine record with an average of 330 sunny days per year.

For more information about Rhodes please visit our website http://www.ajbholidays.co.uk/Islands/Rhodes/index.shtml or for Greece http://www.ajbholidays.co.uk/

Kos.Beautiful Greek island.

Kos
Kos is the third largest island of the Dodecanese and one of the largest Greek Islands offering the best combination of beautiful beaches and tourist attractions: archaeological sites, lovely villages, good food.Kos is also famous for its rich history: participated in the Trojan war but also gave birth to one of the most famous of ancient Greeks, Hippocrates, the first physician to use a rational system in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. In his honor after his death was erected here in the sanctuary of Asclepius and was founded an important school of medicine.
 The island's capital, Kos, is located in the northeast coast, and it is of recent construction preserving intact the typical charm of Greek cities. Even if you're staying on the island's beaches, the city deserves a visit: walkable in half a day. The Castle of the Knights (closed on Mondays for visits) is an impregnable fortress built in the 14th century to strengthen the defensive line against the Ottoman advance along with the fortifications of Rhodes and Bodrum
 South of the Castle lies theAncient Agora which houses the ruins of the sanctuary of Aphrodite, the Temple of Hercules and a Christian basilica of the 5th century.
 The most important archaeological site on the island is located about 3 km from Kos town, this is Asklipieion which in antiquity was a sanctuary dedicated to Asclepius, a care centre and a school in which he imparted the teachings of Hippocrates.

Hiking between the villages of Kos

Typically Greek village Mastihari deserves a visit, is full of tavernas and tourist port from which Ferries depart for summer Pothia and other tourist destinations.

On the northern slopes of the mountain chain of Dikeos mountain there are many mountain villages. By Zipari a road towards the Southeast leads to Asfendiou, then at Agios Dimitros, a village, and then to Aunt meta better known but that is certainly worth a visit for the rural landscape and sunsets that you enjoy from there. Northwest of Zia stands Lagoudi, another beautiful village where he spends a few hours, then continue towards Amaniuo and the ruins of the medieval village of Plyi, dominated by a fascinating castle ruin. Besides the ruins of the Castle are worth come up here for a dinner of grilled and mayrefta.

At 43 km from Kos town is Kefalos, a village perched atop a cliff overlooking the beach of Kamari, a very pleasant that lugo has managed to preserve its characteristics.
 From Kamari boats depart to Nisyros.
 The southern peninsula has the most wild and rugged landscape of the island.

The beaches of Kos island

4 km northwest of Kos lies the LambiBeach, very busy, but continuing along the coast for another 6 km you meet the long expanse of Golden Tingaki and Marmarito the less crowded. Other beaches are Psalidi, Agios Fokas and Therma Loutra unique which owes its name to the presence of hot springs that heat the water.

From Antimathia you get to the large Bay of Kefalos where there are seven beaches. The best known is Paradise Beach, less equipped Exotic Beach, the right compromise between the two is called Banana Beach ( Lagada).

From the beach of Agios Stefanos , you can reach the island by swimming where lie the ruins of two basilicas dating to the 5th century.
 About 7 km from Kefalos is the beach of Agios Theologos.

Information about the weather in Kos.
Refreshing breezes and winds blow during the months of July and August, making the summers quite comfortable.

The climate of Kos is similar to the rest of the islands of the Dodecanese, but it is a bit dryer. It is a mild Mediterranean climate characterised by sunny and dry summers and mild winters.
For more information about Kos please visit our website
http://www.ajbholidays.co.uk/Islands/Kos/index.shtml  or any other Greek islands http://www.ajbholidays.co.uk/

Karpathos Greece

Karpathos offers flavours and atmosphere of authentic Greece, hospitable and warm, because so far it has remained on the fringes of the major tourist routes, so a very special charm despite its central location, it is located halfway between Rhodes and Crete.The towns and villages of Karpathos

48 km from North to South, very long compared to a width of just 15 km, the island 301 sq measure has a coastal shoreline of 160 km. On the East Coast a wide Bay welcomes its capital, Karpathos also called Pigadia ; the latter developed only in recent years as it overlooks the colourful fishing harbour, with its taverns, typical restaurants and shops that dot the downtown nightlife of Karpathos. The town grew around the Vrondi Bay, a sandy beach of 4 km is also well-equipped for aquatic sports.

