Want to scratch beneath the surface of a city? Who better to ask than a former anthropologist?

 

Especially one who has spent two decades living in the said city; bringing up her two daughters around Greek traditions; and penning several best-selling novels set in Athens. London-born Sofka Zinovieff, the author of “The House on Paradise Street”, global bestseller “Putney”, and the memoir “Eurydice Street: A Place in Athens”, studied social anthropology at Cambridge and researched her Ph.D. in Greece. It was the beginning of a lifelong bond with the country. Especially Athens, where she still lives in Vouliagmeni on the Athens Riviera, with her Greek husband Vassilis.

Recently, she launched her new podcast series “Athens Unpacked” for This is Athens and she shares some snappy tips for digging beyond the Acropolis—to the heart and soul of this captivatingly complex city. 

You’ve called Athens home for 20 years. How has your relationship with the city changed and matured since you first moved here from England?
I’ve had several phases in my relationship with Greece. I first came as a research student in the late 80s, learned the language, and became involved with the place. During the last two decades, my relationship with Athens has been like a marriage – committed and based on love, but with squabbles and occasional rough patches.

What’s the most common misconception people have about Athens that you’d most like to correct?
People often visit during the hottest time of year, in a rush on the way to an island. Athens appears impenetrable and overheated. It’s a completely different city at other times of the year and can’t be rushed. I’d advise talking to locals and adopting their timetable (not going out during the middle part of the day in summer). I’d also suggest that it’s the perfect city to visit in autumn, winter or spring.

Athens is a hectic metropolis with the heart and soul of a village. Would you agree with this statement and if so, how does that village vibe manifest?
Yes, Athens has been settled by villagers ever since it became the capital of modern Greece in the 1830s. Even today, most people have roots elsewhere and return to their village or island. And that’s before we look at how neighborhoods can be quite villagey, designed around their plateia (main square) with a traditional coffee shop and church, etc.

Would you classify Athens as a city that’s easy to get to know; that reveals itself readily to visitors?
Athens is a mysterious city and sometimes challenging. But many of its charms are readily apparent: the intertwining of the ancient and the modern; the neighborhoods for strolling; and the fabulous places for eating out are all there and waiting.

If someone has only 48 hours or a weekend here, how can they best tap into the authentic pulse of Athens?
Stroll around the neighborhoods. Eat and drink where Athenians do. Pause to notice the details rather than ticking off a list of ‘the sights’. And, to get a sense of perspective, go up a hill—I don’t mean the Acropolis—there are plenty of others, such as Lycabettus, Philopappou, or even a more off-radar one like Tourkovounia (the Turkish Mountains).

To read this article in full, please visit: thisisathens.org

Photo by: Thomas Gravanis 

 

Syntagma Square is the central square of Athens and the second largest in Greece, after Spianada Square in Corfu, and is included in the list of the 100 largest squares in the world. It has always been the promenade square of the city and it was the gathering point for the cream of Athenian society for many years. 

Its history begins in the early 1830s when Athens' population was about 7,000, and the area where the square stands was called Perivolakia. When the palace of King Otto was set to be built there, it was named Palace Square. 

The specific location was chosen because the site was the highest point in central Athens, offering splendid views of the Acropolis and the Parthenon, and the Saronic Gulf. Construction work started in 1836 and was completed in 1843. That year though, the name of Palace Square changed once again. On September 3, 1843, the square was renamed Constitution Square, as Otto was forced to cede to the Greek people gathered in front of the palace demanding a constitution.

Syntagma Square began to assume its modern form after 1846 from the Bavarian Michael Hoch, who worked with the architect Leo von Klenze. The square was divided into two parts. The upper square (the eastern part), which until the end of the 19th century was still called “Palace Square”, today is known as “Parliament Square” or “the Monument of the Unknown Soldier.” The lower square (western part), is known as Bacchus Square or the Garden of the Muses. The two sections were on two different levels and were joined by a marble staircase.

