10 Reasons to Visit Greece in 2012

This time of the year incites each of us to think about and plan new travel experiences or even relive, past, joyful ones. With diversity in landscapes, experiences, alternative activities, gastronomy & wine and a culture starting from ancient times, to name a few, Greece offers a plethora of reasons for which one should visit.

1. Because you’ve never been here before. Didn’t have the chance to visit Greece yet? Traveling to Greece for the first time is a life-altering experience. The unique culture and the beauty of the spectacular landscapes, alone, are enough to amaze you. Add on the rest Greece has to offer and prepare yourself for a long-lasting experience that you will remember forever.

2. Because you’ve been here before. Greece is the place where wonderful experiences never end. There is always more to explore, to discover, to see, to taste, to feel. Expand your senses in a place where the elements of nature offer countless possibilities. Can you recall the thrilling emotion of your first time here? Well, we can assure you that it never fades.

3. Because of its great climate. Perfect climate conditions allow every visitor to enjoy every season across the country. Not too hot but not too cold, Greece delivers the ideal climate that offers everyone the opportunity to enjoy memorable holidays with a wide range of activities.

4. Because it’s easy to get to (…and hard to forget). Whether by car, ship or airplane, Greece is easy to reach. So, what are you waiting for? Book your ticket now and live the Greek experience.

5. Because of its natural diversity. Greece has great diversity and a range of places and landscapes that cannot be found together anywhere else. Here, you will find something of everything. It’s like having a miniature world, where everything is included: from countless beautiful islands and awarded beaches, to huge snow-covered mountains, great forests and spectacular castle – cities.

6. Because of its monuments and UNESCO heritage sites. Get the chance to see, live, some of the most amazing monuments of the world, such as the Archaeological Site of Delphi or the breathtaking medieval town of Mystras, in the Peloponnese.

7. Because some things, you can only find in Greece. Tasting mastiha, made solely on the island of Chios, climbing the inimitable geological rocks of Meteora and diving in yet-to-be discovered coves, are just a few examples of what Greece has to offer. You do not want to miss the chance for such rare and special experiences.

8. Because Greece is the island empire. Greece is the land of the islands. Islands of different shapes and sizes; different personalities; different possibilities. Where some of the most beautiful beaches of the world are waiting for you. Here you will get the chance to relax body and soul, under the sun, enjoying crystal blue water and fun activities.

9. Because of the extraordinary taste of Greek cuisine. The world’s most exquisite Mediterranean flavors are before you. Food here is ten times better and healthier not only because recipes have been perfected over time, by generations of Greek families, but because Greek food is based on fresh products.

10. Because of the Acropolis and the New Acropolis Museum. The meeting point of Greece’s past and future, holding the origins of Western civilization.

Kefalonia

Kefalonia is one of the most stunning and unspoilt islands that you will every visit. Every corner you turn reveals another breath-taking site - from the penninsula of Assos, to the world famous Myrtos Beach to the flat green plains of the Omola Valley and the striking Mount Aenos. There are also amazing beaches and pretty little coves that likes of which cannot be found on any other island. Coupl...e the scenery with the friendliness of the Kefalonians and it gives you a combination for a truely unforgettable experience.
We work with a small selection of handpicked, family run properties that all provide something special - whether it be the service, the cleanliness, the location - every property is unique. As each booking is made directly with the owners we are supporting local small businesses and giving something back to the community. Take a look at www.primekefaloniaholidays.co.uk See more

Kefalonia Accommodation - Kefalonia Hotels and Apartments

www.primekefaloniaholidays.co.uk

Prime Holidays in Kefalonia act as a booking agent for a carefully chosen selection of Kefalonia accommodation. Each property has been hand-picked by our team as being able to offer a high standard of service at an affordable price. All of our Kefalonia hotels and apartments are owned by local islan...

13th December in recent history

A few interesting facts from the history of the 13^th of December:

UK 1924 Great Britain France Wartime Debt

December 13th, 1924 : France’s World War I wartime debt to Great Britain amounted to 623,000,000 pounds and the French also owed the United States 798,000,000 pounds. Although the British government was going to approach France about repaying its debts, the British public was skeptical that France would ever pay anything back.

United States 1939 United States Gone With The Wind Premiers

December 13th, 1939 : Gone With The Wind Premiers in Atlanta, Georgia. The movie adapted from the novel by Margaret Mitchell published in 1936. The movie, starring Clark Gable, Vivien Leigh, Leslie Howard, Olivia de Havilland, and Hattie McDaniel set in the deep south tells a story of the Civil War and its aftermath from a white Southern viewpoint.

France 1944 France Allied Prisoners of War Freed

December 13th, 1944 : In Sarreguemines, France one thousand allied soldiers who had been German captives became free as the 39th division stormed their prison. The liberated group included Russian, Polish, Italian, Serbian, and Yugoslavian soldiers who smiled at their new liberty.

