#Destination Greece

Greece has been beaten ever since. A turbulent history and Greece always recovered; so will we now, too. Since you ever dreamed to visit Greece, NOW you have the possibility to make your dream come through … and live your MYTH

This year your vacation is in Greece … M.D.C, Travel Greece

Thank you

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Make YOUR own Big Fat Greek Travel

You want Sun and Beach, then Greece is your place.
Others are looking for more.
Greece is history and spirit. Remember Sokrates, Aristotle, or Plato?

You can meet them at every corner, they are present in everyday life. Their spirit is in every Greek, whatever they talk about.

Food? Ooohhh my! Greek food is what the Mediterranean Diet is about. Fresh Veggies and Seafood, even meat and lots of fruits.
Let’s begin with starters, like Melitzanosalata, Gigantes, and the world-famous Tzatziki and Greek salad with Olives.

Sorry, got carried away …

Greece is also about Active Holidays. Rafting, Climbing, Hiking, Biking, Sailing, Horseback riding, Golfing..,
Wait! Golf in Greece?
Yes, Yes, triple YES!

Greece offers International recognized Standard Golf courses on Crete, Chalkidiki, and Peleponnese.


World-class 5-star-resorts offer a wide range of leisure facilities, like 9-hole and 18-hole golf courses, famous Spa facilities, and excellent cuisine, where prominent Chefs serve a range of ethnic, continental, and Greek cuisine with influences from the Mediterranean diet. 

Greek resorts will pamper you in Lux and Lush with excellent services and amenities, like

If you need any help about Greece, just mail us at info@mdc-travel.com or WhatsApp +306944326915

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Trending & upcoming Neighborhoods of Athens

This unpretending and peaceful suburb of Athens,

not only is one of the most busy and trendy areas, but also worth living areas.

Just a few walking minutes from the Acropolis and the main center of the Greek Capital, this area is getting noticed by companies moving to and as well as has great popularity as an Airbnb destination. Being among TOP 5 locations due to its ideal location, Koukaki is gaining friends and fans.

Many references are made for this scenic suburb the last years.

Buildings in Koukaki are mostly build in the mid and late ’70.
Rarely you may find property for sale in the fashionable neighborhood.
It is well worth to an average of 20 – 25% in renovating, and get it on Airbnb or to live in.

Nevertheless of age, foreigners and companies buy property for exploitation. YES, renovation may take a while, but the goodwill worth is 40 – 60% of the buying price.

you may find apartments for rent of 60sqm at Euro 600 and even more.

Imagine, your home just under the Acropolis and right in the living center of Athens!

OK, it’s not an easy matter to find the right and a trustworthy real-estate company. If you need any help, we are here to offer our suggestions.

mail us for any request 0815pel@protonmail.com

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Greek Citizenship by Investment

Golden Visa Greece

Ever thought about Greek Citizenship?

Here at MDC Travel, our Legal Department, our Notary and Real-Estate counselors will help You to find the ideal solution!

Schengen Convention linked to the issuance of Golden Visa in Greece

The Golden Visa status in Greece offers to whomever is a beneficiary owning this certain visa, the advantage of free movement within the zone as provided by the Schengen Convention (“Schengen Convention Area”).

It is an extended area-zone, consisted by 26 EU member-states that have decided to abolish any passport or any other control check among them that would have taken place when at their borders. In other words, and in principle, the total area of the 6 operates as a single common zone which in this way it allows free movement, by practically setting in action a common visa policy. The zone itself has been named after the Convention signed in this small town in Luxembourg called Schengen in 1985.

Visa Free Travel

22 out 28 EU member-states form part of the Convention

Golden Visa and the acquisition of Greek Nationality and of Greek – European Passport

Golden Visa offers the option of acquisition of citizenship in Greece and that of Greek-European Passport and after seven years’ time from the time of acquisition of Golden Visa.

In particular, according to article 31 of Law 4531/2018 the provisions regarding the Greek Nationality Code have been amended and they are to be introduced after 05/04/2018.

