YourWeddingInGreece magazine edition 3

ContentsAthensWhere it all begins

Alonissos IslandA bouquet of new experiences

Crete IslandThe big island

Our proposal for a traditional Cretan wedding

Elafonisos IslandA piece of paradise

Evia A taste of traditional Greece

Special Proposalsfrom Grecotel

Ios Island Holding your wedding in Greece is an amazing experience

Kos Island The whole island an endless beach

Monemvasia...frozen in history

Santorini Island...is the unique wedding destination with countless world awards.

Zakynthos Island...incredible backdrop of pristine sand and turquoise waters

EDITION 3OWNER & PUBLISHER: T.M.A Travel Media Applications (Cyprus) Ltd, 1 Pallados st, Paphos Cyprus [email protected] Director: Leonidas BabanisAdvertising & Sales Director: Irene SassouCover Photo: Panagiotis Kounoupas photography - www.photoactive.grPhotos: Nik Pekridis, PhosartMarketing and Communications: Vicky Karantzavelou, [email protected]: Weddings in Greece edition 3 is distributed in the UK. Free Copy. Reproduction of articles and photographs: No articles or photographs published in this edition may be reproduced in any format without prior permission

from the publisher.

Visit us on: www.yourweddingingreece.com

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Athens is Europe’s oldest capital.

It has been inhabited since at least 1,300 BC, and its fortunes have varied

hugely until the present day. It grew into the greatest centre of classical

Greece, sank into the status of a Roman backwater, declined into a mere

muddy village through centuries of Ottoman Turkish rule, only reviving after

1834, when it became the capital of the modern Greek state. Now, in the early

21st century, even the great Pericles would be amazed at the size and sheer

bustling life of modern Athens.

Athens... where it all begins

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Get married in Athens! The City that never sleeps lives up to its name and fame; no

other city offers the incredible variety of beauty, antiquities andsplendour. Walking through the ruins of the Ancient city in Plakaand Monastiraki area, with the Acropolis in view is a once in a lifetimeexperience. Try to imagine it as the backdrop to your wedding photos!The city was the cradle of Greek ancient civilization that producedthe largest and longest-lasting empire of preclassical antiquity. To-day, Athens is a cosmopolitan and dynamic town, with modern hotelsideal for wedding ceremonies. Athens boasts breathtaking monu-

ments and historical sites, a great setting to Get Married and enjoya Fabulous Honeymoon.

The new Acropolis Museum was opened in 2009, adding immea-surably to Athens’ attraction as a serious cultural destination. Perhapsthe most spectacular site from the museum is the age-less Acropolis,now in the midst of a massive restoration project designed to keepits venerable marble upright for as long as possible.

For a panoramic view of the city, though, take the short cablecar up Mount Lykavittos, the conical height that thrusts above theKolonaki districtor, if you’re young and healthy, walk up the steepwinding path. On top, in the small courtyard of Saint George’s church,lean over the parapet and see the panorama of Athens stretch outat your feet, from the hills to the east, north and west, and the shim-mering Saronic Gulf spreading out to the south.

Live your myth in Athens in a modern way, but be informed forthe following ancient custom.

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Ancient Greek wedding customs encouraged responsibility inpersonal relationships. Marriages were usually arranged by the par-ents. Professional matchmakers were used reluctantly. Each citywas politically independent, with its own laws affecting marriage.Orphaned daughters were left to an uncle or cousin. For the marriageto be legal, the woman's father or guardian gave permission to asuitable male who could afford to marry. Wintertime marriages werepopular. The couple participated in a ceremony which included ritualssuch as veil removal but the couple living together made the marriagelegal.

Athens boasts lots of famous contemporary weddings with luxuryand romance. It is the ideal place for a lux romantic wedding underthe hill of the Acropolis breathtaking view or a for a navy blue marinewedding in Kavouri area. Our wedding planner have organised nu-merous weddings in Athens with uniquely lavish and sophisticatedconcepts. Their aim is to plan elegant, romantic, and stylish eventsexactly as your wedding day haw to be. The capital of Greece canoffers you an exclusive event just for you, that will highlight the ex-cellent beauty of the Greek culture. Take a look at some of the otherhappy couples that were married right here, in Athens, and capturesome of their inspiration for how beautiful your wedding could be.The only you have to do is to choose the destination and the venue

among our beautiful hotels, or wedding planners that are distin-guished, for their professionalism and exclusiveness in their serv-ices.

