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Olympus Riviera-Paralia

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Olympus Riviera - Greece

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Olympus Riviera-Paralia-Greece

SEPTEMBER OFFER : 38 Euro Double room ! ! !

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OLYMPUS RIVIERA-PARALIA, STUDIO ROOM,JULY LAST MINUTE OFFER

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Matala was the port of Phaistos during the Minoan period, following the destruction of Kommos, and the port of Gortys during the Roman period when Gortys was proclaimed capital of Crete by the Romans. The Gortynians occupied Matala at 220 B.C.
Ruins of the ancient city are still visible on the sea bed as the ancient city was sunk in the sea. The archaeological pick has unearthed some traces of the palaces built by the nobles from the ancient cities of Phaistos and Gortys.
There is also a cave known as "Brutospeliana" and legend has it that it was frequented by the Roman general Brutus.
Owing to its exceptional natural beauty, Matala became the meeting place of the "Flower Children" in 1.968. Although their conference failed to realize, yet they were compensated by the incomparable beauty of the area, which so much contrasts with the concept of destruction and war.

Last Minute!!!

June 2009

Last Minute Offers Paralia : Hotel *** with Halfoard : 22euro per person !!!



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Greek nature - Ecotourism

Notwithstanding its limited surface area, Greece is endowed with a particularly rich and diversified natural environment as a result of a rare geomorphology, with many striking natural contrasts and areas of great ecological value. The country’s abundant natural gifts –thousands of indented coasts, imposing rocky massifs, caves, gorges, lakes, rivers, biotopes of spectacular beauty and unique natural habitats– coupled with the mild climate, place it among the ideal destinations for ecotourism and alternative forms of tourism.
When travelling in Greece, nature-loving tourists are offered the opportunity to:
- to wander in aesthetic forests or explore national parks not merely in the mountainous regions of the mainland, but also on certain islands or in the proximity of rivers and lakes
- to enjoy the wonderful natural monuments, gorges, caves and waterfalls.
- to watch and admire rare bird species nesting or seeking refuge in coastal ecosystems and wetlands (rocky coasts, sandy beaches, sand dunes, river deltas, lakes, marshes, coastal plains, etc)
- to study the highly diverse floral life of the Greek countryside
- to visit the unique marine parks supported near the islands of Alonissos and Zakynthos, which provide shelter to two protected species, the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus-Monachus) and the Mediterranean green loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) respectively.
- to engage in extreme sports (canoe-kayak, rafting, monoraft, hydrospeed, canyoning, mountain biking, etc), activities which have seen a spectacular rise in popularity in recent years
- to stay in agrotourist units which are being developed all over the country and afford visitors the opportunity to become familiar with vernacular architecture, cultural and gastronomic tradition, local products, farming activities and the daily life of local inhabitants.
Visitors of ecologically sensitive areas must observe all rules for the protection of the environment against pollution, the non-disturbance of natural habitats and the preservation of the various ecosystems’ equilibrium. Information on visiting protected areas and participating in special programs can be obtained from local information centres, local authorities, and specialised agencies

PETRALONA
Petralona cave is located near Nea Moudania, at 300 metres above sea-level on the west foot of Mt. Katsika in Halkidiki, Macedonia. It is world famous for the stalactite and stalagmite decoration as well as for a fossilized skull and bones of the Archanthrope of Petralona. The cave was discovered in 1959 by a local of Petralona village called Filippos Hatzaridis.

Six years later, in 1960, the anthropologist and founder of the Anthropological Association of Greece, Aris Poulianos, started systematic excavations on the site. These excavations havebrought to light many Paleolithic tools, bones and fossilized animals that have been extinct thousands of years ago.

The famous archanthrope of Petralona was discovered in 1960 by another local, Chistos Sarrigiannidis, and is dating from 700,000 years ago. Findings as well as replicas and reconstructions from this exceptionally beautiful cave are exhibited at the Anthropological Museum of Petralona.

Villa Europe

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Hotel Sonia Village-Halkidiki
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Greek Islands

The islands are Greece’s chief morphological trait and an integral part of the country’s civilisation and tradition. The Greek territory comprises 6,000 islands and islets scattered in the Aegean and Ionian Sea, a truly unique phenomenon on the European continent; of these islands only 227 are inhabited.

