Summer is just around the corner and everything that makes summertime in Athens so amazing is back on the menu, as the city officially opens its doors and legendary sites to the world with the official restart of tourism in Greece!

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Photo credit: @anamarija_ardzanova 

It’s been a long road, we cannot lie. But this month, Athens finally opens its doors and legendary sites to the world once more with the official restart of tourism in Greece by the Greek Government on Saturday, 15 May. Everything that makes summertime in Athens so amazing is back on the menu in May!

In short, we mean a return to idyllic days on the sun-drenched shores of our beautiful beaches. Sunset cocktails on stylish rooftops with the Acropolis for company. High-spirited meals with friends, old and new, in leafy squares. Open-air movies at jasmine-scented summer cinemas and live gigs at ancient arenas under the stars.

We can visit our favourite museums and galleries again as if for the first time and check out some brand new ones too: such as the landmark National Gallery of Art, fresh from an extensive 8 year makeover, and the old Public Tobacco Factory, due to be reborn in June as an emblematic culture hub, with an international exhibition “Portals”.

Let’s hit the shops (without having to make an appointment first); trawling for hot street fashion, vintage treasure, or cool souvenirs. And relish together all those sights, sounds, and unpredictable encounters that signal the return of Athens’ seductive summer energy, as we freely explore the city’s beating urban neighborhoods, each with its own distinct village vibe.

During the extended second lockdown (in effect to varying degrees since 7 November), the City of Athens has rolled up its sleeves to ensure that the Greek capital is both safe and more accessible to welcome back visitors and residents alike this month. These expansive initiatives have included improving sidewalks and cleaning streets, removing graffiti across the city, smartening up the National Garden and scenic slopes of Mount Lycabettus, and planting bright flora and new “pockets parks” to green up the urban experience. Athens has also refined its social distancing protocols to ensure that citizens and visitors experience a buoyant, re-charged, and well-prepared city.

On Tuesday, May 18, 2021, the Ziller-Loverdou Palace was presented to the public on the occasion of International Museum Day. The building, a true architectural gem, had been abandoned for a very long time and after years of renovations, it finally opened its doors.

Located at 6 Mavromichali Street, the mansion was built in 1882 by the famous German architect, Ernst Ziller, who lived there until 1912, when the Kefalonian banker and collector Dionysios Loverdos bought it. Loverdos used it both as a residence and a museum where he exhibited his rich collection with more than 600 artifacts. In 1992, the mansion was donated to the Greek state by Loverdos' daughters, under the administration of the Ministry of Culture, on behalf of the Byzantine and Christian Museum, with the aim of creating a Museum.

The building's exteriors are adorned with Caryatids' heads and other ancient elements, while inside, one can find frescoes, ceiling paintings, fireplaces, a wood-carved staircase that leads to the attic, and of course, the Museum's highlight, the room with the marble columns. 

The exhibition at the Ziller-Loverdou Palace includes icons, wood carvings, and four wood-carved iconostases (mid 18th to early 19th century), from the Loverdou collection. This is one of the largest and most important collections of post-Byzantine religious art in Greece. 

The Museum is wheelchair accessible. The opening hours are daily 10.30 am - 3.30 pm. and every Tuesday, 1-8 p.m. 

Originally posted in Greek on huffingtonpost.gr
Translated by Codico Lab

The online portal ‘Study in Greece’ is campaigning for the international extroversion of Greek Universities and the comparative education advantages of Greece. In particular, the campaign is about the foreign language study programs Greek Universities offer to Greek and foreign students. In this context, a number of educational programs and actions are presented in detail on a regular basis, such as undergraduate and postgraduate programs, summer schools, etc, to inform the foreign publics about the plethora of foreign language options that are provided by the Greek Universities.

Recently, the Medical School of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH) opened for the first time its doors to English-speaking students from all over the world by launching its first 6-year Undergraduate Program in English.

Being one of the most prominent Schools in Greece, AUTH’s School of Medicine is committed not only to developing specialized professionals but also to cultivating responsible individuals. Within a framework of research and innovation, the Program provides a world-class medical education that triggers a passion for learning, a desire to serve, and a steadfast commitment to improving the health and well-being of society. The main goal of the School of Medicine is to educate medical students, as well as to provide health professionals with the highest scientific standards. An additional aim is to perform high-quality research frequently in collaboration with other Greek and international research centers. The students of this program will participate in various research programs of the Laboratories and Medical Departments and will be shaped by the ethical values that compose the world of Medicine.

In regards to the Program’s curriculum, clinical skills are shaped from the first semester and clinical rotations start from the 4th year. In order to obtain the Medical Degree students are required to complete 83 modules (76 courses and 7 courses – clinical traineeships).

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

We're happy to announce a new Media Sponsorship collaboration with "Olympic Day Run GREECE". We thank them for their trust and amicable support!

The biggest anniversary for the Olympic celebration in Greece will unite, for another year, the footsteps of people of all ages, in the ultimate Olympic experience.

Olympic Day Run GREECE is the only Olympic Road Running Race in Greece and constitutes the official global institution for the celebration of the International Olympic Day, established by the International Olympic Committee, the organizing authority of the Olympic Games, with the aim of spreading the message of the Olympic idea. 

