nonstoptravellers greece

Despite the many many differences amongst those islands mentioned above its hard to visit only one single island to satisfy sumer vibes, and thats why we recommend island hopping in the Aegean islands! So get yourself together, pack a few light clothes and explore the different options regarding island hopping, depending on your mood and time.

Mini Island hopping

Mainstream Island hopping

Theres actually no enough words to describe the beautiness of the mainland of the Aegean sea… talking about Cyclades can last for about forever… Finally travellers now have the chance to choose between several ferry connections and can enjoy many islands on a single trip! Choose between Cyclades and Dodecanese, while for those of you who want more adventurous scens you will find itineraries that combine a mainstream island with Crete, for example! You can find plenty of itineraries and cruises that can be ideal options for those of you that you do not have the time to organize the trip by their own. There are options that acan also take you to the coast of Turkey. Try various combinations, from cosmopolitan Mykonos and romantic Santorini to authentic Crete and islands of eastern Aegean, all in one trip! Actually, there is no rule just indulge yourself to the magic!

Alternative island hopping

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A few words about the company – Alliances – Awards – Fleet

Aegean is an airline company aiming to provide high quality safety and services on short and medium distance flights from 1999 to today, linking every corner of Greece and of course Greece with the whole world!! In 2003, it merged with Olympic Air, also known to the Greek audience, and has been a member of Star Alliance since 2010. Alliances and collaborations have a leading role in Aegean. Through Star Alliance and its partner airlines (such as Air Canada, Air Baltic, Brussels Airlines, Etihafd, Egyptair, SWISS, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, Singapore Airlines etc.), it offers worldwide access, recognition and  perfect travel experience.

122 destinations in 44 countries

Aegean receives international recognition and has been honored the Skytrax World Airline Awards for the eighth time as the Best Regional Airline in Europe. The Aegean fleet consists of 61 aircraft, of which 47 belong to the Airbus family and 14 are Q-series Bombardier.

Services

By clicking on the links below you will automatically be taken to the relevant travel extras on the website of Aegean and start planning your next trip!

• Services
• Book a flight
• Book a hotel
• Manage ypur booking
• Low Fare Calendar
• Rent a car
• Route map

Aegean has been honored with the Skytrax World Airline Award for the eighth time, as the Best Regional Airline in Europe.

 

Find below a quick look through Aegean’s site main categories:

PLAN: Navigating at the official Aegean’s website is easy enough, as the site has a modern design and in this category allows you to easily manage and change your booking, check in and other useful information! Here you will find the low fare calendar to find the lowest prices available for your trip by destination option up to 11 months ahead!

TRAVEL INFO: In this category you will find all the luggage and location information and the fantastic Aegean App to have everything you need for your trip with you on your mobile!

DISCOVER: This is definitely our favorite category !! The reason;;; Here you will get inspiration for your next trips !!! Flights, destinations and our favorite interactive map to “travel more”. In the same category you can find the famous campaign of Aegean Greece by Greeks, where dozens of photos from all over Greece have been gathered to showcase their beautiful places! Surely you’ve all seen the fantastic ad with Giannis Antetokounmpo!

MILES + BONUS: Last but not least.. our beloved miles !!! For those of you already collencting miles, congratulations! Those of you who have neglected to do so, you can start doing some travel hacking! Collect miles and enjoy privileges and services that turn every trip into a unique experience! Each tier gives you more flexibility, comfort and convenience before, during and after your flight! We lost the counting of our many miles collection cards but do not worry because we will help you put them in order!

OTHER EXTRAS: During flights, we always expect Aegean’s fresh snacks if it is for domestic flights or delicious meals for the longer flights! In addition, Blue magazine will accompany your traveling and, of course, for the lovers of shopping therapy, look for Shop on board and enjoy your purchases in flight!

In general, we would say that the Aegean site is very handy and quite functional! It has a great variety of FAQs and information to solve all your queries and many contact details to choose from!

We love the blue color that reminds us of Greece and we like the safety and quality that has been synonymous with the Aegean Airlines, for all its years of operation, as evidenced by its ranking in position 37 on the world awards list of airlines, a list at the top of which you can find airlines such as QatarAirways, Singapore Airlines, Emirates and others!

