Long isolated from the rest of Greece, the Mani peninsula is home to a clannish community that claims warrior heritage. BBC describes the Mani peninsula as having “jagged, rocky cliffs jut from the Peloponnese at the southernmost tip of mainland Greece, forcing the landscape to heave and billow like ocean waves. From the steep hilltops, stone houses resembling small castles stand with their backs to the colossal Taygetos mountains and look out over the stoic Ionian Sea.”

It is also the land where a clannish community lives, called the Maniots, who are believed to descend from the Spartans, the legendary warriors of Ancient Greece.

“Nearly three millennia ago, when Ancient Greece was made up of ‘polis’, or individual city-states, much of the Peloponnese belonged to Ancient Sparta and its allies. Unlike the people of rival city-state Athens, who were artists and philosophers, the Spartans were fighters; boys were said to begin military training at age seven, challenging one another in physical competition before becoming full-time soldiers at the age of 20.”

To read this article in full, please visit: BBC

Since it started in the late 1980’s and escalated when the financial crisis hit, graffiti in Athens has popped up everywhere as a way to express widespread unrest. As the Independent reports, “the capital of Greece might be known for the Acropolis, but as you drive into Athens what really hits you is the graffiti.”

There’s hardly a place that hasn’t been tagged by spray paint. Vans, walls, street signs, dumpsters, and even the ancient rocks have paint on them.

Street artist and tour guide Nikolas Tongas says, “Athens is always inspiring people to create... the financial crisis was a huge inspiration for artists who wanted to show from their own perspective an artistic representation of the current economic situation.”

To read this article in full, please visit: Independent

The museum of Contemporary Art will be fully operational within 2018 and fascinating Van Gogh exhibition takes place in the city. Click to find out everything you need to know about Athens' Latest News & Updates!

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Olive oil, fine cheese, cured meats and other delicacies — Where to find the best deli’s in Athens from Greece Is!

Brimming with delicacies from every corner of Greece, this deli is the perfect place to find rare meze – like salt-cured tuna from Alonnisos and pies from Kozani. It’s ideal for both lunch and dinner; your meal will be made with ingredients straight off the shelves around you.

Address: 26 Mitropoleos, Syntagma

Telephone: 210 331 5547

At this mecca of Greek cheese, you’ll find incredible products to take home and enjoy as well as plenty to eat right on the spot. Kostarelos, which is family-run, produces a variety of cheeses but it’s perhaps most noted for its feta, both soft and hard, which is exceptional – try some tucked into a sourdough sandwich.

Address: 30-32 Patriarchou Ioakeim, Kolonaki

Telephone: 210 725 9000

To read this article in full, please visit: Greece Is

The 35th Authentic Marathon took place in Athens this past weekend on November 12, 2017 bringing together more than 51,000 runners. Around 18,500 runners came from all over the world and the rest came from Greece.

Most of the athletes competing come from the UK (1,054), Italy (1,000), the USA (834), France (815) and Germany (741). Other athletes travelled from countries such as Brazil, South Korea, New Zealand and Vietnam.

The course was a 42km course that followed the footsteps of the legendary soldier Pheidippides. The Athens Marathon has developed in recent years into one of the biggest annual sports events for Greece.

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

Photo Credit: Facebook

Maddie is a terrier and goes on all sorts of adventures around the world. In this book, Maddie visits Athens and helps a girl find her teddy in the Acropolis. ‘Maddie Goes To Athens’ is a great book for early readers and young travellers learning fun facts about important cities around the world.

 

For more information on Maddie, visit www.maddiebooks.com or follow their Instagram @themaddiebookshop

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Remember to stay connected with us through our weekly newsletter, Facebook, and Twitter

Please click HERE to view this issue of our newsletter!

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Allow yourself to explore the best places in Kifissia, enjoy a drink at a new cocktail bar in Koukaki and indulge in two of Athens' coolest and most delicious restaurants!

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