About 8 km south of Pigadia is Amoopi, a beautiful resort with Flash lens and really beautiful beaches. In the less known of the island, about 17 miles from Pigadia, there is the village of Arkasa, which are within easy reach of the most popular beaches by surfers.

In the northern part of the island is Delicate, small port connected by a small road to Olympos, small village perched on a mountain as a medieval castle that preserves ancient costumes and folk traditions which have become the subject of study by many ethnologists.

The southern and the northern part of the island are separated by the mountain range that crosses Karpathos and have evolved independently over the centuries. Still today retain much different features very interesting, take some time to visit the various villages and learn about the history and customs of these places.

Information about the weather in Karpathos
The climate of Karpathos is similar to the rest of the islands of the Dodecanese, but it is a bit dryer. It is a mild Mediterranean climate characterised by sunny and dry summers and mild winters. Refreshing breezes and winds blow during the months of July and August, making the summers quite comfortable.
Beaches of Karpathos
Karpathos has some of the most beautiful beaches in Greece. Sandy or pebbled, with emerald water, they meet all tastes. Many of them, especially on the south western coast, are ideal for windsurfing and an international windsurfing competition is held there every summer.
Apella is among the most picturesque beaches on Karpathos. It is actually a lovely cove with exotic water and luch greenery
Kyra Panagia is a picturesque beach close to Achata. The wild ambience, the exotic water and the soft sand amazes visitors
Achata is a wonderful and calm beach with white pebbles and sand. The waters in Achata have an amazing and attractive green colour.
Pigadia,This beautiful beach has sandy coast and clean water. It is organized with sun beds and umbrellas and nice fish taverns line the coast
Megali Amopi is a clean and pebbled beach close to Amopi village. Part of this coast is organized.


Karpathos Greece.

For more information about Karpathos visit our website http://www.ajbholidays.co.uk/Islands/Karpathos/index.shtml  or for any other Greek island http://www.ajbholidays.co.uk/

Kalymnos Greece travel guide

Kalymnos
Of the eighteen islands of Dodecanese Kalymnos is one of the less touristy, partly due to the character of its inhabitants and back in part to the fact that it is devoted to tourism only in recent years when the traditional fishing for sponges, prevalent activity of its inhabitants, has become less profitable and is slowly disappearing
Free climbing to peak on the sea to Kalymnos

This is a place for anyone who loves traditions, excellent cuisine and a wild and uncontaminated natural environment. But is the 1997 year of breakthrough for this tiny island that in a few years has become a true temple of climbing so that every year takes place a climbing meeting during which are new pathways and spiked cliffs.

Cities and excursions on the island of Kalymnos
Port and capital of Kalymnos is Pothias prepared amphitheatrically in a Bay on the South coast, a true spectacle with its pastel and classical lines. It is a fairly large town by the standards of the Dodecanese, and perhaps this is cheerfully chaotic, it's worth a visit even if you prefer the peace of mind because this is the true Center of the island. After a visit to Pothia you can continue North to see a series of villages very close together. On the road to Horio you will find ruins of the castle of the Knights of St. John and inside a church. From Horio you can pay a visit to Pera Kastro, a village with remains of ancient stone houses, from where you can enjoy a beautiful landscape. Views and panoramas to Panormos, a village 5 km from Pothia. From here you can walk to the sandy beaches of Kandouni, Linaria and Platys Gialos. Always from Panormos you can decide to continue towards the West Coast towards three neighbors: Myrties beach of dark sand Masouri and Armeos, with beautiful coasts. Here is much of the island's seashore.

The beaches of Kalymnos and other routes

By Masouri is a beautiful scenic coastal road until Emborios where found a pleasant beach of sand and pebbles. Recommend an excursion on the island of Telendos: quiet, almost entirely devoid of traffic and with a small village on the pier. In addition to the remains of a Paleochristian basilica the attractiveness of the island are the beaches, we announce the Hohlakas Beach, near the pier, and Paradise Beach North of Telendos, which is frequented by nudists.

