Winter Garden City Lounge welcomes the season of Lent with traditional delicacies carefully prepared by talented Pastry Chef Alexandros Koufas. Lenten Delights menu includes the all-time classic “loukoumades” in their lenten version, which you may accompany with honey and walnuts, bitter Valrhrona with hazelnut praline or homemade orange jam with thyme.

You may also enjoy your favourite kind of “halva” – with tahini and mastic or with semolina, cinnamon and raisins – as well as a new olive oil cake with Kozani red saffron, citrus and tahini-honey foam. Exquisitely accompany our Lenten Delights menu with your favourite hot beverage or a glass of dessert wine.

Available daily from February 28th and during the Great Lent at the Winter Garden from 16:00 to 22:00. 

Birthplace of the marathon, and birthplace of democracy, Greece is a land where history has been created and legends made, a land where magic and mythology come together. Known for its rich culture, illustrious past, stunning beaches and extraordinary food, the list of superlatives about Greece has filled many books, ancient and modern. This is a place of dazzling sunlight, dramatic peaks and wine dark sea where the grandeur and magnificence will sweep you away and leave you mesmerized and inspired.

As tribute to his Greek heritage and his desire to promote Greek tourism to a global audience, renowned Greek-American ultramarathoner Constantine “Dean” Karnazes has joined together with the award-winning sports tourism and wellness agency ActiveMedia Group to launch: Greek Running Tours. Here is an opportunity to explore Greece on foot, immersing in the history and beauty, eating the food and experiencing this legendary land in a way that few tourists ever will. Along with the running (and a walking option for non-runners) each day will include cultural experiences—from bread making in the mountains of Crete, to olive pressing in Kalamata—world-class accommodations, distinctive regional cuisine, and a full suite of spa and sports massage services that will titillate the senses and soothe the soul. Each running route is distinctively designed and will be led by a local expert. Support is provided along the way so all you need to focus on is enjoy the running and delighting in the many captivating sights along the way.

If you’re seeking a unique, intimate and authentic way to experience Greece, you’ve come to the right place. At Greek Running Tours, luxury, gastronomy, culture and adventure coalesce into something unforgettable. Our tours are designed for runners and walkers of all ages and abilities and we adhere to the highest standards of sustainability and eco-tourism in everything we do. Come and experience the finest Greece has to offer at Greek Running Tours, the ultimate runcation.

Named by TIME magazine as one of the “100 Most Influential People in the World,” Greek-American ultramarathoning legend Constantine “Dean” Karnazes once ran 50 marathons, in all 50 US states, in 50 consecutive days. This NY Times bestselling author has raced and competed around the world, including running 135-miles nonstop across Death Valley and running a marathon to the South Pole. He has twice carried the Olympic Torch and is a recipient of the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition Lifetime Achievement Award.

Photo Credit: Angelos Zymaras

Hard Rock Cafe® Athens invites guests to experience the ultimate tailgate viewing experience from the comfort of their nearest Hard Rock Cafe. Available on Sunday February 12th, the tailgate menu is ready for the kick-off of The Big Game.

 

From classic Buffalo wings to signature sliders, nachos and beyond, fans and friends will want to cheer for their team or simply enjoy the Big Game at Hard Rock Cafe Athens. The limited-time Tailgate menu is available for game day only, so fans are encouraged to make their plans in advance.

The Starting Line-Up for the Tailgate Menu Includes:

• Classic Nachos: Crisp tortilla chips layered with ranch-style beans and a four-cheese sauce blend, topped with fresh Pico de Gallo, spicy jalapenos, pickled red onions, melted cheddar, Monterey Jack cheese and scallions, served with sour cream on the side 
• Wings: Hard Rock Cafe’s signature slow-roasted jumbo wings tossed with classic Buffalo or barbecue sauce, served with celery and blue cheese dressing
• Baby Back Ribs Starter: ½ rack of Baby Back Ribs, served pre-cut in individual portions, perfect for sharing. Seasoned with Hard Rock Cafe’s signature spice blend, then glazed with our house-made barbecue sauce and grilled to perfection
• All American Sliders: Three mini-burgers with melted American cheese, crispy onion ring and creamy coleslaw on a toasted brioche bun
• Buffalo-Style Sliders: Three mini-burgers with crispy onion ring, classic Buffalo sauce and bleu cheese dressing on a toasted brioche bun
• Tupelo Chicken Tenders: Crispy chicken tenders served with honey mustard and our house-made barbecue sauce 
• Onion Ring Tower: Hard Rock Cafe’s signature crispy onion rings perfectly seasoned and served with barbecue and ranch sauce 
• Cheese Fries: Hard Rock Cafe’s signature, crispy fries layered with cheese sauce, smoked bacon and sprinkled with green onions, served with a side of ranch for dipping 

Crack Open a Cold One with these Must Have Drink Deals 

• 5 Bottled FIX Beers for €19.95 
• 25 Bottled FIX Beers for €84.95 

Whether your team made it to the championship, or you’re just planning to enjoy the Half Time show this year, Hard Rock Cafe Athens wants to be part of the memories you make as you watch The Big Game in 2023. Make your  reservation 2103245170

Romance means different things to different people. For some it’s embarking on wild adventures, for others it’s a city break packed with sightseeing, while many simply want to spend their alone time on a white sand beach. With such variety in what couples are looking for in their getaway, Big7Travel put together a list that covers all basis.

To do so, they’ve taken where popular honeymoon and mega-moon destinations, the most loving countries, the most popular proposal spots, romantic things to do, and how current travel trends complement romance into account.

Here are the top 10 best places for couples in the world:

1. Mexico
2. Buenos Aires, Argentina
3. Paris, France
4. Bequia, St Vincent
5. Seville, Spain
6. Veneto, Italy
7. Maldives
8. Jordan
9. Santorini, Greece
10. Cappadocia, Turkey

Why is Santorini romantic?

Santorini is considered romantic due to its stunning views of the Aegean Sea and the famous sunset in Oia. The island's whitewashed buildings, blue-domed churches, and cobblestone streets create a picturesque atmosphere, perfect for couples. In addition, there are many high-end restaurants and luxurious resorts that cater to couples seeking a romantic getaway. The unique and intimate setting of the island makes it a popular destination for honeymoons, anniversaries, and romantic vacations.

To read this article in full, please visit: greekcitytimes.com

According to ancient myth, the sacred island of Delos was the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis – namesakes in our modern age for the two space missions putting humans on the moon (the Apollo mission sending the first men in 1969, and the current Artemis mission soon to send the first woman).

Today, the island of Delos has also inspired a different mission: to spread knowledge of climate change around the world. Being one of the most important archeological sites in the world (the whole island is an open museum) already affected by the climate crisis and the rising sea level, it appears the perfect spot to send a message from; The “Alpha Mission – Delos” project, created in collaboration with space research centers around the world, aims to combine art and technology to inspire action for the environment.

Representatives from the sectors of arts and culture, space technology, archaeology, and philosophy took part in a unique event at UNESCO’s Paris headquarters, as part of the project. The event consisted of a discussion about the future and how to salvage our planet for the next generations, followed by the screening of last year’s much-talked-about concert at Delos titled “The [Uncertain] Four Seasons.”

For the first time bringing a classical music orchestra for a broadcast concert amongst the ancient ruins on Delos, the performance consisted of an algorithmic re-composition of the Vivaldi classic (The Four Seasons). The work, meant to highlight the uncertainty about the future of our planet, was broadcast live at the Athens Concert Hall then. Contributing musicians included the European Union Youth Orchestra along with Ukrainian and Russian musicians, as well as the Crimean-born and Berlin-based violinist Diana Tishchenko, and Greek virtuoso Sokratis Sinopoulos on the lyra. The concert was dedicated to the pioneering Greek composer Vangelis.

Participants at the event at UNESCO’s headquarters in Paris included the President and co-founder of the World Human Forum, Alexandra Mitsotaki; astrophysicist, planetologist and Director of Research at the National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) in Paris, Athena Coustenis; the philosopher Patrick Viveret; and the Director of the French School of Athens, Véronique Chankowski.

