Metrics details The diatom Paralia guyana is a tychoplanktonic microalgal species that represents one of the early diverging diatoms guyana can thrive in both planktonic and benthic habitats making a significant contribution to the occurrence of red tide events Although a dozen diatom genomes have been sequenced the identity of the early diverging diatoms remains elusive The understanding of the evolutionary clades and mechanisms of ecological adaptation in P guyana is limited by the absence of a high-quality genome assembly the first high-quality genome assembly for the early diverging diatom P guyana was established using PacBio single molecular sequencing The assembled genome has a size of 558.85 Mb making it the largest diatom genome on record A total of 27,121 protein-coding genes were predicted in the P of which 22,904 predicted genes (84.45%) were functionally annotated This data and analysis provide innovative genomic resources for tychoplanktonic microalgal species and shed light on the evolutionary origins of diatoms all these diatom genomes are from the polar centric and pennate lineages The evolutionary history of diatoms and the molecular mechanisms underlying their diversity remain inadequately understood particularly for the radial centric diatom species An early diverging diatom genome would serve as a foundational resource for the study of evolutionary history and origin we report the first high quality genome assembly of the radial centric diatom P making it the largest known diatom genome to date The assembly achieved a contig count of 44 A total number of 27,121 protein-coding genes were predicted in the P among which 84.45% were functionally annotated in the publicly available databases This high-quality genome assembly of the early diverging diatom P guyana offers a valuable resource for elucidating the evolutionary history and adaptation in both planktonic and benthic environments The genome characteristic of diatom Paralia guyana species (a) The scanning electron microscopy picture of P Figures 1-4 Light microscope images of Paralia :1 separation valves; 4 Chains formed by sibling valves Figures 5–8 The scanning electron microscopy images of P separation valves with well-developed prickles; 7 interlocked sibling intercalary valves with siliceous covered fenestrae resulting in a set of 27,121 protein-coding genes for the P The total count of gene models with an Annotation Edit Distance (AED) score below 0.5 reached 24,088 indicating generally good support from the available evidence The KEGG enrichment of predicted coding genes in P No specific code was developed in this study The data analyses were performed following the protocols described in the Methods section Falciatore, A., Jaubert, M., Bouly, J.-P., Bailleul, B. & Mock, T. 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Bioinformatics 34, 3094–3100, https://doi.org/10.1093/bioinformatics/bty191 (2018) Download references This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant numbers 42276099 and 31800171) Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine Laboratory of Marine Organism Taxonomy and Phylogeny Qingdao Key Laboratory of Marine Biodiversity and Conservation Larsen provided suggestion and revised the manuscript All authors have read and approved the final manuscript The authors declare no competing interests Publisher’s note Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations Download citation DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41597-024-03843-7 Anyone you share the following link with will be able to read this content: a shareable link is not currently available for this article Sign up for the Nature Briefing newsletter — what matters in science Fresh, Greek food on the beach all summer long- what could be better? Paralia Kitchen has just opened on the beach on the Jersey Shore making this a reality for the summer with a light and tasty menu perfect for lunch or dinner The restaurant has both beach-side dining options as well as takeaway for all their menu items like hot appetizers In order to access the restaurant on the beach a Loch Arbour beach badge is required when the beach is open Badges can be purchased at Village Beach Gatehouse and Loch Arbour.NOTE: Diners should be aware that they may see beachgoers in bathing suits as the restaurant is literally on the beach Make your decision to visit here accordingly >>> Click here for the restaurant’s full menu click here and on Sundays and Thursdays until 10pm for dinner The restaurant is only open weather permitting Thunderstorms and other bad weather may force the restaurant to close – which is up to the beach manager and not the restaurant The restaurant is located on the beach at 100 Ocean Pl No reservations required – first come The restaurant is kosher-certified by JSOR and all vegetables are checked by a Mashgiach We use ads & sponsored posts to support the creation of new content © YeahThatsKosher 2024 – Reproduction without explicit permission is strictly prohibited. | Privacy Policy • Download our kosher restaurant directory app There is always something that first catches your ear with any song: a first impression With “Mind Song,” the new single from Berlin’s Para Lia it is the stomp Some aspects of music are often intangible and hard to define but this isn’t; this is the power of the guitar crunching down in unison with the beat to create a powerful But such energies need to be kept in check Para Lia surrounds it in all manner of balancing sounds – deft guitar lines and banks of hazy vocals all create a shell around it The result is a sound that is both powerful and poignant timeless and timely – don’t be pulled into the dark complexities of the ego don’t be swayed by what seems to be too good to be true (because it always is) and don’t worry about the superficial don’t play societies power games… keep your mind song pure and let it sing about the things that make you happy Life is short; live it on your terms and be who you want it means that the lyrics have been written in such a way that everyone can find your own meaning in them Para Lia gives us a song that seems as if it conforms to familiar sounds but which is shot through with their signature style that seems (even more than most in this latitude) to be an uprush of metamorphic stone View towards Paralia Giannaki beachOliver Pilcher ‘That tree is thirsty,’ nods a local acquaintance as we watch through tessellations of green a class of schoolchildren quietly eating yoghurt and honey at the café next door Everyone perfectly neat with new-term hair is gazed at by thin we turn our heads to examine a handsome man with the tattoo of a serpent on his neck hauling a hunk of marble up the street in a cloud of sugary dust stuck behind a bus full of the faithful being driven after the Divine Liturgy for a plate of lunchtime sardines It was once a centre of worship for Poseidon a famous shrine to the Virgin Mary was established in Chora in 1823 and a grand Orthodox church settled over it – Panagia Megalochari – swagged in red satin – like an Edwardian wedding cake often literally crawling from the ferry along a carpet flowing up to the church Past a grand 19th-century mariner’s mansion – one of several in Chora – derelict for decades because extended family members can’t agree on its fate until all that’s left is a corniced façade and a garden of dog roses and rubble So she juddered along its one road on a Vespa, late-summer sky unblemished and