How is the Greek economic crisis affecting tourism?

According to The Guardian, tourism already accounts for about 18 percent of the economy in Greece. In the current economic crisis, the Greek government is making initiatives to try to lessen the impact. With approximately 52 percent of all visitors to Greece coming between July and September, priority is being given to encouraging alternative tourism which will bring visitors outside of the high season, such as agritourism and religious tourism. In order to generate foreign investment in the tourism sector Greece has taken steps to make this easier. In addition, landing and takeoff fees for aircraft have been waived and visa restrictions for non-EU citizens have been lifted.

Despite the ‘doom and gloom’ Crescent Moon can report that our contacts in Halkidiki tell us that it is business as usual for them. Not only tourists but Greeks have continued to happily holiday in the area. Perhaps because of the depressing news all the time, escapism is still high on the agenda. And what better place to escape to than the beautiful pine-clad hills and Blue Flag beaches of Halkidiki.

Around 2.335 million British nationals visit Greece every year (Source: Civil Aviation Authority). Why not join them and take advantage of beautiful scenery, excellent accommodation and great value for money. 

A Wedding Proposal - Ancient Greek Style

In ancient Greece the apple was sacred to the godess Aphrodite and symbolised passion. So, if a man wanted to propose to a woman he would throw an apple to her. If she caught the apple she was considered to have accepted the proposal. 

I throw the apple at you, and if you are willing to love me, take it and share your girlhood with me; but if your thoughts are what I pray they are not, even then take it, and consider how short-lived is beauty. - Plato, Epigram VII

The fruit were also expensive and therefore considered something special to give to a loved one. A couple would eat apples on their wedding night - not only a treat but because apples were associated with love.

Later, in Byzantine times, if a prince or emperor wanted to get married, the prospective brides were gathered together, and he would give a golden apple to the bride he chose.

Watch it guys - think carefully before you throw an apple!

Thessaloniki - a great city break and more

Thessaloniki has something for all tastes and makes a great city break prior to heading off to Halkidiki. It is the second city of Greece by size after Athens, and was the European Capital of Culture in 1997. Nestled on the Gulf of Thermaïkos on the Aegean Sea, it is a cosmopolitan city and well worth a visit. Roman ruins can be seen dotted around the centre, including the Arch of Galerius and the Rotunda, both built in the third century AD, as well as a host of Byzantine monuments and churches. Other rulers of Thessaloniki have also left their mark, the Ottomans gave the city it's most famous landmark, the White Tower.

Many of these ancient sights are easily walkable thanks to the city's manageable size. Walk to the seafront and you can you take the the locals’ favourite volta (stroll) to the symbol of the city, the White Tower. Explore the numerous cafes, bars and restaurants here or browse the wares of the street sellers. On a clear day you can see Mount Olympus on the other side of the bay.

The city has been the home of Greece's greatest musicians, artists, poets and thinkers. It has some of the finest hotels and best restaurants in northern Greece. It also has a rich culinary tradition, with restaurants serving up some mouthwatering menus. Its most traditional eateries are ‘tsipouradika’, named after the spirit ‘tsipouro’ (a bit like ‘raki’). These are small, lively places with tables packed tightly and a buzzy atmosphere.

For culture vultures there are museums. Not to be missed is the Archaeological Museum, the home of King Philip's tomb treasure, and the state of the art. For more contemporary tastes head down to the Port for the Photography and Cinema museums or the museum of Contemporary Art.

But Thessaloniki does not just have a rich history, it is a thriving modern city with a buzzing cafe culture. Go to Kitchen Bar by the Port for great views across the bay, a funky vibe and great cocktails.

Make a visit to trendy Ladadika district, the old merchants quarter of Thessaloniki. With its narrow paved streets and neoclassical buildings, mainly restored as cafes, restaurants and jazz bars, you get a taste of what Thessaloniki looked like before all the new blocks of flats were built, as well as experiencing lively nightlife.

Another part of town which comes alive at night is the Ano Poli (upper town) which nestles behind the enormous Byzantine city walls.

We at Crescent Moon suggest a city break for your hen or stag do, or as a great start to a wedding or honeymoon in Halkidiki. Contact us now to book a free consultation.

