XpatAthens

XpatAthens

Trial runs on the new Piraeus metro lines will begin by the end of next week, Attiko Metro Managing Director Nikos Kouretas said, ahead of their opening to the public by September.

Speaking at the Technical Chamber of Greece’s conference “Green Deal Greece 2022” at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, Kouretas said that the stations on the new Line 4 will be opened to the public at a date to be announced shortly.

In addition, he said, the Thessaloniki metro will be operational by the end of 2023.

Along with the three Piraeus stations that we will hand over to the public in the next two months, Lines 2 [Red] and 3 [Blue] will end up serving over a million passengers a day, which means 200,000 fewer cars in Athens daily, and a reduction of 880 tons of carbon dioxide,” Kouretas said.

The metro will also bring an improvement to the urban landscape with the planting of trees while it will also serve major facilities such as hospitals.

To read this article in full, please visit: greece-is.com
After the Hollywood release of the movie “Rise” (produced by Disney) about the life of the family of Giannis Antetokounmpo, it finally premiered in the Athens neighbourhood of Sepolia, where the NBA star grew up.

The event was hosted on Tuesday at the Triton Stadium in Sepolia, where it all started for the “Greek Freak”.

Antetokounmpo naturally stole the show, since he is in the places where he started to show his talent, while with him was his whole family (Thanasis, Kostas, Alex, Francis and their mother, Veronica).

In Sepolia were also his Milwaukee teammates Pat Connaughton, Jevon Carter and Jordan Nwora along with two coaches, his managers and great basketball personalities such as Theodoros Papaloukas.

George Mazonakis was also there, along with the GM of Olympiacos, Nikos Lepeniotis.

Of course, several children rushed to see and deify Giannis Antetokounmpo and his brothers up close, creating a great atmosphere in an area that evokes memories for the Antetokounmpo family.



Originally published on: greekcitytimes.com
Hard Rock Café Athens celebrates Independence Day on the 4th of July the American way with the unique themed cocktail Rockin' Refreshing and ‘Red Blue White’ Burger, two choices specially designed for that day. The Visitors will also have the opportunity to try other wonderful authentic all-time classic American dishes.

The unique Rockin ’Refreshing cocktail - in the colors of the American flag - contains GRAY GOOSE vodka, lemonade, Grenadine, and Blue Curacao, garnished with delicious candies. 


On the 4th of July, the restaurant will be specially decorated in a festive atmosphere, featuring the colors of America.

Except for Rockin ’Refreshing and‘ Red Blue White ’Burger, whoever chooses to visit the restaurant will be able to accompany their drink of choice with a wide range of mouth-watering main courses, starters, and delicious desserts. Gluten-free dishes will also be available. 

For information and reservations, please call 210 3245170 or send an email to athens_salescoordinator@hardrock.com


On Saturday, July 2, in Water Square,  Release Athens welcomes two true rock'n'roll legends on a unique night.

Iggy Pop, unique and incomparable, returns after the triumphant appearance of 2019 to give us a greatest-hits show full of his own inexhaustible energy.

Liam Gallagher, voice and soul of Oasis and one of the last real rock stars of our time, comes to Greece just at the moment when his solo career is taking off.

A landmark night for every rock music fan! With them, are the Sleaford Mods, the terrific duo from Nottingham, and The K's, one of the most emerging indie-rock bands on the British scene.
Wednesday, 29 June 2022 13:30

Taste Of Athens 2022

Taste of Athens returns to the historic Athenian Venue of Zappeion, for 4 days full of taste, fun and delight in the heart of Greek summer.

Book your calendars and get your taste buds and forks at the ready! 10 of the best restaurants in the country, top chefs, iconic dishes, immersive experiences and a full entertainment program will be waiting for you to enjoy.

The hottest restaurants in town
The star chefs everyone is talking about, hard-to-book restaurants and the hottest (or coolest?) culinary projects are setting the scene of the largest gastronomic event in Greece.



All-day music & live concerts
Dance those calories away at the central Entertainment Stage, joining live acts from favorite artists and uplifting DJ sets at the fun epicenter of this year’s Festival! Make sure you lock your tickets in early to avoid missing out.

Family fun at the Kids Zone
Your little foodies will have a dedicated safe space with a fun-packed program of educational, creative and interactive sessions led by experienced professionals, so every member of your family can truly enjoy the tastes.


Sun-drenched beaches with crystal-clear waters and fine sand are what Greece is mostly known for all around the world. And, justifiably so, since Greece has a coastline of a whopping 13,676 kilometers, the largest in the Mediterranean Basin, counting more than 6,000 islands and islets.
 
