SANTORINI

Santorini predstavlja malu, kružnu grupu ostrva koja se nalazi u Egejskom moru. Ime Santorini je ovo ostrvo dobilo od Mlečana u 13. veku. Pre toga se zvalo Kalisti. Ostrvo je vulkanskog porekla i bilo je poprište kataklizmične vulkanske erupcije pre 3.500 godina, nakon čega je celo ostrvo prekriveno kraterima dubokim stotinama metara i gomilama pepela. Neki naučnici veruju da je ova erupcija izazvala kolaps Minojske civilizacije na ostrvu Krit, 70km južno. Ova kataklizma i mogućnost da je ona izazvala pad Minojske civilizacije smatra se mogućim izvorom Platonove priče o Atlantidi. Ovaj događaj bi, svakako, mogao promeniti predstavu ljudi o tome šta su bogovi u stanju da urade, ako su nečim izazvani.

KRATKA ISTORIJA SANTORINIJA

Prvu kontrolu na ostrvu uspostavili su Feničani; posle njih su došli Dorani. Glavni grad Grčke, Santorini (ili Tera, kako su ga nekada zvali), osnovan je u 9. veku pre nove ere. od strane kolonista Dorana čiji je vođa bio Tera i nastavljeno je sa njegovim naseljavanjem sve do ranog vizantijskog perioda. Prema Herodotu, nakon suše od sedam godina, Tera je poslao koloniste koji su osnovali nekoliko gradova u severnoj Africi, uključujući tu i Kirenu. Santorinijem su vladali Rimljani, Vizantijci i Franci. Ostrvo je palo pod osmansku vlast 1579. god. Santorini je pripojen Grčkoj 1912. god.

Plaža sa belim peskom

Plaža sa siim peskom

Ostrvo nema reke i zato je pijaće vode nedovoljno Do ranih devedesetih godina lokalno stanovništvo je koristilo kišnicu koja je padala po njihovim krovovima i dvorištu da bi napunili rezervoare za vodu, takođe su koristili i male izvore i uvozili vodu iz drugih delova Grčke. Danas postoji postrojenje za desalinizaciju koje obezbeđuje tekuću vodu za domaćinstva, ali ona nije za piće.

Plaža sa crnim peskom

Plaža sa crvenim peskom

Primarna grana industrije na Santoriniju je turizam. Međutim, ostrvo ima i industriju vina koja je još u procvatu i zasniva se na sorti grožđa Asirtiko. Asirtiko vinova loza je izuzetno stara i otporna na filokseru. Ona je prilagođena ostrvskom tlu tako što je zasađena daleko i njen glavni izvor vlage je rosa. Ona je zasađena u obliku korpi sa grožđem koje visi unutar te korpe kako bi bilo zaštićeno od vetra.

Plaža sa crnim i belim peskom

Vulkanski pesak i pejzaž od koga zastaje dah čine grčko ostrvo, Santorini, najcenjenijim mestom za odmor. Poznat po svojim vetrenjačama, nežno plavim krovovima i zadivljujućim zalascima sunca, Santorini se može pohvaliti suvom klimom i sunčanim danima skoro cele godine. On je ujedno i mesto gde možete pronaći plaže sa belim, sivim, crvenim i crnim peskom, ili čak plaže sa belim i crnim peskom zajedno.

Sve su ovo razlozi zbog kojih je ovo ostrvo krcato turistima iz svih krajeva sveta tokom letenje sezone. Santorini spade u jednu od najskupljih destinacija za odmor, ne samo u Grčkoj, već i šire. Njegova spektakularna lepota, zajedno sa dinamičnim noćnim provodom, čini ovo ostrvo jednim od glavnih turističkih mesta u Evropi. 

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SANTORINI

Santorini is a small, circular group of islands located in the Aegean Sea. The name Santorini was given to it by the Venetians in the 13th century. Before that, it was called Kallisti. The island is of volcanic origin and was the site of a cataclysmic volcanic eruption 3,500 years ago after which the whole island was covered with caldera and ash deposits hundreds of feet deep. Some scientists believe that this eruption caused the collapse of the Minoan civilization on the island of Crete, 70 km to the south. This cataclysm and its possibility to have caused the fall of the Minoan Civilization is sometimes regarded as a likely source for Plato`s story of Atlantis. This event was, certainly, the one that could change human ideas of what the gods are capable of if provoked.
 

