Kynouria Establishes a Strong Brand Name

Kynouria Establishes a Strong Brand Name

Fam Trip of the Arcadia Chamber of Commerce under the auspices of the Municipalities of North and South Kynouria.

Starting from Tyros Beach, a beautiful settlement refreshed by the sea breeze of the Myrtoan, our journey began through unique Kynouria.

*Sunrise at Tyros Beach

Visit to Agios Petros, a mountain capital of North Kynouria, immersed in greenery.

With the first stop at Agios Petros, which boasts excellent tourist infrastructure—hotels, taverns, shops with local products—we discovered that it is a perfect destination for every season of the year, catering to all preferences.
Key attractions we visited included the Trikalitis Tower, the Church of the Apostles Peter and Paul at the square, the renovated stone school (an excellent architectural example of its time), Aga’s Tower dating to the 18th century, the old carpet factory, and beautiful shops selling local goods.

At the same time, we had the chance to observe the making of handmade pasta at the traditional “MALEVOS” workshop.

*Traditional pasta “Malevos”

 

Passing through the village of Agios Ioannis, we reached the village of Platanos.

Platanos is a picturesque, small village on the southeastern side of Mount Parnon, 450 m from the sea and 180 km from Athens. The village is traditional and truly famous for its water. We visited the old watermill and the stone fountain. The region also nurtures the Cave of the Saviour and the Lepida Gorge.

Visit to the Tyros Cultural Center

At the Tyros Cultural Center, a presentation of the South Kynouria destination was delivered by the Mayor of South Kynouria, Mr. Charalampos Lysikatos, Deputy Mayor of Finance Mr. Michalis Sotiropoulos, Deputy Mayor of Tyros Mr. Kostas Manousos, President of the Tourism Department of the Arcadia Chamber Mr. Yiannis Sambrakos, President of DIKENK Mr. Christoforos Douzenis, Representative of the Tyros Trade Association Mr. Nikitas Englezos, founder of the social cooperative “A Chora Namou” Mr. Dimitris Lalousakis, and Eleni Manou.

Discovering the local cuisine of Kynouria

The meal at Zaritsa, the traditional “Tasos” tavern, was a gastronomic journey into the local cuisine with traditional and authentic flavors that thrilled our senses.

Visit to Leonidio and the “Melitzazz” Festival

Leonidio is a historic place and a traditional settlement within the protected Natura 2000 area. It is home to the recognized PDO product “Tsakonian eggplant of Leonidio,” and its residents still speak the endangered Tsakonian language.

In Leonidio, three of the most magnificent pre-revolutionary monuments of the Peloponnese still survive: the Trikaliotis Tower (1808) and the Polytimos Mansion (1816), both listed buildings. The third important structure is the Katsikogiannis Mansion (1807), located to the north of the settlement (Skaliotis Tower).

In Leonidio, we had the opportunity to discover and experience up close the unique Tsakonia festival “Melitzazz,” now in its ninth year.

As part of “Melitzazz,” a twinning event took place at the “Fabrica Politismou” venue between the Municipality of South Kynouria and the Italian town of Martano. The event included the unveiling of a sculpture gifted by Martano to South Kynouria and the naming ceremony for Piazza Martano.

Next, at Merikaki Square, the progressive duo Kadinelia offered a musical journey where the timeless sounds of Greece transformed into something new, through the captivating melodies of acoustic guitar and their harmonious vocals.

Their music identity is the enrichment of Greek traditional music with elements of blues and rock, in a unique multicultural soundscape where East meets West.

This was followed by a DJ set on Leonidio’s main road with rhythmic and dance tunes from DJ Christos Arestis, which turned the central street into a large open-air bar.

 

Visit to Paralio Astros and city tour by Giorgos Karagiannis, member of social cooperative “5ENTE”

Paralio Astros is one of the best-known summer resorts of the Peloponnese, with developed tourist facilities for every preference, kilometers of pristine beaches, and possibilities for sea activities.

It stands out for its picturesque natural harbor and the area nicknamed “Nisi” by locals, offering amazing views of the Argolic Gulf.

Notably, during our visit to Paralio Astros, there was a presentation of the North Kynouria destination at the “Astros Beach” hotel.

