Greek tourism workshop showcases Greece in the Czech Republic

The event, which was held at the GRAND MAJESTIC hotel in the center of Prague, took place between Greek tourism enterprises and destinations and key travel agents, and was held under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Rural Development and Food, and the Embassy of Greece in Prague.

The strong interest in Greece was confirmed by the presence of leading tour operators and travel agents, including Der Touristik CZ, CORAL TRAVEL, CK Experitour s.r.o., and Blue Style, a.s.

The Honored Region was the Region of Eastern Macedonia & Thrace, while the Region of Central Macedonia, the Region of Crete, and hotel units from across Greece also participated.

The workshop was honored by the presence of the Ambassador of Greece in Prague, Mr. Athanasios Paresoglou, who delivered a greeting, as well as the Director of the GNTO Office in Poland and the Czech Republic, Ms. Nikoleta Nikolopoulou, who presented significant data regarding inbound tourism from the Czech Republic.

Following the B2B meetings, presentations were held by Ms. Patty Konstantinidou, member of the Tourism Promotion Team of the Region of Eastern Macedonia & Thrace; Ms. Aikaterini Kollia from the Tourism Promotion and Marketing Department of the Region of Central Macedonia; Dr. Kyriakos Kotsoglou, Deputy Regional Governor of Tourism & E-Governance of the Region of Crete; and Ms. Lena Stefanoudaki, Head of Business Support of the Heraklion Chamber of Commerce.

After the presentations, participants of the Greek Tourism Workshop had the opportunity to enjoy Greek cuisine at the hotel’s signature restaurant.

It is noted that the upcoming events of Tourism Media & Events focused on the promotion of Greek tourism will take place in Copenhagen on March 21, 2024, in Kuwait on April 16, 2024, in Cairo on April 23, 2024, in Tokyo on May 28, 2024, in Utrecht on October 24, 2024, in Chicago (USA) on November 20–21, 2024, and in Poland on December 9–10, 2024.

 

Greece’s strong presence in Stockholm

The Greek Tourism Workshop, the premier promotional event for Greek tourism in the Swedish market, organized by Tourism Media & Events, was successfully completed on Tuesday, February 6th. The event brought together Greek tourism businesses and destinations with leading Swedish travel agents and industry professionals. It took place at KASTRO restaurant, in the heart of Solna, Stockholm’s fastest-growing business district.

Interest in the 2024 tourist season was exceptionally high, with Swedish participants—tour operators and media representatives—showing particular attention to the destinations and hotels that took part in the event. This enthusiasm lays the foundation for a highly positive outlook for the year ahead.

The event was held under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Rural Development and Food.

The Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace was the Honored Region, while the Region of Central Macedonia, the Region of Crete, and hotel units from all over Greece also participated.

The workshop was honored by the presence of Mr. Pavlos Olziersky, Economic and Commercial Affairs Counselor of the Embassy of Greece in Sweden, who delivered a welcome address, praising the initiative and highlighting its potential in promoting Greek tourism in the Swedish market. Also attending was Ms. Vasiliki Tsiouplaki, Member of the Swedish Parliament.

Following the B2B meetings, the event included presentations by Ms. Patty Konstantinidou, member of the Tourism Promotion Team of the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, Ms. Marianna Skoularika from the Tourism Office of the Regional Unit of Kilkis (Region of Central Macedonia), and Dr. Kyriakos Kotsoglou, Deputy Regional Governor for Tourism & Digital Governance of the Region of Crete.

At the conclusion of the B2B sessions, participants of the Greek Tourism Workshop had the opportunity to enjoy an exceptional wine tasting experience featuring selected Greek wines from the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace.

It is worth noting that the upcoming events by Tourism Media & Events, aimed at promoting Greek tourism, will take place in Copenhagen on March 21, 2024, in Kuwait on April 16, 2024, in Cairo on April 23, 2024, in Tokyo on May 28, 2024, in Utrecht on October 24, 2024, in Chicago (USA) on November 20–21, 2024, and in Poland on December 9–10, 2024.