exposed, imagining herself and her children immediately into the landscape Knowing it was right in that way you do when you completely and automatically love something but can’t yet explain why was 11 then and didn’t notice any dourness Just the farmers in the fields happy to let her spend all day with them and men in a bar on Nikolaou Gyzi Street singing and smashing plates to amuse her as she sat with her two brothers on a bench Kalyvia beachOliver Pilcher There is in fact nothing dour about Tinos. It has the energy and intensity (as well as the powerful wind) of Sicily’s Pantelleria A rampant extravagance of honeysuckle and oleander swooped over by hawks along the single roads between the 66 villages (some 40 or so still inhabited) – a vast number for an island of about 120 square miles and an indication of its historical affluence with architectural reminders in most of the Venetian rule from 1207 to 1715 folded at 780ft into a cliff with a steep-tumbling garden of chestnuts She leads me by the hand into the shop where she doses us with a spoon of Theresa’s latest grape syrup from a glass jar – thickly sweet with an undertow of woodsmoke – that doubles as a good potion for people in the village Although the port police suggest it might be up to 225,000 travel to welcoming Greece was altogether distorted Valleys like moonscapes; metallic beaches of grey or copper; sheer-scooped cliffs dotted with melancholy dovecotes that resemble little mausoleums The stonewalled terraces that have controlled the flow of rain for crops since the Bronze Age are mostly parched into something resembling a vast Neolithic site studded all over with more than 800 little bone-pale chapels Taking notes at Under the Sun Cycladic VillageOliver Pilcher Driving can rattle the spine. Any trip to Mali – on the far north-western tip – always makes me think of Eugenia and a journey she made there from Chora in a family car in the mid-1980s the land dropping lower and lower with yet no life in sight – until it was night with the people holding oil lamps (there was no electricity in Mali until a year or so ago) to a house just five paces from the water The sound of tide beating on the green marble of the seabed She had looked up at her father and whispered Tinos seems to inspire stories of dreams. Maybe it’s the proximity to other islands at night, part shadow and hints of things, part glowing smudges. When I meet Heidi and Andrea one Sunday in autumn for dinner in the port the Tinian wind brings the dusk streaming wildly past the open restaurant doors a wind so alive and on the move it’s almost visible whipping in lines and fronds between the elegant wrought-iron Victorian street lamps you were a hippie...’ I begin to say – and Heidi looks rueful I just wanted to be free.’ Not all lovers of freedom are bohemians of their first summers on the island and the intent In the village of Triantaros they called us “the people who sleep on roofs”.’ Shutters in PanormosOliver Pilcher When I ask a restaurateur a few days later about the 300,000-tourists rumour he nods But isn’t there always talk of impending doom on islands Aren’t these things actually spoken more like spells to ward off danger He says he has one word for what can happen to a Greek idyll when the authorities take their eye off the ball: ‘Mykonos’ A 90-year-old revered veteran of the Korean War opens the door of the house opposite to a knocking baker, who hands him three bags of yesterday’s bread for his goats which he still walks five miles into the fields every day to feed I can see the old man’s face as puckered and friendly as a ground apple As green light through the plane tree ripples across the swept marble of the pavement the waitress bowls up with raki in a plastic bottle rolling her eyes in amusement at our worried talk of traffic jams and septic tanks ‘She is my flower,’ murmurs her boyfriend when she’s out of earshot And that the stop-motion movie-effects genius Ray Harryhausen would have been moved to craft – for this very view – a protecting creature with a crested bronze helmet and daggers for teeth This islet of swirling quartz crowned by a miniature temple a tiny chapel clinging to the edge of the mainland – a wick-burning in its window in a saucer of oil – over the deserted cove of Agia Thalassa And the row of marine pines before the surf struggling down the millennia against the hard flat blade of the wind Odera, TinosOderaTinos remains relatively undiscovered compared to neighbouring Mykonos so it’s yet to see an influx of tourism and hotel openings the first luxury accommodation to grace the island and a spot worthy of its reputation all 77 limewashed rooms and pool suites have been cleverly built into an otherwise untouched hillside where views reach far across the mountains and into the ocean escapism and relaxation are par for the course and booking into the on-site spa is a must; it’s home to a Zero Body and Hydrogen room and stocked with Dr you’re keen to watch the sunrise from the property’s semi-private cove Plush beds and striking striped parasols line the water’s edge to make staying for hours appealing and with a beach bar menu that features the all-important Greek salad pick a spot under the statement tree in the centre of the restaurant bar and dip into the vast saltwater infinity pool to cool off Pnoēs TinosPnoēs TinosDesign lovers will revel in the architecture and interiors at Pnoēs Tinos in Lagkades it’s worth booking in for more than a few nights to truly embrace slow-paced island life Aesthetics are curated by Greek architect Aristides Dallas and draw from the island’s history while celebrating local craftsmanship Bedrooms are located on the ground floor of each property and decorated in an earthy handmade soaps and sea views bring the outside in so enjoy the hotel’s tranquility until the evening when it’s time to venture further afield and experience one of Tinos’ family-run tavernas Surroundings are baron in the most alluring way and many of the island’s eateries are yet to be discovered by tourists without the inside scoop Ask the friendly hotel staff to guide you to the best spots; no booking is required Xinara HouseXinara HouseLarge groups looking to stay somewhere that embodies the history and heritage of Tinos should consider Xinara House a restored former bishop’s home that dates back to the 1800s Its story is one of happy coincidence: the now-owners stumbled across it while exploring Tinos thanks to a delayed flight from Mykonos That’s how this island feels – like a lucky find and a secret you don’t know whether to keep or share The property sleeps between 8 and 10 guests and its interiors are a celebration of home-grown materials and craftsmanship and sinks have been made by locals using the island’s marble a vineyard has been planted to accompany cedar almond and fruit trees that fuel the daily breakfast service and in a bid to keep things as eco-friendly as possible generous portions of traditional grilled chicken and pork souvlaki come served with salty chips a complimentary sweet treat might just be offered Finger’s crossed it’s the chocolate fridge cake chopped into snackable pieces and served on a plate to pass around the table Address: πλατεια κώμης, Tínos, GreeceWebsite: facebook.com it's worth winding blindly through the cobbled streets of Kampos village to find Choreftra Taverna Al-fresco wooden tables cling to uneven ground and striking pink bougainvillaea canopy offsets Edison lights that glow soft and yellow