TESOL
Course in Greece
Why
TESOL in Greece?
The word “Greece” conjures up images of azure blue waters of the
Mediterranean, sun-kissed days, vibrant nights; white washed building
glistening in the sun, Adonis like men and Venus like women.
An ancient culture that has withstood the test of time. It has given the
world Aristotle’s philosophy, Herodotus’ History, education of the
Spartans, democracy of Athens, the Helen of Troy, great literature and
of course the Olympic games.
Greece is a treasure trove of history, philosophy, art, architecture and
culture waiting to be explored and unfolding something new and
fascinating at every turn or corner.
What is the attraction?
The archeological excavation on the hill of Skarkos prove that Ios has
been inhabited since the early Cycladic period. The Ionians came and
settled to the island in 1050 B.C Ios has been named after the violets
(Greek "ion") that cover the countryside in spring. The island has an
enchanting history of being occupied and attacked by various rulers and
kingdoms.
Ios island in Greece is a famous for its golden beaches and its unique
Aegean architecture. It is well known for its vibrant life, lively
people and endless fun.
To enjoy the beauty of Hora, it is better to walk through streets during
day.
During sunset the view from Panaghia Gremiotissa, the highest spot of
the village, takes your breat away. Behind the beautiful whitewashed
windmills is the outdoor amphitheatre where some concerts and plays are
performed during summer.
The ruins of the Venetian castle, on the top of the hill provides a
beautiful view of the village. Like most of Greece Hora has been able to
retain its traditional character and has been proclaimed a preserved
settlement.
What is in it for you?
Ios Town (Chora, Hora), the most frequented area of Ios, is located on
the western side of the island. It is a typical Cycladic town that
includes all the picture postcard island features like whitewashed
houses, cobblestone alleys, windmills and churches with domed roofs,
although it is also packed with all types of entertainment venues,
making it an area of endless fun.
Ios or Nios (Ios Greece) -as it is called by the locals, has excellent
sandy beaches and hundreds chapels. It is well know for its nightlife
and attracts the ole and young. If you the kind who dances away the
night then Ios island is for you.
According to Herodotus, Ios was the home of Homer mother Clymene, and
the burial place for Homer. On 15th of May each year, the Homer festival
-Homeria takes place in Ios Island and a flame is carried from the port
to his tomb in Plakoto.
On the tourist map
Hora Town is the island's capital, and one of the finest towns in
Cyclades. It is built on the top of a hill, with medieval castle, white
washed houses, maze streets, churches and a dozen of windmills
reminiscent of the past era. There are remains of the walls of the
ancient city and there are ruins of the Temple of Apollo, close to Agia
Aekaterini church. At the top of Hora is the chapel of Agios Nikolaos
and under the castle the church of Panagia Gremiotissa.
There is an Archaeological Museum which is a wonderful place to visit.
Once you are done with the heavy historical inputs you can unwind at
numerous bars and discos in Hora, each one offering a different style of
entertainment.
In Agia Theodoti one can see the remains of an ancient aqueduct and from
a Hellenistic period tower. In the area are some excellent sandy beaches
with taverns and rooms to let.
Mylopotas is the best beach of the island and one of the best in the
Aegean. It is 1 Km long, wide with fine golden sand. There are bars,
tavernas and rooms to let. There is a frequent bus service.
Yialos is Ios' port, 2Km from Hora. Yialos is quieter than hora and has
a sandy beach. Close to Yialos are Koubara and Kolitsani beaches.
the area has a great variety of restaurants with a wide choice of bars
and occasionally with live musicians.
Evening and night life
Ios is an island of non stop fun. Taverns, cafes, and countless bars and
disco/bars keep the island busy almost 24 hours a day.
Weekend excursions
The four most popular islands close to Ios are Chios, Lemnos, Lesbos and
Samos, all of which lie fairly far apart in the waters of the northeast
Aegean. It is possible to reach each of these islands by ferry from
Piraeus.
Chios is an unexploited island which has excellent beaches, unspoilt
medieval towns and stunning landscapes. The north side of the island is
dominated by Pelinio, a high volcanic mountain. The capital and main
port, Chios Town, lies on the eastern shore. Several of the towns
churches, which date back to Byzantine times, were converted into
mosques by the Turks, but have since resumed their Christian function.
The Byzantine Museum is housed in a former 19th-century mosque. The
inland villages on the south side of the island have conserved a
medieval appearance, the best examples being Pirgi and Mesta. Pirgi is
unique in that all the building facades are decorated with grey and
white geometric designs, known as xista. The settlement of Mesta is made
up of narrow winding streets and traditional cottages, many of which
offer tourist accommodation, plus a fine Byzantine church.
There is an airport, providing daily flights to and from Athens.
Samos is an island of forested hills, olive groves, vineyards and
meadows. The Archaeological Museum displays finds from Heraion, an
ancient sanctuary located on the southeast coast. Pythagorio, a lively
fishing port and tourist resort, was known as Tigani until 1955, when it
was renamed in honour of its best known citizen, the philosopher and
mathematician, Pythagoras. From Samos Town a good asphalt road runs the
length of the northern coast to Potami, passing through the picturesque
villages of Kokari, Tsamadou and Avlakia, each of which have good
beaches close by, and Karlovassi, renowned for its excellent sweet wine.
There is an airport, providing daily flights to and from Athens.
Lesbos, home of the ancient poet Sappho, is the largest island in this
group, with vast olive groves, shady pinewoods, good beaches and
picturesque monasteries. The capital, Mitilini, is dominated by a
14th-century castle, and has a nearby beach with good facilities. There
are more good beaches at Agios Issidoros, Petra, Skala Eftalou and
Vateron and along the Gulf of Kaloni on the south coast of the island.
At Loutropoli Thermis, there are therapeutic springs which have been
known since antiquity. Mithimna (Molivos), on the north of the island,
is popular with artists and has a fine pebble beach.
There is an airport, providing daily flights to and from Athens.
Lemnos is still relatively unknown to most tourists. Mirina, its
capital, is built on the site of an ancient city of the same name and
has an Archaeological Museum housing exhibits from around the island.
The hilltop castle, extended successively by the Venetians, Genovese and
Turks, offers wonderful views. North of the town, close to the village
of Kaspakas, lies Kaspakas Bay with several excellent sand beaches.
Likewise, south of town, close to the village of Plati, lies the Bay of
Plati and another large sand beach. To the east of the island, ancient
ruins are found at Poliohni and Ifestia.
There is an airport, providing daily flights to and from Athens.
For specific information about studying and working in Greece
contact us here.
About our TEFL Location
TEFL International Future Continuous – ELC is in Chora – Ios on 84001
Cyclades, Greece.
It is an EFL School on Ios which is a four-hour ferry ride from Athens
located in the Cyclades chain, immediately south of the Greek mainland.
From the Town Port it is a twenty minute walk to the school.
Connectivity
There is a frequent bus service between the port Yialos and Mylopotas
via Hora. There is also a bus service between Yialos and Ag. Theodoti.
Excursions by bus to Manganari beach or Ag. Theodoti beach can be booked
in all travel agents. Motor bikes and cars are available for hire. Taxis
are also available.
Weather
The Mediterranean climate is what the world craves for as it has no
extremes.
Ios is mostly dry all year long. In summer the temperature can reach 38
degrees Celsius but the sea breeze keeps it cool. Spring and fall are
generally quite comfortable with temperatures in the high 20’s.Winter
can reach 15 degrees and it is advisable you bring a sweater or light
jacket.
|