Consumers in Greece will be required as of January 1^st, 2018 to pay 4 cents per plastic bag as the country prepares to harmonize its relevant law with EU guidelines, according to a draft bill being drawn up by the environment ministry and set to be tabled in parliament.

The aim is to reduce the number of bags per consumer to 90 per year per person in the next two years, and to 40 by 2025. According to Research Institute of Retail Consumer Goods (IELKA) findings, consumers in Greece use a total of 4.3 billion plastic bags per year of which only 1 percent is recycled.

Greece holds the top spot in Europe in terms of per capita use of plastic bag exceeding the EU average of 175 per person.

It  has also been announced that from January 1^st, 2019 the cost per plastic bag will increase to 9 cents!

Located near the old Fix brewery in Neos Kosmos at 43 Frantzi, 43 Sarantatrio was recommended by a friend of Culinary Backstreets and so they went to see what the restaurant is all about. What they found was a pleasant surprise of, “brightly painted tables and posters that created such a cheerful atmosphere, while the courtyard made us gasp with surprise – it looked more like an island farmhouse than an urban outdoor space.”

“The various design choices, both big and small, made it feel as though we had stepped into a parallel universe: The two tall trees that provide shade in the center, complemented by bushes and even a fig tree leaning over a white-washed wall; the gray wooden chairs with rush seats; the benches covered by rag rugs; and white gravel underfoot.”

“We decided to go for a mix of the unfamiliar and the familiar: The aforementioned Pontic Carrot, a shredded carrot salad that came shaped like a fez and seasoned with coriander and something to give it a touch of heat; the aliada, a garlic dipping sauce made with crushed pistachios (instead of the more traditional mashed potatoes, bread or even walnuts); green fava (puree of green peas); saganaki, fried cheese from Ios topped with two cherry tomatoes preserved in syrup…”

To read this article in full, please visit: Culinary Backstreets

Thousands of spectators gathered near the Tanagra air base, north of Athens, to watch spectacular aerobatic displays during the 6th Athens Flying Week aviation event.

Top aviation teams from around the world demonstrated their flight skills, leaving crowds opened mouthed with awe.

One of the highlights of the show, was Britain’s famous Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows.

Watch the video below!


Video uploaded by: geophoto93

To read this article in full, please visit: Greek Reporter

 

Running takes place on Saturday 7/10 & swimming on Sunday 8/10!

The top sports tourism event “Santorini Experience” organized for the 3rd consecutive year in the enchanting Santorini on October 6-8, 2017 is ready to excite all professional and amateur swimmers and runners from around the world!

This year’s schedule begins on Friday, October 6th 2017 with a focus on children. More specifically at 10:00am in the morning the 1km kids running race will be held at the Indoor Hall DAPPOS, in Fira.

On Friday, at 12:00pm the established Meet & Greet will be held with the presence of silver Olympic medalist Alexandros Nikolaidis, the Olympic & World Champion in 400m. with hurdles Periklis Iakovakis, the World Champion in open water swimming Kelly Araouzou as well as top athletes from the Greek open water national team, at Alafouzos Sport store (official sponsor of the event supporting “Santorini Experience” for a third year in a row) at Fira.

Respectively, the twice Silver Olympic Medalist, Alexandros Nikolaidis will undertake for one more year to introduce the secrets of TaeKwonDo martial art to beginners (at 15:00pm) and advanced athletes (at 16:00pm) at the Indoor Hall of DAPPOS, at Fira.

Running and swimming are the dominant activities in “Santorini Experience” for another year!

On Saturday, October 7, 2017, professional and amateur runners will have the chance to run and live the adrenaline of the Caldera with the starting of the 10km and 15km running routes taking place at 08:15am in the morning, and the starting of the 5km “Aristides Alafouzos” route at 11:00am.

All routes start from the desalination plant in Oia.

