Greece isn't just for the adults or small children. Greece can be a great destination for your teenagers, too! There are plenty of activities suitable for families with teens, including outdoor sports, cultural attractions, and the beach. From Kids Love Greece, here are some of the top activities to do with your teenagers!

Admire The Colorful Street Art

Athens is known for its vibrant street art scene, and many travel from far to discover this unique form of art that young people have used for years as a way to express themselves in a climate of economic turmoil. As the art is constantly changing, you will get to see fascinating and politically-charged graffiti and colorful designs that will surely interest your kids (and maybe end up on your teen’s phone as a screen saver).

Explore The Greek Outdoors

Get Active With An Array Of Sports

Kids and teenagers have a lot of energy, and being in the country where the Olympic Games were born is an excellent excuse to tap into that overabundance of energy to put it to good use! Most of the popular destinations in Greece have tennis courts, swimming pools, water parks, surf centers, windsurfing, and more!

To read this article in full, please visit: Kids Love Greece

According to the most recent Expat Insider Survey, Greece is listed as the number one country for those looking for a sunny escape. Expats who are searching for an outdoor lifestyle in prime weather conditions should also consider Portugal, Spain, Costa Rica, Uganda, South Africa, and a few others.

The expats who are living in the top 10 countries ideal for sun moved for a variety of reasons, including to search for a better quality of life, love, a partner's job or education, or being sent abroad by an employer. According to the survey, at least 3/4 of expats felt that the climate and weather in these countries was a potential benefit before they made the move.

Greek City Times notes, "Almost all expats (96%) rate the climate and weather in Greece positively. Sunny skies appear to brighten expats’ spirits, as 15% state that the main reason why they moved to Greece was for a better quality of life. On average, only 8% worldwide have moved abroad for this reason.

Article source: Greek City Times

There’s so much more to Athens than what meets the eye and travel writer Rebecca Hall, who has lived in Athens for 10 years, shares her inside scoop for visiting the city!

Acropolis and Parthenon

We all know the Acropolis and Parthenon are two very famous places to visit in Athens.  One of my insider’s tips, though, is to actually go to just below the entrance of the Acropolis, where you’ll see some metal steps, as well as rough, slippery steps carved out of the rocks.  Ascend either (only a short climb, but wear trainers if you’re going up the rock steps as they really are slippery, even in dry weather due to being cut out of marble), and join others to sit and admire the 360 degree of Athens and all the way down to the port of Piraeus and further still, the nearby islands.  At sunset it’s spectacular.  Best of all, it’s free.

Not everybody’s into archeology, and I respect that.  It’s pretty hard to come to Greece, especially Athens – however, and not be confronted with archeology at almost every turn. It’s just there, which is kind of wonderful if you think about it, in this day and age.This insider tip for visiting Athens is clever in that you don’t actually have to pay to go to a museum…and it’s unique in that it’s located actually inside a Metro/Underground station – in the ticket hall! For more information on the underground exhibitions, click HERE.

To read this article in full, please visit: Life Beyond Borders

TripAdvisor recently named Aegean Airlines 'Best Airline in Europe for 2018,' but it's their new 'Gastronomics' initiative that caught the eye of popular news source, Forbes. 

As part of the new initiative, the airline's wine consultant, Konstantinos Lazarakis, is teaming up with three notable Greek chefs, Lefteris Lazarou, Christoforos Peskias, and Stelios Parliaros, to create more than 40 dishes showcasing local flavors from Crete, Naxos, the Peloponnese, and more.

While Aegean Airlines have offered Greek flavors in-flight for years (since 2010, more than 450,000 bottles of wine from 85 Greek wineries and various local products from 50 Greek producers have been offered), it's the addition of the renowned chefs that will give Aegean some "serious Hellenic gastronomic muscle."

As Forbes states, "Lazarou was awarded a Michelin star for his gourmet restaurant Varoulko Seaside in Piraeus. Parliaros is Greece's leading pastry chef. Stepping into his Sweet Alchemy establishment in the Kolonaki neighborhood of Athens is a feast for the senses. Cypriot-born Peskias trained under Ferran Adrià and Mark Menaux. Lazarakis, for whom 'Greek wines, for at least a decade, are among the best of the planet' curates the onboard wine list."

To read this article in full, please visit: Forbes

 

Photo source: Wikipedia

For the 6th consecutive year, Athens Cultural Network and City of Athens Cultural, Sports and Youth Organization welcome musicophile residents and visitors of the city to the well-established Athens Gardens Festival at the National Garden.

