Revealing Athens as one of the World’s Greatest Places 2021, Time Magazine has confirmed what most already know about the breathtaking city.

The heart of the powerful empire of Ancient Greece, Athens remains after centuries dominated by 5th-century BC landmarks, including the Acropolis, a hilltop citadel containing the remains of ancient buildings of great architectural and historical significance like the Parthenon temple.

Athens’ Acropolis Museum, along with the National Archaeological Museum, preserves sculptures, vases, jewelry, and more from Ancient Greece.

Widely referred to as the cradle of Western civilization and the birthplace of democracy, ancient Athens was a centre for the arts, learning and philosophy, and the home of Plato’s Academy and Aristotle‘s Lyceum.

In modern times, Athens is a large cosmopolitan metropolis and central to economic, financial, industrial, maritime, political, and cultural life in Greece.

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

The cave in Tzoumerka, in the Greek region of Epirus, one of the most impressive and most visited natural wonders of Greece is an ideal destination all year round.

Tzoumerka is a mountain range found in northwestern Greece. These limestone peaks rise east of the Axeloos River and are surrounded by the main column of the Pindus Range.

Many of the areas are part of Natura 2000, a network of protected areas, as many species of flora and fauna, some of them endangered, are native to various areas of Tzoumerka.

The Anemotrypa cave is located three kilometers from Pramanta, west of Stroggoula, and at an altitude of 900 meters (2,953 feet).

The uniquely sculpted, colored stalagmites and the three lakes in shades of gray, brass, and white that have been formed over the years, create a unique, dreamy landscape.

Inside the cave, there is a pond that is completely blue because of the quartz crystals at the bottom. 

The cave has three levels. The highest, and oldest, has collapsed in the past and only parts of it are preserved. The middle level is where visitors walk and the third and lower level is the underground riverbed, which is seen at the end of the visitors’ trail, just before it creates a two-meter waterfall.



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

Greece is among the world’s most searched-for destinations for post-Covid-19 travel, ranking third on the list provided by ESTA, a US electronic system for travel authorization.

Esta-america.com has analyzed Google search volume data to reveal the global searches for destinations around the world and the countries that people are most looking forward to visiting when the travel gates finally open fully.

Greece is in third place with 108,780 searches per month. The Maldives, with 130,970 average monthly searches, are first place while India takes the second spot with 130,750 monthly average searches.

Out of the top 10 most-searched-for countries, Asia is the continent that features the most, with four (five including Turkey) countries within it taking the top spots.

Hotspots such as Thailand, the Maldives, and India are clearly grabbing the attention of aspirational wanderers with their golden beaches, scorching weather, and bustling cultures.

There are some well-known holiday destinations that travelers aren’t as excited to visit again post-Covid, such as Morocco with just 14,840 average monthly searches, the United Arab Emirates with 13,700 searches, and popular travel hotspot Laos with just 2,890 searches.

The survey also reveals that travel aspirations have changed over the past year. In August 2020, Italy was the country that travelers wanted to visit the most. It has now dropped down to the 13th spot. Following this, Mexico and Thailand have both been bumped down the list this year, too.

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

Athens Street Food Festival is back! The festival, which became a gastronomic institution and a reference point for Athens, starts heating the ovens again!

On the 10-11-12, 17-18-19, and 24-25-26 of September, the Amaxostasio of OSY venue at Gazi will be filled with smells of the most delicious recipes of “street food” from around the world and with thousands of foodies who want to try them!

With over 400,000 visitors in four years, ASFF is the largest food festival in the country and a top cultural event for the whole of Athens.

For its 2021 edition, ASFF raises the bar, even more, presenting original ideas, “unknown” cuisines of the world, and many exclusives.

ASFF 2021 will be held in compliance with all the necessary conditions required by the conditions due to the pandemic

More information will be announced soon!

Kyniska (or Cyniska), a Spartan princess, was the daughter of King Archidamus II and sister to King Agesilaus. She owned a sizable estate where she bred, raised, and trained horses, and in 396 BC, when she was probably between 40 and 50 years old, she became the first woman to participate in the Olympic Games.