Tip: Choose Phosart team with many years of professionalexperience in both fields of Cinematography and Photo ‐graphy to create your unique stοry filled with emotions,happiness, and romance which will remain in your heartsfor ever.

C lear blue waters, organized or non-organized beachesand beautiful places to explore, relax or take summerphotos. Agios Demetrius, Kokkinokastro, Leftos Yalos,Megalos Mourtias, Milia and Chrissi Milia are some of

Alonissos’ most typical organized beaches. Along the south- easterncoast of the island, there is a variety of beaches for all tastes! If youare looking for sceneries of golden sandy and colourful pebblybeaches or rigid yellowish rocks and reddish cliffs, this is the bestplace for you. Most of the beaches here are hidden or well - protectedin bays and surrounded by pine or olive trees. The north - westerncoast of the island is rocky and often inaccessible by land becauseof craggy terrain and steep rocks sinking sharply under the sea. Thevarious small beaches in the northern part of the coast are only ac-cessible by boat. For beaches accessible on foot or by car, visit thesouthern part of the coast. Nice small beaches are also found alongthe gulf of Megali Ammos.

Alonissos’ landscape is ideal for day trips and long walks in nature.Enjoy local forests and wildlife; visit the chapels and bays found onthe island. And to refresh yourself, have a swim in the crystal bluesea! Enjoy the little things in life, such as watching the sunset fromKalovoulos Mountain, visiting different villages every day, exploringthe Old Village or having a swim in Yalia beach!

Furthermore, the sea world has so many new experiences tooffer. The largest natural marine park of the Mediterranean Sea isfound in Alonissos. Its impressive wildlife and amazing landscapegive the feeling of intact natural surroundings. It’s no coincidencethat Alonissos is the natural habitat of the Mediterranean monk seal(Monachus Monachus) and other rare wildlife species forming theprecious ecosystem of Northern Sporades. Incomparable naturalbeauty meets ocean myths and legends. Marine archaeology hasverified the existence of old shipwrecks of historical interest datingback to the 4th and 5th centuries or the Byzantine period. Since

Alonissos IslandAccording to a famous travel show host, daily visits to different beaches

never end in Alonissos, even if one stays here for two months’ time..

Photos Credit | Costas Kalogiannis

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2011, there are 14 spots in the marine park where diving is allowed ,according to the Greek Official Gazette No. 1741/3.8.2011 “Approvalof re – delimitation of the marine archaeological site of NorthernSporades & Alonissos”. Experienced and properly trained profession-als provide all support and services necessary for a magnificentscuba – diving experience.

The local picturesque villages fascinate all visitors. Traditionalarchitecture blends beautifully with natural surroundings and localhospitality. The Old Village of Alonissos is a tangle of narrow streetsand steep stairs; local stone – built houses are surrounded by climb-ing vines and flower gardens. Located in a privileged part of theisland, the view from the Old Village is amazing. Visitors can enjoythe view over a large part of the landscape, as well as the sea sur-

rounding the island from both sides. Visitors are welcome to enjoythe view from local taverns and cafes that are open all day long insummertime. The Old Village (Chora) used to be the capital of theisland; nowadays, it’s a place with remarkable architectural monu-ments, such as the medieval castle overlooking the Aegean Sea.

Steni Vala is a fishing village in the south - eastern part of the is-land, about 10km from Patitiri. The road leading to the village goesthrough thick pine forests and olive groves with stunning view overthe creeks of the south - eastern coast. Enjoy the panoramic viewover the sea and the neighboring uninhabited islands walking yourway down to the beach.

Last but not least, picturesque churches and beautiful chapelswithin lovely natural surroundings make up the perfect scenery forhoneymooners or couples looking for an idyllic place to renew theirwedding vows or celebrate their wedding anniversary.

Alonissos is one of the fewecological paradises left intact.

Endowed with great beauty andwildlife, there are so many things

to do and see in Alonissos!

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{Chania}Chania is the westernmost of the four prefectures of Crete, and

arguably the greenest. The chief city is Chania, a sheltered and pleasantport on the north shore, featuring an attractive Old Town waterfrontthat’s eternally popular with native and visitor alike.

