The Antikythera Mechanism is a mechanical miniature of the Ancient Universe. This extraordinary astronomical mechanism from about 100 BC employed 30 bronze gears to make calculations based on cycles of the Solar system, i.e. the calendars, the phases and the positions of the Sun and the Moon. It also predicted the solar and lunar eclipses and, possibly, the positions of the planets.

The whole international community of experts on the ancient world was astonished when its corroded remains were recovered in 1901 by Greek sponge divers, who found them at the bottom of the sea near the island of Antikythera.



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Getting To Anti Paros

Paros is a three-hour ferry ride from the port of Piraeus in Athens. The most reliable ferry company is Hellenic Seaways (30-210-4199-0000).  Ferries run at least once a day from Pireaus Port in Athens at a cost of about 50 euros, depending on the season. In addition Olympic Air and Aegean Airlines have daily service to the island.  Once in Paros the boat trip to Anti Paros is just ten minutes from the port of Pounta and about twenty minutes from the main port in Paros, Parikia. The ferry leaves every two or three hours. Tickets (3 euros) are bought on the boat.



ABOUT The Island
The largest tourist attraction on the island of Antiparos is a stalactite cavern on the south coast, which is reached by a narrow passage broken by two steep and dangerous descents which are accomplished by the aid of rope-ladders. These Caves are a natural wonder and must be visited if in Anti Paros.

There are many beaches to visit on the island of Anti Paros however there are those which you can visit with either sail boats or fishing boats where one can enjoy the beach of Pantieronisia, the small island of Despotiko famous for its archaeological findings, the beach of Faneromeni, the one of Agios Spiridonas, the cave of Mastihari....all quiet and breath taking.

Where To Stay
There are only six hotels on Antiparos, all within a few feet of the ferry port. The most central is the Hotel Mantalena (30-22840-61206). The rooms are small but the lobby’s seaside patio is airy and comfortable. Double rooms begin at 35 euros, not including breakfast.  For Anti Paros hotel assistance go to Blue Map

Rick Steves since 1973 has spent 120 days a year in Europe. Spending one third of his adult life living out of a suitcase in Europe has shaped his thinking.  He has dedicated his life to travel and is a true expert on the art of Traveling.  Click on link Below to View this very informative video on Santorini and the Greek islands

Rick Steves visits Santoirni and other Greek Islands



Click Here to view More of Rick Steve Videos

Every where one looks there is a top 10 list of beaches as if someone other than the 12 Gods can make such a list of favorites.  The problem is simple; Greece and it's islands have an overabundance of beaches, coves and private hideaways which one calls a beach. The Endless sands of the Greek coast add up to approximately 16,000 Kilometers.

A visitor has the opportunity to enjoy beaches in sheltered bays and coves, golden stretches of sandwith dunes, pebble beaches, coastal caves with steep rocks and dark sand typical of volcanic soil. In 2007, 428 beaches and 5 marinas inGreece were awarded the “Blue Flag”, a figure that places the country in second place among 49 other countries.

Most of the thousands of Greek coasts are freely accessible and you can easily discover and enjoy them. There are also many organized beaches in the country, with the necessary infrastructure providing high-quality services (umbrellas, reclining chairs, change booths,cafes, bar-restaurants etc), and in addition to swimming, you can enjoy an abundance of water sports.

Here are some beaches we think one should put on their list of those worthy of an exploration:

• Ballos Beach, Gramvousa Crete (pictured above)
• Egremni Beach, Lefkada
• Kathisma Beach, Lefkada
• Saraniko Beach, Gavdos
• Achla Beach, Andros
• Pori Beach, Koufonissia
• Tsigrado Beach, Milos
• Mikros Simos Beach, Elafonissos
• Seychelles Beach, Ikaria
• Myrtos Beach, Cephalonia
• Kalogira Beach, Achaia, Peloponnese
• Zacharo Beach, Peloponnese
• Lagouvardos Beach, Messinia, Peloponnese

Every so often we recommend a supplier to assist our readers with their trip planning to the Greek Islands.  Sailing the Greek Isles can be a great way to explore the many small ports, communities and beaches of elusive Island hideaways that are not accessible by tradition ferry boats in Greece.  Marcos and Betty at Vacation Yachting  offer a high level of personalized service and expertise.  Feel free to explore some links which we have provided below.  Happy sailing!