A BRIEF HISTORY OF SANTORINI

The first control over the island of Santorini was established by Phoenicians; after them came Dorians. Thera, the main Hellenic city of the island was founded in the 9th century BC by Dorian colonists whose leader was Theras and continued to be inhabited until the early Byzantine period. According to Herodotus following a drought of seven years, Thera sent out colonists who founded a number of cities in northern Africa, including Cyrene. Santorini was ruled by the Romans, the Byzantines and the Franks. The island came under Ottoman rule in 1579. Santorini was annexed to Greece in 1912. 

A beach with gray sand

A beach with white sand

The island has no rivers and water is scarce. Until the early nineties, local people used to fill water tanks from the rain that fell on their roofs and courts, from small springs as well as by importing it from other areas of Greece. Nowadays, there is a desalination plant that provides running, yet nonpotable, water to most houses. The primary industry of Santorini is tourism. However, a small but flourishing wine industry is also present on Santorini and is based on the grape variety, Assyrtiko. Assyrtiko vines are extremely old and they are resistant to phylloxera. They are adapted to their native habitat by being planted far apart and their principal source of moisture is dew. They are trained in the shape of baskets, with the grapes hanging inside to protect them from the winds. 

A beach with black sand

The volcanic sand and breathtaking landscapes make the Greek island of Santorini most appreciated place for holidays. Famous for its windmills, baby-blue rooftops and stunning sunsets, Santorini can also boast with a dry climate and almost year-round sunshine. It is also the only place where you can find beaches with white, gray, red and  black sand, or even the beach with white and black sand together.

A beach with white and black sand

These are the reasons why this island is crowded with tourists from all over the world during the summer season. Santorini is one of the most expensive holiday destinations not only in Greece but also beyond. Its spectacular beauty along with the dynamic nightlife makes the island one of the main tourist spots in Europe.                                                                                                                    

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CRETE

Crete is the largest and most populous island and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, after Sicily, Sardinia, Cyprus and Corsica.

The capital and the largest city is Heraklion.

Crete was the center of the Minoan civilization, from 2600-1150 B.C. Evidence about their existence can be seen in the form of palaces, tombs and sacred sites that they left behind them.

This civilization was so sophisticated that they even had a large navy.

The Minoans were affected significantly by tsunami waves from the eruption of a huge volcano in Santorini, Greece in 1450 B.C. Towards the end of the Late Bronze Age, the Minoans were superseded by Mycenaeans from the Greek mainland. Crete was invaded by Romans from 69-330 A.D. and this period of time, as well as the Byzantine era, actually brought much wealth to the Island. The beauty and wealth of this time can still be seen today by mosaics and monuments around the island.

Crete suffered the invasion by German troops during the 1941 Nazi invasion of Greece. During this invasion, many Cretans were executed for resisting the Germans and the cities of Chania and Heraklio were bombed so heavily that you may still see the destruction even today.

Crete history is very much related to famous myths like when the King of Crete, Minos, refused to sacrifice a bull to the Greek gods. Poseidon in turn forced Minos's wife to fall in love with a bull which created the mythical beast, the Minotaur.                                                                                                      

Crete is steeped in history and the ruins of the palaces from its unique Minoan civilization are one of the most wonderful attractions. Apart from well known Knossos the most significant Minoan sites are the places of Phaestos in the south, Malia in the northeast and Zakros on the southeastern coast.

Most of the finds of excavations are in the outstanding collection of the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion.

 

However, Crete is not only a historical place but also the place with stunning beaches and resorts that attract a lot of tourists during summer. There is something for everyone with wonderful landscapes, mountains and beaches. Crete offers tourists various facilities: walking, biking, hiking, water sports and diving, lying on the beach or drinking coffee at the beach bar. 

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THASSOS - EMERALD ISLAND

Thassos is maybe the most visited Greek island by Serbian tourists. However, not many things do the tourists, who go to Thassos, know about its history and culture.

