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It is a mystery that has made archeologists wonder for over a century. It was discovered in 1908 by the Italian archeologist Luigi Pernier at Phaistos of Crete, an ancient town in the south of the island, and you can see it at the archeological museum of Heraklion, not too far away from the AKS Hotels of the region, Annabelle Beach Resort and Minoa Palace. We are of course talking about the Phaistos Disc, that was found buried in the ground in the basement of a palace and is written in an alphabet that we haven’t yet fully deciphered, while we’re sure that the information written on it can shed light on an era about which we know very little. Every so often, new theories emerge that claim to have solved the mysteries of the Phaistos Disc, that know what this ancient alphabet talks about. We will not be involved in conspiracy theories that talk about aliens or the most ancient text in the world or the unlocking of the mysteries of life. We are (almost) certain) that none of this is true. If nothing else, it isn’t the most ancient text in the world, since it dates back to the seventeenth century BC, whereas in ancient Sumeria, the people there used the cuneiform script already in the fourth millennium BC. A new theory, however, one that is more believable and reasonable, has begun to appear in the scientific circles. Gareth Owens, linguist and archeologist of the Erasmus Program and the Technical Vocational Institution of Crete, claims that the disc is dedicated to the pregnant goddess, and, specifically, Astarte. The disc then is a religious text that refers to the Egyptian goddess of love. Owens says that the Phaistos Disc has been 90% deciphered, in cooperation with John Coleman, a professor at Oxford University. They used elements of the Mycenaean Linear B in order to be able to read the Linear A of the disc, while it was previously believed that the two scripts weren’t really related, since they might have been symbolizing different languages. The Phaistos Disc is one of the most important artifacts that have been found in the archeological sites of Crete, since it can shed light on the past and the history of the region. Besides, Crete is famous not only for its excellent beaches and landscapes it shows to people who are on vacation there, but also for the fact that it makes possible for the visitors to travel through time, to palaces like in Knossos and Phaistos. Use AKS Hotels as your starting point and enjoy an island that can offer the world. AKS Hotels Crete 

It’s always wonderful to have your love recognized by others, when you can, in a word or a sentence, to see that you are not alone, that there are many who love Argolida, who consider it a place that is blessed, beautiful, hospitable. That is why we were so glad to see in Kathimerini the article by Dimitris Athinakis. This short and sweet report on Argolida is focused on two villages, one that is really close to Porto Heli and the AKS Hotels and one that is closer to Nafplion and on the other side of the Argolic gulf: Ermioni and Kiveri respectively. What can one say about amazing Ermioni that will do justice to this marriage of mountain and sea? Dimitris Athinakis says that Ermioni “is on its own a full narrative, a fairy tale that is comprised of quiet, personal adventure and loneliness, which resists the wild entertainment that has been imposed so many times by the existence of the sea. It’s a place that tries to tune in to today, while it is trying to keep the amazing enjoyment of a world that can only be heard of in narrations of a land that is lost forever”. Indeed, the visitor who will truly experience Ermioni will realize immediately that he is in a place that functions at its own pace, that has its own personality, that tries to keep its identity, but also attract the new on its own terms, rather incorporating what fits than adopting what’s in and cool. Kiveri is, for Dimitris Athinakis, the perfect complement of Ermioni, its sibling on the opposite coast of the Argolic gulf. It may not be one of the most known places to visit in Argolida, but the editor is full of love for this village. He calls it “a land of mystery” and if you visit it “it will be impossible to tell where its beauty lies, since it is more of a sense that something is happening there that you cannot ‘grasp’, or taste; you may be able to smell it. The hospitable homes and cafes ask you to let yourself go; recall silence as a component of reflection – who you are and where you are going”. We have often talked about how Argolida is a place ideal for vacation, since everyone will find exactly what he’s looking for. From archeological sites to beaches and from cosmopolitan villages to hidden corners, everything is hiding in small, but brilliant Argolida.

