LIFE & CULTURE
XpatAthens
Tuesday, 10 December 2019 07:00
Great Restaurants In Athens For A Wonderful Festive Dinner
Are you wondering where to celebrate Christmas or New Year’s Eve in Athens?
Athens is so inviting during the holiday season; it’s all lit-up and beautifully decorated while the abundance of festivities are an excellent excuse to celebrate out on the town! Once you’ve finished discovering the celebrations, make your way to one of the city's great restaurants for a joyful and delicious meal with family and friends.
Even though many eateries in Athens offer festive menus, we’ve put together a small list of some of Athens' best restaurants where you’ll surely have an elegant and unforgettable experience.
Even though many eateries in Athens offer festive menus, we’ve put together a small list of some of Athens' best restaurants where you’ll surely have an elegant and unforgettable experience.
Chefi is a boutique grill & delicious food restaurant, housed in a lovely property with a lush garden. Enjoy the restaurant’s relaxed atmosphere and friendly service and indulge in its delicious culinary suggestions, amazing meat dishes, and mouth-watering desserts! Check out Chefi's festive menus here.
Address: 31 Perikleous, Chalandri, Athens
Telephone: 210 6815774
Aleria
Housed inside a perfectly renovated early 20th century villa, Aleria offers a formal yet cosy atmosphere. The restaurant’s elegant decor and world-class cuisine makes it one of the most sought-after restaurants in Athens. The kitchen is run by Gikas Xenakis, a talented chef who will surprise you with his inventive, yet delicious culinary creations. Check out Aleria's festive menus here.
Housed inside a perfectly renovated early 20th century villa, Aleria offers a formal yet cosy atmosphere. The restaurant’s elegant decor and world-class cuisine makes it one of the most sought-after restaurants in Athens. The kitchen is run by Gikas Xenakis, a talented chef who will surprise you with his inventive, yet delicious culinary creations. Check out Aleria's festive menus here.
Address: 57 Megalou Alexandrou, Metaxourgio, Athens
Telephone: 210 5222633
Botrini’s
Botrini’s is one of Athens’ very few Michelin-starred restaurants. It’s creator, Ettore Botrini, pays attention to seasonality, quality and indigenousness of raw ingredients. Botrini’s festive menu will take you on a trip through the delicious flavors of Greece accented by refined French and Italian culinary details. Check out Botrini's festive menus here.
Let the Hotel Grande Bretagne or the King George deliver a unique experience through the utmost service and collection of indulging moments. Enjoy the glittering views of Athens at the mesmerizing restaurants of Hotel Grande Bretagne or the King George. The DJ sets, live music, immaculate decorations, and exquisite menu suggestions, at both hotels, will make this festive season unforgettable! Check out their festive menus here.
Botrini’s is one of Athens’ very few Michelin-starred restaurants. It’s creator, Ettore Botrini, pays attention to seasonality, quality and indigenousness of raw ingredients. Botrini’s festive menu will take you on a trip through the delicious flavors of Greece accented by refined French and Italian culinary details. Check out Botrini's festive menus here.
Address: 24b Vasileos Georgiou B’, Chalandri, Athens
Let the Hotel Grande Bretagne or the King George deliver a unique experience through the utmost service and collection of indulging moments. Enjoy the glittering views of Athens at the mesmerizing restaurants of Hotel Grande Bretagne or the King George. The DJ sets, live music, immaculate decorations, and exquisite menu suggestions, at both hotels, will make this festive season unforgettable! Check out their festive menus here.
Address: Vasileos Georgiou A', Syntagma Square, Athens
Telephone: King George 210 3222210 - Hotel Grande Bretagne 210 3330000
Celebrate Christmas and New Year's Eve at one of the Athenaeum InterContinental’s restaurants and enjoy luxury, comfort, unique flavors, and hospitable service. The award-winning Premiere Restaurant, the sleek CafeZoe, and the relaxing Artbistrot have prepared exceptional menus, while the hotel will be offering special accommodation rates for the holiday season. See the Athenaeum InterContinental's festive menus here.
