Athina Ioannidou
Hey i am Athena and this is my slogan “I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list.” – Susan Sontag. I am the creator of Alternatrips.gr, a Greece Travel Guide made by locals. Together with nearly 100 local-ambassadors we are trying to make up a guide with the best places you can visit in Greece. Follow us and enjoy!
22/04/16
- 13970 reads
Ξεκινώντας την περιήγηση μας στη Χίο από τον Βορά προς το Νότο και έχοντας ήδη περάσει 7 μέρες στην Βόρεια και κεντρική πλευρά του νησιού, ανηπομονούσα να κατέβω στα Νότια, εκεί που τα χωριά είναι...
18/01/16
- 15206 reads
When we booked our stay at Guesthouse Grandma Eugenia, in the pretty village of Vitsa, I felt such intimacy as if we were going to visit our grandmother Eugenia, the Zagori lady of Vitsa. Grandmother...
18/01/16
- 13670 reads
A beautiful autumn evening, team alternatrips directed decisively towards the village Aristi, one of the most visited villages of Zagoria. We were expected by our hosts to Gamila Rocks, and since the...
30/10/15
- 37022 reads
When you spend five years of adult life in the city you were born and grew up, after all your student wanderings around Greece and abroad, you can relax and see the place differently. So I may come...
30/10/15
- 13572 reads
First time i heard of this village i was impressed by its name. When i googled it to check on some photos i was astonished. And when i visited it i fell in love with it. It is so beautiful that you...
30/10/15
- 11163 reads
We were already an hour late to reach our destination, the village Parthenonas in Halkidiki and very concerned of the people waiting for us at the Guesthouse Horostasi. "What would they say about our...
09/10/15
- 12837 reads
"Hahahaha" I laughed out loud to my friend, "Do i look like an old lady with arthritis to visit the mud baths." "Do not be stupid, you don't even know what the mud bath is and what it can do to your...
09/10/15
- 24917 reads
A really great place that very few know is the Gorge of Aggitis starting from Symvoli village in Serres region and ends at Angista village. A place magical and cool, where blue water springs and one...
09/10/15
- 12090 reads
I may not be a local resident of Santorini and sometimes overlook some very important beaches that can only be reached by boat but at least I had the opportunity to have Maria's valuable guidance,...
22/09/15
- 13114 reads
If you are not the type of person who likes fancy restaurants, savoir vivre and waiters filling your glass of water every 5 minutes, then you may appreciate our suggestions for tasty treats in...
17/08/15
- 13275 reads
No need to say much about the beauty of Santorini. It is ,after all, the most beautiful island in the Aegean, with it's caldera, caves, prehistoric settlement, it's winding streets, it's pools that...
15/07/15
- 124446 reads
Our previous visit to Pelion ( read here ) included essentially Tsagarada, Milies, Vizitsa and Mylopotamos villages, so this time we decided to explore the adjacent part of the wonderful land of...
15/07/15
- 10951 reads
“Why do they call it "Ghermanikon" i wondered...”. What does, a traditional inn in Damouchari at the East side of mount Pelion, have to do with Germany? My questions were answered one by one just...
15/07/15
- 20592 reads
Damouchari is not an ordinary village, its story begins at the dawn of the twentieth century. Most if not all residents and hoteliers of the village are decendants of one man Mr. Apostolos...
15/07/15
- 11422 reads
"We'll go to sea kayak," Apostle said one day. He was living right next to us in “Germaniko” hostel that we were staying. His room was also the headquarters of the “Pelion Secrets” that promises...
26/06/15
- 14610 reads
Alonissos Beaches Beach Marathon at the East. * Before reading click here and let the song play at the background. We had only six hours at our disposal to discover all suggested beaches by Joanna...
26/06/15
- 11596 reads
Alonissos SteniValla Casa Kalypso It could be the home of Calypso, the nymph that enchanted Ulysses and kept him away from Ithaca for seven years. Kept him on the island, in the gardens, around all...
20/05/15
- 10311 reads
…Άπαν το κινούμενον υπό τινος ανάγκη κινείσθαι… ( everything moving is needed to be moved by something) Another great place you should definitely visit is the Park of Aristotle in Stagira, at this...
20/05/15
- 9148 reads
Eleni was waiting for us at 6 pm in the Farm Platanorema to show us how they make this spinning juicy pie of Chalkidiki. Of course the preparations had already begun 2 hours ago, otherwise you would...
15/05/15
- 11010 reads
The first and last place to visit when you arrive at Chalkidiki. What;;;;; You've never been there? Well, you do not know what you're missing. We're talking about poetry! Now I understand that those...
