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XpatAthens

Wednesday, 18 February 2015 13:57

Kythnos

Also called “Thermiá” on account of its thermal springs, Kýthnos is very close to Attica; still, it is one of the less visited islands of the Cyclades. The island’s harbour (Merihas) and capital (Hóra) as well as Loutrá and Dryopída are located in the North. In the south, only the areas by the bay of Ayios Dimitrios and Panayia Canála are inhabited (where a famous monastery is situated within a pine forest). The most impressive of the 65 sandy beaches of the island is Kolóna, where a lane of sand connects the islet of Ayios Loukas to Kýthnos. Low stone fences run for many kilometres on bare Cycladic hills with 350 white country chapels here and there.

The typical Cycladic style equally appears in the villages: cobbled narrow streets, white houses, squares, chapels and windmills. Follow the paths that connect the villages to each other and taste apricots and wild mulberries on the way to Katafýki cave, one of the biggest caves in Greece with beautiful stalactites and stalagmites.

Kýthnos is definitely the place for thermal tourism. A modern spa centre is in operation in Loutrá, with two hot springs in the area. The following springs have been famous for their therapeutic effectiveness since the ancient times, namely the spring of Ayioi Anárgyroi, inside the spa facilities, and the spring of Caucasus, at 50 m. from the first one, with a temperature reaching 52 degrees Celsius.

The festivals on Kýthnos have maintained their traditional character. All the locals take part, singing to the rhythms of the violin and the lute.

Source: Visitgreece.gr

Friday, 20 February 2015 16:45

Diples Recipe

Made with some ladies at Penelope’s house in Stoupa, diples are made in very large quantities in Greece and offered at celebrations: weddings, baptisms, the opening of a new shop or moving house. Women always work in groups when they can be making upward of 300 or more. They also keep in an airtight container for months!

 

 

Ingredients

3 eggs
55 g (¼ cup) sugar
300 g (2 cups) plain flour
1 tbsp oil, to oil hands
extra virgin olive oil, for frying

Syrup

350 g (1 cup) honey
220 g (1 cup) sugar
3 tsp orange juice
125 ml (½ cup) water
½ cinnamon stick
2 cloves

To serve

ground walnuts
sugared almonds
edible flowers
ground cinnamon

Instructions

Resting time: 30 minutes

Whisk the eggs vigorously until pale. Add sugar and continue whisking until the sugar is dissolved. Slowly add the flour, whisking constantly, until a dough forms. Oil your hands and knead the dough until smooth. Wrap in plastic wrap and rest for 30 minutes.

Divide the dough in half. Roll each half until thin or else use a pasta machine. To test if it is thin enough, when you lift a corner of the dough and gently blow under it, it should lift. Using a serrated pastry cutter, cut the dough into 8 cm x 10 cm strips. Pinch the two sides of each strip together at 2-3 cm intervals and pull into circles, squeezing together to make firm. They will look like frilly rosettes. A much simpler way is to roll the dough out the width of a pasta machine (approx. 13 cm) and then cut into lengths of around 12 cm.

Heat extra virgin olive oil in a large, wide frying pan to a depth of 7 cm. Drop the prepared rosette diples in the pan a couple at a time and cook until a gentle golden colour, rolling over to cook both sides. If you are using the flat shapes, hold one edge with tongs and place in the hot oil. As they start to puff, roll into cylinder shapes. This can be done with another pair of tongs or in Greece they use a long carving fork and a spatula. Drain on paper towel.

Place syrup ingredients in a large saucepan and cook over low heat until hot.  Dip the diples in hot syrup, making sure they are completely coated. Drain.

Serve diples decorated with ground walnuts, sugared almonds and edible flower petals, dusted with cinnamon.

Cook's notes

Oven temperatures are for conventional; if using fan-forced (convection), reduce the temperature by 20˚C. | We use Australian tablespoons and cups: 1 teaspoon equals 5 ml; 1 tablespoon equals 20 ml; 1 cup equals 250 ml. | All herbs are fresh (unless specified) and cups are lightly packed. | All vegetables are medium size and peeled, unless specified. | All eggs are 55-60 g, unless specified.

