Greek Historic Train Coming Through

(GREEK NEWS AGENDA)  The legendary steam-train of Mt Pelion, in Magnesia prefecture, central Greece, known as “Moutzouris”  (meaning “smudgy”) has turned 106 years old. This train, and a second such train in Belgium, is the only one in the world running on a 60 cm-narrow gauge railway track. “Moutzouris” made its inaugural journey at the end of the 19th century and ran until 1971. In 1995 the train was put again in service, using the old steam engines, named “Milies” and “Jason” until they were replaced in 2000 by diesel-powered engines for faster and safer journeys. You Tube – Pelion Train

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The Hidden Fabulous Greece

(www.minpress.gr / The Observer , 10.05.09)  Greece has been a popular tourist destination for decades. Despite the mass tourism, quiet villages and deserted beaches do still exist. Nicola Iseard of “The Observer” assembled a panel of experts and persuaded them to reveal their personal favorites of Greece.   The extensive article features secret islands like Kastellorizo in the  Dodecanese, Milos in the Southern Cyclades and Antipaxoi in the  Ionian Sea and hidden fabulous beaches like Egremni in Lefkada Island.   Moreover there are suggestions for special places to stay like Milia Settlement in Crete and suggestions for the best taverns serving traditional Greek food. For the more adventurous ones, the article suggests active escapes like rock climbing in Kalymnos Island. Read the whole article here.

Explore Greece: Fantastic Agrotourism

(GREEK NEWS AGENDA)    In their article “20 fantastic farm stays” in the Observer (5.10.2008) about their favourite rural retreats in Britain and elsewhere, Jane Dunford and Sarah Turner include the Milia retreat in Chania, Crete, is which featured at place 16. In their words:  “An agritourism pioneer, Milia was set up in the Chania region in 1991 by a group of locals who decided to renovate a collection of derelict farm buildings and start an organic farm.” The farm produces nearly all the ingredients needed for the typical regional dishes served up in the farm restaurant, including rabbit with local cheese. One could visit in the fall or winter, as guests are encouraged to get involved: November sees raki production, while olives are harvested between December and February.  Secretariat General of Information: World Media on Greece – Travel