15/05/15
- 15578 reads
We certainly did not believe what we were going to experience when we began our trip to Platanorema Farmhouse in Chalkidiki. Our Guesthouse was between the second and third leg of Chalkidiki, far...
04/05/15
- 11294 reads
We arrived at Ano Pedina planning to visit the very special Monastery of the Annunciation, which at that day had a feast because of the celebration of 25 March. Another monastery on my list, I...
04/05/15
- 11036 reads
You will fairly wonder who Orestis is, because even if you visit the Guesthouse you won’t be able to see him. You will certainly see Mrs. Eleni Pagratiou architect and vice consult of France, moving...
23/04/15
- 18118 reads
EASY ROUTES FOR EVERYONE Vradeto-Beloi One of the best routes because you are going to have the opportunity to admire the spectacular view of the deepest point of the Vikos Gorge, as soon as you...
22/04/15
- 12919 reads
Zagorochoria is a unique phenomenon in Greece. 46 built stoned villages and 92 built stoned bridges built during 18-19th-century compose a complex of villages that are joined together with roads but...
22/04/15
- 10131 reads
Once upon a time there was Paul, a man serious and capable, whose hands could convert silver to gold. He lived in the big city but he was always bored of it, although he had friends and acquaintances...
14/04/15
- 12809 reads
This beautiful metropolis of tobacco, Xanthe city in Northern Greece, was said to have been named after the daughter of Oceanus and Tethys, and others say it took its name from the amazon Xantheia...
14/04/15
- 13410 reads
I discovered it quite by accident, as you discover things that are to happen. Only three months old, someone told me, freshly painted and tidy from the creators and of a DIY culture, with many...
14/04/15
- 10693 reads
First time in my life I visit such an interesting Folklore Museum. Folklore museums usually make me yawn. How many traditional costumes, wooden tools and toys, embroidery and old dolls to like and...
19/03/15
- 12957 reads
After a morning filled with tours to places familiar and yet so unknown, the eye and the heart nourished by nature, history and monuments and the energy has deserted us. Move around the area of...
19/03/15
- 8859 reads
One of the most striking features of the image of Kavala is the citadel at the top of the peninsula of Panagia. The city walls were first built in the early 5th century BC and expanded and repaired...
22/12/14
- 71556 reads
Lake Kerkini may be referred to as artificial lake, nevertheless a small piece existed since ancient times and its size depended on how much water will be brought down by the river Strymon, the main...
18/12/14
- 10223 reads
Chryssochorafa (Golden fields) is a classic traditional rural village with about 1,000 inhabitants and a stone's throw from Lake Kerkini. I do not know why it was given this name but I can guess a)...
18/12/14
- 18387 reads
Nikos from Limneon Guesthouse, clearly said "Guys to experience the Lake you have to get on the mound and navigate from there. All embankments routes can be made by car or by bike. Three are the best...
18/12/14
- 20187 reads
Well, we arrived in Kerkini! What do we do now? What activities are there? Where to go? Whom to consult? How much does it cost? Does it worth it? All these questions were solved without many words...
11/12/14
- 9724 reads
Santorini Volcano History from Nikos Korakakis on Vimeo . I am so happy this video exists, i am also very happy that Mr. Nikos Korakakis, a local of Santorini, decided to make this video. You have to...
05/12/14
- 10190 reads
Sometimes when words are so poor to describe a situation, images and imagination best describe the feelings and sensations, so I will not talk about my time at Don Pablo's restaurant but leave the...
02/12/14
- 9082 reads
Chateaux Constantin Traditional Hotel, is an accommodation with long name. A name true to the rich impressions we got during our few-day visit to Agistro and particularly the Chateaux Constantin that...
02/12/14
- 23889 reads
We got into the legendary Suzuki Jimny and started a mini road trip with no certain destination or ideas, as we always prefer to ask the locals to lead us to the beauties of their home place. At...
02/12/14
- 14276 reads
I may not be 75 years old and have my arthritic, but I really like all destinations with hot springs. They intrigue me a little bit more to visit because I expect the unique experience of relaxation...
24/10/14
- 18224 reads
We started our walk from the building of the First Gymnasium of Kavala at Street Konstantinou Peitou 16. And to date it precisely, it was built during 1909-1910. It is one of the three magnificent...
21/10/14
- 15115 reads
The Small island (Mikro Nesi) has its own rich history, in contrast to its small name. Started from a Larger island (older version of the bar) in a neoclassical building of the city, then moved to a...