Often overlooked though, is the country’s fascinating mainland, where one can find impressive mountains, gorgeous lakes, and majestic rivers. The rivers, in particular, can rival some of the country’s most famous islands, offering crystalline waters, dense nature, and tree-lined river banks.
 
Here’s a small list of our favorite Greek rivers to enjoy a swim! 
 
Achelous River

Acheloos
@gogo_chatz
 
With a total length of 220 km, the Achelous begins at the eastern slope of Lakmos mountain in the Pindus range and empties into the Ionian Sea. The river covers the regions of Trikala, Karditsa, Arta, Evrytania and Etoloakarnania. 
 
The best spot to enjoy a swim is undoubtedly the Acheloos Valley, where the current of the river slows down, causing the banks of the river to turn into proper beaches, creating a jaw-dropping landscape with white sand and light blue waters. 
 
Voidomatis River 

Voidomatis
@giannos_petrogiannis 
 
Flowing across the villages of Zagoria, in Epirus, one of the most beautiful locations in Greece, Voidomatis features awe-inspiring natural beauty. Its name means the eye of the ox and derives from the fact that oxen have clear blue eyes, like the waters of this river.
 
The river is a famous holiday destination all over the world due to its clean waters, which probably make it the cleanest river in Europe. It’s also characterized by its traditional stone bridges, the most famous being the Kledonas Bridge.

Acheron River 

Acherontas
@veronika.kon
 
Located in the Epirus region, the Acheron river is prominently featured in Greek mythology as it was depicted as the entrance to the Greek Underworld. 
 
Acheron River comprises a unique destination for its magnificent transparent waters and the surrounding rocky landscape, where many rare birds of prey find refuge. An impressive ecosystem recognized and protected by the Natura 2000 Network, Acheron is surrounded by deeply shadowed forests with age-old plane trees, climbing plants, and dense ferns; nature at its best!

Nestos River 

Nestos
@imgeorgep

The second-longest river in Thrace and one of the five longest in Greece, the Nestos river is the natural border between Macedonia and Thrace. It springs from Bulgaria and has a total length of 234km, of which 130 are on Greek soil. 
 
Except for its Delta, an exceptional wetland with rich flora and fauna, Nestos river is also ideal for swimming. One of the most beautiful spots that are really worth seeing is an area known as Tempi Tou Nestou, which is characterized by towering cliffs and breathtaking scenery.

Monemvasia, on the southeastern shores of the Peloponnese, Greece is Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited castle town.

Founded in 583 by inhabitants of the mainland seeking refuge from the Slavic and the Avaric invasion of Greece and surrounded by the Myrtoan Sea, Monemvasia is located on an island about half a mile long.

A man-made road and stone bridge leads to the castle gate and main entrance of the majestic castle town onward through the colorful and lively citadel offering all who visit her both stunning views and an unforgettable ‘ambiance’ of times past.

The fortress’ stone walls protected the citadel of Monemvasia from various invaders throughout its history. Invasions by the Crusaders, Venetians, and lastly, by the Ottomans have all left an indelible cultural and architectural mark, granting the citadel a unique charm and romantic atmosphere close to none.

The town’s name is derived from two Greek words, mone and emvasia, meaning “single entrance.” The “Gibraltar of the East” or a “stone ship” about to set sail, as the famous Greek poet Yannis Ritsos described his birthplace, beckons you for a journey through time, wandering through vaulted alleyways and past churches and aristocratic mansions.

Monemvasia: A trade center that withstood invasions

From the 10th century AD, the town developed into an important trade and maritime center. The fortress withstood the Arab and Norman invasions in 1147; farm fields that fed up to thirty men were tilled inside the fortress.

By 1193, Monemvasia was a major city in the Peloponnese. Ships sailing between Constantinople (now Istanbul) and what is now Italy stopped there, giving rest to aristocrats and high-ranking church members and loading Greek exports like olive oil and wine headed for the West.

The resurgence of the Greek castle town

In more recent history, the castle town has seen a resurgence in importance with increasing numbers of tourists visiting the site and the region. The charming town of Monemvasia is made up of a labyrinth of winding cobblestoned streets that can only be traveled by foot. The medieval buildings have been restored, and many of them converted to hotels, artisans shops, boutiques, cafés, and restaurants.

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


The Athens Urban Transport Organization (OASA) worker’s unions declared that they are planning a 24-hour strike on Wednesday, June 29. The union will also organize a demonstration outside the OASA headquarters demanding that a tender with privately operated KTEL intercity buses is not extended.