The presentation was given by the President of the Arcadia Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Yiannis Troupis, the Mayor of North Kynouria, Mr. Giorgos Kampylis, the President of the Eastern Arcadia Accommodation Association Ms. Vivian Manolesou, and other local officials.

Final stop at Xiropigado

Xiropigado beach is a place of tranquility, with pebble beach and crystal-clear waters, and the area features a developed tourist infrastructure, including hotels.

Referring to the familiarization trip promoting Arcadia as a destination, President of the Arcadia Chamber Yiannis Troupis stated:

“In this Fam Trip, we confirmed once again the excellent cooperation between the Arcadia Chamber and the Municipalities of North and South Kynouria. We are fully aligned with our municipalities on the view that joint actions to promote Kynouria’s tourism products create growth and social benefit for all of Arcadia. We are doing a lot and will do even more. Our vision is for Arcadia to become a world-class tourism brand name.”

 

Thessaloniki Opens Up to the Athens Tourism Market

Thessaloniki Opens Up to the Athens Tourism Market

The Thessaloniki Tourism Organization strengthened the city’s presence among the Athens public, presenting it as a top winter city break destination during an event held yesterday at a central hotel in the capital.

In her welcoming address, the Deputy Regional Governor of the Metropolitan Unit of Thessaloniki and President of the Thessaloniki Tourism Organization, Ms. Voula Patoulidou, highlighted Thessaloniki’s advantages. According to the latest INSETE bulletin, tourists place Thessaloniki first in the food and drink category with a rate of 92%, surpassing major gastronomic destinations.

Ms. Patoulidou then referred to the city’s strengths, including its 15 UNESCO monuments, the unique location of its port, and its proximity to popular travel hotspots such as Halkidiki, Mount Athos, Olympus, various ski centers, and areas of stunning natural beauty.

She also highlighted Thessaloniki’s inclusion in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network for Gastronomy, an important development that enhances the city’s tourism identity and establishes it as a significant destination for both gastronomic and cultural experiences.

She stressed that Thessaloniki’s greatest asset is the temperament of its people, making it a vibrant city that never sleeps, especially during the festive season when its streets come alive with people dancing and singing until dawn.

It is noteworthy that the event, organized in cooperation with Tourism Plus, was attended by the full administrative board of the Thessaloniki Tourism Organization: Deputy Mayor for Tourism and Vice President of the Organization, Ms. Maria Karagianni; Vice President of the Professional Chamber and Treasurer of the Organization, Ms. Chryssa Granouzi; Chief Commercial Officer of Thessaloniki Port Authority, Ms. Theodora Riga; and representative of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Haris Alexopoulos.

Immediately after the corporate presentation of Thessaloniki, Ms. Andreadou from the Tourism Directorate of the Region of Central Macedonia spoke about initiatives covering all areas of Central Macedonia.

Promising prospects were confirmed for boosting tourism flows to Thessaloniki throughout the year, thanks to the potential for increased flights from new destinations to Macedonia Airport.

 

Western Greece, the land of beauty and the senses | A journey through Achaia and Mountainous Nafpaktia

Western Greece, the land of beauty and the senses | A journey through Achaia and Mountainous Nafpaktia

Starting from Patras, a unique city break destination that, in addition to its historical charm, offers dozens of beaches, you have the chance to visit stunning regions and unique landscapes.

Accommodation at Moxy Patra Marina Hotel

The brand-new Moxy Patra Marina is less than a 15-minute walk from the center of Patras and combines a smart, fast-paced tech environment with a modern lifestyle. This vibrant hotel in Patras embodies the effervescent and exciting lifestyle for which Patras is known. While at the hotel, you can keep up with your daily workout at the gym or swim in the outdoor pool. Work is also easy to accomplish thanks to the hotel’s ultra-fast WiFi services.

A refreshing cocktail in the hotel’s roof garden with its unique view is an experience in itself.

The hotel is located near the port, with views of the marina and breathtaking sunsets.

The journey continued to the historic Kalavryta with a visit to the Memorial of the Executed (Place of Sacrifice), in memory of the 1943 holocaust during WWII.

Stop at the Municipal Museum of the Kalavryta Holocaust

In this symbolic building, the residents of Kalavryta experienced and suffered the brutality of Nazi atrocities: it was where they were deceitfully assembled, subjected to the inhuman separation of families, painful partings, harrowing incarceration of women and children, and their violent release.