By Lyndey Milan

www.sbs.com.au

A rare Neolithic-era find of the skeletons of a couple embracing was found in excavations by the northern entrance of the Alepotrypa (“Foxhole”) Cave in southern Greece, the Archaeological Service announced on Thursday.

The undisturbed burial was found close to a burial of another male and female who were found in fetal position. The burials also contained broken arrowheads.

The embracing couple’s skeletons were dated with the C14 method to 3800 BC while their DNA analysis confirmed the remains were those of a male and female.

Both burials are part of a Neolithic cemetery in the greater area of the Neolithic Diros Cave, in western Mani, where excavations have yielded children’s, embryos’ and adults’ burials dated from 4200 to 3800 BC. According to most recent data and analyses, the cave appears to have been in use from Early to Final Neolithic (6000-3200 BC) and served throughout as settlement and cemetery.

At the end of the Final Neolithic (3200 BC), a severe earthquake sealed the entrance of the cave and the remains of its inhabitants inside. Excavations began after an accidental discovery by speleologists Yiannis and Anna Petrocheilos in 1958.

To read more, please visit greekreporter.com

By A. Makris

Tuesday, 28 June 2016 07:00

Best Beaches In Greece

There are over 2,000 islands in Greece and 16,000 km worth of coastline. The country is famous for its diversity, sandy beaches, pebbly shores, caves, and crystal waters so it can be hard to find where the best beaches are in Greece. Here are just a few:

Kephalonia - Ionian Islands

The popular beaches of Myrtos has white sand and rock, and excellent views of the cliffside village of Ano Mera. There are also caves with stalactites and stalagmites and one that is over 3km long.

Lefkada - Ionian Islands

Lefkada is mainly a mountainous island with natural beauty, plane trees, historical and archaeological sites, and beautiful islets opposite the port of Nydri. These islets of Skorpios, Madouri, and Meganissi have plenty of caves to explore, including one that is known to have concealed a submarine during World War II.

The popular beaches are Porto Katsiki with white sand and turquoise waters and Egremnous, where the sea is perfect, but harder to get to.

Mykonos - Cycladic Islands
 
This island is known for its world-class beaches, becoming packed in July and August. Most of the beaches are on the south coast, which is protected from the northern winds.

Skiathos - Sporades

This island is not short of beaches with 62 exceptional ones to choose from. The organized beaches are on the south side and the quiet, untouched beaches are on the north side. Koukounaries and Lalaria are the two most popular beaches - Lalaria can only be accessed by boat.

To read this article in full, please visit: Hip Greece
Complete your registration in Santorini Experience and receive 50% discount on your ferry tickets with Blue Star Ferries!

Santorini Experience alongside Maria Sampanidou. Santorini Experience 2016 is just two weeks away from its implementation and the interest of people is now peaked for the greatest sporting weekend, giving their appointment in the island of Santorini, on October 7-9, 2016!

With the support of the Municipality of Santorini, the Municipal Sports Cultural Environmental Organization of Santorini (D.A.P.P.O.S.) and for the first time with the kind support of the Greek National Tourism Organization, Santorini Experience is already counting a record in participations, from Greece and abroad, while a record is also achieved in the occupancy of the hotel accommodations from the hospitality sponsors that support the event throughout the second weekend of October!

Spyros Gianniotis and top open water swimmers from the Greek national open water swimming team will participate in Santorini Experience 2016!

The Silver Olympic medalist & World Champion in open water swimming will be in Santorini for a second consecutive year and together with him, the top names of the Greek national open water swimming team. Among them, the World Champions in open water swimming, Kelly Araouzou and Antonis Fokaidis, the European Champion, Giorgos Arniakos and the Champion Dimitris Negris. Swimming clubs and athletes from all over Greece will be in Santorini with the support of the Hellenic Swimming Federation (the event is held under the Auspices of the Federation) and the presence of its President, Mr. Dimitris Diathesopoulos.

The access to the volcanic island of the Cyclades is now even easier with the support of Blue Star Ferries which offers 50% discount on your ferry tickets during the days of the event! The procedure is easy! Further to the completion of your registration at Santorini Experience 2016, interested parties should contact for their reservations the GELASAKIS STC agency in Piraeus at the following number 210 422 2440.

