Combining juicy, chilled slices of watermelon and salty, creamy feta cheese is a Greek summer favourite. This watermelon feta salad recipe includes crispy cucumber, tangy kalamata olives and thin slices of red onion garnished with a touch of lemon dressing and fresh vibrant mint leaves to turn this surprising combination into a delicious watermelon feta salad.

To view this recipe in full, please visit: My Greek Dish

 

Photo Credit: My Greek Dish

The 74-year-old conceptual artist Marta Minujín has recreated her seminal installation – initially constructed in Buenos Aires in 1983 – with thousands of banned books that have been donated by the public.

Marta Minujín's monumental installation "The Parthenon of Books" is one of the highlights of this year's Documenta in Kassel, Germany.

The installation in Friedrichsplatz perfectly mimics the grandeur and scale of the Parthenon at 10 meters high by 70 meters long and 30 meters wide.

On each of the 46 columns, up to 100,000 books which have been forbidden in various countries for numerous reasons (like Goethe’s romantic novel, The Sorrows of Young Werther, that led to a wave of suicides across Europe) have been attached to the metal scaffolding replica in plastic bags.

To read this article in full, please visit: The Culture Trip

 

Photo Credit: Maxie Fischer from documenta 14

This summer the design platform It's all, oh so souvenir to me! and the cultural space T.A.F / The Art Foundation are joining in a multi-faceted project that finds a roof at Normanou street in Monastiraki. The new partnership begins with Oh!@TAF, the shop that was created on the premises of T.A.F to host the exciting collection of Greek design by It's all, oh so souvenir to me!

Just this month, T.A.F and oh so souvenir to me! had their first launch party that was an exhibition held for the fifth consecutive year. They presented 50 new proposals, enriching the already existing collection of It's all, oh so souvenir to me! which counts over 80 collaborations and hundreds of souvenir objects.

The idea behind ​​It's all, oh so souvenir to me! was born in the summer of 2013. Since then, four major exhibitions have been organized - Athens (July 2013, June 2014), Nisyros (September 2014), Benaki Museum (March 2015) and Thessaloniki (June 2016) - which gathered the proposals of more than 80 Greek designers on the redefinition and redesign of an extremely controversial object, the souvenir. What does it mean, what is proposed, how it is manufactured, how can it differ from what is offered by the tourist market?

What has emerged is a line of articles with Greece as a reference, that have a variety of functional qualities. The collection draws on the souvenir taking inspiration from different social, political and cultural themes, while displaying modern Greek identity by escaping the trivial patterns of the category, combining usability and innovation, inventiveness and humour.

On the design platform the creators come from the whole range of design. Architects, product designers, fashion and accessories designers, photographers, visual artists, ceramists, graphic designers, are constantly enriching it with the addition of new objects and new collaborations, always focusing on supporting and promoting Greek creation and creativity.

This summer, the Greek souvenir sails from Monastiraki to travel all over the world.

 

Opening hours: Sunday - Tuesday: 11.00 - 21.00 / Thursday - Saturday: 11.00 - 23.00
Address: Normanou 5, Monastiraki 105 55 Athens
Contact: shop@ohsosouvenir.com

For more information, please visit:

Another award for the successful “Santorini Experience”

Athens, July 19 2017. The 3rd “Santorini Experience” will take place in the breathtaking Santorini from October 6th to 8th. The top sports tourism event for professional and amateur swimmers and runners in Greece, which recently won the silver award at the Sports Marketing Awards 2017 in the “Sports Events / Branded Events” section of the “Sports Tourism” category, offers the opportunity to those wishing to travel to the beautiful Santorini to “measure” their stamina and to “flirt” with the adrenaline!

The official airline partner of “Santorini Experience” Ryanair, which was awarded as the fastest growing company among the top 10 companies with the highest passenger traffic in Athens in 2016, is reinforcing the sports tourism of Santorini and the island’s completeness during the days of the event. The airline company will serve the route Athens-Santorini with fares starting from 14.99€ for bookings which will be completed until Sunday 23/07 and for travels within October. Since these amazing low prices will be available from Wednesday July 19, 2017 and will be snapped up quickly, customers interested in joining the event as active participants should log onto www.ryanair.com or the mobile application of Ryanair and avoid missing out.

You may see Ryanair’s video from “Santorini Experience” here!

At the same time, all those wishing to travel to the island by ferry, will be able to enjoy once again this year the safety and comfort of Blue Star Ferries. The top Greek shipping company offers 50% discount on the ferry tickets and vehicles to all those visiting the event and the island from October 2nd to 13th 2017. Each person who has completed his/her registration is entitled to the same discount for 3 more people (if these are his/her escorts) or for 4 people (if these are family members).

For the third consecutive year, ambassadors and organizers will move with the safety and efficient engines of the cars of Ford Motor Hellas, the official supporter of “Santorini Experience”.