“It is inconceivable that, without providing any information to its employees, there are ‘plans’ to address transit with constant contracts with KTEL, a fact that does not promote the public nature of urban transport,” stated the union in its announcement.

Originally published on: ekathimerini.com
When thinking about summer in Greece, one of the first things that pop into your mind, except for the sandy beaches and turquoise waters, is the unsurpassed sunsets of the Greek islands. Indeed, sunsets in Greece are utterly romantic, blissful, and relaxing.

But, you probably don’t know that you don’t have to travel to a Greek island for a memorable golden hour experience. Sunsets in Athens are equally indescribable, unsurpassable, and unforgettable. Here’s a list of 5 places in the Greek capital that every sunset chaser like us will fall in love with!

Areopagus

Areopagus
@iamsmark

Located northwest of the Acropolis, this prominent rock used to be the supreme court of ancient Athens. Today it is just as fascinating, providing panoramic views of the whole city. A beloved hangout spot for locals, there you will see groups of friends and couples chatting and taking in the spectacular vistas any time of the day (or night!).

Kastella

Kastella
@3_k_0_t_s

Set on a hill overlooking the Port of Mikrolimano, Kastella is, without a doubt, the most picturesque district in Piraeus. As you make your way to the top of the hill, meandering through the narrow, scenic streets, you will encounter impressive neoclassical buildings, architectural gems, and the Veakeio Theatre, until you reach the church of Profitis Ilias where the views over the Saronic Gulf will leave you speechless.

Lycabettus Hill

Lycabbetus Hill
@chiara.zagli

Gracefully standing 277 meters above sea level, Lycabettus Hill is the highest point in Athens. You can get there by taxi, the funicular, or on foot, but, no matter what, the views from the top are rewarding. Go all the way up until you reach the Holy Church of Saint Isidore, a chapel of striking beauty, and enjoy the mesmerizing views of the islands of Salamina and Aegina.

Temple Of Poseidon At Sounio

Temple Of Poseidon
@Tibortokai

At the end of the Sounio Peninsula, at the southernmost point of Attica, lies the Temple of Poseidon, a site of worship of the sea god Poseidon, built during Athens’ Golden Age. Today, it continues to enthrall visitors who, except for the bewitching views, can swim in crystalline waters while marveling at the marble-white columns of a 5th-century BC temple. A combination you can’t miss!

Parthenon

Parthenon
@manon_alzieu

Of course, a visit to Athens isn’t complete until you go all the way up to the temple of Parthenon that dominates the hill of the Acropolis. Undeniably Athens’ most famous historical landmark, a symbol of democracy, and a masterpiece of ancient architecture, Parthenon is the perfect place to enjoy the sunset, just like Athenians did 2.500 years ago!










Monday, 27 June 2022 07:00

11 Shipwrecks Now Accessible To Divers

The Ministry of Culture and Sports has announced a decision that will give recreational scuba divers access to 11 historic shipwrecks in Greek territorial waters. Organized visits to the wreck sites by accredited dive schools and tour operators will only be permitted following the submission of the necessary paperwork to the Ephorate of Underwater Antiquities, the department responsible for safeguarding the country’s submerged cultural sites.

Scuba diving has become an increasingly popular recreational activity in Greece in recent years, drawing thousands of tourists each year eager to explore the country’s spectacular variety of underwater sites. This is especially the case for wreck diving, which, until recently, was largely prohibited due to concerns over the looting of priceless antiquities.

The following wrecks have been made accessible:

HMHS Britannic, Kea (British ocean liner and sister ship of the famous Titanic, sank in 1916); SS Burdigala, Kea (German ocean liner, sank in 1916); SS Patris, Kea (paddle steamer, sank in 1868); SS Artemis Pita, Milos (Greek cargo steamer, sank in 1943); SS Sifnos, Milos (Greek cargo steamer, sank in 1941); SS Minnewaska, Marathi, Crete (British steamer, sank in 1916); SS Mytilene, Bay of Kypsa Kassandra, Halkidiki (German cargo ship, sank in 1961); the Turkish shipwreck at Kalamitsi, Chalkidiki (sank in the first two decades of the 20th century); SS Creteland, Aghios Georgios, Evia (Greek cargo steamer, sank in 1930); SS Pioneer I, Lichades, Evia (cement ship, sank in 1944); SS Volos, Lefteris reef, between Pelion and Skiathos (German steamer, sank in 1931).

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