On Sunday October 8, 2017, professional and amateur swimmers will be able to feel their energy erupt and the atmosphere of the volcano with the imposing view of the island in front of them! The 1.5 mile (2.4km) unique swimming race of “Santorini Experience”, will start at 11:00am from the volcano and finish at the old port in Fira. The swimming route will be carried out with absolute safety in the magical waters of Santorini, under the auspices of the Hellenic Swimming Federation and under the technical direction of the Federal Technical Coach, Nikos Gemelos who has designed this unique route. The race will be held with the participation of the World Champion in open water swimming, Kelly Araouzou as well as athletes from the Greek open water swimming national team.

You may find the detailed schedule HERE!


Registrations in swimming and running continue with an undiminished pace until September 28th through the official page of the event HERE or at the official sponsor Alafouzos Sport store at Fira (in Santorini).

From ThursdRegistrations in swimming and running continue with an undiminished pace until September 28th through the official page of the event HERE or at the official sponsor Alafouzos Sport store at Fira (in Santorini).

From Thursday, October 5 to Saturday, October 7, 2017, all participants will be able to receive their numbers from Alafouzos Sport store (hours: 09:00-21:00).

Alternatively the running participants may also receive their numbers one hour before the start of their route on Saturday October 7, 2017, from the desalination plant in Oia while the swimming participants may also receive their numbers one hour before their start on Sunday October 8, 2017, from the old port in Fira.

Samsung will stand by the event’s side for the first time as the official technology partner, with the eco-system of Samsung Galaxy devices. Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+, combined with the camera Gear 360 and Gear VR, will enrich the experience of the participants and the spectators of the event with unique 360 degrees content.

VitaNTravel, as the official travel agent of the event, will take care and assist all athletes and escorts with information about the ferry routes, ferry tickets, car rentals and accommodation in the island. For more information click here!

The hospitality sponsors supporting the event are: Aqua Vista Hotels, Athina Luxury Suites, Santo Maris Oia Luxury Suites & Spa, Vedema A Luxury Collection Resort Santorini, Canaves Oia, West East Suites, Desiterra Luxury Suites & Villas, 270 Oia's View, Central Fira Hotel, Memories Hotel, Loizos Stylish Residencies, Fanouris Condo, Monolithia Hotel, Esperas Santorini, Sienna Residencies, Hotel Rivari Santorini, White Pearl Villas.

“Santorini Experience” will take place under the auspices of the Greek National Tourism Organization and the Hellenic Swimming Federation with the co-organization of the Municipality of Santorini, DAPPOS and Active Media Group.

Website
Facebook Page
Twitter Account
YouTube Channel 
Instagram

Official Hashtag: #SantoriniExperience
Official Airline Partner: Ryanair
Official Sponsors: Blue Star Ferries, Alafouzos Sport, Athina Luxury Suites
Official Technology Partner: Samsung
Official Supporters: Ford Motor Hellas, “Vikos” Natural Mineral Water, Avance Rent A Car, Aqua Vista Hotels, Santo Maris Oia Luxury Suites & Spa, Wyndham Grand Athens, Santorini Boatmen Union
Hospitality Sponsors: Aqua Vista Hotels, Athina Luxury Suites, Santo Maris Oia Luxury Suites & Spa, Vedema A Luxury Collection Resort Santorini, Canaves Oia, West East Suites, Desiterra Luxury Suites & Villas, 270 Oia's View, Central Fira Hotel, Memories Hotel, Loizos Stylish Residencies, Fanouris Condo, Monolithia Hotel, Esperas Santorini, Sienna Residencies, Hotel Rivari Santorini, White Pearl Villas
Assisted by: Sunset Oia Sailing Cruises, Alios Ilios, Lifeguard Patrol, National Lifeguards of Santorini, Aegean Divers
Official Travel Agent: VitaNTravel

Under the Auspices of the Greek National Tourism Organization

 “Navarino Challenge” invites people of all ages to participate at the 3-day sports event taking place 13-15 October in Costa Navarino and Messinia. The multi-awarded event aims to promote the Olympic Spirit and Ideal, and “Fair Play” through the participation of role-model athletes, joining 17 activities in total.