In addition and as per the under nr. 130181/6353/2018 of 02.04.2018 decision of the Minister of Internal Affairs του Υπουργού Εσωτερικών (Official Gaz. 1208/Β΄), the following have been added to the deeds of permanent residence that are to be accepted in order for foreigners of different origin to be granted with citizenship, namely the permits of indefinite term, those of ten-years’, residence permits regarding investing activities, residence permit of a real estate owner and permanent residence permit of an investor. The amendment of these permits is valid as of the date of the publication of the aforementioned ministerial decision i.e. as of 02/04/2018.

Therefore in order for someone who is already in possession of a Golden Visa to acquire Greek citizenship, the necessary condition of him/ her residing lawfully and permanently for seven years before the actual date of submission of that specific plea has to be fulfilled.

Greek CitizenShip by Investment

The case of Greece: what does the Program entail?

You and your family shall be able to reside in Greece without any restrictions, or in case you have been already registered here to prolongue your stay. Greece has nowadays left behind the difficult days of its recent past and it has resumed its place as travel hub with flights connecting all of its major cities with major points of reference in Europe, the Americas, Oceania, Africa etc.

One could also mention all other advantages related with the Greece being member of the EU and the rest of the Western world, not forgetting though its connections and roots with the East. Quality of life such as malls, restaurants, beauty centers, archaeological sites of uniqueness, sports, culture, climate, universities are only some of the features Greece may easily offer to you and your family once you decide to embrace it as your second (or first) homeland.

Getting down to specifics

In terms of eligibility the Golden Visa Greece Program applies not only to the actual purchaser, but also to his/ her spouse, the dependent on them children even if they are up to 24 years old, and even more so to the grandparents of both sides. The permit’s permanent status is there for all of the aforementioned members of the wider family and it shall be remaining as such as long as the real estate property remains with its initial purchaser; every 5 years it has to be renewed by just being obliged to appear before the competent state administrative authority that shall confirm the ownership status.

The whole program evolves around the necessary precondition of investing through the purchase of a real estate property of 250.000, 00€ worth (brutto or net). Any property is eligible be it land as such, new property, resale etc. If for any reason the purchaser decides to sell that certain property else before the 5-year period to someone of foreign nationality, he/ she can also apply for the same status, however, the first purchaser needs to forfeit his/ her own permit and ultimately lose any such right at all.

  • There is always the case of joint ownership of a real estate property of 250.000, 00€; if it is about spouses, then there is no question of permit at all given that the spouses keep each 50% of the said property. In any other case, though, i.e. the purchase is not that of a spouse, then each of the purchasers has to pay the amount of 250.000, 00€
  • If the purchase has taken place by a legal entity of any sort, then it has to be proven that this entity entirely belongs to a single member/ natural person
  • There is, of course, the option of purchasing more than one properties as long as they amount to the sum of 250.000, 00€

Having said the above, it also needs to be mentioned that residents of already permanent status are eligible to apply for Greek citizenship after having spent 7 consecutive years in the country. Their children can be eligible on their part if the following boxes have been checked accordingly:

  1. Attendance of any school in Greece for a 9year-period
  2. Attendance of a secondary level school in Greece for a shorter period of 6 years
  3. Attendance of a University in Greece

Please do keep in mind that all EU citizens enjoy free access to employment, travelling, education, healthcare across the whole range of the (still) 28 countries of the EU. The Greek passport is the most useful tool you need when your aim is to travel not only within the EU but practically to all countries with the exception of only a handful of them.