 

Greece among the top holiday choices for Hungarians in 2024

The Greek–Hungarian Tourism Workshop, a flagship event promoting Greek tourism in the Hungarian market, was successfully completed last Wednesday. Organized by Tourism Media & Events, the workshop brought together Greek tourism businesses and destinations with Hungary’s leading travel agents at the prestigious 5-star Parisi Udvar Hotel in the heart of Budapest.

Interest in the 2024 tourism season was exceptionally high, with Hungarian agents showing close attention to the participating destinations and hotels — a promising sign for a particularly strong year ahead.

According to data from Hungary’s Central Statistical Office, the number of Hungarian visitors to Greece continues to rise. From 115,000 travelers in 2014, the figure surpassed 369,000 in 2019, reaching similar levels again in 2023.

A total of 39 Hungarian travel agents participated, alongside nine Greek destinations and tourism enterprises. The event was held under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Rural Development and Food.

The honored region for this year was Eastern Macedonia & Thrace, joined by the Regions of Central Greece and Crete, as well as hotel units from across the country.

The workshop was honored by the presence and greeting of Mr. Doukas Marinopoulos, Economic and Commercial Affairs Counsellor of the Embassy of Greece in Hungary, who emphasized the Embassy’s active role in promoting Greek tourism in the Hungarian market.

Following the B2B meetings, the program featured presentations by Ms. Patty Konstantinidou, Member of the Tourism Promotion Team of Eastern Macedonia & Thrace; Ms. Marianna Liaskou, Head of Tourism of the Region of Central Greece; and Dr. Kyriakos Kotsoglou, Deputy Regional Governor of Tourism & e-Governance of the Region of Crete.

After the completion of the B2B sessions, participants of the Greek Tourism & Gastronomy Workshop enjoyed an exquisite wine-tasting experience featuring fine Greek wines from Eastern Macedonia & Thrace.

 

Upcoming events by Tourism Media & Events promoting Greek tourism are scheduled in Nicosia (January 17, 2024), Stockholm (February 6, 2024), Prague (February 8, 2024), Copenhagen (March 21, 2024), Kuwait (April 15, 2024), Cairo (April 23, 2024), New York (May 14, 2024), Tokyo (May 28, 2024), Utrecht (October 24, 2024), Chicago, USA (November 20–21, 2024), and Poland (December 9–10, 2024).

Polish travelers keep Greece among their top picks for 2024

The Greek–Polish Tourism and Gastronomy Workshop successfully concluded last Wednesday, marking a major promotional event for Greek tourism in the Polish market. Organized by Tourism Media & Events, the workshop brought together Greek tourism enterprises and destinations with leading Polish tour operators at one of Warsaw’s most popular new venues, the ADN Conference Center.

Interest in the 2024 tourism season was exceptionally strong, with Polish agents showing remarkable enthusiasm for new destinations — a promising indicator for another highly positive year ahead.

From Poland, 49 travel agents participated, while the Greek delegation included 20 destinations and tourism businesses. The event was held under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Rural Development and Food, and the Embassy of Greece in Poland.

The honored region was Crete, joined by the Regions of Eastern Macedonia & Thrace, Central Macedonia, and Attica, as well as the Municipalities of Rethymno, Paros, and Katerini. Aegean Airlines served as the Official Air Carrier Sponsor, with additional support from Sky Express, Goldair Handling, Fraport Greece, Helexpo S.A., the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels, and the Heraklion Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The workshop was honored by the presence of H.E. Ms. Nikki H. Kambas, Ambassador of Greece to Poland, who addressed the event, along with Ms. Nikoletta Nikolopoulou, Director of the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) Office in Poland. Ms. Nikolopoulou presented important data on inbound tourism from Poland in 2023 and shared optimistic forecasts for 2024.

Following the series of B2B meetings, presentations were given by Dr. Kyriakos Kotsoglou, Deputy Regional Governor of Tourism & e-Governance (Region of Crete); Mr. Leonidas Tsiantis from the Tourism Planning and Coordination Department (Region of Central Macedonia); Ms. Maria Pantelous from the Tourism Promotion Department (Region of Attica); Ms. Patty Konstantinidou from the Tourism Promotion Team (Region of Eastern Macedonia & Thrace); Mr. George Baliouskas, B2B Sales & Distribution Director (Sky Express); and Ms. Lena Stefanoudaki, Business Support Officer (Heraklion Chamber of Commerce and Industry).