Hiking excursion on Mount Chelmos, Waters of Styx – Zarouchla. Where man becomes one with nature.

Our journey in Achaia continued with hiking through the valley of Styx, a magnificent landscape under the imposing mass of Mount Chelmos, where you discover the beautiful fir forest.

During the activity, we cooked and ate inside the forest (Holy Monastery of the Holy Trinity), under the sounds of the Krathi river.

Our tour of Western Greece continued in one of the most beautiful villages of Mountainous Nafpaktia, Ano Chora.
A village with only 5 permanent residents left. For this part of the tour, our guide was the most active of the permanent residents, Mr. Dimitris Tsatsanis, Vice President of the Cultural Association.

As he told us, the village of Ano Chora fills with people during the various events held there, such as the recent celebration of Tsigarithra.

During the visit, we had the chance to see the Folklore Museum, which in better times used to be the village elementary school, and one of the teachers who served there was Kosmas of Aetolia.

Our tour continued with a visit to the historic bus “Karnavalos.”

The bus became famous for its route and its… roaring engine. It was, after all, the first urban bus that connected the line from Nafpaktos to Ano Chora. Stories from old Greece that remain alive…

The gastronomic revelation was the restaurant “Elatou” on the slope of Mount Kerasovouni or Omalia with views towards the Vardousia mountains.

We enjoyed home-cooked dishes, handmade pies, and desserts by Mrs. Eleni.
The stuffed cabbage rolls smelled of fresh eggs from free-range hens and the rooster cooked in wine, for those who know, recalls another era of pure and authentic flavors.

The Regional Governor of Western Greece, referring to the unique beauties of the region, stated:

“Western Greece is the land that tells the story of Hellenism for 3,000 years. From Ancient Olympia and the olive wreaths of Olympic ideals to Nafpaktos of the historic naval battle and Kalavryta of the national uprising, every place in Western Greece tells a great story.

Western Greece is the land of beauty and the senses. From the magical beaches of Ilia and the waterfalls of Neda to the gorge of Vouraikos and the lively, youthful Patras, and from the unique villages of mountainous Nafpaktia to Lake Kremasta, visitors can enjoy rare local flavors, find themselves in enchanting landscapes, encounter places where tradition is intertwined with contemporary reality.

Above all, however, Western Greece is the land of its people. Beautiful, simple, approachable. People for whom the visitor is not a “customer” but a guest.”

People full of the joy of life who turn the Patras Carnival into a creative celebration and the Olympic Flame lighting ceremony into a global festival.

This is Western Greece. An “epic experience” for every visitor!”

 

The Edipsos Carnival attracts over 1,000 revelers and thousands of visitors

Corinthia: An enticing destination with a unique history for quality holidays

The Carnival of the Municipality of Istiaia-Edipsos took place in truly impressive style on Sunday, February 25, featuring the participation of 1,000 revelers and thousands of attendees who celebrated enthusiastically, creating an unforgettable festive atmosphere.

The municipality, in collaboration with the “Romantic Volunteers,” organized a unique carnival event inspired by current events, with numerous different parallel happenings running from February 25 through February 26, leaving the best impressions and drawing all eyes to Edipsos.

The spa town was overflowing with people who had arrived from all regions of Greece to celebrate with the dazzling revelers. On Saturday, February 25, both at the Edipsos Spa and in Istiaia’s square, a host of dance performances captivated the crowds, featuring every local dance group.

The grand parade unfolded on Sunday, February 26, along the Edipsos Spa beachfront, where 15 floats, stilt-jumping jugglers, marionettes, and more than 1,000 carnival participants signaled the start of the party. This exuberant celebration—taking place for the first time since 2019—was crowned by the spectacular burning of the carnival effigy at the Edipsos harbor, where thousands of fireworks lit up the whole area.

Clean Monday was also celebrated across the municipality, emphasizing tradition. Locals and visitors who had arrived for the holiday weekend cooked and enjoyed local Lenten delicacies, thoroughly honoring this cherished custom against the backdrop of North Evia’s natural beauty.

Among those present at the carnival was the Mayor of Istiaia–Edipsos, Giannis Kotzias, with his team, who congratulated everyone involved in making this remarkable event a success.

