4 MIN
TRAVEL TIPS

Romantic Destinations for Two

[caption id="attachment_8034" align="aligncenter" width="960" caption="Journey to Kavala"][/caption] Exploring the ideal places for romantic strolls and activities that will make you hold on to your partner’s hand that little bit tighter. Monemvasia: Sunset at the Castle Enter through the gateway of the fortified Byzantine city and enjoy a fabulous weekend within its walls. Take a walk along the main cobbled pathway passing between small souvenir shops, as well as cafes and tavernas. Have a hot beverage on one of the little rooftops and then lose yourself amid stone-paved streets and arches. The castle area’s past stands before you – mansions, Venetian coats of arms, Byzantine churches, arcades, old walls, squares. A nighttime walk around the discreetly lit alleys is a magical experience. Walk up to the mosque, enjoy the view and take a snapshot by the renowned canon. Gaze out towards the Myrtoan Sea from the sea wall. Feel the tranquility at Panagia Chrysafitissa church and find the passage heading to Portelo, the coastal gateway leading next to the sea. Share the experience of Ano Poli (Upper Town) with your partner. When the sun begins to set, walk up the cobbled path leading to what remains of the town’s aristocratic district. Once at this elevated point, take in the grand sight offered from the castle and the impressive sunset view from next to Aghia Sofia church. Nafplio: Greece's Capital of Romance Lose yourself along cobbled paths, admire neoclassical buildings, sit at Venetian-era squares and make your way up to Palamidi fortress. Nafplio, the first capital of modern Greece during the early years of the revolution, features ancient walls, Venetian castles, mosques, marble lion sculptures (Venetian or Bavarian) and Ottoman fountains with Venetian elements. Nafplio is pedestrianized but may also be enjoyed by bicycle, bicycle-taxis, even little train rides. It is worth visiting Syntagma Square and the first Greek Parliament building, locally known as the Vouleutiko, the old mosque, and the interesting archaeological museum. Locate Aghios Spyridonas church, where Ioannis Kapodistrias, the first head of state of independent Greece, was assassinated on the church steps. Head up to Acronafplia and marvel at the city walls, the view, as well as the best sunset from the clock tower (Roloi). The Tour of Arvanitia, as the route below the wall by the sea is known, is a beautiful walk. If you’re physically up to it, climb the 853 steps - not 999, as is frequently said – up to Palamidi. Otherwise, opt for a relaxing and pleasant boat ride to Bourtzi castle, out in the middle of the harbor. Tsagarada: Walks in Nature Pelion, a mountainous area by the mainland’s east coast in central Greece, is renowned for its traditional villages, hostels, taverns, and ski resort. The cobbled paths passing through the villages are an off- beat viewing sensation. Winter here is ideal for trekking, either along winding cobbled paths with a view of the nearby Sporades cluster of Greek islands, or along dirt tracks passing through densely vegetated gullies. Definitely do put on your hiking boots for the wonderful one-and-a-half hour trek from Tsagarada to Damouchari. The more intrepid can head down a cobbled path for a view of the sea. This route reaches all the way down to the sea. The marked path begins at Agia Paraskevi square (www.pelion-paths.gr). Alternatively, it is worth walking through the four Tsagarada districts – Agia Kyriaki, Agios Stefanos, Agia Paraskevi, and Taxiarhes – and reaching the area’s most elevated part for a magnificent view of the Aegean Sea. The houses lining this route are of exceptional architectural quality, while the running waters and dense vegetation are awe inspiring. see full article here