After a year's absence, one of our favorite cultural events is returning from June 20th to June 30th for a "Jazz & World Music" edition!

Petit Paris makes a dynamic comeback with a series of 11 concerts taking place in the beautiful garden of Athens' Municipal Library, opposite Larissa Station. 

The Covid 19 pandemic defined the form of this year's festival, so due to the protection measures against the coronavirus, the festival this year will not include street performances, activities for children, theatrical performances and concerts indoors.

The concerts will start at 21:00 with free admission but you will first need to reserve your seat by email at petitparis.athenes@gmail.com, as seats will be limited due to coronavirus protection measures. |

More information about the events can be found in Greek here! 

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XpatAthens Is Proud To Be A Media Sponsor Of Petit Paris 2021

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The Authentic Marathon Swim is approaching and expects to gather participations of amateur and professional swimmers from Greece and abroad for the 2nd consecutive year, on July 2-4, 2021, at Pefki, Evia of the Municipality of Istiea- Edipsos.

The absolutely successful organization of the Authentic Marathon Swim last year, led the event to the top of the Tourism Awards with 5 awards in total. More specifically, it was distinguished with 2 Silver awards for the strategy implemented for the “Guest - Staff Protection” during the Covid-19 pandemic and its “Integrated Communications Campaign” while receiving 3 Bronze awards at the “Sports Tourism”, “Interconnection of tourism with other sectors of the Greek economy” and “Technology enhanced experience” categories for the technology solutions used to improve the travel experience.

Register Today For The Races & Acquire The Richest Participation Kits
Participants will swim with safety in the impressive 10km route (over the shipwrecks of the Naval Battle of Artemision that took place in 480 B.C.), the 3km, the 1.5km as well as the new and unique 5km route. Respectively, the younger fans of the sea will have the opportunity to test their swimming skills in the 800m children’s race. The 5km, 3km, 1.5km and 800m. routes will have Pefki beach as their starting and finishing point. Registration for the 800m children’s race is free. The event also offers a special discount on group registrations of more than 10 people. All citizens of Istiea- Edipsos will have the opportunity to take part in the 5km, 3km and 1.5km routes as well as the 800m. children’s race, completely free of charge.

 

Accommodation Packages At The Municipality Of Istiea-Edipsos
The Authentic Marathon Swim already collaborates with more than 35 hotels in the region, with the aim of revitalizing the sports tourism industry of Northern Evia and strengthening the Greek tourism product. Up to this point, this year’s event is enormously supported with special prices starting from 40 euros, by the following hospitality sponsors: Maria Louiza Apartments, Altamar Hotel, Villa Anastasia, Ellaeon Throesma, Kochili Apartments, Pefki Seascape Rooms, Hydna Studios, Aktaion Hotel, Arethousa Hotel, Galini Hotel Edipsos, Island, Ilios Studios, Irene Studios, Meliti Studios, Mirtia Hotel, Prigkipessa Studios, Aenaon Studios, Aidipsos Hotel, Alex Spa Hotel, Anesis, Apolonio, Artemis Rooms Pefki, Artemision Hotel, Asimina Rooms, Avli, Evia Dream, Kerasiotis Apartments, Konstantinos Hotel, Lito Hotel, Maria Studios, Melikari Studios, Oversea Rooms & Villas, Posidonio Studios, Rodon Hotel, Sunset Pefki, Thalassa Hotel, Viki Studios.

NP Insurance and Philosofish are the event’s Official Sponsors.
Natural Mineral Water Vikos is the Official Water. Luanvi is the event’s Official Clothing Partner.
Avance is the Official Car Rental Partner.
Target Security is the Security Partner.
Schoretsanitis Cheese Factory, Nivea Sun, Syconia and The Norman Farm are the event’s Partners.
Red Swim Academy, Swim Academy, Leandros, Swimmingclub.gr, LA Elite Fitness, APS TRIAS and Kallithea Open Water Team are the Authentic Marathon Swim’s Athletic Partners.

The event will be held in accordance with FINA regulations and the health protocol approved by the Greek General Secretariat of Sports’ Health Scientific Committee and established by the experienced team of ActiveMedia Group, in order to ensure the health of athletes and attendees.

The Authentic Marathon Swim will be held with the permission of the General Directorate of Tourism Policy of the Regional Tourism Service of Central Greece, under the auspices of the Greek National Tourism Organization. The event is co- organized by the Municipality of Istiea-Edipsos, the Region of Central Greece, the Organization of Cultural Development for Central Greece (O.P.A.S.T.E.), the Central Union of Municipalities in Greece (KEDE) and the Regional Union of Municipalities of Central Greece. ActiveMedia Group is responsible for its sports production. The race has joined the swimming community of Global Swim Series (GSS).