On Saturday October 14th, participants will join a non-competitive open water swimming race (10:00am) at the Bay of Navarino. Starting from the picturesque port of Pylos, participants will cover a 1-mile (1.6 km) swimming route, designed by the Federal Technical Coach of Swimming, Nikos Gemelos. At 10:30am, Kids’ Athletics will take place at the Pylos town square, joined by the event ambassador Periklis Iakovakis, Olympic & World Champion at 400m hurdles. Kids’ Athletics has been developed and set in place by a special panel of scientists from IAAF (International Association of Athletics Federation) and is organized in Greece by the Hellenic Athletics Federation (SEGAS) in cooperation with the Ministry of Education.

For the second consecutive year, focus will switch to the Stand Up Paddling demonstration race by BIC® Sport (at 11:30am at Pylos port), with the support of Surf Salad, water sports at Costa Navarino. The day will conclude with a demonstration of Optimist and Laser boats (at 12:30pm) from the Maritime Athletic Pylos Association “Nestor” with the assistance of the Sailing Club of Kalamata “Poseidon” and the Sailing Club of Kalamata “Eolos” with the assistance of the Municipality Pylos-Nestor, the Port Authority of Pylos, Pylos Association of Enterprises for Tourism Development and Explore Messinia.

On Sunday October 15th, participants will join the half-marathon (21.1km), 10km (joint start time at 08:15am), and 5km (running and dynamic walking - start time 08:30am) routes, while the 1km running route for children (9:30am) will also take place. The race will be timed for all runners.

The event will be supported for the first time by official sponsor Sportingbet, one of the world’s leading online gaming companies. On behalf of Sportingbet, Mr. Giannis Kapodistrias, stated: “We are very pleased to support such a great sport event such as Navarino Challenge, which is taking place all accross Messinia! Sportingbet is distinguished for its dynamism, energy to achieve goals, passion for sport, which are also found at Navarino Challenge. We are very proud of the fact that Navarino Challenge promotes the benefits of exercise and balanced nutrition and raise awareness regarding childhood obesity"

The gala dinner “A Night to Remember by Qatar Airways” will be held on Saturday October 14th, for the guests and participants staying at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino. The event will also honor athletes who have been distinguished for their ethics and contribution to sport. The distinct gifts and awards of the Gala are created once again by Apia store in Costa Navarino.

For those wishing to stay at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino, a full program of events is included in their stay, with activities such as taekwondo (by the twice silver Olympic medalist Alexandros Nikolaidis), Kids’ Athletics (with the Olympic and World Champion Periklis Iakovakis), boccia (with the Gold Paralympic athlete Grigoris Polychronidis), climbing and bike ride at Voidokilia beach (supported by Navarino Outdoors), pilates (with the PE instructor specialized in pilates Mandy Persaki), basketball, golf (supported by the Navarino Golf Academy) kick boxing (with the champion Alexandros Nikolaidis), baby swimming and aqua aerobic (supported by Swim Academy), tennis cross training (supported by Navarino Racquet Academy) and boxing (supported by Vizantinos target sport club).

More information about the available accommodation packages at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino are available here.

Samsung will join the event for the first time as the official technology partner, with the eco-system of Samsung Galaxy devices. Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+, combined with the camera Gear 360 and Gear VR, will enrich the experience of participants and spectators alike, with unique 360° content.

The pasta brand Melissa also joins this year’s event, promoting the message about the benefits of the Mediterranean nutrition and the balanced Mediterranean diet, as the official nutrition supporter.

“Navarino Challenge” will be held under the Auspices of the Greek National Tourism Organization with the co-organization of Costa Navarino, The Westin Resort Costa Navarino and Active Media Group and the support of the Municipalities of Pylos-Nestor and Trifilia.

Registrations for “Navarino Challenge” are still open, for your registration please complete the form here.

Website
Facebook Page
Youtube
Twitter
Instagram

Official Airline Partner: Qatar Airways

Official Technology Partner: Samsung

Official Sponsors: Sportingbet, “Vikos” Natural Mineral Water, Ford Motor Hellas

Official Nutrition Supporter: Melissa

Official Supporters: BIC®, BIC® Sport, Wyndham Grand Athens, Poseidonia, Surf Salad

Assisted by: Inbi, Navarino Outdoors, Swim Academy, Navarino Racquet Academy, Apia, Health Runners Club of Messinia, Pylos Association of Enterprises for Tourism Development, Maritime Athletic Pylos Association “Nestor”, Explore Messinia, Navarino Golf Academy, Hellenic Athletics Federation (SEGAS), IAAF Kids Athletics, Vizantinos target sport club

Strategic Partner: National Geographic

Under the auspices of the Greek National Tourism Organization

With an urban population of around 4 million people, it goes without saying that Athens offers a large, modern public transport system that serves the needs of the city.