“Santorini Experience” will receive for one more year the support of Avance Rent A Car. As an official car rental company of the event Avance Rent A Car will cover the event and all visitors’ car rental needs with one of the fastest growing car rental networks with presence in Greece & Cyprus and all major airports and will offer a 15% discount on car rentals.

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 visit Vita N Travel!

“Santorini Experience” is a world-renowned event with global broadcast, and it is worth noting that the show with the best moments of the event from 2016, which was screened in Greece via FOX Sports will also be broadcasted in 13 Asian countries (Hong Kong, Cambodia, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Macau, Mongolia, Myanmar, Papua New Guinea, Malaysia and Brunei) on July 26th (18.30 Hong Kong time zone) and July 31st (13.30 Hong Kong time zone).

Regarding the athletic part of the event, and while registrations have already surpassed the record number of last year during the first 60 days, the schedule includes a 1.5-mile open water swimming race, on Saturday 7 October 2017 and running routes of 15km, 10km & 5km, on Sunday 8 October 2017.

The swimming and running registrations continue with an undiminished pace at the official event page or alternatively at the store of the official sponsor Alafouzos Sport in Fira, which supports the event for a 3rd year.

The support from Santorini entrepreneurs does not stop there, as Aqua Vista Hotels will support for a second consecutive year both as an official supporter and hospitality sponsor the event, providing high quality hosting services to the participants and visitors of the island.

Similarly, Santo Maris Oia Luxury Suites & Spa promises an unforgettable holiday experience to the visitor, at an environment that is tailored to modern needs, offering to the event and thus recognizing the great significance of “Santorini Experience” for the island and its tourism.

At the same time, Canaves Oia is listed in the hospitality sponsors, while Sunset Oia Sailing Cruises, as the expert of organized sailing tours in Santorini will assist the event.

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, 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.

More information regarding the activities schedule and the hospitality packages of sponsors will be announced in the following weeks..

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Running @ Santorini Experience: Photo by Elias Lefas

Official Hashtag: #SantoriniExperience

Official Airline Partner: Ryanair

Official Sponsors: Blue Star Ferries, Alafouzos Sport, Athina Luxury Suites

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, 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

Double gold distinction at the Sports Marketing Awards 2017

The Olympic “family” of “Navarino Challenge” grows and returns for a 5th consecutive year on October 13-15 2017, in Messinia and Costa Navarino.

Every year “Navarino Challenge”, honors the athletes who stand out for their overall contribution to sports. Honoree person at this year's event will be the Olympic gold medalist in Rio and world champion in the rings, Lefteris Petrounias who has made proud all Greeks not only with his successes but also with his ethics. Petrounias, is considered an exemplary athlete for young people, who has already won a gold Olympic medal, two gold medals in the world gymnastics championships, as well as four gold and one bronze in European tournaments and championships in rings.

The multiple award-winning sports tourism event of Messinia continues with new distinctions; following the Gold Ermis Award as best sports tourism event, another important recognition came at the Sports Marketing Awards 2017, which highlight the best practices in the marketing and communication of the Greek sports market.

On Wednesday, July 12, “Navarino Challenge” remained in the top level by winning not just one, but two gold awards. In particular, the event received a gold award at the “Sports Events / Branded Events” section, in the category “Live Well” for the values promoted through its program of activities. As an event that attracted thousands of participants, reinforced the local community, promoted the athletic ideal and contributed to the strengthening of a healthy lifestyle, distinguishing itself in terms of design, creativity, innovation, efficiency and effectiveness.

The second gold award was received in the “Sports Brands” section of the “Integrated Marketing Campaign” category for the best communication and marketing campaign launched in 2016, in the light of strong creativity, ingenuity, originality and excellence.

“Navarino Challenge”, which takes place in Costa Navarino and throughout Messinia, is innovating every year and now composes not only the event with the most sports activities but also with the most Olympic sports, contributing to the promotion of sports and the promotion of Greek tourism.

Registrations for “Navarino Challenge” continue with an undiminished pace and everyone can take part by completing the special entry form available by clicking here.

Participants may select to run in one of the following routes, the exquisite Half Marathon (21,1km), the 10 km route and the 5km run (for running and dynamic walking), while at the same day children may run the 1km running route. This year, there will be race timing for all runners. In addition, participants will have the opportunity to swim in the beautiful Navarino bay at the picturesque port of Pylos, covering the unique swimming route of one mile (1.6 km.) and take part in the Stand Up Paddling race by BIC® Sport that will be held with the support of the best surf club, Surf Salad!

Travel to “Navarino Challenge” with the multiple award-winning airline company Qatar Airways, by using the promo code ATHNAVCH to book an exclusive offer for roundtrip tickets to Athens from over 150 places, by clicking here!

