Saturday, 27 December 2014

'The Wire' locations, then and now






Stuck inside this holiday with nothing in front of you but hours of "A Christmas Story" on a loop? (Not that that's a bad thing!) If you need a diversion from the seasonal programming -- or a diversion from seasonal guests -- we won't judge. Here are some suggestions to distract yourself over the holiday break. Our first pick is <strong>"The Wire." </strong>If you missed it during its five-season run on HBO, it's better to be late to David Simon's masterpiece than never to have witnessed a virtually perfect TV series. HBO is showing it remastered in high definition through December 31Stuck inside this holiday with nothing in front of you but hours of "A Christmas Story" on a loop? (Not that that's a bad thing!) If you need a diversion from the seasonal programming -- or a diversion from seasonal guests -- we won't judge. Here are some suggestions to distract yourself over the holiday break. Our first pick is "The Wire." If you missed it during its five-season run on HBO, it's better to be late to David Simon's masterpiece than never to have witnessed a virtually perfect TV series. HBO is showing it remastered in high definition through December 31

Our second pick is obvious: Netflix's <strong>"House of Cards."</strong> Between Kevin Spacey, Robin Wright, an easy-to-binge format and a third season launching February 27, this should be at the top of your "to-do" list. Click through for 14 more ideas:Our second pick is obvious: Netflix's "House of Cards." Between Kevin Spacey, Robin Wright, an easy-to-binge format and a third season launching February 27, this should be at the top of your "to-do" list. Click through for 14 more ideas:

<strong>"Broad City": </strong>To ward off the holiday blues, cruise through the 10-episode first season of this excellent Comedy Central breakout hit. You'll wonder why you haven't been paying more attention to Ilana Glazer, left, and Abbi Jacobson, and will immediately pencil the second season's January 14 premiere into your calendar. "Broad City": To ward off the holiday blues, cruise through the 10-episode first season of this excellent Comedy Central breakout hit. You'll wonder why you haven't been paying more attention to Ilana Glazer, left, and Abbi Jacobson, and will immediately pencil the second season's January 14 premiere into your calendar.

<strong>"True Detective":</strong> From its premiere in January, HBO's "True Detective" took off like wildfire. You're used to seeing Matthew McConaughey, left, and Woody Harrelson in more comedic roles, but they nail their characterizations as Louisiana detectives haunted by a gruesome murder. "True Detective": From its premiere in January, HBO's "True Detective" took off like wildfire. You're used to seeing Matthew McConaughey, left, and Woody Harrelson in more comedic roles, but they nail their characterizations as Louisiana detectives haunted by a gruesome murder.

<strong>"Orange Is the New Black":</strong> Critics have hailed Netflix's "Orange Is the New Black" as one of their favorite shows of 2014, and with good reason. The premise doesn't sound funny -- a middle-class woman is sent to a prison filled with some rather unique inmates -- but the dark comedy from "Weeds" creator Jenji Kohan has as much humor as it does heart. Even better, the second season is just as rich and binge-worthy as the first."Orange Is the New Black": Critics have hailed Netflix's "Orange Is the New Black" as one of their favorite shows of 2014, and with good reason. The premise doesn't sound funny -- a middle-class woman is sent to a prison filled with some rather unique inmates -- but the dark comedy from "Weeds" creator Jenji Kohan has as much humor as it does heart. Even better, the second season is just as rich and binge-worthy as the first.

<strong>"Transparent": </strong>Score one for Amazon original programming. The Jeffrey Tambor-led comedy "Transparent," about a dysfunctional Los Angeles famiily with some major secrets, has received rave reviews and awards season nods to match. "Transparent": Score one for Amazon original programming. The Jeffrey Tambor-led comedy "Transparent," about a dysfunctional Los Angeles famiily with some major secrets, has received rave reviews and awards season nods to match.

<strong>"The Americans": </strong>Matthew Rhys and Keri Russell are captivating in this FX '80s-era series about a pair of Russian spies undercover as suburban American parents. With season three on the way on January 28, now is the perfect time to get lost in this suspenseful drama. "The Americans": Matthew Rhys and Keri Russell are captivating in this FX '80s-era series about a pair of Russian spies undercover as suburban American parents. With season three on the way on January 28, now is the perfect time to get lost in this suspenseful drama.