Mayor Kotzias noted that “the largest carnival in North Evia is once again being hosted here after many years, sweeping up everyone in a wild and fun-filled atmosphere.” He added, “We are especially pleased, as accommodation occupancy is extremely high, and let’s not forget that this destination offers all-season hospitality—every time of year brings a different, immersive experience for visitors.”

3rd Greek Tourism & Gastronomy Workshop Successfully Held in the Belgian Market

 

With the participation of 63 travel agents and 14 journalists, the 3rd Greek Tourism & Gastronomy Workshop was successfully held in the Belgian market on Thursday, October 26, 2023, at the Ghent Marriott Hotel.

During the event, which took place in a market full of potential for Greece, a flurry of business meetings was held between Greek tourism businesses and destinations and some of the most prominent tour operators in Belgium.

As evidenced by the strong turnout, interest in the Greek tourism offering was exceptionally high. Belgian travel agents showed particular eagerness to explore new destinations in Greece, a promising sign for a particularly positive 2024 for the Belgian travel market.

The event was organized by Tourism Media & Events (TME) with the support of the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Rural Development & Food, and the Embassy of Greece in Brussels.

As part of the event, Mr. Tzanetos Karantzis, Head of the Office for Economic and Commercial Affairs of Greece in Belgium, outlined the framework of Greek–Belgian relations in the fields of tourism and agri-food, and spoke about their encouraging prospects for further growth.

The Honored Region was the Region of Central Macedonia, while other participating regions included the Region of Crete, the Region of Eastern Macedonia & Thrace, the Municipality of Rethymno, the Municipality of Paros, among others.

Official Air Travel Sponsor of the event was Aegean Airlines, and the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels participated as an event sponsor.

Following the conclusion of the B2B meetings, the event featured presentations from the Honored Region of Central Macedonia by Ms. Argyro Papaioannou from the Tourism Promotion & Marketing Department of the Region, the Region of Crete by Mr. Nikos Alexakis from the Region’s Tourism Directorate, and the Region of Eastern Macedonia & Thrace by Ms. Patty Konstantinidou from the Tourism Promotion Department.

Finally, it is noted that the upcoming Tourism Media & Events activities promoting Greek tourism in 2023 include events in New York, targeting the North American luxury travel market, on November 16, and in Warsaw on December 13.

 

Municipality of Istiaia – Edipsos: From the spa town to the mountain peaks

Corinthia: An enticing destination with a unique history for quality holidays

By Katerina Karsioti

Northern Evia at its best and most festive. One of the most impressive and celebratory events took place in the Municipality of Istiaia – Edipsos, where more than 5,000 people had the chance to experience the lighting of the Christmas tree up close.

The tree came from the Carpathians in Romania, offered as a gift by Mr. Dragos Gabriel Zisopol, President of the Greek Community of Romania, symbolically strengthening the long-standing friendship between the two regions.

It is worth noting that Istiaia is twinned with Volondar in Romania, which is why among those present were Romanian firefighters who had helped during the deadly wildfires, Romanian volunteers who cooked and offered local delicacies to the crowd, and children brought to the area especially for the Christmas tree lighting ceremony.

In a destination within arm’s reach of Athens, visitors come into direct contact with a place full of hidden gems that fascinate, authentic villages where enduring traditions impress, cultural landmarks of unique significance, and a truly captivating culinary culture.

Despite suffering great destruction, Evia stands strong, continues to dream, and offers warm hospitality while guiding visitors on a “travel experience” marked by complexity and, above all, beauty.

Because it’s worth shining a light on your land’s story and contributing to its regeneration. Between mountain and sea, the journey through Istiaia – Edipsos unfolded in a thematic way, with each new experience following another, setting trends and offering inspiration.

Discovering the Municipality of Istiaia-Edipsos in Three Days

A visit to Istiaia – Edipsos for the tree lighting included a multitude of activities and tours closely tied to local customs.

The first stop, made before the journey began, was at the center of the region, where excellent accommodation infrastructure exists, such as the hotel “LITO,” offering high-quality services and stunning views.

A meal at the traditional restaurant “Kalyves – Mouries”

The area’s culinary narrative is long and authentic. At “Kalyves,” a stone-built gastronomic home with a tradition in local meats and recipes, memories are sure to be triggered and the flavors reach new heights.

