It's that time of the year again when friends and family gather around and give thanks and good tidings and cheer. It's a magical season; a season of joy, love, and happiness! If you find yourself in Athens this Christmas, make sure to visit the following cafes that go all-out for Christmas and are sure to get you into the holiday spirit. 



Little Kook 


@littlekook_

Located in the heart of Athens, in the area of Psyrri, Little Kook is perfect for fairytale enthusiasts and dessert lovers. Little Kook serves a variety of delicious sweets and features dreamy decor. This well-known cafe is busy all year, but it shines even brighter during the holidays!

Location: Karaiskaki 17, Athina
Telephone: 210 3214144

Noel 


@thenoelbar

Christmas is celebrated all year round in Noel! The cafe is tastefully adorned in a retro-vintage style, the music is delightful (mainly swing and jazz), and the food is outstanding. Noel is ideal for everything from early coffee and breakfast to late wining and dining. The atmosphere is as festive as it comes, and it is, without a doubt, one of the best places to be during the holiday season.

Location: Kolokotroni 59B, Athina
Telephone: 211 2159534

Fairytale 


@fairytale_athens

Do you believe in Christmas magic and fairytales? Then you must pay a visit to this location! The decorations are incredible; it's as if you've walked inside Hansel and Gretel's home! Desserts, on the other hand, are delightful. It's tough not to indulge in inventive and delectable treats.

Location: Leokoriou 16, Athina & Tripia 48, Nea Philadelphia
Telephone: 210 2582341

Cap Cap 


@capcapgr

Cap Cap, one of the best themed coffee shops in Athens and, actually the first one to open in the city, in Egaleo, is well hidden in the neighborhood's alleys but it is loved by the locals and widely renowned for its exquisite themed menu, especially the desserts, and magical décor. Harry Potter, Stranger Things, Christmas, Fantastic Beasts, Alladin and 90's are only few of the themes Cap Cap has hosted!

Location: Panormou 26, Egaleo
Telephone: 210 590 4116

Who says the magic of winter is reserved for the Alps? Greece may be a summer hotspot, but don't be fooled—the magic of a Greek winter is a well-kept secret waiting to be discovered. Beyond the sun-kissed beaches, crystal-clear waters, and summer vibes, the holiday season transforms Greece into a festive, often snowy, wonderland. Here are 4 of the best destinations in Greece to visit this Christmas!



Agios Athanasios 


@dimitra_tza

Are you dreaming of a white Christmas? If so, Agios Athanasios in northern Greece is the perfect snowy destination to spend your holidays. Nestled on the western slopes of imposing Mount Vorras, Agios Athanasios is a village of astounding beauty and pure authenticity, famous for its traditional stone-built buildings. Of course, while there, a visit to Kaimaktsalan Ski Center is a must!

 

Pelion's heavenly charm enchants visitors all year round, especially during Christmas, when it transforms into a magical winter wonderland. Take a winter stroll through beautiful, snow-capped villages and dense woodlands. Finally, don't forget to pay a visit to the ski resort for some fun and games in the snow.

 

Fir trees, snow-covered meadows, the exquisite scent of fireplaces, and sleigh rides at the ski centre... Who could have thought that you don't have to travel to the Swiss Alps to find all that; they are right here in Greece, in Trikala! If you find yourself there, don't forget to pay a visit to the Mill of The Elves, a unique Christmas park in Trikala and definitely a major highlight of the wider area!

 

Elatochori 


@olgadeligiannidou

Set in the deep woods, the village of Elatochori promises to make you forget about the outside world completely and appreciate the beauty of nature. There are various unique boutiques in the village, and you should sample some of the local delights like traditional marmalade and chocolate drinks. Not to mention the nearby ski center, where you can enjoy various winter activities if you are lucky enough to visit when the area is blanketed in snow. 

 

Nothing says Christmas like a steaming cup of delicious hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and marshmallows! 

 

Add a fireplace, some cute Christmassy pajamas, and a bit of Mariah Carey and you've got yourself the perfect festive night.

 

 

• 480g soy milk
• 2 - 4 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 4 tablespoons cocoa powder 
• 50g chocolate couverture, finely chopped 

• whipped cream
• marshmallows
• chocolate couverture, melted
• hazelnut chocolate spread, grated

• Heat the milk in a saucepan over medium heat.
• Pour half of it into a mug. Set aside and keep warm.
• Add the sugar and cocoa powder to the remaining milk in the saucepan.
• Heat until it comes to a boil while whisking continuously.
• Lower heat and cook the mixture for another 2 minutes, until the sugar and cocoa powder have melted and are completely incorporated.
• Remove from heat. Add the chocolate and stir until it melts.
• Add the rest of the milk and stir until completely combined. 
• Serve with whipped cream, marshmallows, melted chocolate, and sprinkle with grated chocolate.

Recipe source: akispetretzikis.com

Christmas is a time of year like no other; gifts are exchanged, little-spoken-to relatives are contacted, and appetizing treats are consumed with great gusto. Christmas can be both a time of stress and a time of relaxation. But whether you love or hate Christmas it’s pretty difficult to avoid – and so your brain may be altered by the experience one way or another. Here are some of the main facets of the Christmas experience, and how they might affect your brain.