<strong>"Being Mary Jane": </strong>If you weren't paying attention in 2013, you might have missed this dramedy from "Girlfriends" creator Mara Brock Akil. It stars Gabrielle Union as the famous face of a cable news network whose life is far less polished behind the scenes. The eight episodes of the first season fly by, and will leave you hungry for the start of the second season on February 3."Being Mary Jane": If you weren't paying attention in 2013, you might have missed this dramedy from "Girlfriends" creator Mara Brock Akil. It stars Gabrielle Union as the famous face of a cable news network whose life is far less polished behind the scenes. The eight episodes of the first season fly by, and will leave you hungry for the start of the second season on February 3.

<strong>"BoJack Horseman": </strong>If you've wondered why you're not getting enough Will Arnett in your life, you can easily remedy that with this Netflix original series. Yes, this comedy's animated, but no it's not for kids -- and the humor is more sophisticated than you're thinking. "BoJack Horseman": If you've wondered why you're not getting enough Will Arnett in your life, you can easily remedy that with this Netflix original series. Yes, this comedy's animated, but no it's not for kids -- and the humor is more sophisticated than you're thinking.

<strong>"Luther":</strong> With official word that a fourth season of this addictive British crime drama will arrive in the UK sometime in 2015, it's time to revisit the first three seasons. Idris Elba, right, makes his mark in the starring role of morally complex detective John Luther. "Luther": With official word that a fourth season of this addictive British crime drama will arrive in the UK sometime in 2015, it's time to revisit the first three seasons. Idris Elba, right, makes his mark in the starring role of morally complex detective John Luther.

<strong>"Sherlock": </strong>"Luther" isn't the only British import you should spend time with this holiday. Star Benedict Cumberbatch, right, who plays Sherlock Holmes to Martin Freeman's Watson, has been lining up plenty of movie work lately, but his take on this classic character remains one of our favorites. If you haven't yet bought into the Cumberbatch love, this will do it."Sherlock": "Luther" isn't the only British import you should spend time with this holiday. Star Benedict Cumberbatch, right, who plays Sherlock Holmes to Martin Freeman's Watson, has been lining up plenty of movie work lately, but his take on this classic character remains one of our favorites. If you haven't yet bought into the Cumberbatch love, this will do it.

<strong>"Black-ish": </strong>All of the worry about whether ABC's new fall comedy "Black-ish" would hit its mark have been soothed after an entertaining stretch of the first season episodes. If you've been missing out on this Anthony Anderson comedy, which stars the actor as the patriarch of a family that he frets will lose its cultural identity, use the holiday as an excuse to watch all 10 episodes that have aired. "Black-ish": All of the worry about whether ABC's new fall comedy "Black-ish" would hit its mark have been soothed after an entertaining stretch of the first season episodes. If you've been missing out on this Anthony Anderson comedy, which stars the actor as the patriarch of a family that he frets will lose its cultural identity, use the holiday as an excuse to watch all 10 episodes that have aired.

<strong>"Downton Abbey":</strong> If you're late to the "Downton Abbey" party, the holiday week is the perfect time to catch up before the fifth season arrives on PBS on January 4. You'll have to commit -- there are four seasons of this addictive British drama to get through -- but it'll be worth it if only finally to understand those Dowager Countess jokes. "Downton Abbey": If you're late to the "Downton Abbey" party, the holiday week is the perfect time to catch up before the fifth season arrives on PBS on January 4. You'll have to commit -- there are four seasons of this addictive British drama to get through -- but it'll be worth it if only finally to understand those Dowager Countess jokes.

<strong>"Game of Thrones": </strong>This year, the HBO epic surpassed "The Sopranos" as the most popular series in the network's history. If you have yet to delve into this saga based on George R.R. Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire" books -- or if you could just use a refresher course -- the holiday break is the perfect time to tune in before the fifth season arrives."Game of Thrones": This year, the HBO epic surpassed "The Sopranos" as the most popular series in the network's history. If you have yet to delve into this saga based on George R.R. Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire" books -- or if you could just use a refresher course -- the holiday break is the perfect time to tune in before the fifth season arrives.