8th, 9th and 10th June the National Garden turns into an open stage with 8 special concerts for adults and children to enjoy cool music evenings until sunset, with free admission

National Garden Festival Schedule:

Friday 8 June 2018

Opening at 18:30 (central stage - Asteri place, entrance from Vassilisis Amalias Ave)

19:00 City of Athens Choir 

20:00 Hellenic Musica Viva Orchestra - Ludmila Limorova

Saturday 9 June
(2nd stage – Beside the playground, from Irodou Attikou St)

18:00 DILEMMA in cinema sounds(central stage - Asteri place, entrance from Vassilisis Amalias Ave)

19:00 City of Athens Philharmonic Orchestra

20:00 Encardia

Sunday 10 June 2018
(2nd stage – Beside the playground, from Irodou Attikou St)

18:00 Athens Music High School Choir(central stage - Asteri place, entrance from Vassilisis Amalias Ave)

19:00 Childre and  Youth Symphony Orchestra - Nina Patrikidou

20:00 City of Athens Symphony Orchestra

 

Art Athina, the biggest annual visual arts organization in Greece, remains faithful and is returning for the 23rd year in a new space in the heart of Athens and with a number of interesting innovations!

From June 21^st to  June 24^th, Art Athina will be welcoming guests at the Athens Conservatory, in an  exhibition that will be inaugurated by the President of the Hellenic Republic, Mr. Prokopios Papillopoulos on Wednesday, June 20^th !

This year's exhibition will be featuring 53 galleries from Greece and all over the world! 

The venue that Art Athina 2018 will be taking place is the most ancient Music Theatrical Educational Institution of modern Greece that has hosted in the past, the National Museum of Contemporary Art and a number of other art initiatives, like Documenta14.
 

It's important to mention that for the first time, Art Athina acquires its own artresidency, the ArtAthina Workspace. In cooperaton with Copelouzos Family Art Museum, a 10,000 euros prize will be established, which will be awarded to a Greek artist, in order to further promote and support his work.

Galleries that will be participating in Art Athina 2018: 

a. antonopoulouart (Athens),a. antonopoulouart (Athens),Agathi-kartalos (Athens), AlmaContemporaryArtGallery (Athens), AnnaPappasGallery (Melbourne), ArgoGallery (Athens),ArtforumGallery (Athens), Artprisma (Piraeus), Artzone 42 (Athens), CanChristinaAndroulidakiGallery (Athens), Cheapart (Athens),CubeGallery (Patras), DepoDarm (Athens), ekfrasi-yiannaGrammatopoulou (Athens), EleftheriaTseliouGallery (Athens),EleniKoroneouGallery (Athens), EnaContemporaryArt (Athens), EniaGallery (Piraeus), EpsilonArtGallery (Loutraki),FrançoiseHeitsch (Munich), GalleryErsi (Athens), Gallery "7" (Athens), GenesisGallery (Athens), IkastikosKiklosSianti (Athens)IleanaTountaContemporaryArtCenter (Athens), KalfayanGalleries (Athens), KaplanonGalleries (Athens), KappatosGallery (Athens),LolaNikolaou (Thessaloniki), MihalariasArt (Athens), NitraGallery (Athens), PeritechnonKarteris (Athens), SkoufaGallery (Athens),TheBreederGallery (Athens), ZinaAthanassiadouGallery (Thessaloniki).

Emalin (London), GaleriaQuadradoAzul (Porto), HotWheelsProjects (Athens),Emalin (London), GaleriaQuadradoAzul (Porto), HotWheelsProjects (Athens),Lapaix (Paris), ModernShapes (Antwerp), SADE (Los Angeles), SoftOpening (London), StemsGallery (Brussels), Syndicate(Cologne), TheHole (New York), 0-0 LA (Los Angeles)

BaliceHertling (Paris), BonnyPoon (Paris), Bureau (New York),BaliceHertling (Paris), BonnyPoon (Paris), Bureau (New York),CallicoonFineArts (New York), HighArt (Paris), KoppeAstner (Glasgow), Rodeo (London), UnionPacific (London)

Further information is available in Greek HERE!

Registrations at “Santorini Experience” are proceeding intensively, even though we are 5 months away from the event, while special offers and discounts continue for those who choose to travel to the enchanting island of the Cyclades on October 5-7,2018.

As far as the race is concerned, we must highlight that any event involving an open waters wimming race should take place with the approval of the Hellenic Swimming Federation, in accordance with FINA’s safety rules; as is always the case with “Santorini Experience”. For one more year, the open water swimming race will be implemented with the support of Santorini Boatmen Union and the assistance of Lifeguard Patrol that will takecare of the safety of all participants.

For the 2nd consecutive year the great Hungarian swimmer, Attila Manyoki will swim againin the waters of Santorini. The 45-year-old recognized athlete in open water swimming withseveral successes and a member of the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame(IMSHOF), has completed hundreds of open water swimming marathons and has swam twice the 90km distance. Manyoki stated for his participation: “I am coming back at "Santorini Experience" following my participation last year. My experience was amazing. I also felt luckymyself over there. Unique place, the sea is beautiful with the deep blue colour. Theorganization was fantastic. They do the best for the people. You don't need to think aboutanything just enjoy your time on the weekend! I am really waiting for October to enjoy againthis fantastic place! In Santorini you could find everything, excellent hotels, restaurants, foods,friendships and the perfect view to the volcano! I wish much more people to come to this eventand spend a perfect weekend on the island and enjoy the sea and many fantastic sportmans! Iwill be there! Let's jump together to the sea! The sea is open!”.