Offer is valid from 3 to 15 October 2017 included (Outbound) and (Inbound) to be completed on or before 25 October 2017. This offer refers to roundtrip tickets to Athens from more than 150 destinations. Participants should be ready for even more surprises to be announced by the official airline partner of the event.

In addition, Vikos company will support and refresh for one more year the audience and participants of the event with the Natural Mineral Water "Vikos", while ambassadors and organizers will move with the safety of the cars of Ford Motor Hellas.

The privileged accommodation packages at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino are available for those wishing to enjoy the full schedule of “Navarino Challenge”, which includes more than 10 free sports activities. For further information click here!

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

More information will be announced in the next few weeks.

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Hashtags: #navarinochallenge #costanavarino #eatwell #runwell #livewell

Photo: Greek Olympic gold medalist and world champion in the rings, Lefteris Petrounias will be the honoree person of "Navarino Challenge"

 

Official Airline Partner: Qatar Airways

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

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

Assisted by: Navarino Outdoors, Swim Academy, Navarino Racquet Academy, Apia

Strategic Partner: National Geographic

Under the auspices of the Greek National Tourism Organization

Passion for Greece, along with Travel Bloggers Greece, recently took a trip this summer to Hydra and shares their experience with us. If we didn't have enough before, now we have 15 reasons to visit Hydra!

With its rich history, architectural beauty and vibrant lifestyle, Hydra mesmerizes its visitors at all times of year. A much loved destination among foreign celebrities and prominent Greeks alike, this quaint Saronic Island is a short two-hour ferry trip from Athens. Here are our 15 reasons to visit Hydra right now.

During 1960s Hydra became an artists destination when Leonard Cohen came here and bought a house for only one thousand five hundred dollars, where he spent ten years of his life writing music and novels. Every year his son Adam visits the island for his holidays and every two years the Municipality of Hydra together with the Canadian Embassy organize an event dedicated to Leonard Cohen.

Hydra has managed to preserve its traditional flair as its architecture dates back to the 18th century. Until this day the island is protected by an archaeological law, nothing can be changed in its architectural style and it is forbidden to use solar systems on Hydra.

No installation of metal doors or windows in the houses is not allowed. There are no cars or motorbikes on Hydra which protects the island from pollution. Get lost wandering around the charming streets of Hydra, every turn is guaranteed to give you joy.

To read this article in full, please visit: Passion For Greece

Photo Credit: Passion For Greece

A total of 21.9 million passengers, up by 10.3 percent, compared to the same period in 2016 at 19.9 million, have gone through Greek airports in the first six months of the year, according to data released recently by the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA).

The number of travelers going through Greek airports in June rose by 14.1 percent at 7.3 million – a 8.7 percent increase in domestic travelers and a 15.8 percent rise in international visitors.

In June, the largest passenger traffic was recorded at Athens, Heraklion, Rhodes, Thessaloniki and Corfu airports with 2.168.155, 1.080.803, 784,484, 649,589 and 471,668 passengers respectively.

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

Summer is just another reason to travel, especially to places with plenty of sea, sun, and sand! Recently, Travel + Leisure published their list of Top 10 Islands in Europe and the 10 World’s Best Islands and not surprisingly, a few of Greece’s islands made the list!

 

Coming in at number 4, 5 and 6, on the Top 10 Islands in Europe were Crete, Paros, and Rhodes and the Dodecanese. Listed among some of the most beautiful islands in the world, the popular travel site featured Santorini as number 5.

 

Please visit Travel + Leisure to read both articles in full:

• The Top 10 Islands In Europe
  
  
• The World's Top 10 Islands

 

While many establishments in Athens remain friendly to smoking, others have started taking the initiative to ban smoking altogether or designate smoking and non-smoking sections for their patrons. Instead of scouring the city for these non-smoking places, Athens Coast and No Smoke have rounded up a list for non-smoking dining for us, all in the areas of Glyfada, Palaio Faliro, Varkiza, Voula, and Vouliagmeni!

Click HERE to see Athens Coast and No Smoke's list of Non-Smoking Restaurants!

Want to explore further? Click HERE for more Athenian Smoke-Free Hangouts!

In an effort to increase tourism flows to Evia, the island’s hoteliers association recently signed an agreement with the local KTEL Intercity Bus service for the transfer of visitors straight from the Athens International Airport.

Located northeast of Athens, Evia is the second largest island of Greece. Its coastline is 48 km long and includes numerous beaches, while it is also known for its thermal springs.

The program will operate on a pilot scheme from July 17, 2017 to October 16, 2017 and include four daily round trips between the Athens International Airport and the cities of Halkida and Eretria. The cost of a one-way ticket is 15-17 euros/person.

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

Photo Source: Greek Travel Pages