From Souda Bay in the east, the terminus of the ferries, to the shinglebeach of Maleme in the west, Chania is a self-sustaining region thathas proved to be a magnet for Northern Europeans seeking holidayand retirement homes.

{Heraklion}Heraklion is the chief town of Crete, a bustling and sprawling port

where most of the island’s trade and industry is concentrated. Likeother north Cretan ports, Heraklion is dominated by its own Venetiancastle and battlements. This fortrestook shape in the first half of the16th century and for a long time was known as Rocca a Mare (Italian forRock By The Sea). Of course, the biggest archaeological attraction ofthe area is the remains of Knossos, the prime Minoan palace of ancientCrete. Lying just a few miles south of Heraklion in a wooded grove, Knos-

sos is one of Greece’s most-visited historic sites. It was built by the Mi-noans about 1900BC as the base for their growing maritime empire. Forfour hundred years the city and palace flourished until the colossaleruption of the Thera volcano (now Santorini) in mid-Aegean sent agreat tsunami southwards that almost wiped out the Minoan culture.Nonetheless, Knossos struggled on for another fifty years or so until itsmany enemies, encouraged by its weakened state, destroyed it around1450BC.

{Lasithi}Lasithi, is the easternmost and in several ways most exotic of Crete’s

four prefectures.

It’s the part that contains the sophisticated mega-resort of EloundaBeach and its imitators, the date palms of Zakros at the eastern tip ofCrete, and the placid town of Ierapetra on the south coast. The datepalms are said to be the descendants of date pips cast away by ancientEgyptian traders who touched at the place. There are plans to add athird Cretan airport at Sitia, which is expected to ease international ac-cess to that part of the island.

Crete the Big IslandOf all the Greek islands, Crete is the biggest ‐ covering more than 3,100 square miles and some 160 miles long

from east to west. That makes it big enough to be a microcosm of all that you need for a good Greek holiday:mountains and beaches, good food and a healthy lifestyle, fellowship and solitude, the mystique of another world

and the promise of a worldly good time. Crete deserves its distinction as Greece’s number one holiday destination.

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C magine a fairytale setting in a traditional village estate perched on ahillside overlooking the Cretan Sea. The Agreco Farm, owned by thesame family as the Grecotel Hotels & Resorts, is just three kilometres

from the golden beaches on the north coast at Rethymno, Crete. Delving deep into Cretan tradition this fairytale farm has revived centuries-

old organic farming practices in a unique expression of Greek ‘philoxenia’, orhospitality. The quaint farm’s buildings are typical of 17th century Cretan andVenetian architecture. The organic food is only matched by the view over anamphitheatre of vineyards and olive groves to the distant sea beyond and themost breathtaking Cretan sunset.

The chapel of St. Nicholas at Agreco offers a village setting and the opportunityof the service and reception being held in rustic charm. Greek Orthodox cere-monies can be arranged in the chapel or informal weddings can be held outsidein a variety of locations.

Special offer from Grecotel Hotels & Resorts

For happy couples who organise their wedding or exchange of vows at AgrecoFarm, we offer the FREE Rose Honeymoon package at any of the Grecotel Hotels& Resorts in Crete.

Rose Honeymoon - FREE*• A refreshing welcome drink upon arrival at the hotel • Honeymoon welcome with chilled champagne and fresh fruits waiting in your

guestroom. • Special decoration of the honeymoon bed with sugared almonds & scented

rose petals • “Melokarido” - a Greek tradition of honey and walnuts, symbolizing virility and

the sweetness of life. • Romantic continental breakfast served in the privacy of you room the next morning • Room upgrade upon availability

*This offer applies minimum 2 night stay in any accommodation.

Our proposal for a traditional Cretan wedding

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E lafonisos is an original fishing island known for its special cuisine withtraditional recipes based on seafood and local “natura 2000 area” prod-ucts.

{Sightseeing}Double Simos Beach at Lefki Village

Thefamous double beach of Elafonisos is located along the south side of the is-land, at Lefki. The turquoise water of Frango and Sarakiniko cove, the sand dunesalong the beach and the exotic cedar forest gives you a sense of paradise.

Panagia Katonisiotissa Beach Kato Nisi Village

KatoNisi is a peaceful and quite spot with interesting archaeological discoveriesand unique nature beauty. Most of the visitors characterize the area as mysteriousand authentic.

