Sikinos | Are we in Paradise?

Sikinos, a small pearl slowly and more visitors every year, but it's still one of the most pristine island in the Cyclades. They come here for peace and enjoy the relaxed life of its inhabitants. As tourism has not yet been reached Sikinos in the real sense, you will see that the island only speak a little English, if necessary, but they are very friendly and do their best to make you feel welcome. People make their own wine, but also because of the nature of the soil hard and sterile, It has often suffered from hunger and poverty.

About the story: In the early years, Sikinos was called Inos, meaning the island of the wine. Archaeologists seem to be able to identify a temple to Apollo at Episkopi in the ancient world, but do not know too much about it. According to mythology, the island has changed its name to as King Thoas of Lemnos by the women of Lemnos had killed all mankind, was pursued. On Inos he married a nymph, and her son was named Sikinos. The Ionians settled on the island in the 10th century BC, and soon the Dorians arrived from the mainland. Venetians ruled the Cyclades in the 13th to the 16th Century, Sikinos was conquered by the Turks in 1566. The islanders have fought bravely in the war of independence, and was liberated in the 19th century.

You should see: The capital, Chora, is situated high up in the mountains. It really consists of two villages, an old and a new one. The old part is also called Chorio ("Village") and the new Kastro. Here, you'll find a small folklore museum and a quite impressive church from the 18th century. When the island was invaded by Turks or pirates, the islanders, who all lived in Kastro, used to pour boiling oil on the enemy. You can still see where the oil came out just outside the wall. Another sight is the nunnery Zoodochos Pigi (Life-giving Source) built in the 15th century and dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Make sure you are appropriately dressed though before you enter: long skirt and covered shoulders for women, long trousers for men. Episkopi is also well worth a visit. No one knows for certain what the ancient ruins under the 7th century church were. The most common theory is that it was a temple dedicated to Apollo, and there is also an amphi-theatre here (I wonder why Dionysus hasn't been mentioned yet: he was the patron god of both wine and the theatre!).

Activity: The island is ideal for diving and fishing. You can also take long walks, bring your camera, the scenery is fantastic.There are no sandy beaches, here you will find great cliffs to jump when in - and get out. There is a boat to take you to the beach of Ag Georgios. It is not a party island, but you can enjoy the evening in taverns in Chora or in port. If you're lucky, people begin to sing and play traditional songs. There are some bars on the island as well. The food on the island consists of high quality, traditional Greek dishes. A few taverns in Chora, and some in the Aloprina port. Chora has a few shops, but they are small and the selection is limited. Here also have a local bus connecting Chora with the harbour. You can not rent a vehicle, but a boat can take you to the Ag Georgios beach.

Getting there: The best way to get there is to fly to Santorini, then take the ferry. Sikinos is also connected to Athens from Piraeus, Naxos and Mykonos. It is a good idea to leave the island at least a day before departure since the boats are cancelled if it gets too windy, leaving you stranded here. You can find guide book from Lonely Planet (Travel Guide) via this site usshoptoo.com

Santorini | Where is Heaven

Santorini is one of those places in the world that will be permanently etched in your mind. Everywhere you look, you will find another photo opportunity. In essence, the land is the remains of an enormous volcanic explosion which destroyed the earliest settlements on what was once a single island. The day after the explosion has created what we see today, a caldera. All whitewashed, charming cottages cling to the cliffs of the circle, while the deep blue Aegean Sea wraps around the geological masterpiece, hundreds of feet below. Its spectacular physical beauty, with a dynamic nightlife, have made a single island of the big attractions for Europe.

Santorini is the last of the Cyclades islands in the South. The nearest islands are Ios, Folegandros, Sikinos in the North, Anafi and Amorgos to the East and Crete to the south.

We call this one, but it is actually a complex of five islands. Santorini (Thira) is the main island and around Thirasia Aspronisi and (parts of the ancient Stroggili) and two volcanic islands Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni.

It was an island called Stroggili (circle in Greek) until about 1645 BC, when the volcano erupted in the center of the island and Caldera was created. The two volcanic islands appeared much later from various eruptions starting 157 BC until the last in the 20th Century (1950).