<strong>"Breaking Bad":</strong> Sometimes, TV fans don't know what we've got until it's gone. In the case of "Breaking Bad," the sheer brilliance of the AMC drama didn't truly come into full view until it ended with its fifth season in 2013."Breaking Bad": Sometimes, TV fans don't know what we've got until it's gone. In the case of "Breaking Bad," the sheer brilliance of the AMC drama didn't truly come into full view until it ended with its fifth season in 2013.








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  • HBO is showing a marathon of hit series "The Wire"

  • Baltimore Sun reporter Justin Fenton is sharing now-and-then images from "The Wire"




(CNN) -- Fans of the HBO hit series "The Wire" have two ways to revisit the streets of Baltimore this week.


Coinciding with a five-day marathon of the complete series remastered in high definition, Baltimore Sun reporter Justin Fenton is visiting locations from David Simon's critically acclaimed drama.


Wondering what the fictional neighborhood of Hamsterdam looks in real life? How has Marlo's spot withstood the test of time? Time permitting, Fenton has been taking fan requests to visit locations on his lunch break, take pictures of them and share them on Twitter.


Here are a few of the spots Fenton has hit so far.





































At least one fan joined in the fun by sharing past and present images of the bar where Frank and Nick Sobotka spent time with fellow longshoremen. "Good but points deducted for Zillow," Fenton said.







Are you a fan of "The Wire"? Which scenes would would you like to see?



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Priest's body found on Christmas





  • A priest was found shot in the head in Guerrero state on Christmas Day, his diocese says

  • He'd been kidnapped a few days earlier by unidentified men, church officials say

  • Guerrero State is cartel territory where 43 students went missing three months ago

  • Priests protested on Christmas Eve with signs saying "Ya Basta" ("Enough Already")




(CNN) -- A missing priest in violence-plagued Guerrero state was found dead in an alley on Christmas Day, his diocese said.


The Rev. Gregorio Lopez Gorostieta, who was forced out of his truck and kidnapped by unidentified men days before, had been shot in the head, according to the Diocese of Altamirano.


"We are tired of pain and delinquency, injustice and corruption," said Bishop Maximino Martinez Miranda. "We want the incidents to be clarified, as well as the death of so many people in Guerrero state. We live in a moment of violence."


No suspects or motives are known.


"There is a moment when priests come out to reclaim justice for the people, and that perhaps does not please everyone," the bishop said. "There are many hypotheses. We are leaving this in the hands of the corresponding authorities."


Guerrero is drug cartel territory. Ciudad Altamirano is about a two-hour drive from Iguala, the city where 43 students from a rural teachers college went missing three months ago.


Authorities believe the students were taken by police in Iguala and turned over to gang members. The gang members killed the students, burned the bodies and dumped some of them them in a river, authorities allege.


Lopez is the second priest from the diocese found dead since September.


Father Ascension Acuna Osorio, whose body was found floating in a river, had been serving in a church an hour's drive from the Cathedral Altamirano. Authorities are still investigating his death, according to the diocese.


On Christmas Eve, the night before Lopez's body was found and his death announced by the diocese, fellow priests had held a protest against the violence and called for his release. They carried signs that read "Ya Basta" ("Enough Already").



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Party-pooping Putin cancels holidays





  • Vladimir Putin says government cannot afford to take holiday vacation this year

  • President says economic woes not just the fault of the West

  • Russia's battered economy 'also the result of our own shortcomings'




(CNN) -- Vladimir Putin delivered a lump of coal in the Kremlin's stocking this year when he announced Thursday that he has canceled holiday vacations for members of the government.


Russia's President delivered the bad news at a December 25 meeting he convened of his government, but for those thinking that his timing was merely the diabolical twist of a maniacal scrooge, Christmas is celebrated in Russia on January 7, the traditional date in the Eastern Orthodox Church.


