Holiday Season “City Breaks”

As we enter the holiday season, we propose a holiday option entirely different from the typical getaways to the Greek countryside or islands; we recommend urban tourism, globally known as City Breaks, for a few pleasurable days in one of the many urban centers of the country!

For those who haven’t had the chance to experience an “urban experience” or are not familiar with the “city break” concept, it’s worth mentioning that the trend of urban tourism is growing worldwide due to its role in separating “seasonality” with tourism (especially important for countries like Greece). Urban tourism responds to the expectations of a new, international tourist generation who seeks high quality services in conjunction with unique points of interest within urban centers.

Why not spend the holidays checking out some of this year’s festive atmosphere in the beautiful cities of Greece that boast a variety of attractions, unique character and well-known hospitality?

Here are a few of our favorite spots:

• Volos, known for the ship Argo from Greek Mythology and as the birthplace of the artist Giorgio de Chirico. Full of of neoclassical and industrial buildings, the Rooftile and Brickworks Museum, tsipouro places and Greek delicacy taverns!
• Thessaloniki, “the Nymph of Thermaikos Gulf” with the White Tower and Aristotelous Square, the walls, the magnificent museums and the countless cultural treasures, the lively nightlife and its special culinary identity.
• Ioannina, the city home to the enchanting Pamvotis Lake, the Castle, the folklore workshops and the impressive museums; this beautiful city in Epirus with the famous Island in its Lake.
• Kavala, “the Princess of Macedonia”, a city filled with colors and the aroma of life! A picturesque harbor, the traditional village of Panagia, the medieval citadel-castle, the renowned Imaret property and the Tobacco Museum.
• Kalamata, with its castle of “Princess Isabeau” about which a novel was written by Angelos Terzakis! It’s a fascinating historical center, well-preserved neoclassical buildings, the beautiful waterfront, it is a venue of cultural and artistic expression.
• Kastoria, the city known for Orestiada Lake, the prominent mansions at Doltso and Apozari districts, its many Byzantine and post-Byzantine churches, the Cave of the Dragon, and all the natural wonders of the coastal areas.
• Nafplion, with its romantic atmosphere and traditional character! Elegant neoclassical buildings, Syntagma Square, the historic St. Spyridon Church, Palamidi, Akronafplia and Bourtzi water castle.
• Sparta, with its significant historic heritage, the archaeological sites are of great interest, the Koumantarios Art Gallery, the Museum of the Olive and Greek Olive Oil and the famous castle-town of Mystras situated just a few miles away.
• Khalkis, home of the Euripus canal and its peculiar tidal phenomenon! See the Old and New Bridge, majestic temples, neoclassical mansions, the “Red House” of Mallios family, the Castle of Karababa, enjoy the many ouzo places and Greek delicacy taverns.
• Chania, its magical and unique cultural identity! Must-sees include the Venetian harbor, historic districts, the Public Market and Public Gardens, the Municipal Gallery, the Historical Archive of Crete, and Archaeological and Maritime Museum.

Photos Courtesy of Vangelis Stergiopoulos