Upcoming events by Tourism Media & Events promoting Greek tourism are scheduled in Budapest (January 10, 2024), Nicosia (January 17, 2024), Stockholm (February 6, 2024), Prague (February 8, 2024), and Copenhagen (March 21, 2024).

“Lesvos island, a paradise all year round”

“Lesvos island, a paradise all year round”

Lesvos has the energy to inspire you, to make you look deep inside yourself and reinvent yourself.

Such is the magnificence of this piece of land, a true Aegean mosaic with many hidden secrets that will amaze you again and again as you discover them one by one…

Lesvos is truly a hidden gem of the Aegean, waiting for you to uncover it. Starting from Mythimna, or as it is called today, Molyvos, our journey on Lesvos began with eight journalists from some of Greece’s leading media outlets.

Arrival in Mytilene, the capital of the island

The undisputed hallmark of Mytilene’s architectural identity is the exquisite mansions that adorn the town, testimony to the economic prosperity of the past. Most of them were built at the end of the 18th and the beginning of the 19th century by wealthy merchants, who, taking advantage of the island’s key commercial position between East and West, accumulated great wealth through their trading activities.

Visit to Mantamados

The charming village of Mantamados lies on the northeastern side of the island, in a valley not visible from the sea, 37 kilometers north of Mytilene. It was created by the merging of several coastal settlements in the area, as a result of repeated pirate raids during the Middle Ages.

Mantamados is renowned for its excellent agricultural and livestock products, as well as its dairy products such as Ladotyri, Graviera, fresh Myzithra and Feta cheese, and yogurt prepared in the authentic way in traditional clay pots, known as “gragoudes.” In addition, it is a famous center for pottery and folk art.

Walking through the streets of Mantamados, we discovered traditional pottery shops with potters working at their wheels, creating or painting new works of art in their renowned workshops.

Stop at the Monastery of Saint Raphael
Built on the olive-covered hill of Karyes, it is one of the island’s best-known places of worship. The present monastery was constructed in the 1960s on the foundations of an older one, which had operated during two different periods of the Byzantine era and was completely destroyed by the Ottomans in 1463.
https://www.ieramoni-agiou-rafail.gr/

Visit to the Monastery of Taxiarchis

Legend has it that the old monastery was looted by Saracen pirates towards the end of the first millennium. All the monks were slaughtered, except for a novice, Gabriel. As the pirates were leaving, the novice climbed onto the roof of the monastery to make sure they were gone. However, they spotted him from afar and returned to kill him.

At this point in the story, the Archangel Michael performed his miracle. The roof of the church turned into a stormy sea, and the Archangel’s sword burst into flames as his fearsome form appeared. His sudden apparition terrified the Saracens, who fled in fear, allowing the young monk to survive. Out of deep reverence, the novice collected the soil soaked with the blood of his martyred brothers, made clay, and crafted a relief icon depicting the gentle face of the Archangel. Its dark, blood-red hue has remained unchanged and vivid to this day, defying the passage of time and decay, as it can still be seen displayed inside the church.
https://www.taxiarhismantamadou.gr/

Coffee and loukoumades in the courtyard of the Monastery of Taxiarchis

“1st Rovies Food Fest: Flavors with a Story to Tell”

“1st Rovies Food Fest: Flavors with a Story to Tell”

 

Have you ever visited Rovies in Northern Evia? You should! Recently, the first Rovies Food Fest took place, a unique gastronomic celebration that showcased aspects of a lesser-known yet rich production and culinary tradition, blended with innovative activities, history, and the serene landscapes of Rovies in Northern Evia.

Visitors enjoyed unique experiences, which are now offered on a regular basis, making Rovies and the surrounding area a place every traveler should explore.

Treasures of the Evoikos Gulf

The Argonauta Diving Resort organized a dive into the rich seabed of the Evoikos Gulf, as well as a sea-to-table tasting experience after learning about the principles of marine sustainability and protection.

Right there on the shore, we prepared sea urchin salad and sea bass fillet carpaccio with local thyme, lemon, and olive oil. At the same time, at the new seaside restaurant Anemoia Evia, where the experience took place, delicacies from the Evoikos such as the famous crayfish and fresh fish were served.