Here our tour in Aegean world ends! Hope you enjoyed our flight!

CU on board again!

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1. Plaka – Anafiotika 

Definetely the most alluring district of Athens! The best neighborhood to start your visit in Athens city! Check out my older post about Plaka, the “Neighborhood of the Gods”. It is named like this due to its proximity to the Acropolis and its many archaeological sites.  The whole area is built on top of the residential areas of the ancient town of Athens.  Plaka is the old historical neighborhood of Athens clustered around the northern and eastern slopes of the Acropolis, incorporating labyrinthine streets and neoclassical architecture. The area of Plaka is one of the most attractive districts of Athens as there you can find amazing testaurants, cafes, music, friendly people and amazing small tourist shops to get your souvenirs. For the photolovers Plaka is an ideal inspirational place to take great and colourful photos!

Monastiraki is a famous district of Athens that extends from the Monastiraki square at the end of Athinas street until Thiseio. It is one of the best places to buy just about anything at the Flea Market at Monastiraki especially on Sunday when some of the stores close and people bring tables and carpets and sell all kinds of stuff from junk to antiques. You will find clothing boutiques, souvenir shops, and specialty stores. Also Monastiraki is a major tourist attraction in Athens which is named after Monastiraki Square, which in turn is named for the Church of Pantanassa that is located within the square. Thiseio is an area which has many cafés and cultural meeting pointsis surrounded by hills, heights and historical sites which are within a walking distance. The Ancient Agora, Stoa of Attalos, the Temple of Hephastus and Kerameikos Archaeological Museum can be entered from Thiseio while all others: the National Observatory, Acropolis, Philopappos Monument, Pnyx Hill which is considered the birthplace of Democracy and the Mount Lycabettus can be easily reached or viewed from Thiseio. The panoramic views of them and their natural surroundings from the Areopagus height are spectacular, especially by night. Try a romantic night walk under the athenian sky!

It is the historic center and the backbone of ancient Athens, where today takes place all political, economic and social life of the country. The historic center follows the modern trend of returning to the center which resulted in the transformation of the city center into a metropolitan district. The area is full of hotels, airbnbs, it hosts the largest part of entertainment and fun of the city. Accessibility is easy since there are three metro stops, one train stop, its the starting point of all three routes of trams, bus lines 130, 12 trolleybus lines. From Ermou street with the varius department stores to the Panathenaic Stadium, University and Monastiraki district, historic center is one of the most complete and commercial areas of the city. What about culture? 7 cinemas, 10 theaters and many artistic cafes which host cultural events. Uncountable bars, cafés, food places and clubs. Famous city pins are the Constitution Square, Kapnikarea church (square) , Karytsi Square, Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens, Ermou Street. Dont forget to vitis Square Saint Irene the latest “talk of the town” and definetely check in at National Garden, Zappeion Hall, and Acropolis hill.

plaka acropolis nonstoptravellers

The district of Kerameikos consists of Gkazi, Metaxourgeio and Votanikos, and its a big area in the center of Athens that remains authentic, artistic and genuine. A charmingly poorly lit area, with narrow pedestrian streets, full of shops waiting for you to discover them. These areas have something real, something that reminds us of old neighborhoods while encounter modern industrial style perfectly and coexist harmoniously, giving life in this ‘degraded’ neighborhood. This renovated former industrial area hosts art galleries, museums, many cultural events throughout the year, cafes, bars, clubs and shops with Greek folk music. A trademark of the region post-industrial design associations.

5. Koukaki- Dourgouti

The district Koukakis (or just Koukaki) located on the southeastern side of the Filopappos Hill in Athens. It borders the regions of Petralona, Neos Kosmos (photos taken from Neos Kosmos – Dafni hill) and Acropolis. Imposing neoclassical next to sweetest houses. Alternative bars next to gourmet restaurants. Levantine taverns next to authentic Greek Myers. Groups with bicycles. Older couples catching table in the pedestrian zone and watch the world goes by. Tourists come from Dionysius Areopagite pedestrian street, neoclassical mansions beside the last remaining houses.  Koukaki  has two main pedestrian streets with plenty of cafes, bars, restaurants, grills etc. to serve residents and tourists from hotels around the Acropolis. In a walking distance to Koukaki you can visit Dourgouti area in Neos Kosmos district, which i trully love and suggest, but i will write about it in a special post dedicated to Dourgouti. Stay tuned!