Thassos today is known as the “Emerald Island” due to the lush vegetation and forests that make this island such a beautiful holiday destination. However, in ancient Greece it was known as “The Athens of the North”, a title confirming the considerable reputation the island enjoyed. Rich in minerals and natural resources and strategically positioned on the main trade route linking Anatolia and central Greece and beyond, the island has been coveted by all the great powers of antiquity. The Athenians, Spartan, Persians and the Romans all targeted the island for invasion and did so when the opportunity arose.

Ancient times

According to an ancient myth, Thassos was the island of the Sirens, the devilish women with a fish tail. It is said that they had such a beautiful voice that every man who heard them sing, fell under their spell. The sirens would afterwards devour the enchanted one. In the famous Wanderings of Ulysses (Odysseus in Greek), the sirens who tried to enchant him are supposed to be living in Thassos. Yet, another myth connects Thassos to a young man who arrived on the island in search of his sister, Europa, who had been stolen by Zeus. Archaeological findings show that the history of Thassos started in the prehistoric times. The first known settlers of the island were Thracian tribes. Around the 7th century BC, the island was colonized by Greeks from Paros, who discovered that Thassos was rich in minerals, especially gold and marble, and covered with forests. Trading became their main source of income and from Thassos, they established settlements in Thrace. The state of Thassos became really powerful around the 5th century BC. In 477 BC, the island became part of the Delian League, which was controlled by Athens. The inhabitants of the island revolted in 465 BC, but their revolt was stopped by the Athenians who destroyed their ships and the walls of the city. In 404 BC, the Spartans occupied the island.In 393 BC, the Athenians conquered the island again, but this time bringing democracy and giving Thassos its independence. Around 340, Philip II of Macedonia took control of the island, seizing its mines: Thassos become part of the Macedonian Empire. In 197 BC the Romans took possession of the island, rebuilding the old town and the ancient theatre; the ships of the island started the trading again.

Byzantine and Ottoman period

During the 1st century AD, the Apostle Paul came on the island, bringing the Christian Faith and building churches on the ruins of the ancient temple. Around 565, Thassos was taken by the Arabs but quickly liberated by Heraclitus. During the 7th century, the island, like all the Greek islands, became the prey of numerous pirate attacks and was often attacked by Slavic pirates. Around 900 Thassos came under the control of the Saracens who were defeated, almost 70 years after, by Nicephorus Phocas. In 1161 AD, a French count pillaged and destroyed the island, killing some and turning others into slaves. After the division of the Roman Empire, Thassos became a part of Byzantium. During the 14th century, the island came under the rule of the Genoese, who reinforced the Byzantine castle and contributed to the fortification of the island. The Turks seized the island at the end of the 15th century. During the 18th century, the population of Thassos decreased because of the immigration caused by the heavy taxes imposed by the Turks. During the 19th century, the island was governed by an Ottoman-Egyptian, who allowed the islanders to govern themselves and made them in paying taxes.

Recent years

Thassos was liberated and reunited with the rest of Greece in 1912, after many attempts. In 1922, some refugees from Asia Minor settled at Limenas and Limenaria. Like the neighbouring Samothraki, Thassos was occupied by Bulgaria in World War II. Since 1960, tourism has become the main source of income for the islanders. Around 1960, oil was found in the sea around the island. Some oil derricks are still visible at various locations in the sea surrounding Thassos. The history of Thassos emerges from the depths of the ages and reaches the modern times. 

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MALDIVES

SOME FACTS ABOUT MALDIVES

Republic of the Maldives is a sovereign archipelagic nation positioned in the Indian Ocean. The Maldives encompass more than 99% of the sea and less than 1% of the land. It comprises of 26 natural atolls consisting of dual island chains. The English word “atoll” was derived from the Maldivian work “atholhu”.

There are channels of various sizes between the atolls used for navigation. For efficient administrative functioning, the 26 natural atolls are categorized into 20 administrative divisions. Particularly the island nation is located in a strategic area with access to major international sea routes in the Indian Ocean.

The Maldives, located on top of a vast underwater mountain range, have around 1190 islands and sandbanks. The pearl string like islands covers a land area of no less than 298km2. All the islands are encircled by a lagoon blessed with crystal clear water. These islands are protected by a reef structure, housing one of the most exclusive and spectacular underwater life.

