Getting the cameras rolling in the Greek capital, however, has not always been easy. Red tape and a shortage of competitive incentives have often driven filmmakers elsewhere. But now the stage has been set to transform Athens into a “Film Friendly City” with the launch of an Athens Film Office and boosted cash rebates from the Greek Government. In the best practice of major European cities, the new Athens Film Office will be a one-stop-shop for receiving and managing film and television requests, facilitating filming requirements, and acting as a go-between to clear bureaucratic obstacles for overseas productions.

According to the Athens Film Office website, makers of films, television episodes, or advertisements will soon have over 70+ Athenian locations to choose from. Current options span from landmark squares like Syntagma and Omonia and Athens’ emblematic National Garden, to the Maria Callas Municipal Theatre with its magisterial lobby, and contemporary urban hub, Technopolis, in Gazi.

The new approach is already paying off. More than 10 international audiovisual works (movies, TV series, and advertising) will take place this year despite the pandemic and two-month lockdown; with work already underway on several. 

Athens Mayor Kostas Bakoyannis Says: "The Municipality of Athens, through the Athens Film Office, aspires to play a leading role in the effort to better utilize the development potential of the city, so that in the near future, Athens becomes a key pole of attraction for new investments - and hosts more and more international film productions.”

 

In the city’s bid to lure more big movie makers to the city, the Athens Film Office - which comes under the "umbrella" of the Athens Development & Destination Management Agency (EATA) - will also work closely with the This is Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau to ensure that international film executives have access to premium facilities and services throughout their stay.

Anaktora, the area between Vasilissis Sofias and Vasileos Konstantinou Avenue, may appear like a demure residential neighborhood. But there’s nothing humble about it. Within a two-kilometer perimeter, you’ll find more blockbuster museums than any other area in Athens.

At the Benaki Museum, soak up a panorama of Greek history, folk art, and culture from the prehistoric era to the 20th century. If you’ve got a little more time, head a few doors down to see the world’s most extensive collection of ancient artifacts from the Cyclades at the Museum of Cycladic Art. Also on Vasilissis Sofias Avenue, the Byzantine and Christian Museum is a trove of religious art and artifacts from icons to altarpieces, surrounded by one of the city’s loveliest secret gardens. If you’re into military paraphernalia, the National War Museum tracks Greek history through its military conflicts. (Allow for a bias towards success rather than defeat; the museum was erected by the junta as a “monument to Greek valor and military prowess”.)

Recent years have delivered three more compelling reasons to add the city’s museum district to your itinerary. First came the long-awaited Goulandris Museum of Contemporary Art which opened its doors in Pangrati in October 2019. There, visitors to Athens may gaze upon masterpieces by the likes of Cézanne, Van Gogh, Gauguin, Monet, Degas, Rodin, and Picasso, alongside works by famous Greek painters. Unearthed during construction at the gallery’s initial intended site was Aristotle’s Lyceum - one of the three famous philosophy schools of ancient Athens. It was here that Aristotle once strolled, discussing philosophy and mathematics with his students. And finally, cementing the district’s status as a nexus of both ancient and contemporary culture, the country's flagship art repository, the National Gallery, reopened in spring 2021 after a bold makeover.

This downtown neighborhood isn’t just about museums though. It’s also a corridor of political and financial power, lined by the city’s most exclusive real estate. These local sights and landmarks are definitely worth checking out in between museum-hopping.

Executive power is concentrated in two splendid mansions midway down Irodou Attikou, a surprisingly tranquil street running alongside the National Garden. It’s subtly symbolic that the premier’s quarters sit just inside the gated grounds—and thus more directly accessible to the people—while the more aloof presidency is separated from the street by a wide lawn.

Evzones stand sentry outside the Presidential Mansion, designed in 1890 by Ernst Ziller as the palace of Crown Prince Constantine, but used as the president’s ceremonial residence since the monarchy’s abolition in 1974. Between state visits, the building lies dormant, except for visitors outside taking snaps of the hourly changing of the guard. Next door, the Prime Minister’s office is a hub of activity, with the media often camped outside. Known as the Maximos Mansion, it was built in 1924 as a private home. While nominally the premier’s official residence, no head of government has ever lived in it.