Address: 89-93 Syngrou Avenue, Athens
Telephone: 210 9206000
Image Credit: King George
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Restaurants In Athens
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Wednesday, 12 December 2018 22:24
Christmas Services At St Paul's Anglican Church
Discover all services and events at St Paul’s Anglican Church Athens this holy and festive season.
There will be something for everyone to participate in from Singalong Christmas Carols and Songs, to Singalong Messiah; from a service of Lessons and Carols to Midnight mass and the Family Christmas Day service.
We have much to celebrate and be thankful for so do come along and join us at one of our services
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Community
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Monday, 31 December 2018 01:45
Festive Events At The Christmas Theater
Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year and Athens has a great variety of shows to offer residents and visitors!
The Christmas Theater in Athens is the perfect place spend the holidays and get the chance to experience mesmerizing shows with your friends and family!
December 19-30 2018
Christmas wouldn't be the same without one of the world's best Ballet theater performing the ''Nutcracker'', accompanied by a live orchestra.
Christmas wouldn't be the same without one of the world's best Ballet theater performing the ''Nutcracker'', accompanied by a live orchestra.
January 1-3 2019
The legendary composer Franz Lehar and his orchestra will perform 3 incredible concerts in Athens. They will present us the absolute best Viennese Waltzes and will remind us how magical the Austrian capital is at this time of the year.
The legendary composer Franz Lehar and his orchestra will perform 3 incredible concerts in Athens. They will present us the absolute best Viennese Waltzes and will remind us how magical the Austrian capital is at this time of the year.
Christmas Magic Festival
January 4-6 2019:
January 4-6 2019:
A show full of magic, humour and passion. Few of the world's best magicians and illusionists will come to Athens from places like Hollywood and Las Vegas to perform a fantastic show that will blow your mind!
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Performing Arts
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Tuesday, 11 December 2018 20:09
Christmas At Kypseli's Municipal Market
This Christmas, Impact Hub Athens and the Kypseli Municipal Market are all set for the festive season and here to help you with your holiday shopping!
You will find toys, clothes, pieces of art, selected Greek products and many more. You can even try our delicious food and drinks, listen to music and participate in small events for every age group, such as workshops, performances and the first Greek-Ethiopian festival.
By buying Greek products from the small producers of WISE Greece you will financially help the organisation and people in poverty, as well as anyone with special needs by supporting the first social flower shop, Flower Power.
At Archipelagos, a second hand shop, you will find used items in excellent condition in order to assist fellow citizens with pschycological issues, while at the Gallery-Margarita you will be able to purchase silk made items signed by famous artists.
From the 23rd of December, the Market will transform into Super Kypseli, a pop-up area where visitors will find all sorts of small businesses and even hairdressers, plumbers, electricians, craftsmen and DIY specialists. All of whom reflect the real face of our neighbourhood.
Of course, Christmas wouldn't be the same without an amazing pop-up branch! So on December the 30th, head over to enjoy some delicious street food, cuisines and stands from famous chefs, all while listening to some festive music.
Of course, Christmas wouldn't be the same without an amazing pop-up branch! So on December the 30th, head over to enjoy some delicious street food, cuisines and stands from famous chefs, all while listening to some festive music.
At the Kypseli Municipal Market, every purchase has a positive impact on people who need our help. We are all going to be there to thank you for an amazing 2018!
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Community
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Friday, 30 November 2018 16:51
Exhibition Opening - Qinghua Lin "Human Excellence"
S.G. Art Gallery presents the solo exhibition of Qinghua Ioanna Lin "Human Excellence"
The emerging Chinese artist, Qinghua Ioanna Lin, creates portraits of celebrities of modern world culture who have managed to gain eternity through excellence. Among them are Maria Callas, Princess Diana, Andy Warhol, Frida Kahlo, Marilyn Monroe, Vincent van Gogh, Coco Chanel, David Bowie, Elizabeth Taylor, Shanmao, Zhan Guorong, Chenxiaoxu.