Click here for Greek Yachting Photo Gallery

Click here for Greek Yachting Sailing Itineraries

For bookings click here

Kythera is located on the sea cross path of South Greece between the Aegean Sea, the Cretan Sea and the Ionian Sea, otherwise in the middle of Peloponnese and Crete Island.  Kythera is made up of one municipality and 13 geographical districts (ex-communities) that occupy280 square kilometers. These 13 geographical districts are represented by the local councils. The population of the island is estimated at only 4.000 persons. 

If you are looking for a place to relax and unwind Kythera is the place for you.  The beaches and people will rejuvenate you for sure. There are a lot of ways to come to Kythira. Plane from the international Airport of Athens or boat from Piraeus. In Addition you can access Kythrea from Gythion and Neapoli where you can come in via a short ferry boat ride. If you happen to be on the island of Crete you will find the ferry boat transportation in Kasteli located in the district of Chania Crete.


"courtesy of Greece is Great"

Click here for Beaches of Kythera
Click here for Photo Albums of Kythera Greece

July 29, 2010, 5:00PM EST
Luxury homes in Greece are being deeply discounted because of the debt crisis

By Sharon Smyth and Natalie Weeks

"A sunny clime, an ocean view, some ancient ruins out back, and the chance to bump into Tom Hanks at your local taverna. If that sounds good, you're in luck. Greek island villas are being marked down by nearly half as the country's debt crisis curbs demand for holiday getaways."

Click here for Full Business Week Article

Greek Villas Marked Down 45% as Crisis Hits Island Homes
By Sharon Smyth - Jul 27, 2010 5:00 PM EDT


A three-story villa, whose price is down from 5.5 million euros to 4.1 million euros, is seen on the island of Mykonos in an aerial view. Source: Gougoussi/107 via Bloomberg

Greek island homes, long coveted by millionaires and Hollywood stars such as Tom Hanks, are being marked down by as much as 45 percent as the country’s debt crisis destroys demand for holiday getaways.

“It’s a scary place to invest right now,” said Mike Braunholtz, a broker at Prestige Property Group, which markets properties on the Greek islands. “Things aren’t going to improve until the economic picture becomes clearer.”

Greece is counting on a 110 billion-euro bailout from the European Union and the International Monetary Fund to avert a default and end the nation’s first recession since 1993.

The economy will contract by about 4 percent this year and by 2.6 percent in 2011, according to estimates from the Greek Finance Ministry.

Click here for full article on Falling Greek Island Villa Prices

This Summers fashion craze on the beaches of the Greek Islands...The Monokini...designers such as
London's Beach baby: cutout monokini, £275, by Melissa Odabash (020 7229 4299)



Bet you can't wait to get to the Greek Islands now?
Click here for More Monokini pictures courtesy of the London Evening Standard


For Greek Island Booking assistance click Here

By Daily Mail Reporter
Last updated at 9:22 AM on 23rd July 2010

As a consequence of the poor economy fewer holidays have been sold, so prices have dropped to encourage more bookings.' The group's research found the biggest savings in eastern Mediterranean resorts, in particular Paphos, which is 34 per cent cheaper than a year ago, Crete, which is down 29 per cent and Zante at 26 per cent less
 
.

On average the price of a family holiday across the top 20 destinations for UK holidaymakers has fallen by 13.5 per cent, representing a typical saving of £232.

Mr Davis said: 'People are booking their holidays much later this year and as a result we're seeing the emergence of a very strong late bookings market for family groups.'

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