NEPHROXENIA

MYTHS AND CKD

admin — Mon, 19 Sep 2022 14:20:56 +0000

Chronic Kidney Disease is a misunderstood clinical entity, whose importance has only emerged in recent years and whose great clinical value has not been properly recognized by the community of medical specialists involved in managing renal patients.

Characteristic is the case of a patient to whom the doctor announces that he suffers from high cholesterol while the creatinine levels are marginally elevated, with interest concentrating exclusively on how cholesterol can be reduced, how long it will take, which is the best diet, when should the patient start treatment, how often one should be tested and the side effects of the medication etc. As for creatinine, it is considered enough for the patient to increase the daily water intake and the problem may be solved without any other intervention! So, let’s look at some myths circulating around Chronic Kidney Disease and which often inhibit the treatment of the disease.

First myth: "if you drink some more water your creatinine levels will fall"
This is the most common myth among renal patients. It is a fact that an elevated creatinine value may be a transient finding in the context of some conditions that are not related to the kidney (e.g. antibiotic treatment or other drugs, nutritional factors, muscle mass, etc.), but on the other hand, this elevated value may be suggesting some degree of renal impairment, especially in high-risk patients for renal disease (e.g. diabetic, hypertensive, obese, etc.). In such cases, the physician's purpose is to carefully investigate the causes of creatinine elevation and to further examine the patient for potential renal damage, not just to frivolously advise additional daily water intake, which, obviously in no way heals the damage! There are even cases in which excessive water consumption can lead to the worsening of a kidney problem, as is the case for people with a solitary kidney (congenital or of acquired etiology). In such cases, consumption of additional water may further harm the patient, leading to ultrafiltration and hyperfunction of the kidney with damaging results (e.g., exacerbation of existing proteinuria). Increased water consumption (> 2 L) is recommended in very specific cases, such as for patients with recurrent nephrolithiasis or recurrent urinary tract infections and for elderly patients taking diuretics. Even in the latter case, because of the thirst mechanism, it is imperative that patients are closely monitored so that their daily intake of water is within recommended limits and diuretic action does not lead to dehydration.

Second myth: "your creatinine levels are within the normal range, so there is no problem with your kidneys"
What is normal or not when assessing laboratory parameter is in no way dependent only on the normal limits given by each laboratory. What is of particular value is the comparative study of the laboratory parameters over time as well as the consideration of the particular characteristics of the person under consideration. For example, a creatinine value of 1.3 mg / dl may be a perfectly normal value for a 40-year-old muscular man whereas the same value for a 70-year-old man may suggest a loss of renal function of up to 60-70%! Also, a creatinine value that ranged from 0.6 to 0.8 mg / dl years ago and is currently estimated at 1.2 and 1.3 mg / dl is an important pathological finding, which should be evaluated with due care, even if these values remain within the normal limits given by the laboratory. Finally, it is noted that the value of creatinine is only one of many indicators of kidney damage. There are a few cases where even though creatinine is considered within normal limits, the kidney has a significant degree of damage. It is therefore necessary to further evaluate several different indicators when diagnosing a patient's kidney health status.

Third myth: "Increased creatinine is not important. More important is your increased cholesterol value"
Renal disease is considered by many specialists to be equivalent to coronary heart disease. This means that a patient with impaired renal function and a patient with a history of myocardial infarction undertake theoretically the same risk of having a cardiovascular event in the future. This fact, combined with the empirical observation that chronic renal disease significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease (coronary artery disease, stroke, peripheral arterial disease, etc.) or even the risk of death of a patient, constitute proof that the elevated creatinine level is a serious disease indicator that needs to be assessed with due care and which is clearly more severe than an elevated cholesterol value, being after all just one of many risk factors to the onset of cardiovascular disease.

Fourth myth: "Chronic kidney disease is only dangerous at its last stages, just before the patient begins dialysis treatments"
It is a fact that chronic renal disease is an asymptomatic disease which in its final stages is accompanied by a remarkable symptomatology. However, its timely diagnosis is important for three reasons. Firstly, because of the previously mentioned increase in cardiovascular risk. Secondly, due to the significant therapeutic interventions that can be made in the early stages of the disease, either to induce cure (less often), or to slow down the progression of renal damage. And thirdly, because of the "silent" complications of the disease that start to appear during its third stage. These complications include among others, anemia of renal disease and bone renal disease, which if diagnosed relatively early, can be treated with the appropriate medication.