Spa at Greece’s legendary and therapeutic spa town

A visit to Edipsos means SPA. At the hydrotherapy center “9 QUEENS,” run by owner Mr. Giorgos Skourtaniotis and now in its fourth generation, the experience offers something truly unique and relaxing. Edipsos is Greece’s most popular spa town and historic hub for hydrotherapy.

Religious tourism finds its “place”

Istiaia – Edipsos is filled with amazing churches and monasteries. No complete journey would be without a visit to Saint George Monastery, which has a lengthy history. Official records date its founding to 1670, although local tradition claims monastic life began in the 13th century.

High-adrenaline mountain tour with 4×4

The region boasts mountain spots of unique natural beauty, perfect for a variety of themed activities. A 4×4 drive set out from Edipsos toward Mount Telethrio, a unique stop for explorers, and included visits to mountain villages along an ancient oak forest road, ending at the summit of Prophet Elias and the village of Simia.

Mountain visits for pure taste

After an off-road journey, gastronomy takes center stage, offering visitors authentic culinary delights. Tavern “Kokkinomilies” serves signature local recipes with genuine flavor. It honors the rich agri-food bounty of the municipality, with dishes made exclusively from local ingredients. “Zacharakis” in the village of Agios is another local hallmark, with a long tradition in high-quality meat and distinctly Greek traditional cuisine.

Beyond the delicious treats at “Kokkinomilies,” no table is complete without traditional tsipouro. This beloved spirit starred during a visit to a local distillery headed for the mountain villages Kryoneritis and Milies.

Local products “set the most local table”

Agri-food is a major asset throughout Istiaia – Edipsos, with “treasure” production units. Thus, agrotourism tours are a staple of the journey. The figs of Taxiarchis Cooperative are a PDO product exported all over the world. The dried figs (Ficus carica) hail from the “Smyrna” variety, with their distinctiveness coming from sun-drying, the sweet flesh, and their size.

Fig trees are cultivated exclusively within a geographic zone defined by the communities of Taxiarchis, Neos Pyrgos, Agios Georgios, Oreoi, Istiaia, Kamaria, and Kastaniotissa in Northern Evia.

Local dairy products also have pride of place. At the Schoretsanitis dairy, the region’s PDO feta is impressive, the popular “skaroto” cheese comes in various flavors to accompany wine and tsipouro, and the butter and fresh mizithra round out the range, directly from the high mountains.

Mayor Ioannis Kotzias of Istiaia – Edipsos remarked: “Despite the immense destruction Northern Evia suffered over the last year, it remains standing and moves forward, striving for a better tomorrow for the region, its residents, and its visitors.
The lighting of the Christmas tree of solidarity and hope, as we named it, is a major festival and marks a great rebirth.”

Elis: A paradise for every season

Corinthia: An enticing destination with a unique history for quality holidays

The region of Elis boasts destinations of authentic natural beauty, each with its own distinct characteristics and rich history, able to welcome visitors all year round and making it, without doubt, a fascinating tourist destination.

As part of the region’s promotion efforts—home, among other sites, to the globally unique archaeological area of Ancient Olympia—the Region of Western Greece hosted a familiarization trip for journalists.

Hospitality at Aldemar Olympian Village
This impressive 5-star seaside resort, Aldemar Olympian Village, is the ideal place to spend an unforgettable holiday, enjoying quality services, including a thalassotherapy center.
The endless sandy beach, dozens of swimming pools, excellent facilities, and unique dining options at seven restaurants and eight bars stand out.

The hospitality for the press group began with a refreshing welcome drink offered by the staff of Aldemar Olympian Village, enjoyed in one of the many outdoor spaces of the resort.

Visit to the Thalassotherapy Center
The Spa & Thalasso Center is located at the 5-star Aldemar Olympian Village, in the western Peloponnese. Operating for 18 years, in a unique, bright space of 2,800 sq. meters, it has received multiple awards over the years.
It is a true haven of wellness, featuring two heated indoor pools, individual hydrotherapy cabins, eight individual treatment rooms for face and body, ten massage cabins, four Oriental Hammam cabins, a sauna, and a relaxation area.
The thalassotherapy center offers a wide range of high-standard care and therapy packages, staffed by experienced and specialized personnel. With state-of-the-art equipment and innovative techniques, it highlights the beneficial effects of thalassotherapy, providing deep relaxation and wellness while helping to combat stress, tension, and fatigue, the hallmarks of modern life.