Obtaining the Golden Visa Greece in a plain and simple way

A process which read as follows:

  • Getting the Entry Visa and Locate the Property that suits you We have 100’s of suggestions for You)
  • Purchasing the Property by signing all necessary documents and the agreement itself

It is to be noted that according to Law 4605/2019 the program regarding the issuance of Golden Visa residence permit extends to all those who shall be proceeding to a:

  • Purchase of shares in light of a share capital increase or bonds by contributing capital of at least 400.000 euros at the time of publication of the loan of businesses having a seat or premises in Greece and admitted to Greek official stock-exchange markets
  • Contribution in capital of a sum of 400.000 euros at least in an Investment Business of Real Estate (in Greek “ΑΕΕΑΠ”), which shall be investing exclusively in real estate properties in Greece so as to get shares and have its capital share increased
  • Contribution in capital of a sum of at least 400.000 euros in a venture capital fund (in Greek “ΕΚΕS”) in order to acquire shares of risk capital fund (in Greek “ΑΚΕS”) in order to acquire shares given that the aforementioned organizations do intend to invest exclusively on businesses having a seat and/ or premises in Greece
  • Purchase of Greek state bonds of a value of at least 000 euros and remaining duration regarding the purchase time of at least three years, through a banking institution located in Greece
  • Guarantee Fund Fixed Term Deposits in a Greek banking institution. The deposits shall be of at least 400.000 euros, of annual duration renewed once a year via direct debit
  • Purchase of shares, corporate bonds or Greek state bonds which are to be admitted for negotiations or have undergone negotiations already in the Greek stock-exchange market. In such case the acquisition value should be estimated at about 000 euros minimum
  • Purchase of shares of a purchase value of 400.000 euros in the form of risk capital fund which has been established in Greece or in any other country and which shall be investing exclusively on mobile properties of value (capital shares and corporate bonds or even Greek state bonds) which shall be admitted for negotiations or have being negotiated already in the Greek stock-exchange market. The amount of the positive position of that risk capital fund shall be estimated to at least 3 million euros
  • Purchase of shares or capital shares of a value of 400.000 euros in an organization of alternative investments (e.g. venture capital holdings) which shall have been established in Greece or any other member-state of the EU and which shall be investing exclusively on real estate property in Greece
  • Initiating the process by filing the necessary documents for a Golden Visa, and by obtaining gradually all supporting documents:
  1. Valid copy of passport
  2. 3 pictures, recent & colored
  3. Copy of a contract or contracts of total value of min. 250.000, 00€
  4. Transfer certificate issued by the Land Registry
  5. Application to get Residence Permit: a cost of 2.000, 00€ per person (adult)

Regarding family members, i.e. spouse and children: certificates of marital status, both an original and a copy bearing the APOSTILLE stamp.

Please bear in mind that the signing of the purchase agreement as well as the submission of the application regarding the Residence Permit as such could be processed by a lawyer vested with a proxy. 

Greece Golden Visa Program: HOW

  • PHASE A’ : Purchase
  • PHASE B’ : Golden Visa Procedure
  • FINAL STEP

Step two: Getting in contact with our Law Firm.

Step three: issuance of a travel visa by our Law Firm in order for you to visit Greece.

Step four: arrival in Greece and meeting with lawyers and associates of ours to get to locate the property of your liking.

To that end our Travel Dept. Team may as well assist you not only with technical/ legal details but also with all ordinary ones, such as assisting you with booking a hotel for the time you’ll be spending in Greece while in search of the proper property, alet alone all other relevant and not so relevant arrangements that may surface along the way while remaining here in Greece e.g. lease a car, arranging a visit to a doctor in case of an emergency, making arrangement for a visit to an archaeological site or a cultural event of any sort etc.:

Step five: Hands on procedure of actually vising properties here in Greece, checking locations, with at least one member of our Team, preferably a Translator or a property expert.

Step six: selection of a property or properties and, practically, launching of the purchase sequence  payment in advance of 10% of the price & Pre-Sales Private Purchase Agreement.

Step seven: signing of a Power of Attorney (“Proxy”) at a Notary’s Office appointing and allowing the representative Lawyer –s to:  issue a Tax Number (in Greek “AFM”)

  • Open a bank account
  • Sign the Final (proper) Purchase Agreement
  • Initiate the Golden Visa Application Procedure

Allow us to elaborate a little further on the actual signing of the Final (proper) Purchase Agreement by stressing the following, and in a nutshell what is practically and tangible needed to be done.

