Contents Athens Where it all begins
Hersonissos Get married in famous Malia
Ios Island Holding your wedding in Greece is an amazing experience
Kos Your Greek Island Wedding
Monemvasia ...frozen in history
Mt. Athos Area Halkidiki / Greece
Santorini Island ...is the unique wedding destination with countless world awards
Skopelos A small paradise
Zakynthos Island ...incredible backdrop of pristine sand and turquoise waters
EDITION 5 OWNER & PUBLISHER: T.M.A Travel Media Applications (Cyprus) Ltd, 1 Pallados st, Paphos Cyprus tma@tma.travel Managing Director: Leonidas Babanis Photos: Nik Pekridis, Phosart Marketing and Communications: Vicky Karantzavelou, vicky@tma.travel Distribution: Weddings in Greece Edition 5 is distributed in Sweden and Lebanon. Free Copy Reproduction of articles and photographs: No articles or photographs published in this edition may be reproduced in any format without prior permission from the publisher.
Visit us on: www.yourweddingingreece.com
Athens... where it all begins Athens is Europe’s oldest capital. It has been inhabited since at least 1,300 BC, and its fortunes have varied hugely until the present day. It grew into the greatest centre of classical Greece, sank into the status of a Roman backwater, declined into a mere muddy village through centuries of Ottoman Turkish rule, only reviving after 1834, when it became the capital of the modern Greek state. Now, in the early 21st century, even the great Pericles would be amazed at the size and sheer bustling life of modern Athens.
Get married in Athens! The City that never sleeps lives up to its name and fame; no other city offers the incredible variety of beauty, antiquities and splendour. Walking through the ruins of the Ancient city in Plaka and Monastiraki area, with the Acropolis in view is a once in a lifetime experience. Try to imagine it as the backdrop to your wedding photos! The city was the cradle of Greek ancient civilization that produced the largest and longest-lasting empire of preclassical antiquity. Today, Athens is a cosmopolitan and dynamic town, with modern hotels ideal for wedding ceremonies. Athens boasts breathtaking monuments and historical sites, a great setting to Get Married and enjoy a Fabulous Honeymoon. Athens could also be a fantastic wedding destination! In Greece it’s not only about the islands but also, the internal elegance that the historical
city of Athens has to offer. The beautiful Athenian Riviera, the only Riviera in a capital city in Europe, offers a close to the sea option where you can have a more carefree and sophisticated wedding concept.Athens could also be a fantastic wedding destination! In Greece it’s not only about the islands but also, the internal elegance that the historical city of Athens has to offer. The beautiful Athenian Riviera, the only Riviera in a capital city in Europe, offers a close to the sea option where you can have a more carefree and sophisticated wedding concept. Tip: Choose Phosart team with many years of professional experience in both fields of Cinematography and Photo‐ graphy to create your unique stοry filled with emotions, happiness, and romance which will remain in your hearts for ever.
Get married in famous Malia, Hersonissos Hersonissos Municipality (Episkopi, Gouves, Hersonissos and Malia) is a very popular tourism destination on Crete and among the most attractive wedding destinations in Greece.
C
ombine your holidays with your wedding ceremony to enjoy the warmth of the local people and hidden scents, as well as the serenity of nature. Sport activities are available to satisfy many different types of interests, (diving, biking, paragliding, hiking, horse riding, rock climbing, golf etc.). You will discover the culture and history of this place and taste the traditional Cretan cuisine, one of the healthiest cuisine worldwide. Hersonissos can offer a pleasant, relaxing and exciting stay. The satisfaction of the visitors is considered as the most important strategic objective of the Municipality of Hersonissos. Visitors are invited to experience the charm of contrasts this destination offers a large number of:
• Recreation, Cultural, Outdoor, Religion Activities • Infrastructure to host small and large Weddings In Hersonissos Municipality, it is possible to have a civil ceremony. Hersonissos Town Hall is located in a modern building boasting a
6
spacious wedding hall with friendly personnel that helps to create festive and warm atmosphere. A wedding in Hersonissos - Crete is the chance to celebrate the most romantic day of your life on a beautiful and historic island - an unforgettable experience. Malia Town Hall, 70007, Heraklion, Crete, Greece T: +30 2897340238-9, F: +30 2897033888 URL: http://www.hersonissos.gr email: tourism@hersonisos.gr Social Media: FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/hersonissosgreece YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/myhersonissos Virtual Tour: https://www.360cities.net/profile/hersonissos Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/myhersonissos Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/70934829@N02/ SlideShare: http://www.slideshare.net/myhersonissos
Ios Island Holding your wedding in Greece is an amazing experience. The fairy‐tale scenery, the renowned hospitality, the unique tastes and the romantic vibe are only a few of the reasons many choose to be wed in one of the Greek islands. Tip: Choose Phosart team with many years of professional experience in both fields of Cinematography and Photo‐ graphy to create your unique stοry filled with emotions, happiness, and romance which will remain in your hearts for ever.