Unlike Athens and the other Greek city-states where girls were hidden from the public and learned only domestic skills, Sparta held races and trials of strength for girls as well as boys.

Kyniska’s childhood would have been full of athletic training: running, jumping, throwing the discus, and javelin, perhaps even wrestling. She had wealth and status but her ambition made her a legend and drove her to compete in the four-horse chariot race, or tethrippon, at the Olympics in 396 and 392 BC. She won both times. 

This feat was especially impressive because women could not even step foot on the sacred grounds of the Olympic Sanctuary during the festival. Married women were forbidden on penalty of death from even attending as spectators, so, in order to compete Kyniska cleverly exploited loopholes.

In sports like wrestling or javelin, the victors competed individually on the field. In the chariot race, the winners were the horse owners, not the drivers – who were almost always slaves. Much like with the modern Kentucky Derby or Melbourne Cup, the victors are the horse and its owner, not the rider. Kyniska didn’t have to drive the chariot to win. In fact, chariot team owners did not even have to be physically present at Olympia during the games. Kyniska could enter her chariot team in the race without ever setting foot on the forbidden sacred grounds.

But Kyniska’s role was not secret. News of an Olympic victory was carried by fleet messengers to the victor’s home city, where preparations to celebrate their return were begun at once. News that a woman had won an Olympic contest would have spread quickly.

Many ancient Greek women won Olympic victories after Kyniska, but none were as famous as she was. She erected at least two life-size bronze statues of herself at Olympia. The inscription on a remaining fragment of her marble statue base reads: “Kings of Sparta were my fathers and brothers. I, Kyniska, victorious at the chariot race with her swift-footed horses, erected this statue. I claim that I am the only woman in all Greece who won this crown.”

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

Now that schools are closed many parents see their “tail” growing longer by the day. This is especially true for full-time moms with younger children who follow them around from the time they wake up in the morning until they go to bed in the evening.

From one room to another, you turn right, they turn right too; you run to the kitchen to check there’s enough water in the cooking pot, they run after you so much so that if you take a step back you’re afraid you’ll accidentally step on them. You play with them, you plan their activities, you do the needed chores – as much as possible. And, in some traditional households, when dad comes home, mom just continues the race.

Here comes the crucial question - Do you find time to rest during such a busy day with kids, especially young ones, at home? If your answer is “yes,” congratulations, you’re a step ahead! If however, your answer is “no” then it's time to change your perspective and start seeing things a bit differently.

You need to make some changes in your daily routine and create, better yet set aside, time for yourself. You can start with 15 minutes per day, every day. Mark it in your calendar as a “meeting with me” time like you would with any other activity or chore. You may choose what pleases and relaxes you the most. Like talking to your best friend, reading your book, gazing from your balcony, relaxing on your couch. 

Once you allocate these 15 minutes to yourself successfully, you may slowly increase the time to suit your needs. Don’t tell me you have no time at all. Be creative, take time from something else and offer it to yourself. It’s a gift you deserve! Because you also need to take a break and recharge your batteries. Only then will you be able to cope well with the daily challenges. And, as you very well know, they are plenty! Enjoy your daily breaks!

Originally published on: itsmylife.gr

If there’s a topic you’re interested in and would like to learn more about you may contact me via email. For more information about me and my work check the XpatAthens Directory or visit my website. Because this is your life!

The heart of mountain running beats at the “place beyond the mountain”. Preparations of athletes and organizers are gradually being completed while pulse rates are increasing and the adrenaline is rushing ahead of Zagori Mountain Running, the biggest mountain running race. The 10th anniversary race is approaching and Zagori, with its outstanding natural beauty, is expected to gather again, with utmost safety, professional and amateur runners from Greece and abroad on July 23-25, 2021.

