XpatAthens

XpatAthens

Many cities are claimed to be built on seven hills, and Athens is no exception. Each of the seven hills of the city of Athens offers a unique feature in its geography and history. Fascinating stories unfold in every corner - or should we say - at the highest point of every hill in the historical center of the Greek capital - famous tales from Greek mythology that we can never know whether they are true or not.

 
Lycabettus Hill

Lycabettus Hill
@hi_i_am_drone

The highest of Athens’ hills, Lycabettus, rises imposingly in the center of the city and is visible from almost everywhere, offering unsurpassed views of both the city and the suburbs and, of course, the Saronic gulf. 
 
The story of the creation of Lycabbetus Hill goes like this: Goddess Athena longed for her temple on the Acropolis to be closer to heaven. So, she took a large rock to place it on top of the Acropolis, but, while carrying it, she received some news that startled her, causing the 278-meters-high rock to fall, creating Mount Lycabettus.
 
Lycabettus is ancient Greek for "the Mountain of Wolves", as it is believed that it was once inhabited by wolves. 
 
Philopappos Hill

Philopappos Hill
@danchuneounni
 
Also known as “the Hill of the Muses”, “the Hill of the Nymphs”, or “Pnyka Hill”, Philopappos Hill is one of the three hills that serve as natural "guards" of the Acropolis. According to Mythology, Pan, the god of the wild, used to live there, along with the Nymphs, female spirits that lived in forests. The hill was also home to the nine Muses, to whom it owns one of its three alternative names.
 
The hill was named after Philopappos, a Syrian consul who lived in Athens, had a classical Greek education and was considered a benefactor of the city. Philopappos had, among others, many friends, such as Plutarch, who described him in his writings as an extremely generous person. His death caused great sadness to the citizens of Athens, and as a result, they built a mausoleum to honor his memory.
 
Acropolis Hill 

Acropolis Hill
@lookforraine

Undoubtedly, the most popular attraction, not only in the Greek capital but also in the entire country, the Acropolis - the cradle of civilization - is found on the hill of the same name, in the heart of the historical center of Athens. About seven million tourists climb the Acropolis hill every year for a "journey" back to Ancient Greece and to admire the Parthenon up close.
 
One of the legends connected to the Acropolis Hill is the one about Athena and Poseidon fighting over who would be the city's patron. To avoid conflict between them, Zeus intervened and organized a contest. Athena and Poseidon met where the Erechtheion stands today, and the people of Athens gathered to watch them compete against each other.
 
First, Poseidon revealed his gift to the city by striking his trident on the ground and producing water. Then, Athena planted a seed that immediately grew into an olive tree. The Athenians appreciated both gifts, but they already had access to plenty of water, so they chose Athena's olive tree, which was an excellent source of food and timber. Athena became the patron goddess of the city, to which she gave her name - Athena.
  
Areopagus Hill

Areopagus Hill
@the_historian_tourist 
 
The Hill of Ares or Areopagus Hill is located northwest of the Acropolis and gave its name to the Supreme Civil and Criminal Court of Greece, the Areios Pagos. 
 
The Areopagus has a rich history, as it has been the place where some of the most important events in the history of Athens occurred.
 
According to one legend, Amazons, enemies of Theseus, camped on the hill and dedicated it to Ares, the god of war. Another legend has it that Ares was tried there by the other gods for the murder of Poseidon's son Alitotheus, or by the Erinyes, as at the foot of the hill, there was a sanctuary dedicated to the Erinyes, where those accused of murder took refuge, in order to not face the consequences of their actions. Thus, the hill of Ares is the site of the first murder trial.
 
In ancient Athens, the Areopagus Hill also housed a council of elders who had many changing roles, one of which was to judge homicide cases and other serious crimes.

Originally published in Greek on: newsbeast.gr

Translated by: Codico Lab
 
 
Petros and Myrto exchanged vows of eternal love and loyalty in a truly unique and original environment: underwater, at the bottom of the sea off the island of Alonnisos. The first underwater civil wedding ceremony took place on the Sporades island on Monday, August 29, upon the initiative of the municipality.