against the night’s sky On the menu: local Greek cuisine at its most delicious smoky aubergine and spicy sausage before moving on to flavoursome slow-cooked meats and succulent grilled shrimp Address: Αγιοι, Egina 180 10, GreeceWebsite: instagram.com Ask any Tinos local for a fine dining recommendation The small but picturesque restaurant is nestled at the shores of Ysternia and despite being one of the island’s most premium eateries it’s not uncommon for diners to arrive early and dip in the bay’s clear waters before dinner It’s run by a husband and wife duo and the kitchen is led by the latter: Antonia Zarpa creative recipes that intertwine local produce Imagine catch-fresh clams steamed with ouzo and saffron and onions baked with lemon but a booking at Thelassaki is an experience Ask for a table close to the water (and leave your fancy shoes at home) to let the waves gently lap your feet at high tide Address: Ysternia Bay, Tinos 842 01, GreeceWebsite: instagram.com Volax villageGetty ImagesVisit Volax villageThere are over 40 charming villages on Tinos and many host annual festivals to celebrate the local harvest. In June Volax is among the most noteworthy destinations nestled in the middle of the island and home to only 50 people It’s beautiful in a way that feels wholesome and personal; every set of words is centred around optimism and love Wander the cobbled passageways and dip into small cavelike buildings where handmade wicker baskets originally designed to keep food and drink cool can be bought as mementoes of this journey back in time to a simpler way of life This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience The Greek islands have all the makings of a perfect holiday: crystal-clear blue waters; quaint villages; hikes through ruggedly beautiful nature; perfectly simple fresh food; crisp house wine that is sold at tavernas by the kilo and only marginally more expensive than water; and tanned elderly inhabitants who congregate in shaded town squares to swap stories in the afternoon heat Not to mention the heavenly trifecta that is an early morning swim While Santorini and Mykonos attract the masses every year there’s a world of unspoiled timelessness to be explored on lesser-visited From the otherworldly peaks of Amorgos to the glass-like waters of Koufonisia here’s the Dodecanese and Cyclades islands to keep in mind when planning your European summer…  Bostani Bar and Nus epitomise this experimental take on Greek food while To Steki offers a more classic taverna experience right on Platis Gialos beach Don’t leave the island without trying Revitháda (baked chickpeas) a Sifniot staple traditionally cooked overnight in communal ovens each Saturday to fill hungry bellies after church the next day If you can drag yourself away from the table there’s plenty of swimming to be done on the island Sifnos is where my niche bathing preferences were born: jumping off smooth flat rocks into impossibly deep azure blue waters with a white-washed one of the 9 taxi drivers on the island tells us the best ones to swim next to are: Chrisopigi Cheronissos and Vathi are standout beaches if sandy dips are more your style and both are ideal places to flop and drop all day thanks to their beachfront tavernas To Do: Walk from Platis Gialos to Kastro; Stock up on sweets at Theodorou's Sweet Shop; Take in the sunset at Kastro’s Loggia Wine Bar; Pick up some pottery to immortalise your trip from Ceramic Psaraftis or Atsonios Ceramics; Get lost in the winding streets of Artemonas and Apollonia; Watch the mesmerising sea-meets-sky views from your balcony at the elegant Verina Astra  To Stay: Verina Astra Part of the fun (and at times, frustrations) of island-hopping in Greece is navigating the jigsaw puzzle that is the ferry system That is how friends and I found ourselves on Leros geographically closer to Turkey than it is mainland Greece and architecturally more like Italy than its neighbouring islands It’s a short 45-minute ferry ride from Patmos and Kalymnos island is so close you could almost reach out and touch it The island has its fair share of lively local tavernas most of which are located at Panteli Beach and offer feet-in-the-sand dining however the culinary pièce de résistance is the family-owned Mylos Fish Restaurant & Terrace Bar Eating here merits a visit to the island itself alone the restaurant serves up an elevated take on taverna food and overlooks the calm blue waters of the Aegean sea a photogenic windmill vying for attention in the foreground Book an early seating and you’ll be rewarded with astonishing sunset views Overlapping shades of dusty pinks and violent oranges appear as if exploding across the horizon; take them in as you feast on fish so fresh you probably shared a swim with that afternoon The island’s Italian influence is best showcased in the restaurant’s spaghetti alla bottarga To Eat: Mylos Fish Restaurant & Terrace Bar; Prima Plora; StisAnnas; Artemis Taverna; Ta Kroupia  To Swim: Agia Marina; Panteli Beach; Paralia Agia Kioura;  To Do: Hire a quad bike and zip around the entire island exploring unmarked beaches as you go; Walk up to the Windmills Pandeli from Panteli Beach; Learn about the complicated history from a local  To Stay: Archontiko Angelou  with its rugged mountain peaks and untouched authenticity Its magic lies in the combination of wild elemental beauty including many perfect swim spots (refer to above preferences) from the bustling Chora to the tree-shaded bars of Paralia Egiali It’s the perfect island for naturists with a hearty appetite for good food and adventure yet this is exactly what we found in the anachronistic Vroutsi where the slow rhythms of village life are on full display—from YiaYia’s shelling beans on their porch of an evening to the tribe of shaggy goats we’d encounter on our ambles down to Ancient Arkesini It was unanimously agreed by all that the town’s mini market-slash-restaurant turns out the best hot chips in the world it is possible that our judgement was impaired by the litres of house white wine we consumed during the 1.5 hour wait for them to arrive) and sweeping views out to neighbouring Donousa best appreciated over sunset beers and oregano-flavoured chips To Eat: Tranzistoraki; Mouros Taverna; Moschoudaki Cafe Restaurant; Limani Restaurant; Prekas  To Drink: Botilia; Jazzmin; Seladi; Disco The Que  To Swim: Agia Anna Beach; Mouros Beach; Nisida Gramvousa (You can catch a boat over from Kalotaritissa Beach); Nikouria Beach  (The island is a hiker’s paradise with well-marked paths our favourite walk was from Paralia Egiali to Stavros Holy Church); Hire a quad bike and beach hop making sure to check out the Shipwreck of Olympia; Walk to the beautiful 10th-century cliffside Panagia Hozoviotissa Monastery; Sip on a freddo under the dappled shade of a tree in the Chora  To Stay: Pano Gitonia; Vorina Ktismata  is an alluring mix of rugged remoteness and low-key elegance decision-making is reduced to whether to pick lobster spaghetti or grilled fish for dinner (why not both!) and nights tend to culminate with a cocktail in one of the winding each day on the island would begin with a swim and coffee at Paralia Livadi (or the nudist Tzanaki Beach if we were willing to venture a bit further) for a delicious homemade breakfast with local baked treats and the kind of expansive sapphire blue views I mentally return to during the long winter months in Amsterdam Within easy walking distance of both Livadi Beach and the Chora the family-run