Something always changes when the new year comes, a sense of expectation and nostalgia, an idea is planted, that of the summer that is approaching, even though the culmination of it is definitely the Easter break. That is why we at AKS Porto Heli and AKS Hinitsa Bay hotels are looking forward to the summer and we have already started counting down to the hotels’ reopening. It’s no accident, after all, that it coincides with the time when nature is born anew, Argolida puts on her best appearance and awaits for your visit, in order for you to enjoy a few days of relaxation and fun at AKS Hotels and its beautiful villages. When the hotels are open again and you come back to Porto Heli, you’ll remember how ideal and beautiful a place is the town itself and Argolida as a whole. From the central Porto Heli beach, where you will swim, go on a boat ride, but also drink coffee or a drink, to Hinitsa bay, which is for us the most wonderful beach of Argolida, since AKS Hinitsa Bay makes sure that it is perfect at all times, Porto Heli can keep you occupied for days. For those who love Hinitsa Bay, there’s a little surprise coming your way. The hotel is being renovated and modernized so it can offer even more comfort and entertainment opportunities to its guests. The true magic of Argolida, however, lies in the infinite trips that you can go on, with Porto Heli and AKS Hotels acting as your base of operations. And these trips can satisfy any and all preferences. Whatever you enjoy, Argolida provides it. If you prefer ancient monuments and trips to the past, then you can head to Mycenae, perhaps the most interesting archeological site in Greece, Epidaurus, the famous theater, or even Tiryns and Troizina (we’re particularly fond of the last one). If, on the other hand you’re looking for beaches, besides Porto Heli itself, you can go to Koilada, Ermioni, or a bit farther away, to Tolo or Nafplion. But going to the beaches can be accompanied by trips to amazing villages and other locations in Argolida. From Avgou Monastery, that is built in a rock, to the prehistoric settlement at Fragthi cave and to the beautiful villages of the Argolida mountains, everything is a short drive away by car. AKS Hotels will be here for you this summer, so your vacations can be even better, even more enjoyable. AKS Hotels Peloponnese 

Majestic views, beautiful space, romantic atmosphere, excellent service and well-trained staff: If Argolida is the perfect place to get married, with all those wonderful chapels, which are either next to the sea or among the trees or even, in the best of cases, combining the two, then the hotels AKS Porto Heli and AKS Hinitsa Bay will offer the ideal way to end the evening. If you get married at the Porto Heli church or the much sought after Aghios Aimilianos, all roads, in the end, lead to the AKS Hotels, in order for you to complete a unique day that you will remember for the rest of your lives. With years of experience in the field of wedding receptions, christenings, parties and other events, the AKS Hotels can perfectly organize an evening according to your wishes regarding the music and decoration, an evening that you won’t forget. In a space that will satisfy even the most demanding of your guests, time will fly with a wide range of drinks and excellent food, prepared especially for your reception by established chefs, who have based their choices on your preferences. The idyllic landscape in Porto Heli, as well as the excellent weather that stays with us during most of the year will also help you to spend an, in any case, unforgettable evening. AKS Hotels, however, will make sure that everything goes according to plan, your guests are having fun and are entertained, while at the same moment the staff is making sure to stay as discreet as possible. If you have any questions on the events and the wedding receptions that can be organized by AKS Hotels at Porto Heli, you can come into contact with us at any point in time. You can also come and find us at the Bridal Expo, held from 9 to 11 January at Zappeion. There, in stand 610, you’ll find out about every service offered by our hotels, but you’ll also be able to discuss with us every issue that interests you regarding the perfect wedding reception you would want us to organize. Porto Heli and the surrounding areas of Argolida are veritable gems in Greece and it is no accident that many couples choose its churches, and the AKS Hotels, for a day when they wish everything to be impeccable. For a majestic evening that will include fun, enjoyment, entertainment, but will also stir your emotions, trust AKS Hotels and beautiful, unique Porto Heli.

October is here, the clear skies are leaving their place to clouds and rain, the days are getting cooler and cooler and all these are indications that another season for AKS Hotels is coming to an end. At Porto Heli and Paros and Crete, thousands of visitors enjoyed the Greek summer for yet another year, but also the perfect hospitality offered by AKS Hotels, their expertly trained staff, the unique services for guests of all ages, the family atmosphere that is combined with absolute professionalism. AKS Porto Heli and AKS Hinitsa Bay at beautiful Argolida and majestic Porto Heli were once more the first choice for visitors. With endless options for trips, short or long, with beautiful beaches, with famous neighbors, this green region became a place to relax and have fun for many people. AKS Chroma Paros can be found at the amazing and cosmopolitan Naoussa, the village chosen by those who only want the best of their vacation. Good food and drinks, but also partying till morning, beaches for every taste and preference are just few of the things you can enjoy at Paros. Annabelle Beach Resort and Minoa Palace Hotel can be found in Crete. This year, beautiful Crete, and Hersonissos and Heraklion in particular, were great attractions for tourists from all over the world. Their best option was of course the AKS Hotels. Next spring, the AKS Hotels will be waiting for you once more to enjoy all the Greek charms.