  Many reasons have known this island and the world more or less everything that we have a picture of him (picture was that the agency used for Greece) have seen. There is a discourse on the relationship between Thira and mythical Atlantis. Also Jules Verne made Santorini famous watch, with its books "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea" and "Mysterious island," in which Captain Nemo and his crew break out of the volcano. It was one of the visitors and scientists who came to Thira during the eruptions of 1866 - 1870 and wrote the famous book soon after. It is really the mysterious island, the volcano's rules, the view of the caldera, the most spectacular on the planet!

Upon arrival in Santorini, you have three options for how to go to the island on foot, by cable car or donkey. The gateway to the sea in the city consists of 657 four-inch-high steps. This allows a natural workout stepper very well, especially on a sunny day! The cable car ride takes about three minutes ... but you could wait 15 minutes or more for your train. Your final option, riding on a donkey from the old port of Fira is one of the most authentic rustic experience, you will find in Santorini. These animals were once the only means of transportation supporting winding paths of Santorini. A typical speed limits will take about 30 minutes uphill. The more you get, the more points of view! It is truly an experience you never forget. Try it, then you'll see heaven on Earth!

Phuket Part IX

Chalong Bay

Chalong is a large bay with a pier, which is the most important starting point for diving and fishing trips from Phuket.

The pier is a good place to charter boats for fishing trips, scuba diving or snorkeling in neighboring islands.

Chalong Bay does not have a great beach for swimming because of the mud and the large number of boats moored here.

Just inland is Chalong traffic circle. This area is popular with expatriates living in Phuket and there are some good restaurants and bars nearby.

 

Friendship Beach

Just south of Chalong, there are several low-key and quiet beach bungalows of friendship, which is also known as Mittrapap beach. The beach is not as good as it is muddy at low tide. However, the wonderful views of the bay and the bar at Friendship Beach Resort is a beautiful place to cocktails at sunset by the pool.

Chalong area is home to many tour operators, airlines, leisure fishing charters big game, diving schools, you can easily organize trips or excursions. There are also herbal sauna, yoga classes and a Reiki center in the area of ​​Chalong Circle.

Phuket Zoo is located in the Chalong area. There are some delicious and inexpensive seafood restaurants along the beachfront with views of the charming bay. These can be found either along the road past Phuket Zoo or just to the south at Chalong Pier.

Phuket Part VIII

Kamala Beach

A beautiful and serene beach, Kamala is perfect for those seeking a relaxed and casual beach.

Kamala is about 10 minutes north of Patong and a great place for those who are away from the hustle and bustle. The south end of this beautiful bay has a coral reef a few meters offshore. Kamala is not too developed, although there are some guesthouses and a few resorts.

It is a good selection of Thai restaurants, noodle shops and some restaurants in the West. The locals are mostly ethnic Malays, and there are some good restaurants with delicious dishes Muslim (it's really good indeed, let's try!)

Kamala is a good place for water sports. A number of dive shops can be found in the village. The reef at the southern end is a nice place for diving and water is wonderful for swimming during the dry

season. However, as the beach drops steeply to the sea, the currents can be very dangerous during the rainy season (please be careful). The north end of the beach can be a decent surf spot when its working.

The main attraction at Kamala, Phuket Fantasea is where you can enjoy a buffet and an evening of lively cultural entertainment.

Some decent bars along Beach Road will be found, as it winds inland. The atmosphere is very cool and relaxed in contrast to the bustle of Patong. There is also a dash of beer bars (I like it) along the main road.

Phuket Part VII

Surin Beach

Surin Beach, just north of Kamala is an underdeveloped stretch of sand lined with casuarina trees. Although there are now some hotels that arise Surin is still quiet and peaceful.

Surin is very popular with locals who frequent the seafood stalls and restaurants along the beach in the shade of casuarina trees, and can get a bit busy at weekends during peak season.

Inland from the beach of Surin Village, a predominantly Muslim neighborhood of Phuket. There is a small market here and a few restaurants where you can enjoy a delicious Masaman curry.

There is good snorkelling offshore when the sea is calm. Popular activities here are sea kayaking, surfing and body boarding. During the rainy season (from June to October) there is a strong rip current and the waves can be quite big making it a dangerous beach to go swimming.