"The Government and its various structures cannot afford such extensive holidays, at least not this year," Putin told government ministers in a speech broadcast on state television. "You know what I am talking about."




Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks during his annual press conference in Moscow on December 18, 2014.

Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks during his annual press conference in Moscow on December 18, 2014.






Putin makes a scrooge move

He was talking about Russia's battered economy.


"We have been making efforts to change the structure of our economy, to refine it and make it more innovative ... quite a lot has been done in this direction," he said. "However, recent events show that this is not enough."


It was a change in tone from just a week ago, when Putin largely blamed the West for Russia's woes, even suggesting a U.S.-Saudi conspiracy theory to bring down oil prices at his annual press conference.


At Thursday's meeting, however, the President admitted at least some fault


"The difficulties we have come across are not only of an external type. They are not only due to some sanctions or limitations caused by the global market situation -- they are also the result of our own shortcomings that have piled up over the years."



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Hackers claim PlayStation attack





  • NEW: PlayStation, Xbox had 'network issues' well into Friday

  • Hacker group 'Lizard Squad' has claimed responsibility

  • Lizard Squad has a history of going after Sony

  • In August, it may have managed to divert a flight carrying Sony exec




(CNN) -- Disrupted PlayStation and Xbox networks frustrated gamers much of Friday, one day after going down on one of the busiest gaming days of the year.


Neither Sony or Microsoft, which own PlayStation and Xbox, respectively, have had much to say about the outages that have kept millions of its gamers from playing one another online, but there were signs Friday evening that it may soon be resolved.


At 2:16 a.m Friday, Microsoft's verified @XboxSupport account tweeted "Some Xbox One users may currently be experiencing issues signing into Xbox Live," and directed users to its service website for the latest.


Sony's official PlayStation support Twitter account posted at 2:30 a.m. ET, "Our engineers are continuing to work hard to resolve the network issues users have experienced today. Thanks for your continued patience."


More than 14 hours later, at 5:10 p.m, it tweeted pretty much the same thing. "Update: We are working to restore full network services for all platforms -- thanks, as always, for your patience!









The 20th Anniversary PlayStation 4 comes in the gray color of the original PlayStation and bears other imagery harking back to the history of the console. Only 12,300 will be released globally, a nod to 12/3, or December 3, the date the console was released in Japan in 1994. Here's a look at the console through the years.The 20th Anniversary PlayStation 4 comes in the gray color of the original PlayStation and bears other imagery harking back to the history of the console. Only 12,300 will be released globally, a nod to 12/3, or December 3, the date the console was released in Japan in 1994. Here's a look at the console through the years.



The original PlayStation was a 32-bit console released in Japan on December 3, 1994 and in North America and elsewhere in September of the following year. It sold for $299 and became the first gaming console to ship more than 10 million units over the next decade.The original PlayStation was a 32-bit console released in Japan on December 3, 1994 and in North America and elsewhere in September of the following year. It sold for $299 and became the first gaming console to ship more than 10 million units over the next decade.



Pop superstar Michael Jackson plays Sony's then-new PlayStation in May 1995 as Sony Corp of America CEO Michael Schulhof, left, and Phil Harrison of Sony Computer Entertainment-Europe look on. This photo was taken at the Electronic Entertainment Expo in Los Angeles.Pop superstar Michael Jackson plays Sony's then-new PlayStation in May 1995 as Sony Corp of America CEO Michael Schulhof, left, and Phil Harrison of Sony Computer Entertainment-Europe look on. This photo was taken at the Electronic Entertainment Expo in Los Angeles.



The PlayStation's sequel, the PlayStation 2, wasn't released until 2000. It upgraded to a 128-bit "Emotion Engine" CPU and added support for CD-ROMs. It would go on to sell more than 155 million units and run more than 3,870 game titles.The PlayStation's sequel, the PlayStation 2, wasn't released until 2000. It upgraded to a 128-bit "Emotion Engine" CPU and added support for CD-ROMs. It would go on to sell more than 155 million units and run more than 3,870 game titles.