The Maldives is a home of, perhaps, the best beaches in the world. You can find them on each of 1200 islands and they are so perfect that you must be impressed by them. So white powder sand and so luminous blue water like the one in Maldives, you can`t find anywhere in the world. This fact is enough to bring over a million people a year to this tiny, remote Indian Ocean paradise.

With some of the best diving and snorkeling in the world, the clear waters of the Maldives are a magnet for anyone with an interest in marine life. The richness and variety are astonishing; dazzling coral walls, magnificent caves and schools of brightly coloured tropical fish await you when you get down to the reef. In deeper waters lurk manta rays, turtles, sharks and even the world`s largest fish, the whale shark. The water is so warm that many people don`t even wear a wetsuit.

HONEYMOON HOLIDAYS

The Maldives have become a perfect place for newlyweds giving them the opportunity to have intimacy and seclusion while, at the same time, spicing up their honeymoon with adventure, value and variety.

The seductive islands of the Maldives are a natural masterpiece brimming with romance. The white sandy beaches and crystal clear lagoons, tender sea breezes and rhythmic wave movements will make you feel as if you are in a dream world. 

A honeymoon holiday in the picturesque Maldives is an intimate affair designed for just the two of you. Countless resorts and hotels in the Maldives offer infinite varieties of honeymoon holidays. The Maldives is a peaceful gateway for the two of you to unwind and experience bliss.

Since the resort islands are bereft of light pollution, you can enjoy dazzling displays of the stars together. Close your eyes, hold your hands and make a special wish for each other when you spot a shooting star. If your honeymoon in the Maldives coincides with a full moon night, then feel the buzz and energy of the romantic vista.

Explore the islands with your soul mate and fall in love with nature and each other afresh. A honeymoon in the exotic setting of the Maldives will enable you to take home a lifetime`s worth of everlasting romantic memories. 

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MY DREAM HOLIDAY – PART TWO

At last I have come to Zakynthos where I am enjoying all the benefits of this beautiful island. The majority of tourists are young people who are seeking fun and the way to enjoy their holiday to the fullest.

I don`t have words to describe the beauty and magic of Navagio beach, its celestial blue, and over salty waters. The scenery is breathtaking and I am sorry we couldn`t enter the caves, but our tourist boat was too large for that.

Jumping from the bridge on the boat, swimming, diving and admiring grandiose rocks and all this in just one day is too is an amazing experience. However, one day is a short time for experiencing all that Navagio beach has to offer you. What nature can depict no artist can reproduce.

The nightlife is a different story. Opposite to the calmness and harmony of the sea waves while lying on the beach during the day the night becomes ecstatic and noisy, crazy and mad. Everyone loosens up in a wild trance of noisy music, cocktails, and unrestrained emotions.

I can`t find words to describe the true magic of a holiday spent on the island of Zakynthos, in the day or at night, but the next video will certainly show you best what I wanted to say. Watch, listen and enjoy! 

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MY DREAM HOLIDAY

Here I am, travelling to Zakynthos, eager to reach my destination as soon as possible and start my dream holiday. The trip by bus from Serbia to Greece was long and tiresome but this one by ferry is much more interesting, not only because we are travelling by sea, but also because the excitement of what is coming is greater with every mile we cross.

 

Tired and hungry, but still smiling at the thought of the beaches, clubs and fun that are waiting for me. I have heard so much about Zakynthos and now the time has come for me to experience it myself.

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NESTVARNI PRIZORI SVETLEĆIH PLAŽA!

ZVEZDANO NEBO PLAŽA NA MALDIVIMA

Čuvena grupa ostrva, Maldivi. poznata je kao raj na zemlji. Ali Vaadhoo ostrvo ima i drugo iznenađenje koje se otkriva samo u toku noći.

Taj fenomenon je zapravo hemijska reakcija koja se zove bioluminescencija, do koje dolazi kada mikroorganizmi u vodi dođu u dodir sa kiseonikom. Svetlo koje emituju ovi bioluminescentni fitoplanktoni liči na fantastično, zvezdano nebo negde duboko u svemiru. Prizor je očaravajući! Svetleći fitoplankton obasjava plažu na mestima gde talasi udaraju u pesak i na taj način uznemiravanju ova mala stvorenja. Oni se takođe ''pale'' pod pritiskom, kada ljudi hodaju po pesku.

