XpatAthens
Thursday, 08 March 2018 07:00
'The True Athens Escape' Video Released By Greek Municipality
The Greek Municipality recently released a video titled 'The True Athens Escape' in order to promote the area of Saronikos, one of the most historic municipalities of Attica.
This video is the first of its kind to showcase the tourism potential of the island to international audiences. In the video, it highlights tradition, simplicity, and the unique natural beauty of the region.
Either for a day trip or for a longer getaway from Athens, traveling alone, with family or friends, the ever-welcoming land of Saronikos offers a beautiful natural landscape, as well as history and traditions to experience.
To read this article in full, please visit: Greek Reporter
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Videos
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Thursday, 31 January 2019 07:00
Athens-Thessaloniki Electrified Railway Line Opens for Travel
The new electrified railway line from Athens to Thessaloniki was delivered for use on Tuesday, following the completion of its last section, that connects Lianokladi and Domokos. However, the Lianokladi-Domokos section will be served with diesel-powered trains for another month, until the electric line and signals are fully tested.
Travelers have been anticipating the completion for this project for years, as it will connect the country’s largest cities more efficiently, cutting down travel time to three hours and 20 minutes.
"With these works, Ergose completes a significant railway project: the construction of the new railway line serving the main ‘Piraeus – Athens – Thessaloniki’ railway axis with a modern, fully interoperable dual electrified line," a spokesperson for the train operator company said.
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Local News
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Thursday, 18 April 2019 07:00
The First Greek ‘IRONMAN 70.3’ Ends With Great Success
Enduring athletes from all over the world took part in Greece's first Ironman challenge earlier this week. The first Ironman 70,3 triathlon to ever be organized in Greece took place on Monday at Costa Navarino, in the Peloponnese and hosted 1,500 athletes from 62 countries.
Ironman 70,3 was the biggest triathlon, the biggest bike race, and the biggest open water swimming competition ever held in Greece. Athletes participated in a 1,9-km swim in the Ionian Sea, a 90-km cycling route, and a half marathon; the cutoff time for completing the challenge was 8,5 hours. Participants who crossed the finish line before the cut-off time earned the right to call themselves an Ironman or Ironwoman.
Winners were Juliana Villasante from Mexico and Ernesto Espinoza from Costa Rica, while Greek athletes Grigoris V. Souvatzoglou and Dimitris Lekkos came second and third respectively, and Jenny Boulmeti was the second woman to cross the finish line.
Winner Ernesto Espinoza said: “I’m very happy with today’s results. Ironman 70.3 Greece, Costa Navarino was an intense experience from every perspective. The neck-and-neck race with Grigoris Souvatzoglou, which went on until just 2 km away from the finish line, was a tough but friendly battle that I managed to win”.
The 50 first athletes to cross the finish line, qualified for the Ironman 70,3 World Championship, that will be held in Nice, France, next September.
To read this article in full, please visit: Greece-is.com
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Local News
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Friday, 17 March 2023 01:00
Modernist Architectural Gems To Look Out For In Athens
When it comes to architecture in Athens a visitor's first thought will most probably be the Parthenon and the second the sea of apartment blocks that dominate downtown residential neighborhoods such as Kolonaki and Pangrati and spread outward to the suburbs.
However, if you take a closer look you will find, tucked between the ancient sites, the neoclassical buildings, and the monotonous apartment buildings a bunch of modernist architectural gems.
Among them, the National Hellenic Research Foundation and the Athens Tower, have been overlooked in part due to being erected during the military dictatorship of 1967-1974 and dismissed as “junta” projects. But the Greek architects of these and other landmark post-war structures were largely inspired by the Bauhaus school and sought to amalgamate Greek urban life with the international spirit of the times. Here are 3 of the most notable modernist buildings in Athens.
Embassy Of The United States
The US Embassy in Athens is a monumental example of mid-century modernism. The Embassy was designed by Walter Gropius, one of the most influential architects of the 20th century and founder of the Bauhaus school, alongside Greek architect Perikles Sakellarios.Opened to the public on July 4, 1961, the building features brilliant white Pentelic marble, black marble from the Peloponnese and grey marble from Marathon, and a simple colonnade that wraps around the entire structure.