The Greek Archipelago takes up 7,500 km of the country’s total 16,000-km coastline, offering a highly diversified landscape: beaches stretching along many kilometers, sheltered bays and coves, golden stretches of sand with dunes, pebbly beaches, coastal caves with steep rocks and black sand typical of volcanic soil, coastal wetlands... Many Greek beaches have been awarded the blue flag under the programme Blue Flags of Europe. Apart from swimming, they lend themselves to scuba diving, snorkeling, water skiing, sailing and windsurfing. As they are the cradle of some of the most ancient and prosperous European civilisations (the Cycladic, Minoan civilisations, etc.), the islands boast unique archaeological sites, an outstanding architectural heritage and centuries-old, fascinating local traditions of a multifaceted cultural past. Moreover, 58.5% of the country’s lodging establishments and 62.6% of hotel beds are found on the islands (data for 2003). All the above, combined with the ideal climate, the safety of Greek waters and the short distances between ports and coasts, have rendered the Greek islands extremely popular among Greek and foreign visitors.

Most islands lie in the Aegean Sea and are divided in seven groups (from north to south):

• The Northeastern Aegean Islands: Agios Efstratios, Thasos, Ikaria, Lesvos, Limnos, Inousses, Samos, Samothrace, Chios, Psara.
• The Sporades: Alonissos, Skiathos, Skopelos, Skyros
• Evia
• The Argo-Saronic Islands: Angistri, Aegina, Poros, Salamina, Spetses, Hydra and the coastal area of Methana.
• The Cyclades: A group of 56 islands, its most important ones being Amorgos, Anafi, Andros, Antiparos, Delos, Ios, Kea, Kimolos, Kythnos, Milos, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Santorini, Serifos, Sikinos, Sifnos, Syros, Tinos, Folegandros, as well as the “Minor Cyclades” comprising Donousa, Irakleia, Koufonisia and Schinoussa.
• The Dodecanese: Astypalaia, Kalymnos, Karpathos, Kasos, Kastelorizo, Kos, Lipsi, Leros, Nisyros, Patmos, Rhodes, Symi, Tilos, Halki.
• Crete
  

The Ionian Sea is home to one sole island group:

• The Ionian Islands: Zakynthos, Ithaca, Corfu, Cephallonia, Lefkada, Paxi, Antipaxi, Ereikoussa, Mathraki, Meganissi, Othoni, Strofades.
  These islands, together with Kythira, which is however cut-off from the rest, opposite the southern Peloponnese (Lakonia), as well as neighbouring Antikythira, they constitute the Eptanissa.

The islands of Gavdos (situated south of Crete), Elafonissos (in the Gulf of Laconia) and Trizonis (in the Gulf of Corinth), although not forming part of any group, are of unparalleled natural beauty.

Mount Olympus is Greece's highest mountain and the home to the Gods of Greek mythology. Mytikas, Olympus' highest peak at 2917 meters was reached in 1913 by Christos Kakalos of nearby Litohoro and Swiss climbers Frederic Boissonas and Daniel Baud-Bovy. The mountain is rich in tree and plant life, supporting over 1700 species, some very rare. The main village of Litohoro is connected by bus from Athens and Thessaloniki and by train though the station is 9 kilometers from the village. There are numerous places to stay including inexpensive hotels and campsites along the coast with good facilities. Lonely Planet recommends Olympios Zeus, Olympus Beach and Minerva. The least expensive hotel is the Markesia. The classiest hotel is the Mirto Hotel on the main square. There are plenty of restaurants and fast food places to eat due to the promotion of the village as a resort area. The downside is you will probably need to book a hotel in advance in July and August. Climbing Olympus takes two days but you can easily spend longer if you like. There are a large number of decent trails and you won't need special equipment or experience. You can get a map from the EOS office in Litohoro where English is spoken or the SEO office where it may not be. It may not matter because the map is in Greek but with a little bit of effort you can decipher the alphabet. Anyway you will need it, no matter what language it is in. Remember that people have died climbing this mountain so don't take it too lightly. You will need warm clothes, even in the summer. Suncreen is also a necessity and decent shoes. You will be able to stay in refuges overnight. Visit the Archeological park and museum at ancient Dion at the foot of Mount Olympus. Sacred to the ancient Macedonians, Alexander the great used to make sacrifices to the Gods here before going off to conquer the world. During the August Olympus Festival plays are performed at the restored ancient theatre.