Present at the ceremony were next to the couple and Alonnisos mayor Petros Vafinis, the bridesmaids, diving instructors, and an underwater cameraman. The festive decoration in the shape of a heart could not fail, of course.

Bride Myrto wore a wedding dress, while the groom was dressed half official, half relaxed; the rest of the …crowd was dressed scuba diving conform.

The entire civic marriage procedure was followed by the book through the use of special waterproof surfaces.

After exchanging their vows, Petros and Myrto removed their masks for their first kiss as newlyweds.

To read this article in full, please visit: keeptalkinggreece.com

 
Friday, 02 September 2022 07:00

Ilia: A Lovely Beach Ideal For Autumn Dives

Summer may be over (technically, at least) but that doesn't mean we're going to stop visiting our beautiful Greek beaches - at least as long as the weather permits it. 
 
As the temperature begins to drop, a beach in long-suffering North Evia offers us the opportunity to enjoy a swim throughout the autumn.
 
This beach is no other than the beach of Ilia in North Evia, the ideal choice for all those who dream of winter swimming but shudder at the idea of the ​​freezing waters. 
 
Ilia beach is located near Aidipsos, next to the coastal village of the same name, which is great for a holiday on a budget, with would-be vacationers in September able to find a double room in front of the sea just for 35 euros per night.
 
But why are the waters of this particular beach so warm? The reason is simple. The village’s thermal springs, the temperature of which can climb up to 60 degrees Celsius, flow into the beach of Ilia. Of course, when the water meets the sea the temperature drops, but the water remains quite warm even until the end of autumn!



Originally published in Greek on: ieidiseis.gr
Translated by: Codico Lab 
Kolokotroni Street, with its neoclassical architecture, boutique shops, and eateries, has been ranked by Time Out magazine as one of the "coolest" streets on the planet.

A street in the center of Athens has won a place on Time Out’s new list of the coolest streets in the world.

Kolokotroni Street was ranked 12th on the list, due to its shops and restaurants.

“Start at Kolokotroni Square and look inside the National Historical Museum (once the Parliament building), then wander slowly towards Aeolou Street, admiring the neoclassical architecture as you go. Stop for a Greek salad, a burger, or Indian-influenced souvlaki, sip ouzo or a Freddo Cappuccino, then head to some of the merchants selling sandals, books, clothing, art, jewelry and vintage watches,” suggests Time Out.

Additionally, the article recommends its readers to stay at Gatsby Athens, a fun, playful hotel with terrazzo tiles, faux plants, and a guests-only rooftop bar. “Press the lion-shaped button in your room for a (good!) surprise,” it writes.

To read this article in full, please visit: greece-is.com


The National Archaeological Museum of Athens – Greece’s largest Museum, with some of the greatest collections of antiquities in the world – marks the centenary of the Asia Minor Catastrophe (1922-2022) with a rare exhibit originating from the Archaeological Museum of the Evangelical School of Smyrna. The exhibit – which will be on show through October 3, 2022, at the Museum’s Altar Hall- is titled “A marble head of a child retrieved from the ashes of Smyrna” and is part of the “The Unseen Museum”, a project that unveils to visitors selected objects hidden in the National Archaeological Museum’s storerooms.

It is worth mentioning that this is the third group of “Unseen Museum” exhibits that are on show at the National Archaeological Museum, as part of the commemorative events for the centenary of the Asia Minor Catastrophe. The previous ones were “The Flirting Bovines”, a Mycenaean amphoroid krater produced at the end of the 14th century BC, and “Gods and Heroes from Asia Minor”, namely three artifacts from Asia Minor, a bronze statuette of a resting Hercules, and two terracotta couple figures (Eros and Psyche).

Curated by Dr. Chrysanthis Tsoulis, archaeologist at the Museum’s Sculpture Collection Department, the current exhibition presents a marble head -probably of a Muse- with curly upswept hair crowning the forehead, which is believed to be a copy of a Hellenistic prototype. The intense damage discerned on its surface is due to cracks/breakages and exposure to high temperatures, which altered the once glossy skin of the marble.

More specifically, the circumstances relating to the extensive damage to the artwork are described in two documents kept in the Museum’s Administrative Archive, dated 28 August 1926, which are also on display in the showcase.