hotel is the perfect base for laidback days spent exploring the island and the embodiment of quintessential Greek hospitality: generous If you’re travelling with a willing and fearless driver hire a 4x4 and take the treacherous track down to Kaminakia — you’ll be compensated with a picturesque pebble bay its gin-clear waters flanked on either side by dramatic cliffs An ideal spot for big leisurely swims and Aperol spritzes under the shade and a sweet reminder that we’re all tiny specks in a big Paralia Steno and Plakes are easier to reach and almost as lovely One of my favourite things about the island is that on nearly all our walks and drives the Chora would emerge from around each bend its white-washed beauty made all the more striking when bathed in sunset hues To Eat: Antikastro; Almyra; Astifagia; Linda’s; Astropelos; Tásos  To Swim: Kaminakia; Paralia Vatses; Paralia Livadi; Tzanaki Beach; Paralia Steno  To Do: Wander around the shops in the Chora; Test your resolve driving to far-flung beaches; Take the ferry to neighbouring islands To Stay: Kalderimi Traditional Houses; Saluti Da Stampalia the Cyclades — the ideal spot for those seeking a change from the traditional white-and-blue architecture characteristic of the island group Arriving by ferry into the 19th-century city of Ermoupoli the town owes its grandeur to a wealthy trading past having once rivalled Athens in international maritime commerce the history-rich island is home to an artistic crowd with Aristide Hotel at the centre of it all Take a break from soaking up all the culture with a dip at the urban Asteria Beach followed by a cocktail on the hotel’s rooftop or at Theosis Bar cobbled-together village perched high up on the hill behind Hermoupolis I split my time between Ermoupoli and Kini Beach The best beaches on the island require an easy hike to get to my favourite were Delfini and Paralia Armesos There’s a few notable sights to be seen on the island—the Town Hall the Apollo Theatre (a replica of Milan’s La Scala) San George's Cathedral—but if I’m being real with myself long taverna lunches are my preferred way to pass the day Achladi Restaurant is the place to go if you want to eat right on the water with resident ducks and geese in concert with the waiter waddling between tables and being shooed back into the shallow water as you feast Allou Yallou at Kini Beach offers more upmarket Greek fare with spectacular views whose name translates to ‘two cicadas on the tamarisk tree’ To Eat: Achladi Restaurant; Dyo Tzitzikia Sta Armyrikia; Allou Yialou; Ousyra; Laoutari Kafreneio; Plakostroto; Mazi  To Swim: Paralia Delfini; Paralia Armesos; Kini Beach  To Do: Try local sweets like Loukoumi (Turkish Delight); Beat the heat with a gelato at Django Gelato Syros; Wander around Ano Syros and Vapori; Pick up a jar of capers to take home  To Stay: Aristide Hotel; Syrou Lotos Apartments  Patmos is the holy island that attracts the Paris Fashion Week crowd in droves Each country seems to favour a different island—Rhodes is full of German visitors the British don’t mind a bit of Thessaloniki—but in this tiny where John the Apostle wrote the Book of Revelations No more apparent is this than in the main square of the Chora in August drink cocktails and (I can only assume) gossip the night away We were happy to discover the island’s je ne sais quoi can be enjoyed by non-French tourists Having forgotten to book a car in advance and arriving on the island to discover they were prohibitively expensive to hire we were at the mercy of taxis during our stay and they were all excellent conversationalists who imparted historical knowledge and helpful tips onto us They also all drove to varying degrees of lunacy that made us glad not to be braving the roads ourselves One such hair-raising Patmos Drift adventure saw us hurtling towards Paralia Kampos where we spent the day swimming and sipping on freddo’s a farm-to-table restaurant in a stunning setting which serves local and imported natural wines we saw both a man machete his way through a field and hundreds of goats being herded up a mountain by a farmer in traditional dress Also of note on the island: the 30-minute hike to Psili Ammos is absolutely worth it for a swim in the turquoise waters and a long lunch at the beachfront taverna To Eat: Livadi Geranou; Psili Ammos Greek Tavern; Benetos; Ela!; Giagko’s Pantheon; Ktima Petra; Trehantiri Taverna  To Drink: To Thalami; Astivi; Oklacà Restaurant & Bar (not the best service To Swim: Petra Beach; Paralia Vagia; Livadi Beach; Paralia Didimes; Psili Ammos  To Do: Get lost in the labyrinth-like streets of Chora; Swim out to Agios Georgis church from Livadi; Watch the sun go down from Paralia Skala  To Stay: Pagostas three of which I visited and loved—Donousa Koufonisia and Iraklia—so you’re really getting nine islands for the price of seven with this guide While each has their own unique character and charm their compact size and close proximity to each other make them the perfect trio to visit in one go low-maintenance traveller with a sense of adventure Koufonisia is the most touristic of the three—the island seems to bend to the rhythm of visitors The trade off is really fun sunset bars (our favourite was Sorokos Bar) and boat taxi rides to far-flung beaches (like the neighbouring Kato Koufonisi home to the only bad meal I’ve had in Greece and head straight to Nero beach where the free-roaming goats will try to steal your packed spanakopita lunch which you will have purchased earlier that day from Bakery Giorgoula) Koufonisia has the clearest water I’ve seen outside the Caribbean with my top swim spots being Paralia Finika taking us to our simple yet elegant accommodation that is so decently-priced we almost feel as if we’re ripping him off The walk from the hotel to Kedros beach at sunset so beautiful that my jaw quite literally drops Even though it’s hard to peel yourself away from the main beach where you can swim out to the horizon or walk up to Yucca for your third coffee of the day I recommend jumping on a boat to Seal Cove with its brilliant blue water and technicolour coral or taking the bus in the direction of Kalotaritissa Beach you have the option of three insanely beautiful bays and the perfect Taverna Mitsos for lunch After eating simple taverna fare for a month straight the upmarket ambience and food at Avlidonoussa restaurant near the port makes for a memorable dinner I probably drink more than I should on Donousa but it’s hardly my fault when places like Kedros beach bar exist True happiness is bumping around the island on the public minibus: up to I Drosia for lunch where ordering one of everything off the menu at Akathi Restaurant feels like the only acceptable way to spend an evening The tiny island is home to only 148 locals some of whom appear as recurring characters on our holiday There’s the Adonis-like figure jumping on the back of a garbage truck while we set out for a run in the morning later to be spotted swimming at Livadi Beach with his daughter and then again sipping on a beer at an evening concert in the town’s square The priest we see in the church courtyard one morning and then again blessing a cafè near the port the next day The elderly couple drying figs on their balcony as the sun melts into the horizon in the background I often fantasise about packing it all in and moving here to document the romantic minutiae of the inhabitants' day-to-day lives To Eat: Mixalios Grill House & Finikas in Koufonisia; Avlidonoussa