Sony PlayStation fans wait in line to purchase the new Sony PlayStation 2 on October 25, 2000 at the Sony Metreon in San Francisco, California. Crowds began waiting at 6:30 a.m. for the $299 game console which went on sale at midnight. PlayStation 2 remains the top-selling video-game console of all time.Sony PlayStation fans wait in line to purchase the new Sony PlayStation 2 on October 25, 2000 at the Sony Metreon in San Francisco, California. Crowds began waiting at 6:30 a.m. for the $299 game console which went on sale at midnight. PlayStation 2 remains the top-selling video-game console of all time.



The PlayStation 3 was released in November 2006. It was the first console to use Blu-Ray disc storage and utilized the online PlayStation Network. Such was the excitement for the new console that there were reports of fans fighting for spaces in line in advance of its release.The PlayStation 3 was released in November 2006. It was the first console to use Blu-Ray disc storage and utilized the online PlayStation Network. Such was the excitement for the new console that there were reports of fans fighting for spaces in line in advance of its release.



Gaming fans play PlayStation 3's Hitman Absolution at the E3 videogame extravaganza in Los Angeles on June7, 2012. Some 45,700 video game industry professionals, investor analysts, retailers and journalists from over a hundered countries attended the expo.Gaming fans play PlayStation 3's Hitman Absolution at the E3 videogame extravaganza in Los Angeles on June7, 2012. Some 45,700 video game industry professionals, investor analysts, retailers and journalists from over a hundered countries attended the expo.



The PlayStation 3 was first announced at the Electronic Entertainment Expo in 2005, and was released in late 2006. It was originally available with 20 and 60 GB hard drives, but later, gamers could buy up to 500 GB of storage for the machinesThe PlayStation 3 was first announced at the Electronic Entertainment Expo in 2005, and was released in late 2006. It was originally available with 20 and 60 GB hard drives, but later, gamers could buy up to 500 GB of storage for the machines



The PS4 heralded the console world's move into multi-media, offering a Blu-ray player as well as the ability to stream Web video from apps like Netflix. Launched in November 2013, its computing power and graphics were significantly advanced from previous models.The PS4 heralded the console world's move into multi-media, offering a Blu-ray player as well as the ability to stream Web video from apps like Netflix. Launched in November 2013, its computing power and graphics were significantly advanced from previous models.



Joey Chiu, 24, of Brooklyn, left, buys the first PlayStation 4 sold in North America at a launch event presented by Sony Entertainment Network on November 14 in New York City.Joey Chiu, 24, of Brooklyn, left, buys the first PlayStation 4 sold in North America at a launch event presented by Sony Entertainment Network on November 14 in New York City.



So-called next generation consoles like the PS4 have pushed new boundaries with their graphics capabilities. When "Dark Sorcerer," a comedic demo, was shown on a PlayStation 4 last year, some at a Sony event weren't sure whether they were seeing animation or live actors.So-called next generation consoles like the PS4 have pushed new boundaries with their graphics capabilities. When "Dark Sorcerer," a comedic demo, was shown on a PlayStation 4 last year, some at a Sony event weren't sure whether they were seeing animation or live actors.




PlayStation through the years

PlayStation through the years

PlayStation through the years

PlayStation through the years

PlayStation through the years

Happy 20th birthday, Playstation

PlayStation through the years

PlayStation through the years

PlayStation through the years

PlayStation through the years

PlayStation through the years



Happy 20th birthday, PlayStationHappy 20th birthday, PlayStation



But based on the overall sentiment expressed in the comments posted to message boards and on Twitter, the collective patience among PlayStation users is offline as well.


"@AskPlayStation has been tweeting that for hours now since last night," user christopha710 posted on Sony's PlayStation 4 support forum. "I'm getting rid of this piece of trash and going back too [sic] pc gaming"


"Totally not cool," allenjaelee said late Friday morning. "I've tried so many times and am unable to play."


Sony hacked again?


Some users talked of a possible hack.


"This is so frustrating," wrote calin75. "The hackers think they're hurting Sony, but the ones that really pay for this bull crap are the innocent users."