On September 4, 7, 18, 21, and October 2 (at 13.00), NAM’s archaeologists will be available to talk to visitors and present the excavations of the Greek Archaeological Department in Asia Minor (from 1919 to 1922), the establishment of archaeological museums and warehouses and the fate of the Collections in the days of the Catastrophe.

To read this article in full, please visit: greeknewsagenda.gr




Saturday, 10 September 2022 06:00

XpatAthens Open Call For New Leadership

This is an open call for new leadership for XpatAthens. We are dawning a new era and this is a unique opportunity for an organization or an individual to take the reigns of a dynamic, highly relevant, community-based platform.
 
XpatAthens has been serving the international community since 2007 as the main digital resource for foreigners living, working, and traveling in Greece.
 
In 2020 we became a registered nonprofit organization (Greek AMKE) with some of the noteworthy things since then including:
  • Receiving grant support from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation
  • Completing nonprofit status with Google for Nonprofits
  • Successfully transitioning into operating as a Greek nonprofit
Here’s a quick glance at what the new leadership can expect upon getting started:
  • Full autonomy - We have brought this platform to where it is today and are looking for new, experienced, and able leadership to take it into the future. The existing team may be utilized if desired.

  • A new director - A new and experienced leader is needed. As a nonprofit organization, this individual will have responsibility for running day-to-day operations, including reporting to a Board of Advisors.

  • A board of advisors - This will be the first time that our organization has a Board and it will be up to the new leadership to select their Board.

  • Seek financial support - We are active in our outreach for financial support and this must be continued. Our existing channels include: private, donors, corporate sponsors

If this sounds like a right fit, then we’d like to hear from you.
 
Our team is focused on continuing its growth into a platform
that is dedicated to sustainable global living - inside and outside of Greece. 

For additional information, you can:

Visit our website.
Learn more about us.
Read our mission statement.

We’re excited to see who will be part of what’s next for this amazing platform. Cheers from the XpatAthens team!

Thursday, 25 August 2022 12:47

The Greek Maritime Golf Event Is Approaching

The countdown has begun for the top golf tournament in Greece, the Greek Maritime Golf Event, which will gather more than 100 leading executives from the maritime industry for the 8th year, on September 8-11, 2022, at Costa Navarino, Messinia.

Showcasing golf & maritime
The event promotes the golf activity on a yearly basis, giving the opportunity to distinguished executives of the Greek maritime industry to get acquainted with the values ​​and benefits of the popular Olympic sport, to admire the beauties of Messinia, to compete in an idyllic landscape full of centuries-old olive trees with stunning views of the Ionian Sea, the historic Bay of Navarino and the picturesque port of Pylos, while also contributing to the good cause of the event.

Golf for everyone at the Greek Maritime Golf Event 2022
This year’s golfing action includes a two-day shotgun scramble for participants, with the first day of competition taking place on Friday, September 9 at The Hills Course and the second on Saturday, September 10 at the International Olympic Academy Golf Course.

In addition, non-golfers will attend a golf clinic on Saturday, September 10 and participate in the putting competition that will be held at The Dunes Course.
On Friday, September 9, the event will greet its participants at the Welcome Cocktail by Marine Tours.

On Saturday, September 10, awards will be given to the top three teams in the overall standings, whereas special awards will be given to individual players who will achieve the best scores in the “Longest Drive” and “Closest to the Pin” categories. The awards night will be presented by the EuroLeague legend Joe Arlauckas, who will also compete in the tournament.
Check the full schedule here: www.greekmaritimegolf.gr/schedule
 
The maritime industry supports HOPEgenesis
Greek Maritime Golf Event will support the Non-Profit Company HOPEgenesis through its actions. On Saturday, September 10, during this year’s award ceremony, participants will have the opportunity to contribute with their desired amount by taking part in raffles for significant lottery prizes. The total amount to be collected will be given to the Non-Profit Company HOPEgenesis.  

For more information about HOPEgenesis: www.hopegenesis.org

Top maritime companies highlight the event
Greek Maritime Golf Event is attended by some of the most significant maritime companies from Greece and Cyprus, as well as various other important companies that support the event.
 