Fabulous patisserie in northern Greece

It is a little known fact outside Greece that Thessaloniki has a great tradition of patisserie. Perhaps the locals want to keep all the lovely cakes to themselves!

This springs from the fact that it was such a cosmopolitan mixture of cultures. It has always been the melting pot of Greece, with strong influences from the baking traditions of Paris and Vienna of the 19^th century. Also important was the Turkish style of cake making. In the early part of the 20^th century some innovative pastry chefs in Thessaloniki developed their own school of patisserie. Now the city has a zaxaroplasteio (cake shop) on every corner and luscious chocolate and cream confections are displayed in mouthwatering arrays in their windows. Indeed the huge variety of cakes and the beautiful designs are one of the trademarks of Thessaloniki. Many award winning zaxaroplasteio have branches in Halkidiki as well as in the city. To name just a few, Agapitos, Plaisir, Nikos and Terkenlis. With such expertise in luxurious patisserie, any kind of celebration or wedding cake can be made to order.

Spas in Halkidiki

The writings of the ancient Greeks contain descriptions of bathing practices which modern spas follow today. Small bathtubs, wash basins, and foot baths were used for personal cleanliness. Greeks from as early as the 2nd century BC built public baths and showers within their gymnasiums, which were used for relaxation as well as washing. Some natural springs or tidal pools were believed to be blessed by the gods and so could cure disease. Around these sacred pools the ancient Greeks established baths for those in hopes of a cure. In Sparta a primitive steam bath was developed, known as a thermae. Early Greek bathhouses were known as balneum and were sometimes carved into the hillside from which hot springs came. In this way natural features were utilised but expanded on with mosaic floors, shelves and other decoration. The word balneum in Greek became the modern day banio, meaning bath or to bathe. 

Due to the increasing interest in relaxation and leisure in the fast paced modern world, spas are an essential part of our way of life. Water treatments are still considered the heart of the spa experience in Europe today. The spa experience is all about cleansing, heating and relaxing the body, exactly like in those ancient Greek balnea and thermae. Healing and wellbeing is still the order of the day.

Many modern spas use thalassotherapy, although developed in the 19^th century at seaside towns in Brittany, is derived from the Greek thalassa meaning “sea”. Seawater was and is thought to have beneficial effects on the skin and is used all over the world. Another Greek invention, the hot tub (today often known as the jacuzzi), is used in almost every contemporary spa for relaxation.

Halkidiki now boasts some of the most unique spas in Greece:

• Porto Carras has one of the biggest hotel spas in Europe. With two international centres of thalassotheraphy, ancient therapies are applied in a contemporary way, using seaweed, sea water and essential oils. St Barths products are used here, from the Caribbean to the Mediterranean.

Spa Pool at Meliton Hotel, Porto Carras

• One of the most individual and calming spas is at the island hotel of Agionissi. The spectacular view from the pool looks over the Aegean towards Ouranopoulos on the Greek mainland. It is a magical place full of quirky antiques and tasteful furnishings. The products used are exclusive to this hotel spa and the others in the P.A.P. Corp stable. Just Pure is a range of products based on phases of the moon.

Agionissi Spa
(Courtesy P.A.P. Corp)

• At the Danai Beach Resort there is an abundance of marbled luxury. Surrounded by lush Italianate gardens, guests relax only a stone's throw from the beach. Now open all year round, the spa is a haven of peace and quiet. The Danai spa also uses St Baths range.

Danai Beach Resort & Spa
(Courtesy of Leading Small Hotels of the World)

• The Sani resort has a variety of spas spread through the Beach Club, Asterias Suites and Porto Sani Village. Soothing treatments are designed by Anne Semonin and Apivita whose natural products are used in all therapies.

  

  Spa at Porto Sani Village
  (Courtesy of Sani Resort)

  

Wedding Traditions of Greece

The Greek Orthodox wedding ceremony starts with the bride being escorted into the church by her father. The expectant groom stands by the alter waiting with the Koumbaros (best man). After the priest's introduction, he blesses the rings and places them on the fingers of the bride and groom.

Two stefana (metal crowns or floral wreaths) are put on the heads of the couple by the Koumbaros while the couple holds hands. The stefana is a symbol of God bestowing his blessings in the form of crowns. The crowns are generally connected by a ribbon to symbolize the couple's eternal bond as husband and wife. The stefana are swapped from bride to groom's head 3 times.