The Cuisine of Poverty: Nettle Pie and Fried Bread of Rovies

In the seaside garden of Anemoia, we heard about the cuisine of poverty in the area: the meals of workers at the paper factory and the olive harvest, as well as the food of everyday life, always adapted to local conditions. So, in spring when eggs were plentiful, the table featured kourkouto, while from autumn onwards there was fried bread (tiganokouloura), presented by Mrs. Stavroula Georgiou Yiamali.

At the same time, the veteran cook Mrs. Vasiliki (Koula) Georgiou presented a forgotten recipe with Byzantine roots, symbolic of the social changes of the past century: nettle pie.

The Nectar of Northern Evia

FaMelaki by Gogos Passas and Nikos Afendras, together with beekeepers Vangelis and Panagiotis Dimou, Maria Argyriou, and Giorgos Palaiologos, guided us through the history of honey production in Northern Evia: from the time when producers from all over Greece came to the region, to the present day – after the wildfires but with new products.

We took part in a unique honey tasting of five distinct varieties: oak, pine, heather, anise-fennel (on its way to PDO status), and wildflower honey from blossoms that grew out of the ashes (as well as pollen from them). In the final part of the experience, we tried iced tea with two different honeys, discovering how each one changed the color and flavor of the infusion, and cut honeycomb that we tasted alongside local chilled tsipouro by the sunset at the restaurant Paralia Pine & Sea.

From Pasture to Plate – The Meats of Rovies

Butcher Vasilis Kyriakou (Karelas), a fourth-generation butcher, spoke about local meats from Rovies and the wider region and demonstrated meat cutting with the participation of the attendees. Along with the demonstration, we learned about the famous recipe for orange-scented sausage passed down through generations. Everything was grilled at the tavernas (Mylonas & Tachtsoglou) in Rovies’ main square and shared.

Olive Oil Tasting

Apostolos Doumas, a Greek merchant from Odessa, bought from the Ottomans a vast area of wild land around Rovies in Evia. This marked the beginning, in 1833, of the modern history of the Olive Grove. The land remained uncultivated until 1914, when 17-year-old Antonis Papadopoulos, descendant of Apostolos Doumas, took over. Son of Apostolos Papadopoulos and Anna Melas (sister of the well-known Macedonian fighter Pavlos Melas), Antonis was married to Alexandra, daughter of Stefanos and the national writer Penelope Delta.

“Forward, and only forward” was his motto. He built bridges, opened roads, constructed warehouses and tanks for water, olives, and oil. He studied the processing of green olives and began experiments to combat the olive fly. Remarkably, in 1959 he built the “Research Station” in Rovies, where agronomists worked year-round, and in the 1960s he began studying organic cultivation, which his descendants continue today.

At the estate of Stefanos Valli, a presentation was held on the factors that influence the quality of olive oil, such as the variety, soil, harvest time, as well as the mill and storage. There was also a tasting of three olive oils to recognize aroma, the intensity of bitter and spicy flavors, as well as any defects.

Main Event

And then came the day of the main event… The day when the stories nostalgically shared by older locals about past decades were brought back to life – times when neighborhoods and families gathered to eat together in nature. In the historic olive grove by the sea, a grand picnic was set up, with the active women of the Rovies Cultural Association sharing their favorite local recipes with the attendees: chickpeas with manestra, cheese pies, anchovies marinated in vinegar and salt, loukoumades with honey and pollen, among others. Guests who came with their own baskets also offered something of their own.

Everyone pitched in, and together we made a salad with whatever vegetables and fruits were in season, dressed with honey, extra virgin olive oil, and pomegranate vinegar (Stagones), along with olives from the Rovies Agricultural Cooperative.

The festival took place with the presence of seven distinguished media outlets, following an invitation from the Municipality of Mantoudi-Limni-Agia Anna and the Rovies Trade Association.

Mesolonghi, a destination for unique experiential travel

Mesolonghi, a destination for unique experiential travel

Mesolonghi stands as a monument of history and culture, a symbol of Greece’s freedom.

It is a flat city, ideal for walking and cycling, situated among the largest continuous lagoon in Greece. It combines mountain and sea activities at very close distances and with varying degrees of difficulty.