First of all, the authorized/ appointed Lawyer (or one of them) after having signed the Final Agreement at the Notary’s Office, makes sure that the same Agreement is registered with the competent Land Registry, in order for the actual Transfer of Deed to take place.

Secondly, and after having concluded the procedure with the Land Registry as such, by paying all necessary fees as calculated by the Land Registry itself, our Associate Lawyer shall be receiving the proper finalized Contract which by now has been completely finalized and settled accordingly.

Our Associate Lawyer, who has already been authorized by you in terms of the above, applies now for the so-called Blue Card, for which the following are necessary:

  • The properly concluded Final Contract and relevant attached Certificate
  • The INITIAL Entry Visa
  • Passport
  • Application, filled in and accordingly signed
  • Health Insurance

In case of a spouse and dependent children already involved and interested in being arranged simultaneously the following needs also to be in place:

  • Family Certificate (issued by competent authority from the country of origin, official and certified translation)
  • Marriage certificate (as issued aby the competent authority, and, as above, official and certified translation)
  • Birth certificates regarding dependent children of minor age (as issued aby the competent authority, and, as above, official and certified translation)

Please note that all of the aforementioned can be taken care of either by you, if you decide to visit yourself Greece and have us assisting you accordingly, or by the appointed Lawyer –s of our Law Firm provided that they have been vested by you with such authority via a Power Of Attorney.

Final Steps

Whatever the action taken, you should always bear in mind that ultimately what we are aiming to achieve is the issuance of the Golden Visa so as to enjoy all related thereto advantages.

As soon as all of the above take place, we then need to arrange the necessary Biometrics Appointment so as for the purchaser and the rest of his/ her family members to have everything in place by providing their fingertips to competent Greek Authorities.

The appointment shall be taking place in 6 to 10 weeks’ time.

This is actually one of the very few occasions that the actual purchaser and members of his/ her family need to be here in Greece and have this appropriately concluded. It shall then be with the appointed Lawyer to make sure he/ she gets the Golden Visa Card and forward them via regular post to you accordingly. NOTE: It is of vital importance to know that in order for the appointed Lawyer to get on your behalf the Golden Visa Card he/ she needs to have with him/ her the Applicants’ original passports!

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Privacy is First

Privacy will be written in Big letters in the Post-Covid era. Distancing and non-crowded tours of 8 to 20 members will be the maximum of the near future travel.

Family travel as well will be top-rated. The couple with 2 or 3 kids, grandparents, and maybe a cousin, counting up to 8 is the ideal number.

This will also affect the way of travel. The “Asian way of 3 countries in 5 days and with large group counting up to 40 members” might be over. Also: family activities” like a yacht cruising the Med or a private villa, are at the top of the list. Travelers take into account to fly private and in the end, it isn’t that much more than flying 1st class. Plus you avoid the crowd!

A chartered plane vs a first-class ticket

While on the surface, a chartered plane is a more expensive endeavor than a first-class ticket, there are a number of factors that need to be included in that comparison. While a first-class ticket for one traveler can cost anywhere from $800 to thousands of dollars, a private plane chartered generally ranges from $2,500 – $6,500/hour, depending on the size of the plane chartered. If a traveler is bringing a group, the cost of the first-class flight goes up from eventually 6+ thousand, while for international destinations, the cost of the charter remains the same (unless you need to book a bigger plane). In addition, think about what it’s like to get to the airport just 15 minutes before take-off. They save you three hours each way in airport screening and waiting alone.
One company opened private flights within a western triangulation of Oakland-Las Vegas-Orange County. Prices are surprisingly low, around $100 to $200 each way aboard a 30-seat sharing Embraer 135s. Perks include free snacks and drinks, a roomy 36 inches of legroom, and two free 

Ask us or Andre Hunter for more details. Andre in serving the private aviation industry for 20+ years and he can offer you any size of plane at best condition.

