XpatAthens

Wednesday, 18 February 2015 12:50

Eastern Pelion

According to Greek mythology Pelion was the mountain of the Centaurs and also the summer resort of the 12 Olympian Gods. It is one of the most beautiful places in Greece, with wonderful forests and green slopes. This mountain is also associated with myths about Hercules, Achilles and Jason, as well as with the myth of Paris, who gave the ‘Apple of Discord’ to the most beautiful goddess and this brought about the Trojan War.

Pelion today is a perfect tourist destination for all seasons and tastes, as it combines mountain and sea beauties in a unique way. Its tourist infrastructure is constantly growing whereas there’s marvelous nature and picturesque villages.

Eastern Pelion is the part of Pelion facing the Aegean Sea, a place where nature is ‘wild’, rough and the vegetation is so lush that it slopes down to the sea

Information:

• Eastern Pelion embraces villages both on the mountain, like Zagora or Tsangarada, and near the sea like Horefto or Agios Giannis.
• Visitors can access the area through Western Pelion, and, depending on where they want to go they have to pass by Chania, Milies, Argalasti or Lafkos.
• The climate is influenced by the Aegean Sea, so it is cooler in summer and colder in winter than the one in Western Pelion.

Infrastructure:

• There are lots of big and small hotels, guesthouses and let rooms. There are also tourist camps.
• There are small marinas for sailboats and yachts to dock
• There is a bus service connecting the area with the rest of Magnisia prefecture.

Eastern Pelion offers:

• A unique combination of mountain and sea settings, in a most beautiful landscape all year round.
• A wide network of marked trails, ideal for all those who love hiking, at any age.
• Exceptional beaches in the waters of the Aegean Sea, organized ones for the many, and secluded for the few.
• Possibilities for alternative tourism activities.
• A variety of choices regarding accommodation, dining and entertainment.
• Lots of traditional villages built in the traditional architectural style of Pelion.

To read more, please visit inthessaly.gr

Published in Travel Greece

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Thursday, 19 February 2015 14:07

Greece, Eurozone Fail To Agree On Next Steps

Wednesday's Eurogroup ended without agreement between Greece and its eurozone partners but also without a joint statement on how to move forward. "We explored a number of issues, one of which was the current program," Eurogroup president Jeroen Dijsselbloem told a news conference in the early hours on Thursday in Brussels.

"We discussed the possibility of an extension. For some that is clear that is preferred option but we haven't come to that conclusion as yet. We will need a little more time."

It appears that the two sides had agreed to release a joint statement but that last minute objections from the Greek delegations, which was led by Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis and Deputy Prime Minister Yiannis Dragasakis, led to the process being abandoned.

Dijsselbloem said that the all the eurozone finance ministers would reconvene on Monday, which is the last planned Eurogroup meeting of the month, to reassess the situation but there would be no discussion between experts or visits to Athens in the meantime.

Varoufakis made a brief statement to reporters after the meeting and played down a failure to reach a common position. He said he believed a "healing deal" could be reached on Monday.

He denied that the sticking point had been an insistence from Greece's eurozone partners to extend the existing bailout and said there were no threats towards Greece during the meeting.

"We explained whey this bailout is not working," he said. "We want a new contract with Europe."

To read more, please visit ekathimerini.com

Published in Local News

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Tuesday, 23 June 2015 07:00

Toasted Chickpeas (Stragalia/Στραγάλια)

Stragalia (στραγάλια) are a delicious, very healthy, totally addictive snack that are so simple to make and a fantastic on-the-go option for work or school too! With coriander and fennel seeds, fresh ground black pepper, salt and garlic, this recipe is the perfect combination of traditional Greek spices. The secret to getting crunchy, nutty good bites every time? A very hot oven!

Because of the high heat necessary for good crunchy chickpeas, it's best to stay away from using dried herbs in this recipe. Dried herbs will often burn and can leave behind an awful, acrid taste. You can safely add dried herbs (Greek oregano or mint) after the chickpeas are cooked and cooled.

The spices are key here so, when you can, toast and grind them yourself. Lightly toast the fennel, coriander and cumin seeds for just a minute or two in a hot pan before grinding coarsely in your mortar and pestle or spice grinder. Grinding the spices all together helps to combine the flavors most evenly.