However, if you take a closer look you will find, tucked between the ancient sites, the neoclassical buildings, and the monotonous apartment buildings a bunch of modernist architectural gems.
Among them, the National Hellenic Research Foundation and the Athens Tower, have been overlooked in part due to being erected during the military dictatorship of 1967-1974 and dismissed as “junta” projects. But the Greek architects of these and other landmark post-war structures were largely inspired by the Bauhaus school and sought to amalgamate Greek urban life with the international spirit of the times. Here are 3 of the most notable modernist buildings in Athens.
Embassy Of The United States
The US Embassy in Athens is a monumental example of mid-century modernism. The Embassy was designed by Walter Gropius, one of the most influential architects of the 20th century and founder of the Bauhaus school, alongside Greek architect Perikles Sakellarios.Opened to the public on July 4, 1961, the building features brilliant white Pentelic marble, black marble from the Peloponnese and grey marble from Marathon, and a simple colonnade that wraps around the entire structure.
The Embassy's expansive courtyard was designed to encourage people to linger, converse and debate ideas openly. Unfortunately, the openness Gropius envisioned has had to submit to security concerns and now the unique outdoor landscaping has now given way to security fencing.
The Athens Hilton
The Athens Hilton opened its doors to the public on April 20, 1963. Conrad Hilton himself attended the inaugural celebrations and proclaimed the new building “the most beautiful Hilton Hotel in the world.” The Athens Hilton is a bold showcase of contemporary architectural ideas, seamlessly blending timeless local materials with cutting-edge modernism.
The Athens Hilton
The Athens Hilton opened its doors to the public on April 20, 1963. Conrad Hilton himself attended the inaugural celebrations and proclaimed the new building “the most beautiful Hilton Hotel in the world.” The Athens Hilton is a bold showcase of contemporary architectural ideas, seamlessly blending timeless local materials with cutting-edge modernism.
The building's facade is adorned with massive reliefs created by the noted mid-century artist Yiannis Moralis. The reliefs depict ancient and mythical themes and manage to combine modern and classical.
Emmanuel Vourekas, Procopius Vassiliades, Spyros Staikos, and Anthony Georgiades were the 4 architects responsible for the building's design. Vourekas was one of the busiest Greek architects of the era is also the architect of the Megaron-Athens Concert Hall.
National Hellenic Research Foudation
This building was designed by Constantinos Doxiadis, the father of ekistics – the science of human settlement. Doxiadis oversaw projects around the world, from Islamabad, where he was in charge of the city's master-plan, to Detroit. At the time of the NHRF commission in 1962, his firm, employed about 400 people, half of which were deployed internationally, while the other half worked from the firm's headquarters in Kolonaki.
The National Hellenic Research Foundation was the first Greek public building to materialize the dictum that "form follows function." It consists of three principal structures, a six-story office building, a three-level library, and the entrance foyer and lecture hall. The buildings are dressed in white and pink marble to project monumentality, without compromising the foundation’s mission.
To read this article in full and discover more modernist buildings in Athens, please visit: greece-is.com
Photo: Andy Chisholm - stock.adobe.com
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City Discovery
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Wednesday, 13 November 2024 00:09
The Smile Of The Child
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 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.
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.
To learn more about the organization click HERE!
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Charities & NGOs
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Sunday, 02 July 2023 20:16
Navarino Challenge Returns To Costa Navarino This October
15 Awards at the Sports Marketing Awards 2023 & 3 Awards at the Tourism Awards 2023.
Navarino Challenge, the best sports tourism event in Greece as it has been distinguished within the past years, returns for its 11th year on October 13-15, at Costa Navarino and Pylos.
The message of the event is “Sports Unites People” and following the purpose of the Olympic Movement, Navarino Challenge will gather for another year people of all ages and abilities, amateurs and professional participants from Greece and abroad, in a rich schedule full of sports activities for all by hosting its guests at the hotels: W Costa Navarino, The Westin Resort Costa Navarino and The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort.