We love sharing events and letting our community know what's on in Athens and around Greece! Whether it’s art, music, sports, food & drink, or community events, our aim is to encourage people to embrace and experience all that Athens has to offer! We keep our readers up-to-date with what’s on, and what’s coming up in our great city.

Part of the work that we do at XpatAthens is to collaborate with many different venues, digital platforms and event planners/hosts as Media Sponsors - you're welcome to learn more and see our sponsorships here.

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If you'd like to learn more about sharing your event on XpatAthens,
please contact us here to tell us more about your upcoming event.

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On Friday, May 14th, Greece lifted most restrictions on movement and launched its tourist season. With the country now open to travelers, the Greek version of the “green certificate” regarding travel to the islands came into force. 

Greece is among the first countries that will participate in the trials for issuing “green” digital certificates confirming that travelers have been vaccinated against Covid-19.

According to a senior European Union official, countries were divided into three groups based on how technically ready they are to issue certificates. Apart from Greece, countries belonging to the first group include Spain, Italy, Malta, Bulgaria, Estonia, and Luxembourg. Cyprus is in the second group and will carry out tests a little later.

The green digital certificate will be technically ready on June 1 and will operate fully on June 30.

Originally published on ekathimerini.com.

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To learn more about Digital Green Certificates, please click here. 

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Athens, Greece's historic capital, is a city brimming with culture, elegance, and energy, a city bursting with life all year round. If, however, you feel like escaping the hustle and bustle for a while, taking a dip in the sea, or relaxing on a sandy beach, there's nothing stopping you from hopping on a ferry to one of the many beautiful islands just a breath away from Athens. 



1. Spetses 

Spetses is not a typical Greek island. It's a place oozing with vintage charm, an affluent paradise where you'll find charming neoclassical mansions and narrow alleyways. Cars are not allowed there, so you'll only see bicycles and carriages - it's like being transported back to another era. Walk along the waterfront, have a leisurely coffee in Dapia, and visit the Bouboulina Museum. The islands' romantic cosmopolitanism is sure to take your breath away!

2. Agistri

A tiny, picturesque island in the Saronic Gulf, Agistri is a very popular weekend getaway among Athenians. Blessed with lush pine forests, its unspoiled natural setting makes it a camper's paradise. But, there's so much more to do there. Explore the quaint traditional villages, swim in scenic coves, relax on pebbly beaches, and pay a visit to the Folk Art Museum, if you want to get to know the past everyday life of the islanders. 

3. Hydra 

Hydra has been attracting international jet setters for a long time and its aristocratic charm is, indeed, unquestionable. There, you'll see traditional white houses with blue shutters, impressive mansions dating back to the 18th century, as well as numerous churches and monasteries, as the island boasts rich religious history. Once again, cars are officially banned in Hydra, as the island has been listed for preservation due to its architectural and cultural significance. 

4. Kea

Although part of the Cyclades island group, Kea doesn't have the typical Cycladic landscape and architecture. It's a verdant island, still untouched by mass visitors, brimming with elegant buildings. Kea has a vast network of paths with wooden signposts that cover most of the island, connecting its most important landmarks. Apart from the beaches, Kea has also a lot to offer in terms of sightseeing, as there you'll find four ancient cities, one of them being Ioulis, the island's enchanting capital. 

5. Andros

The greenest island of the Cyclades, Andros is the ultimate destination for nature lovers, hiking enthusiasts, and water-sports aficionados due to its strong winds. Except for its wild natural beauty and its incredible beaches, the island is also famous for its cosmopolitan vibe. The island's capital, Chora, is full of architectural masterpieces, like elegant mansions, neoclassical buildings, and, of course, the famous lighthouse of Andros. The island boasts a variety of museums as well, making it the perfect destination for art lovers! 

On the first floor of the Hotel Grande Bretagne, at THE ATRIUM of Alexander’s Lounge, an outdoor “secret garden” has been formed and welcomes you in a new all-day lounge, away from the city’s noise, while still in the heart of Athens.

Olive trees, laurels, small cypress trees, and flowers gift their colors and beauty to the venue, while the guests of THE ATRIUM of Alexander’s Lounge are able to relax and savor their coffee or drink in a sophisticated setting with impeccable service.

The Executive Chef Asterios Koustoudis and the talented culinary and pastry team have also created a menu inspired by the countries of Latin America, which includes a selection of flavorful dishes, such as spicy veggie tacos, chicken tortilla wrap, shrimp salsa salad, organic smoked salmon with organic blue corn nachos and guacamole sauce.

For the highly anticipated summer nights, additionally to a remarkable wine list, the award-winning bartenders of the historic hotel prepare refreshing cocktails and premium drinks. For the cigar aficionados, THE ATRIUM of Alexander’s Lounge features a wide variety of perfectly preserved cigars to complete the ritual.

Address: Hotel Grande Bretagne, Vasileos Georgiou A’ 1, Athens
Telephone: 210 3330748

 

Greece is steadily emerging from lockdown measures and things are beginning to return to some normality. Stay informed with all of the new measures, read all about the Municipality's latest initiatives, discover cool places to visit and things to do in Athens this month! 

Remember to stay connected with us through our weekly newsletter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Photo credit: @manoswashere