M.D.C. Travel can take care of everything. Pick-up from your home to the airport, private Jet, VIP transfer to your Yacht or private villa even with a chef and maid caring for the everyday needs. Mom will certainly appreciate this.

Imagine a week or 10 days just you and the family or friends cruising the Greek islands. Set a destination, cross the Med, and stay where you like it best. Reveal small islands with marvelous beaches or head for the more known ones. Always keeping safe with safety regulations practiced during the journey. We are not done yet with this insidiousand most dangerous virus. #staysafe

Greece (and the European Union) have takes measures to avoid the spread of the virus. About every county will require a vaccination certificate or negative PCR testing.

If you need any further information, suggestion, or reservation, we can help. Contact us and we’ll be happy to answer any question.

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Greece Travel Advisory / to put an end to rumors

Greece to Welcome Visitors with Negative Covid-19 Test or a Vaccination Certificate

Greek Tourism Minister Harry Theoharis on Tuesday clarified that Greece this year will be open to all visitors holding either a negative molecular Covid-19 test or a vaccination certificate when entering the country.

“The prerequisite for someone to travel to our country (and stay) will be the negative molecular test or the certificate of vaccination,” Theoharis said, adding that if someone does not want to show their vaccination certificate when entering Greece, they can present a negative coronavirus test.

“In any case, personal data will be protected,” the minister said.

The idea behind travelers holding vaccination certificates is for them to be able to move freely within European countries, without restrictions such as being obliged to undergo Covid-19 testing. On the other hand, unvaccinated citizens will be obliged to present a negative PCR test or antigen test at border points (and possibly undergo quarantine depending on a country’s rules).

List of EU Countries Issuing/Asking for Vaccination Certificates

With more COVID-19 vaccines getting approved, and more people being vaccinated throughout the EU Member States and the Schengen Area Associate countries, the urge to restore travel for those vaccinated has also increased.

The so-called ‘vaccination passports’ or ‘vaccination certificates’ have gained huge attention in the recent weeks, after several of the Member States warned they would start issuing them to their citizens, so those who are vaccinated against COVID-19 have proof of it.

The idea of such documents has been supported even by the European Council, though the latter insists that right now it is too early to decide for what those certificates could be used.

Leaders agreed to work on a standardised and interoperable form of proof of vaccination for medical purposes. Leaders will determine at a later stage in what circumstances these certificates could be used,” the Council noted in a press release of January 21, after the Greek PM brought the issue to the video meeting.

At time of writing, following countries request a vaccination certificate

Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain and Sweden.

Europol warns travelers over fake Covid-19 vaccine certificates

The EU’s police agency on Monday warned travellers to watch for organised crime gangs selling fake Covid-negative certificates at airports, sometimes for as much as 300 euros each. ADVERTISING

The warning from Europol comes after police busted several suspects selling forged certificates declaring people COVID-19 negative at airports in Britain and France, online and through mobile messaging chat groups in Spain and the Netherlands.

Many EU countries and others now require proof that passengers are not infected by the disease, which has killed more than 2.2 million people around the world.

“As long as travel restrictions remain in place due to the pandemic, it is very likely that criminals will seize the opportunity of producing and selling fake Covid-19 test certificates,” Europol said.

“Given the widespread technological means available in the form of high-quality printers and different software, fraudsters are able to produce high-quality counterfeit, forged or fake documents,” the Hague-based police agency said.

French police late last year broke up a forgery ring at Charles de Gaulle airport outside Paris selling fake certificates for between 150 and 300 euros ($180 and $360), Europol said.

“Intelligence suggests that in the UK, fraudsters were caught selling bogus Covid-19 test documents for 100 pounds, faking the name of a genuine laboratory on the false certificates,” it added.

In one recent case, a man was arrested 10 days ago at Luton Airport in Britain on suspicion of selling fake Covid papers.

In Spain, police arrested a man selling forged papers for 40 euros online, while in the Netherlands scammers were doing the same via mobile messaging applications.