The 50% discount on your tickets and your vehicles is ONLY valid if you have completed your registration, so that the organizers will be able to inform the agency accordingly. Each person who has completed his/her registration is entitled to the same discount for 3 more people (if these are his/her escorts) or for 4 people (if these are family members). Those who are interested in buying ferry tickets should receive their tickets at least two days before their departure. Important note: discount depends on availability (based on the occupancy and the available tickets) and is valid for travels that will be implemented during the days of the event.

Further more, the flights added by the official airline partner, Ryanair, offers and benefits from the sponsors of the event are still running and can be found in the following link: http://santorini-experience.com/event_offers.html

Running and swimming are highlighted for one more year in “Santorini Experience”. On Saturday October 8th 2016, professional and amateur runners will be able to run and live the adrenaline of Caldera! The starting time for both 10 km and 15 km routes is at 08:15 am in the morning, while the starting time of the 5km route will take place at 11:00. All routes start from the desalination plant in Oia.

Moreover, on Sunday October 9th, 2016, professional and amateur swimmers will be able to sense the eruptive atmosphere of the volcano with the impressive view of the island in front of them! The starting time of the unique swimming route of 1.5 mile (2.4 km) of Santorini Experience, will take place at 10:00 am, from the volcano to the old port in Fira.

Registrations in swimming and running will continue until September 30th through the official page of the event in the following link: http://activemedia.com.gr/product/santorini-experience-2/ or alternatively at Alafouzos Sport store at Fira (in Santorini), the official sponsor of the event supporting it for a second consecutive year. From Thursday, October 6 to Saturday, October 8, 2016, all participants will be able to receive their numbers from Alafouzos Sport store (hours: 09:00-21:00).

Alternatively the running participants may also receive their numbers one hour before the start of their route on Saturday October 8, 2016, from the desalination plant in Oia while the swimming participants may also receive their numbers one hour before their start from the old port in Fira.

Santorini Experience alongside ‘Iron Samba’!

Maria Sampanidou or ‘Iron Samba’, as she is called by her friends in the world of sports, gives the most crucial fight after a severe stroke she suffered and needs the help by all of us!

The athlete, suffered from her young age by the autoimmune syndrome called Hughes, which causes blood clots; and a change in her drug treatment caused a clot in the blood and as a result she paralyzed on one side and is in partial aphasia. Maria participated last year in “Santorini Experience” and had signed up to participate for this year too. The organization feels obliged to stand next to her in this difficult time of her life. Part of the “Santorini Experience” revenues will be given to the Give&Fund created to support Maria’s rehabilitation race. Anyone can support Maria Sampanidou through the following page: http://www.giveandfund.com/giveandfund/project/Ironsamba

The occupancy of the hotels is already in high standards that is why you will have to move quickly and get advantage of the special prices offered in one of the hospitality sponsors of the event. The most recent entries in the hospitality sponsors of the event are Vedema A Luxury Collection Resort Santorini, Sunday Suites Santorini and Maistros Village Hotel while for more information you may also address your request to Aqua Vista Hotels, Santorini Hoteliers Association, Meltemi Hotels & Resorts, Athina Luxury Suites, Santorini Secret Suites & Spa, Caldera Collection, West East Suites, 270 Oia's View, White Pearl Villas, Central Fira Hotel, Memories Hotel, Loizos Stylish Residencies, Esperas and Sienna Residencies which are available in the following link: http://santorini-experience.com/event_accommodation_en.html. The page will be daily enriched with new supporters.

Santorini Experience will be held under the auspices of the Greek National Tourism Organization and the Hellenic Swimming Federation and will receive the international promotion of FOX Sports TV network of FOX Networks Group, participating in this year's event as the Official Broadcaster.

Santorini Experience is a collaboration between the Municipality of Santorini, the Municipal Sports Cultural Environmental Organization of Santorini (D.A.P.P.O.S.) and Active Media Group.