Taverna Mitsos & Agnanti in Donoussa; Akathi Restaurant & I Drosia in Iraklia  To Drink: Sorokos & Mylos in Koufonisia; Kedros Beach Bar & Skantzoxoiros in Donoussa; En Lefko in Iraklia  Paralia Italida & Paralia Pori in Koufonisia; Livadi & Kalotaritissa in Donoussa; Tourkopigado & Livadi in Iraklia  To Do: Relax into the slow yet sweet pace of life; Boat taxi to hard-to-reach beaches; Beat the crowds with early morning swims   To Stay: Apollon in Koufonisia; Makares Apartments in Donoussa; Speires in Iraklia  Images: Olivia Finch Enter your details below to receive 30% off Amber Sceats jewellery +61 2 9293 0999 Suite 102, 19a Boundary StreetDarlinghurst, NSW 2010 © RUSSH Magazine 2025. All right reserved. RUSSH.com is published by RUSSH Media Pty Ltd. the team was able to figure out which waters were closest to the YInMn Blue shade The good news is that now you have a pretty solid excuse to visit Europe in the summer Pasqyra Beach in Albania (which is also known as Mirror Beach) took the gold medal and its shade of blue varies from the YInMn Blue shade by just 12.4 points Second and third place went to two Greek beaches Scoring only 13.6 points away from YInMn Blue Paralia Mpouka in Peloponnesse was named the beach flaunting the second bluest blue in the world while Corfu's Kassiopi came in third at a slightly higher difference of 14.1 from the same shade Greece was well represented in the ranking occupying seven spots out of the top 30 spots Check out the complete list of the 30 beaches with the bluest waters in the world below:1 Para Lia – Photo Credit: René Methner It’s not that often that we hear about really great German bands in North America and certainly even less frequently are we presented with information (and music) about artists hailing from the eastern part of the country Today we break down some barriers by presenting ‘Hawk Hill’ a talented guitar-based indie pop-rock duo from Cottbus located roughly 130 km southeast of Berlin Did that fact impact on the band and their music Comprised of René Methner (all instruments and vocals) and Cindy Methner (backing vocals) these musical beings were raised in a small town in a divided Germany René had learned acoustic guitar from a young age but he only finally started making music when he moved to Cottbus to attend university he started his first band and has gone through a series of other bands since then as guitarist Para Lia is the result of these two meeting up in Cottbus many years after leaving their hometown They first presented their music publicly in April 2018 “In 2017 I felt something inside musically and the inner need to let it out So I started to write songs again… She makes me feel complete So it also feels in our music,” explains Methner Cindy came into his life and the couple transformed into a marriage and the musical tandem we know today as Para Lia The new single ‘Hawk Hill’ will be released on June 14 A special Bandcamp edition also features two additional tracks: ‘Over It (single version)’ and ‘On My Way Home’ Here we feel the embers of Arcade Fire and The Mission with a more pop bent as well as sounds that ought to appeal to fans of The Last Shadow Puppets the song is full of meaning that many can identify and the tandem vocals during what seems to be a Beatles-inspired chorus are the icing on the cake “Hawk Hill is about my love/hate relationship with the small insignificant town of Falkenberg ‘Falke’ means hawk and ‘Berg’ means mountain But in fact Falkenberg has no hawks or mountains The words ‘Hawk Hill Lane’ popped into my head one day while working on a guitar riff – it was a ‘Penny Lane’ moment reminding me of the street I walked down every day to go to school The vocals reflect today’s view on a town with the same fate as many small towns in rural East Germany,“ says René Methner “After big political changes in early 90’s Germany the cash flow stopped and small towns like Falkenberg fell dormant – kind of like a dead end street You still can smell the fragrance of the past Both Cindy and I grew up in Falkenberg and even lived on the same street We met years later and understood that we’ve walked the same streets and shared the same roots – a great good omen for walking hand in hand into the future.” Para Lia’s sound is inspired by best of the ‘90s alternative scene and ‘80s goth rock – you can hear this on their new EP Processed through their own private filter their own output cleverly balances guitar and resonant synths This new single release follows hot on the trail of their debut album Soap Bubble Dreams a collection of 10 tracks that released in March 2019 “Para Lia is the most intimate music project I ever made It is just everything I was breathing in with regards to music influences in the past few decades and my personal musical development over the years… what I ultimately breath out is Para Lia a song is beautiful if it radiates something special I love good melodies and a loud and crunchy wall of sound combined with gentle harmonies,“ says René Methner As of June 14, the ‘Hawk Hill’ single is out on digital platforms, including iTunes and Spotify. The special Bandcamp exclusive edition also includes two equally strong tracks and can already be pre-ordered HERE The Big Takeover is excited to host the premiere of the fast-paced “Hawk Hill” a gritty indie rock track that runs on defiant lyrics but then rises in tone as he’s joined by Cindy Methner with her airy vocal register and lyrically perceptive track that attracts the ears in no time flat Also check out Para Lia’s recently released album Soap Bubble Dreams and support Soap Bubble Dreams by Para Lia at the three-day international tournament in Greece in Paralia.Photo: OFK Dif"The place is really pleasant Over 40 boys started the tournament and we expect a nice tournament" Cyprus and Serbia will participate in the tournament *Downloading and publishing content from the Kontakt Plus radio portal is not allowed without citing the source 14: 19Radio Kontakt Plus was founded in April 2000 It is a media that respects the rights of every citizen to truth and objective information PicNic Urban Festival returns to Thessaloniki for its 12th outing on the last weekend of September After last year’s success on the New Waterfront (Nea Paralia) the event promises more shared experiences in the heart of the city Enter your information below to receive our weekly newsletters with the latest insights opinion pieces and current events straight to your inbox Ryan Gray NINE of the ten bluest seas in the world can be found in Europe beating tropical destinations like the Maldives A new study has revealed where the world's bluest waters can be discovered and it turns out that Brits don't need to travel far to find them The research was put together by travel experts at CV Villas who wanted to finally settle the argument and reveal where in the world actually has the bluest sea To discover this, they took Google map screenshots of 200 beaches around the globe and used a colour dropper tool to compare the colour of the water to the world’s bluest shade of blue (YInMn Blue) The shade was officially declared the bluest by Oregon State University back in 2016 The beach is known around the world as Mirror Beach because of the reflective effect that can be seen on the water when the sunlight hits the surface It is considered to be a highlight of the Albanian coastline, which is quickly becoming more and more popular with tourists. The beach is found in Saranda, on