“I seldom drew portraits before, because at times it was difficult to face the eyes of others, as at times I find it difficult to face myself. The human eye can deliver all sorts of messages, and when it is sad, it gushes tears; when it rages, it resembles the black hole of the universe, devouring you. Man is a very complicated and advanced creature.
Human beings are the existence of senior life; portraiture, is the picture of the era”.
Qinghua Ioanna Lin
Professor Weihe Chen of Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts mentions about Lin's work:
A Chinese artist who uses Chinese traditional painting material to create portraits of famous international artists and exhibites them in Athens, the place where western civilization was born.
Andy Warhol, who was the master of The Factory in New York could not imagine that a young Chinese artist used a traditional chinese method to restore his glorious appearance. Qinghua used pop art to depict his anxiety, nervousness and free spirit.
Portraits show people’s emotions and temperament. The portraits of famous people should depict the characteristics of their time and their portrayal of life feelings.
Quingua Ioanna Lin was born in Guangdong Province, South China. She lives and works between Greece and China. She studied Drawing and Art History at the Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts. She holds a Master of Arts degree from the Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts and was a Lecturer at Guangdong Baiyun University. Initially, her works focused on traditional Chinese painting, while she was involved with modern Chinese Calligraphy and contemporary painting with various traditional techniques like paper ink, watercolor, and modern techniques using a variety of materials.
The exhibition will be held unfer the auspices of the "Greece China Association".
Schedule:
Duration: 13 December 2018-12 January, 2019
Opening hours: Wednesday & Saturday: 11:00 - 16:00 Tuesday, Thursday & Friday: 11:00 - 14:00 & 18:00 - 21:00
Schedule:
Duration: 13 December 2018-12 January, 2019
Opening hours: Wednesday & Saturday: 11:00 - 16:00 Tuesday, Thursday & Friday: 11:00 - 14:00 & 18:00 - 21:00
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Art
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Tuesday, 11 December 2018 07:00
One, Two, Three...Light Up The Christmas Tree!
The city of Athens is getting ready to welcome Santa Claus under the massive Christmas tree at Syntagma Square. The city’s tree is scheduled to light up today, December 11, at 7pm.
The Mayor of Athens, Giorgos Kaminis will officially launch the festivities to the sound of the City of Athens Philharmonic Orchestra, a children’s choir, and a musical performance by Penny Baltatzi and the Athens Big Band that will take place later on this evening.
The city authorities have announced that more than 230 events and happenings will take place around the city for a period of 4 weeks. Music and dance will take over the streets of Athens and dozens of up-and-coming groups and artists will perform everything from swing and jazz music to rock and mainstream beats under the Athens Christmas tree!
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Local News
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Monday, 10 December 2018 07:00
A Greek Resort Has Been Named Best Eco-Lodge In The World
A Greek resort was named the World’s Leading Eco-Lodge at the World Travel Awards Grand Final in Lisbon last week.
Built in the highlands of Zagori a region in northwestern Greece, the Aristi Mountain Resort & Villas seamlessly blends with its natural, verdant surroundings by maintaining the architectural style of the surrounding villages – a grey and brown stone exterior with natural slate and wood roofing.
Despite its ordinary exterior, the resort constantly endeavours to become more sustainable. Heat pumps diminish the need for heating oil, a state of the art system cleans waste water, reducing its harmful effects on the environment, while the resort is aiming to reduce plastic waste by using products with little or no plastic or other unsustainable packaging. The restaurant serves local dishes, using fresh produce grown in the resort’s garden and greenhouse.
