How can you visit Greece and never set foot on an island? Easy.
Beginning in Athens, we bussed north to Kalambaka in the heart of the spectacular Meteora region of Thessaly. Then down to Delphi, crossing the Gulf of Corinth by boat to Diakofto. By train and bus we made our way to the seaside town of Nauplion - our base for exploring the ruins at Mycenae and Epidarvos. We pressed further south (by driving a "toy" rental car) into the depths of the Pelopennesian peninsula to chill out at the Bay of Limeni. The stone towers of Vathia were just a stone's throw (pun intended) from Limeni. But before turning back to Athens, we drove eastward to Monemvasia - a world heritage town cleverly huddled into the side of a mountain peninsula - and made a pit stop in Sparta.
No islands. A few beaches. Startling landscapes strewn with ancient ruins, monastery-topped mesas and medieval forts and towns. Who needs islands? Well, maybe next time.
Date(s): July/August 1998. Album by David Kohl. Photos by David Kohl & Ross Rosenberg. 1 - 16 of 38 Total. 3962 Visits.
St.Stephanos, Meteora The area of Meteora in northern Greece takes its name from the adjective "meteoros" which means suspended in the air. The monasteries are literally suspended in the air atop these mesa-like rock formations.
Meteora
Agios Triados During the turbulent 14th century, the monasteries were often only accessible by a rope pulley (attached to a large basket) or a rope-strung ladder.
Meteora
Meteora
Kastraki
Kastraki
Outdoor Rooftop Movie Theater in Diakofto On summer evenings, store rooftops are turned into outdoor movies theaters. The white movie screen can be glimpsed to the left of the photo.
Outdoor Movie Theater in Diakofto This photo was taken during an intermission of an evening movie showing. As can be seen by Ross' shirt, there is no air conditioning. The air is still mercilessly hot. Not even a warm breeze could be felt. Ah, Greece in the summer.
Monemvasia (view from the mainland) Monemvasia - often referred to as the "Gibraltar of Greece" - is accessed via a causeway from the mainland town of Gefyra.
Monemvasia The island was originally part of the mainland until is was separated by an earthquake in the 4th century.
Causeway entrance to Monemvasia During the 6th century, recurrent barbarian invasions forced area residents to retreat to this natural stone fortress.
Monemvasia entrance This is the only entrance to the town. No cars beyond this point! You enter the town through an l-shaped tunnel. The town is revealed only at the very end of the tunnel.
Monemvasia street scene The best place to stay is the Malvasia Hotel - spread out throughout the town in restored buildings.
Monemvasia street scene The streets - thankfully car-less - are lined with shops and restaurants. At the end of the day, the day-trippers leave and the town is blissfully peaceful - even in the height of the summer tourist season.
Atop Monemvasia Monemvasia is truly one of the most beautiful spots along the Pelopennesian coast. This is a view of Agis Sofia - a 13th century church that overlooks the town.