PanagiaKatonisiotissa a small orthodox church, located on the hill of the villageis the symbol of the area. The church was built in 1825 on the remains of an oldByzantine church that was restored in 1928. Frescoes and icons inside the churchreveal its history.

Panagia Beach, located on the west side of the island is a long, wide sandybeach, protected by three islets off the coast, the “Panagias nisia”. The supremeand stunning landscape with the cedar trees along the edge of the beach, capturesyou once and for all.

Pavlopetri Elafonisou

Pavlopetri is the ancient submerged town between Pavlopetri islet -across AgiosSpyridon Church- and Pounta beach. Pavlopetri was an active trading port. Archae-ological findings indicate that back in 2000 BC Pavlopetri was a very wealthy cityand an important naval trading post due to its location. Pavlopetri can be visited byboat and can be explored by visitors just with snorkeling equipment. The broaderarea is protected.

The Pavlopetri Archeological Research Project is still in progress.

Pounta

Pounta is the gate to Elafonisos. It is an extremely beautiful beach that actuallyindicates Elafonisos characteristics. It is commonly known that in the long pastPounta was connected to Elafonisos island and thus that small part of Peloponnese

is so similar to Elafonisos island and at the same time so different from the rest ofthe nearby area.

Aglyftis

At the west side of the island, there is a small pebble beach named “Aglyftis”.Agios Patapios, a small Orthodox Church was built on the beach many years ago.Across the beach there is the homonymous islet with an old cave interesting toexplore. Only a good hidden path starting from Panagia Church can lead to Aglyftis,a truly a holy place for locals.

{Suggestions} Elafonisos is the absolute place for visitors to enjoy virgin nature, peace and

calmness in conjunction with the greatest traditional cuisine. It’s a place charac-terized by unpretentious hospitality which makes visitors to take real pleasure in,to experience relaxing vacation and to be physically revived.

Elafonisos is a traditional sun and sea destination where you can enjoy seasports, as snorkeling, diving, surfing and kite surfing. It’s a unique eco tourismdestination where you can explore secret paths, participate in local cultural eventsand experience a real gastronomic delight.

Elafonisos has naturally become a very special wedding destination, sincecouples from all over the world choose the blessed elafonisos landscape as theplace to be for their most important day.

{How to come to Elafonisos} The best way to travel to Elafonisos from Athens or Kalamata airport is by car.

Elafonisos is located at the southeast of Peloponnese. Towards the eastern shoreof Laconia, follow the “Elafonisos ferry boat” signs. You will be directed to thePounta Beach and “Ypostego”, the cordial welcome spot of Elafonisos. Ferry boatdaily routes connect “Ypostego” with Elafonisos Island.

Note that you don’t need to make any ferry boat reservation.

For further information, please visit

www.elafonisos.gr

Elafonisos IslandElafonisos Island is located at the southeast of Peloponnese.

Elafonisos is one of the most popular destinations of Laconia due to its tropical unspoiled beaches withturquoise‐blue crystal waters, the unique nature monuments and the underwater archaeological discoveries.

Elafonisos blessedlandscape, the mostunique destination

for the mostimportant day

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North Evia

North Evia consists of the municipalities of Kireas, Nileas, Elimnio, Artemisio, Istiea, Oreoi, Aedipsos and the community of Lichada.

The entire region is characterized from a glorious historical pastand deposits of great civilizations. Oreos, Istiea, Aedipsos, Elimnio,Orovie, Kirinthos, Artemisio, Kineo etc are names of ancient citiesthat had developed great cultural activity in all of the historicalperiods, and of areas associated with the mythology or with deter-minant moments of the Greek history.

The modern cultural image of N. Evia has been improved considerablyunder the influence of the Greek refuges of Asia Minor since

1922. Prokopi, Farakla, Kirinthos, N. Pirgos, Taxiarhis, Kastaniotissa,N. Sinassos, these are the most important refugee settlements of

N. Evia and the starting point of the wave of progress which was thecharacteristic of the past century.

The ideal combination of the verdurous woody mountainous en-vironment with the beaches of superlative beauty is what makesthe northern part of Evia different from the other touristic areas ofGreece.

