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| NISSYROS:
There is the caldera of an extinct vulcano, which diameter is 4 km, in
the interior. The vulcanic activity is only just dormant, since there
are hot sulphurous springs still rising from the earth. On the hill
above the village Mandraki (with about 800 inhabitants) is the ancient
Acropolis (relatively well preserved walls) and the ruins of a castle
of the Knights.The Knights of Rhodes rules until 1522, when Rhodes
was conquered by Suleiman the Magnificent.
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RHODES:
The distance from Piraeus is 260 nautical miles, but you can also fly direct
from many European Capitals as well as Athens, Thessaloniki, and several
Greek Islands.
Rhodes is often called "The Pearl of the Mediterranean" and is
known for its natural beauty, historical, and archaeological treasures.
The landscape is mountainous and green with pine trees, and there are beautiful
beaches.
Rhodes was an important center in the 5th to 3rd centuries BC as part of
both the Roman and Byzantine empires. The Knights of St. John conquered
and occupied Rhodes in 1306 and the medieval walled city is still a famous
landmark in Rhodes town.
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CEPHALONIA:
The limestone rock results in remarkable caves and caverns, some of which
have become major tourist attractions. Geologists once grappled with
the problem of the disappearing sea which flowed into swallow holes near
Argostoli. No-one knew where it went until a couple of geologists tracked
it with radioactive dye to the underground lake at Mellisani on the other
side of the island. The coast is generally steep and sometimes precipitous
as are the mountain roads that criss-cross the island.
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CYPRUS:
The whims of history have endowed Cyprus with an incomparably rich heritage,
making it a world-renowned destination for anyone interested in art,
history, and culture. Stone Age ruins, Greek temples, Roman theaters,
Venetian structures and Byzantine churches cover the island. Golden icons,
colorful frescoes and archaic statuary are among the artifacts that will
captivate you, taking you back centuries.
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KOS:
Various mythological dynasties left their mark on Kos, such as the Meropes-Triopes
who were descended from the Carians of Asia Minor end gave the island
the name "Maropis" or "Merope" and a little later "Koos" or "Kos".
Mythology would likewise associate the island with the adventures and
labours of Herakles, who was said to have given rise to the new dynasty
of the Herakleidians.
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sPATMOS:
Patmos is not a big island, but it is one of the best known. It was here
St. John had his vision and wrote the apocalypse, and this is why Patmos
is sometimes called "The Jerusalem of the Aegean". The Monastery
of St. Johns towers above the capital, Chora, and the whole island breathes
of faith and devotion.
Nevertheless, there is more to the island than its Christian reputation.
There are many nice beaches along the jagged coastline, and the people
grow fruits and olives on the green hills. The landscape invites you to
take long walks and there is much to discover.
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