12/09/14
- 17126 reads
"No don't go there," said Yiannis, our local guide. "You should go to Red Rock, just next to Polyochni" and so we started the car to find this beach. Southwest of Lemnos you...
10/09/14
- 13152 reads
It was some years ago when Yiannis, Riki and Costas decided to make this amazing camp. Friends for many years, they had gone around the globe to find the best beaches with the best waves for their...
03/09/14
- 18654 reads
The volcano of Milos have the last activity before 90000-100000 years, but continues to "fuming", waiting for the right conditions to throw back the lava. The feeling that can create your ascent to...
03/09/14
- 11685 reads
The smaller an island is, the greater sense of freedom is causing to me. And it's not the first time I felt this with much smaller islands than Kimolos. This is one of the most beautiful and rare...
03/09/14
- 11217 reads
You will eat here and you will remember my name!! In my humble gastronomic opinion the most delicious corner of Milos, with the finest cuisine and the most hospitable and caring people! If you think...
03/09/14
- 10403 reads
Five stars, four keys, pool and yacht to go for a ride. For me it does not matter how nice a room is or a hostel or a hotel. What does matter are all those beautiful people we found at Artemis Rooms...
03/09/14
- 18566 reads
I do not know why this beach is called like this, but I can imagine. Maybe because of the huge stone that decorates the beach, with the hole in the middle like an old tilted forward over to the...
03/09/14
- 10872 reads
I saw a star on the map above this beach, that means "you have to see it". And immediately entered in the list of the priorities! We asked Anthony about the road and he told us "I'll make a call and...
03/09/14
- 13501 reads
I visited Sarakiniko because they talked about it even the stones. They said about a unique phenomenon of nature, for a memorial created by the volcano and perpetually shapes by the sea and the air...
22/08/14
- 11380 reads
What if you do not eat haddock, Mrs. Maria will saturate your hunger anyway with appetizers and her fishes. And if you're are for meat you will find delicious dishes too , but it's a pity to go to a...
22/07/14
- 16685 reads
After spending 25 days on the island of Milos, i think i can make objective suggestions about the beauties you should definetely visit. We went to most places, every beach is different, the...
22/05/14
- 9879 reads
As a little child, I loved Iraklitsa and I still love it. It's a seaside village about 30 minutes away from the center of Kavala. The place which was, is and will always be in my preferences is...
13/05/14
- 13258 reads
Polite means in Greek = For sale. But i don't know what they are going to sale or what i am finally going to buy. Thodoris and Eirini, the owners, using their hands and creativity have created on of...
07/05/14
- 33307 reads
We visited Toxotes village for a weekend of chilling and relaxation, with my best friend. We chose Toxotes for three reasons: 1. It is right next to Nestos river, 2. It has amazing surroundings and...
05/05/14
- 14458 reads
Kokimelon or else plum tree is the tree of Toxotes village, cause this tree with its delicious fruit, grows on its own at the fertile land of Nestos as natures desires. The name Kokimelon was picked...
14/03/14
- 28158 reads
Arnea, in my opinion, is the most beautiful and preserved mountain village in Halkidiki. It is built on mountain Holomontas almost 600 meters from the sea and i said to be the base of Ierissos...
12/03/14
- 18670 reads
A Few words are enough Our ride at Poligiros in Halkidiki cannot be described us unforgettable, yet i am a believer that you can find beautiful things to see and do in every place you visit, as long...
11/03/14
- 15661 reads
Maria and Eleftheria are the two sisters representing the Hotel Marelia at Poligiro in Halkidiki. Behind this whole business stands the whole Nikigotglou family, dad Demosthenes and brother George,...
28/02/14
- 8629 reads
We got in the car and set off to the beautiful DILOFO village in Zagoria. We would be hosted at the Traditional Guesthouse GAIA . Mr. Yiannis, owner of GAIA greeted us warmly and made us feel like...
05/12/13
- 9753 reads
See all the beauties of Kavala area in one video. If you like it come and visit us! One of the best video presentations of Kavala coming from a local who loves the city and his video camera. Great...
02/12/13
- 8408 reads
Ψάξαμε και βρήκαμε τις καλύτερες προσφορές σε παραδοσιακούς ξενώνες για τα Χριστούγεννα και Δεκέμβρη γενικώς, για όλους εσάς που δεν έχετε αποφασίσει ακόμα που θα πάτε ή σκέφτεστε στο οικονομικό. Οι...
24/11/13
- 10000 reads
Do you know that Nestos River is one of the last nature shelters of wild life in Europe? The river has a rich flaura and fauna and is one of the biggest rivers in Greece. You can enjoy its nature and...