Together with the Greek-American ultramarathoning legend and current ambassador of Greek Tourism, Constantine “Dean” Karnazes, along with dozens of Olympians and Paralympians, this year’s event will promote the value of participation and not victory or competition, with more than 40 activities and Olympic sports. With the message #eatwell #runwell #livewell and its recognition as the best wellness program in Europe, the event will endorse exercise and proper nutrition while promoting the benefits of the Messinian diet.
It is worth to be noted that in 2022, Navarino Challenge had more than 3,000 participations of all ages and abilities, as well as more than 20 athletes with disabilities. Watch last year’s highlights video and get ready for this year’s action: https://youtu.be/x2aVusvzL34
64 awards in 10 years for the top sports tourism event
Navarino Challenge reached at the top of the Sports Marketing Awards 2023, winning 15 awards for the 2022 anniversary event. More specifically, the event received 3 Platinum and 11 Gold awards, such as:
- The best branding strategy, as it had the highest score in the whole section and received the Platinum distinction
- The best native advertising campaign that led to another Platinum award
- The best sponsorship of the entire awards institution for the collaboration with Stoiximan, which received the highest distinction and the 3rd Platinum award.
- The best sports/cultural tourism event
- The best sales strategy
- The best event in team sports
- The best Multi-Sport Event
- The best health and wellness event
- The best event for children
- The best summer sports event
- The best sponsorship platform for the collaboration with Miele Hellas
It also received 1 Silver Award in the category “Most Innovative Use of Content Creators & Influencers for a Sports-Related Activity”.
Navarino Challenge remained at the top of Tourism Awards 2023. In the respective awards of 2023, for the ten-year anniversary of the event, it received 2 Gold Awards in the categories “Sports Tourism” and “Health & Wellness Tourism” and 1 Platinum Award in the category “Integrated Communications Campaign,” collecting the highest score in the highly competitive field of tourism, section “Branding / Media/ Public Relations’’.
Grand Sponsor: That Gorilla Brand’s Adventures For A Cause – Fundraising Initiative #2
That Gorilla Brand, the world’s biggest lifestyle brand dedicated to the protection of the mountain gorilla, a dynamic, premium lifestyle brand driven by contemporary aspects of fashion and films, as well as a genuine, adventurous spirit, will make its dynamic debut in this year’s Navarino Challenge. Through its initiatives this year, That Gorilla Brand will help raise money to improve sanitation facilities in Uganda. Out of the total 16 schools located around the edges of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (BNIP), which is home to mountain gorilla habitats, only three meet the hygiene standards for children and teachers, and all the remaining 13 schools require significant financial and humanitarian assistance to meet basic standards of health sanitation and provide clean and safe bathroom facilities. Watch the related video of That Gorilla Brand here.
That Gorilla Brand is the event’s Grand Sponsor.
Miele is the Official Sponsor.
Luanvi is the Official Sports Supplier.
SIXT, member of the MOTODYNAMICS Group, is the Premium Mobility Partner.
Costa Navarino and the hotels W Costa Navarino, The Westin Resort Costa Navarino and The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort, are the Official Hospitality Sponsors.
Poseidonia Restaurant and Karalis Beach Hotel are the Official Supporters.
Messinian Spa is the Official Beauty Partner.
SKAI is the Premium TV Partner.
Deree - The American College of Greece is the Educational Partner.
FitnessArt, F45 Barrio Salamanca, Moraitis Watersports, Mouratoglou Tennis Center – Costa Navarino, Navarino Golf Academy, Navarino Outdoors, Pilates by Mandy, Red Swim Academy, Swim O’ Clock, Triantafyllidis Beach Arena, Vizantinos target sport club are the event’s Athletic Partners.
Navarino Challenge is Assisted by Vita N Travel, Karalis City Hotel & Spa and Pylos Association of Enterprises for Tourism Development.
The event is organized by ActiveMedia Group which is also responsible for the event’s Sports Production.
More information on this year’s activities, the opening of running registrations, and special accommodation packages will be announced in the coming weeks.
Photo Credit: Elias Lefas
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Local News
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Monday, 03 June 2024 14:39
18 Fascinating Facts You Might Not Know About Greece
Greece is renowned for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. However, beyond the well-known landmarks and myths, there are many intriguing aspects of Greece that remain lesser-known.