Central Evia

Central Evia includes Chalkida, Eretria and Amarinthos, and Dirfis& Messapia. The region of central Evia is characterized by the bril-liant historical presence of two of the most important cities ofancient Greece. Chalkida and Eretria, long before the appearance ofAthens, have established the world-wide mark of the Greek culture.

Evia A taste of traditional Greece

The prefecture of Evia, apart from the historical big‐island, includes in itsministerial district the island of Skiros and a small shed of Sterea, which is

explanting over the west boarder‐lines of the municipality of Chalkida to theother side of the gulf of Evoikos.

Next to these important ancient cities Petriesa Avlida, Anthidonaand other smaller cities, came to their peak. Extremely importantare also the samples of even more ancient civilizations that havebeen revealed in the sites of N. Artaki and Vasiliko. The already cel-ebrated cultural and social identity of the region of central Evia,took new form since the arrival of the Greek refugees of Asia Minor,in 1925. N. Artaki and N. Lampsakos are the names of the homonymouscities in Marmaras, from where the new people of Evia came from.

South Evia

The part of Evia, which is today characterizedas Southern, is the everknown County of Karistia.It includes the Municipalities of Tamineon,Avlonas, Konistres, Kimi, Distion, Stireon, Marmari,Karistos and the Community of Kafireas.

The images and the interests that this partof Evia is presenting are completely differentfrom those of the North.

The settlements of Arvanites, during the Venetianand the Turkish domination have formed especialsocial combination and cultural identity in S. Eviagiving the colour of the Albanian elements to theimage every-day life of Southern Evia.

Skyros

The island of the mythical king Likomides, having an age-oldpast like Evia, is connected to all the great heroes of our mythology.Here is where Thetida was hiding her invulnerable (except for theheel) son, Achilles. The father of Aegeas came from here, and onthis very island Theseus met his death, when Likomides pushedhim off the cliff, to the sharp rocks of Skiros.

Today Skiros is one of the most beautiful Aegean islands, and ithas rightfully gained the preference of the Greek and foreign tourists.

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Venues

E ith Grecotel Hotels & Resorts in the most idyllic settings aroundGreece, one will be ideal for you. Choose the perfect backdrop foryour wedding album from mythical Crete, majestic Corfu, landmark

Sounio to the dazzling Peloponnese. Exclusively in Crete, the Agreco Farm, owned by the Grecotel founder, near

Rethymno is a fairytale setting either for an informal ceremony or a GreekOrthodox wedding in the farm’s St Nicholas chapel. In Corfu, the Danilia Villagebelongs to the Group - imagine your very own private village for the big day!

Versatile outdoor or indoor function spaces combined with breathtakingviews and traditional Greek hospitality offer inspiring choices.

Informal wedding and exchange of vowsThe most popular type of wedding at the hotels! Exchange your vows

under the azure skies beside the turquoise seas in Greece. Grecotel Hotels & Resorts will organise a special ceremony to exchange

vows of eternal love or renew your promises as a couple. From simply the happy couple to the whole family in attendance, the

choice is yours! Wedding suggestionsThe couple can relax knowing that no detail has been left to chance.

Grecotel offers informal wedding and Renewal of Vows options, to make thechoice easier. Happy couples are invited to make as many or as few requestsas they wish, as private or as extravagant, prior to, or during their stay.

Please note that the wedding options are complete packages and itemsare not interchangeable. In the event that you decide not to use one of theservices, no refund or alternative can be given. See individual hotel websitesfor prices (including all local taxes at current rate).

All offers subject to availability.

Option 1 Rosse Garrden Weddiing

• Choice of hotel venues including sun-kissed beaches; private hotel chapels;private villas and poolside settings

• Decoration of venue with lanterns, flower petals, covered chairs and a floraldisplay on the main table.

• Bouquet of white roses for the bride and buttonhole for the groom • Ceremony: Two witnesses and the official representative of the hotel

(General Manager) • A certificate of informal marriage from the hotel • Basket of flower petals and rice • A bottle of champagne & one-tiered wedding cake to toast the bride and

groom • 10 photographs (13 x 18cm) from the hotel’s photographer, to capture your

special wedding moment FREE: Included in this wedding offer is the Rose Garden Honeymoon. PRICE FOR DIRECT BOOKINGS: from €490-600 (Price of wedding does notinclude resort stay)

Option 2 Pearl Perfection Wedding

• Choice of hotel venues including sun-kissed beaches; private hotel chapels;private villas and poolside settings

• Decoration of venue with lanterns, flower petals, covered chairs and a floraldisplay on the main table.