T
his is particularly true in the case of Ios island, where weddings have proven to be an unforgettable experience that couples affectionately remember for a lifetime.
Some people consider Ios as the party island of the Cyclades, for others it’s a truly romantic place rich in history and culture, with attractions worth visiting, fun-filled activities for guests to enjoy as well as many other interesting things to do while on holidays. There’s a plethora of sights ranging from 5,000-year old prehistoric settlements and archaeological sites to museums, medieval castles and picturesque Byzantine churches.
The island boasts 32 magnificent white sandy beaches and a deep-blue coastline. The local architecture stands out for its minimal style so typical of the Greek islands, while the mild weather and glorious Greek sun make Ios a favourable destination all year round.
9
KOS Island Your Greek Island Wedding
K
os, the island of Hippocrates, the garden of the Aegean, is the third largest island in the area within the Dodecanese islands complex that provides easy access to the neighbouring islands (Kalymnos, Leros, Patmos, Nisyros, Samos, Symi, Rhodes) and daily access to the opposite coastline of Asia Minor, the ancient Halicarnassus (Bodrum). On Kos, one can enjoy a great combination of thousands of years of history, natural beauty, historical monuments, organized beaches, modern shops and perfect hotel facilities, providing the best impressions to our visitors Ourbeautiful Island of Kos is fast becoming one of the most popular destinations for Weddings Abroad and Renewal of Vows. The warm climate allows you to marry in stunning outdoor locations and enjoy your celebrations under the stars
on a warm summers evening. With regular and cheap flights from many European destinations making it easy and affordable for your loved ones to join you for your dream wedding here in Kos. Whether you would like a small registry office ceremony, an intimate sunset ceremony or an elaborate beach ceremony, we can cater for every taste and budget. Our famous Greek hospitality will ensure that you and your guests will never forget your special day on the beautiful Island of Kos. Beach Weddings Kos offers many fantastic beach locations for your perfect beach wedding with its wide sandy beaches and stunning sunsets - a beach wedding in Kos isa perfect choice, set against the backdrop of the sparkling Aegean sea. Your chosen beach location can be transformed into a delightful wedding location with chairs with white chair covers, a table with white table linen and flower decoration, a red carpet and, to complete the setting, a professionally decorated flower arch with fresh flowers to compliment your chosen colour scheme. Yourbeach wedding ceremony will be held in the late afternoon/early evening when the sun is not so strong and the beaches are quieter, with the sand between your toes and the sun just about to set - what more could you ask for.
10
Your beach wedding can be celebrated in a local beach front Greek Taverna or one of our beautiful beach bars - where you and your guests can party the night away under the stars. Kastri Island, Kefalos The beautiful Island of Kastri is the most stunning wedding location here in Kos. This tiny island is located off the coast of the resort of Kefalos and is accessible only by boat - perfect for a private and secluded wedding ceremony. Climbaboard your decorated boat to take you and your guests to the beautiful island of Kastri, where your ceremony will take place outside the quaint chapel of St. Nikolaos. You will exchange vows outside this stunning little blue-roofed chapel under clear blue skies and surrounded by the shimmering Aeagean sea. This is a truly magical wedding location, with white chairs and a beautiful flower arch to complete the setting. Theperfect end to your Kastri Island wedding is a simple BBQ under the stars on a private beach. With freshly home-prepared food using local produce, the opportunity to have a small Greek Traditional Band, Greek Dancers in Traditional Costume to lead your dancing - what more can you ask for? A totally private Greek Night to finish your Greek Island Wedding off perfectly. Traditional Greek House of Andimachia Located right in the centre of the Island, this delightful Traditional Greek House offers the opportunity for a simply perfect wedding, right in the gardens of this traditional house with its hanging vines and bourgainvillea - and opposite the only traditional working windmill on the Island. A beautiful setting for a truly traditonal Greek wedding. A wedding is one of life's greatest moments, a time of serious commitment, celebration and joy. Creating the perfect day requires time, careful planning and sincere dedication. Arranging your wedding abroad with Your Greek Island Wedding will enhance everything your wedding day should be and a little bit more. Kos Island, Dodecanese, Greece the Perfect Choice for Your Greek Island Wedding
Monemvasia...frozen in history Few regions in the Mediterranean oer such a variety of beaches as the Municipality of Monemvasia. Over 50 of them are easily accessible by road; others are small, hidden�away coves demanding to be discovered by the more adventurous. Whether sand or pebble, busy or isolated, all have crystal clean waters, and many have been awarded Blue Flags, an indication of a high standard of maintenance.