The county of Heraklion hosts the best golf course on the island and one of the best in Greece. Crete Golf Club, which isn’t at all far away from AKS Hotels, will become even better after it reopens again on October 1st, since it will be able to be the grounds for international tournaments or invite famous players from abroad. It will also be able to offer even more enjoyment and relaxation to golf lovers from all over the world whether they are in Crete on vacation and want to spend a few hours on their favorite hobby or they have arrived at the island just for this course. The 18-hole golf course in Crete Golf Club is the largest on the island and is built in an amazing area, where the players can enjoy the views of the majestic mountains of Crete as well as the Aegean Sea. Designed by the architect Bob Hunt, according to International PGA Standards, it is by no means inferior to other famous golf courses in the Mediterranean. The architect has made sure the golf course integrates in the environment, while the green is constantly maintained, so it can be in perfect condition at all times. So, what’s better than visiting an amazing golf course while you’re enjoying your vacations in Crete? Golf can bring you in touch with nature, offer you light exercise – provided you decide to walk instead of hiring out a golf cart – and, quite simply, give you the opportunity to breathe some fresh air while you’re having fun with your friends. And if you don’t know how to golf, worry not. At Crete Golf Club you can find all the necessary equipment, and also professionals ready to help you to take the proper first steps in the world of golf. The hotels AKS Minoa Palace and AKS Annabelle Beach Resort are very close to Crete Golf Club, since the golf course is very few kilometers to the south of Hersonissos, one of the most popular vacation destinations in Crete. If you would like any information about the golf course or the region in general, the AKS Hotels staff is always willing to help you and point you to the right direction. Vacations aren’t all about beaches, sightseeing and nights out. Crete can offer everything to its visitors and golf is just one of the surprises you can enjoy on the island. Hotels in Crete | AKS Minoa Palace

September has come, the vine harvest is here and in Crete the vineyards are ready to give their fruit for the production of some of the best varieties of wine in Greece and, why not?, in Europe. You see, Crete is not only famous for its amazing olive oil, but also for its grapes. The excellent climate, the fertile ground and the love of the locals for earth and nature make sure that Crete will always be a pioneer in wine production. Local varieties are combined with globally known grapes and make a unique combination of enjoyment and well-being. For the next few days, small and great producers will harvest their grapes, take them to the wine-presses, modern or traditonal ones, and make the must that in a few weeks or even months will give us the beautiful wines of Crete. The Mediterranean diet considers wine as a little boon that can accompany the many vegetables, the fish and the few and fat-free meats; it also recognizes that in small quantities it can be beneficial to our health. Of course, Cretans, who know how to live, prove that not only with their joyousness and generosity around the table, but also with the fact that they are a very healthy people, so much so that everyone is trying to copy them. But where do famous Cretan wines come from? What are the most popular grape varieties in Crete? White varieties Malvazia, the beloved: A historic Cretan wine, full of aromas. It was known in the Byzantine years and it gives a white wine with intense flavor. Thrapsathiri, the strong: A variety that’s becoming more and more popular. It gives a strong and heavy wine, but it is difficult to produce. You’ll see it everywhere in Crete. Vidiano, the up-and-coming: Even though it is not used that much, Vidiano is slowly becoming known in the wine producing circles. It is characterized by its apricot aroma and that’s why it is participates in various Cretan wines. Red varieties Kotsifali, the soft: It is known as Crete’s Merlot. It has a very pleasant taste so it is often used on its own in wine production. Producers, however, have no problem using it in various combinations in order to create tasty wines. Liatiko, the sensitive: Difficult to cultivate, Liatiko compensates patience and effort with wonderful aromas and a soft flavor. Mantilari, the king: A strong wine that is used in many combinations (mainly with Kotsifali) in order to make some of the best red wines in Crete. It’s probably the best known grape on the island. Crete Hotels – AKS Minoa Palace