Great athletes honor the event’s 11 years!
The TeRA 80km, which is considered as the milestone-race in the history of mountain ultras, is expected with even more excitement this year due to the participation of Greek athletes such as Fotis Zisimopoulos, Vangelis Noulas, Angelos Ziakas, Thodoris Zisis and Giannis Kourkourikis, while Dimitris Seletis, the 2019 winner with a time of 8:18’:06’’ will attempt to claim the first place again. Moreover, participations from Spain such as the one of Jesed Hernandez, who returns with the desire to claim the first place, and of Miguel Angel Heras, the greatest foreign athlete who has ever visited our country so far, are expected with great interest. Finally, Apostolos Tzoumakas is the outsider of the race.

The schedule
Participants will be able to receive their participation kits from Thursday, July 22 at the Fifth Element store (Dagli 2 & Papazoglou, in Ioannina), between 18:00 and 21:00 or alternatively on Friday, July 23 (12:00 to 22:00) and on Saturday, July 24 (10:00 to 20:00) at Tsepelovo High School. On Friday, July 23, at 19:00 in the afternoon, the race briefing of the athletes will take place at the Tsepelovo High School and at 20:00 there will be a Pasta Party for the athletes of 80km &44km races, with the support of Melissa pasta industry and Dodoni dairy product company.

Races’ action starts on Saturday, July 24, at 04:30 in the morning, at Tsepelovo, with the TeRA 80km mountain running race. The race’s development extends to 80 kilometers and its positive altitude difference exceeds the 5,100 meters. The race has a time limit of 20 hours from the start and has 4 intermediate elimination points. At 06:00 in the morning, Marathon 44+ takes over. A filling 44km circular route, with 2,600m of positive altitude, which challenges athletes to raise their personal goals and experience mountain running from a different angle.

With the coolness and hydration offered by the Natural Mineral Water ZAGORI, children’s favorite running race of 1km distance, ZAGORAKI, will be held on Saturday afternoon at 2 18:00. The children are expected to have fun, run in nature and learn the values of sports. At the end of the race, there will be a draw and prizes will be given from the Natural Mineral Water ZAGORI in the context of environmental responsibility and familiarization with the concept of recycling. The lottery will be attended by all participants and visitors who will recycle any packaging of glass, plastic, and aluminum in the mobile recycling unit with photovoltaic panels that will be located on site.

On Sunday July 25, athletes will get to know the two brand new routes, the Half Marathon 21km and the Entry Race 10km. At 07:45 in the morning the renewed Half Marathon 21km race will start, while the competitive Entry Race 10km will start at 09:10. All routes have Tsepelovo as their starting and finishing point. Due to the current condition of the pandemic, the athletes on all routes will start gradually, in order to avoid overcrowding at the starting point.

How to join us
The event will be conducted based on the strict health protocol that has received the approval of the Health Scientific Committee of the General Secretariat of Sports which is being carried out by the organizing committee. All participants must bring an EU Digital Covid-19 Certificate in order to enter the event’s venue. Alternatively, they must have conducted a rapid test or a PCR test against Covid-19 within 48 hours before the start of their race and provide confirmation of their negative result. With the exception of those who will provide a vaccination certificate or a certificate that proves that they have recovered from Covid-19 within the last 2 to 9 months. Finally, if there are consecutive race days for a participant, it is recommended to do 1 test before the first race.

What Participants Should Know
Based on the current measures and the current period, all participants must bring an EU Digital Covid-19 Certificate in order to enter the event’s venue. Alternatively, they must have conducted a rapid test or a PCR test against Covid-19 within 48 hours before the start of their race and provide confirmation of their negative result. With the exception of those who will provide a vaccination certificate or a certificate that proves that they have recovered from Covid-19 within the last 2 to 9 months. Finally, if there are consecutive race days for a participant, it is recommended to do 1 test before the first race.

The 1km ZAGORAKI Children's Race
Τhe children’s favorite race returns with the coolness and hydration offered by the Natural Mineral Water ZAGORI. ZAGORAKI, the children’s 1 km distance running race, will take place this year at the village of Tsepelovo, in the afternoon of Saturday, July 24, 2021. Its goal is the contact of children with running in nature, through an entertaining activity that highlights the values ​​of sports. For the 1km children’s race, children 3 to 12 years old can participate. Each child will be awarded with a commemorative medal and a collectible technical t-shirt.

