Tag: gf_greece
Spinalónga, Lasithi, Greece
Spinalonga was fortified by the Venetians to defend the very popular port of Elounda from pirates and the Ottoman empire forces that had already invaded Cyprus at that time
Spinalónga, Lasithi, Greece
Spinalonga was not always an island. It was part of Spinalonga peninsula but in 1526 Venetians curve it in order to create this small islet for fortifying purposes. The distance between the peninsula and Spinalonga is 170 meters
Spinalónga, Lasithi, Greece
The official name of Spinalonga is Kalydon, but not many people use this name. There is a confusion about the name of Spinalonga which also is used for the peninsula (the large Spinalonga) near the islet. The name Spinalonga created during the Venetians era and although it can been translated from Latin as a long thorn (suitable for the shape of the peninsula) the name origin is different. Locals used to refer to the peninsula as 'stin elounda' which means 'to Elounda' and as Venetians where not able to understand this phrase they familiarized it in their own language. So, the name Spinalonga created
Spinalónga, Lasithi, Greece
Next to the town Plaka, a small island named Spinalonga is located in the Gulf of Elounda, in Lasithi. Spinalonga became the home of lepers for more that 50 years
Oía, Kikladhes, Greece
A common question that everyone makes when visiting Thira and Oia, is where are the houses with the blue roof. The truth is that only a few churches have a blue rooftop and most of them are in Oia. The misconception of the blue and white houses is due to the iconic picture from Oia of the three blue domes church with a view to caldera. The pictures of this church have become the brand of Santorini. The same church photographed from different angles is used on almost all brochures or websites advertising Greece and Santorini.
Santorini caldera
A must-have experience while you are in Santorini is to book one of the tours with the small ships and cruise around caldera, either to watch the sunset or visit the hot springs and the volcano. If you are into photography you will not regret it.
Kamari
Santorini's architectural design patterns include the creation of buildings with domes. These domes serve two purposes. First, the forces of the weight of the roof is uniformly distributed to the earth which makes the building less prone to earthquake and secondly, a domed roof design allows better wind flow.
Fanari Restaurant @ Santorini
A way to enjoy sunset in Thira and Oia is to visit one of the numerous taverns amd restaurants. They can be quite expensive but the view is actually worth it. Spend some time to find the best possible spot for your lunch during afternoon and be sure to go there at least one and a half hour before sunset.