Halkidiki - Sithonia

Sithonia is the middle peninsula of Halkidiki and its beauty is similar to that of the Kassandra peninsula.

Surely, when you are in Sithonia you will realize that each place you meet is so different, so unique and seductive. All the areas such as Vatopedi, Metamorphossi, Nikiti, Agios Nikolaos, Pirgadikia, Sarti, Neos Marmaras, Vourvourou, Ormos Panagias and Sikia will remain deep in your memories.

In Sithonia, as in the entire Halkidiki, the locals are famous for their warm nature and their hospitality, their smiling faces and the perfect service, elements found in every genuine Greek. This friendly atmosphere and the most peaceful and celestial place in Greece, guarantee the most relaxed and unforgettable vacation.

Halkidiki-Kassandra

Kassandra is the most western peninsula of Halkidiki's trident. It is one of the most famous places in Halkidiki with a particular development towards tourism, displaying a lot concerning the cultural and tourist field.

It is a heavenly and peaceful place, with immense sandy beaches and pine-clad locations that reach the aquamarine sea. The beautiful locations seem as if no one has ever stepped on their pure ground, with the dense vegetation and the clear waters heading for a glorious unification.

The development of tourism has forwarded the creation of very well organized facilities, luxury hotels and plenty of entertainment centres that provide a wonderful environment for vacationing to weekend travellers from Greece but also tourists from all over the world that gather to witness true Greek natural beauty.

The entire peninsula of Kassandra is a majestic place, ideal for vacations, since it offers a unique, rejuvenating climate, clear and healthy waters and seaside resorts on all coasts. It is justifiably called «the earthly heaven» of Greece.

about us

“Natural healing techniques”

Are you looking for Fun ?

Are you searching for Relaxation and Revitalizing ?

You want to get some energy and spend also some calories?

Take part in the right idea . . .

Then you are at the right place . . .

We offer you a brand new bike trip which contains Beauty and fun

Has anyone ever tried this trip ?

Our program starts from Paralia daily in front of Zovas Travel agency.

Bicycles will wait for you here do ride them to the black mud which will take care of you. . . We walk into those big salty holes and we cover all over the body with black mud to trap the heat. As the mud solidifies, the dirty and dead skin cells are drawn from the surface leaving it silky-smooth. The heat generated helps to relax

the body.

PIERIA-OLYMPUS RIVIERA

The sublime and abounding in vegetation Pierian Mountains, their highest summits being the "Phlambouro" (as high as 2.190 m.) and their crystal clear water springs, the mountains that used to be the dwelling of the "Pierian Muses", will also cater for tourism and sightseeing.

The shores of Pieria are of unique beauty. They stretch along an area of as long as 70 km from the Valley of Tempi and Platamonas to Aeginio and the estuary of the river Aliakmon. A broadly expanded sandy beach, which is interrupted, at places, by groves and pine - trees forests and a blue, crystal clear sea cater for unprecedented wonderful holidays . Organized beaches , Camping and open beaches at Olympic Rivera , Platamonas , Scotina , Leptocarya , at Plaka cater for one's enjoying the limpid sea , the bright Greek sky at the beach , the cool sea breeze or a luncheon of fresh fish of the Aegean and delicious fruit of Pieria .

About 50 hotels of various classes as well as 3.000 flats and rooms to let provide lodging according to the traveler's - tourist's wishes .

With one of the region's large inhabited centers as a base for one's setting out on excursions , an acquaintance with the whole region can be made.

Katerini the capital of the region caters for facilitation of all sorts, such as : banks , post office , telecommunications center , car repairing stations, chemists , medical laboratories etc. The city is newly built, being a small town until 1912. Today , Katerini is being developed rapidly as it is located in the center of the fertile plain of Pieria.

Also the ascent of Mount Olympus , the dwelling of Olympic Gods , offers inexpressible experiences , exulting man's spirit in his direct approaching being a sublime , divinely beautiful , harsh and impressively majestic place . After all it was not accidentally and coincidentally selected by ancient Greeks as their Gods dwelling .