The demolition of these myths is imperative in adequately treating patients with CKD, thus substantially improving their level of health. Due to the high incidence of the disease both in the general population and in specific patient samples (diabetics, hypertensives etc.), the participation of the nephrologist in the patients’ medical team is mandatory. It is also important that other medical specialists involved in treating CKD patients are well educated as to the nature and peculiarities of renal disease. In the end, we can all agree that an increased creatinine value means much more than a simple recommendation of drinking a few more glasses of water daily. To paraphrase the old English proverb: “A glass of water a day cannot keep the nephrologist away”.

Bibliography

William F. Clark, MD, Claude Kortas, MD MEd, Rita S. Suri, MD MSc, Louise M. Moist, MD MSc, Marina Salvadori, MD, Matt A. Weir, MD, Amit X. Garg, MD PhD, and for the WEL Investigators. “Excessive fluid intake as a novel cause of proteinuria”, CMAJ. 2008 Jan15;178(2):173-52.
Thomas M. Hooton, MD1; Mariacristina Vecchio, PharmD2; Alison Iroz, PhD2; et al. “Effect of Increased Daily Water Intake in Premenopausal Women with Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections. A Randomized Clinical Trial”, JAMA Intern Med. 2018;178(11):1509-1515.
Priyanka S. Sagar, Jennifer Zhang, Magda Luciuk, Carly Mannix, Annette T. Y. Wong, Gopala K. Rangan. “Increased water intake reduces long-term renal and cardiovascular disease progression in experimental polycystic kidney disease”, PLOS/ONE, Jan 2019
Yerram P, Karuparthi PR, Hesemann L, Horst J, Whaley – Connell A. “Chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular risk”, J Am Soc Hypertens. 2007 May-Jun;1(3):178-84

Anastasios Ch. Fountoglou

Specialist Nephrologist, Nephroxenia Dialysis Center Corfu “NEPHROXENIA” Chalkidiki Dialysis Centre

NEPHROXENIA DIALYSIS CENTERS ARE DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY AROUND THE NEEDS OF A CONTEMPORARY RENAL PATIENT.

In Nephroxenia you can combine world class dialysis with amazing holidays.

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AUTOLOGOUS ARTERIOVENOUS FISTULA

admin — Mon, 12 Sep 2022 13:35:27 +0000

Autologous Arteriovenous Fistula

In patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis, the need for a vascular access (VA) that functions adequately for a long time and without significant complications, is a matter of critical importance for the quality of life and survival of these patients.

In the early 1960s, external shunt or Scribner shunt was originally used to perform hemodialysis in patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD). Despite the modifications and improvements made, complications such as inflammation, thrombosis and bleeding continued to occur at a high frequency.
VA got its current form in 1966 by surgical construction of an internal arteriovenous fistula (AVF). Since then, various improvements and innovations have brought other types of VA into daily clinical practice, such as arteriovenous grafts AVG and various types of central venous catheters (CVC). Autologous arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is constructed by subcutaneous anastomosis of an artery with an adjacent vein, allowing blood to flow directly from the artery to the vein (bypassing the capillary circulation), resulting in a vein arterialisation due to the high flows and pressures of the arterial circulation. The most common types of AVF are:

1The radial-cephalic AVF, which is constructed by anastomosis of the radial artery with the cephalic vein in the wrist, resulting in the creation of a superficial arterialised vein of satisfactory length along the forearm, suitable for puncture.

2The brachial-cephalic AVF in the upper arm at the level of the elbow between the brachial artery and the cephalic vein, resulting in the creation of a vessel suitable for cannulation along the arm.

3The brachial-basilic AVF also in the upper arm, between the brachial artery and the basilic vein. Because of the formation of an arterialised vein that is not found as superficially as required for puncture (> 6 mm from the surface of the skin), the basilic vein is usually translocated to a more superficial position. This technique results in a large incision along almost the whole upper arm and is performed under local anesthesia (basilic vein transposition).