When the area of ​​the Monument of the Unknown Soldier was created, the upper part was cut off from the rest of the square. The Monument was built in 1929-1930 by the architect Emmanuel Lazaridis. Its central point is a representation of a fallen Ancient Greek soldier, created by sculptor Fokion Rok. On both sides, to the left and right of the monument, there are bronze plaques with the names of battles the Greeks fought from 1821 until today. The Monument is guarded on a 24-hour basis by the soldiers of the Presidential Guard, the well-known Evzones, with the changing of the guard taking place every hour; one of the living attractions of Athens.

The square is inextricably linked to the historical events taking place in Greece over the centuries. It has been a place of demonstrations and social upheavals starting from September 3, 1843, until today.

An event that was a black mark on the history of Syntagma Square in Athens was the killing of several demonstrators on December 3, 1944. Less than two months after the country’s liberation from the Nazis, police shot at Greek People’s Liberation Army (EAM) demonstrators, thus starting almost two months of fighting in Athens, the so-called Dekemvriana, the precursor of the Greek Civil War (1946-1949). 

Syntagma Square has always played an important role in the daily life of Athenians. It was a meeting place, a favorite spot for a Sunday walk, as well as a place to gather together for musical presentations. It has also been the bonafide place for big party election rallies. 

In the 19th century, impressive mansions, luxury hotels, and cafes used to surround the square, giving it a true cosmopolitan flavor. In the 20th century, however, the face of Syntagma Square changed drastically and the mansions were replaced by concrete-and-glass modern office buildings housing state agencies and businesses. Other than the Greek Parliament, the Pallis Mansion is the only old building that survived the modernization of the capital.

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

Photo Credit: Dario Sušanj

Home to some of the world's most iconic landmarks and countless beautiful islands, Greece has always appealed to travelers as an ideal holiday destination. Renowned for its natural landscapes, rich history, and delicious cuisine, it's not surprising that tourism continues to be one of the most important sectors contributing to the Greek economy today.

In 2020, the Greek tourism industry was devastated by the pandemic, but this year the country has been topping the lists of ‘safe destinations for travelers’. As the world begins to slowly begin traveling again, the below destinations are still among the most popular among Greece's visitors.

---

Are you living in Greece right now? What destinations would you recommend for visitors to explore in Greece?

Send us your suggestions and we'll share all of your great ideas.

---

Considered the historical capital of Europe, Athens brims with historical monuments, from the Ancient Agora to the Temple of Olympian Zeus. The most visited site, however, is the Acropolis, a rocky mound rising in the heart of modern Athens, crowned by the Parthenon, the most famous ancient Greek temple. A symbol of Athens, Greece, and the Western Civilization, in general, Acropolis justifiably is Greece's most famous tourist attraction. 

2. Santorini
Greece’s number one island destination for tourists, Santorini is a volcanic island in the Cyclades, mostly famous for its cliff-top towns of Fira and Oia hanging above a sea-filled caldera. Traditional whitewashed cubic houses, black volcanic sand beaches, picturesque villages, and magical sunsets, it's no wonder Santorini is the most romantic of all the Greek islands. 

3. Nafplio
Nafplio, the first capital of modern Greece, is considered by many the most beautiful city in the whole country. Indeed, its uniquely distinctive character and romantic aura are sure to take your breath away. Neo-classical mansions, hidden churches, the Palamidi Fortress, a true architectural masterpiece offering mesmerizing views of the Argolic Gulf, and the water castle of Bourtzi, Kolokotronis' first prison, are only some of the town's major attractions. 

4. Meteora
Located in Thessaly, Meteora is an awe-inspiring sight that has been attracting visitors from all over the world. A vast terrain of rocky formations, Meteora is known for its dozens of Eastern Orthodox monasteries situated on top of massive boulders. In addition to visiting the Monasteries, one can engage in a variety of outdoor activities, including rock climbing, hiking, and kayaking. 

Also known as the "Greek Ibiza", Mykonos is undoubtedly the most glamorous island in Greece, the epitome of cosmopolitanism. With its plethora of beach bars and super clubs, Michelin-starred restaurants, and high-end boutiques, "the Island of the Winds" is the ultimate Greek destination for international celebrities, party animals, and sun worshippers. 