Promo Video



Official Sponsors: Alafouzos Sport, Blue Star Ferries, With the Kind Support of the Greek National Tourism Organization, Santorini Boatmen Union
Official Airline Partner: Ryanair
Official Supporters: Ford Motor Hellas, “Vikos” Natural Mineral Water, Avance Rent A Car, Aqua Vista Hotels, Saucony, Arena, Village Cinemas, Santorini Yachting Club, Passagio Santorini
Official Broadcaster: FOX Sports
Hospitality Sponsors: Santorini Hoteliers Association, Meltemi Hotels & Resorts, Athina Luxury Suites, Santorini Secret Suites & Spa, Vedema A Luxury Collection Resort Santorini, Sunday Suites Santorini, Caldera Collection, West East Suites, 270 Oia's View, White Pearl Villas, Central Fira Hotel, Memories Hotel, Loizos Stylish Residencies, Esperas, Maistros Village Hotel, Sienna Residencies
Assisted by: Diana “exoplizein”

With the Kind Support & Under the Auspices of the Greek National Tourism Organization

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Image Credit: Elias Lefas
The Athens – Attica & Argosaronic Hotel Association, known for its contribution to the quality and competitiveness of tourism in Attica and the Agrosaronic islands, has signed a cooperation agreement with the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (EEPF) to promote Greece’s natural wealth and sustainable practices in tourism.

The hotel association and EEPF have joined forces under the common goal of protecting the natural environment — which is essential to tourism — and improving the quality of the tourism product by spreading environmental awareness to Greeks and visitors to Athens.

The two bodies hope that the cooperation will help highlight Greece’s special hospitality and promote environmentally friendly management practices to hotel units.

To read this article in full, please visit: Greek Travel Pages
The Greek island of Tilos has been selected to be among the three finalists for the 2017 European Union’s Sustainable Energy (EUSEW) Awards in the ‘Energy Islands’ category for the introduction of a hybrid energy system that aims to switch the island entirely renewable energy sources after the summer.

The system is to be installed by the end of June 2017 and the first tests will begin in September 2017.

The Tilos project involves 13 partners from seven EU countries led by the Piraeus University of Applied Sciences Soft Energy Applications and Environmental Protection Laboratory (SEALAB). Greek participants include the Western Macedonia Technical Education Institute, the Hellenic Electricity Distribution Network Operator S.A, the companies Eunice and Eurosol and WWF Hellas.

To read this article in full, please visit: Greek Reporter
Monday, 15 June 2020 07:00

Museums In Greece Reopen

Following the 3-month shutdown that was imposed by the Greek health authorities to contain the coronavirus outbreak, museums across the country have finally reopened.
 
The Public National Health Organization (EODY) and the Ministry of Culture & Sports have collaborated extensively to ensure a 2 and 1.5-meter distance among all visitors inside and outside respectively, is maintained at all times. Other measures include the mandatory use of protective face masks and an 8-people group tour maximum.
 
The Acropolis Museum President, Professor Dimitris Pantermalis, stated: "the closure of the Acropolis Museum was not only unpredictable, it was a huge shock (...), but ultimately this downtime became rather creative." He said that a lot of maintenance work took place as well as improvements in infrastructure and lighting, so that now "we are moving towards the opening of the museum completely renewed," he noted.
 
eDirector of the National Archaeological Museum, Maria Lagogianni, told ANA-MPA that "we want to ensure employees feel and actually are safe, but also that visitors can enjoy the museum knowing that their health safety is not at risk." Strictly scheduled visits and controlling visitor flow is key to offering a safe museum tour, she underlined.


To read this article in full, please visit: amna.gr

Thursday, 25 November 2021 22:49

True Love Should Not Hurt

Violence against women and girls is a fact that crosses all boundaries across the world. Research shows that nearly 1 in 3 women have been abused in their lifetime mostly by their intimate partner. During the COVID pandemic, these numbers have increased – 2 in 3 women – as domestic violence has been on the rise.

Violence against women and girls is one of the most persistent and widespread human rights violations in the world. Whether physically, sexually, emotionally or verbally women and girls are intimidated, harassed, exploited, and killed when they speak out. Young girls, older women, refugees, women of minorities, women with disabilities, and women with gender issues are more easily manipulated.

However, women and girls all around the world must be able to talk and need to be heard instead of having their voices silenced.

Education is, in my opinion, the most significant key to this scourge. And we, parents, play a major role in educating our children both girls and boys. Because it’s not only girls that need to know they have equal rights to boys; it’s also boys that need to learn that respect, equality, and development apply to both genders.

