Palaios Panteleimonas, Greece

Palaios Panteleimonas is a mountain village of the former municipality of East Olympos, which is part of the municipality of Dio-Olympos, in the Pieria regional unit, Central Macedonia, Greece.

Palaios Panteleimonas is located 43 km from Katerini and it is just 6 km from the village and beach of Neos Panteleimonas, where there are also many possibilities for accommodation, dining, entertainment and tourist information. Τhe view of the Thermaikos Gulf from the area, is unique. The path to the village and the surrounding area is rich of fauna of the lower Mount Olympus, with forest of chestnut, oak and arbutus. You can also watch the summer of cultural events of the International Olympus Festival of Castle of Platamon.

More info: palaiospanteleimonasen

Necromanteion, Greece

The Necromanteion was an ancient Greek temple of necromancy devoted to Hades and Persephone. According to tradition, it was located on the banks of the Acheron river in Epirus, near the ancient city of Ephyra. This site was believed by devotees to be the door to Hades, the realm of the dead. The site is at the meeting point of the Acheron, Pyriphlegethon and Cocytus rivers, believed to flow through and water the kingdom of Hades. The meaning of the names of the rivers has been interpreted to be "joyless", "burning coals" and "lament."

More info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Necromanteion#The_Necromancy_of_Aheron

Acheron River, Greece

In ancient Greek mythology, Acheron was known as the river of woe, and was one of the five rivers of the Greek underworld. In the Homeric poems the Acheron was described as a river of Hades, into which Cocytus and Phlegethon both flowed.

The Roman poet Virgil called it the principal river of Tartarus, from which the Styx and Cocytus both sprang. The newly dead would be ferried across the Acheron by Charon in order to enter the Underworld. The Suda describes the river as "a place of healing, not a place of punishment, cleansing and purging the sins of humans."

More info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acheron

Parga, Greece

Parga is a town and municipality located in the northwestern part of the regional unit of Preveza in Epirus, northwestern Greece. The seat of the municipality is the village Kanallaki. Parga lies on the Ionian coast between the cities of Preveza and Igoumenitsa. It is a resort town known for its scenic beauty.

More info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parga

 

Syvota, Greece

Syvota is a village and a former municipality in Thesprotia, Epirus, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality Igoumenitsa, of which it is a municipal unit. Population 3,010 (2001 census). The seat of the municipality was in Plataria.

The earliest recorded inhabitants of the region are the Thesprotians, a Greek tribe of Epirus. In antiquity, the location was called Sybota and was the site of the Battle of Sybota.

Today, Syvota town is a well-developed resort, owing largely to the numerous pristine beaches with clear waters located on several islets immediately offshore.

 

Lefkada, Greece

Lefkada is a Greek island in the Ionian Sea on the west coast of Greece, connected to the mainland by a long causeway and floating bridge. The principal town of the island and seat of the municipality is Lefkada. It is situated on the northern part of the island, approximately 20 minutes by automobile away from Aktion National Airport. The island is part of the regional unit of Lefkada.

 For more info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lefkada

Stavanger, Norway

Stavanger is a fascinating combination of the best of the old and new. Modern architecture and trendy, stylish cafes as well as ancient cobblestone walkways, museums and rows of 18th century whitewashed wooden houses can be found here. The cruise ship docks are conveniently located in the center of town, just minutes from this charming city’s many attractions.

Stavanger is considered the oil capital of Norway. The first platform to drill for oil in the North Sea came to Stavanger in 1966 and caused quite a sensation. No one knew then that the petroleum industry would become one of Norway’s main industries or that Norway would become one of the world’s leading oil-producing countries. At the Norwegian Petroleum Museum, visitors can learn about geology and technology, while experiencing the excitement and drama of the oil adventure. Stavanger’s city center is small and intimate, with narrow streets and pedestrian-friendly open spaces.

 

Reykjavík, Iceland

Reykjavík is among the smallest capital cities in the world. However, it is Iceland’s largest city, with about 60% of the country’s total population. Reykjavík has grown into an important seaport and center of government and education with theatres, museums and observatories. It has the features of a modern, forward-looking society which are complemented by a close connection to beautiful nature right on the city’s doorstep. Interestingly, this modern city still chooses to use water from nearby hot springs to heat all of its buildings.

 

Tórshavn, Faroe Islands

The Norse god of Thunder, Thor, lends his name to this capital city of the Faroe Islands, which is no surprise considering that it was founded during the Viking Era in 1,000 AD. Aside from it’s mystic heritage, Tórshavn is also distinct for being one of the smallest capitals in the world as well as being home to one of the oldest parliaments. The city truly comes into its own during the summer, with various festivals making the rounds here. The resulting atmosphere is welcoming and lively, making it the perfect place to visit during the summer sailing season.

Tórshavn’s more than one thousand year history is on full display at Føroya Fornminnissavn. This cultural museum in the city’s suburbs spans from the glory days of the Viking era to the 1920’s, and is a delightful contrast to the hubbub of the city’s center.

Holyhead, Wales

Holyhead is the largest town on the island of Anglesey and is perhaps known best for being a busy ferry port. However, visitors should also note that the town has a number of interesting attractions.

The town centre offers a number of good places to eat, a theater and a cinema. There are a range of places for the visitor to stay and Holyhead is often used as an overnight stop on the way to, or from, holidaying in Ireland or as a center for touring the island of Anglesey itself.