This significant distinction praises the efforts of the Aristi Mountain Resort & Villas and underlines Greece’s effort toward sustainable development within the hospitality industry. It is worth mentioning that the World Travel Awards are considered the ‘Oscars of the travel industry'.
To read this article in full, please visit: Greece-Is
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Local Environment
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Sunday, 09 December 2018 23:38
International Distinction For Santorini Experience
Santorini returns dynamically to the sports action for the 5th edition of “Santorini Experience” that will attract the worldwide interest of professional and amateur athletes of running and open water swimming on October 4-6, 2019.
Santorini’s sports tourism event, “Santorini Experience”, which every year exceeds the country’s borders, recently received recognition from the international institution Travel & Hospitality Awards. In particular, the co-organization of the Municipality of Santorini, the Municipal Sports Cultural Environmental Organization of Santorini (DAPPOS) and Active Media Group were honored for “Santorini Experience” as the Unique Tour Company of the Year 2019.
You may watch the video teaser and get a taste of the energy and adrenaline to be offered by Santorini Experience 2019 HERE.
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 concerns the 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. The running routes are designed by the former marathon runner, Greek classic route record holder, running trainer and director of All About Running, Nikos Polias.
Open water swimming will have an honorable position in this year’s schedule as well. Specifically, the 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), under the technical direction of federal coach with Olympic and World Championship distinctions, Nikos Gemelos, who has designed this unique route.
Once again, specialized lifeguards will contribute in safety measures, providing staff as well as lifeboats. Distinguished age categories will be formed depending on the final participation entries, while a separate classification for those wearing wetsuits will be added.
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Local News
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Thursday, 06 December 2018 07:00
Corfu Voted As The Best Filming Location In Europe
The Greek island of Corfu won the 2018 European Film Location Award, the European Film Commission Network (EUFCN) announced yesterday. Corfu was chosen among 12 European locations as the best filming location of 2018, in recognition of its key role in the filming of the TV series The Durrells.
The 2018 European Film Location Award competition was organized by the EUFCN, in collaboration with Cineuropa. The European Film Commissions Network numbers 90 members from 30 countries and its objective is to promote European audio-visual production sites. Last month, the general public had the opportunity to vote for their favorite location, through the Cineuropa website.
The award was picked up by Venia Vergou, the director of the Hellenic Film Commission and coordinator Stavroula Geronimaki, who both work hard to promote Corfu's cinematic appeal to the rest of the world.
“The 2018 Best European Film Location Award is very rewarding, as it communicates to the entire world how unique Greek locations are. They have inspired writers, directors and producers for many years. This prize underlines the systematic work of the Hellenic Film Commission in promoting Greek locations. It also showcases the impact that cultural heritage and monuments have on audiovisual works – the Old Town of Corfu island, which contributed to the success of the TV series The Durrells, is one of the many UNESCO-protected monuments in Greece,” said Vergou.
Well done Corfu!
Well done Corfu!
To read this article in full, please visit: Greek Travel Pages
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Greece In The News
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Monday, 23 November 2020 07:00
How To Print And Pay Your 2021 Road Tax
The road tax notices for 2021 have been uploaded at the TAXIS online platform and are due by the end of December. Car owners may access the document either through their tax number (AFM) or their licence plate number.
In order to help you navigate through the Greek online tax system, Insurance-Greece.com, an insurance advisor site, has uploaded instructions on how to print and pay your 2021 Road Tax.
This content was originally posted on Insurance-Greece.com
XpatAthens is grateful to Insurance-Greece for being a Silver Partner and supporting our efforts to connect and inform the international community in Greece.
Insurance-Greece is an online insurance advisory portal focused entirely on ex-pat insurance matters in Greece. They do not have call centers and never send automated email replies. An actual person deals with your insurance needs at all times. Whatever your insurance plan, an Insurance Advisor is there for personal advice! You will have an experienced insurance advisor assigned to you so you'll always have someone to talk to regarding your insurance needs.
Find out more here.
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Local News
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