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Beer ,,, Greek Beer

Summer is in sight! OK not tomorrow, but soon.

What refreshing idea comes to your mind? Beer

Local Beer – YES Greek real Greek bear

there are long established brand Made in Greece Beers.
Mythos, Fix, Alfa just to name a few.

BUT there are also some worth mentioning brands.

Nisos


Nisos is a product of the Cyclades Microbrewery, located on the beautiful island of Tinos. Launched from scratch in 2012 by Alexandros and Maya, this microbrewery creates artisanal and unpasteurized beers, all made with organic ingredients, in small quantities in an attempt to keep the whole production and distribution process manageable. As such, Nisos has two staple beers available year-round—Nisos Pilsner (which was the awarded silver European Beer Star in 2014) and Nisos Organic All-Day lager—as well as a few limited editions. Make sure to visit the brewery to learn more about the beers and have a taste!

Zeos

ZEOS established in 1998, is located in Argos, in Peloponnese, 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) from the lovely town ofNafplio. The brewery, which only uses natural ingredients, including mountain spring water, creates handcrafted beers that have seduced Greeks for decades now. Producing pilsners, black Weiss, and lagers, Zeos are proudly brewed in Greece, with no added artificial flavors or preservatives. These tasty suds perfectly complement a delicious meal with friends under the sun.

Septem

Founded in 2009 by two brothers, chemist and oenologist Sophocles Panagiotou and economist Georgios Panagiotou,Septem lies on the lush island of Evia in Orologio. With the desire to produce quality beers that offer gastronomic pleasure at the same level as refined wine or coffee, this sudsy venture applies oenological philosophy to beer brewing. Septem has a small collection of delicious and refreshing unpasteurized beers, which includes awarded pilsners and pale ales, as well as a few seasonal brews. Why not visit the premises on your next trip and discover these delicious beverages for yourself?

Kirki

Kirki Microbrewery, located in Halkida and established in 2015, is the brainchild of two friends, Yiannis Dritsas and Yiannis Chaniotis. What started as a playful idea turned into a successful endeavor, and today, the microbrewery has two star products, Kirki, a cloudy and unfiltered pale ale, and Pikri, a light ale rebrewed into the bottle. Distinguishing themselves very quickly in the market, the two Yiannis surely have a bright future.

Piraïki

The Piraïki microbrewery, created in 2005 by pharmacist Alexander Koumantou, is located in Drapetsona, in Piraeus, Athens. In 2010, the small brewery relocated to central Greece to increase production and the quality of its products, with the desire to create rich, authentic beers. Applying traditional organic practices and following the German Reinheitsgebot (Germany’s law for beer purity) of 1516, Piraïki produces tasty pale ales, pils, and lagers that surely will transport your taste buds to another realm.

Ikariotissa

Made with water from Ikaria island, a place known all over the world as an island of longevity. Its name is a tribute to the women of the island. Light and pleasant, with rich cereal aromas. Recently awarded in the Superior Taste Awards Brussels 2020.

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Greek New Year Traditions

Kalo Podariko – New Year’s Tradition of Smashing Pomegranates

In Greek culture, the pomegranate holds much significance. It is a sign of luck, prosperity and fertility. It is also a sign of renewal and regeneration. Since the rituals that surround New Year’s usually involve ways to bring luck, it makes sense that the pomegranates are part of this. Here’s more information about this unique New Year’s tradition.

The Pomegranate on the Front Door

On New Year’s Eve, it is common for Greek families and close friends to gather together to spend time with each other. Each household hangs a pomegranate over the front door during this time of the year. Often, the pomegranate will be placed above or to the side of the front door at Christmas, and it will hang there until it is used on New Year’s Eve. Some families may also get their pomegranate blessed at their local Greek Orthodox Church before hanging it.