If it turns out that this was indeed a cyberattack, chances are it was done by Lizard Squad, a band of black-hat hackers who have claimed responsibility.


CNN cannot confirm the identity or claims of the group, and PlayStation hasn't said anything beyond that it was working to fix the problem. For its part, Xbox spokesman Sean McCarthy told CNN that "we don't share info on the root cause of specific issues."


But there is little reason to doubt their claims.


In August, Lizard Squad said it took down the PlayStation Network by flooding it with illegitimate traffic, something called a distributed denial-of-service attack (DDoS) in the video game world, resulting in millions of gamers being unable to play together online.


As CNNMoney reported at the time, when John Smedley, president of Sony Online Entertainment, tweeted about those "large scale" attacks, he became a target himself -- even at 30,000 feet.


"We have been receiving reports that @j_smedley's plane #362 from DFW to SAN has explosives on-board, please look into this," the group tweeted to American Airlines, resulting in the flight being diverted.


Earlier this month, Sony was hit with a similar outage that Lizard Squad not only took credit for, but it promised additional "Christmas presents" would soon be coming. "Unlike Santa, we don't like giving all of our Christmas presents out on one day. This entire month will be entertaining," Lizard Squad tweeted.


At 6:13 p.m. Friday, a Lizard Squad twitter handle tweeted, "ALL ATTACKS ON PSN AND XBOX HAVE STOPPED." When a CNN reporter hit refresh moments later on the Sony Entertainment Network website -- which had been down since Thursday evening -- it was back online. Microsoft's service page was still reporting 'limited service,' however.


Stupid coincidence?


The network downtime started just hours after Microsoft's Xbox video store started to stream the Seth Rogen comedy "The Interview." The movie was made by Sony Pictures, a sibling of Sony's PlayStation division.


Sony was the victim of a massive cyberattack in late November that was widely believed to be motivated, at least in part, by North Korea's anger over "The Interview," which depicts the assassination of the country's leader Kim Jong Un.


But there was no indication that Thursday's problems were in any way connected to the movie's digital release.


Other participating distributors of the movie, such as YouTube, were unaffected. And PlayStation is not participating in the release.


A Sony Pictures spokesman deferred to PlayStation for comment about the outage.


CNN's Ben Brumfield, Steve Almasy, Brian Stelter and Tony Marco contributed to this report.



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6 reasons to go to Greece in winter






Locals in northwestern Greece's Eprirus region like to take guests to Vikos Canyon in the Aristi Mountains to show off the scenery.Locals in northwestern Greece's Eprirus region like to take guests to Vikos Canyon in the Aristi Mountains to show off the scenery.

The Aristi Mountain Resort enjoys grand views of the "Towers of Astraka," striking rock cliffs that dominate the skyline.The Aristi Mountain Resort enjoys grand views of the "Towers of Astraka," striking rock cliffs that dominate the skyline.

Scenic mountain roads and arched stone bridges connect villages filled with guesthouses and cafes around the Aristi Mountains.Scenic mountain roads and arched stone bridges connect villages filled with guesthouses and cafes around the Aristi Mountains.

The Sakali Mansion in Pelion is a renovated 18th-century building converted into an immaculate guest house.The Sakali Mansion in Pelion is a renovated 18th-century building converted into an immaculate guest house.

Greece's northern hub Thessaloniki is a year-round destination filled with boutiques and classy bars and restaurants. Greece's northern hub Thessaloniki is a year-round destination filled with boutiques and classy bars and restaurants.

The White Tower traces its origins to the 12th century. It's now a waterfront monument and museum in Thessaloniki. The city has several other museums and sites of antiquity.The White Tower traces its origins to the 12th century. It's now a waterfront monument and museum in Thessaloniki. The city has several other museums and sites of antiquity.

In the heart of Greece, the Evritania region has traditional villages, stunning gorges, heavily forested mountains and the Anerada Inn (pictured).In the heart of Greece, the Evritania region has traditional villages, stunning gorges, heavily forested mountains and the Anerada Inn (pictured).