Violence begins at home. Children mirror our behavior. When children watch their father being abusive to their mother and their mother staying silent in this relationship they get the message; the wrong message. And they will repeat it as victimizers and victims.

So it is imperative that we, as parents but also as teachers and authorities, educate our girls, our daughters first. We need to teach them what true love really is:
  • Love is all about giving the space to the other person to grow and evolve and to support them even when we may not agree with their choices.
  • Love, real love, should not hurt or harm us in any way.
  • Love should not make us do something against our will.
  • Love should not make us feel dirty or guilty.
  • Love should not imprison us. On the contrary, it gives us wings to fly.
  • Love includes respect.
  • Love is a beautiful, warm feeling; not one we want to run away from.
There is no prosperity or growth unless we end violence against girls and women. Let’s educate our girls – and boys – so as not to have violence as a continuous obstacle to equality and development. Let’s start talking and make our voices heard.

November 25th was the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

Originally published on: itsmylife.gr


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If there’s a topic you’re interested in and would like to learn more about you may contact me via email. For more information about me and my work check the XpatAthens Directory or visit my website. Because this is your life!
The sports tourism and wellness event Navarino Challenge returns for its 12th year, from October 18-20, 2024, at Costa Navarino and Pylos. With the global message “sports unites people” the event will once again bring people of all ages and abilities, amateurs and professionals together with Olympians and world champions. The three-day schedule will include more than 55 activities held at two of the destination’s four hotels, W Costa Navarino and The Westin Resort Costa Navarino.

Gymnastics with Petrounias, Millousi, Hatziefstathiou, Tantalidis


The event’s schedule includes the Olympic sport of gymnastics. Specifically, gymnastics lessons for adults will be held by the Olympic gold and bronze medalist on rings Lefteris Petrounias, the 3-time Olympian Vasiliki Millousi, and the gymnastics champions Georgios Hatziefstathiou and Antonis Tantalidis, with the support of Gymnastics Stars. Similarly, gymnastics classes for children will be conducted by Lefteris Petrounias and Vasiliki Millousi, with the support of Gymnastics Stars.

Football Clinics with the European Champion Kostas Katsouranis

For the first time, Navarino Challenge will welcome the European Champion with the Greek national team at Euro 2004, Kostas Katsouranis. The former international midfielder, with appearances at top Greek and European clubs like Benfica, will be this year’s guest of honor. Additionally, Football Clinics for children 5 to 17 years old will be held under his supervision and supported by the Falcons Football Academy.


Watch the video with some highlights from last year’s Navarino Challenge HERE!


Running at the magical Voidokilia

Running has been a staple of Navarino Challenge since its inception. Participants can run in one of Greece’s top Half Marathons, the Navarino Challenge Half Marathon by The North Face, alongside the Greek- American ambassador of Greek tourism and ultramarathoner Constantine “Dean” Karnazes. Famous for its unique shape resembling the Greek letter omega (Ω) and recognized as one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, Voidokilia Beach is an ideal running destination. It is the only trail run in 2 Greece that combines soil, sand, and asphalt. Runners can opt for the enchanting 10km route along the sea or the 5km route powered by Miele, winding through centuries-old olive trees, which is also suitable for dynamic walking. On the same day, a 1km route will be held for young people aged 10 to 14 and a 1km route for children up to 9 years old.

Register for the Running Activities

Participants can join the 21.1km, 10km, 5km, and 1km races immediately. The children’s race is free of charge. Register through the special form available HERE!
Miele celebrates 125 years of quality

Miele, the world’s leading manufacturer of premium domestic appliances, celebrates its 125th anniversary and participates as a Platinum Sponsor in Navarino Challenge 2024. This year’s event promises many surprises and activities for the public. Among them, participants can attend the Stratos Drakoulis Masterclass powered by Miele. For the first time, Navarino Challenge participants will enjoy unique cuts of Kobe Beef and Wagyu prepared with Miele’s premium appliances. Participation requires booking your stay at Costa Navarino through Navarino Challenge. All proceeds from the Masterclass will support 12 non-profit organizations through the “Sharing Is Caring” charitable initiative. Register through the special form available HERE!