To read this article in full, please visit: greece-is.com

Greece has submitted the nomination file of Mount Olympus for inclusion in UNESCO’s list of World Cultural and Natural Heritage Sites.

“Mount Olympus, the highest mountain in our country, is linked to ancient mythology, to Homer, to the history of Greece throughout the centuries. The home of the gods is one of the strongest Greek brand names,” said Culture Minister Lina Mendoni.

Mount Olympus is Greece’s highest mountain with an altitude of 2,918 meters. In 1981 it was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and in 2021 it was declared a national park by presidential decree.

UNESCO is expected to issue a final decision by September.

Originally published on: ekathimerini.com

Have there been times you had to force yourself to do something just so you wouldn’t upset your mom or your best friend? How many times have you caught yourself yelling at your kid just because you wouldn’t know how to set your boundaries with love? How many times has your partner told you to stop complaining or whining while the only thing you were trying to say was that you felt uncomfortable or hurt or not respected? More than once, I bet!

Setting our boundaries is something most of us haven’t learned to do. “I wish I could but I can’t say no, there’s no way” is an argument I’ve heard many of my clients say. When I ask them why they answer that the idea alone makes them feel unkind, unhelpful, disrespectful and even arrogant at times. They also believe that if they say “no” there’s a high possibility the other person won’t like them anymore so they’ll be left alone. So they continue to be unhappy and to be taken for granted.

There is an explanation of course. And that is because as children we all wanted to be liked and loved so we would do whatever it would take to please our parents, our relatives, our friends. So even though we’re grownups now we still behave like the little child we were years ago.

And then I tell my clients the good news: “You don’t have to keep on behaving like this any longer and that is ok.” “But how? I don’t have the courage, I feel guilty,” is a typical response I get. Let’s see how.

Saying “no” calmly and with decisiveness is not a talent but something we can all learn. It takes conscious practice and extra time on your part but you’ll be amazed at the results. You can learn to recognize and express what you want and what you don’t want. You can learn to be both assertive and kind.

Here are some questions that may serve as your initial guide:

• What are your personal values?
• In what ways can you respect yourself so that others will respect you?
• What phrases can you use to tell people what you do want instead of what you don’t want?
• How can you express anger in more appropriate ways?
• What are you grateful for?

Once you learn to communicate in a different way you will be able to set your limits with confidence, respect and love towards yourself.

Originally published on: itsmylife.gr

Iconic Hotels Grande Bretagne and King George, heightening their standards in gastronomy, proudly present the new seasonal menus of GB Roof Garden and Tudor Hall Restaurants for this winter. 

Executive Chef Asterios Koustoudis with his experienced team of Chefs and with absolute loyalty in their sustainability vision, choose the best local ingredients, put their expert culinary skills at the forefront and captivate their guests with imaginative dishes, divine flavors, images and aromas,

At the all-time favourite Athenian spot, the GB Roof Garden Restaurant, talented Chef de Cuisine Nikos Liokas with significant experience in renowned London restaurants, has designed with great expertise an exciting “fine comfort” menu with Mediterranean influences and genuine nostalgic flavours. Dishes are being created utilizing fresh seasonal and high quality ingredients with emphasis on organic locally sourced products of small producers and food provenance is specially denoted on the menu card. Discover sophisticated dishes with intense wide-ranging flavors; starring the grilled calamari with smoked fish roe sauce, the pumpkin risotto with ‘ladotyri’ cheese from Zakynthos island, the chargrilled potato from Naxos with ‘beurre noisette', cauliflower purée, fermented leek and Naxian graviera sauce as well as the delicious grilled lamb - shoulder, chop and carré - served with roasted potato, black garlic mayonnaise and yoghurt sauce.  The beetroot salad with goat cheese, cumin, falafel and crunchy quinoa and the linguini with ’nduja’, garum sauce, botargo and lime infuse an international flair to the menu. Various types of fresh sourdough bread are served straight from the oven of the historic hotel's new bakery. 