Located in Mani, in southern Greece's Peloponnese region, the Kyrimai Hotel started life in the 1870s as a cluster of commercial buildings.Located in Mani, in southern Greece's Peloponnese region, the Kyrimai Hotel started life in the 1870s as a cluster of commercial buildings.

According to a local saying: "You need three lives to fully understand Mani's soul: one for its sea, one for its mountains and one for its people."According to a local saying: "You need three lives to fully understand Mani's soul: one for its sea, one for its mountains and one for its people."

Off limits to cars, the old town of Monemvasia, in the southern Peloponnese, is one of Greece's best-preserved Byzantine citadels. Off limits to cars, the old town of Monemvasia, in the southern Peloponnese, is one of Greece's best-preserved Byzantine citadels.









  • Falling temperatures bring out a different side of Greece

  • There are lively ski resorts and sleepy villages, as well as year-round coastal attractions to visit

  • Thessaloniki, Greece's northern hub, has hip bars and restaurants that make it ideal for city breaks




(CNN) -- Greece is so closely linked to summer vacations that it rarely features in winter escape plans.


That's a shame, because while it rules the Mediterranean in the heat of July and August, it's also got some pretty cool moves in the dead of December.


Falling temperatures sprinkle new magic on stone-built villages lost in deep forests and medieval castles built into that beautiful Greek coastline.


Throw vibrant cities into the mix, along with buzzing ski resorts -- yes, ski resorts -- and a whole new perspective of the country opens up.


Here are six classy places to consider for a Greek winter getaway.


For romantic escapes: Aristi Mountain Resort Hotel & Spa (Zagorochoria, Aristi)


A hidden mountainous treasure in the Epirus region of northwestern Greece, Zagorochoria is a complex of 46 stone-built villages.


This parkland ecosystem is where locals take special guests to illustrate their ideals of natural beauty.


Scenic mountain roads and traditional arched stone bridges interconnect tiny villages filled with guesthouses and little cafes.


Aristi Mountain Resort, in the village of Aristi, is ideal for exploring the region.


Located atop the village, the resort enjoys grand views of the "Towers of Astraka," the striking rock cliffs that dominate the skyline.


Accommodation includes rooms scattered around a complex of stone buildings and three newly built villas.




Aristi Mountain Resort.



Its spa facilities feature an indoor heated pool with stunning views of the surrounding area, while its Salvia restaurant serves local specialties and fine Greek wines.


Aristi Mountain Resort Hotel & Spa , Aristi, Zagorochoria, Erirus; +30 26530 41330; winter prices from $136 per standard double room per night with breakfast


For city breaks: The Excelsior Luxury Boutique Hotel (Thessaloniki)


The main hub for northern Greece, Thessaloniki is an all-year round destination.


A hotspot, compact in size, the city's Tsimiski, Mitropoleos and Proksenou Koromila streets are filled with fashionable boutiques.


There are fancy bars along Valaoritou Street, and many restaurants in between.


Its many engaging museums, important archaeological sites and byzantine monuments are an ideal winter cultural fix.


Thessaloniki's art deco Excelsior hotel is a destination in itself, housed in a historic building right in the heart of the city, a few steps from the main Aristotelous Square.


An opulent marble staircase leads upstairs to 34 rooms individually designed by a team of well known architects and featuring original art by young and emerging Greek artists.


The Excelsior Luxury Boutique Hotel , 10 Komninon St./23 Mitropoleos Ave. 546 24, Thessaloniki; +30 2310 021 020/+30 2310 021 000; winter prices from $175 per standard double room per night with breakfast


MORE: Will new seaplane service open up Greek islands?


For mountains and sea: Sakali Mansion (Pelion, Pinakates)


Hiking trails, villages and ski slopes with panoramic views of the Aegean Sea and the Pagasetic Gulf make Pelion a strong winter destination.


The mythical mountain of Centaurs lies in the southeast part of the Thessaly region, forming a peninsula surrounded by water.


Pinakates village, in west Pelion, looks like a scene from a painting, with stunning mansions and photogenic cobbled streets.