Here are 18 fascinating facts about Greece that might surprise you:
1. The World’s Oldest Computer: The Antikythera mechanism, often considered the world’s first analog computer, was discovered in an ancient shipwreck off the coast of the Greek island Antikythera in 1901. Dating back to around 150-100 BC, it was used to predict astronomical positions and eclipses for calendrical and astrological purposes.
Here are 18 fascinating facts about Greece that might surprise you:
1. The World’s Oldest Computer: The Antikythera mechanism, often considered the world’s first analog computer, was discovered in an ancient shipwreck off the coast of the Greek island Antikythera in 1901. Dating back to around 150-100 BC, it was used to predict astronomical positions and eclipses for calendrical and astrological purposes.
2. Over 6,000 Islands: Greece boasts over 6,000 islands and islets scattered in the Aegean and Ionian Seas, but only around 227 of them are inhabited.
3. The Birthplace of Democracy: While this is well-known, what’s often overlooked is that the democratic system established in Athens around the 5th century BC involved a complex system of direct democracy where citizens could participate directly in decision-making.
4. World’s Longest National Anthem: Greece’s national anthem, "Hymn to Liberty," has 158 stanzas. Written by Dionysios Solomos in 1823, it is the longest national anthem in the world.
5. Ancient Greek Firefighters: The city of Alexandria, founded by Alexander the Great, had an ancient form of firefighters. They were organized to protect the vast library and other important structures from fire.
6. Musical Heritage: Rebetiko, often referred to as the Greek blues, emerged in the early 20th century among the urban working-class and has roots in the refugee populations that came to Greece after the Greco-Turkish War.
7. Olympic Flame Tradition: The tradition of lighting the Olympic flame originated in Ancient Greece. The flame was lit to signify the start of the ancient Olympic Games held in Olympia.
8. First actor: Thespis of Icaria, a 6th-century BC poet, is often considered the first actor in Greek drama. His name gave rise to the term "thespian," meaning actor.
9. The Greek Language: Modern Greek is derived from ancient Greek, and it is one of the oldest recorded living languages still in use today, with written records spanning over 34 centuries.
10. Ancient Innovations: The ancient Greeks were pioneers in many fields, including the development of the crane, the water mill, and the alarm clock, showcasing their ingenuity.
11. Seismic Activity: Greece is one of the most seismically active countries in the world. The country experiences thousands of small earthquakes each year, due to its location along multiple tectonic plate boundaries.
12. Marathon Origins: The marathon race commemorates the run of the soldier Pheidippides, who ran from the battlefield of Marathon to Athens to announce the Greek victory over Persia in 490 BC, covering approximately 26 miles.
13. Rich Flora and Fauna: Greece is home to more than 6,000 species of plants and a wide range of wildlife, many of which are endemic to the region, including the Cretan wild goat and the monk seal.
14. Ancient Theater Acoustics: The ancient theater of Epidaurus, built in the 4th century BC, is renowned for its exceptional acoustics, allowing the audience to hear performances with incredible clarity, even from the back rows.
15. Coffee Culture: Greece is the fifth highest country in the world in coffee consumption. It has its own unique coffee patents, such as freddo espresso, freddo cappuccino, frappe, and, of course, greek coffee which you can't find anywhere else in the world.
16. Ancient Gymnasiums: The word "gymnasium" comes from the Greek word "gymnasion," which means "school for naked exercise." In ancient Greece, gymnasiums were centers not only for physical training but also for intellectual education and social interaction.
17. First Historian: Herodotus, known as the "Father of History," was a Greek historian who lived in the 5th century BC. He was the first to systematically collect materials and critically arrange them into a historical narrative.
18. Pioneers in Medicine: Hippocrates, often called the "Father of Medicine," was a Greek physician of the Classical period. He established the Hippocratic School of Medicine and is credited with laying the foundations of modern medicine. The Hippocratic Oath, taken by physicians to this day, is named after him.