The AVF anastomosis may be either side-to-side (such as the original type described by Brescia and Cimino in radial-cephalic anastomosis) or end-to- side (side of the artery- end of the vein). In both cases, the peripheral blood flow is maintained through the artery. In the side-to-side method, the increased arterial pressure can be transmitted to the venous system of the hand with subsequent edema formation. With the end to side anastomosis, this complication is limited due to ligation of the distal part of the vein. The autologous AVFs have a primary failure rate of about 20% (varies from 10-50%) which depends on the experience of each center.

Once the anastomosis has matured, the long-term patency rates are excellent and range from about 85% in the first year to 75% at 2 years, and with a low incidence of infection. Stenosis is the major cause of thrombosis of an AVF, and in case of a radial-cephalic AVF it is often located around the anastomosis area, whereas in the AVF made in the arm, stenosis is usually located more distally.

After the surgical construction of the AVF, at least one month is required for cannulation, while according to the Kidney Dialysis Outcomes Quality Initiative (K/DOQI) guidelines, the first puncture should not be attempted earlier than 6-8 weeks.

Bibliography

Quinton W, Dillard D, Scribner BH. Cannulation of blood vessels for prolonged hemodialysis. Trans Am Soc Artif Intern Organs 1960; 6: 114-113).
Brescia MJ, Cimino JE, Appel K, Hurwich BJ. Chronic hemodialysis using venipuncture and a surgically created arteriovenous fistula. N Engl J Med 1966; 275: 10891092.
Harland RC. Placement of permanent vascular access devices: Surgical consideration. Adv Renal Replace Ther 1994; 1: 99-106.
Kinnaert P, Vereerstraeten P, Toussaint C, Van Geertruyden J et al. Nine years’ experience with internal arteriovenous fistulas for hemodialysis: A study of some factors influencing the results. Br J Surg 1977; 64: 242-246.
Tordoir JH, Dammers R, De Brauw M. Video-assisted basilic vein transposition for hemodialysis vascular access: preliminary experience with a new technique. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2001; 16(2): 391-394.
Palder SB, Kirkman RL, Whittemore AD, Hakim RM et al. Vascular access for hemodialysis. Patency rates and results of revision. Ann Surg 1985; 202(2): 235-239.
Malovrh M. Native arteriovenous fistula: preoperative evaluation. Am J Kidney Dis 2002; 39 (6): 1218-1225.
Schwab SJ, Harrington JT, Singh A et al. Vascular access for hemodialysis [clinical conference]. Kidney Int 1999; 55 (5): 2078-2090.
Albers FJ. Causes of hemodialysis access failure. Adv Ren Replace Ther 1994; 1(2):107118.
Turmel-Rodrigues L, Pengloan J, Baudin S et al. Treatment of stenosis and thrombosis in hemodialysis fistulas and grafts by interventional radiology. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2000; 15(12): 2029-2036.
Saran R, Dykstra DM, Pisoni RL, et al. Timing of first cannulation and vascular access in hemodialysis: an analysis of practice patterns at dialysis facilities in the DOPPS. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2004; 19(9): 2334-2340.
National Kidney Foundation: K/DOQI clinical practice guidelines in vascular access: 2006 update. Am J Kidney Dis 2006; 48 [Suppl 1]: S176-S306.

Leivaditis Konstantinos MD, PhD
Demirtzi Paraskevi MD

Nephrologists, “NEPHROXENIA” Chalkidiki Dialysis Centre

NEPHROXENIA DIALYSIS CENTERS ARE DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY AROUND THE NEEDS OF A CONTEMPORARY RENAL PATIENT.

IN NEPHROXENIA YOU CAN COMBINE WORLD CLASS DIALYSIS WITH AMAZING HOLIDAYS.

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ONLINE HAEMODIAFILTRATION

admin — Sat, 12 Nov 2022 17:35:05 +0000

ABOUT ONLINE HAEMODIAFILTRATION

OL-HDF (Online hemodiafiltration) is widely recognised as a safer, more comfortable and more efficient alternative to conventional hemodialysis.

HDF is a renal replacement therapy combining two principles – diffusion and convection. The convective process is based on the ultrafiltration of large amounts of plasma water across the membrane. This allows for the effective removal of larger solutes due to convection in addition to the diffusive transport of small molecules.
To maintain the fluid balance it is necessary to replace the additional ultrafiltration volume, ideally after the dialyser, the so-called post-dilution HDF.