24/11/13
- 8204 reads
I find it hard to realise why we often reject nearby destinations and choose to travel to distant ones. Maybe its because we tend to neglect what is nect to us. With minimum money in our pockets we...
20/10/13
- 12796 reads
I have been expectin this trip for days now. I have been day-dreaming of warm waters, waterfalls, pools, hamam, spa and nature. So there we go leaving Yannitsa and heading toward to Aridaia and from...
20/10/13
- 9205 reads
I am crossing the central street of Loutraki and i watch the mountains rising ahead of me. I now know that were are near the foothills of Pozar foundains, the spa, the gorge and the waterfalls i have...
11/10/13
- 14671 reads
We can't stop enoying the beautiful land of Pelion and Tsagkarada area, but now its time for a good drink and although we are going up and down the central street, we still haven't found a bar to...
11/10/13
- 8983 reads
Sundays are lazy. This doesn't mean you shouldn't do stuff you should enjoy or take you out of the ordinary. It could mean having your morning coffee at the Archeological space of Filippoi in Kavala...
29/07/13
- 14846 reads
There are not many words that can describe the distinctiveness and beauty of Pelio. A wild and steep place, a miracel of the Greek nature, is chosen by the "determined" travelers. Divided into...
11/07/13
- 11229 reads
A small paradise built well into tall trees, water, paved streets, colored windows and small captivating yards. The Kazaviti is built on the north side of the island, high on the slopes of Mount...
08/07/13
- 14110 reads
The Lost Unicorn is one of the prettiest and most historic traditional guesthouses of Tsagarada (Pelion). Look how it all started. Around 1890 some exquisite craftsmen from Eperos made the building...
20/06/13
- 9737 reads
If you imagined an official place for food tasting, when reading the title, you have imagined wrongly because i am going to take you to the most alternative place you have ever visited. You will find...
20/06/13
- 18645 reads
This is heaven. A unique beach in thassos island, that cannot be compared to any other beach. A peaceful and divine place with azure water, white sand (which is due to the unique formulation of the...
20/06/13
- 10679 reads
At Kerkini area in Serres there is a fateful lake for Greek people and especially for the municipality of Serres where it belongs. This Lake was chosen by Theodoros Aggelopoulos, the famous Greek...
20/06/13
- 9885 reads
Lesvos has a mountain also called Olympos. Somewhere on Olympos there is the famous village of Agiasos. A beautiful place, placed among the hills of Lesvos, with a great character and a jungle nature...
20/06/13
- 10826 reads
I am going to take you to a carnival, which is more of a stand up comedy than a traditional carnival as we all know it. This theatrical phenomenon derives from the unique madness of the local people...
29/04/13
- 8511 reads
Once upon a time there was a "Human"and inside this human there were other human, who formed a part of the bigger "Human". When you looked at it as a whole it looked like a poetically made sculpture...
25/04/13
- 9063 reads
We were wandering around Exarhia's square, hungry and desperate for a good meal. We started going towards Ippokratous str, which everybody told us has many small taverns with home made food, but we...
15/03/13
- 20131 reads
Some history. The Tyrnavo's carnival is a tradition with more than 100 years of history. The locals say the tradition revives the ancient greek fiestas: Dionysia, Thesmoforia, Afrodisia, Thargilia,...
14/02/13
- 40862 reads
Proclaims itself as an "opsopoieion" ("opson" is "everything that is manufactured using fire in order to cook" and "opsopoieion" is "the place where the “opsa” are manufactured). Mr. Paul...
13/02/13
- 8238 reads
Έρχετε ο Άγιος Βαλεντίνος και συ είσαι ακόμα αναποφάσιστος; Δεν ντρέπεσαι λίγο! Ακόμα δεν έχεις αποφασίσει που θα πάτε με το ταίρι σου, να κάνετε ερωτο-γιορτές και love-birding; Πάλι καλά που έχεις...
21/11/12
- 37264 reads
Are you in for elephants, Bollywood, Budas and indian food without having to pay a fortune to go to India? Don't go far, Thessaloniki is offering it to you and is inviting you to discover it. Lovely...
21/11/12
- 23488 reads
Tomburlika = A woman that is " Fatty ", or " Tubby ", coming from the Turkish word tombul. The name of Tomburlika tavern is taken from an old Rempetiko song, so as you can guess this place is an...
20/11/12
- 14971 reads
Modigliani = Amedeo Clemente Modigliani, was an Italian painter and sculptor . Modigliani is place in Thessaloniki, with an aura from another age. An era when Saturdays where the days people chose to...