Summer seems to have left, or has it? Here, at AKS Hotels, we believe that vacations in September are ideal for various types of people. You might not get the crowds and the endless activities of July and August, but the weather is still as perfect, perhaps even better, the beaches are waiting for you with open arms. It’s no accident that those who go on vacation in September never find themselves regretting it. We will set aside the fact that the official end of the summer is on September 21, with the equinox. If we admitted that, we would have to take summer away from the beginning of June. What’s important is that AKS Hotels in Porto Heli, Paros and Crete still welcomε their guests during the months that follow after August; always with the same quality of service, always with their generous amenities, always with a smile, our staff is ready to satisfy your every need. AKS Hotels are still here. The beauties of Greece are still here. Combine the two so you can spend a few more magical moments before the weather takes you away from the beaches, from long walks under the starlight, from the enjoyment of life that is known as Greek summer. Peloponnese Hotels– AKS Porto Heli Hinitsa Bay

A race that differs from all other races is about to start in the Peloponnese. Two teams with entirely different vehicles will start going around the Peloponnese, after a modest ceremony at Ancient Olympia. The first team (Team Discover-Peloponnese.com)  has a catamaran racing boat and the second (Team Artisan Travel) is comprised of six experienced bicyclists. Different route, different difficulties, but one goal. To showcase the beautiful Peloponnese as one of the top tourist destinations in Greece and especially in the alternative tourism sector.

The idea was born in Tripoli by Mr. Christos Panagiotopoulos, owner of a business that specializes in alternative tourism. AKS Porto Heli Hotel is a proud sponsor of this effort and, furthermore, on September 14, during this very demanding race, it will host a meeting with the protagonists of the race. This race, known as the Peloponnesian Challenge Race, will be an endurance test for the bikers and the sailors alike. The bicyclists will start from Olympia and head west first. They will cover 1500 kilometers through some of the most majestic forests, mountains and coasts of the Peloponnese. The route will take them to Old Epidaurus, Porto Heli, Monemvasia and elsewhere, in other words, to some of the most important sights in the Peloponnese, but also Greece itself. At the same time, the catamaran will start from the Katakolo harbor and follow a similar course (in parallel to the coast, of course) and in many harbors the crew might be able to meet the bicyclists. Their route will be 550 nautical miles (that is around 1020 kilometers, but as a seafaring people the Greeks should know that for sea routes only nautical miles are used). And if you’re wondering why there is such a difference, the secret lies in the elevation differences that the bikers will face, but also the fact that the boat will be mainly going straight; weather permitting, of course, since the sea winds in Greece are mercurial and can prove pretty harsh for the sailors. The race may be friendly and have as a goal to promote the Peloponnese, as well as some higher ideals, like athletic spirit, but this doesn’t mean that the teams don’t want to win. So, we’re expecting an exciting match and AKS Porto Heli Hotels feel proud that they can support such a noble goal that will help our beloved Peloponnese. Peloponnese Hotels – AKS Porto Heli

Argolida is famous for its ancient sites, since it’s been inhabited since the prehistoric years. This is what happened in the bay of Koilada in Argolida, a beautiful village just a few minutes away from Porto Heli, where a settlement was found that dates back to the Bronze Age and the third millennium BC.

The research was conducted by the Ministry of Culture and the University of Geneva, with the use of a state of the art solar boat, Planet Solar, and it first focused on the area around the prehistoric settlement in Frahthi cave (we have often written about both in the past).

The settlement that was found in the water of Koilada and Labayannas beach is very impressive for the archeologists both for its size and also for its fortifications, traces of which show that they had a size never before witnessed in Greece. Also found were traces of cobblestone streets.

Even though this research started in order to find traces of the oldest settlement in Europe, which they estimate to be around 8000 years old, the archeologists welcome such a discovery since it will shed light on the life and the commercial activities of the people of the era.

Porto Heli also has an underwater town, the ancient Alieis. Beautiful Argolida never seizes to amaze us!

Peloponnese Hotels – AKS Porto Heli – Hinitsa Bay