Visit the annual church rocket fight in Greece

While in Greece enjoying fresh oregano, ancient ruins, pleasant islands with no cars, and the origin of Olympic spirit, check out this annual event where two churches fire rockets at each other all night long.

On the island Chios in Greece, in the town of Vrontados, from April 18th at 8pm to midday April 19th, two churches in Greece will celebrate Easter with their annual rocket fight called rouketopolemos ("the Easter church war"). Each church’s members will light small rockets and shoot them at the other church; the goal is to hit the opposing side’s bell tower.

The tagline for this video on fazer.com says it all: “Dangerous? Probably. Awesome? Definitely.” If you go, please try to observe the event from a safe vantage point.

Other things to do on Chios island include beaches, clubs, villages, the eleventh-century monastery “Nea Moni” (new monastery), and eating fresh seafood.

Yanni's favorite destination: Greece

Mykonos is the party island and is a fun place to visit. But don't attempt to go there in August, when everyone is there. The best months to go are September or October because the tourists have left by then and you have a little more privacy. However, my ultimate place for a romantic getaway is Santorini, which is a volcanic island. I like it so much that I wrote a song about it. There are little villages hanging off at the edge of the cliffs, and the water is deep blue. It's absolutely stunning at sunset—kind of like a Fellini movie.

GREEK CUISINE: The food is so good and hearty. It's really easy to get carried away. I have to run about six times a day when I'm there just to break even with everything that I eat! (Laughs.)

ON BEING RECOGNIZED: People are very polite to me. I'm a little bit of a celebrity in Santorini but everyone is so nice. Greeks aren't very aggressive. They may stare at you, but they won't invade your space.

Old exile island to be green energy model

The island of Ai Stratis in the northeastern Aegean, best known as a place of exile in the past for thousands of Greece’s political dissidents, is set to become the country’s first island powered exclusively by green energy, Development Minister Costis Hatzidakis said yesterday.

The island, which has some 250 permanent residents, was chosen for the project because of its “manageable” energy requirements of 1,500 megawatt-hours per year, Hatzidakis said. The 10-million-euro project, which will depend on solar, wind energy and biomass fuel production, and is due to begin next year follows similar initiatives in Australia, Denmark and Norway.

Mayors on the islands of Nisyros and Tilos have reportedly also expressed an interest in implementing similar projects to power their communities.

Five ?Secret? Greek Islands

A Greek Island escape makes the perfect holiday, but with around 1,400 islands in the Greek archipelago, choosing a destination that is not overrun with holidaymakers can be a challenge. While Corfu and Crete are deservedly popular, especially with first-time Greece travelers, here are five ?secret? Greek islands that should be on your itinerary.

Kea Part of the Cyclades, and close to the mainland, laid-back Kea is no secret with the locals who flock here to their weekend retreats. Ferries to Kea leave from Lavrio, a 90-minute bus trip from Athens. Kea has a laid-back atmosphere, good walking trails, and 50 miles of coastline with tiny bays and unspoiled sandy beaches. Ioulidha, has some charming tavernas, while the delightful hill capital of Ioulis, the marina at Vourkari and Otzias Bay are other highlights.

Evia Dominated by Mt Ochi, this Greek island ?secret?, is really the second-largest Greek island after Crete. With remote villages nestled in the mountain slopes, connected by stone paths and tracks, it?s a walker?s delight. But add a captivating coastline, plenty of Roman ruins, old buildings, secluded beaches, and a wide choice of lively tavernas, and you have the perfect holiday ingredients.

Enjoy a springtime getaway in Mykonos, Santorini and more

Celebrate spring in the Cyclades with these affordable vacation packages to the legendary islands of Santorini and Mykonos. Not only will you beat the summer crowds with these pre-season vacations, you’ll also enjoy mild temperatures in the 60s and 70s ideal for exploring white-roofed cliffside villages, glittering black-and-red-sand beaches, and some of the world’s most picturesque ports and fishing marinas.

4-night vacations on Santorini from $987
Perched cliffside overlooking the Aegean, Astra Apartments features 28 traditional island-style suites and rooms with balconies or terraces, offering stunning views of Santorini’s 3,600-year-old caldera. Let the front desk arrange guided sailing excursions, or rent a bike to explore the narrow cobbled streets of the nearby village of Imerovigil. At the resort, you find a day spa, Jacuzzi and a romantic open-air restaurant serving classic Greek and Mediterranean cuisine.

Greece Used To Push Olives Up The Lesbos Agenda

Berlusconi had originally approached the Prefecture of Lesbos over the issue, but met resistance due to financial considerations. Apparently he then used Italy's trade agreements with Greece to put pressure on the Greek government.

In a statement from the island we were told: "Lesbos must work together with Greece to increase capacity so that large numbers of olives can be accommodated. It's the only way to ensure mutual satisfaction."