GEOGRAPHY

Northwest of Thessaloniki , between the large rivers , south east of the Imathias region , east of the Kozani region and northeast of the Larissa region , there is the region of Pieria in, about , the same district with the Pieria of Greek Mythology. The region of Pieria , bordering to the east with the sea of Thermaikos Bay, comprises a part of central Makedonia which is consisted of the regions of : Thessaloniki , Pieria , Chalkidiki , Kilkis , Pella, Imathia.

THESSALONIKI

The biggest town in northern Greece , capital of Macedonia , birthplace of Alexander the Great . We make a roundtrip through the town and we stop at the "White Towel" , which is the Symbol of Thessaloniki .

After our visit at the Tower we drive you to the Acropolis of Thessaloniki and from its fortress we enjoy the fabulous view of the town and the second biggest port of Greece, which occupies a favorable locality for the northern European lands . Later we show you around the sent Dimitrios church and finally we offer you two hours of shopping in the luxurious boutiques in the center of Thessaloniki.

Mountain Olymp

Trip to a mountain village called Litochoro. We will lead you through the picturesque village all the way to the cemetery and then we will walk through the wild, romantic ravine. The small waterfall in the foothills of mountain Olympus will be the end of our journey.

After our walk in the famous Mountain, our next stop will be the village of "Old Panteleimonas" dated from the fifteenth century with small stony houses and a view to the beautiful Aegean Pelages. We dine at the traditional taverns and enjoy ourselves with Greek wine.

ATHENS
We show you around the famous excavation site of the ancient Oracle in Delphi and afterwards follows lunch . In the evening we arrive in Athens and we spend the night in a modern hotel and later on :

"Athens by night" in the romantic old town of Plaka.

You have the opportunity to attend the bright trip with the change of the guard in front of the Parliament at 24:00 h.

The following day we start with breakfast in our hotel in Athens. Follows a roundtrip in Athens with guiding from the port of Piraeus and then the famous Acropolis, a "Must" for every tourist !

After our visit in Acropolis we drive you to the Monastiraki for shopping , which is one of the most famous markets in the world.

At noon we say goodbye to the town . We make a small pause in Thermopyles , where we show you around the statue of Leonidas and the "Brimstone Spring".

METEORA
One of the most amazing places in Greece, if not the world is Meteora. If you have seen pictures of Greece or spend any time looking through travel brochures then you have certainly been impressed by the monasteries perched on top of enormous rocks and have probably wondered how on earth they built them. Experience the biggest miracle of nature in Greece. It is A "need" during your holiday in northern Greece. We travel through Larissa - Trikala to Kalambaka. There we show you around the famous suspended in the air monasteries .We visit 2 of the 7 monasteries with their Museums, churches etc. We make a stop in the end to enjoy our lunch near the foothills of this miracle in Kalambaka.

...the right choice to visit Greece

With long experience in handling hotel reservations , transfers and excursions "ZOVAS TRAVEL" takes a pride in offering a meticulous , punctual and comprehensive service.
Our specially trained and friendly staff, which provides a high standard of service , is able to make all arrangements for your congress , conference or incentive program in Greece.
Our primary aim is to provide a highly personalized , efficient service … an aim our clients believe we have attained !
Zovas Travel owns 3 of the most modern Hotels, "Hotel EUROPE", "Hotel EUROPE INN" and Hotel "VILLA EUROPE" in Olympus Rivera. We are representative for Czech , Slovakian, German , Romanian , Polish, Hungarian and Russian Operators and Travel Agencies and moreover cooperate successfully with tourist lodgings in the territories of Olympic Rivera, Halkidiki, Thessaloniki, Athens and Island Thassos .

ACTIVITIES
· Tour Operator
· Bus Trips / Excursions
· Transfers from the port / airport and luggage service
· Sightseeing programs for cruise ships with short stays
· Student programs with reduced prices
· Specific arrangements for Seminar Groups
· Conference planning and bookings
· Boot / Air / Train ticketing
· Car hire
· Foreign Currency Exchange
· General information and assistance for travelers
· Accommodation service
· Passport and Visa publishing
· "Classic Culture Greece" Tours