It has distinctive gastronomic traits, is suitable for family getaways, and lies close to major cities with easy access.

The heroic exodus of besieged civilians and fighters in April 1826, a milestone in global military history, led to the city being declared sacred by decree in 1937.

The Mesolonghi lagoon is one of the largest wetlands in the Mediterranean. Formed over the last 10,000 years, it extends from the slopes of Varasova to the Ambracian Gulf, along a 50 km coastal front. It is among Greece’s most important wetlands and is protected by the Ramsar Convention. Over 200 bird species find refuge here.

Starting from SOCRATES ORGANIC VILLAGE WILD OLIVE (http://socratesorganicvillage.gr/el-GR/), our journey in Mesolonghi began.

SOCRATES ORGANIC VILLAGE WILD OLIVE is an organic olive farm in the Agrilia area of Mesolonghi, just 3 km from the historic city, perched on a hillside surrounded by the lush slopes of Arakynthos, with a wonderful panoramic view of the surrounding hills and the unique Mesolonghi Lagoon, offering an escape from urban chaos into a serene natural environment.

Discussion with the MESOLLONGHI BY LOCALS team and presentation of the activity “Carving the Fisherman’s Life.”

The experiences designed and implemented by Messolonghi by Locals were developed through participatory processes and direct collaboration with local professionals, entities, and businesses, aimed at the sustainable development of the region and the promotion of its intangible and tangible cultural heritage. More at https://messolonghibylocals.com/ti-kanoume/

Visit to the Garden of Heroes

The tour was conducted by certified guide Georgios Apostolakos.

The Garden of Heroes lies at the entrance of the northern side of the city. It covers almost fourteen acres where fighters of the garrison of the Holy City of Mesolonghi fought and were buried during the War of Independence.

At the center stands the monument of Markos Botsaris, a copy by Georgios Bonakos from the French sculptor David d’Angers, and the statue of the British philhellene Lord Byron, created by Georgios Vitalis.

Today, about 70 monuments of Greeks and Philhellenes, as well as crosses, busts, and statues of those fallen for the independence of Mesolonghi, are found in the Garden of Heroes. Its monuments are of great historical and artistic significance.

Lunch at the “Toulida” Fish Tavern, https://tourlis.gr

In the heart of Greece’s largest lagoon lies the Toulida Fish Tavern. A unique culinary experience where we enjoyed seafood of exceptional quality in an atmosphere of peace and harmony.

Visit to Kleisova’s Divari

The Kleisova lagoon forms the southeastern edge of the greater Mesolonghi-Aetoliko Lagoon ecosystem, covering an area of approximately 2,500 hectares.

Fishing in the “pelades” (traditional fishing nets) with the President of the Fishing Cooperative “Anagenissi,” Mr. Aristidis Mantzouratos.

The small fishing cooperative “Anagenissi” has achieved an important milestone: securing the Protected Designation of Origin for the Mesolonghi bottarga.

Boat ride in Kleisova. A traditional “gaita” boat trip and environmental tour

The tour of Kleisova lagoon is a unique experience. Guided by geologist-environmentalist and Messolonghi by Locals collaborator Ms. Sisia Roussi, we explored the lagoon’s rare ecosystem. Boarding the keel-less boat that comes from ancient times, we traveled among the Dalmatian pelicans, learned about the history, and experienced the magic of the city born from water.

Filleting and curing demonstration

 

Followed by a traditional fishing dinner beside the net accompanied by the unique local ouzo TRIKENE.

 

At the port of Mesolonghi, the Kapourdelis family briefed us about their fishing tourism activity aboard their boat, a unique experiential offering.

The family’s fishing boat “LAMBRINI” is one of the few offering unforgettable experiences of fishing and cooking the catch on board.

 

Visit to Pleurona

Ancient Pleurona, with its impressive wall, was one of the largest Aetolian cities. Nearby and adjacent to the wall lies the small theater, originally used as a council chamber. The panoramic view over the lagoon, across the Peloponnesian coasts and the mouth of the Acheloos, is unique. The stage building’s connection to the wall and defensive tower—once used as actors’ dressing rooms—adds important architectural interest.

The ancient theater was recently restored and re-opened on August 31, 2023.

