The setting could not have been more idyllic, a sandy resort perched on the tip of one of the most spectacular peninsulas in the Aegean.
But for many European leaders and their officials, the last three days in Porto Carras have been like a weekend break in hell.
It started on Thursday, when torrential rain forced the leaders to abandon helicopter airlifts from Thessaloniki Airport and to make the 120km journey by road.
As their motorcades sped along the narrow, winding road, the leaders saw the cream of the constabulary of the Hellenic Republic. As they drew closer to Porto Carras, the defences became more elaborate - naval gunships, anti-aircraft missiles and, hidden out of sight, snipers.
The summit was moved at short notice from Thessaloniki to keep the leaders away from violent demonstrators. Unfortunately, the leaders' hotel had not quite caught up with the Greek Presidency's thinking and, a few hours before they arrived, the main rooms were littered with sewing machines manned by mute Bulgarians and Albanians running up last-minute curtains.
Lest they be accused of stifling protest by moving the summit out of Thessaloniki, the Greek authorities bussed 10,000 demonstrators down the peninsula, keeping them just 3km away from the leaders. A small group broke away from the main body of peaceful demonstrators and pelted police with fire-bombs and stones. The police chased them along the beach towards a nearby village, using tea-as to encourage them on their way.