Volume matters

Recent publications have demonstrated that a large convective volume in post-dilution mode is required in order to maximise the benefits of HDF therapy. The production of large amounts of substitution volume is no longer a challenge. Today maximising substitution volume for each patient requires a new therapeutic approach – Online Haemodiafiltration.

Online Haemodiafiltration with its numerous positive effects on dialysis-related cardiovascular risk factors is acknowledged as the most effective dialysis treatment modality, coming closer to the elimination profile of the natural kidney.
By achieving high substitution volumes, Online Haemodiafiltration therapy is credited with more effective elimination of middle molecules. It improves patient outcomes and exerts beneficial effects on the main cardiovascular risk factors:
Serum ß2-m and phosphate level
Inflammatory response
Intradialytic haemodynamic stability
Anaemia control
These factors contribute to better quality of life and improved patient survival.

Reduced mortality risk

The Catalonian high-volume HDF study shows a significant 30% reduction in all-cause mortality for patients with Online Haemodiafiltration. The estimated number needed to treat showed that to prevent one death per year eight patients would need to be switched from HighFlux HD to Online Haemodiafiltration.

Lower risk of all-cause mortality 30%

30%

Lower risk of cardiovascular mortality 33%

33%

Lower risk of infection-related mortality 55%

55%

Lower risk of cardiovascular mortality 28%

28%

Lower risk of infection-related mortality 22%

22%

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KIDNEY TRANSPLANTATION

admin — Thu, 14 Jul 2022 18:03:17 +0000

Kidney transplantation

A kidney transplant is the transfer of a healthy kidney from one person into the body of a person who has little or no kidney function.

The main role of the kidneys is to filter waste products from the blood and convert them to urine. If the kidneys lose this ability, waste products accumulate in the blood, which is potentially life-threatening.

This loss of kidney function, known as end-stage Chronic Kidney Disease or kidney failure

is the most common cause for needing a kidney transplant. It’s possible to partially replace the functions of the kidney using a blood purification procedure known as dialysis. However, this can be inconvenient and time-consuming, so a kidney transplant is the treatment of choice for kidney failure whenever possible.

Kidney patients of all ages — from children to seniors — can get a transplant. Every person being considered suitable for transplant will get a full medical and psychosocial evaluation to make sure they are a good candidate for transplant. The evaluation may reveal potential problems, that can be corrected before transplant. Medical professionals provide with a complete physical exam, review health records, and order a series of tests and X-rays in order to evaluate how well a candidate for a transplant can handle treatment and decide if a transplant is suitable for him. Every patient with Chronic Kidney Disease can get a transplant, as long as:

they are well enough to withstand the effects of surgery
the transplant has a relatively good chance of success
the person is willing to comply with the recommended treatments required after the transplant – such as taking immunosuppressant medication and attending regular follow-up appointments

Reasons why it may not be safe or effective to perform a transplant include having an ongoing infection (which has to be treated first), severe heart disease, obesity and cancer that has spread to several places in your body. If you have diabetes, you may also be able to have a pancreas transplant.Getting a transplant before you need to start dialysis is called a preemptive transplantation. It allows you to avoid dialysis altogether. Getting a transplant not long after kidneys fail (but with some time on dialysis) is referred to as an early transplant. Both have benefits. Evidence indicate that a pre-emptive or early transplant, with little or no time spent on dialysis, can lead to better long-term health outcomes. It may also allow you to keep working, save time and money, and have a better quality of life.

Kidney donations are possible from people who have recently died. This is known as deceased kidney donation. However, this type of kidney donation has a slightly lower chance of long-term success. Unlike many other types of organ donation, it's possible to donate a kidney while you're alive because you only need one kidney to survive. This is known as a living donation. A kidney from a living donor may last longer than one from a deceased donor. To get a deceased donor kidney, you will be placed on a waiting list once you have been cleared for a transplant.

From the time you go on the list until a kidney is found, you may have to be on some form of dialysis. Ideally, a kidney transplant should be performed when tests show that the extent of damage to your kidneys is so extended that you’ll need dialysis within the next 6 months. However, because of the lack of available kidneys, it’s unlikely you’ll receive a kidney donation at this time with the exception of a living one. On average, the waiting time for a deceased donor kidney transplant is 2 and a half to 3 years.