the south coast of the country, and known as the capital of the Albanian Riviera. A night for two in Saranda can be booked from around £15 It's not only CV Villas who have been amazed by Mirror Beach, with some saying it's much quieter than more popular spots like Ksmail. Albania Tour Guide wrote: "Mirror beach remains quiet even in the summer months It gives you the chance to relax and feel free "The bay is surrounded by white cliffs The rocky background makes the bay feel like a secret spot." While Albania claimed top spot, there was another European country that featured in the overall top 30 more than any other In second and third place were Paralia Mpouka and Kassiopi Beach, both of which are found on the Greek mainland Greek holiday locations feature in the top 30 seven times with the pair in the top three showcasing the country's bluest waters A new study has revealed where the world's bluest waters can be discovered - here are the top 30 In fourth spot, Plage de la Vernette Beach in the south of France impressed with its waters making it one of only two French entrants in the overall list The globally renowned Paloma Beach on the French Riviera ranked 24th in the blue water rankings Rounding off the top five is Kaputas Beach in Turkey with the shoreline found in the Asian part of the country The small beach is found between Kaş and Kalkan in southwestern Turkey and can only be accessed by parking up in the mountains above and walking down 180 steps There are only three other beaches outside of Europe in the top 30, including Cannon Beach in Oregon, USA a 235-foot sea stack that rises from the middle of the incredibly blue ocean Meanwhile, Matira Beach in Bora Bora is 28th in the world for its blue shores and Argentina's Playa El Doradillo completes the top 30 One of UK beach was unfortunate not to have made the top 10, with Troon Beach on the west coast of Scotland coming in 11th The long sweeping stretch of sand is home to a popular esplanade and boasts views across to the Isle of Arran Meanwhile, these beaches have the calmest waters in the world And this stunning island has been nicknamed the "Greek Caribbean" because of its amazing beaches Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. For further details of our complaints policy and to make a complaint please click this link: thesun.co.uk/editorial-complaints/ This village reminds of a Greek island before the tourism boom Situated below the Parnonas mountain range this village reminds of a Greek island before the tourism boom The Lakonia area in the southeast Peloponnese is not lacking in beautiful seaside locations Mani is renowned for its breathtaking coastline scenery Beaches such as Alypa have attracted international media attention The Monemvasia rock is as renowned as the Rock of Gibraltar The Gythio harbour is one of Greece’s most picturesque Kyparissi is situated beyond the region’s well-known stone villages and beaches at a secluded – even for Lakonia standards – corner of the Peloponnese’s east coast This village seems like it is on the edge of the world The last part of the road includes a challenging section with bends and narrow stretches while heading down the slopes of the Parnonas mountain range offers instant gratification as soon as Kyparissi’s whitewashed two-storey houses and the Myrtoan Sea’s shoreline come into view with a total population of approximately 400 and the first of the three settlements to be encountered The other two more recent sections are coastal spots Paralia attracts the greatest number of visitors This settlement hosts most of the area’s cafes and tavernas It also features traditional whitewashed houses right up against the sea Photos of this setting have been widely published Kyparissi has gone under this name for approximately 1,000 years Kyparissi had no road connection to the rest of the Lakonia region Kyparissi was chosen as the set for filming an adaptation of a short story by esteemed 19th century Greek writer Alexandros Papadiamantis Kyparissi was a superb choice for this period series Even during the 21st century of rapid tourism growth This is what a village at a popular island destination in the Cyclades or Sporades would have looked like in the 1970s prior to the country’s big tourism boom just wide enough for one car to get through we recommend that you do not use one whilst here It is worth parking your vehicle upon arrival and moving about on foot to enjoy the nature and also view well-kept house gardens with flowers Head up the trail that is close to Vrysi and see the ancient asclepeion of Kyfanta plus the rock-hewn troughs which were filled with thermal water from the mountain Walking to the Saint George chapel is a lovely seaside stroll Do not be surprised if you spot luxury yachts off Kyparissi or at the harbour The destination was visited by Lady Diana with Dodi Fayed in the summer of 1997 shortly before they both died in the Paris car crash Contrary to the meanings of their names in Greek – “small and big sand” respectively – the two beaches are pebbled Agia Kyriaki beach is endowed with a marvellous underwater world – it is worth having a diving mask – and blue waters of mild temperature renowned Fokianos bay is one of the finest beaches in the entire Peloponnese Many coves that may be reached by private boat grace the region’s coastline Coffee and drinks with fine sea views may be enjoyed at the Maritsela café (+30 2732055397) and Molos (+30 2732055250) Petrino Kamari serves coffee and drinks at a charming yard space Ploes (+30 2732055237) and Cavo Cortia (+30 2732300414) offer exceptional fish and seafood dishes Diners preferring meat dishes will find what they need at Kamares (+30 2732300400) and Takouras (+30 2732055217) Fancy-free Greek cuisine and pizza are served at Trocandero (+30 2732 055236) Many of the restaurants and tavernas in the area feature gogges Διαβάστε ακόμα: The most blue in the world – according to research by a London travel agency the most blue sea water exists in Europe A study carried out by CV Villas last month and published in recent days shows the bluest sea water is around Albania Top beach classified is Pasqyra Beach – nicknamed ‘Mirror Beach’ because of its clear blue waters The research showed the most blue sea waters in the world are in Europe particularly in the Greek area and not in Tropical waters as many believed The study covered 200 bays around the world; the waters were compared and classified according to blue quality The Top Nine places after Pasqyra Beach were: it's about time we started making the most of the beaches near Athens These stretches of sand in western Attica have a kind of magnetism pulling in folks from every walk of life on weekends and even on weekday afternoons when the grind winds down to dive into the azure depths or simply lose themselves in a book with the scent of the sea in their nostrils and plenty of choices for a splash or a bite scattered with sunbeds and umbrellas but with enough breathing room to stake your spot you’ll want to witness the sunset that drenches the sky in a riot of purples and sets the Corinthian Gulf ablaze The ride from Athens covers about 63 km and takes an hour You’ll need to fork out €4.2 for return tolls and petrol costs will hover around the €20 mark Pull up a chair at Meltemi (Alkionidon Avenue And the menu includes a veritable banquet of seafood there’s “Paralia” (Alepochori Port also known as “Tzavaras,” a taverna that pulls no punches in delivering the freshest