Travel Blog » Europe » Greece » South Aegean

South Aegean Travel Blogs

Background: Greece achieved its independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1829. During the second half of the 19th century and the first half of the 20th century, it gradually added neighboring islands and territories, most with Greek-speaking populations. In World War II, Greece was first invaded by Italy (1940) and subsequently occupied by Germany (1941-44); fighting endured in a protracted civil war between royalist supporters of the king and communist rebels. Following the latter's defeat in 1949, Greece was able to join NATO in 1952. A military dictatorship, which in 1967 suspended many political liberties and forced the king to flee the country, lasted seven years. The 1974 democratic elections and a referendum created a parliamentary republic and abolished the monarchy. Greece joined the European Community or EC in 1981 (which became the EU in 1992); it became the 12th member of the euro zone in 2001.

Greece

Map of Greece

Greece's Flag

Recommended Books:

Hostels in Greece
Latest South Aegean Blog Entries
South Aegean Photos

By Scofflaw
June 4th 2008

The Island Lifes for Me!

Europe » Greece » South Aegean » Ios

We made it to Ios last night, and its as fantastic as everybody says. We got up yesterday at half 5 packed up and jumped on the metro. took that to the port town of pireaus and hustle our way onto a 7:30 ferry to ios. as we approuched the island after seven hours on the ferry, i noticed that we were going around the island on the wrong side. between my compass and my map i was able to determine which island was ios, and that we were in fact headed first to santorini and then back to ios, thus [View Full Entry]

By ceeceecda
June 4th 2008

Tinos, Mykonos and Delos

Europe » Greece » South Aegean » Tinos

We went to see the ruins in Delos. As mentioned in my guidebook, there were a lot of ruins and very little signage and what little signage there was appeared in Greek and French. That didn't bother me too much as I understand French quite well but the lack of description was a little disappointing as was the volume of tourists visiting the site. Most of our group climbed the hill to the Temple of Zeus but a couple of us chose to go to the museum instead. It was fascinating with the rooms laid out more or less by era. [View Full Entry]

By winanddi
June 2nd 2008

Naxos

Europe » Greece » South Aegean » Naxos

Elephants in the Rock forest

NAXOS I’ve put in the last view from the hotel in Kalambaka looking up from the hotel at Meteora and St Stephens in the afternoon light. The girls had been drinking and said they saw in the shadows of the stone forest an African elephant head looking down on the town. Athens: After getting our gear and returning to the Jason Inn, we went upstairs for drinks on the top deck which had a fantastic clear view of the Parthenon about 1 km away. Later that evening after we had dinner, Di returned when the lights were turned on and got [View Full Entry]

By McLarkin
June 1st 2008

Santorini to Crete: 2 Hours and 2 Extremes

Europe » Greece » South Aegean

Photo 1

Today is our last in Greece and the first slow day since my last entry. We got into Fira and checked into Santorini Camping with a very sweet Texan couple we met while waiting to disembark the ferry. We were pleased to discover that the shack we were expecting was actually a charming cabin, complete with our own private bath, safe, balcony, AC, and cable TV! All this for little more than we paid for the cardboard box on Mykonos. Greece is great. We spent the evening wandering the hilly labyrinth of tourist shops and restaurants and caught some gorgeous night [View Full Entry]

By McLarkin
May 31st 2008

Mini Island Excursion, Santorini Style

Europe » Greece » South Aegean » Santorini

Photo 1

**See June 1 Entry [View Full Entry]

By vanslack
May 31st 2008

I'm staying!

Europe » Greece » South Aegean » Paros

Well it is official, I am staying in Mykonos until mid July! Today I leave Ios and head to the island of Paros where I will stay the night and explore. After that Im heading to Mykonos to live with my two fab ladies from upstate NY! They are such dolls and we will have an amazing time. We already have jobs lined up...I think I will be working in a cute little jewlery shop. We will split a small flat and see where the summer takes us! love it!! Miss you all! M [View Full Entry]

By McLarkin
May 30th 2008

Oia-ia-aiiya!!

Europe » Greece » South Aegean » Santorini

Photo 1

Oia, Santorini **See June 1 Entry [View Full Entry]

By Mr and Mrs George
May 30th 2008

The Greek Island Fly-by....

Europe » Greece » South Aegean

The Acropolis!
As seen from the rooftop of our hotel - the Electra Palace.

Turkey was such a relaxing stop for us. A real slow-down of the hectic pace we had been on since we hit the Middle East a few weeks back. After nearly 3 months of traveling we both had set our eyes on home, and looked forward to our last stop: The Greek Islands. We had originally planned to leave Greece on June 6th...but our plans changed just as we left Turkey. My brother Shaun (Jess' new brother-in-law) has ben holding down the fort with our business...but after some exciting developments over the past few week we got an urgent message from [View Full Entry]

By McLarkin
May 29th 2008

Cruising the Aegean

Europe » Greece » South Aegean

Photo 1

I’m sitting in one of the dining cabins of the multi-storied ferry to Santorini. The ride will take 3 hours so I’ll be taking full advantage of the air conditioning! Today is hot, bordering on stifling. I went for a run along the beach this morning about 2 hours too late, because at 9:00 the heat was already too intense for physical exertion. Steph sleeps more than anyone I know, save my sister Allyson, and naps throughout the day as well! It works out well though because while I’m up late writing, reading, or loading pictures, and when I’m up early [View Full Entry]

By vanslack
May 29th 2008

I think I'm staying in Greece

Europe » Greece » South Aegean » Ios

Right now I am on the island of Ios. I have completely fallen in love with the Greek islands and think I might stay for an addiitonal six weeks. Perhaps I will sell seashells by the seashore (there was actually a job opening for that!) haha Anyway, two girls on my tour are thinking of staying too. I will make my decision today or tomorrow to postpone my flight home from Athens. Very exciting!!! [View Full Entry]

Travel Blog » Europe » Greece » South Aegean