The realization of the project crowns the long and extensive works to enhance the archaeological site of Pleurona from 2002 to today, through successive co-funded European Programs (3rd CSF and NSRF), making the ancient city one of the most organized archaeological sites in Aetolia-Acarnania.

Visit to the Salt Museum and guided tour by Director Ms. Despina Kanelli

Our journey concluded with another gastronomic meal at “Alatiera

 

Municipality of Karystos: A Destination for 365 Days a Year

Municipality of Karystos: A Destination for 365 Days a Year

Starting from Marmari, a picturesque fishing village just a breath away from Attica, only an hour from the port of Rafina, the journey of the press team from 10 leading Greek media began.

Tour of the Dragonhouses, one of archaeology’s most intriguing mysteries.

Legend says that the Dragonhouses were built by the Dryopes, who arrived in the area after being driven out of Central Greece by Hercules. According to one of the most widely accepted scientific theories, they were sanctuaries of Zeus and Hera.

Ascent to Castello Rosso

Just outside Karystos, about 4 km away, stands Castello Rosso at the foot of Mount Ochi. Its name comes from the reddish schist in the area, used in its construction. It was built in 1205 by the Latins following their conquest of Euboea, at the site where Karystos’ ancient acropolis once stood. The castle is ideal for nature walks. From above, it overlooks the bay of Karystos, while rare plants grow and beautiful birds nest in its crumbling walls.

Visit to “Montofoli Estate”, old town of Karystos

Montofoli Estate is a significant landmark in southern Euboea’s Karystia. It sits between the harbor and the Venetian fortress “Castello Rosso” at the top of the hill with the same name. The estate enjoys panoramic views of the bay and offers a charming balance between the prosperity of its fertile land and its dominance over the valley. Romans, Franks, Venetians, and Ottoman rulers have all made their mark here throughout history, attesting to its timelessness and special energy.

Here, the grape varieties Assyrtiko, Athiri, Aidani, and Liatico are cultivated and traditionally made into the sweet sun-dried wine “Montofoli Estate.” The estate’s citrus fruits are used to make jams.

Tour of the Folk Museum of the Women’s Association of the Marmari Community

The Marmari Women’s Association was originally formed by 20 women and today counts 170 members.

In just two and a half years of operation, they have created a fascinating Folk Museum. Here, the women of the association welcome you with a shot of tsipouro or a sweet treat they have made themselves.

Association members guide you around the Museum, showing exhibits such as the clothing the shepherd wore to stay warm on Mount Ochi in winter, traditional tsarouhia shoes, and the clay plates once used while eating by the fireplace, at the “sofá.”

They will talk about the jobs residents did in the area 80 years ago, during the occupation years, to survive—tasks now obsolete due to the E.U.—about the yachts that used to come to Marmari from Petalioi, about the shifting sands that change shape with the weather, about the beach where the king used to swim, and much more.

All these memories, spanning about 100 years, have been gathered in the house of the Women’s Association – Folk Museum.

Introduction to the Archaeological Museum of Karystos

The museum displays exhibits from prehistoric times up to the Roman period. Finds from the Dragonhouses of Karystos and Styra, from ancient Geraistos (the silver Kastri), and mainly from Paleochora are on show.

Haunt of Deipnosofiston

In a magical setting at Megali Vrisi in Styra, southern Euboea, you’ll find a place for quality food, good company, conversation, and traditional music.

Food is a major part of life in the Municipality of Karystos

Flavors of the Land…

In the traditional mountain homesteads of Ochi, recipes for making fresh mizithra, anthotyro, spicy tuloumi cheese, and kefalograviera are handed down from generation to generation. The delicious meats of Karystia (lamb, kid, veal, goat, and sheep) from animals raised on the slopes of Ochi are full of wild herb aromas. Thyme honey, kisseri from heather flowers, the renowned rose honey—all are products of exceptional quality and high nutritional value.

And in the plains, the tradition of winemaking remains strong, with the dominant grape being savvatiano, but also with organic wine. Citrus, the famous purple onion, corn, mountain potatoes, tomatoes, and cherries, especially from Agios Dimitrios, are among the region’s choice products.