catch of the day and in about 15 minutes you’ll find yourself at Schinos beach it’s a slice of paradise in its own right shallow waters and a beach that could be mistaken for a compact island There’s usually ample parking and you can plant your umbrella or grab a sunbed at a beach club Past Schinos is Alkyoni beach – a more tranquil affair with a handful of umbrellas A 77 km journey on the provincial road of Megara-Alepochori will take you to Schinos which should take about 1 hour and 20 minutes They serve up a medley of fresh seafood and traditional home-cooked dishes If a summer cocktail is what you’re after Their calendar is chock-full of summer events from movie screenings to DJ sets and karaoke nights Even the cocktails pay homage to local landmarks A quick 5-minute drive northeast from Alepochori and you’re there This expansive beach covers 2.5 km and caters to every whim Whether you want a vibrant beach bar or a quiet spot under the trees That comes from the abundant aquatic plants especially the reed called “psathi” used to make local “psathas (wicker).” you’re looking at a 66 km drive along the Megara-Alepochori road 22960 52852) has got you covered with its beachside location and a mouth-watering selection of fresh seafood The crowd favourite is the “middle beach,” a pebbly delight with generous shade from tamarisks with its fine pebbles and tamarisks reaching out to the sea 22630 41808) offers an elevated dining experience overlooking the sea take the National Road of Eleusis-Thebes and expect to cover the 62 km in about 1 hour and 15 minutes KAPE: A Gorgeous Beach Oasis Near Athens Mikri Hamolia: A beach with turquoise waters only 50 minutes from central Athens Colourful underwater worlds of Pothitos, Pothitaki, islets just off the wider Athens area including some who are no longer with us.Get the latest with our exclusive in-language podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.SBSGreek News Mediterranean Village Hotel & Spa on Katerini beach of the Pieria Prefecture is among the 250 hotels around the world that won the tour operator TUI’s Quality Award The award is introduced for the first time and its assessment is based on a customer survey so it distinctively reflects the elevated class of the establishment under appraisal promotes Pieria and the Olympian coast to the international tourism market It adds one more stepping stone to the uniqueness and recognition of the Olympus region For all of us at the Mediterranean Village Hotel & Spa it represents a great honor and reinforces our commitment to work harder in the future to achieve even greater fame Mediterranean Village hotel complex lies under the shadow of the mythical Olympos mountain on the waves of the Thermaikos Bay’s beach from the Pieria side It is an ultramodern five star (5*) hotel resort the excellent hospitality and the geographical position is a strong combination since Pieria combines harmonically mountain and sea The hotel is just 700m of the town Paralia at 78 km from the port of Thessaloniki and at 85 km from the airport of Macedonia Nafplio at the epicenter of world yachting with the 10th Mediterranean Yacht Show Samaria Gorge “War Zone” – “Others Decide, We Pay the Price” Argosaronic Islands: Need for a long-term strategy and modern infrastructure FedHATTA | Tourism Bridges between Greece and the Chinese province of Guizhou Top distinctions for Greece and Santorini at the American Leisure Lifestyle Awards 2025 HOTREC | Supporting SMEs in European Hospitality Tourism | Promoting Crete in the Arabian Gulf Aegean and Emirates expand their partnership Delta | Athens is in 5th place in American searches for 2025 Promotion of Preveza on the metro and tram in Athens TripAdvisor Awards 2025 | Elafonisi Beach World's Best Beach - 9th in Crete, Sani Beach Award 12th BAJAGREECE: Motorsports Competition in Western Macedonia Crete also invests in cycling tourism - 13th Pediadas Tour Competitions with a summer and autumn backdrop: Attica runs at the pace of sports ATM'25 - Tourism | The fight against food waste at the forefront of sustainable development easyJet holidays | Fam trips to Santorini, Skiathos and Rhodes Chania: The next actions of the “Tourism Partnership” Navarino Challenge returns on May 9-11, 2025 Cruise Takeoff in Chania – Record Arrivals in the First Quarter of 2025 Three Greek beaches among the world’s 50 best – Triumph for the Ionian The “Typhoon” that saves the Greek coasts from garbage EOT at the “Arabian Travel Market” | Interest from Gulf countries, India, and Australia CERT to manage Vasilitsa Ski Resort – Investment of over 20 million euros Is American tourism in Europe “slowing down”? What do professionals see for 2025 and 2026 This is Athens & Partners | The 7 partners renew their collaboration - the joint actions FedHATTA: Dynamic presence of Greek travel agencies at the international Dubai exhibition ATM 2025 Ryanair announces new offer for Prime members on June flights Thomas Ellerbeck | “Rhodes can become a model of sustainable tourism internationally” The Times | The perfect time to experience the authentic side of Santorini Chania: The Alternative Tourism Festival returns to the Venetian Port Angela Gerekou: "Tourism is a force for good and Greece can play a leading role" New flights to Greece in 2025 from 4 airlines Crete welcomes Reveil 12 – Festival of Sounds and Ecology Greek tourism - 3rd quarter | 97% of arrivals in Athens and Thessaloniki Modernization aid for the marinas of Symi and Messolonghi HOTREC Assembly: Focus on challenges and reforms in European tourism AEGEAN 2025: Passenger growth and fleet expansion with an eye on the international market FedHATTA Cooperation with Shaanxi Province, China Greek academic in finalists of European Sustainable Energy Awards 2025 Thessaloniki museums join forces to promote the city GNTO introduces “Sustainable Greece” to British Agents Strategic meeting for cruises in Santorini A message of friendship and cooperation at the friendly Greek-Turkish football match in Chios Municipality of Xiromero | Diving tourism: Request for sinking of a decommissioned warship The first La Quinta by Wyndham in Batumi, Georgia Double racing event in Megalopolis on May 11: Festival Enduro and Theater Run 2025 Explora Journeys: Start of the summer season with the luxurious EXPLORA I from Piraeus Strong start in 2025 for Aegean and SKY Express Xanthi Tastes: A Gastronomy Festival with a Cultural Flavor Rhodes: These are the five-star hotels with the highest revenue – Which ones “fill up” first Greek Tourism/Webhotelier: The Winners and Losers in Online Bookings for 2025 GNTO | Promotion of Santorini in target markets Unprecedented blackout in Spain, Portugal, France Greece can play a leading role in the global sports tourism scene Rhodes | Event for the protection of biodiversity Attica, the …Caribbean of the Germans Agios Nikolaos | Cruise season kicks off with arrival of luxury Silver Spirit Operational Plan: “Cretan Food Culture 2026-2030” Destination Management and Promotion Organization in Thessaloniki Kefalonia: The authentic character of the island through the “Travel Reimagined” project Hoteliers vs. Booking.com: The European uprising has begun Tourism | Greece 4th choice for Europeans' holidays in 2025 - what the ETC survey shows New high-standard heated swimming pool in Chania, aimed at sports tourism Greeks Traveled (A Lot!) in 2024 – Where They Went, How Much They Spent Greek-American Dean Spanos brings the NFL to Greece – Opportunities