During the surgical procedure, the native kidneys generally aren’t extracted when you get a transplant. The surgeon leaves them where they are unless there is a medical reason to remove them. Nephrectomy is recommended in case of polycystic kidney disease due to the large size of the kidney or due to chronic infection or bleeding of a cyst within the kidney. The donated kidney is placed into your lower abdomen, where it’s easiest to connect it to your important blood vessels and bladder. If the kidney came from a living donor, it should start to work very quickly. A kidney from a deceased donor can take longer to start working—two to four weeks or more. If that happens, you may need dialysis until the kidney begins to work. How soon you can return to work depends on your recovery, the kind of work you do, and your other medical conditions. People who have not had satisfactory sexual life due to kidney disease may notice an improvement as they begin to feel better. In addition, fertility (the ability to conceive children) tends to increase. All pregnancies must be planned. Certain medications that can harm the fetus must be stopped six weeks before trying to conceive.

After surgery, certain medicines are considered to be necessary, because they tend to keep the immune system less active (called anti-rejection medicines or immunosuppressant medicines), in order to stop your body from attacking or rejecting the donated kidney. Patients need to take them as long as the new kidney is working. Without them, the immune system would recognize the donated kidney as “foreign,” and would attack and destroy it. Widely used immunosuppressants include tacrolimus, tacrolimus, ciclosporin, azathioprine, mycophenolate, prednisolone and everolimus. Additionally, vaccinations should be up to date, although any vaccines that contain live viruses, such as the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine should be avoided. In addition, there are certain recommendations in order to avoid contact with people having recently being infected with chickenpox or flu. Moreover, living with a kidney transplant includes:

smoking if you smoke
follow a healthy diet
lose weight
comply with the special medication and inform for any side effects or new drugs you will need to take

There are also certain risks of a kidney transplant that include:

risks related to the procedure itself
risks related to the use of immunosuppressant medications (which reduce the activity of your immune system)
risks related to something going wrong with the transplanted kidney

Complications that occur in the first few months after surgery are known as short – term complications, such as infection, blood clots, narrowing of an artery, blocked ureter, urine leakage and acute rejection. Long – term complications usually develop after many years and are associated with the immunosuppressant medication. The most significant long – term complications are:

an increased risk of infections
an increased risk of diabetes
high blood pressure
weight gain
abdominal pain
diarrhea
extra hair growth or hair loss
swollen gums
bruising or bleeding more easily
decreased bone density
mood swings
an increased risk of certain types of cancer, particularly skin cancer

Chronic rejection develops within months to years after transplantation and is the major cause of long-term graft loss. It is the result of a gradual decrease of the kidney function. Hypertension, proteinuria and increase of serum creatinine levels are features of this progressive loss of kidney function and may lead to chronic allograft nephropathy. A rejection episode does not always have clear signs or symptoms and that is why regular physical examination by the transplant team and blood tests are so important.

Bibliography

National Kidney Foundation, January 26, 2017
Kasiske BL et al. “The evaluation of renal transplant candidates: Clinical practice guidelines”, J Am Transplant. 2001;1.
“Evaluation, selection and preparation of the potential transplant recipient”, Neprology Dialysis Transplantation. 2000;15 (suppl 7):3-38.
Malgorzata Kloc and Rafik M. Ghobrial. “Chronic allograft rejection: A significant hurdle to transplant success”, Burns Trauma. 2014; 2(1): 3–10

Leivaditis Konstantinos MD, PhD
Demirtzi Paraskevi MD

Nephrologists, “NEPHROXENIA” Chalkidiki Dialysis Centre

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CHANIA

admin — Thu, 07 Jul 2022 18:01:05 +0000

about chania

Chania is one of the most internationally popular municipalities of Crete.

This is due to its rich heritage, regarding places of significant archaeological importance as well as the innumerable preserved historical monuments in the city of Chania and in other areas of the municipality, evidence of its long history.

ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE OF KASTELI

One of the most significant archaeological sites that are preserved till today is the site of Kasteli, where you can see the ruins of the ancient Kydonia, the ancient Aptera and the castle of Intzedin.