Reentering the Home at Midnight

As the time nears midnight, the family members in the household will turn off all the lights and make their way outside of their home. One person will be chosen as especially lucky, and they will be the first to reenter the household. This person will enter first with their right foot. Traditionally, children are chosen for the owner of stepping into the home at midnight. This person. referred to as the First Footer, is tasked with the special moment of being the first one to step into the home. It has to be done right, or else the ritual will not bring the family luck for the New Year!

The Smashing of the Pomegranate

After the First Footer enters, someone else is chosen who has a fresh and clean spirit. This is the person who takes the fruit in their right hand and smashes it against the door. Naturally, many of the pomegranate seeds will be revealed and fall out of the pomegranate. The more seeds that are scattered at the foot of the front door of the home, the more luck that that household will have for the year. If very few seeds are scattered, the luck won’t be as much as it would be if a lot of seeds came out. First footers often practice their technique before New Year’s in order to make sure they bring the family as much luck as possible.

The Mossy Stones

Before the New Year, it is also the tradition to put mossy stones near the front door. Before the other household members reenter the house after the first two, they step on these mossy stones that have been collected from nearby streams and ponds, and this is also considered to be a positive omen for the New Year. It is the tradition for the First Footer to stop on the mossy stones after smashing the pomegranates.

Pomegranates are looked at as a fruit that has the potential to bring luck. If the First Footer does his or her job correctly, the household will experience plenty of good luck throughout the year!

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Aegina

Aegina is my favorite Greek Island.

Aegina is a very special Saronic island, located 26 km (16 miles, 40 minutes) south of Athens. This magical island can easily be reached by a regular ferry or hydrofoil connection from Piraeus. The relatively small island has a very special energy and authentic beauty. Next to being an unspoiled vacation island, it’s transformational energy has made many people decide to relocate, even ones that have traveled the world extensively. Aegina makes you feel at home.

Famous Brand Hermes did their “Hermès” campaign in 2012 on Aegina island at the Olive grove.
It is a place little known to many visitors to the island and even to permanent residents. Accessible only by 4-wheel drive vehicle from Aeginitissa or on foot, it is a destination most sought by those who love wild, out-of-the-way places, and for such seekers, is well worth the effort.


Οne of the largest trees measures 13 metres (42.64 feet) around its trunk, with an internal cavity 2.5 metres (8.2 feet) in diameter. The age of the older trees has been estimated at 1500-2000 years. Eleonas belongs, for the most part, to the Monastery of Chrisoleontissa, which supported some of the shepherds and their herds of goats, sheep, and cattle. There are also a few private owners. The trees, though they still give forth new shoots, are not exploited for oil production. Whether the area is to be exploited in future for other purposes is a question occupying the minds of many who would like to see it designated as a natural ‘monument ‘— a place of sacred heritage.

PICNICKING IN AN ANCIENT OLIVE GROVE Ägina is a very special Saronic island, located 26 km (16 miles, 40 minutes) south of Athens. This magical island can easily be reached by a regular ferry or hydrofoil connection from Piraeus. The relatively small island has a very special energy and authentic beauty. Next to being an unspoiled vacation island, it’s transformational energy has made many people decide to relocate, even ones that have traveled the world extensively. Aegina makes you feel at home.

Watch the sun go down through the trees of the ancient olive grove on the slopes of Mount Oros – the island’s highest peak – where the view is incredible. The grove is located in a valley and features ancient olive trees whose trunks are living sculptures shaped by nature.

Despite the site having been used by none other than Hermes for a fashion campaign, it remains off most visitors’ radars and you can enjoy it almost entirely for yourself for a picnic or perhaps a spot of yoga.

Aegina is a sacred Island. You may feel it from the first moment of your arrival. Then, You belong to Aegina.

In 1904, the now world famous miracle healer Agios Nektarios chose to move to Aegina; he transformed a desolated monastery into his home and place of worship. To this day, his monastery serves as a place of comfort and is one of the most visited sights on the island.

Aegina History

Aegina has a long history, dating from the Neolithic (4th millennium BC) to the later years. The high points in its history were the period if its great prosperity (657-459 BC) and the short period when it was proclaimed first capital and home of governor Ioannis Kapodistrias.