I
ts official name is Monemvasia, although there are some slight variations in Greek, along with different forms of pronunciation – such as Monovasia. In the Middle Ages, the Franks called it Malvoisie, to the English it was known as Malmsey. Its Greek name is derived from the two words meaning single entrance, that is, the only entrance to the fortress town. The old town of Monemvasia is a perfectly preserved medieval settlement still inhabited, an world cultural heritage monument and a major attraction for every traveller in the Peloponnese. It has a unique, magical atmosphere and a fascinating history. Monuments and churches are scattered throughout the old town. An important archaeological collection is housed in the old mosque in the Square of Elkomenos Christos. At the other end of the causeway on the mainland is the new town of Monemvasia. Along the coast to the south is the settlement of Nomia. Neighbouring Aghios Ioannis is recommended for those who would like to try authentic local dishes. Both within and around Monemvasia are a number of excellent beaches. Noteworthy sights further inland include the watermill at Talanta and the Velies Folklore Museum. Religious monuments outside the old town in the surrounding area include the twin churches in Teria and the church of Aghios Nikolaos in the village of the same name. For some years now Monemvasia has been one of the most romantic travel destinations in Greece. The Byzantine fortress, with its nearby beaches and natural landscape is an ideal setting for a romantic getaway in all seasons. In fact many couples both from Greece and abroad choose it for their weddings. These, as well as baptisms, are celebrated not only in the churches within the fortress but in many other historic churches scattered throughout the surrounding region. Civil weddings are also held in many beautiful places within and outside the fortress walls. An even larger number of couples are choosing to spend their honeymoon in Monemvasia, whether in the fortress itself or in combination with other attractive destinations in the Peloponnese and nearby islands.
14
Mt. Athos Area Halkidiki / Greece
O
rganize your wedding to Mount Athos Area (Halkidiki / Greece) and enjoy its every magical moment to the most absolute wedding destination! Fulfill your dream here and be sure that the memory of life’s sweetest day will follow you forever!
At the hotels’ chapels, the wonderful churches of traditional settlements, the grandiose Metropolitan Church, to small chapels on the coves of coasts- right on the seaside, the chapels of the flowery hillsides overlooking Athos and the Athonite Gulf, the solitary small churches viewing the blue of the Aegean and the Mediterranean.
Yes, these descriptions are not taken from a fairy tale; it is the fairy tale of your life! Whatever you choose you have to know that the beauty of the landscape is the bless of the athonite aura, the hotels’ services, the organizing capabilities of the experts and the activities which you can live during your honeymoon will mark a new beginning for you with the best possible way following you forever. Visit the website of Mount Athos Area :
en.mountathosarea.org learn more and... just do it!
Santorini Photos Credit | Studio Phosart
Beginning your lifetime of unforgettable memories together on the beautiful volcanic island of Santorini is an unique experience. Enjoy splendid and luxurious wedding reception at the best hotels of the island’s cliff side. Santorini island is the unique wedding destination with countless world awards.
S
antorini island boasts incredible hotels perfectly suited on the islands’s cliff side and not only, to host any dream destination wedding. The view of the volcano offers you the perfect surrounding for your pictures, an ambiance that will never be for-
gotten.
The island of Santorini situated in the southern Aegean Sea, about 200km southeast of Greece's mainland. It is the largest island of a small, circular which bears the same name and is the remnant of a volcaniccaldera. It forms the southernmost member of the Cycladesgroup of islands, with an area of approximately 73 km2 and a 2011 census population of 15,550. Santoriniis essentially what remains after an enormous volcanic eruption that destroyed the earliest settlements on a formerly single island, and created the current geological caldera. A giant central, rectangular lagoon, which measures about 12 by 7 km is surrounded by 300m high, steep cliffs on three sides, giving the perfect backdrop for your wedding pictures. The main island slopes downward to the Aegean Sea. On the fourth side, the lagoon is separated from the sea by another much smaller island called Therasia; the lagoon is connected to the sea in two places, in the northwest and southwest. The depth of the caldera, at 400m, makes it possible for all but the largest ships to anchor anywhere in the protected bay; there is also a newly built marina at Vlychada, on the southwestern coast. The island's principal port is Athinias. The capital, Fira, clings to the top of the cliff looking down on the lagoon. The volcanic rocks present from the prior eruptions feature olivine and have a small presence of hornblende.