The festive spirit of Christmas

The joy surrounding Christmas may influence some of the chemicals in your brain (dopamine and serotonin) which affect your happiness levels. Dopamine is known to be involved with reward-driven behavior and pleasure-seeking and serotonin are thought to increase our feelings of worth and belonging. So when people talk about “Christmas cheer” they may be on to something.

In fact, researchers at the University of Copenhagen conducted an imaging study to try and find the “centre” of the Christmas spirit in the human brain. Here, participants were shown Christmas-themed images and, in those participants who actively celebrated Christmas, there was increased brain activation in the sensory-motor cortex, the premotor and primary motor cortex, and the parietal lobule. Previously these brain areas have been associated with spirituality, bodily senses, and recognizing facial emotions. While these results should be interpreted with some caution, it is interesting to note the physical effects that feeling festive can exert on your brain.

Stress

Not everyone finds Christmas an entirely joyful and festive time – many people find it very stressful. In fact, the burdens of navigating through a busy shopping centre to find the ideal gift for your other half, or of cooking the perfect turkey for a house full of hungry people, are enough to rattle even the calmest person. Stress can exert a physical response in your body, with the automatic release of adrenaline and cortisol. Further, cortisol has been shown to have a profound effect on the hippocampus, which may decrease your memory and ability to multitask.

Giving gifts

The giving and receiving of gifts is an age-old Christmas tradition and there’s no better feeling than seeing your loved one’s eyes light up when you’ve found the perfect gift for them. But why does giving make us feel so good? Generosity has been linked with the reward circuitry of our brain, causing the release of dopamine and endorphins. Researchers have described a “helpers’ high”, which is experienced after giving. The chemicals that cause this high can reduce stress and increase your desire to repeat these acts of kindness. So, while you may resent being out of pocket after buying your great aunt that pair of slippers, your brain at least ensures that you are compensated with a chemical reward.

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

Have you ever felt like no matter how much you work you never accomplish all the things you would like to?

 

This is very common and one too many people have trouble effectively structuring their time and improving their productivity. If you need help shaking off this feeling of unproductiveness, the below 5 easy-to-implement tips will help you boost your workplace efficiency. 

1. Take regular breaks

It may seem counterproductive, but taking regular breaks can actually improve concentration and boost your mood. According to studies, taking small breaks during long tasks helps you keep a consistent level of performance, whereas working on a task non-stop causes your performance to steadily diminish.

2. Set your own deadlines

While we normally associate stress with a negative feeling, a controlled level of self-imposed stress can actually be beneficial in terms of keeping us focused and helping us achieve our goals. Give yourself a deadline for open-ended tasks or projects, and then stick to it. You might be amazed at how productive you can be when you want to. 

3. Follow the "two-minute rule"

To make the most of the tiny windows of time, entrepreneur Steve Olenski advocates using the "two-minute rule." The concept is simple: if there is a task that can be completed in two minutes or less, do it right away. According to Olenski, finishing the task immediately saves time compared to returning to it later. This method has helped him become one of the most influential content strategists online.

4. Stop multitasking

Trying to complete many jobs at once might be tempting, especially if they appear to be minor or simple. But it's not going to work. According to psychologists, attempting to complete multiple activities at once, might result in lost time and productivity. Instead, try committing to a single task at a time. 

5. Overcome perfectionism

It's normal to become fixated on perfecting a task when, in reality, nothing is ever flawless. Instead of wasting time pursuing the illusion of perfection, complete your assignments to the best of your ability and move on. It's preferable to finish the job and get it off your plate and, if necessary, you can always go back and improve it. 

Athens is an amazing city worthy of exploration all year round!

 

Thanks to a milder climate, wandering around Athens in winter is a truly pleasant experience. Although the capital of Greece offers numerous opportunities, let’s discover some of the best things to do in Athens during the colder months.

 

Anafiotika is located in the neighborhood of the Acropolis, and it is one of the most charming areas of the city. It was founded in the 19th century by the inhabitants of Anafi, a Greek island. Anafiotikas’ architecture and flair definitely mirror the ones from this Cycladic Island. The white small houses and the narrow paths will bring you back in time. You will even forget that you are in 21st century Athens.

A few steps away from Anafiotika you will find yourself in the heart of Plaka. This is another typical area of the city which is famous for its architecture. Here you will find many shops to buy souvenirs for your beloved. These include Greek olives, olive oil soap, ouzo, and much more.

 

When spending some time in Athens, it is always worth visiting the Acropolis, a symbol of the Greek capital city. Built in the 13th century BC, the Acropolis has much more to offer besides the Parthenon. The World Heritage Site, protected by UNESCO, is an example of the finest Greek classical sculpture and architecture. A traveler can appreciate its majesty from every part of the city.

In order to reach the top of the Acropolis, you have to walk through olive trees surrounding the steps, and once on top, the view over Athens is simply stunning. Climbing over the Acropolis is an amazing idea for a winter Sunday morning, as on that day of the week the entrance to the site is free for everyone from the 1st of November to the 31st of March.

