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Athens The ancient site of the city is centered on the rocky hill of the Acropolis. In ancient times the port of Piraeus (modern name Pireas) was a separate city, but it has now been absorbed into greater Athens. The rapid expansion of the city initiated in the 50's and 60's continues today, especially towards the East and North East (a tendency that is greatly related to the new Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport and Attiki Odos, the freeway that cuts across Attica). By this process, Athens has engulfed many former suburbs and villages in Attica and continues to do so. |  |
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Corfu Corfiots are great lovers of music. In the past, people used to join in the singing of the cantades (καντάδες), impromptu choral songs in two, three or four voices, usually accompanied by a guitar. The music bands (Philharmonic orchestras, Φιλαρμονικές) that also provide free instruction in music are still popular and they still attract young recruits. Nowadays given the rigours of modern life that has not spared Corfu society, cantades (deriving from the italian cantare meaning to sing) are only performed by professional singers mainly as tourist attractions. Corfu Town is home to three famous, top notch marching brass bands, the dark red-uniformed Philharmonic Society of Corfu or Old Philharmonic or Palia, the blue-uniformed Mantzaros Philharmonic and the bright red and black-uniformed Capodistria Philharmonic. |  |
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Mykonos The nightlife of Mykonos is considered by many to be among the best in Europe. Mykonos is often rated among the top clubbing destinations in the Mediterranean, along with Ibiza, Ayia Napa and Rimini. Mykonos also attracts world-famous DJs to its beach bars the most well-known of which are Paradise, Super Paradise and Paranga. In addition, Mykonos is a gay-friendly resort area during the summer, featuring several gay clubs. Mykonos nightlife focuses mainly on bars rather than clubs, yet there are notable clubs also. |  |
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Santorini Santorini is home to a small but flourishing wine industry, based on the indigenous grape variety, Assyrtiko. Assyrtiko vines are extremely old, as they are resistant to phylloxera and have consequently not needed to be replaced during the great phylloxera epidemic of the early 20th century. They are adopted to their native habitat by being planted far apart and their principal source of moisture is dew. They are trained in the shape of baskets, with the grapes hanging inside to protect them from the winds. Also unique is the red, sweet and extremely strong Vinsanto. |  |
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