VENETIAN HARBOR
One of the most famous areas in Chania you would like to visit for sure, is close to the Venetian harbor, just 12 minutes from Nephroxenia Chania. You can explore the narrow shopping streets or rest at the waterfront restaurants that offer a great variety of food, admiring an atmosphere similar to Florence and Venice but with the distinctive touch of the Cretan culture.

SAMARIA GORGE

The 16 km long gorge filled with rare flora and fauna is one of the most visited tourist attraction of Crete. Starting at an altitude of 1230 meters, deep in the White Mountains, surrounded by dense pinewoods and coming to an end at the black sand beach of the village of Agia Roumeli at the Libyan sea. Walking through the “Iron Gates”, Gorge’s narrowest point, the visitor will experience the stunning natural beauty of the longest gorge in Europe.

falasarna beach

Within 50 minute drive from Nephroxenia Dialysis Clinic in Chania is the turquoise waters of Falasarna beach. A large stretch of soft sand part of the European Union Natura 2000 ecological network, that can become easily one of your favorites. Well organized with sunbeds, umbrellas and watersports, proper for families, couples or friends. Falasarna is a beautiful beach that never gets crowded and where you can probably enjoy the most amazing sunset in Crete, where the sun meets the Mediterranean waters.

SPECIAL ACTIVITIES

From ancient ruins and museums to karting, modern water parks, scuba diving and paragliding, Chania has it all and guarantees an enjoyable stay. Why not take a ride by the beach and then enjoy an insight into local cuisine via a private tour designed for food lovers?

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CHANIA

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CHALKIDIKI

admin — Fri, 28 Aug 2020 07:49:56 +0000

about Chalkidiki

Halkidiki, a northern Greece region, known for its jutting peninsulas, featuring Mediterranean forests, ending to sandy beaches in sheltered bays.

Kassandra, the westernmost peninsula, is the most developed, offering modern resorts and nightclubs. The region’s notable archaeological sites include Stageira, Aristotle’s birthplace, and Olynthus, known for its well-preserved mosaic floors.

PETRALONA CAVE

A Prehistoric cave full with impressive stalactites and stalagmites in perfect condition, and the home of the oldest ever European, man discovered in 1959 by villagers is just a 30 minute drive from Nephroxenia Chalkidiki. In the same cave researchers have discover various fossils including rinos, panthers and elephants. Take the guided tour it’s well worth it!

PENINSULA OF SITHONIA

A unique combination of forests meeting crystal clear waters and beaches for every taste. The peninsula of Sithonia has it all, bars and nightlife as well as isolated beaches with white sand and small taverns serving fresh fish under the pine trees. Explore Sithonia and find your own perfect spot to spend your days in.

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PENINSULA OF KASSANDRA
The Kassandra peninsula is always ready to welcome thousands of visitors from all over the world eager to enjoy not only the white sandy beaches with crystal clear waters but also a vibrant nightlife with bars, clubs and restaurants as well as luxurious hotels for all preferences. Walk through the villages of Afytos, Pefkochori and Hanioti along their narrow stone streets and squares where you can find a big variety of stores and restaurants. We recommend a tour around the peninsula as there are a lot of places worth seeing.

PENINSULA OF MOUNT ATHOS

Commonly known as the “Holy Mountain”, it is famous for its 1.800 years of continuous Christian presence and its long historic monastic traditions. Experience the tranquility and devoutness of living among the monks. Visit the Greek, Russian, Serbian and Bulgarian monasteries in a place where Virgin Mary is the only female presence permitted and where women are not allowed. As there are special travelling authorizations to be acquired before visiting, let us help you organize a boat trip to the “Holy Mountain” from Ouranoupolis, which is an hour drive from Nephroxenia Chalkidiki. You can also just take a boat tour around the “Holy Mountain”.

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Chalkidiki

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CORFU

admin — Thu, 14 Jul 2022 17:08:10 +0000

about corfu

Corfu, the second largest of the Ionian Islands, was inhabited since the Palaeolithic period and is bound up with Greek mythology. The so called “Island of Phaeacians” is where the mythical sea adventure of Homer’s Odyssey (Ulysses) is unfold.

With a breeze of Venetian architecture, natural, historical and archaeological interest, a historic city-jewel, and pristine beaches with crystal clear waters on a green background, the island of Corfu attracts a wide range of travellers.