IRI/The Marshall Islands Registry is the event’s Platinum Sponsor.
Mainline Shipping Company, Jotun Hellas and Onego Shipping Company are Golden Sponsors.
DNV, Arrow Hellas and Marine Tours are the Silver Sponsors.
Optima International Shipbroking Services SA is the Official Sponsor.
Spanos Luxury Cars is the Official Mobility Sponsor.
Standard Club, Poseidonia Restaurant and Grey Goose are the event’s Official Supporters.  
Under Armour is the Official Clothing Partner.
Greek Maritime Golf Event is organized by Birdie Events, through an initiative of the recognized Greek PGA golfer, Mr. Thanos Karantzias. The award-winning sports marketing agency of ActiveMedia Group has undertaken the event’s Golf Production.
  
Messinian Spa is the event’s Official Beauty Partner.
Minoa Water is the event’s Official Water.
Hellenic Grocery, Spitiko, Karalis Beach Hotel, The Margi, Domaine Skouras, Arifakis Menswear, Iliada Sunset Suites, Afanos Guesthouse, OKIO Restaurant, Kayak and Athi Rodi are the event’s Partners.
Boo Productions is the Audio Visual Partner.
The event will be held under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism and the Hellenic Golf Federation. The tournament is addressed exclusively to distinguished executives of the Greek maritime community.

Hashtags: #greekmaritimegolfevent #costavarino #navarinohills

Photo Credit: Mike Tsolis
Sunday, 28 August 2022 12:40

Guy Gerber Live At Bolivar Beach Club

Saturday, September 3rd, Bolivar and Minotaur - Minotaur presents the so-loved superstar Guy Gerber. The Israeli dj/producer with record sales and countless sold-out shows comes to Bolivar for the first time for a unique night. Support DJs Trixx b2b Steph / Ezara / Rezo b2b Jay Madox.

Purchase your tickets HERE!


gg

Feel the Sand, Feel the Sea, Feel the Air, Live the Experience
Monday, 29 August 2022 12:28

Hard Rock Cafe Honours Freddie Mercury

Get ready for Freddie! Hard Rock International kicks off the annual celebration of the life and music of stave legend Freddie Mercury by hosting unique actions entitled "Freddie for a Week", from Thursday 1 September to Wednesday 7 September 2022.

In honor of the iconic singer, Hard Rock Cafe® Athens will rock with themed music events dedicated to the artist, with the availability of a unique “Killer Queen” Cocktail and with unique souvenirs, the proceeds of which will be used to support the Foundation " The Mercury Phoenix Trust', a UK charity set up in memory of Freddie Mercury by Queen band members Brian May and Roger Taylor, along with their manager Jim Beach, to support the global fight against HIV /AIDS. Fans of the band who will be at Hard Rock® Cafe Athens to celebrate “Freddie for a Week” can try the “Killer Queen” Cocktail, Mandarin Vodka, Pineapple Juice, and Sprite garnished with Spiced Sugar Salt. For those who combine it with our classic Legendary Burger, we will treat them to a delicious Freddie's Chocolate Brownie Mustache.

Those wishing to honor the singer's memory can select some Freddie-inspired Rock Shop® merchandise or visit https://shop.hardrock.com to purchase limited edition collectible t-shirts and a pin with a unique image of Freddie on stage. Hard Rock Cafe Athens will host 2 separate musical events. Live Acoustic QUEEN Tribute, on Saturday, September 3, at 9 p.m., a unique evening - a tribute to Queen's greatest hits by the Woodpeckers band, as well as a Dj night Queen Tribute program with Manolis Kilismani, on Monday, September 5, at 8 pm, two unique nights where all the fans and friends of HRC can feel like champions themselves, singing along to the most iconic songs of Freddie and Queen!

Visit https://www.hardrockcafe.com/location/athens/el/ for more information about the “Freddie for a Week” celebration activations.

#AreYouReadyToFreddie #HardRockCafe #FreddieForAWeek
Athens is one of the main metropolises of the world, both historically and socially. It is a living museum so vibrantly full of people and life. If you're thinking about moving to Athens, it's a magical place that has something to offer to everyone!

Here are some of our favorite neighborhoods to live in Athens, from the ones close to the city center to the northern and southern suburbs. This amazing city has so many options to choose from.