Then mix the ground spices with olive oil until you get the consistency of a loose paste. Take a sec here, hold your head over the bowl and inhale – the aromas are absolutely intoxicating!

To read more, please visit: The Greek Vegan

Published in Greek Food & Diet

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Thursday, 17 August 2017 22:21

Behind The Scenes Of Greece's Disappearing Whistle Language

A way of communicating that only 6 people know how to understand, BBC Travel goes behind the scenes of Greece’s disappearring whistle language. The whistle language, also known as Sfyria and only existing in a tiny village in Evia, Greece called Antia, is one of the rarest and most endangered languages in the world.

A BBC journalist meets a 45-year-old farmer named Yiannis Apostolou and delves deep into the world of the whistles. Such precise, musical notes, have been passed down from generation to generation, but when a village population disappears, so does its language.

To read the full article and watch a video of the whistle language, please visit: BBC Travel

Published in Greek Language & Culture

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Sunday, 08 September 2019 21:46

Art Athina 2019 Aftermath

Art Athina 2019 ended on September 16th at Zappeio Hall and the aftermath can only be described as positive, with a great number of visitors and loads of art!

Throughout these 4 days, the biggest art festival in Greece organized by the Hellenic Art Galleries Association and Art Director Stamatia Dimitrakopoulou, managed to impress the public with its artists and galleries. It wasn't just a festival showcasing Greek modern art, but a celebration.

Even from the first hours after the big opening, Zappeio Hall was filled with people. However, the biggest moment was that of the opening where the President of The Hellenic Republic, Mr. Prokopis Pavlopoulos, was present and supported Art Athina mentioning that the organizers have contributed a lot to art, in Athens and Greece in general, but even more to culture. He was also aware of the conditions under which the institution was created and, above all, was kept alive and thrived even during the crisis. For him, cultural creation is an act of resistance against any kind of corruption that threatens man.

Also present at the opening was Mayor of Athens, Kostas Bakogiannis, while amongst the visitors were many high-profile people, such as the Minister of Education and the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Art Athina will be present once again, for artists and visitors, at Zappeio Hall in September 2020.

The galleries that participated in the 24th Art Athina:

a. antonopoulou.art (Athens), Agathi Kartalos (Athens), Alibi (Athens), Alma Contemporary Art Gallery (Athens- Trikala), Anna Pappas Gallery (Μελβούρνη), Argo Gallery (Athens), Αrt Appel Gallery (Athens), Arusha Gallery (Scotland), Astrolavos Art Galleries (Athens), Cheapart (Athens), Citronne Gallery (Athens), Crux Gallerie (Athens), Donopoulos International Fine Arts (Thessaloniki), ekfrasi-yianna Grammatopoulou (Athens), Eleftheria Tseliou Gallery (Athens), Eleni Koroneou Gallery (Athens), Epsilon Art Gallery (Loutraki), Evripidis Art Gallery (Athens), Gallery “7” (Athens), Gallery Art Prisma (Pireaus), Gallery d’ Arte (New Jersey) Genesis Gallery (Athens), i-D Projectart (Athens), Ikastikos Kiklos Sianti (Athens), Ileana Tounta Contemporary Art Center (Athens), Kalfayan Galleries (Athens-Thessaloniki), kaplanon5 art gallery (Athens), Mihalarias Art (Athens), N, Papatzikou Gallery (Veria), PeriTechnon Karteris (Athens), Renatino Gallery (Cyprus), Skoufa Gallery (Athens), Skoufa Gallery Mykonos (Mykonos), Τechnohoros Art Gallery (Athens), The Breeder Gallery (Athens), Zina Athanassiadou Gallery (Thessaloniki).

Published in Local News

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Wednesday, 06 May 2020 14:37

Welcoming The Digital Citizens' Academy

What is the Digital Citizens' Academy?

It is a cutting edge initiative to gather, on a single platform, educational content aimed to improve the digital skills of citizens. The platform combines content from 29 different thematic units and includes 156 courses, more than 1500 teaching hours, from 23 vendors.

How Can I Use The Academy To Improve My Digital Skills?