6. Delphi
A UNESCO world heritage site, Delphi used to be considered as the center of the world by Ancient Greeks. Located at the foot of Mount Parnassus, the sanctuary of Delphi, dedicated to Apollo, was for many centuries home to Pythia, the major oracle who was consulted about important decisions throughout the ancient classical world. The site consists of the ruins of many temples, a theater, and a stadium, built between the 8th century BC and the 2nd century AD. 

The Municipality of Athens and UNICEF have joined forces to transform Athens into a city where every child would love to live!

A Memorandum of Cooperation between the Municipality of Athens and UNICEF has been signed which states that the Greek capital is officially participating in the Child-Friendly Cities Initiative (CFCI); this is a UNICEF-led initiative that supports municipal governments in realizing the rights of children at the local level.

Athens is participating for the first time in this global program, which aims to put children's needs at the forefront, adjusting its services, facilities, programs, and public spaces to serve this purpose. With the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as their guiding principles, the Municipality of Athens and the newly-established UNICEF office in Greece will work together to ensure the well-being of children and young people living in Greece's capital. 

Through joint awareness initiatives and meticulously planned actions, this program aims to: 

• Reduce child poverty through targeted interventions. 
• Promote access and enhance educational opportunities. 
• Prevent violence against children, including children who are victims of domestic or community violence.
• Promote education through continuous skills development. 
• Promote youth employment.
• Promote the participation of children and young people in decision-making processes.
• Encourage healthy eating habits.
• Promote gender equality. 
• Enhance environmental awareness.

The Child-Friendly Cities Initiative (CFCI) was launched in 1996. It includes a network of 47 countries that brings together government and other stakeholders such as civil society organizations, the private sector, academia, media, and, importantly, children themselves who wish to make their cities and communities more child-friendly.

The candidacy of the Municipality of Athens marks the beginning of the program in the country with five more municipalities being added to it in the coming months.

---

For a second year in a row, the GB Pool of Hotel Grande Bretagne dresses up its absolute summer attire and bows to the magic of the seventh art while it turns into a summer cinema.

The Pool Your Cinema, on the 7th floor of the legendary hotel, opens its doors and welcomes its honorable guests to a distinct summer cinema experience in the heart of the captivating center of Athens.  All-time classic favorites and Hollywood blockbusters show up on the big screen to entertain us on the nostalgic summer evenings in a romantic setting by the pool overlooking Lycabettus Hill and the city lights at nightfall. 

Since taste plays a leading role in this scenario, Executive Chef Asterios Koustoudis has curated the absolute fingerfood set menu to pair with your drink while you unwind at the relaxing lounge chairs. Handmade nachos, slow fermented pizza, Black Angus cheeseburger and caramelized popcorn with Madagascar vanilla and fleur de sel will transform every minute into a delectable and luxurious experience. Discover the menu->

THURSDAY – FRIDAY – SATURDAY – SUNDAY
Arrival Time: 21.15 | Start Time: 21.30

---

Book your seat in front of the big screen of Pool Your Cinema HERE!  

---

In the past, adding the word 'live' next to the title of the Athens Epidaurus Festival would have been considered an overstatement, maybe even a mistype. Of course the biggest cultural festival in Greece, and one of the oldest in Europe, would be live! What else could it possibly be? Well, we all know what happened in 2020.

Rolling forward to the announcement of this year’s program for the Athens Epidaurus Festival, the people behind AEF have now learned all the tricks on how to carefully balance the obstacles of social distancing with the requirements of a real life event - and with the anticipation and bottled creativity of a culturally-barren year, the Athens Epidaurus Festival has announced its 5-month-long, 80-show-strong live program!

The 2021 summer season will be focused mainly on works by Greek artists, leaving the autumn season to shoot for the safer actualization of international events. Due to the ongoing pandemic, all performance dates are subject to change so do make sure to regularly check with the festival’s schedule.

Attracting major film producers to Greece has always been a goal that, until recently, remained only a dream. Although many film studios showed a keen interest in shooting in the Greek capital, they stumbled upon bureaucratic obstacles.