• Bouquet of white roses for the bride and buttonhole for the groom • Ceremony: Two witnesses and the official representative of the hotel

(General Manager) • A certificate of informal marriage from the hotel • Basket of flower petals and rice • A bottle of Champagne to toast the bride and groom • Single-tiered wedding cake (vanilla or chocolate) • Pre-Recorded music during the ceremony • 10 photographs (13 x 18cm) from the hotel’s photographer, to capture your

special wedding moments • A wedding gift from the hotel • A manicure & pedicure for the bride at the Elixir Spa • Romantic candlelit dinner in a hotel restaurant for the bride & groom • Celebration dinner for two on every wedding anniversary (if you are staying

at the hotel) FREE: Included in this wedding offer is the Rose Garden Honeymoon PRICE FOR DIRECT BOOKINGS: from €800-900 (Price of wedding does notinclude resort stay)

Option 3 Orchid Symphony Wedding

• Choice of hotel venues including sun-kissed beaches; private hotel chapel;private villas and poolside settings

• Decoration of venue with lanterns, flower petals, covered chairs and afloral display on the main table.

• Selection of bouquets for the bride and orchid buttonhole for the groom • Ceremony: Two witnesses and the official representative of the hotel

(General Manager) • A certificate of informal marriage from the hotel • Basket of flower petals and rice • Champagne & canapés to toast the bride and groom (max. 10 persons for

30 minutes) • Two-tiered wedding cake (vanilla or chocolate) • Pre-Recorded music during the ceremony • 20 photographs (13 x 18cm) from the hotel’s photographer, to capture

your special wedding moments • A wedding gift from the hotel • Manicure & Pedicure for the bride at the Elixir Spa • 4-course candlelit dinner for the bride & groom with champagne on the

beach, in guestroom or in one of our restaurants accompanied by live music (depending on weather conditions)

• Romantic dinner for two on every wedding anniversary (if you are stayingat the hotel)

• Love Potion massage for two in the Elixir Spa and complimentary use ofthe Elixir Spa Pool & Sauna before your wedding

FREE: Included in this wedding offer is the Rose Garden Honeymoon PRICE FOR DIRECT BOOKINGS: from €1500-1650 (Price of wedding does notinclude resort stay)

Special Proposals from GrecotelRomance at Grecotel, the leading Greek luxury hotels & resorts, is beyond compare. The individuality of each couple isreflected in the smallest, but most important details. From fine‐tuning a beach wedding to a petal strewn honeymoon

bed; from extravagant dinners to a Greek meze by the beach, each hotel has everything needed to make the wholeexperience unique ‐ superb cuisine, magnificent settings and meticulous and personalised service.

Ios Island

T his is particularly true in the case of Ios island, where weddingshave proven to be an unforgettable experience that couples af-fectionately remember for a lifetime.

Some people consider Ios as the party island of the Cyclades, for othersit’s a truly romantic place rich in history and culture, with attractions worthvisiting, fun-filled activities for guests to enjoy as well as many other inter-esting things to do while on holidays. There’s a plethora of sights rangingfrom 5,000-year old prehistoric settlements and archaeological sites to mu-seums, medieval castles and picturesque Byzantine churches.

The island boasts 32 magnificent white sandy beaches and a deep-bluecoastline. The local architecture stands out for its minimal style so typical ofthe Greek islands, while the mild weather and glorious Greek sun make Ios afavourable destination all year round.

Holding your wedding in Greece is an amazing experience.

The fairy‐tale scenery, the renownedhospitality, the unique tastes

and the romantic vibe are only a few of the reasons many choose

to be wed in one of the Greek islands.

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Tip: Choose Phosart team with manyyears of professional experience in bothfields of Cinematography and Photo ‐graphy to create your unique stοry filledwith emotions, happiness, and romancewhich will remain in your hearts for ever.

Kos is the third largest island of the Dodecanese only narrowly surpassed by Karpathos,and second largest in terms of population (35.000), overshadowed by Rhodes. Its relativelymodest size credentials allow for an unusual (for a Greek isle) scope of activities and events

to be at the disposal of the knowing and most importantly willing visitor during his stay

The whole island an endless beach

Kos Island

H ere’s an island for holiday fun if ever there was one. Lotsof wide sandy beaches, fascinating monuments, good roadsand plenty of chances to hop over to Rhodes and the Turkishmainland whenever you feel like it. Psalidi, 2 miles from

Kos town, has the swishest hotels.