18
Tip: Choose Phosart team with many years of professional experience in both fields of Cinematography and Photo‐ graphy to create your unique stοry filled with emotions, happiness, and romance which will remain in your hearts for ever.
Skopelos A small paradise This is a small paradise only 96 square kilometers, with lush pine forests, olive groves, vineyards, plum trees and many other fruit trees, all encircled in the embrace of golden sandy beaches and the blue of the sky and sea. Skopelos is a magical destination located in the northern Sporades. It lies between Skiathos island and Alonissos island and is considered as the greenest island in the Aegean. Skopelos is officially named by the International Organism of Biopolitics as the “Green and Blue Island”. This place is blessed and has an ancient history. It was inhabited by Cretans (during the sea empire of Minos) who were led by their leader Stafilos, son of Dionysus, when the island was called Peparethos. It is not by chance then that the island in ancient times was known for its vines and wine (Peparethian wine) just as it is today. The beaches of the island are simply wonderful. Hospitable natural coves with quiet bays, golden sand and pine trees reach all the way down to the sea, all these elements compose the idyllic image of the Skopelos coastline that stretches for 67 kilometers. Skopelos is the second largest island in the Sporades island cluster of Greece, after the cosmopolitan island of Skiathos, but fortunately, much-less crowded than Skiathos, thus managing to maintain its special local character. The infrastructure of the island is very good and capable of meeting the needs of large numbers of tourists. Hotels, organized sandy beaches that allow for water sports, nightlife and fine restaurants provide a wide variety of options to all visitors of
20
Skopelos. But the island is also ideal for those wanting privacy and seclusion at the hidden beaches and provides long walks through landscapes of unique beauty. Skopelos is also called the “Mamma Mia” island as it inspired the Hollywood producers to shoot most of this famous film. The “Agios Ioannis at Kastri” little chapel hosted the reputable Wedding scene. The impressive rock is linked to the island through a narrow path with 110 steps carved into the stone. A small beach is formed right beneath the rock and it gets pretty crowded in summer. The interior of the church has beautiful icons and old ecclesiastical items to see. Skopelos will charm you with the vistas of its natural beauty, the beautiful beaches, quaint villages, lush vegetation, with its rich history, hospitable people and wonderful local gastronomy.
Zakynthos Island
S
cattered like jewels across the Ionian Sea, the Ionian Islands are some of the world’s most romantic hideaways. Each island is surrounded by white-sand beaches, green trees and warm, crystal clear blue waters – pure paradise. Zakynthos, a well known island for destinations wedding and the third biggest island of the complex, is a tourist destination, with an international airport served by many charter flights. Weddingson the island of Zakynthos can be simply splendid and luxurious. What could be more magical than beginning your life together on the paradise? Celebrate your wedding ceremony amidst the beauty of the Ionian Sea, and experience the famous Greek hospitality. If you want your wedding to be truly different then visit Zakynthos to have that special wedding experience. Zakynthos Marine Park encompasses the marine area of the Bay of Laganas, on the southern shores of the island, and hosts one of the most important sea turtle nesting beaches in the Mediterranean. Dont miss a cruise to the Navagio Beach or Shipwreck Beach, one of the most famous beaches all over Greece.
Say your vows against an incredible backdrop of pristine sand and turquoise waters, accented by lush greenery.
Begin your married life together with just the right mix of relaxation time and exciting activities. Your choices range from a candlit beach dinner or a sunset cruise to a traditional Greek cooking class, invigorating underwater scooter exploration or exceptional snorkelling side-by-side in the warm Mediterranean Sea. Duringyour wedding holidays on Zakynthos Island, tasting the typical cuisine of Greece and especially the traditional dishes of the island is something really not to relinquish. During the dinner time, the thousands of smells invading the streets will drive you to one of the many taverns to find out a Mediterranean cuisine where meat, fish, olive oil and vegetables are fundamental and will always surprise you for the authenticity of their tastes. Your wedding on Zakynthos will be a life time experience.