Take A Rest At The National Garden


@dimagkos

The National Garden is located close to the Hellenic Parliament and the Presidential Residence. It was initially conceived as the garden of the latter building, but nowadays it belongs to the city of Athens, which makes it possible for everyone to enjoy it all day long.

Walking through the 15-hectare garden is a delightful experience, even in an Athens winter. If you are traveling with children, they will undoubtedly appreciate the many birds and animals which populate the garden, which is also extremely appropriate in the case of a romantic getaway.

Climb Mount Lycabettus


@conmpampani

Being 300 meters above the sea, Mount Lycabettus is the highest point in Athens. It can be reached either by funicular or, alternatively, you can opt for a walk to the top. From the top, you can enjoy one of the most astonishing views of the city. Go there at night, to see the twinkling lights of Athens in winter. For those who plan on spending New Year’s Eve in Athens, Mount Lycabettus is an excellent location to admire the fireworks. If it gets too chilly, sip a hot drink at the restaurant located at the top of the hill. It is right in front of the Chapel of St George.

To read this article in full and discover even more amazing things to do in Athens in winter, please visit: gloholiday.com

Main image: @giagkos_p

Trams will start serving the recently extended line to Piraeus in the next few days, according to the Athens Urban Rail Transport Company (STASY).

The two routes that will serve the expansion are the N6 Syntagma-Pikrodafni and the N7 Asklipieio Voulas – Akti Poseidonos Piraeus. Both routes can be accessed by commuters in southern Athens at the Pikrodafni stop on Poseidonos Avenue, between the Edem and Marina Alimou stops.

Passengers who start their journeys from Syntagma will have to switch trams at Pikrodafni to get to Piraeus.

In the meantime, the test runs for the link to Piraeus port have been reportedly progressing smoothly over the past two weeks, and the only pending issue is the announcement of the exact start date of the itineraries. ​​​​​​

The contract for the 5.4-kilometer route connecting the center of Athens to the port was signed in 2013 and the project was beset by snags and delays.

Originally published on: ekathimerini.com

The comparative advantages of Kos as an emerging biking destination were presented by Deputy Transport Minister Michalis Papadopoulos during an event held recently on the island by local authorities.

According to Papadopoulos, cycling has become an everyday habit for the residents of Kos, an island that for decades has been receiving groups of cyclists who enjoy its numerous cycling routes. He also referred to the climate crisis and the need to use mild transport modes in order to reduce carbon emissions.

“Green tourism has become a trend in many areas of Europe such as Scandinavia. Travelers now choose environmentally friendly modes of transport… Kos can offer all that with the bicycle as a vehicle,” Papadopoulos added.

Greece’s EuroVelo Cycling Routes

During the event, Papapopoulos also referred to Greece’s efforts to establish a National EuroVelo Coordination Center that would promote cycling tourism in the country.

EuroVelo is a cycling network connecting European countries. It includes 17 certified cycling routes that cover 51,000km across 42 countries.

“There are three cycling routes passing by Greece and our ambition is to include Kos in the EuroVelo network as the island fulfills all the requirements: it offers flat terrain, many roads with low-speed limit and traffic, and – above all – special interest routes,” Papadopoulos said.

He also pledged that the Transport Ministry would offer the support and know-how8 in order for Kos to become a prime biking destination.

Kos’ Study For Biking Tourism

Organized by the municipality of Kos, the event also included the presentation of a study for the development of biking tourism on the island. Its main proposals include:

– the promotion of existing cycling infrastructure
– the extension and signage of its cycling routes
– the creation of dirt roads for the promotion of Kos’ mountainous areas
– the development of suburban routes to be included in the EuroVelo network
– the development of an action plan for the promotion of Kos’ biking tourism product in Greece and abroad.

Main image: @cocomat.bike_kos

Originally published on: news.gtp.gr

Who We Are:

"The Smile of the Child" was created in 1995 by 10-year-old Andreas Yannopoulos, who, shortly before leaving from life, expressed in his diary his wish to found an organization that will ensure for all children what he had so generously enjoyed: love, affection, care and respect.

The dream of 10-year-old Andreas became reality and today the Organization "The Smile of the Child", recognized internationally, with a Vision: the Smile of every child, implements nationwide, 365 days a year and 24 hours a day, effective and direct actions for preventing and addressing particular phenomena that threaten children.

In the course of 23 years of action "The Smile of the Child" has supported more than 1.480.000 children and their families. Children victims of any form of violence, missing children, children with health problems, children living in poverty or threatened by poverty, have found a solution.

The Organization is staffed by spezialized scientific personnel, has the precious support of volunteers and is based on citizens and companies that actively provide their support in practice through donations and sponsorships.

What We Do:

- We are next to every child victim of Violence Physical, Sexual and Psychological Abuse, Neglect, Bullying, Smuggling & Trafficking.
- We are next to every missing child. 
- We stand by each child with health problems.
- We support each child living in or being at the risk of poverty.