Petralona is a district of Athens located north of Tauros and Kallithea city, in the east bordering Koukaki, Thiseio northeast and northwest with Gkazi. Petralona have accomplished to become the most hot spot for noon and night out of youth, but still keep the very special and beautiful nature of neighborhood. You can walk the neighborhoods of Upper and Lower Petralona and discover numerous shops to eat and drink … low budgetly. Walk the Troon street, especially on summer days, you will be thrilled by the locals, the tastes, the smells and the music!

acropolis nonstoptravellers

7. Pagkrati

One of the largest districts of old classic Athens and perhaps one of the last in the City of Athens boundaries that maintain the characteristics of a a real neighborhood. It is within walking distance from the city center, but also has its own autonomy in the market and fun. Its near the city center, full of good apartments, close to the National Research Foundation, the Panathenaic Stadiumand the Rizari street.

An area with a lively night and artistic life, the neighborhood of Psiri now has some of the most famous clubs, and dozens of small bars that play almost every music, from electronic to latin. The area has captured the Athenian audience, achieving a balance of art, beauty and fun. By the morning run and the many small low budget tavernas of Psiri, serving wine, ouzo and raki with honey and gather mainly young groups.

Neither anarchic nor classy. Perhaps the most genuine urban part of town. Architecture with identitya and high culture successfully combines the family with the youthful and student style. One of the oldest districts of Athens, hosts the beautiful neoclassical buildings, the majority of student world, and is also a meeting place of artists. In Exarchia you can find a large number of clubs and bars with rock music. Most of them are around Exarchia Square and at the foot of the Hill of Strefi. Nearby are the most classic and old bookstores of Athens and there are even three cinemas and two theaters.

Kolonaki was one of the main Athenian nightlife options for decades  with the most signature restaurants and cafés in town and still remains a meeting place of people of interest from politics, journalism and business. This does not mean that the kolonaki is limited only to these options. In the area there are plenty of impressive clubs with dance music typically align their musical choices with London and New York. Kolonaki is a classic choice for all ages. The most famous bar and clubs are concentrated in the streets Haritos, Lucian, Plutarch, Skoufas and around Kolonaki Square.

The refugee neighbor of New Smyrna begins to grow in 1922. From 1970 onwards the Athenians smell that is a suburb near the center which is environmentally cleaner. This resulted in the doubling of the population and the building of more open spaces. Despite the doubling of the municipality, Nea Smyrni is a region with great standards (layout, green, transport). Still, its trademark, the square remains a magnet and attracts a large proportion of young people of the southern suburbs and other central areas such as Kallithea, Koukaki and the Neos Kosmos. The main hot spot of Nea Smyrni is its Park where people of all ages do gymnastics all day long!

The Ambelokipi remain a classic urban Athenian neighborhood. The best and more youthful piece there is from Mavili square to Panormou street. Served by two metro stops and dozens of bus lines and trolleys. The many movies and theaters is the main plus of Amelokipoi. Square Mavili hosts some of the oldest bars of Athens and of course the famous Canteen of Mavili which since 1989 serves clubbers, doctors (there aree many hospitals in the area), passengers etc..for all night long. Perfect place for the first date!

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Andalusia, the heart of the Spanish South, is one of the 17 autonomous regions of Spain and the southernmost one. It is the second largest and the first bu means of population. Its capital is Seville, and in general Andalucia is now divided into eight provinces: Seville, Huelva, Cordoba, Haen, Almeria, Granada, Malaga and Cádiz. Finally, there are almost 8 million inhabitants, it is the city where Pablo Picasso and the painter Velasquez were born, while its beauties fascinated and inspired the novelist Ernest Hemingway! All the above makes it the ideal destination for roatrip !!!