Olive presses with decades of tradition produce tons of pure olive oil, while during the olive harvest, fresh oil on warm bread and loukoumades mark the beginning of the new season with unique flavors. The region’s choice pasta is kourkoubinia, small pieces of dough twisted by hand on the rolling pin, boiled and fried in goat butter or oil.

And Flavors of the Sea…

In this area, seafood dishes are tastier than anywhere else. That’s because they are nourished by the “herb.” Indeed, the strong sea currents in the area of Cape Kafireas, a migration route for Mediterranean fish, oxygenate and enrich the sea waters with nutrients—the legendary “herb” of local tradition. Culinary trails are varied, rich, and unique, inviting you on an unforgettable gastronomic journey.

The initiative of the Municipality of Karystos to organize the familiarization trip for invited journalists from national media received a very positive response from participants and is part of a broader action plan to promote and develop tourism in Karystos.

The primary goal was that, through their brief stay, hosted journalists would connect with the natural wealth and beauty of the Municipality of Karystos, taste high-quality local products, and—above all—experience, from Marmari and Karystos to Styra, the area’s outstanding hospitality.

The Mayor of Karystos, Mr. Eleftherios Raviolos, stated:

“I am especially pleased that, for the second year running, the Municipality of Karystos successfully organized a press trip!

Through our hospitality, we aimed—within a short time—to share with the media the living traditions and flavors of our land.

Our Municipality, with its incredible natural beauty, excellent flavors, and hospitable people, can offer visitors a truly unique experience, and through such initiatives we strive to share that both at home and abroad.”

Central Evia, the all-seasons destination

Central Evia, the all-seasons destination

Starting from Chalkida, the capital of the Prefecture of Evia, and staying at the Palirroia Hotel, our journey began through the beautiful region of Central Evia.

First stop, the beach of Nea Artaki

Nea Artaki is a key destination, connecting those heading to Central Evia and those visiting Northern Evia. It is the second largest city in Evia by population. The main beach of Nea Artaki might not be particularly popular with locals for swimming, but it is a favorite for the dozens of shops nearby where one can enjoy coffee, food, or ouzo while gazing at an incredible view.

Visit to the Folklore Museum

The tour was given by the wonderfully hospitable President of the Association of All Artakians – Kyzikians, Ms. Smaro Psatheri Mimikou.

The first day ended with dinner on the beach of Artaki

Dinner in Nea Artaki was a revelation. Anyone who hasn’t tasted the local flavors deserves to visit Nea Artaki from July 14 to 16, during the 3rd three-day Gastronomic Festival of Asia Minor Flavors, organized by the Association of All Artakians – Kyzikians.

*Anchovy omelet

Next stop, Politika Evias

The Hero’s Trail

At the Hero’s Trail, we experienced something different and unique. After the hike, we visited the Monastery of Panagia Perivleptos of Politika, where we lit a candle and were treated.

Visit to the Holy Monastery of Panagia Perivleptos

In a pine-covered ravine in the settlement of Politika stands the katholikon of the Monastery of Panagia Perivleptos, one of the area’s most important monuments. It was built in the 11th century and reconstructed during the Ottoman era. Architecturally, it belongs to the cross-in-square domed type of church. The sculptures set into the facade and iconostasis are of special interest—works of an outstanding workshop, possibly the same that worked at the Monastery of Hosios Loukas in Boeotia and Agios Loukas in Evia. A portion of the original marble floor remains, with a pentacyclical motif, known as the “pentaomphalon,” at its center. Frescoes survive inside. An inscription from 1668 in the sanctuary names those who may have painted or contributed to the work. During the Frankish occupation, it became a Latin monastery, staffed by Benedictine monks. In 1582, Metropolitan Laurentius of Evripos purchased the compound and attached it as a dependency to the Monastery of Agios Nikolaos Galataki. The monastery’s history in this period is characterized by disputes over its rich estates. Today, it remains alive thanks to a women’s monastic community. In 2014, restoration of the katholikon, damaged by the 2003 earthquake, as well as fresco conservation, was completed.