The press group also enjoyed an interactive workshop, “Sympossio,” led by the expert chefs of Aldemar, using products from Elis.
Sympossio Greek Gourmet Touring, an initiative inspired by Aldemar Resorts CEO Alexandros Angelopoulos, is the group’s gastronomic ambassador, promoting Greek gastronomy abroad for years.

The skilled chefs bring creativity to every dish. Using fresh, local products, they craft inspired, healthy versions of classic recipes. Quite rightly, the food is a signature highlight of Aldemar hotels.

Wine tourism at Brintziki Estate
The Brintziki Estate is in western Peloponnese, in the village of Lantzoi near Ancient Olympia. In 2012, it was recognized as southern Europe’s first “green” winery with zero energy footprint.

Kayaking on Lake Kaiafas and hiking on the islet of Saint Catherine
Lake Kaiafas is in a beautiful spot in Elis, with enchanting surroundings and turquoise-green waters. The lake sits beside the sea, features thermal waters, and offers various sports activities.
It covers 1,500 acres, is 3 kilometers long, and 2 meters deep. In the lake lies the islet of Saint Catherine, and on its shores is the spa town of Kaiafas.

Olive oil tasting at Olympian Olive MILL-Koufoulias
This family-owned olive oil producer, founded in 1970 and based in Makrisia, Elis, won the gold medal for quality at the 2022 Berlin world competition for its extra virgin olive oil.
The site hosts an open-air exhibition of olive oil production machines from the previous century.

Peloponnese food stories in Trikala Corinthias made a difference

Peloponnese food stories in Trikala Corinthias made a difference

By Katerina Karsioti

In its most mountainous and dynamic edition, Peloponnese Food Stories | Stories of People, Taste, and Culture concluded in the magical Trikala Corinthias. The 5th destination of the 1st Peloponnese Gastronomy Festival, marking the start of the winter season, left the best impressions and, naturally, the finest flavors.

On Sunday, October 23, the popular Peloponnese Food Stories welcomed visitors to the central square of Mesaia Trikala, making a significant impact.

Following Areopoli in Laconia, Koroni in Messinia, Paralio Astros in Arcadia, and Tolo in Argolis, this final gastronomic stop of the year took place in Trikala Corinthias, a true tourist treasure of the region.

It is noted that the 1st Peloponnese Gastronomy Festival was organized by the Region of Peloponnese in collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce of Corinthia, the Municipality of Xylokastro-Evrostini, the Association of Hoteliers of Corinth, the Peloponnese Tourism Organization, and supported by the Association of Hoteliers of the Municipality of Xylokastro-Evrostini of Corinthia.

Under a sunny sky, a multitude gathered and explored a local products exhibition that left nothing out. Visitors came into direct contact with all the products produced in the wider Corinthia region, participated in tastings guided by experts, and attended live cooking shows by well-known local chefs, with the recipes orchestrating the entire culture of the place.

Simultaneously, parallel activities with abundant music and entertainment created the most beautiful atmosphere against the unparalleled mountainous natural landscape of Trikala.

Presented as a traditional Sunday table, Peloponnese Food Stories highlighted stories of people, taste, and culture. Once again, it promoted and communicated the agro-food products of the region, the people of Corinthia’s gastronomy scene, local recipes, and culture, while simultaneously highlighting the destination and its culture.

Greetings were made by Panagiotis Nikas, Regional Governor of Peloponnese, while among others, greetings were also delivered by Tasos Londos, Vice Mayor of Xylokastro-Evrostini, and Panagiotis Louziotis, President of the Chamber of Commerce of Corinthia.

The experiential narrative of “Peloponnese Food Stories,” part of a series of initiatives to highlight the gastronomic wealth of each region, has left a strong imprint from the first to the final gastronomic stop, bringing to the forefront history, cooking, local products, folklore, culture, and ecotourism.

Deputy Regional Governor for Tourism Anna Kalogeropoulou stated: “Peloponnese Food Stories puts the gastronomic wealth of the entire Region in the spotlight. We have an obligation to highlight and promote the gastronomy of the entire Peloponnese, as local products are our ambassadors.”