The budget for 2 people!

We traveled 700 km in 7 days! We spent 50 € on gasoline, rented a car with 10 € a day (prices start at 5 € / day) and for accommodation, bicycle, food and attractions costs 60 € / day. Airfares with a good search (not last minute!) Cost from Athens around 150 € / person, with airlines such as Aegean, Alitalia, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines and are valid for direct flights or via Italy. Total for two people for 7 days;

50 + 10 * 7 + 50 * 7 + 150 * 2 = 770 € + (approx. 40 € from & to Airport) = 810 €

The cost of course can fall a lot if you choose to travel with company to share the common expenses, also the prices are indicative of a relatively well-paid trip. Surely the budget goes lower.

50 + 5 * 7 + 40 * 7 + 150 * 2 = 665 € + (approximately 25 € to & to Airport) = 690 € A

And of course it can cost you even more cheaper, if you choose to stay in a hostel, eat fast food every day and do not visit any museum etc!

The roadtrip

1 Day – Malaga

The first day we said … is devoted to feeling the vibes of the city (as long as the trip will last for several days)! We do not panic! We arrange our stuff and start wandering around! Malaga is the heart of Andalusian tourism, yet has retained its traditional character almost unchanged! Nice houses, rich nature and a high standard touristic center! Do not miss to visit the Picasso Museum at Palacio de Buenavista!

2 Day – Costa del Sol

On the second day, take a trip to the favorite beach of millions of travelers in Marbella where you can enjoy your Mediterranean air and sea! On the same day a little further north visit the city of Ronda, the rock city  with the well-known bridget (famous image among travelers). A city full of olive trees that reminds something of … Greece! Late in the afternoon you have to travel north to Seville.

3-4-5 Day – Seville (and maybe one day Cordoba?)

In the ancient city of Seville, which is the capital of the Autonomous Region of Andalucia, we recommend staying for 3 days! The historical route of Seville is the depiction of the history of all Andalusia and the different cultural influences that shaped its identity throughout the centuries. A city full of magic and fairy tales, as it is the city of Don Quixote! Also, visit the Alcázar, a palace complex with amazing gardens, now used to host the royal family. Ideal city for endless cycling or scrolling rides to feel like kids again, in the historic center, pedestrianized and full of bicycle infrastructure! Well-kept gardens full of flowers, many universities give youthful vibes to the city, boats to Piaza Espagna, and fabulous fresh fish make up the great scenery of Seville. The words that describe Seville the best are the relaxed rhythms and the smiles of the people! Fortunately, the tourism has not changed its genuine beauty! For those of you who want more adventures, one day you can escape to the city of Cordoba, the capital of Muslim Spain, located in the center of Andalucia!

Tips for Seville:

• Book your tickets online
• Try some shrimps and fish dishes

6 Day – Granada

Granada is … music, poetry and culture. It is the Andalucian rose! This province is located at the foot of the mountain and includes the rugged peaks of Sierra Nevada, a city with stunning architecture on calm plateaus, white villages scattered over hills and valleys descending to the rocks and impressive Costa Tropical beaches. The Alhambra, the “red fortress” of the Moorish monarchs in the city of Granada, is the most emblematic of the city which has been declared a Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 1984. Nature at its Best !!!

Tip for Granada:

• Get lost amongst musicians and artists in San Nicolas and watch the Alhambra!
• Search for the authentic caves of flamenco!
• Learn the local gypsy stories!

plaza-espana andalucia non stop travellers

7 Day – Málaga

Return to cosmopolitan Malaga. Enjoy for a while Spanish smells and the lively nightlife and return home more cheerful and wiser!

Extra tips!

• Try the various wines of  Andalucia with prices at about 3 €  per glass on average, sparkling and semi-sweet!
• Especially in Granada, you will try taparia,  our favorite tapas !!!
• In Seville you can eat  for about 50 € / 2persons in a well rated restaurant while with about 4 tapas you will be happy enough all day!
• Try some bull tails !!!
• Experience: for those of you who are in a great tense enjoy a hamam!

Meet people from every corner of the world and of all ages!

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