The northern shore of Kos (including Marmari and Mastihari) ispopular with windsurfers who like its vigorous, choppy waters. Thebest beach on Kos, though, is in the south at Paradise.

It’s a few miles long and connects with the neighbouring beachesof Langada and Chrysi Akti. Along the same stretch lies party-town,Kardamaina, with its clubs and all-night scene.

Food and entertainment is one of the major advantages of theisland. Hundreds of restaurants, taverns with great diversity in theorigin of their kitchen, night clubs for all tastes makes an infrastruc-

ture composed with great care, investment and effort over the pastfew years by the residents - entrepreneurs of the island that offerquality and comprehensive services to all the guests. It’s worthtrying something different about food and entertainment everyday, since you will always find something interesting, somethingspecial, in a great variety to choose from.

{Must walks}• From the town of Kos and the palm tree-lined avenue and castle

by the port to the suburbs with their Venetianera homes.• To the ancient healing centre of Asklepios and Hippocrates’ Gar-

den.• To the mountain village of Zia.• To the mediaeval castle at Antimacheia.• To Palaio Pyli, the castle-town with its small Byzantine churches.• To the Thermi warm springs.

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I ts official name is Monemvasia, although there are some slight variations in Greek,along with different forms of pronunciation – such as Monovasia. In the MiddleAges, the Franks called it Malvoisie, to the English it was known as Malmsey. ItsGreek name is derived from the two words meaning single entrance, that is, the

only entrance to the fortress town.

The old town of Monemvasia is a perfectly preserved medieval settlement still inhabited,an world cultural heritage monument and a major attraction for every traveller in thePeloponnese. It has a unique, magical atmosphere and a fascinating history. Monumentsand churches are scattered throughout the old town. An important archaeological col-lection is housed in the old mosque in the Square of Elkomenos Christos. At the other endof the causeway on the mainland is the new town of Monemvasia. Along the coast to thesouth is the settlement of Nomia. Neighbouring Aghios Ioannis is recommended for thosewho would like to try authentic local dishes.

Both within and around Monemvasia are a number of excellent beaches. Noteworthysights further inland include the watermill at Talanta and the Velies Folklore Museum.

Religious monuments outside the old town in the surrounding area include the twinchurches in Teria and the church of Aghios Nikolaos in the village of the same name.

For some years now Monemvasia has been one of the most romantic travel destinationsin Greece. The Byzantine fortress, with its nearby beaches and natural landscape is anideal setting for a romantic getaway in all seasons.

In fact many couples both from Greece and abroad choose it for their weddings. These,as well as baptisms, are celebrated not only in the churches within the fortress but inmany other historic churches scattered throughout the surrounding region. Civilweddings are also held in many beautiful places within and outside the fortress walls. Aneven larger number of couples are choosing to spend their honeymoon in Monemvasia,whether in the fortress itself or in combination with other attractive destinations in thePeloponnese and nearby islands.

Monemvasia...frozen in history

Few regions in the Mediterranean offer such a variety of beaches as the Municipality of Monemvasia. Over 50 of them are easily accessible by

road; others are small, hidden‐away coves demanding to be discovered by the more adventurous. Whether sand or pebble, busy or

isolated, all have crystal clean waters, and many have been awarded Blue Flags, an indication of a high standard of maintenance.

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S antorini island boasts incredible hotels perfectly suited on theislands’s cliff side and not only, to host any dream destinationwedding. The view of the volcano offers you the perfect sur-rounding for your pictures, an ambiance that will never be for-

gotten.

The island of Santorini situated in the southern Aegean Sea, about200km southeast of Greece's mainland. It is the largest island of a small,circular which bears the same name and is the remnant of a volcanic-caldera. It forms the southernmost member of the Cycladesgroup of is-lands, with an area of approximately 73 km2 and a 2011 census populationof 15,550.

Santorini is essentially what remains after an enormous volcanic erup-tion that destroyed the earliest settlements on a formerly single island,and created the current geological caldera. A giant central, rectangularlagoon, which measures about 12 by 7 km is surrounded by 300m high,steep cliffs on three sides, giving the perfect backdrop for your weddingpictures.