As far as the swimming route is concerned, it is designed by the federal technical coach, withdistinctions in the open water swimming races, in the Olympic Games and WorldChampionships, Nikos Gemelos. Mr. Gemelos highlighted: “The 4 th “Santorini Experience” is afact. It is with great pleasure to welcome great names of Greek athletes, as well as to see theinterest of foreign athletes with great performances. We have designed and organized agegroups, depending on the final number of participants. At the same time, we will have aseparate category for those who choose to wear a full-body swimming suit (wetsuit category).Our goal is to satisfy every participant and our perspective is that every year we learn from ourcontestants according to their requirements and we adapt to their needs so that “Santorini Experience” does not remain in the memories of those taking part as a swimming race, but asa lifetime experience”.

Take part in the successful sports tourism event in Greece by taking advantage of the earlybird prices which are valid until May 31 st . If participants register until the end of the month,the cost for early bird registrations amounts to 20€ per activity. Those who decide to travel toSantorini to compete will have to move quickly to take advantage of the offer as from 21/6/2018 the registration price will be set at 30€ per activity.

Registrations will end onAugust 31, 2018. 

Register now HERE!

Along with early bird completion, Avance Rent A Car provides a very tempting offer, whichgives the opportunity to participants in the 4 th “Santorini Experience” to make theirreservation, for any vehicle of their choice regarding their travel to the island with a 30%discount on the official list until June 30 th . Whereas from July 1 st and until the event,reservations will have a 15% discount.In terms of bookings, participants may either send an email to sales@avance.gr or call +302109011300.

Watch the video teaser of Santorini Experience 2018 HERE!

Ryanair is the official airline partner of the event for a third year in a row. Once again,official sponsors of the event are Ford Motor Hellas, Alafouzos Sport and Athina LuxurySuites.

Official supporters are Natural Mineral Water “Vikos”, Avance, SantoriniHoteliers Association, Meltemi Hotel Resorts, Aqua Vista Hotels and Boatmen Union Santorini.“Santorini Experience” is a co-organization of Municipality of Santorini, DAPPOS and Active Media Group.

More info: www.santorini-experience.com
Official Airline Partner: Ryanair
Official Sponsors: Ford Motor Hellas, Alafouzos Sport, Athina Luxury Suites
Official Supporters: Natural Mineral Water “Vikos”, Avance Rent A Car, Santorini HoteliersAssociation, Meltemi Hotels Resorts, Aqua Vista Hotels, Boatmen Union SantoriniAssisted by: Lifeguard Patrol, Assyrtico Wine Restaurant Café
Strategic Partner: National Geographic
Official Hashtag: #SantoriniExperience

Website
Facebook
Twitter
Youtube Channel
Instagram 

Photo credit: Running photo @ Santorini Experience by Loukas Hapsis

Alexandra Theohari, owner of KLOTHO, is reviving a traditional art of weaving in Crete by creating clothes, bags, and other objects using these techniques. Theohari and her team's designs are all handmade, with displays of motifs and patterns that symbolize classical Greece. Why Athens delves further into this lost art form and how Theohari is bringing it back.

"The entire production process occurs in Klotho’s studio which was set up in Rethymno to support the local economy. To be true to this ancient practice, products are handmade, producing short run collections or on demand."

Alexandra says, “The process is done in the traditional weaving method. It’s not a motorised process at all. The pattern is chosen and woven on the traditional wooden looms as we remembered them from our grandmothers.”

To read this article in full, please visit: Why Athens

Meet Vanessa Archontidou and Christina Flampouri, two "ordinary Greek women," who weightlift and climb nearby mountains four times a week, all before going to work. So far, they have reached the highest peaks on four continents, including North America, Europe, South America, and Africa.

As part of their ‘Seven Summits’ challenge, the two women are aiming to reach their fifth peak this summer 2018. This is their “Hellenic dream”; the dream of being the first two Greek women to scale these dangerous peaks.

Trained by fellow Greek climber Nikos Mangitsis (who has led more than 42 mountain expeditions to the world’s tallest mountain ranges), Christina and Vanessa combine training at Parnitha or Ymittos in Athens with gym work. 

“Because we are not rich, and we do this as a hobby, we try to make this a symbolic action to help other people understand,” Vanessa comments. “When you have a goal, even if it’s not a mountaineering goal, if it’s something that you truly believe in and even if you have obstacles in your way — like being a parent, or ‘I’m working a lot and I cannot do it’ — there is no obstacle.