Children’s participation is FREE.

Few experiences herald the joys of summer living like eating and drinking outdoors, or dining al fresco as Italians call it, literally "in the open air."

But when you've lived through what has felt, at times, like an endless lockdown -- or indeed been unable to dine out at all, for up to a year -- then the thought of eating on sun-dappled terraces, elegant lawns, waterside promenades, or private balconies takes on whole new levels of excitement.

From the home of al fresco in Italy to the wilds of the UK's Lake District, cool metropolitan dining in Berlin and Dublin to ancient Greek vistas, these are some of the tables where we'd love to rock up this summer.

DaV Mare at Splendido Mare, Portofino (Italy)


@belmondsplendidomare

In the place that gave us the phrase al fresco, few dining vistas are as iconic or sought-after as those overlooking the waters of the Mediterranean. And when it comes to the waters of the Med, few destinations are as iconic as Portofino on the Ligurian Coast, a famously romantic fishing village with colorful houses.

It's also home to Splendido Mare, a Belmond Hotel that's just opened a new restaurant called DaV Mare in partnership with Italian culinary powerhouse Da Vittorio Group. Their open-air terrace overlooks gleaming yachts in Portofino harbor, while the menu features fabulous local seafood, signature pasta and inventive dishes like risotto with pesto and shrimp from Santa Margherita Ligure just along the coast.

Amanzoe, Kranidi (Greece)


@amanzoe

Unquestionably Mediterranean in both feel and location, Greece's Peloponnese is a famed peninsula southwest of Athens. On the east coast sits an ultra-luxury resort, Amanzoe, which overlooks olive groves and the shimmering blues of the Aegean Sea.

Their restaurant specializes in ethically sourced seafood, with one highlight being the catch of the day -- such as freshly caught bass, bream or grouper -- that is cooked in salt dough and cracked open. Local lamb and pork also feature, as do wood-fired pizzas and delicious local desserts for those with a sweet tooth. Once again though, it's all about those views, encompassing UNESCO-protected ancient ruins, fragrant gardens, and speedboats zipping between the islands off the coast.

@hotelalfonsoxiii

At first glance, you'd be forgiven for thinking that Hotel Alfonso XIII in the charming Spanish city of Seville was a centuries-old Spanish palace. In fact, the ornately decorated property only dates from 1929, but the past 90 years or so have seen it welcome countless dignitaries and celebrities, enchanted by its romantic architecture that's typical of Andalusia.

Nowhere is that more visible than in their stunning Patio, a sizable outdoor terrace where beautiful, intricately decorated Moorish tilework, a fountain, colonnades and more make it the place to be seen -- and increasingly an Instagrammer's dream. Irishman Brian Deegan oversees the menu, where wild sea bass with pumpkin and vanilla risotto, or truffled beef with pork belly and potato are just some of the decadent creations on offer.

Sky Bar by Seen, Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Hotel, Lisbon


@tivoliavenidaliberdade

Portugal's capital seems to go from strength to strength and has firmly cemented itself as one of Europe's coolest cities to visit. That's thanks in part to additions to its rich cultural history, such as Sky Bar at the Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Hotel, which itself dates from 1933.

The Arrábida Mountains, Lisbon's botanical gardens, and the imposing Castelo de Sāo Jorge are some of the landmarks to look for, but it's the views over the city's hills and down the length of Avenida de Liberdade towards the Tagus river that really set Sky Bar apart. The cosmopolitan vibe comes from a mix of glamorous locals and visitors enjoying drinks and small plates such as lamb croquettes, ceviche of fish, and lobster buns to accompany their carefully crafted cocktails.

La Terrasse, Cheval Blanc, St Tropez (France)


@chevalblancsttropez

The Mediterranean is at its sparkling finest along France's famed Cote d'Azur and one of the top places to enjoy it comes from La Terrasse at Cheval Blanc, St Tropez. Dazzling views come from underneath the shade of pine trees, which are hundreds of years old, looking over the beach and towards the water. Fifty shades of blue, as it were.