THE OLD TOWN

The Old Town, UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its old and new fortresses is at the center of interest. On the east side of the old town, the first (old) fortress of Corfu rises, dating from the Byzantine period. Buildings of rare beauty and architectural value, Spianáda Square with Liston (the most famous pedestrian street in the city), the arched gallery, the walks on the cantounia (narrow alleys) and the Campiello district, the oldest and most picturesque quarter of the city are just some of the sights which can be seen in the old town of Corfu.

THE ACHILLEION PALACE
The Achilleion Palace was built by the Empress of Austria Elisabeth of Bavaria, also known as Sisi. The palace surrounded with classic Greek statues is a monument of platonic romanticism and was named after Achilles. The place abounds with paintings and statues of Achilles, both in the main hall and in the lavish gardens depicting the heroic and tragic scenes of the Trojan war. The architectural style is Pompeian and has resemblance to that of the Russian imperial residence in Crimea.

MON REPOS PALACE
This villa was first built as a summer residence for the British Lord High Commissioner of the 'United States of the Ionian Islands', Frederick Adam. After the islands unification with Greece in 1864, the estate was granted to King George I, it was used as a summer royal residence and he renamed it Mon Repos. Several royal births have taken place at the villa, including that of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Mon Repos has been transformed into a museum and a historic place with a large park full of archaeological treasures.

PALAIOKASTRITSA

The most touristic resort located northwest of the island has been assumed to be the place where Odysseus disembarked and met princess Nausicaa for the first time (in Homer’s Odyssey). The monastery of Virgin Mary in Palaiokastritsa dates from 1225 and is a lovely pastel-hued monastery with views over Paleokastrítsa’s rocky coves.

THE CHANEL OF LOVE

The Channel of love, also known as Canal d’amour, is one of Corfu’s true natural wonders, features fascinating rock formations and secluded coves surrounded by the idyllic waters of the Ionian Sea. It is situated between the villages Sidari and Peroulades, on the northern coasts of the island. It is an opening created by the corrosive effect of the water and the air above the cliff made of sandstone. It was named after the legend that states that all couples swimming there remain in love forever.

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CORFU

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IOANNINA

admin — Thu, 14 Jul 2022 17:15:50 +0000

about IOANNINA

(often called yannena)

The city’s foundation has traditionally been ascribed to the Byzantine Emperor Justinian in the 6th century AD, but modern archaeological research has uncovered evidence of Hellenistic settlements. Ioannina flourished in the late Byzantine period (13th–15th centuries)

Lake Pamvotis and Isle

One of the most notable attractions of Ioannina is the inhabited island of Lake Pamvotis which is simply referred to as Island of Ioannina. The island is a short ferry trip from the mainland and can be reached on small motorboats running on varying frequencies depending on the season. The monastery of St Panteleimon, where Ali Pasha spent his last days waiting for a pardon from the Sultan, is now a museum housing everyday artefacts and relics of his period.There are six monasteries on the island in total.

Ioannina Castle
Located on the south-eastern edge of the town on a rocky peninsula of Lake Pamvotis, the castle was the administrative heart of the Despotate of Epirus, and was in constant use until the late Ottoman period. The south-eastern citadel, is where the Fethiye Mosque, the tomb of Ali Pasha, and the Byzantine Museum are located. The Municipal Ethnographic Museum is hosted in Aslan Pasha Mosque in the north-east citadel. It is divided into three departments, each one representing one of the main communities that inhabited the city: Greek, Ottoman Muslim, and Jewish

The city

A walk through the city has the feel of a bygone era, full of secret places and legends still living. Wonderful buildings like the House Matei Hussein, the Ottoman mosque of Veli Pasha and the entire historic centre of the town are unique attractions

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IOANNINA

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KALAMATA

admin — Wed, 11 Jan 2023 10:03:17 +0000

about KALAMATA

Kalamata, the capital and central port of Messinia. The history of Kalamata begins with Homer (Greek: Ομηρος) who mentions Farai, an ancient city built more or less where the Kalamata Castle stands today. Following independence from the Turks and thanks to the exploitation of the fertile Messinian lands (producing olive oil, raisins, figs etc), it developed into a wealthy urban centre and a significant port. It is located 238 km SW of Athens.