She added: “Through raw materials, our culture, identity, and history are expressed. The 1st Peloponnese Gastronomy Festival represents a major milestone and a unique experiential journey. After Areopoli, Koroni, Paralio Astros, and Tolo, we have arrived at the final gastronomic stop for this year—the magical Trikala Corinthias, a strong tourist player in the Peloponnese.”

Concluding, she noted: “Our goal is to design and implement initiatives involving all productive forces, ensuring the active participation of local communities.”

Skyros: The Wind Lady of the Aegean, with Unique Beaches and Authentic Gastronomy

Skyros: The Wind Lady of the Aegean, with Unique Beaches and Authentic Gastronomy

Skyros is the southernmost island of the Northern Sporades and is characterized by striking contrasts. It features pine-covered hills, rocky mountainous landscapes, idyllic secluded shores, beautiful coves, extensive beaches, sea caves, and a Natura area in the southern part, forming a natural and diverse landscape.

With a long history, Skyros has always been a place that preserves its tradition and authenticity. Visitors to the island will admire the local architecture, intricate wood carvings, embroidery, and ceramics of Byzantine thematic origin.

The role played by the Evia Chamber of Commerce and the Municipality of Skyros is pivotal in promoting the destination through familiarization trips aimed at multi-dimensional promotion of the island.

In the main town of Skyros, excellent hospitality infrastructures exist, such as the Nepheli Hotel, a gem that combines eco-friendly materials with impeccable hospitality, quality services, and discreet luxury.

The island is especially known for the Skyrian horse, found nowhere else in the world and depicted on the Parthenon’s metope. The small-sized Skyrian horses are a rare ancient breed, one of the few remaining worldwide.

Mouries Estate
The Mouries Estate of Emmanouil Trachanas has been working since 1995 to preserve the Skyrian horse and currently houses 65 horses, representing a quarter of the population found on Skyros and the largest population worldwide.

The island’s history is closely intertwined with the importance of the Skyrian horse, which the local community honors during the Skyrian Horse Festival held in June.

Stamatis Nikolaou Winery
Founded in 2014 on Skyros, the winery aims to showcase the island’s vineyards on a small scale. The varieties include indigenous and foreign grapes (Malagouzia, Roditis, Assyrtiko, Sauvignon Blanc, Grenache Rouge, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot), under the label LAL.

Villages and Beaches Tour
It is important to explore shops and so on. The tour continued to Magazia, Molos, Trachys (where Skyros Airport is located), Aspo, Achilli, Atsiitsa, and the main port, Linaria, a small picturesque village situated on the southwestern coast.

The combination of mountain and sea allows for many sports such as hiking along eight marked trails and beautiful natural paths, climbing, bird watching, and more.

Manos and Anastasia Faltaits Folklore Museum
This folklore museum is one of the first local-historical folklore museums in Greece, rich with traditional culture and Skyros’ history. Founded in 1964, its aim is to preserve the Skyrian heritage locally and nationally.

Throughout the island, there are about 400 chapels, all in beautiful locations and many protected Byzantine monuments. The Monastery of Saint George stands proud over the centuries, perched atop a rock filled with memories and information about Skyros and its life.

Getting Acquainted with Skyros’ Local Products and Gastronomy
Skyros’ agricultural products are distinct, primarily because traditional production methods are still widely used. Cheeses, wild goat meat, honey, herbs, fish, and seafood comprise the ingredients of Skyrian cuisine, impressing every potential visitor with their quality.

Skyros’ culinary identity is especially linked to the renowned lobster pasta served authentically at Stelios’ fish tavern in Gyrismata, Skyros.
The island is also famous for its exquisite Skyrian almond sweets, with Chios Pastry Shop leading in their preparation.

Skyrian Carnival
One should consider visiting Skyros during the Skyrian Carnival, one of the most popular traditional carnivals in Greece. It essentially begins with locals dressing up as “Yeroi,” “Koreles,” and “Frangos.” The recited verses contain satire, and the festival culminates on Clean Monday with celebrations.

The Carnival expresses a Dionysian atmosphere. Streets fill with masked men wearing cowbells, crossing through the market. The so-called “Yeroi” wear long black hairy cloaks and goat skin masks. Around their waists, they carry numerous bells (like those used for sheep), often up to 40.

The highlight of the Skyrian carnival is the “trata” custom, on the last Sunday of Lent, when the “trata” is placed in the square and locals dressed as sailors satirize current affairs through verses.