Residents and visitors in Athens move around the city using city buses, electric trolley-buses, Athens metro, Athens tram, and the Athens suburban railway.

 

Athens is connected to even the remotest destinations via the Athens International Airport, the ports of Piraeus, Rafina and Lavrio, the TRAINOSE national railway network and, the KTEL long-distance bus network.

 

The Athens Transport authority operates four 24-hour express bus lines to the airport. A special fare costing 6 euros is needed to board the buses (or 3 euros for a reduced price ticket).

 

• Χ93 : Kifissos KTEL (long-distance buses) Station – Airport
• Χ95 : Syntagma – Airport
• Χ96 : Port of Piraeus – Airport
• Χ97 : Eliniko Metro Station – Airport

All buses run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with frequency varying according to day, time and season.

One-way travel time estimates: X93 (65 min), X95 (70 min), X96 (90 min), X97 (100 min). Allow sufficient time to travel as traffic conditions may cause delays.

• Metro: Take Metro Line 3 (Aghia Marina – Douk. Plakentias – Airport), which connects the Athens airport with the city center. Trains run every 30 minutes, 7 days a week from 6:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. The trip from/to the Airport to Syntagma station (Athens center) lasts 40 minutes. 
  
  
• Proastiakos: The Suburban railway connects the Athens airport with the Athens Central Railway Station and Acharnai Railway Center, and through them to the National Railway network. Trains run 7 days a week from 5:26 am to 21:44 pm. Current timetables: Airport – Kiato and Kiato – Airport, Kiato – Patra bus connections, Piraeus – Athens – Halkida line.
  
  The Suburban railway departs every 15-25 minutes from the Athens Airport railway station to Plakentias station, where you can change trains (platforms are on different levels) and continue to the city center (Metro Line 3 to Egaleo), using the same ticket.

City buses and electrical trolley-buses serve Athens and its suburbs. Special schedules apply during summer months of July-September.

Operating hours vary according to line/day/season, but generally they run between 5:00 a.m. – midnight.

There are also five 24-hour lines, 4 airport lines (see above section), and 8 Express lines.

The Athens Metro has 3 lines. All stations are fully accessible to disabled persons with elevators in every level and platform and most of the trains are air-conditioned.

• Line 1 (green line): Kifisia – Piraeus
• Line 2 (red line): Anthoupoli – Eliniko
• Line 3 (blue line): Airport – Douk. Plakentias – Aghia Marina
  
  

Operating hours are 5:30 a.m. to 00:30 a.m., and every Friday and Saturday night, lines 2 & 3 stay open until 2:30 a.m.

Starting operation on the eve of Athens’ Olympics, the Athens Tram connects the city center with the southern seaside.

If you wish to find real time information for buses and trolley schedules you can download the OASA Telematics App on your smartphone.

• Line 1 'Kasomouli – SEF' linking downtown Athens to the Peace and Friendship Stadium.
• Line 2 'Kasomouli – Voula' which runs between the city center and southern suburb of Voula and
• Line 3 'Voula – SEF' running along the coastal zone.

Important: The tram stops between Syntagma and Kasomouli have been closed indefinitely. Therefore, there is no connection with the Tram at Syntagma and Sygrou-Fix Metro stations. Nearest Metro station with connection to the Tram is Neos Kosmos of line 2.the summer, many Athenians choose the tram to visit nearby beaches, seaside cafes and clubs.

Operating hours are 5:30 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. and on Fridays and Saturdays it operates approximately from 5:30 a.m. to 2:30 a.m.