The Temple of Aphaia

Go as far as the ancient Temple of Aphaia which is exceptionally well preserved. Ancient myths would have it that is was dedicated to Vritomartis, the daughter of Zeus and Karmis who, in order to escape from king Minoas and a fisherman who had fallen in love with her, hid in a forest on the island protected by Artemis and with help from the goddess became invisible (aphanti in Greek – hence the name Aphaia).

When the atmosphere is clear, the Acropolis in Athens and the temple of Poseidon in Sounion are both visible from the hilltop.

Also several small and private museums and galleries are easy to visit.

Beaches for All

On the road to the fishing village of Perdika you will find the most well-known, organized beaches.

Marathonas A is a sandy stretch that is great for families. At shaded tables delicious mezes are served that are liable to keep you there until very late in the day. At Marathonas B the average age drops significantly. Here you will find sunbeds and many beachgoers working on their tans while playing beach racquets.

Aeginitissa is a similarly cosmopolitan affair with loud music, hammocks, a dedicated area for rackets and pistachio flavored mojitos. If you have the time for the half-hour drive along the coast, the two beaches of Kleidi (aka Klima) and Sarpa located after Perdika feature crystal blue-green waters despite the fact that they can also get quite busy.

Agia Marina

Shopping

What would be a getaway or holiday without shopping? Walk the small alleys and narrow streets of Aegina town and discover need shops with rare findings. stop by at Korali and snoop the fantastic selection.

Relax

Countless Café, Coffee shops or Cafeterias invite you for a relaxed break. Try Remvi (last one next to Panayitsa – The Metropolis) for a great Cappuccino.

For lunch are many options available. Either you prefer fresh seafood (Skotadis Restaurant) or any other, like Dromaki with superb cuisine

Celebrate your day with a coctail at Oinoi and listen to great music with Live DJ over the weekends.

Last but not least

Pistaccio or Fistiki

It’s a “MUST” to try and you shure will buy the BEST Pistaccio and certainly the ORIGINAL Aegina Fistiki PDO (product of designation of origin)
You’ll find it everywhere

Aegina today
is one of the most visited islands for Greeks, due to the fact of the distance. Imagine to find yourself on an island in less than an hour.

Aegina offers everything one can ask. Culture, fun, beaches, fine food and much more to be explored.
Don’t worry about accommodation, A wide range of budget hotels and great resorts are available.

Culture
From the port, you can walk to the archaeological site of Kolona where you can see the ruins of an ancient temple dedicated to Apollo and then continue to the Christos Kapralos Museum where you can see works by the renowned Greek artist dating from 1963 to his death in 1993.

Further, you may visit the Historical & Folklore Museum, the Governor’s House, and the library of Aegina “Kapodistriak”

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MDC Travel Greece Blog

Here you will find suggestions, insider tips, recommendations, tours, offers and much more …

We aim to inform, entertain and suggest trips, tours, tips and kicks on Greece.

Ohh YES!

Visit our New website http://www.mdc-travel.com

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Luxury trends Glamp

<p class="has-drop-cap" value="<amp-fit-text layout="fixed-height" min-font-size="6" max-font-size="72" height="80">Glamping in the New trend and Greeks respond with a Certification Seal by the Greek Tourism Ministry<br><br>"Glamping" stands for Glamorous Camping and it's worth it. <br><br>Read the <a href="https://news.gtp.gr/2020/10/05/greece-establishes-certification-seal-glamping-accommodation/">Official post</a> Glamping in the New trend and Greeks respond with a Certification Seal by the Greek Tourism Ministry

“Glamping” stands for Glamorous Camping and it’s worth it.

Read the Official post

Imagine a 5* hotel room with all comfort in a tent next to the water or in an olive grove, or a Treehouse?
Glamping is a great way of Eco-Friendly and sustainable holidaying, without missing your comfort.
Let us help you find the ideal solution according to the area or type of accommodation, taking in account the infrastructure and covering your needs.


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