During the marriage service the couple receives lighted candles to hold. This is followed by religious readings and the wedding party take communion wine. The couple is then walked around the altar three times to represent their everlasting journey. During the circling the guests throw rice onto the couple, symbolising fertility. The stefana are then removed and the couple declared married.

In earlier times it was traditional for the the women to get together and wash the bride's dowry. The men would parade the couple's furniture down the village streets to their new home. In some mountain villages the bride's embroidery and jewellery were displayed on horseback at the head of the wedding party to the church before the marriage service.

At the reception, a bonbonierra (bag) containing an odd number of koufetta (sugared almonds) are given to guests as wedding favours. The odd number symbolizes the couple’s unity since odd numbers cannot be divided.

The famous Kalamatiano or “Circle dance”, involves two circles that form around the bride while guests throw money at the musicians and in some regions break dishes for good luck.

It is a tradition in Greece to break a pomegranate on the ground at weddings. It is a symbol of abundance, fertility and good luck.

Sithonia

The second finger of Halkidiki is much more rugged and mountainous. Roads are windy for the first part then become more gentle as the coastline gets flatter. The coastal road drive is stunning, with little bays coming into view around every bend. You are surrounded by the lush greenery and the smell of the pines (pefka) is ever present. Choose a different beach every day, and even the very popular won't be unpleasantly packed, especially during the heat of the day. Greeks head for the beach generally in the late afternoon, after the main heat of the day has gone. In fact many will be just arriving when the "mad dogs and Englishmen" are packing up for the day. Halkidiki's beaches are mostly sand or shingle. What makes them so great is the lack of crowds and the crystal clear water.

THE AREA

Halkidiki is a peculiar land formation consisting of three parallel peninsulas, known as 'fingers' . This makes for an incredibly long coastline and many varied beaches. There are distinct differences between the three peninsulas.

KASSANDRA

The first and nearest to Thessaloniki international airport is Kassandra. It's nearness to the airport and the city means that this is the most popular and developed of the three 'fingers'. The “neck” of Kassandra is flat but it starts to rise as you move down the “finger”. Famous for it's pine trees (pefko in Greek, as in Pefkohori meaning 'pine village') and beautiful beaches. Here you will find many cosmopolitan resorts that blend modern and traditional with natural beauty.

As you drive down the Perimitri Kassandras (main coast road) you are surrounded by lush vegetation and a riot of colour from the many flowering bushes and trees. The villages are mainly built along the main road, although not exclusively and some of the more interesting are worth diverting to. Check out Afitos with it's stone-built houses and stunning views.

Steer away from the main centres on Kassandra like Kalithea where there seem to be wall to wall fur boutiques, tacky tourist shops and packed streets.

Why have your wedding in Halkidiki?

Halkidiki in Greece is a well kept secret. These three peninsulas stretching into the Agean Sea boast beautiful beaches and pine covered hills. Here in the greenest part of Greece there are idyllic, quiet beaches and small villages yet also sophisticated restaurants and bars – if you know where to find them.

The Greeks have been keeping Halkidiki for themselves as many have built holiday homes there. At the weekends nearby Thessaloniki empties as city dwellers head for the beach. During the summer months the people of the towns of northern Greece as well as the city holiday in Halkidiki.

It is also a popular destination for weddings and it is easy to see why. What makes Halkidiki so wonderful is the endless green of the pine trees set against the azure blue sea. And of course the bright sunshine and cloudless skies. Perfect backdrops for the bride and groom's photos can be seen everywhere. What most people in the UK don't know is that there is fabulous cuisine and first class hospitality to be had in Halkidiki. Anything you need for the perfect day can be found here and the hotels and restaurants will go out of their way to make sure that your special day is everything you dreamed of.

Greeks have a long tradition of extravagant weddings and so nothing is too much trouble for the efficient and smiling hoteliers and restaurateurs in this region. The smallest celebration to the biggest extravaganza can be accommodated.

Northern Greece is also renowned for the art of patisserie and chocolates. Walk into any Zacharoplastio (cake shop) and you can see cakes and pastries to die for. Chocolate pralines are also dreamy. Any kind of wedding cake can be made to order. Chocolate favours, or the more traditional sugared almonds, can also be obtained.