Photo Credit: Angelos Zymaras

Share your exciting moments and memories from the Municipality of Istiea-Edipsos and the event using the official hashtag #authenticmarathonswim

 

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XpatAthens is proud to be a Media Sponsor of  The Authentic Marathon Swim

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Located off the coast of Alonnisos, a verdant island part of the Sporades archipelago, Greece's first underwater museum was inaugurated last August and has now reopened its doors for the 2021 summer season. The Museum's main attraction is the Classical-era shipwreck dating back to 500 BC, but visitors will also admire the rich marine life surrounding the shipwreck. 

In 1985, a local fisherman discovered the shipwreck near the rocky coastline of the uninhabited island of Peristera. Since then, numerous excavations have been carried out, uncovering interesting details about the ship and its precious cargo. The ship is believed to be an Athenian vessel, one of the biggest merchant vessels of the time, that sunk in the area in 425 BC, due to a yet unknown cause. It carried 4,000 wine amphorae from the Greek cities of Peparithos (Skopelos) and Mendi (Halkidiki), both well-known for their great wine, and it was also loaded with black-glazed bowls, cups, plates, and tableware. All these items were essential parts of the symposia, Ancient Greece's drinking events hosted by aristocratic men. 

Except for its great historical importance and its unique artifacts, the Museum also boasts unparalleled natural beauty, as it's part of the National Marine Park of Alonissos and Northern Sporades, the largest marine protected area in Europe. The park is home to monk seals, dolphins, sperm whales, loggerhead turtles, about 300 fish species, and the rare red coral.

Until recently, this underwater paradise was accessible only to archaeologists, but now divers are welcomed to take a plunge into the water and, at a depth of about 30 meters, encounter the so-called Peristera, named after the neighboring island. Upon diving, you'll probably feel like you're entering a fascinating and mysterious world of wonders, where colorful fish and sea sponges are nestled in well-preserved ancient amphorae. 

There is yet so much more to learn from the wreck and no one knows the treasures that might still lay buried, but one thing is for sure; the Peristera shipwreck truly is a diver's paradise! 

As Athens is adopting a sustainable urban mobility plan, one of the biggest challenges the city has to face is bike safety. On the occasion of "World Bicycle Day",  the Municipality of Athens in collaboration with the Road Safety Institute “Panos Mylonas” (IOAS), inaugurated a new cycling center in the heart of Athens, on Thursday, June 3, 2021. 

The center's main goal is to provide, both children and adults, with useful cycling safety tips and teach them various bicycle inspection methods and techniques, that can help avoid accidents. 

The cycling center is located at the junction of Vasilissis Olgas avenue and Amalias avenue near Syntagma Square. For the next month, IOAS instructors will be there daily to teach bicycle safety to all those interested. 

More specifically, citizens will learn about: 

• Basic bicycle safety equipment. 
• How to do a pre-ride safety check.
• Personal protective equipment for cyclists.
• Essential road rules every cyclist should know.

After their visit, citizens will be given a leaflet reminding them of the things they should check before venturing out on their bikes and the safety rules they need to follow. The leaflet will also include any parts of the bike that require service or repair (e.g. lights, tires, brakes, etc.). 

Moreover, on the occasion of "World Bicycle Day", the Municipality of Athens gave away 60 bikes to children from the Charity Association "Friends of the Child". The bikes, which had been confiscated and remained unused for a long time, were properly maintained and repaired so that children can enjoy safe bike rides.

Operating days & hours: 
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: 19:00 - 21:00 

Tuesday and Thursday: 8:00 - 10:00 & 19:00 - 21:00 

Weekends: 10:00 - 13:00 & 18:00 - 21:00 

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Lycabettus Hill, an iconic landmark in Athens, is to undergo a major overhaul designed to make it safer and more attractive to visitors and local residents.
 

The hill's 407 acres belong to the Municipality of Athens, while the other 35 belong to the Public Properties Company S.A. (ETAD), which, until recently, didn't allow the Municipality to proceed with the enhancement works first announced in 2019. 

Through common sense and a mutual spirit of cooperation, the Municipality of Athens and the Public Properties Company S.A. (ETAD) were able to come to an agreement, setting into motion a series of works that will upgrade the hill and its facilities. The project's main goal is the reconstruction and reopening of the landmark Lycabettus Theater, which remains closed for almost 20 years. 

The CEO of the Public Properties Company, Mr. Stefanos D. Vlastos, recently signed an agreement with the Mayor of Athens, Mr. Kostas Bakogiannis, to hand over jurisdiction of the 35-acres area of the hill to the Municipality of Athens, so that the upgrade can be completed. 

Mr. Kostas Bakogiannis stated: "Our cooperation with ETAD untangled a "knot" that has kept us bound to bureaucracy and opens a new chapter for the historic Lecabettus Theater and the surrounding area. It turns out that we can find solutions when we all look for them together and set common goals. Lycabettus Hill is part of an ongoing drive for the overhaul of the Greek capital and its transformation into a modern and sustainable city that respects its residents and invests in free public spaces, improving the daily life of citizens and visitors."