16/10/12
- 7017 reads
October is the perfect month to visit Paggaion Mountain. Not only because of the beautiful colors the trees get and the retirement from summer to autumn, but also because it is time for Mushrooms...
11/10/12
- 8208 reads
Heraklion is the biggest city in Crete, with many residents, companies, hotels, tourists, big buildings, which makes it look more of a city rather than a holiday place. Although, you can always argue...
04/10/12
- 32834 reads
Caffenio "Therma" is the ultimate cafe in Samothrace. The meeting point of all young tourist in Samothrace. If you want to find the beautiful girl you saw at Old lake this morning, you definitely...
24/09/12
- 17764 reads
I went to Vatrahia restaurant near Kastro Village at Sifnos island, after a full day at Kastro village, where we enjoyed the view and the dips at the chilled waters at the rocks under the church of 7...
24/09/12
- 13995 reads
Kastro, is one of my favourite places in Sifnos, not only because it was the Capital of Sifnos during ancient and medieval ages, but also because you can enjoy all Greece can give you combined. You...
19/09/12
- 8917 reads
Are you in love for the strange and underground? Perasma tsipouradiko restaurant is the place to relax, listen to music and eat cheap fresh fish and oysters you will never find in the rest of the...
17/09/12
- 13948 reads
During daytime, Papalimani beach bar is a common beach bar in Thassos, but at night it transforms to a fairy bar next to the sea. Some people say that Thassos is not a party island and you can hardly...
12/09/12
- 22292 reads
The old Tobacco houses (Kapnomagaza) in Kavala, is a very special sight any traveller or visitor should visit, in order to get an image of alternative preserved monuments in the city. Tobacco houses...
14/08/12
- 31173 reads
There is no place in Greece like Samothrace and one reason for that is the number of waterfalls and vathres it has all around the island. Amazing! One of my favourite ones is Gria Vathra waterfalls,...
13/08/12
- 10416 reads
What a nice bar! Contrary to other awful bars in Limenaria and Potos, this is a blissful exception. It all started back in 1998, when Artemis decided to give birth to Street Cafe. The latter is...
13/08/12
- 11405 reads
"Limani" Fish Tavern is situated oposite the entrance of the port in Limenaria, that is why they called it Limani (meaning port) when they were deciding for a birth name! Mr. Argyropoulos is the one...
30/07/12
- 24513 reads
Saoki is an amazing beach bar (Just look at the photo). A chill out area for those that know how to enjoy life. Lay on the white mattresses and wait for the sunshine. Although it is a beach bar, i...
25/07/12
- 17280 reads
Giola lagoon , is a natural lagoon , built by the sea, the waves and the rocks. It looks like a natural swimming pool where you can dive and swim with safety. The water is hotter than the sea, which...
23/07/12
- 9400 reads
This is a great opportunity to taste some free baked sardines, drink wine offered by the villagers and listen to some live greek music at a fiesta organised by the local N.g.os of Kallirahi village...
11/07/12
- 12426 reads
Halil Bey Mosque and yard is situated in the old town of Kavala and is a beautiful place to visit. Full of colors and built on a great architecture mode, Halil Bey Mosque or "Old Music" as we call it...
11/07/12
- 9540 reads
What would you say to head towards the Kamares of Kavala, in the back part of the city where it was once filled with artisans many years ago. I am taking you to the Carnage, where in the past, but...
11/07/12
- 8260 reads
Brochure Astrocamping on Thassos, at the end of July, is renewed, aiming this year to touch the Stars! From 26th to 30th July the Mountain of Thassos is calling us to travel with seminars,...
11/07/12
- 10800 reads
“Mirsini, has fallen in love with the oven” This is the only proper wine bar in the town. Don’t hesitate to visit it and ask for local wines, red, white, or roze. If you are lucky you can find wine...
11/07/12
- 12122 reads
What a wonderful place to have a refreshing dip. Keramoti is famous for its exceptional beach, the best beach bars in Kavala and its very tasty mussels. Try it! From Keramoti you can take the ferry...
11/07/12
- 8419 reads
Orixio is our favourite traditional cafe bar. Here you can find ouzo, mezze, cheap beer and some drinks. Once a week they have a live concert with traditional “Rempetiki” music. More info: Orixio bar
11/07/12
- 6798 reads
Kavala is spread in the shape of an amphitheatre over the hillsides of Mount Symvolo, like a balcony in the sun overlooking the Aegean Sea, ready to take you in its arms and let you into its secrets...
11/07/12
- 8965 reads
An impressive festival, taking place in the ancient theatre of Filippi (Father of Alexander the Great), where Ancient Greek tragedies and comedies are revived for a devoted audience. Performances...