Joining is free and does not require a complicated registration. All you need to do is select a category, a thematic unit, and a course that suits your interests and level of knowledge, which you can complete online at your own pace.

How Was The Content Selected? Is It Valid?

The content has been selected by a team of experts from the Ministry of Digital Governance in collaboration with Greek academics and experts in digital education. Greek and International experts warrant a) the quality of the content and structure of the educational platform and, b) the simplicity of use.

Will I Be Able To Find Courses That Meet My Needs?

The Digital Citizens' Academy is a dynamic platform, and the number of topics and courses will continue to grow, covering even broader educational needs. More and more vendors will contribute educational content, enabling citizens to make more extended use of the Digital Citizens' Academy.

Soon, the Digital Citizens' Academy will be offering self-diagnostic tools so that every citizen can assess the level of their digital skills. Depending on the results of the self-diagnostic tools and the personal goals of each trainee citizen, the platform will offer personalized 'educational paths,' combining courses from various providers.

Originally posted in Greek on nationaldigitalacademy.gov.gr

Translated by Codico Lab

Published in Local News

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Monday, 11 October 2021 07:00

5 Family-Friendly Museums In Athens

Athens is one of the world’s great cultural capitals. But even mythology-mad kids can tire of all the marble monuments. When it’s too hot for exploring the antiquities, or your kids are crying out for some 21st-century entertainment, check out these family-friendly museums in Athens. From child-pleasing activities to educational trails, here’s where to keep boredom at bay for kids of all ages and interests.

The Acropolis Museum

Courtesy: The Acropolis Museum

The brilliantly curated and conceived Acropolis Museum knows that the best way to hold a child’s attention is to make learning fun. Everyday life in ancient Greece is brought alive for children here in exciting ways. The freestanding statues of the Archaic Period are far more gripping for young minds than two-dimensional paintings. They can explore all sides of these marble gods and goddesses, lions and snakes. Grab hold of one of the family backpacks (available at the information desk on a first-come, first-served basis) and follow the educational activities geared at kids aged between six and 12 years old (even younger children will enjoy getting involved, with a little help from you). Families work together to solve challenges, aided by colorful children’s exhibit labels in the museum galleries. The backpacks have games with cards, stickers or magnets, puzzles, memory games, and more. Smaller kids are better suited to do one of the less intensive Family Trails: theme-based activities based on specific exhibits. Hit the museum shop on your way out for a great selection of activity books, games, and children’s titles, many of them inspired by ancient Greek mythology, archaeology, and culture.

Location: 15 Dionysiou Areopagitou, Acropolis

Telephone: 210 900 0900

The Museum of Illusions

Credit: Amalia Kovaiou

Turn your world upside down at this quirky museum where nothing is what it seems. Calling it a “museum” might be a bit of a stretch, but your kids will love getting hands-on at this well-located attraction that has a range of optical illusions to make them (and you!) think twice about how they perceive the world around them. They can swap noses, put each other’s heads on a platter, experience the absence of gravity, and reflect on infinity in the hall of mirrors. They can also put themselves against brain teasers designed to stimulate and challenge young minds in the Playroom (many of them are on sale at the museum’s Smart Shop, if you’re looking for educational souvenirs). The Museum of Illusions is just by Monastiraki Flea Market and the Ancient Agora, so you can combine shopping and sightseeing with a little mind-bending fun.

Location: 119 Ermou, Monastiraki

Telephone: 210 323 8065

Goulandris Natural History Museum

Courtesy: Goulandris National History Museum

Are your kids into dinosaurs? Underwater life? Insects? Fossils? You’ll find them all at this peaceful private museum in the suburb of Kifissia. There are lots of life-size animal replicas (including a triceratops and a giraffe), thousands of botanical specimens, and all kinds of shells, rocks, and minerals from all over Greece. The museum provides educational games for children aged between 4 and 8 related to the permanent and temporary exhibitions — from real live reptiles to storytelling events. The Gaia Centre for environmental research and education, housed in the same premises, educates young visitors about humanity’s impact on our planet, using interactive displays such as touchscreens and video walls. After exploring the exhibits, have an ice cream or juice in the garden café, where young kids can usually be found tearing around on their scooters or playing hide and seek among the trees.