It's summer in Greece and this week we take a deep dive into Athens' culture and rich history. Get ready to explore the city like never before through a unique series of podcasts and find out what to do in Athens & beyond!

Remember to stay connected with us through our weekly newsletter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Photo credit: @photo_grav

Omilo Greek Language and Culture inspires people from all over the world to learn Greek, while exploring Greece. They offer 1- and 2-week courses for adults that combine beautiful course locations, experienced teachers, and a balanced combination of Greek classes with cultural activities. All these make Omilo a place where people enjoy learning modern Greek and have fun.

Besides the courses, Omilo also creates online publications to help adults expand their language skills through Language Books and eBooks for different language levels.

 

Time to explore the surprisingly diverse fabric of Athens and why the Greek capital looks the way it does. “We’ll see how Athens went from being a two-horse provincial town with some old ruins, to the dream capital of a newly independent Greece.

And then how a very Greek system was used to tear that down and replace it with a concrete landscape of apartment blocks,” says Sofka Zinovieff in this second episode devoted to the Athens aesthetic. Hear how a Bavarian Monarch's grand designs on Athens from the 1830s created a neoclassical European city. And why Athenian housewives of the 1950s welcomed the demolition of their former dwellings.

Bestselling writer and former anthropologist, Sofka Zinovieff, embarks on a quest to uncover the true essence of her adopted home, in all its layers and mysteries. Discover how Athenians feel about their own architecture, how tragedy and trauma have flavored the city’s cuisine, why Athens has always been a “15-minute city”, and much, much more.

 

Walk along any of the major roads of Athens and you’ll find little anchors of antiquity or Byzantine culture. “Nearly every step you take in Athens is on top of something remarkable,” says Sofka Zinovieff in this debut episode that explores how Athens sits in its layered landscape; “like an urban octopus creeping and grasping its way up the surrounding hills”.

 

You’ll meet the city’s most public skeleton; climb a lesser-known mountain; celebrate the modern-day goddess of Athena; and go undercover in an ancient aqueduct that’s still active after almost 2,000 years.

Bestselling writer and former anthropologist, Sofka Zinovieff, embarks on a quest to uncover the true essence of her adopted home, in all its layers and mysteries. Discover how Athenians feel about their own architecture, how tragedy and trauma have flavored the city’s cuisine, why Athens has always been a “15-minute city”, and much, much more.

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Produced by Pod.gr, for This is Athens, tune in each fortnight and get ready to capture the seductive soul of Athens!

 

“All cities are complex but Athens has an especially tangled character—it’s both spectacularly ancient and undeniably modern.” Says author and former anthropologist Sofka Zinovieff.

As the city reopens to tourism again, this new 8-part podcast series from This Is Athens is designed to decode Greece's captivating capital, with the help of acclaimed author and Athens-based anthropologist Sofka Zinovieff. Athens Unpacked follows last year’s popular podcast debut, We’ll Always Have Athens, in which high-profile Athenophiles from Stephen Fry to Mary Katrantzou shared their tales of Athens. 

Listeners are invited to embark on a fascinating journey of discovering Athens, as Zinovieff delves deep beneath the surface of the city (literally at times!), in a quest to uncover the true essence of her adopted home of Athens, in all its guises, layers and mysteries. The more you understand a place, the more deeply you engage with it and that's exactly the aim of the podcasts; for people to fall in love with Athens and all those things that make it such an enchanting place! 

In each episode, Zinovieff enlists a rich pantheon of city experts and insiders - from celebrated singers and graffiti artists to high profile journalists and street food chefs - to dig beyond the Acropolis into themes that the guidebooks rarely cover. 

This is not just another podcast series. It's more of a documentary where you’ll visit a lesser-known aqueduct built by a Roman emperor, meet the capital’s most exposed skeleton, encounter the alternative culture behind Rembetika (Greece’s answer to the blues), climb a historic off-grid hill with a former archaeologist, experience a refugee neighborhood, browse a bustling farmer’s market with a local foodie, and explore the omnipresent legacy of the ancient philosophers and politicians. What a brilliant way to connect with the heart and soul of Athens! 

To embark on this audio odyssey of Athens, please visit: thisisathens.org or subscribe here on Spotify, Apple Music, Pocket Casts, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.
 

1. Up Above & Down Below - FIND THE EPISODE HERE 

In this debut episode, you'll get acquainted with the geography of the Athenian basin and Zinovieff's theory of the 3 hills (Acropolis, Lycabettus & Tourkovounia), all while exploring the Syntagma Metro skeleton and Hadrian's aqueduct.

2. From Dreams To Demolition - FIND THE EPISODE HERE 

In this episode, follow Zinovieff as she explores the surprisingly diverse fabric of Athens and explains how the city went from being a European neoclassical capital in the 1830s to a concrete oasis brimming with apartment blocks in the 1950s.