Nikolaos-Andreas Moros
Vice President of Evia Chamber of Commerce
Mr. Nikolaos-Andreas Moros, Vice President of the Evia Chamber of Commerce, referring to promotional actions for the destination, emphasized that “The Evia Chamber has placed great emphasis on the region’s tourism product, aiming to enhance and promote it through a wide and substantive array of actions.”

The Vice President underscores that “the Evia Chamber, aiming to achieve the deserved outreach and recognition for the region, has an immediate partner: a professional exclusively engaged in developing the entire region’s tourism product.”

He continues, “We have particularly focused on promoting local products and gastronomy, showcasing and highlighting all destinations, as well as conducting thematic alternative tourism events because the facets the region can unfold in this tourism segment are extremely dynamic.

At the same time, we are very pleased to have achieved cooperation and partnerships with all stakeholders, aiming for a holistic approach to promote the destination’s tourism brand and to provide substantive support and visibility to the business sphere. After all, a destination is its people.”

Regarding Skyros’ prospects as a destination, Mr. Moros stated that “It is a destination that truly has no ‘ceiling,’ as it offers great opportunities for development and investment.”

He added that Skyros has also embraced the green transition, with its entire port built upon a sustainable philosophy, and many hotels are developing sustainable hotel agriculture.

Finally, the Vice President of the Chamber notes that “we are dealing with an extremely autonomous place, rich in tradition, history, and folklore, with alternative tourism developing dynamically as it is already a notable hiking destination, has developed cycling routes through the forest, and already hosts the 4th international Evia Island Regatta, with sailing taking center stage.”

Tolo: Star of the 4th Stop of Peloponnese Food Stories

Tolo: Star of the 4th Stop of Peloponnese Food Stories

By Katerina Karsioti

A large crowd, set against the cinematic and idyllic landscape of Tolo, was immersed in the 4th stop of Peloponnese Food Stories | Stories of Flavors, People, and Culture on Friday, September 16, 2022.

The event, held at the Port of Tolo, was co-organized by the Region of Peloponnese, the Municipality of Nafplio, the Argolida Chamber of Commerce, the Tolo Professionals Association, and the Peloponnese Tourism Organization, with support from the Hoteliers Associations of Nafplio and Argos-Mycenae.

The Peloponnese Gastronomy Festival, which continues the highly successful “gastronomic route,” prepared and served a plethora of activities where visitors had the opportunity to indulge.

Specifically, the thematic experience began at 7:00 p.m. with abundant music, an open-air exhibition of local products featuring wine, olive oil, honey, spoon sweets, and regional cheeses; as well as live cooking by guest chefs Charalampos Fanariotis, chef of 3SIXTY Grill Dining based in Nafplio, Nikoleta Talagani, chef of Maria’s Restaurant in Tolo, and Giorgos Faselis, private chef from Kranidi Ermionidas.

Guests also enjoyed specialty cocktails from local bartenders, tastings of wine, honey, and food, while numerous activities were offered for the festival’s younger friends.

The experiential narrative of “Peloponnese Food Stories,” part of a series of initiatives highlighting the gastronomic wealth of each region, left a strong mark in its first edition this year, putting the focus on history, cooking, local products, folklore, culture, and ecotourism.

The event was welcomed by the Regional Governor of Peloponnese, Mr. Panagiotis Nikas, who expressed warm thanks to all co-organizers, the President of the Peloponnese Tourism Organization, Mr. Konstantinos Marinakos, the President of the Argolida Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Fotis Damoulos, the Mayor of Nafplio, Mr. Dimitris Kostouros, the President of Tolo Professionals, Mr. Panagiotis Ioannou, and the Member of Parliament for Argolida, Mr. Giannis Andrianos.

The Deputy Regional Governor for Tourism, Ms. Anna Kalogeropoulou, stated: “Peloponnese Food Stories puts the gastronomic wealth of the entire region front and center. It is our duty to promote and highlight the Peloponnese land and its local products, which are our ambassadors.”

Ms. Kalogeropoulou continued: “Through the local products, our culture, identity, and history are expressed. The first Peloponnese Gastronomy Festival is a milestone and a unique experiential journey.”

Concluding, the Deputy Regional Governor remarked: “Our goal is the planning and implementation of initiatives involving all productive forces and actively engaging local communities.”

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