Location: 13 Levidou, Kifisia

Telephone: 210 801 5870

To read this article in full, please visit: thisisathens.org

Whether you've just arrived in town – or have been here for years – Athens always has new secrets to share!

This is Athens is the official guide to this captivating city of ancient energies and booming urban culture. Compiled by a team of specialist local writers, This is Athens brings you an authentic and intimate portrait of a living Athens beyond the guidebooks – along with daily curated listings of all the best events and great weekend inspiration all-year round. From must-know neighbourhoods and emerging art hubs, to gourmet hotspots, cool shopping and the buzziest bars, This is Athens will help you to get the most out of living in Athens!

Thank you This is Athens for your contribution as an XpatAthens Partner.

Published in City Discovery

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Wednesday, 22 March 2023 21:44

First L'Etape Greece by Tour de France to Take Cyclists on Scenic Route from Ancient Olympia

The first-ever L'Etape Greece by Tour de France is set to take place on April 23, 2023, in Ancient Olympia. This exciting event will bring together cycling enthusiasts from all over the world for a challenging race that will take them through some of Greece's most stunning landscapes.

L'Etape is a series of amateur cycling races that are held in various locations around the world, and the event in Greece will be the first of its kind in the country. The route for the race has been carefully designed to showcase the beauty of Greece, with riders passing through ancient ruins, coastal villages, and breathtaking mountain ranges.

The event is expected to attract a large number of participants, including both experienced cyclists and those new to the sport. The organizers have made sure to include different levels of difficulty, with routes ranging from 30km to 150km, to ensure that there is something for everyone.

In addition to the race, there will also be a number of other activities taking place throughout the weekend, including a cycling expo, live music, and local food and drink stalls. The aim of the event is to promote cycling in Greece and to showcase the country's rich cultural heritage and natural beauty to a global audience.

the L'Etape Greece by Tour de France promises to be an unforgettable experience for anyone who loves cycling or who simply wants to explore the beauty of Greece in a unique and exciting way. With stunning scenery, challenging routes, and a vibrant atmosphere, this event is sure to be a highlight of the 2023 cycling calendar.

Published in Local News

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Friday, 12 April 2024 12:03

Introducing Athens' New Cultural Hub: Theatre Of The NO

In the bustling heart of Athens, a new beacon of cultural vibrancy has emerged: Theatre of the NO. Breaking ground as the city's first English-speaking theater, this innovative venue promises to redefine the theatrical landscape of the Greek capital.

For years, Athens has been celebrated as a global hub for arts and culture. From its ancient roots in drama to its modern-day celebration of performance art, the city has always embraced the transformative power of theater. However, until now, there has been a notable absence of English-language theater experiences catering to a diverse audience.

Enter the Theatre of the NO, located in the Plateia Vathis area of Metaxourgio. This dynamic new venue boasts a diverse ensemble of Greek and international actors, united by a shared passion for the theater of the absurd. Here, audiences can expect a captivating repertoire that spans the spectrum from classic to contemporary, with a dash of experimental flair thrown into the mix.

Kicking off its inaugural season with Samuel Beckett's iconic "Waiting for Godot," Theatre of the NO sets the stage for an unforgettable journey through the realms of existential musings, profound character studies, and biting satire. From the whimsical to the thought-provoking, each production promises to challenge, inspire, and captivate audiences of all ages.

"We promise that our performances will inspire you, challenge you, and change you. See the world in new ways, question old ideas, and be part of the most important conversations of our time."

But Theatre of the NO is more than just a venue for entertainment—it's a cultural movement. With a firm commitment to rejecting conventions and embracing the avant-garde, this theater stands as a testament to the transformative power of art. From its rejection of political correctness to its celebration of diversity and creativity, Theatre of the NO invites audiences to embark on a journey of self-discovery and exploration.

"At Theatre of the NO, we say NO to duplicity, NO to political correctness, and NO to filters. We do it our way, we will try, and we will see what happens."

Central to the theatre's mission is its dedication to fostering community and connection. Audience members are invited to arrive an hour before curtain time to mingle with fellow theatergoers and engage in lively discussions with actors, directors, and other guests following each performance. Here, the boundaries between stage and audience blur, creating an immersive and interactive theater experience unlike any other.