Coffee and spoon sweet in the village square of Politika

Politika Tower

In the heart of Politika, beside the Church of the Transfiguration, stands the medieval tower, once the seat of the region’s feudal lord and an economic hub. This massive defensive building is typical of the Frankish occupation period. The square tower has four floors; the main living quarters are on the third, with large windows, a fireplace, and latrine. The main entrance, once reached by an external retractable wooden staircase, is on the second floor; the present ground level entrance was added in 1973. The tower is visitable today after a restoration (2011–2014, ESPA funding). Inside are photographic exhibitions of the restoration work and of life in the era of Frankish rule.

Visit and meal in the village of Nerotrivia

The community of Nerotrivia, 26 km west of Psachna, is famous for its excellent olive oil, produced in large quantities. Abundant running waters form rivers and streams in a lush landscape. After the Kapodistrias plan, it became part of the Municipality of Messapia, and according to the latest census its population was 540.

Tour of the Chalkida War Museum

The War Museum of Chalkida is housed in a landmark building of the historic Infantry School and showcases the military history of Greeks. Its exhibition spaces contain unique and rare artifacts from the Venetian period and the Revolution of 1821 up to modern times—collections of weapons, uniforms, archival and photographic materials, paintings, works of art, and dioramas of important historical events. It is a dynamic space of “living history,” paying tribute to our warrior ancestors and respecting their sacrifices.

The Museum houses the ANASTASIOS LIASKOS COLLECTION.

Nea Lampsakos and Bourtsi

Nea Lampsakos is a town with significant commercial activity, founded by refugees from Asia Minor’s Lampsakos (Dardanelles area). Its beach is famous for ouzeri and seafood eateries with a wide variety of seafood. Near Nea Lampsakos Beach is Bourtsi, a settlement with fish taverns. Nea Lampsakos has 1,944 inhabitants and is 7 km southeast of Chalkida.

Visit to “Lakhouvaris Mushrooms,” Kathenoi, Evia

“DIRFYS MUSHROOMS” belongs to two agronomists from the Agricultural University of Athens, Lefteris Lakhouvaris and Thanasis Mastrogiannis, who have specialized in mycology and have been professionally active in the mushroom sector since 1995. Activities began in March 2004, with the establishment of a substrate production unit and the creation of the first satellite mushroom cultivation system in Greece, while in 2006 they entered into the production of Pleurotus and Shiitake mushrooms.

Mushroom tour and tasting

The journey concluded with a meal in the village of Steni

The cuisine of Evia is rich and interesting.

Steni Evias is a place renowned for its good food and every weekend is filled with thousands of visitors.

New York: Greece Emerges as a Magnet for Health Tourism

Americans show strong confidence in Greek luxury tourism

Greece is setting course for increased sales in the luxury tourism sector. This was the key takeaway from the Greek Luxury Tourism & Gastronomy Workshop, the country’s premier promotional event for luxury tourism in the United States, organized by Tourism Media & Events in New York City on Thursday, November 16, in Manhattan.

The event brought together 14 Greek companies, regions, municipalities, hotels, and tourism enterprises, who met with 63 travel agents and 6 distinguished journalists from across the United States.

Held in the heart of Manhattan, the workshop took place under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Rural Development and Food, and the Embassy of Greece in Washington, D.C. The Region of Attica was honored as the featured region, while Aegean Airlines served as the official airline sponsor.

The event’s sponsors included Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos,” Fraport Greece, Thessaloniki Port Authority, the Municipality of Rethymno, and the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels.

Presentations were given by the Region of Attica with Ms. Athina Kolyva, Head of the Tourism Directorate of the Region of Attica; the Region of Crete with Dr. Kyriakos G. Kotsoglou, Deputy Regional Governor of Tourism & E-Governance and member of the Regional Economic Committee of Crete; and the Region of Central Macedonia with Mr. Miltiadis Nikolaou, Head of the Tourism Department of the Region of Central Macedonia.

With a strong focus on the U.S. luxury tourism market, the event marked another important step by Tourism Media & Events in strengthening Greece’s presence in this high-end segment.

All participating Greek tourism professionals expressed enthusiasm, having each secured more than 20 appointments. As noted, hundreds of fruitful meetings and significant B2B sessions took place, offering participants expanded networking opportunities with representatives of U.S.-based luxury travel companies.

The event also allowed American tourism professionals to discover new destinations and products from the Greek luxury tourism market.