Fitoplanktoni su morski mikrobi koji odašilju plavu svetlost u mraku. Reč za to je ''bioluminescencija'' i dolazi od grčke reči ''bio'', što znači život i ''lumen'', što znači svetlo. Takođe postoje i stvorenja koja odašilju zelenu, crvenu i narandžastu svetlost.

Kratko objašnjenje za ovaj proces je oksidacija hemijskog elementa luciferina u kombinaciji sa enzimom luciferazom, što oslobađa energiju u obliku svetlosti. Međutim, ova mala bića ne sijaju stalno. Potrebno je vreme da se sakupi dovoljno energije kako bi mogli da odaju svetlost. 

Dinoflagelati su načeši izvor fosforescentnog planktona u našim okeanima. Ova stvorenja su dobila ime po njihovoj sposobnosti da plivaju uz pomoć dve flagele, što su, zapravo, pokretni proteinski lanci pričvršćeni za njihova tela.  

Bioluminescencija se koristi da bi ovi organizmi odbili predatore i deluje kao odbrambeni mehanizam kod dinoflagelata. Oni proizvode svetlost kada su uznemireni i emituju bljesak svetlosti koji traje delić sekunde. Taj blic je namenjen da se drže podalje predatori koji pokušavaju da ih pojedu.

PUERTO RIKO, ZALIV KOMARACA

Na mestima kao što je zaliv Puerto Riko u Karipskom moru, sjaj je toliko jak da voda svetli noću neonski plavom svetlošću, kada rukom ili veslom prođete kroz nju! Mesto gde možete doživeti ovu lepotu je Puerto Mosquito (Zaliv komaraca), koji se nalazi na južnoj obali ostrva Vijekes. Ovaj magični, bioluminescentni zaliv je zvanično proglašen najsjajnijim zalivom na svetu i ušao je u Ginisovu knjigu rekorda, 2008.god

SVETLEĆA PLAŽA U ŠVEDSKOJ

Isti fenomen nastaje i u Švedskoj, na ostrvu Mjorn, što čini da švedska plaža izgleda kao vanzemaljski svet.  

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STARRY NIGHT BEACH IN MALDIVES

STARRY NIGHT BEACH IN MALDIVES

The famous group of islands is known for being a heaven on Earth. But Vaadhoo Island has a lot of surprises that are revealed at night.

It captures a natural chemical reaction called bioluminescence, which occurs when a micro-organism in the water is disturbed by oxygen. The light from these bioluminescent phytoplankton looks like a fantastic starry sky somewhere deep in the universe. It`s mesmerizing. The glowing phytoplankton lights the beach where the waves hit the sand and agitate the little creatures. They also sight up under pressure, like when people walk across the sand. Phytoplankton is marine microbes which emanate the blue glow in the dark. The work for this is “bioluminescence” and it comes from the Greek work “bio” meaning life and “lumen” meaning light. There are also creatures which glow green, red or orange light. 

The short explanation for what causes this process is oxidization of the chemical luciferin, in the company of the enzyme luciferase, releasing energy in the form of light. It does not glow all the time. It takes energy to make the chemicals that allow them to glow. Dinoflagellates are the most common source of phosphorescent plankton in our oceans. These creatures got their name from their ability to swim by two flagella, which are mobile protein chains attached to their bodies. Bioluminescence is used to evade predators and acts as a defense mechanism in dinoflagellates. They produce light when they are disturbed and give you a flash of light that lasts a fraction of a second. The flash is intended to keep away the predator which is trying to eat them.

PUERTO RICO - GLOWING BEACH IN MOSQUITO BAY

In places like the bay of Puerto Rico, an island in the Caribbean Sea, sparkle is so abundant that the water glows neon blue at night when the hand or a paddle runs through it! The place to experience this glowing beauty is the beach in Puerto Mosquito (Mosquito Bay), located on the southern shore of Vieques Island. This magical bioluminescent bay has been officially declared the brightest recorded in the world by Guinness Book of world Records, in 2008.

ISLAND OF MJORN, SWEDEN

The same phenomenon occurs in Sweden, as well, on the island of Mjorn, making the Swedish beach look like an alien world. 

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