Alonissos: A Home for Rare Species

(GREEK NEWS AGENDA)   Many of Greece’s islands continue to provide shelter for some of the most precious species of the Mediterranean fauna and flora. At the Sporades complex of islands, off central Greece’s coast, lies Alonissos, an island, famous for the refuge it provides for the Mediterranean monk seal (monachus monachus).  Until recently, the island suffered a steady decline of population due to migration; however, the situation now is reversed thanks to the people’s willingness to preserve both the island’s popular tradition and wildlife.   The National Marine Park of Alonissos had a lot to do with the island’s revival. Being the first designated Marine Park in the country, it has now become the largest marine protected area in Europe. The park is open to visitors who wish to explore the island’s lush nature and approach areas –were permitted- for swimming, snorkelling and observation of the sea bed and wildlife, amateur photography and filming. 

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The Awards at 49th Thessaloniki International Film Festival

(GREEK NEWS AGENDA)  The 49^th Thessaloniki International Film Festival (TIFF) opened on November 14 and concluded on November 23. Iranian filmmaker Abdolreza Kahani’s feature-length black and white film “Over There” won the Golden Alexander award as the best foreign film. A critics’ committee special award and the Silver Alexander went to the Romanian- Italian co-production “Hooked,” directed by Adrian Sitaru. The best director award was given to Argentina’s Celina Murga for her film “A Week Alone,” while the prize for best scenario was awarded to Australian Matthew Newton for his “Three Blind Mice.” The Best actress award was given jointly to Ioana Flora and Maria Dinulesku from Romania and Best Actor award was also jointly bestowed to Sid Lucero and Emilio Garcia.  Thessaloniki Int’l Film Festival: 49TIFF Awards (23/11/2008)

Greek Islands: Samos

(GREEK NEWS AGENDA)   Samos – an island with something for everyone: crystal clear waters, steep cliffs, wild canyons, waterfalls, gentle slopes with pastures, vineyards and wild orchids, villages with marvellous traditional houses, a rich fauna and flora, a unique atmosphere on one of the few islands that can lay claim to the hearts of those who love mountains as much as the beach. When on the island, one must visit Pythagorio, and archaeological hotspot: built on the ruins of the ancient city of Samos during the time of Polycrates, it condenses more than twenty-six centuries of history. Another place to visit is the Archaeological Museum, where exhibits are housed in two buildings.