One of them, Sakali mansion, is a stylishly renovated 18th-century building converted into an immaculate guest house. It features a heady blend of traditional architecture and warm hospitality, with a dash of chic.


Its rooms feature original artwork, restored antiques, handmade rugs and fancy toiletries.




Hotel Kyrimai in Mani.



Some also include fireplaces.


The highlight is an antique-filled two-room suite with a king-size bed and wooden ceiling.


It's rich, burgundy interior looks out over great views of the surrounding area.


Sakali Mansion Luxury Guesthouse , Pinakates, Pelion; +30 6932 429150/+30 24230 86560/+30 210 9657584; winter prices from $125 per standard double room per night with breakfast


For snowy scenery: Anerada Inn (Evritania, Megalo Horio)


Located in the heart of Greece, the Evritania region has traditional villages, stunning gorges, heavily forested mountains and historic monasteries.


There's plenty to do outdoors, including snow-fueled fun at Velouhi Ski Resort, on the slopes of Mount Tymfristos, followed by apres ski in the lively regional capital, Karpenisi.


Nearby, plenty of attractive villages offer traditional guesthouses and boutique hotels.


In Megalo Horio ("big village"), the Anerada Inn boutique hotel serves as an ideal base to explore the area.


Both the interior and exterior of this getaway feature romantic country-style decor.


The Garden Cottage is a two-story garden house with a fireplace that'll come in handy on cold, winter nights.


There's also a well thought out wine selection.


Anerada Inn boutique hotel , Megalo Horio, 360 75, Karpenissi, Evritania; +30 6944-505045/+30 22370-41479; winter prices from $120 per standard double room per night with breakfast


MORE: Which Greek island should you go to?


For year-round seaside escapes: Kyrimai Hotel (Mani, Gerolimenas)


Located on the middle of the three peninsulas of southern mainland Greece's historic Peloponnese region, Mani stands at the meeting point of the Ionian and Aegean Seas.


Home to more than 96 traditional villages, Mani is dotted with traditional tower houses, Byzantine churches, sheltered coves, gorges and a coastline that provides a dramatic backdrop for any winter road trip.


There's a local saying: "You need three lives to fully understand Mani's soul: one for its sea, one for its mountains and one for its people."


The Kyrimai Hotel helps visitors make a start on all of these.




The Anerada Inn.



Built in 1870 on the small bay of Gerolimenas to give the area a commercial boost, the Kyrimai started life as a residence, an old shop, a warehouse and an imposing tower.


Today, its been carefully restored and converted into a luxurious hotel run by the Kyrimis family.


Protected by the Greek government, the building is listed as a unique historic monument of traditional Maniot architecture.


Its tastefully decorated rooms, 23 in total, are all different in style.


Kyrimai Hotel, Gerolimenas, Mani; +30 27330 54288; winter prices from $100 per classic standard room per night with breakfast


For dramatic scenery: Moni Emvasis Luxury Suites (Monemvasia)


In the southern Peloponnese, the old town of Monemvasia is one of Greece's best-preserved Byzantine citadels.


It's a fairy tale-style castle, off limits to cars, located on a small islet linked to the mainland by a bridge.


It looks as if it's floating on the Myrtoon Sea.


It's surrounded by aristocratic mansions, churches, hammams, fountains and winding paths.


Monemvasia's important role during the Byzantine period is still evident in the walls that dive into the deep blue sea.


Just 50 meters inside the castle town's entrance, Moni Emvasis Luxury Suites features a restored complex of private, stone-built suites with views over the sea.


Suites here feature limestone domed arches, vaulted and wooden beamed ceilings and handcrafted stone masonry.


There are also amazonian showers with chromotherapy and spa bathtubs.


Furnished, private balconies look out over the fortress, the town and Aegean Sea.


Moni Emvasis Luxury Suites , Castle of Monemvasia, Laconia; +30 27320 62122; winter prices from $207 per night


Rania Margari is a freelance journalist with an interest in travel, food and lifestyle stories. Based in Lausanne, Switzerland, she's been writing for Greek and international publications since 2004.



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