for promotion in the USA Lesvos: The season begins with birdwatching tourists MSC Cruises: Strengthens its presence in Greece with 6 cruise ships New Luxury Arrival in Crete | JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa Opens on June 2 "Peloponnese Trails" inaugurated today: New network of trails for sustainable tourism Knossos: 125 years since the excavations of Arthur Evans The Spanish TV show “Viajeros Cuatro” in Corfu Wyndham - Soliteight | 40 Super 8 hotels in Spain and Portugal Airbnb: Final price now displayed in accommodation searches Investments in the beaches of the Attica Riviera The Municipality of Chania at the “From Crete to Side” Festival in Turkey Region of Central Macedonia: Tourism Promotion Activities in Poland and the Middle East Region of Crete | Connecting Minoan Palatial Centers with Archaeological Sites Biodiversity protection plan is in full swing in Elafonisi Record participation in the ATHENA International Olive Oil Competition | Chania 8 - 10 May Communities at the heart of tourism development Booking.com | No to limiting tourists, yes to infrastructure investments Thessaloniki’s dynamic presence at the World Tourism Summit in Hong Kong easyJet | Summer 2026 sales open Cruise | Turkey doubles its share, new opportunities for Greek ports Aid for the upgrade of the tourist shelter of Astakos and the Marina of Alimos Preparing the settlement of Kionia for the tourist season: An example to follow The action of the region of Crete "Let's go for... Greens" concludes this weekend “Art is our Language”: Campaign for the 70th Anniversary of the Athens Epidaurus Festival Tourism | Nostalgia drives Brits’ travel choices ΕΟΤ China | B2B meetings with Chengdu's t.os - Flights to Athens in June State-of-the-art conference center at Theartemis Palace Hotel in Rethymno Zagori: Collaboration with Impact Hub Athens for sustainable tourism and innovation Cooperation Memorandum between Development Athens and Piraeus University on Tourism Kos: New advertising campaigns with Jet2 and National Geographic Traveller UK Five cruise ships in Souda by Saturday Imbros Trail Run & Hike 2025: A sporting tribute to the History of Sfakia Cultural Days and Sea Routes in Piraeus Religious Tourism | The University of Palermo comes to Panagia Nafpaktiotissa Audio Walk in the Sitia Geopark: A Different Exploration Experience in Crete AEGEAN “takes off” Larnaca with a new direct flight to Rome Nafplio at the epicenter of world yachting with the 10th Mediterranean Yacht Show TripAdvisor Awards 2025 | Elafonisi Beach World's Best Beach - 9th in Crete, Sani Beach Award What the Israeli Ambassador discussed at the Chania Chamber Samaria Gorge “War Zone” – “Others Decide, We Pay the Price” Top distinctions for Greece and Santorini at the American Leisure Lifestyle Awards 2025 FedHATTA | Tourism Bridges between Greece and the Chinese province of Guizhou HOTREC | Supporting SMEs in European Hospitality North Macedonia: Increase in foreign tourists in 2024 ATM'25 - Tourism | The fight against food waste at the forefront of sustainable development Greece's Permanent Delegation to UNESCO organizing concert on January 16 PM at 1st Greece-Saudi Arabia High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council on Monday What to expect at this year’s ITB Berlin Exhibition from March 4-6 Athens to host the European Film Awards in 2027 German tourism: Advance bookings are the new "last-minute" Argosaronic Islands: Need for a long-term strategy and modern infrastructure ELSTAT: Hospitality enterprises' turnover grows 28.6% in Greece during Q1 Tourism | Promoting Crete in the Arabian Gulf Alonissos tops the list of Greek destinations without mass tourism Athens Municipality Festival 2025 | The city's biggest celebration, with more than 200 events Tri-city winter luncheon unites upstate New York Philoptochos chapters Delta | Athens is in 5th place in American searches for 2025 Greek tourism sets new records in 2024: 36 million visitors and €22 billion revenue The 20 "loudest" luxury hotel arrivals in Greece in 2025 Aegean and Emirates expand their partnership Direct connection of Chania airport to Israel to be strengthened Paralia is open in Sifnos! Housed in a former pottery factory, the building was restored by the brainchild team behind the island’s beloved Verina Astra hotel and Bostani Bar and Restaurant “It’s a nostalgic throwback to the innocence of our childhood summers,” said Isidora Chandeli the relaxed ambience of Paralia combines references from traditional Greek summer with striped deck chairs one might find along the French Riviera yet with an unfussed vibe of 80’s surf culture Paralia melds the food truck with the beach as visitors order their own food at Paralia’s counter “The whole feel is very egalitarian and easy It’s as summer should be,” said Chandeli.  An open-air dining space provides tables to sit and chat for hours open space with deck and lounge chairs provides easy access to the beach “Nobody bothers you here,” said Chandeli drag your chair closer to the sea when the sun is at its higest and then take in the violet hues that mark our sunsets here in Sifnos Chef Nikos Thomas (also behind the carte at Bostani restaurant which Verina operates) is the creative force behind the street-food menu that the self-service canteen offers Prepared with high quality ingredients sourced from all over Greece easy food – Sifnian chickpea falafel fish or meat are served on local earthenware while paper cones overflow with fried calamari and daily cold dishes and colorful salads round out the ever-changing chalkboard menu.  Libations were created by Tasos Korakis who has put together a cocktail menu ranging from the classics Paralia is open daily from 10am to midnight “I didn’t know what hit me – I was dragged 20 yards sideways I was wearing a seatbelt,” says the 48-year-old driver who survived a collision with a train at a level crossing in Paralia the driver was discharged from the hospital and spoke to pelop.gr about the incident “I take this route every day for work Visibility after the STOP sign is non-existent because of the thick vegetation I would have been hit head-on and killed.” but the hard way.” He added that he only heard the train’s horn at the moment of impact: “There was no prolonged signalling especially near a school just 100 yards away where parents and children cross every day.” “The only thing I thought about was my family—how they would survive if I didn’t make it What you see in movies—that’s exactly how it felt.” the driver tried to break open the car door to escape Reports indicate that the 48-year-old intends to take legal action following the incident “During route 11352 from Patras to Kato Achaia collided with a vehicle attempting to cross a level crossing where the protective barriers were raised.” It was clarified that a prior indication led the train driver to halt the train temporarily for immediate repairs This brief stop disrupted the timing sensor system that controls the barriers’ operation the train engineer reduced speed and continuously sounded the warning horn Police and ambulance services promptly arrived on the scene The vehicle’s driver was taken to the hospital with minor injuries and the five train passengers were unharmed and subsequent routes 11354 and 11355 were replaced by buses Follow en.protothema.gr on Google News and be the first to know all the news See all the latest News from Greece and the World, the moment they happen, at en.protothema.gr