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

For more information and how to support Vanessa and Christina's 'Seven Summit Challenge,' please visit: A Woman Can Be

 

Photo credit: Greek Reporter

On Sunday 3rd of June, the island of Kimolos will host for the first time a race on its traditional paths, offering an alternative opportunity to get to know and explore the island!

Kimolos Trail Race kicks off the Cyclades Trail Cup 2018 event!

It consists of 2 routes (21 and 9kilometers) and will be enriched with parallel cultural events. The start and finish of the routes willtake place in the 'Chorio' settlement. The 21km route offers the participant unprecedentedsolitude, as it does not pass through other settlements or areas with human presence.

Under the new Cyclades Trail Cup Point System, the Kimolos Trail 21km race offers 83 points,while the Kimolos Trail 9km race offers 33 points. The winners of the race will be the first 3 menand the first 3 women in the 21km race, the first 3 men and the first 3 women in the 9km race, aswell as the 1st male and the 1st female athlete from Kimolos.

The bibs of the athletes display the map of the island, the route including the altitude profile andthe refueling stations, and an emergency telephone number for safety reasons. In addition,rescuers of the Hellenic Red Cross and volunteers with first aid knowledge, along with emergencyvehicles, will be located at specific points of the routes.

The prize for the winners of the 1st Mountain Running Run: Kimolos Trail is handmade, symbolicand unique! A wooden plaque with the perforated silhouette of Kimolos' famous “Skiadi” naturalmonument will be given to the 14 winners of the event in a traditional 'dorva' handmade bag,courteously sponsored by the shops: Art Space 'Arzantiera', 'Button', 'Boutique Arzantiera'  and 'Sousta - Vista'

All finishers will receive a handmade commemorative medal with the races logo, designed by thejewelry store 'Kimolitho'. Athletes who did not manage to win a place on the podium will beplaced in a draw for gifts from the Donors.

Each race of the Cyclades Trail Cup is supported by Cultural Events. Beyond its purely sportingcharacter, this year Kimolos Trail will blend Sports with Cinema! On Friday June 1, at 18:00 at the Municipal Council of Kimolos, a Hoteliers and ProfessionalsInforming Conference with the subject: “Cyclades Trail Cup: Management, Online Communicationand Marketing for Upgrading and Increasing Reservations” will be held. The event is being held inthe framework of the Cyclades Trail Cup and in cooperation with our gold sponsor Greek TravelPages, under the auspices of the Municipality of Kimolos.Professional hoteliers and accommodation owners will have the opportunity to be informed aboutalternative sports tourism and the Trail Running movement in Greece, as well as how sportstourism will help extend the tourist season and grow the hiking movement for their island.

Plans and methods on how online communications and hotel marketing can have an impact on therunning community, as well as adjustments to amenities that professionals need to know about,will be presented. Professionals will be informed in clear terms about the techniques that willallow them to increase their bookings, even in low season. Participation in the meeting is free!

In the evening of Saturday June 2nd (depending on the weather), a movie night at a nearby beachwill be held.

Apart from the technical update, a movie with Greek subititles will be featured in arelaxed night by the sea, with local treats!

* Special Tip *

In the same afternoon on Saturday, before the movie night, a traditional marriagewill be held in the Village of Kimolos. It is a good opportunity for everybody attending to witnessthe customs of Kimolos!

Specifically, the schedule of the event is as follows:

18:00 – Hoteliers and Professionals Informing ConferenceSaturday

June 2 nd 2018

10:00 – Reception desk opening in the Municipal Council Hall
19:30 – Race technical update
21:00– Commencement of movie night

Sunday June 3rd 2018

07:00 – Reception desk opening in the Municipal Council Hall
08:00 – Brief race technical update
08:30 – Races start
13:30 – Races end
14:00 – Award ceremony at the Village central square

For the transport of athletes and visitors to and from the island of Kimolos, the organizingauthority in cooperation with the shipping company 'AEGEAN SPEED LINES' offers a 30% discounton the fare of the vessel 'SPEEDRUNNER III'.

In order to book tickets, athletes will have to send ane-mail with their Name, Surname, Phone Number and a 'Kimolos Trail' statement to theorganization’s exclusive partner: TRAVEL ME TO MILOS, to the address: info@travelmilos.comAria Hotels in Kimolos offer a 20% discount for the accommodation of the athletes and visitors forKimolos Trail.

The discount is valid between June 1 and June 3, 2018 and is only valid for directbookings at the following email: kimolos@ariahotels.gr with the subject: “Kimolos Trailaccommodation”.

Online registration will be possible until Friday, May 25, on the official website of the race.

New registrations may also be made to the race secretariat on Saturday 2 June between 10: 00 -18: 00, in the Municipal Council Hall of Kimolos.