The Athens Conservatory


Credit: Georgios Makkas

This sleek marble paean to the Bauhaus style was left to languish for nearly 50 years before its 5,000-square-metre music halls and stunning 150-meter porch teemed with melodies and people. Commissioned in 1959 from Jan Despo, a Greek student of Walter Gropius, the Conservatory (or Odeio, as it’s known locally) had the bad luck of being completed in 1971, four years after the junta seized power in Greece. Deemed too ‘foreign’ by the dictators, it was tainted by their brush and was not officially inaugurated until 2016.

Student activity often spills out of the 35 classrooms and two auditoria, with impromptu performances delighting young visitors to the small Hellenic Children’s Museum, housed on the ground floor. Occasional exhibitions and art fairs (such as the annual Art Athina) in the lower-level gallery add to the creative vibe.

Commuters streaming from Evangelismos metro station trample Samuel Beckett’s Cascando, whose verses are used in an installation by artist David Harding, oblivious to the delights of this small urban park. Originally the grounds of the Rizarios Seminary, this wedge of greenery contains Roman remains, works by top contemporary artists like Giorgos Zogolopoulos, and one of the city’s oldest modern sculptures—a marble bust of Enlightenment scholar Neophytos Doukas by Christian Hansen. The Rizarios seminary was founded in 1841 by an Epirot merchant in Odessa who helped to fund the Greek War of Independence. The silver-domed Agios Georgios church next to Evangelismos station was part of the seminary. As well as interior murals by the 19th-century Corfiot artist Eleni Prosalenti, the church crypt contains Rizarios’ remains.

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

Athens may be best known for its food scene, since there's a huge tradition of eating out in Greece, however, it also has a slew of amazing juice bars.  

Taking advantage of the seasonal fruits and vegetables, these spots deliver a variety of healthful and nutritious juices and smoothies to cater to every taste!



Pure Juice Bar


@purejuicebargr

With the goal of improving the food habits of the customers, Pure Juice Bar provides a menu of high nutritional value and an array of different flavors. Not only do they offer fresh fruit and veggie smoothies, but also mouthwatering açai and buddha bowls, energy balls, almond milk, and turmeric lattes, and a variety of super-healthy snacks!

Location: Sina 21, Kolonaki
Phone: 213 0363671 

Happy Blender


@happyblender 

Just a heartbeat away from the Ancient Agora, Happy Blender’s philosophy is to offer high-quality and healthy products, made in an environmentally friendly way. They serve delicious juices and powerhouse smoothies and bowls, promising to revitalize you. Another highlight is authentic strained greek yogurt with homemade toppings!

Location: Ifestou 39, Athina
Phone: 21 0363 8484 

Fontana Living Well Store


@fontana_athens

Nestled on a tree-lined pedestrian street, Fontana Living Well Store offers a delightful selection of freshly pressed juices and creative, made-to-order ice teas and smoothies that will help you boost your detox routine!

Location: Aiolou 17, Athina
Phone: 21 0325 4112 

Join Juice Bars


@joinjuicebars

With a positive philosophy that encourages self-care and well-being, JOIN juice bars in central Athens offers energizing juices and smoothies, upbeat music, and an inexhaustible supply of positive vibes. Rambo (almond milk, whey protein, pear, spinach, organic matcha, and rice) and Hulk (almond milk, banana, avocado, lime, goji berries, and organic matcha) are two of the most adventurous flavors on the menu!

Location: Romvis 24, Athina
Phone: 21 0323 6264

Xymopoieio


@mgdlnvlgr

Located in the Monastiraki flea market, less than a minute from the metro station, this is the ideal spot to take a break from exploring Athens, re-energize, and hydrate with a smoothie, to escape the heat for a while. Countless tasty combinations await you!