At the revamped and opulent Tudor Hall Restaurant, distinguished Chef de Cuisine Nikos Leivadias, carrying a long and successful work experience in modern fine dining, unfolds his imagination and adds a new dimension to the Greek cuisine. The refined dishes of the menu feature high aesthetics and unrivalled taste spotlighting a contemporary version of traditional Greek ingredients. The welcome canapés are nothing less than small mouth-watering masterpieces that set the scene for the dining experience that follows. To mention just a few, there is smoked eel with pickled cucumber and caviar, beef tartare with cream cheese and truffle, handmade organic tomato paste with breadsticks and five different types of bread from the in-house bakery. The outstanding starters of the menu include the white asparagus risotto with a confit egg yolk, Naxos graviera, leeks and capers as well as the langoustine duet –grilled and tartare- with coriander, lime and roasted pistachio. Among the most delectable and sophisticated main courses on the menu are the cod with lobster and carrot, the free-range chicken breast with mushroom puree, truffle and ravioli filled with chicken leg as well as the beef brisket with potato and wine-berry sauce.

For the wine connoisseurs, Head Sommelier Evangelos Psofidis proposes exquisite wine pairings that will enhance your culinary experience and curates the restaurants’ awarded wine list.  

Greece may be known as a summer destination, boasting a unique coastline with numerous islands and drop-dead gorgeous sun-kissed beaches. Its natural beauty, though, goes far beyond just that.

Let's take a look at 5 beautiful destinations for a winter escape in Greece!


Mountainous Nafpaktia


Credit: @georgia_damaskou

Nature lovers and adventure seekers will fall in love with mountainous Nafpaktia. Nafpaktos town features many attractions, with the well-preserved castle standing out from the rest. What will totally blow your mind, though, are the mountain villages in the area, especially Elatou and Ano Chora, hidden away in dense forests with chestnut trees. It's been on our travel list for years, but it still manages to stay off the beaten path and retain its traditional character.

Make sure to: Pay a visit to a localtsipouradiko and try an adventurous sport like rafting or mountain biking!

 

If winter destinations near Attica had a king, it would undoubtedly be Trikala in Corinth, located just 2 hours away from the capital. Blessed with imposing mountains, beautiful lakes, and extraordinary natural beauty, Trikala combines modern comforts, like hotels and luxurious chalets, with the most scenic landscapes. It’s a family-friendly destination that's also popular among skiers and snowboarders, with the Ziria Ski Resort just a breath away.

Make sure to: Try the special grilled ribs at a local tavern and go skiing at Ziria Ski Resort!

 

 

Perhaps the most beautiful sunset in mountainous Greece—regardless of the 340 kilometers one must travel to enjoy this magical moment when the sun disappears behind the Agrafos peaks, the fjords darken, and the lake waters turn an eerie blue color. The lake is surrounded by a whopping 18 picturesque villages, each with unique beauty. The most famous of them is probably Neochori and the views from there are simply breathtaking.

Make sure to: Visit Agnanti Restaurant, the perfect spot to watch the sunset, and go canoe-kayaking!

 

Amphitheatrically built on one of the mountain peaks of the mighty Pindus, Metsovo is the perfect blend of mountainous beauty and traditional Greek character. Folklore and living traditions coexist harmoniously; they support each other and somehow create an authentic whole. Among the must-visit places are the art gallery, the park of Agios Georgios, a grove with all kinds of trees found in Pindos, the cheese factory, and the winery of Averof.

Make sure to: Visit the historic monastery of Agios Nikolaos, which has frescoes from the 17th century!

 

Dense forests, with mainly beech but also black pine and robola, cover the slopes of the mountains. The most beautiful of the surrounding settlements is Spilaio, where, just a few kilometers outside the village, you will also find the bridge of Portitsa guarding the narrow passage of a gorge. The village of Kalloni is a well-kept secret of jaw-dropping beauty (Angelopoulos had previously used it as a setting in one of his films), but the road network is not good.

 

Make sure to: Visit the ski resort and, if you make it that far, why not pay a visit to Ioannina close by!