Mytilene, Lesbos

 

Lesbos is a Greek island in the northeastern Aegean Sea, known for its natural beauty, rich history, and cultural significance. It is the third-largest island in Greece and has a diverse landscape, including sandy beaches, forests, and rugged hills. The island is renowned for its ancient sites, olive groves, and production of ouzo, a popular Greek liquor. Lesbos also has a deep cultural heritage, with connections to ancient Greek poets like Sappho and Alcaeus.

Mytilene is the capital and largest city of Lesbos, situated on the island's northeastern coast. The town has a rich history, with ancient ruins, Byzantine churches, and Ottoman-era buildings. Mytilene is known for its vibrant port, which has played a crucial role in trade and history, and its charming old town with narrow streets and traditional architecture. Today, Mytilene is a bustling town that blends the old and new, offering a mix of cultural, historical, and modern experiences.

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Thessaloniki

 

Thessaloniki, Greece's second-largest city, is a dynamic metropolis that blends rich historical heritage with modern cultural vibrancy. Founded in 315 BCE by King Cassander of Macedon, the city was named after his wife, Thessalonike, the half-sister of Alexander the Great. Over the centuries, Thessaloniki has been a significant crossroads of civilizations, with influences from the Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans. 

This unique cultural mix is reflected in the city's architecture, monuments, and traditions. Notable historical sites include the Roman Agora, the iconic White Tower, and the imposing Byzantine walls, each telling a story of Thessaloniki's diverse past. The city was also an important center of early Christianity, with the Apostle Paul visiting and establishing a Christian community, which is commemorated in local churches and museums.

Today, Thessaloniki is a lively, modern city known for its vibrant entertainment and cultural scenes. The city's bustling cafes, restaurants, and bars line its streets, offering a taste of both traditional Greek flavors and international cuisine. Thessaloniki is famous for its festivals, including the Thessaloniki International Film Festival and the city's annual music events, which attract artists and visitors from around the world. 

The city's nightlife is equally renowned, with a range of venues from chic bars to traditional tavernas offering live music. Thessaloniki's youthful energy is also evident in its thriving arts scene, with galleries, exhibitions, and theaters contributing to a cultural atmosphere that blends the old with the new.

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Kavala

 

Kavala is a picturesque coastal city located in northern Greece, along the Aegean Sea. Known for its rich history, it has been a significant port since ancient times, influenced by various civilizations, including the Greeks, Romans, and Ottomans. 

The town boasts beautiful beaches, charming old streets, and notable landmarks, such as the impressive Kavala Fortress and the ancient theater of Philippi nearby. With its blend of historical sites, vibrant harbor, and modern amenities, Kavala offers a unique mix of cultural heritage and natural beauty.

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Alexandroupoli

Alexandroupoli is just 40km from the border of Turkey. It is a popular destination for Turkish holidaymakers from Istanbul. At weekends in the summer it is said that the number of cars with Turkish number plates exceeds that of local registered vehicles.

With a population of around 70,000 Alexandroupoli is big enough to offer the visitor a host of cafe's, restaurants and bars. There are no shopping malls in the city but there are plenty of good independent shops, For groceries there are two Lidl and one Carrefour supermarkets and a large Praktiker DIY store on the airport side of town.

Originally known as Dedeagac, a Turkish name based on a wise old Turkish man or dede who lazed around under the shade of a tree and who was finally buried beside it. In 1920 the King of Greece, Alexander I, visited the city and the local authorities changed its name in the King's honour.

The local Greeks are very friendly and hospitable towards their guests. This is a good place to spend a relaxing weekend not just in the summer months but also in winter. 

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