For those looking for tranquility can be found at Vathy, 13 km northeast of Pothia, where a fiord between cliffs sneaks and a network of paths through citrus groves. From the port of Vathy you can also take a water taxi to the nearby coves.
Much of Kalymnos is barren and inhospitable. The scarred cliffs make it very popular with mountaineers who arrive in droves each year.
There is a limited number of Kalymnos resorts to enjoy with the main tourist strip in the west very busy while the east is virtually uninhabited.
The best Kalymnos beaches are on the west coast and most have been monopolised by hotel companies.

Kalymnos Weather
The climate of Kalymnos is the same as in all the other islands of the Dodecanese. It is a mild Mediterranean climate characterised by sunny and dry summers and mild winters.
Refreshing breezes and winds are blowing during the months of July and August, making the temperatures must bearable.Humidity is of course quite high and heavy rains can occur during the months of winter and autumn.

 If you are intrested in holidays to Kalimnos or any other Greek island please visit our website
http://www.ajbholidays.co.uk/  or for Kalimnos http://www.ajbholidays.co.uk/Islands/Kalimnos/index.shtml

Schinoussa,Small Cyclades islands Greece.

Schinoussa
Schinoussa is a small island of the Cyclades, with an area of 9.5 km2. Part of the Eastern Cyclades and lies to the South of Naxos and northeast of Irakleia. The population of the island is 206 residents (in winter).

The island maintains its Cycladic culture. The houses of Chora, one of the biggest settlements of the island, are built on a slight elevation. Messaria, is the second big settlement of the island and abstains 3 km from Chora. The island’s harbour is Mersini, and abstains 1,2 km from Chora.
The two villages of Messaria and Mersini are very pretty and are well worth visiting, where you can enjoy a walk around the streets and enjoy the peaceful and relaxing scenery and views.
The lanscape of Schinoussa is very beautiful and from the various hills on the island, you can enjoy the panoramic views stretching out over the blue waters of the Aegean.

It is advised to book ahead for your accommodation if you are planning to visit the island. There is limited accommodation available in Schinoussa, and the summer months are usually full so book early to avoid disappointment.

Schinoussas History
Many people say that Sxoinoussa owes her name to the plant junipers (in Greek, schoinos) shrubs covering the island. A second version says that the island took his name from the Venetian noble Schinoza.
Discoveries on the island testify that the island has been inhabited since antiquity with a big involvement in the creation of the First-Cycladic civilization that developed around neighbouring Keros.
Ruins are still visible on the island from destroyed temples and a lot of ceramic discoveries, elements that show that during the Byzantine years the island flourished commercial.
Schinoussa accepted raids from pirates, as most of Cyclades, fact which forced a lot of residents of the island to abandon their homes. The island has been continuously inhabited since the mid-19th century when it was settled by families from Amorgos.
Schinoussa is an ideal destination for relaxation. The visitors of the island can enjoy the calmness of the landscapes that spurts through the light blue beaches of the island. The hospitality of residents gives warmth to visitors, who enjoy the natural beauties of the island. In the past few years the island shows an increase in tourism and is able to satisfy its visitors.
You can travel from Piraeus port to Mersini with 7-9 hours travel time. The island is connected coastal with Naxos with daily itineraries and the inner Cycladic line connects Syros with Schinoussa with travel duration of 9 hours.


Beaches and walks on Schinoussa island
The main village is Panagia island or "Chora", charming village houses decorated with white bougainvillea. There is almost traffic, few people and quiet life are the main features of this relatively Green Island.

The beaches are all within walking distance, the important thing is to start early to avoid the hottest hours of the day. The most famous is Psilì Ammos a sandy beach, approximately 60 m long, turquoise sea and a few trees. It is approximately 2.8 km from Chora (about 30-35 minutes of walk) and 450 m from Mersini (the port of the island). On the beach there are bars or other services for every need we must therefore return to Mersini.

The Tsigouri Beach is the closest to the city, is a beautiful long beach (350 m) partially equipped with deckchairs and sunshades, a few bars and a shop.

The Livadi Beach (250 m long) is a fine sandy beach and is situated about 850 metres from Chora. Also here are a couple of bars and some shops.

Aligaria is approximately 1700 m from Chora, here the sea is really charming, but the way to get there is quite difficult. Also the lack of trees (and shadow) makes this uncomfortable beach.