Founded by playwright Yoel Wulfhart and supported by a diverse team of artists and volunteers from around the world, Theatre of the NO represents a bold new chapter in Athens' cultural narrative. From its eclectic repertoire to its commitment to innovation and inclusivity, this theater is poised to become a cornerstone of the city's artistic landscape for years to come.

So, if you're ready to embark on a journey of discovery and transformation, look no further than Theatre of the NO. Join us as we challenge conventions, defy expectations, and celebrate the boundless possibilities of the human imagination. The stage is set, the lights are dimmed—let the show begin!

Upcoming Program at Theatre of the NO:

April 18 - May 13: "Waiting for Godot" by Samuel Beckett
May 17 - June 24: "Lust Lunch" by Yoel Wulfhart
June 28 - August 5: "Venus in Fur" by David Ives
August 9 - September 16: "Focus Group / Resistance in the Time of Peace" by Marco Di Stefano / Jibbe Willems
September 20 - October 28: "Bachelors and Bachelorettes" by Hanoch Levin
November 1 - December 9: "I am the Labyrinth" by DarkplayTheatre Theatre for thinking people

Published in City Discovery

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Friday, 13 December 2024 13:51

How To Obtain A Greek Tax ID (AFM) As An Expat Or Non-Resident In Greece

If you are living in Greece as a non-Greek resident or a Greek resident on a Digital Nomad, FIP, or other visa, obtaining an AFM (Tax Identification Number) is essential.

This nine-digit number, pronounced "AFIMI" in Greek, is something you’ll use regularly for tasks such as:

Getting a Greek phone number in your name.
Leasing a home or property.
Logging into TAXISnet to interact with government systems.
Filing taxes and generating tax certificates.
Purchasing property or a car.
Completing many other daily tasks.

What Documents Do You Need To Get An AFM?

The Greek tax office or consulate typically requires:

A copy of your passport.
First and last names of your parents.
Your home address (outside Greece) and temporary address in Greece (if applicable).
Your foreign tax number.
Your mobile phone number.
An authorization form if you are appointing a tax representative to apply on your behalf.

Making An Appointment To Obtain An AFM

You can apply for an AFM by visiting your local tax office (Eforia). Offices are usually open in the mornings, and while walk-ins are possible, it’s better to call ahead and arrange an appointment. If you’re applying through a Greek consulate, appointments are mandatory.

While you can handle the process yourself, it often becomes challenging due to unclear document requirements or language barriers. Many individuals appoint a tax representative to streamline the process.

Appointing A Tax Representative

If you’re unable to make an appointment or prefer assistance, you can appoint Tsaks Consulting as your tax representative. Services include:

Liaising with the tax office and government departments, especially for those on spouse visas, Digital Nomad Visas, and Golden Visas.
Receiving notifications from the tax office and keeping you updated.
Opening a TAXISnet account for you.
Assisting with property or car purchases, leasing, and other related tasks.

How Long Does It Take?

The process typically takes 2-3 days if all your documents are in order. Including scheduling and completing the application, it may take about a week. Ensuring your documents are organized and ready will help expedite the process.

Special Considerations for Spouse Visas

If you’re here on a spouse visa, you’ll need your wedding certificate, apostilled and translated, to register for your AFM. In most cases, the registration process will already be underway, requiring only a copy of your Greek visa card.

Contact Us for Additional Support

If you have any other needs or questions, feel free to reach out to us! Whether it’s navigating daily life in Greece or managing other administrative tasks, we’re here to help make your experience as smooth and stress-free as possible.

This content has been created in collaboration with our trusted partner Tsaks Consulting.

Published in Accounting & Taxes

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Eastern Pelion

Greece, Eurozone Fail To Agree On Next Steps

Toasted Chickpeas (Stragalia/Στραγάλια)

Behind The Scenes Of Greece's Disappearing Whistle Language

Art Athina 2019 Aftermath

Welcoming The Digital Citizens' Academy

5 Family-Friendly Museums In Athens

First L'Etape Greece by Tour de France to Take Cyclists on Scenic Route from Ancient Olympia

Introducing Athens' New Cultural Hub: Theatre Of The NO

How To Obtain A Greek Tax ID (AFM) As An Expat Or Non-Resident In Greece

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