U.S. 1950 U.S.A. James Dean

December 13th, 1950 : James Dean who is still unknown at that time appears in a Pepsi commercial, dancing with other teens around a jukebox 5 years before he becomes an icon for the teenage revolution in such films as Rebel Without a Cause

Cyprus 1959 Cyprus Archbishop Makarios

December 13th, 1959 : Archbishop Makarios is elected as the first President of the Republic of Cyprus in free elections winning with over 66% of the vote. His vice president is Dr Fazil Kutchuk a leading political figure from the Turkish community.

UK 1995 England Brixton Riots

December 13th, 1995 : Hundreds youths take to the streets at Brixton, in south London attacking police, ransacking shops and burning cars.

Ireland 1996 Ireland EU Finance Ministers

December 13th, 1996 : In Dublin, fifteen EU finance ministers debated for eleven hours about imposing fines on EU countries whose poor accounting practices jeopardized EU stability. The new common currency of the EU, the Euro, was to be launched in 1999.

European Union 2002 European Union 10 New Members

December 13th, 2002 : Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia are accepted into the European Union and will become members from 1st May 2004.

EU 2007 EU Lisbon Treaty

December 13th, 2007 : E.U. leaders have signed a treaty in Lisbon that is expected to alter the way in which the 27-nation body operates. The treaty creates an E.U. president, as well as a more powerful foreign policy chief. The document, signed at a ceremony at the city's Jeronimos Monastery, also scraps veto powers in many policy areas. It has been signed as a replacement for the E.U. constitution, which was abandoned in the wake of French and Dutch opposition to it.

The World Every Year Christian Population

Just 12 days until Christmas Day when the world will rejoice and remember the birth of Jesus Christ.

 

Happy Name Day - St Nicholas

Today is the feast day for St Nicholas who is regarded as the Patron Saint of the Greek Navy. We would like to wish all Nikos', Nikoletta's and Nicky's a very Happy Name Day - Xronia Sas Polla.

A little history on St. Nic:

Saint Nicholas (Greek: Άγιος Νικόλαος) also called Nikolaos of Myra, was a historic 4th-century saint and Greek Bishop of Myra (Demre, in Lycia, part of modern-day Turkey). Because of the many miracles attributed to his intercession, he is also known as Nikolaos the Wonderworker (Greek: Νικόλαος ο Θαυματουργός). He had a reputation for secret gift-giving, such as putting coins in the shoes of those who left them out for him, and thus became the model for Santa Claus. His reputation evolved among the faithful, as was common for early Christian saints. In 1087, his relics were furtively translated to Bari, in southeastern Italy; for this reason, he is also known as Nikolaos of Bari. His feastday is 6 December.
The historical Saint Nicholas is remembered and revered among Catholic and Orthodox Christians. He is also honored by various Anglican and Lutheran churches. Saint Nicholas is the patron saint of sailors, merchants, archers, thieves, children, and students in various countries in the Balkans and Eastern Europe (Albania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Georgia, Greece, Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia), as well as in parts of Western Europe (Belgium, France, Netherlands, Portugal). He is also the patron saint of Aberdeen, Amsterdam, Barranquilla, Bari, Beit Jala, Fribourg, Huguenots, Kozani, Liverpool, Paternopoli, Sassari, Siggiewi and Lorraine. He was also a patron of the Varangian Guard of the Byzantine emperors, who protected his relics in Bari.

In Greece, Saint Nicholas does not carry an especial association with gift-giving, as this tradition is carried over to St. Basil of Cesarea, celebrated on New Year's Day. St. Nicholas being the protector of sailors, he is considered the patron saint of the Greek navy, war and merchant alike and his day is marked by festivities aboard all ships and boats, at sea and in port. It is also associated with the preceding feasts of St. Barbara (4 December), St. Savvas (5 December), and the following feast of St. Anne (9 December); all these are often collectively called the "Nikolobárbara", and are considered a succession of days that heralds the onset of truly wintry cold weather in the country. Therefore by tradition, homes should have already been laid with carpets, removed for the warm season, by St. Andrew's Day (30 November), a week ahead of the Nikolobárbara.

Prime Holidays and Prime Villas

I am proud to say that both sites are pretty much "there" now - just a few tweaks to make over the next week or so!! Facebook page under Prime Kefalonia has gone live today, as has the Twitter account and the blog spot!! Huge thanks to Jon Watts in Corfu who has been a fantastic "webman" to work with and completed everything well before the deadlines (and put up with me and my stupid questions)!! So please accept my new friends requests, like my page, follow me on twitter and blog away.. oh and book your accommodation in Kef with Prime Holidays of course xxx

New villa added to the Prime Villas site - Aggelatos Villas are in the most spectacular position overlooking Kalamia Bay which is ideal for enjoying those amazing sunsets over Lassi - go to www.prime-villas.com/aggelatos.html