Piso Ammos (or Mersini) is 60 m long and lies behind the port therefore is quite popular. The proximity to the port makes this the best beach to enjoy the last dip in the sea of Schinoussa waiting for the ferry. Also nearby are various bars and souvenir shops.

The other beaches are Gagavi (or 2 Aligaria), Kambos (or 3 Aligaria), Lioliou, Bazaiou, Foudana, Fikio, Almyros, Avlaki tou papa, Gerolimnionas, Sifneiko and Fidou (frequented by nudists).

In Schinoussa there is plenty to do, if you don't spend whole days in complete relaxation and absolute peace … a little paradise, for a holiday far away from the usual tourist.
SCHINOUSA SIGHTSEEING
You can make a tour to the island and visit one of the main sights of the island, the church of Eisodia Theotokou in the area of Chora. Inside the temple you can see the icon of Panagia Akathis, which is believed to have miraculous powers.
The church of Eyaggelismos is located in the traditional settlement of Messaria.

Weather on Schinoussa is the typical weather of all Cyclades islands. The best time to visit is certainly summer, when the
One of most important sights of the island is the Pirate’s Cave located at the road leading to the port.
sun is shining for 15 hours a day. Temperatures can be very hot in summer reaching even 40 degrees, but a soft breeze blows in the afternoon and makes the amosphere more comfortable.
In autumn, temperatures are lower and some light showers fall. In winter, the wind blows very strong but it rarely snows. In spring, the nature blossoms again and temperature varies

For more information about Schinoussa please visit our website http://www.ajbholidays.co.uk/Islands/Schinoussa/indes.shtml

Donoussa.Small and beautiful Greek island.

Donoussa
Donoussa is the eastern most island of the small Cyclades, is a small island of 13 sq kmand is inhabited by about 160 people and is located 9 miles from Naxos. It is surroundedby rocks and islets and is reachable by ferry from the island of Naxos and Amorgos.
There are 5 villages in the island, Stavros center and main port of the island is thelargest. It is a handful of white houses gathered around a church near a pleasant bay.Immediately behind the marina is the promenade with a few taverns, a travel agency,souvenir shops and a dozen of little guesthouses

In the island there are also a few small villages inhabited by some families of shepherdsanchors: Troulos, Messaria, and Mersini Kalotaritissa.Beaches and trails on the island of Donoussa
For walkers we point out the trail that runs around the island and in a few hours reachesall these four villages and beaches of the island.Excursion caiques run trips from the harbour along the coast to even more delectable, and even less frequented, sandy beaches There are a few tavernas in Agios Stavros, though they may not all be open outside high season. Donoussa is, however, becoming noticeably busier in the summer months, partly because of greatly improved sea connections over the last couple of years. So far that probably counts as a plus, not minus, point.
The beaches are famous're ready to that of Stavros, Kedros, Bruising and Kalotaritissa.
Also along the coast, there are many small bays to explore.
The ship sank in Kedros is not exactly amazing but the only attraction on this small andquiet.
Donoussa is an ideal island for relaxing or for walking and hiking in nature.

The weather of Donousa is typical to the rest of the Cyclades islands. The summer season is hot and dry while the winters are relatively mild.
The island of Donousa enjoys bright sunny days through out the year but sometimes it gets very windy.
 A few rains fall in summer and most of the rain falls in autumn and the winter months.
 The hottest months are June, July and August with temperatures rising up to 40oC in midday. In the afternoon, a light breeze makes the atmosphere more comfortable.
The coldest months are January and February. The temperature in winter rarely falls under 0oC and it also rarely snows.

Town of Donoussa: Donousa village is the capital of the island and is also called Stavros. The village is close to one of the most beautiful beaches on the island.
Though the island of Donousa is very small and sparsely populated, the cheerful and vibrant spirit of the inhabitants is surely going to take your heart. A nice walk around the village will give you the opportunity to explore some natural beauties and nice architectural monuments, such as the church of the Holy Cross, the patron church of the island.
Although Donousa seems to be a small village, it is decked with all the necessary amenities required by tourists. There are taverns, mini market, bakeries, cafes, bars and accommodation facilities available in the village.

 For more information about Donoussa please visit our website http://www.ajbholidays.co.uk/Islands/Donoussa/index.shtml