16. Ancient Gymnasiums: The word "gymnasium" comes from the Greek word "gymnasion," which means "school for naked exercise." In ancient Greece, gymnasiums were centers not only for physical training but also for intellectual education and social interaction.
17. First Historian: Herodotus, known as the "Father of History," was a Greek historian who lived in the 5th century BC. He was the first to systematically collect materials and critically arrange them into a historical narrative.
18. Pioneers in Medicine: Hippocrates, often called the "Father of Medicine," was a Greek physician of the Classical period. He established the Hippocratic School of Medicine and is credited with laying the foundations of modern medicine. The Hippocratic Oath, taken by physicians to this day, is named after him.
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Greek Language & Culture
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Monday, 15 December 2014 13:35
Copy of What To Do With A Greek Snail
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exerci tation ullamcorper suscipit lobortis nisl ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis autem vel eum iriure dolor in hendrerit in vulputate velit esse molestie consequat, vel illum dolore eu feugiat nulla facilisis at vero eros et accumsan et iusto odio dignissim qui blandit praesent luptatum zzril delenit augue duis dolore te feugait nulla facilisi. Nam liber tempor cum soluta nobis eleifend option congue nihil imperdiet doming id quod mazim placerat facer possim assum. Typi non habent claritatem insitam; est usus legentis in iis qui facit eorum claritatem. Investigationes demonstraverunt lectores legere me lius quod ii legunt saepius. Claritas est etiam processus dynamicus, qui sequitur mutationem consuetudium lectorum. Mirum est notare quam littera gothica, quam nunc putamus parum claram, anteposuerit litterarum formas humanitatis per seacula quarta decima et quinta decima. Eodem modo typi, qui nunc nobis videntur parum clari, fiant sollemnes in futurum.
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Taste & Experience
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Monday, 16 February 2015 09:28
Food Mafia In Glyfada
The first thought that I had reading the large, one-page menu at Food Mafia was that this place is worth returning to a second and even a third time. The concept of a menu that encompasses flavors and aromas from around the world combined with the undeniable talent of Elias Skoulas are definitely intriguing.
Simply read the menu and you will understand. Rethymno borders on Vietnam, octopuses flirt with snails and the variety of flavors and aromas is taken to the extreme. And this is just on the first visit. After that, it’s up to you.
Full dinner: 30 – 40 euro per person without wine
Address: Laodikis and Filikis Eterias 10 Esperidon Square Glyfada
Open for lunch as well.
Written by Dionysis Koukis
Translated by Eleni Georgiou
Do you have a recommendation or recipe to share? Send it to us at ideas@xpatathens.com!
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Restaurants In Athens
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Wednesday, 18 February 2015 14:02
Katakolo
Katakolo is a small, some would say sleepy, port town located about 15km from Pirgos on the western coast of the Peloponnese. Its main claim to fame is a deepwater port suitable for the largest cruise ships you can imagine, along with the fact that it is only 35km from Ancient Olympia. It is also where my wife´s family is from, so I have spent more than a few summer holidays sitting around Katakolo chatting with friends, watching the cruise ships come and go and exploring the surrounding areas.
A short history of Katakolo
Katakolo has always been a port town, with its original heyday being the end of the 19th to the mid 20th century when it was the main point of departure for the region’s famous raisons. The Pirgos – Katakolo rail link was completed in 1881, a full 10 years before the Greek state railway line between Athens and Lamia was constructed. Katakolo’s port was funded entirely by the local Pirgos authorities to facilitate the transport of finished raisons to the ships at Katakolo where they were shipped to all the major ports of Europe. The Katakolo of those days can still be seen in the old warehouse buildings along its back streets, some of which have been nicely restored.
Since 2003, Katakolo has undergone a surprising and very pleasing makeover. The port was renovated in that year with funds donated by the town’s most famous of sons, John Latsis. With the renovated port came more cruise ships with more tourist dollars and in a surprisingly short time Katakolo has become a much nicer place to hang out in with most of its old buildings lovingly restored, the cafes and tavernas along the waterfront full of smiling people and its relaxed bars pulling in the locals from Pirgos on the weekends.
To read more, please visit travelsingreece.com
Published in
Travel Greece
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