The main island slopes downward to the Aegean Sea. On the fourthside, the lagoon is separated from the sea by another much smallerisland called Therasia; the lagoon is connected to the sea in two places,in the northwest and southwest. The depth of the caldera, at 400m,makes it possible for all but the largest ships to anchor anywhere in theprotected bay; there is also a newly built marina at Vlychada, on thesouthwestern coast. The island's principal port is Athinias. The capital,Fira, clings to the top of the cliff looking down on the lagoon. The volcanicrocks present from the prior eruptions feature olivine and have a smallpresence of hornblende.

Santorini

Beginning your lifetime of unforgettable memories together on the beautiful volcanic island of Santorini isan unique experience. Enjoy splendid and luxurious wedding reception at the best hotels of the island’s cliff

side. Santorini island is the unique wedding destination with countless world awards.

Tip: Choose Phosart team with many years of professionalexperience in both fields of Cinematography and Photo ‐graphy to create your unique stοry filled with emotions,happiness, and romance which will remain in your heartsfor ever.

Photos Credit | Studio Phosart

Santorini weddings over the caldera sunset

Getting married on the island of Santorini is a trulyunforgettable experience, and when this happensduring sunset is a lifelong one!

The island of Santorini boasts the recordin the organization of weddings in Greece,as the wedding planners there, are proudto organize more weddings every yearthan any other place in Greece. ChooseElite Events Santorini as your weddingconsultant to plan your dream Santoriniwedding. Exchange your vows by a tradi-tional blue and white chapel (there are nu-merous in Santorini), or on the edge of thecaldera, or in a boutique hotel, or in one of thefamous Santorini wineries, or in a privately hiredbeach bar, there are many ideas to explore. Let adonkey or an antique car to drive you to your desired place!

Themed wedding packagesA Lavender wedding under the Santorinian sunset

The theme of the wedding is lavender and the flow-ers Elite Events Santorini uses are roses and

lavender, of course! The 'Ocean Song' rosesvariety arrives from Ecuador and the florist

of Elite Events Santorini creates fairyflower arrangements; he makes Carouselshaped constructions with hanging or-chid flowers & fragrant wreaths withfresh lavender. The whole decorationthat follows is in lavender and lilac colors,and everything is organized perfectly

from the first to the last detail, by EliteEvents Santorini team.

The view and the scenery of Santorini sun-set plus the flowers, setup and decoration create

a stunning atmosphere!!!

Say your vows against an incredible backdrop of pristine

sand and turquoise waters,accented by lush greenery.

Zakynthos IslandS cattered like jewels across the Ionian Sea, the Ionian Islands are some of the

world’s most romantic hideaways. Each island is surrounded by white-sandbeaches, green trees and warm, crystal clear blue waters – pure paradise. Za-kynthos, a well known island for destinations wedding and the third biggest island

of the complex, is a tourist destination, with an international airport served by manycharter flights.

Weddings on the island of Zakynthos can be simply splendid and luxurious. What couldbe more magical than beginning your life together on the paradise? Celebrate your weddingceremony amidst the beauty of the Ionian Sea, and experience the famous Greek hospitality.If you want your wedding to be truly different then visit Zakynthos to have that specialwedding experience.

Zakynthos Marine Park encompasses the marine area of the Bay of Laganas, on thesouthern shores of the island, and hosts one of the most important sea turtle nestingbeaches in the Mediterranean. Dont miss a cruise to the Navagio Beach or ShipwreckBeach, one of the most famous beaches all over Greece.

Begin your married life together with just the right mix of relaxation time and excitingactivities. Your choices range from a candlit beach dinner or a sunset cruise to a traditionalGreek cooking class, invigorating underwater scooter exploration or exceptional snorkellingside-by-side in the warm Mediterranean Sea.

Duringyour wedding holidays on Zakynthos Island, tasting the typical cuisine of Greeceand especially the traditional dishes of the island is something really not to relinquish.During the dinner time, the thousands of smells invading the streets will drive you to oneof the many taverns to find out a Mediterranean cuisine where meat, fish, olive oil andvegetables are fundamental and will always surprise you for the authenticity of theirtastes. Your wedding on Zakynthos will be a life time experience.

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