Nea Smyrni

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@tenarinsthlm

Included on The Guardian’s list of 10 of the best city neighborhoods in Europe, Nea Smyrni deserves to be on this list. Its convenient location between the center of Athens and the southern coastal suburbs is just one of its key highlights. It’s also up high on the list of the most family-friendly neighborhoods of Athens. The heart of Nea Smyrni beats at the car-free central square packed with fountains, shops, restaurants, trendy cafes, and bars to suit all ages. Another thing we love about it it’s the Nea Smyrni Grove, a green oasis featuring a jogging track, an outdoor gym, and a café.
 
Petralona

Petralona
Credit: @yiannisassiouras_photography
 
Set at the foot of the Philopappou Hill, between Thissio and Koukaki, Petralona is a neighborhood with a strong bohemian vibe, truly Athenian at heart. Split between Ano Petralona and Kato Petralona, the area has been enjoying a boost in popularity in recent years, especially among young people, who have invested all their creativity into making the neighborhood one of the coolest ones in Athens. This resulted in various alternative businesses popping up here and there, from old-style tsipouradika with a modern twist to socially conscious cafes, all adding to the distinctiveness of the area.
 
Voula

IMG 1138 2
 
Part of our beloved Athenian Riviera, tucked between its more famous neighbors, Glyfada and Vouliagmeni, Voula is a coastal suburb that has it all. Apart from the pleasures of seaside living, such as enjoying scenic walks along the coast and visiting the beach, Voula also provides a feeling of rural peace, even though it’s bustling with activity, especially in the summer. All the action is centered around Voula’s high street, Vasileos Pavlou, where you will find the main square. Sprawled across the square and on the surrounding side streets, you will find numerous restaurants, bistros, bars, and cafes.
 
Kifisia

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 Credit: @katerinafakinou87
 
The queen of Athens' northern suburbs and one of the capital’s oldest neighborhoods, Kifisia conveys an aura of elegance, old-world charm, and sophisticated splendor. A 30-minute train ride from downtown Kifisia with its tree-lined streets, picturesque parks, and groves, provides a refreshing alternative to the hustle and bustle of the center. One of the things that make Kifisia unique is its architecture. Neoclassical mansions standing along the quiet streets, horse-drawn carriages, upmarket boutiques, everything contributes to creating a sense of nostalgic romanticism.
 
Pangrati

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Credit: @wabitop
 
Located a stroll through the National Gardens away from Athens’ iconic Syntagma Square, Pangrati is a middle-class neighborhood turned into one of Athens’ hippest areas due to an influx of young residents, still holding on to its family-friendly reputation, though. Pangrati is a flourishing hub of arts and culture teeming with museums, small boutiques, cafes, and cutting-edge restaurants scattered throughout the neighborhood’s many vibrant squares. Pangrati is also home to the spectacular Panathenaic Stadium, one of the capital’s main historic attractions and the only stadium in the world made entirely of marble!

Chalandri 

Polydrosoy
📍Credit: @varasovas
 
A 20-minute metro ride from central Athens, the up-and-coming northern suburb of Chalandri is the perfect place to spend your Sundays with your friends or family. Its buzzing bar and café scene and the fact that it is one of the hottest shopping suburbs are only a few of all the things that make Chalandri stand out. Around the main square and the church of Aghios Nikolaos leafy pedestrian streets invite you to casually stroll through the neighborhood. Another plus is that Chalandri is located just beneath mount Penteli, allowing you to get your dose of fresh air in a jiffy!
 
Koukaki

Koukaki
📍Credit: @frederieklommen
 
Lying comfortably beneath the Acropolis, Koukaki is arguably considered one of the most eclectic and charming areas of Athens. It has plenty to offer, from art galleries to themed coffee shops and international eateries. In the pedestrian zone from Koukaki Square along Georgaki Olympiou Street, you will certainly feel a laidback atmosphere and an undeniable village feel hugging you. It’s probably the overhanging trees that hid the concrete buildings, making you feel like you are in the countryside for a little while. Koukaki is also home to a variety of great museums, the most popular of them being the National Museum of Contemporary Art.
 
 
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