AROUND THE TOWN

The point of reference par excellence in the city of Kalamata is the legendary “castle of Isabeau” where the renowned International Dance Festival takes place annually. It is amphitheatrically constructed on the site of the Farai acropolis offering a bird’s eye view of the city. Constructed in the 13th century by William Villehardouin, it underwent subsequent additions and conversions by the Venetians and the Turks.

No less beautiful is the exquisite Palia Poli (Old City) at the foot of the Castle. The area is the hotspot for the city’s youth, for it is the beating heart of the nightlife in Kalamata and by no means will it be still!

The seaside road in front of the city’s extensive beach (4 km length with marvellous waters). On the seaside of Kalamata, people can swim in crystal clear waters and enjoy lace-like beaches, which have been granted the Blue Flag award of quality. Along the seaside, there are several tavernas, ouzo restaurants, cafeterias, bars, clubs, whereas beach aficionados can enjoy all kinds of water sports.

ANCIENT MESSENE
Ancient Messene has the double attraction of being amongst the most exciting and complete archaeological settlements ever discovered and one of the most beautifully situated.
Little more than a lush green valley in the southwestern Peloponnese just 40 years ago, it now ranks as one of the most significant remains of Greek antiquity. The city flourished in the 4th century BC after the defeat of the Spartans by the Theban General Epaminondas, ending centuries of Spartan rule.

VOIDOKILIA BEACH, PYLOS, METHONI & KORONI CASTLES

The big omega, Voidokilia is a horseshoe-shaped beach that is certified Insta royalty. By the Natura 2000-protected Gialova Lagoon, Voidokilia is nature’s delight and a family favourite (due to the turquoise-coloured, shallow waters). Pylos: ‘Hostess’ of the Peloponnese. The calm of today belies a troubled past in a city synonymous with the Battle of Navarino. Now it rests peacefully, built in the shape of an amphitheatre below Neokastro, reminiscent of an island hamlet. Methoni Castle: Guardian of the port. As soon as you set foot on the stone bridge with its 14 arches, flirting with the swell, you’ll be impressed by the castle and its imposing gate. A second and then a third gate lead you to the inside of the castle, where there was once a settlement. The impregnable castle of Koroni It was built around the same time as the castle of Methoni. Under Ottoman rule, it was considered the best-fortified castle in Messinia, if not in the entire Peloponnese.

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KALAMATA

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THESSALONIKI

admin — Wed, 11 Jan 2023 10:02:36 +0000

about THESSALONIKI

The metropolis of Thessaloniki has a population of over a million and is the biggest city in the northern part of Greece. Findings prove that Thessaloniki has been inhabited since prehistoric times, marked by multiculturalism, yet its present day modernised state is charmingly intertwined with archaeological sites, byzantine churches and other significant monuments from the past.

White Tower

Explore the city’s landmark, the White Tower, located on the seaside promenade. Within the tower runs a museum showcasing Thessaloniki’s history from its foundation up to 1922 as well as a charming collection concerning the city’s glorious Byzantine past. The fortified cylindrical structure (33.9m height and 22.7m diameter) was built in the 15th century during the reign of Süleyman the Magnificent and was later used during the Ottoman rule as a place of execution, which was called Canli Casteli meaning “tower of blood”. The origin of its current name dates to the 19th century.

Fill up with the energy of a vibrant city
Window shopping on Tsimiski Street, bar-hopping on Valaoritou Avenue, attending the International Film Festival in one of the warehouses of the port, listening to live music in the Ladadika district or walking through the vaulted arches and open-air markets… there are so many things do to in Thessaloniki, not to forget the city's nightlife which is legendary in Greece.

ROTONDA, KAMARA & Archaeological Museum

The Palace complex of Galerius and the Octagon building intended to be a throne hall with its impressive mosaics, the Rotonda (containing Early Christian mosaics) and Galerius Arch (aka Kamara) built in ca. 305 A. D. Visit the Ancient Agora (dating 3rd c. B.C. to the 5th c. A.D.), while in the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki, you’ll explore artefacts such as the Petralona Hoard (a collection of bronze tools dating from the 3rd millennium BC) and the gold wreaths for which the Macedonians were famed.

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THESSALONIKI

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