Product Description

From the terra cotta and ocher of the Ionian Islands to the brilliant blue and white of the Aegean, the beautiful villages of Greece and its islands are incomparable. The variety of village life and building springs from a multitude of histories and influences, yet these towns are all, in their separate ways, quintessentially Greek. Here, then, are the loveliest villages created by the indomitable Greek spirit, all set in a landscape of overwhelming magnificence. We begin with the mountains of the mainland and areas such as the Pelion peninsula, where stone walls and wood-framed balconies betray a Turkish influence. In the southern Peloponnese are the Maniot villages and their characteristic tower houses, built by warring families the better to pursue their vendettas. From north to south through the mainland and the Peloponnese, from west to east through the islands, the mixture of intimacy and grandeur continues. The Ionian Islands are home to belfried churches, pitched tile roofs, porticoes, and colonnades, reflecting years of Venetian rule. The flat-roofed white houses of the Cyclades, startling against the blue Aegean sea, seem to express the very essence of Greece. Other villages mirror an international trading and shipping tradition, such as Chios whose substantial country mansions were left by the Genoese. And there are many other gems as well, with ancient temples, sandy bays, and cobbled paths. Complete with appendices of useful information for the traveler, this book is a celebration of the inimitable beauty and spirit that have entranced visitors to Greece through the ages.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #32836 in Books
• Published on: 1998-04
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 234 pages

Review
You *could* live in one of these sunwashed timeless villages. You *could* idly nibble olives, sip ouzo, and stare meditatively at the azure Aegean. But you'd probably miss "Everybody Loves Raymond." Why not enjoy these inviting pictures of where you don't live instead? -- Entertainment Weekly, 11 December 1998

About the Author
Hugh Palmer is a leading British photographer of architecture and gardens. He has contributed to many magazines and books, notably Provence, Tuscany, and Dordogne in the Most Beautiful Villages series. Mark Ottaway is chief travel writer for the London Sunday Times.

Customer Reviews

Enchanting villages
This book with its 285 magnificent colour pictures takes the reader on a journey through mainland Greece and its islands. The introduction contains a history of Greece from the earliest times. The book is divided into sections for the mainland, including the Peloponnese: Arkadia, Messinia, Lakonia and The Mani, and Pelion, Epiros and Evritania. The second section covers the islands like the Cyclades, Dodecanese, Ionian, Chios and the Argo -Saronic. A small map covers every section. The book includes a traveller's guide with a map of Greece, sections on festivals and holidays, hotels, restaurants and food, and concludes with a bibliography. This stunning book reveals a glorious picture of Greek village culture in its attractive photographs and engaging text. It is the perfect guide for prospective travellers of for those who wish to familiarize themelves with the charming village life of modern Greece.

Gorgeous!
I love the whites and blues of the hillside villages overlooking the Mediterranean. This book is an inspiration for a quality of life that we simply don't have in the US. Simplicity is an art in these wonderful villages and homes we are allowed to explore in this wonderful book. Flowers abound. Life is wonderful. This book is something to treasure until you get your chance to see it for yourself. And in response to that silly editorial review....not everyone is watching that Raymond TV show!

THRILLED
I saw this book at a friend's home and thought it was perfect for a Christmas gift for my husband. Since we are both of Greek descent and my husband's family was from the island of Halki, I know he will love it. The copy I received from David Starcher is in excellent condition. The pictures are beautiful and the information on each village is very well written and makes me want to visit each one of them. I am thrilled with this book.