Book your accommodation package now

Enjoy a weekend filled with outdoor sports activities for all ages. Book now the complete sports activities package and experience a unique sports and cultural event. For more information on accommodation packages at W Costa Navarino and The Westin Resort Costa Navarinoplease email booking(at)navarinochallenge.com or call Vita N Travel at +30 210 3249070. Check the accommodation packages HERE!

The event’s schedule includes more than 55 activities held at W Costa Navarino and The Westin Resort Costa Navarino.

This year’s activities include besides running, football lessons, watersports, tennis (tournament and lessons), padel tournament, cooking masterclass, pickleball, spinning, group cycling, sunset party, basketball lessons & 4on4 tournaments, beach volleyball tournaments, beachathlon, pilates, climbing, bike ride in Voidokilia, golf, taekwondo, crossfit, yoga, kayaking to Sphacteria, high-intensity training, baby swimming, skateboarding, and more to be announced in the coming weeks.

At the top with 22 more awards

The event was distinguished at the Tourism Awards 2024 with 3 awards. Since 2014, Navarino Challenge has remained at the top of this institution, being recognized as the best sports tourism event. Specifically, the event received 3 Gold Awards in the categories:
  • Sports Events
  • Health & Wellness
  • Sports & Adventure Stay Experience
In addition, the event won 19 awards at the Sports Marketing Awards 2024 and was recognized as the event with the most awards. Navarino Challenge received 1 Platinum, 11 Gold, 5 Silver, and 2 Bronze awards such as:
  • Best sports/cultural tourism event with the highest score in the entire section, resulting in a Platinum distinction
  • Best CSR program with “sharing is caring”
  • Best fan engagement program
  • Best sports event photography
  • Best strategy for branding
  • Best strategy for sales
  • Most innovative use of content creators & influencers
  • Best Multi-Sport Event
  • Best event for kids
  • Best extreme/alternative/fight sports event
  • Best summer sports event
The event also received distinctions for its successful sponsorship collaborations with Miele Hellas and the MOTODYNAMICS Group with the SIXT brand.
Miele is the Platinum Sponsor.
MOTODYNAMICS Group is the Gold Sponsor.
Costa Navarino, W Costa Navarino, and The Westin Resort Costa Navarino are the Official Hospitality Sponsors.
Knorr, and The North Face are the Silver Sponsors.
Vikos Natural Mineral Water is the Official Water.
Luanvi is the Official Sports Equipment Supplier.
Trace ‘n Chase and Pilia Express are the Bronze Sponsors.
SIXT, a member of the MOTODYNAMICS Group is the event’s Premium Mobility Partner.
Navarino Icons, a series of authentic agricultural products from Messinia inspired by the rich traditions and history of the region, is the event’s Authentic Flavor Partner promoting the Greek Mediterranean diet known for its health benefits.
Messinian Nest, Poseidonia Restaurant, Karalis Beach Hotel, Karalis City Hotel & Spa, and the Municipality of Pylos-Nestor are the event’s Partners.
Kois Optics are the Official Optics Partner.
Phee, and Messinian Spa are the Supporters.
p³ = Plastic Pollution Prevention is the Sustainability Partner.
Athens University of Economics and Business, which recently signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with the MOTODYNAMICS Group is the event’s Educational Partner, aiming to strengthen the relationship between business and academic communities, connect students and graduates with the job market, as well as enhance research and sustainability actions.
Angelic Yoga Arts, Falcons Football Academy, FitnessArt, Moraitis Watersports, Mouratoglou Tennis Center Costa Navarino, Navarino Golf Academy, Navarino Outdoors, Pilates by Mandy, Red Swim Academy, Swim O’ Clock, Triantafyllidis Beach Arena are the Athletic Partners.
The event is Assisted by Vita N Travel, Pylos Association of Enterprises for Tourism Development.

Navarino Challenge will
be held under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism and the Greek National Tourism Organization. The event is organized by ActiveMedia Group, which is also responsible for the event’s Sports Production.

More information about this year’s activities and schedule will be announced in the coming weeks.

#navarinochallenge #costanavarino #sportsunitespeople #eatwell #runwell #livewell

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