La Terrasse is open from breakfast throughout the day, with all of chef Arnaud Donckele's menus celebrating produce grown under the Provence sun. Whether it's indulgent long lunches fueled by a bottle or two of Rosé, or perfect summer dinner plates like a chilled soup of tomatoes, strawberries, and watermelon with burrata and Corsican Ham, La Terrasse perfectly distills the chic essence of the legendary coastline.

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

Main image: @amanzoe

People generally don’t think of Athens as a seaside destination. But did you know that there’s actually a bounty of beautiful clean beaches lining the Athenian coastline in all directions?

 

From family pleasers with shallow seas and active adventures, and party playgrounds with cocktails and tunes, to free rustic coves and five-star gems, Athens has a beach to suit every mood, age, mode and budget.

 

Does your perfect beach come with waiter service and luxe loungers—or is it an unspoiled patch of sand, far from the crowds? Whatever your best beach game, Athens has you covered!

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Young Guns 

Beach Style: You have at least one tattoo and the latest smartphone. You play paddle tennis to perfect your all-over tan. Your perfect beach comes with music and cocktails (and no pesky kids).

Best Beach Match: Erotospilia


Photo Credit: Manos Chatzikonstantis

Where: Porto Rafti (off the northeastern Attica coast).

 

Why: As the name suggests, this small-but-happening cove—a mixture of sand and rocks—is where the young ones go to get loved up while listening to beachy music in the background.

 

Highlights: Lagoon-like waters for snorkeling, picturesque rocks for sunbathing, and a mostly local crowd.

 

You’ll Pay: Nothing. Except for any drinks or snacks you buy from the modest beach bar.

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High Rollers 

Beach Style: You’re a beach snob and you know it. Your sand needs to be clean, your water pristine, and your neighbor’s sunlounger at least one meter away… at all times.

Best Beach Match: Astir Beach 


Photo Credit: Manos Chatzikonstantis

Where: Vouliagmeni

 

Why: Follow in the footsteps of Jackie Onassis at this prized spot widely considered to be Athens’ premier (and priciest) beach destination. Indulge in a luxury spa treatment, a designer kaftan, or gourmet dining by the sea.

 

Highlights: Lush natural setting in a protected bay, manicured sands, and clear, shallow waters. No pumping music. Waiter service to your luxe lounger, plus chic restaurants that stay open well past midnight.

 

You’ll Pay: €70 on weekdays for an umbrella with two loungers in high-season, €140 on weekends (€80 and €160 respectively, if you want to be in the front row). Regulars know to book their loungers online a day or so ahead to avoid disappointment.

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Castaways & Chill Seekers

Beach Style: You’re a Greek islomaniac, forever yearning for your next island escape. The more remote the better.

Best Beach Match: Panorama


Photo Credit: Manos Chatzikonstantis

Where: Porto Rafti (on the northeastern Attica coast, opposite Avlaki beach).
Why: A small, sandy paradise full of locals.
Highlights: Elemental island ingredients and a lovely fish taverna and bar (Panorama Fish).
You’ll Pay: Nothing. Unless you treat yourself to lunch—and why not?

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The Family Guy

Beach Style: Happy children equal happy parents!

Best Beach Match: Akti Vouliagmeni


Photo Credit: Manos Chatzikonstantis

Where: Vouliagmeni.

 

Why: Well-tended, multi-tasking summer playground with play spaces and sporting amenities, on Athens Riviera’s most scenic bay.

 

Highlights: An aqua inflatable park to occupy the kids for hours, grassy areas for picnics and ball games, pirate ship playground, tennis, and volleyball courts. Easy access to Vouliagmeni’s foodie delights.

 

You’ll Pay: €5 for adults, €3 for children over 6 years. Loungers included.

To read this article in full and discover which Athens beach is best for you, please visit: thisisathens.org