Suburban Railway

The Suburban Railway, or “Proastiakos“, is part of the national railway network of Greece. Its main route is Athens Airport – Kiato, while other routes travel up to Ano Liosia. There is also a route that connects Ano Liosia with the Athens Central Station as well as a route that connects the town of Halkida (Chalkis) with the Acharnai Station (S.K.A.), the Athens Central Station and Piraeus Station.

Be aware that different fares may apply: Piraeus to Acharnai Station (S.K.A.) and Magoula to Koropi stations use the 90-minute ticket for all modes, while different fares are charged for more distant stations. Current Suburban Railway timetables: Airport – Kiato and Kiato – Airport, Kiato – Patra bus connections, Piraeus – Athens – Halkida line. See also: Suburban Railway Discount Policy.

Tickets for the suburban railway (other than the 90-minute ticket for all modes) can be bought at all suburban railway stations.

For information about tickets and timetables, please visit: OASA.gr

There are professions that we thought were lost for long and totally replaced by industry. How many times did you have the chance to meet a saddler, a basket weaver, a sandal maker or a luthier? However, they survive away from the spotlight, because there are still people dedicated to craftsmanship either because they “inherited” it from their ancestors or because they have discovered it and developed it themselves.

Cultural worker and artist curator Laura Bernhardt and photographer Benjamin Tafel have created a project called from-hand-to-hand where they search, they document and they present to us still active craft workshops in Greece and the stories of their protagonists. According to their mission statement “the project examines their situation, their emotional relationship with their profession and their prospects. The result is a series of portraits that show the artisan in relation to his or her profession and the current situation of upheaval”. Here, Greek TV interviews Laura and Benjamin in order to learn what motivated them to initiate this project.

Benjamin: The initial idea for this project was driven by our personal relationship to Greece. Both of us have been closely linked to Greece since our childhood. Over the last few years we have observed that craft workshops seem to be gradually disappearing. With this project we wanted to draw attention to something that is only sparsely visible.

Laura: And, also the ongoing economic crisis, the negative news about Greece have moved Benjamin and I to take a different perspective. We wanted to focus on the makers. Together we wanted to search for traces of still active craft workshops in Greece. Through dialogues with the craftspeople we wanted to examine their situation and their emotional relationship to their profession, their prospects and desires.

To read this article in full, please visit: Greek TV

“Ancient Greeks were wise. They knew where to build their sacred venues,” says the grandfather of BBC journalist. She’s remembering a time when she was a young girl and would wonder in awe of the brightly shining stars from the Athens’ Philopappou Hill. Here, the girl and her grandfather would discuss the significance of Greece’s temples and the meaning behind them all. Now, she shares what she learned all that time ago with BBC, and us.

“In retrospect, I can’t help but wonder if this beautiful explanation was inflated by my grandfather’s immense pride in Greek culture. But Manolo Fernandez, a Spanish language teacher and amateur astronomy enthusiast, shares my grandfather’s opinion – that the placement of Greece’s temples was not random.”

“The temple of Poseidon in Sounion forms an isosceles triangle with the Hephaisteion in Athens and the temple of Aphaia Athena in Aegina. Apollo in Delphi, Aphaia in Aegina and the Parthenon, the same: they all form perfect isosceles triangles!”

To read this article in full, please visit: BBC

Ferrovie Dello Stato Italiane S.p.A. recently signed an agreement to buy 100 percent of TrainOSE for 45 million euros, ending a four-year tender process and opening a new page in the Greek railways' future.

Ferrovie Dello Stato Italiane S.p.A. is the third largest railway company in Europe and has agreed to enhance and grow TrainOSE using its know-how and expertize to create a significant railway services company.

To read this article in full, please visit: AMNA

The video, ‘Greece - A 365-Day Destination’ video was nominated for the ‘Best Video In Europe Award’ for 2017 and recently won at the second World Tourism Organization Tourism video competition!

 

‘Greece – A 365-Day Destination’ was selected as the top promotional video of a European destination, among 23 candidate European countries that participated in the global competition.

Greece’s video was voted as the best in Europe by a jury consisting of the chairs of the UNWTO’s six regional commissions – Africa, the Americas, East Asia and the Pacific, ‎Europe, the Middle East and South Asia.

To read this article in full, please visit: Greek Travel Pages