It’s been 10 years since British linguist Gareth Owens and Oxford University phonetics professor John Coleman have been working towards deciphering the enigmatic Phaistos Disk. The Phaistos Disk is a Minoan Bronze Age clay disk that was discovered in Crete in 1908 by Italian archaeologist Luigi Pernier.

Even though experts have been trying to decipher the script for decades, according to Owens and Coleman they can now read 99 % of the text, which is a Minoan lyrical hymn to a goddess. In fact, Gareth Owens has described the hymn as ‘The Bible of Crete.’

Listen to the voice of the disc, here. 

We've said it before that food is an integral part of Greek culture. Hence the fact that Athens has been voted of the greatest cities in Europe for eating out! And if you're looking for something alternative to a restaurant, we have put together a list with the best places in the city to enjoy  some delicious street food!

Are you a book eater? Great! Then you'll be delighted to know that the National Library of Greece has officialy opened at SNFCC and that we've also put together a list with the most important libraries in Athens!

Is it your first time in Greece? No need to worry! Let us supply you with a great list of useful Greek phrases to use at any occasion. And if you're looking for exciting places to go, the Museum of Illusions in Athens might just be the perfect day out!

Greece is a wonderful place to spend Christmas with your friends and family. But how much do you know about festive Greek traditions? From New Year's Day to New Year's Cake - or Vasilopita - we have all you need to know to enjoy the holidays as much as possible!

Remember to stay connected with us through our weekly newsletter, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!

Remember to stay connected with us through our weekly newsletter, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!

Remember to stay connected with us through our weekly newsletter, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!

Food is a vital part of Greek culture... and it's delicious! So if you ever wondered how to adjust your diet accordingly, let us show you 3 simple steps to do so. Also, if you love coffee like most Greeks, but are not a fan of smoking... no need to worry! Check out our list of cosy and smoke-free cafes in Athens.

Have you got an idea that can change people's lifes? Well the Athens Digital Lab is calling for you! Submit your proposal and get all the support and guidance you need, in order to make Athens an even better place to live.

Remember to stay connected with us through our weekly newsletter, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!

Ten months before the event with 50% discount!

Professional and amateur running and open water swimmingathletes from all over the world will feel a rush of adrenaline at the top sports tourism event “Santorini Experience”, which will be held for a 5th consecutive year, on 4-6 October 2019.

“Santorini Experience” opens its registration 10 months before its implementation, in order to serve the high demand from abroad, in the best possible way. Specifically, participants will be able to take advantage of the early bird prices, with a 50% discount on their registrations, if they complete them by 31/3/2019.

Those who decide to travel to Santorini to compete, should hurry up in order to take advantage of this offer, as in the second registration period, from 1/4/2019 the discount will be 25% per activity. The third and final registration period will be activated from 1/7/2019until the day of the event, setting the final registration cost per activity.

Register now HERE!

Santorini Experience collaborates in registrations for a second consecutive year with Travelotopos Ltd, the most innovative software solution company in tourism. Since its foundation in 2014, the company has designed and launched in the market four booking systems covering all sectors of tourism with great success and acceptance from the industry. In 2016 it had been awarded as the Best New Solution for Tourism in the Tourism Awards.

“Santorini Experience” participants will get the special designed technical T-shirt of the event signed by its Official Sports Supplier Luanvi, while at the same time they will receive even more gifts and surprises by the official sponsors. Specifically, participation packages in running include bag, t-shirt, medal, entry number and timing chip, while in swimming, bag, t-shirt, swimming cap, medal, tattooed entry number and timing chip.

The event’s entire collection will be available soon at Alafouzos Sport store in Fira, Santorini and online through the official site of Luanvi. Luanvi, the leading company in the
sportswear industry in Spain, with more than 35 years of history and a great number of partnerships with professional teams from all team sports, is also the official sponsor of the Spanish Paralympic team and Spanish Tennis Federation. Luanvi excels in the area of running, providing technical shirts and high quality sportswear to almost 40 big sporting events per year (indicative of this is the company’s exclusive partnership with Valencia Marathon).

The Spanish sportswear manufacturer will cooperate for the second time with Santorini Experience.

Watch the video teaser of Santorini Experience 2019 HERE!

On Saturday October 5 th 2019, runners will have the opportunity to enjoy the three established routes on the Caldera, overlooking the enchanting images of the volcano and the background scenery of Imerovigli, Firostefani and Oia. Specifically, the 5km “Aristides Alafouzos” route is ideal for running and dynamic walking, the 10km is addressed to the most experienced in distances and the 15km route to those who love strength, endurance and adrenaline. All routes start from the desalination plant in Oia, including parts of trail track, and finish in Oia.

On Sunday October 6 th 2019, participants will have the opportunity to swim from the volcano to the old port of Fira, having the imposing view of the island in front of them, in
the 1.5 miles (2.4 km) race. Organization will provide amateur athletes with a high-quality safety lifeguard buoy, giving them extra motive to choose “Santorini Experience”. Swimming route will take place with the upmost safety in the enchanting sea of Santorini (average water temperature of 20-22 degrees Celsius). Once again, experienced lifeguards will contribute in safety measures, providing staff as well as lifeboats. Different categories will be formed depending on the final participation entries, while a separate category for those wearing wetsuits will be added.

For yet another year, Luanvi is the event’s official sports supplier, while Athina Luxury Suites is the official sponsor.

Official Supporters include: Santorini Hoteliers Association, Meltemi Hotels & Resorts, Boatmen Union Santorini and Avance Rent A Car.

The following hospitality sponsors will support the event: Santorini Hoteliers Association, Meltemi Hotels & Resorts, Athina Luxury Suites and Sienna Resort. “Santorini Experience” is a co-organization of Municipality of Santorini, Municipal Sports Cultural Environmental Organization of Santorini (DAPPOS) and Active Media Group.

More info at: www.santorini-experience.com
Official Sports Supplier: Luanvi
Official Sponsor: Athina Luxury Suites
Official Supporters: Santorini Hoteliers Association, Meltemi Hotels & Resorts, Boatmen
Union Santorini, Avance Rent A Car
Hospitality Sponsors: Santorini Hoteliers Association, Meltemi Hotels & Resorts, Athina
Luxury Suites, Sienna Resort

Official Hashtag: #SantoriniExperience

Photo credit: Elias Lefas