Around Holyhead there is excellent fishing, golfing and, of course, sailing facilities. Couple this with the wonderful scenery, walks and beaches and you can easily lose yourself and relax for a few days.

The area is also popular with birdwatchers.

Liverpool, England

Situated in north-west England on the wide Mersey River, Liverpool is the sixth largest seaport in Great Britain, and the nucleus of the metropolitan county of Merseyside. The City has a population of around 500,000, and forms an irregular crescent around the north-bank of the Mersey estuary, a few miles from the Irish Sea. Liverpool has a fine cultural and architectural heritage, with excellent museums and art galleries, and a world renowned philharmonic orchestra. Over 2,500 buildings in the City are listed as being of historic or architectural importance, and there is a splendid collection of Georgian buildings.

Liverpool grew in importance during the 17th century and developed into a wealthy and prosperous city. By 1807 Liverpool had become extremely powerful and was known as the ‘Port of Ships’, with the famous dockside frontage extending for 7 miles, one of the finest systems to be found anywhere. The landing stage is one of the largest floating quays in the world. Liverpool is also considered one of the greenest cities in Britain and has 2,400 acres of parkland and open space for people to enjoy.

It is a vibrant city with museums, theaters, clubs and restaurants, but Liverpool is most famous as the place where the pop group, the ‘Beatles’ began in the 1960’s. This has helped to make the City a premier tourist destination in northern England.

Port of Cobh, Cork, Ireland

One of the major transatlantic Irish ports, the former Queenstown was the departure point for 2.5 million of the six million Irish people who emigrated to North America between 1848 and 1950. On 11 April 1912, Queenstown was famously the final port of call for the RMS Titanic when she set out across the Atlantic on her ill-fated maiden voyage.

Cork is a unique city in Ireland. It is the only one to have experienced all historical phases in its urban development. It is originated as a monastic center, and then the Vikings left their mark. It has been influenced by the Anglo-Normans, by planters, landlords and industrialists.

Strolling through the hilly streets of modern-day Cork, you will find you can’t escape the constant hum of music. It’s actually the citizens of Cork. Widely regarded as the most talkative of all the Irish, Corkonians have a characteristic sing-song-y cadence you’ll find everywhere. The city was the European Capital of Culture in 2005 and proved to the world that the locals have known all along – that Cork has a unique, diverse and extremely welcoming culture.

 

The Bailiwick of Guernsey, United Kingdom

The Bailiwick of Guernsey along with the rest Channel Islands, represent the last vestiges of the medieval Dukedom of Normandy. 

Capital is Saint Peter’s Port. Is an active harbor since Roman times with privateers, merchants and, more recently, vacationers dropping anchor here. Victor Hugo found inspiration here, writing several of his most important works in his seafront home. 

A typical example of Georgian architecture that dominates the old city is the ancient fortress, Castle Cornet, which stands in a prominent position at the entrance of the harbor.

The group of islands Guernsey, are self belonging to the British Commonwealth. The islands are governed by small local councils in each island. They have their own flag and local currency but use for their trades also British pounds.

Reporto

As a child I remember myself dreaming of travels to the most distant parts of the world. Growing up, nothing seemed that this dream could become reality. However, I knew that this , one way or another would happen. Maybe because the… "Never is too late for anything", is an attitude for me.   Since travels were limited and always in line with my job leave, the only travel left was the mental journey. The National Geographic magazine adorn at least four double shelves in my library since the collection was started by the first issue was released in Greece until today. I traveled with them in remote places of the world; I have met specific cultures and have seen very close the biggest, smallest, strangest animals ... How far you can travel by dreaming...

 Over the years, another great love was growing slowly but steadily. My love for the sea. From summer to summer and weekend to weekend, the sea came to be almost unique destination, solid escape from routine. It was the place where I could reach the closest point to my real self. Near the sea I become a better person. Near the sea I can see everything more optimistic. Near the sea I can create. Near the sea I dream like nowhere else...

 “Conspiring universe”. This is the only way I can explain how my life has changed so drastically and now I can travel often and getting know what all those years I was dreaming of, through the sea routes. Traveling is no longer just a holiday but part of my daily life. A beautiful daily round full of all the shades of blue ocean and sky, smelling the sea and almost tasting the salt.

 These travels are not tourist ones. Besides, I never consider myself as a tourist. I didn’t want just to visit different places. I wanted to see the world, to see different things, neighborhoods, people, cultures, habits, commonness ... Of course it is also interesting to visit popular places, to get a picture with them and learn firsthand their history. Personally, I’m more interested in the diversity of what we already know. What I mean is, if someone visits Greece, can see some of the most beautiful places on the planet. Our islands, our archaeological sites, our history and our cities. Who would not be thrilled by a walk in Plaka, a performance at the Herodion or move around in Thisio and get on a wonderful ramble to the Acropolis? Who can deny that if you visited Greek islands like Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes will be filled with images that will remember all his life?

 But that's not all. Honestly, living in Greece in the 21st century, what a tourist sees does not representing correctly the original picture of the country.

The same of course applies to all countries in the world. There are always places for tourists and somewhere hidden behind them is the commonness of people, which, personally, I find much more interesting...

 In these few years of traveling, I have filled with videos and photos many hard drives and countless memory cards. I knew at some point I would like to talk about all of them. This is my archive, and I consider it as granted.

 From now on, with my camera on hand, we will travel all together.

Bon Voyage