As a result, Athens wasn't able to take advantage of its incomparable traits, such as global recognition of its monuments, its building stock, and even its climate and host big productions. Thus, the city lost significant revenues as well as the opportunity to be promoted all around the world.

Today, through perseverance, planning, and consistency, and thanks to the decisive contribution of the Athens Film Office, Athens has dynamically entered the film industry, and there has been a flurry of interest from high-budget international audiovisual productions to film in the country.

 

This is the case with Disney+’s biopic of the teenage years of Greek NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo. Sepolia, Antetokounmpo's neighborhood, will be featured in the film, and recently, the Mayor of Athens, Costas Bakogiannis, visited the Triton Stadium which has been turned into a film set. 

"Greek Freak" commenced shooting in May and is one of the biggest productions that have been shot in Greece so far. The production employs 200 Greek crew members and hundreds of supporting actors with the total cost exceeding 20 million euros.

This is just the first of a series of high-budget productions that will be shot in Athens. Other productions include the second season of "Tehran", David Cronenberg's new film, and two episodes of the "Jack Ryan" television series.

About The Athens Film Office 
The Athens Film Office was founded in March 2020 by the Municipality of Athens, under the "umbrella" of the Athens Development & Destination Management Agency (EATA) with the aim of transforming Athens into a “Film Friendly City”. During its first year of operation, it has assisted in the shooting of more than 40 international and Greek audiovisual productions in the Greek capital.

---

XpatAthens extends a warm thank you to This Is Athens and the City Of Athens for sharing news and inspiring stories about how Athens aspires to be a clean, friendly, and welcoming city to live in.

After months of renovations, the Klonaridis - Fix park, located in the heart of Athens, has been transformed into a green oasis. Now, it is a fully sustainable urban park, designed according to international trends in landscape architecture and environmental design. 

Through the "Adopt Your City" program, Olympic Brewery and FIX Hellas have actively supported the Municipality's effort to turn the historic park into an aesthetically pleasing breath of fresh air that will significantly improve the capital's urban landscape. 

The Municipality's specialized crews carried out multiple renovation works, including the replacement of the park's pathways with permeable ones, the installation of new urban equipment (benches, garbage bins, etc.), the replacement of all street lamps with energy-efficient LED lights, and the restoration of the fountain. 

Based on a study by Ecoscapes, a landscape design company, in collaboration with the Animal Welfare Department of Athens, more than 4,500 pollution-tolerant Mediterranean plants were planted in the park. Also, a perennial meadow was created, something that hasn't happened before. 

On the southern part of the park, one will find a stunning biodiverse garden consisting of evergreen Mediterranean shrubs and aquatic plants surrounding the fountain. The lawn on the eastern part was replaced, making the area perfect for outdoor activities. Last but not least, watering cans and feeders were installed for all the birds living in the park.

The park's benches were designed by students from the AKTO educational group in the context of a wider collaboration with the Olympic Brewery, giving an artistic touch to the spaces.

---

XpatAthens extends a warm thank you to This Is Athens and the City Of Athens for sharing news and inspiring stories about how Athens aspires to be a clean, friendly, and welcoming city to live in.

Santorini Walking Tours offer a fun, educative and active way to experience the island with all your senses. We have designed small group and private tours, allowing you to enjoy Santorini in an authentic, meaningful, safe and pleasurable way.

Our philosophy is to support ecological and economic sustainability by using environmentally and socially responsible practices, working together with local businesses and communities. Our desire is to share with you the beauties of the island, with outmost respect and care for its fragile ecosystem, engaging your body, soul and mind. In an effort to minimize our impact, we only accommodate a maximum amount of 6 guests on each tour.

All of our tours are designed by Nikos Boutsinis, an established hospitality and travel professional, with international education and work experience. He is a keen traveler and outdoor enthusiast, who fell in love with this unique and multifaceted island. Santorini Walking Tours was sparked by his passion to offer a sustainable touring experience, immersing visitors in the true Santorini.

Explore Santorini, walking, breathing and tasting it just like a local. Join us, and take a walk on the wild side!