Location: Pandrossou 64, Athina
Phone: 21 0325 4186 

 

Summer may be over (technically, at least) but that doesn't mean we're going to stop visiting our beautiful Greek beaches - at least as long as the weather permits it. 

 

As the temperature begins to drop, a beach in long-suffering North Evia offers us the opportunity to enjoy a swim throughout the autumn.

 

This beach is no other than the beach of Ilia in North Evia, the ideal choice for all those who dream of winter swimming but shudder at the idea of the ​​freezing waters. 

 

Ilia beach is located near Aidipsos, next to the coastal village of the same name, which is great for a holiday on a budget, with would-be vacationers in September able to find a double room in front of the sea just for 35 euros per night.

 

But why are the waters of this particular beach so warm? The reason is simple. The village’s thermal springs, the temperature of which can climb up to 60 degrees Celsius, flow into the beach of Ilia. Of course, when the water meets the sea the temperature drops, but the water remains quite warm even until the end of autumn!



Originally published in Greek on: ieidiseis.gr

Translated by: Codico Lab 

Do you often find yourself feeling perpetually tired and struggling to muster the energy to get through the day? Constant exhaustion can impact not only your physical health but also your mental well-being. However, breaking free from this cycle of continual fatigue is possible with the right strategies and a deeper understanding of the psychological factors perpetuating this ongoing sensation.

 

Unraveling the underlying factors of chronic fatigue is akin to solving a complex puzzle, where various pieces come together to create the overwhelming sensation of exhaustion. It's essential to delve beneath the surface and examine potential contributors, which may include your habits, lifestyle choices, stressors, or even psychological factors like depression or anxiety.

Lifestyle habits encompass aspects such as sleep, diet, and physical activity, all of which can significantly influence energy levels. Stressors, whether stemming from work, relationships, or financial concerns, can exacerbate feelings of fatigue by perpetuating a state of chronic stress. Additionally, psychological factors like depression, anxiety, or past trauma can significantly deplete your energy reserves, leading to persistent feelings of exhaustion.

By recognizing and addressing the underlying causes, you can begin to steer towards effective strategies to reclaim your vitality and restore balance in your life.

Here are some simple practices you can incorporate into your daily routine that can make a difference:

Quality sleep is essential for replenishing energy levels and maintaining overall well-being. Ensure you establish a consistent sleep schedule, create a relaxing bedtime routine, and optimize your sleep environment to promote restfulness and relaxation. Avoiding screens before bedtime and practicing relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, can also promote better sleep.

Chronic stress can deplete your energy reserves and exacerbate feelings of fatigue. Incorporate stress management techniques into your routine, such as meditation, spending time in nature, exercising, connecting with a friend, or simply relaxing on the couch without any agenda. Learning to set boundaries, saying no when others' demands become excessive, and prioritizing responsibilities can also help alleviate stress and prevent burnout.

Balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and hydration are vital for maintaining energy levels throughout the day. Opt for nutrient-rich foods, stay hydrated, and aim for a combination of cardiovascular exercise and strength training to enhance both physical stamina and mental resilience.

Be kind to yourself on days when you feel particularly tired. Avoid self-criticism and instead cultivate self-compassion. Treat yourself with kindness and understanding, acknowledging that it's okay to feel tired sometimes and that rest is a vital aspect of self-care.

If persistent fatigue significantly impacts your daily functioning, don't hesitate to seek support from a mental health professional. They can help you explore underlying psychological factors contributing to exhaustion and develop personalized management strategies.

By implementing these strategies and nurturing a compassionate relationship with yourself, you can gradually reclaim your energy and cultivate a greater sense of vitality in your life.

Originally published in Greek, on: loveyourselfmagazine.com

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Love Yourself is a comprehensive Greek media platform dedicated to embracing mindstyle as its fundamental essence. It advocates for a wholesome lifestyle that nurtures not only our soul, mind, and body but also promotes a positive and sustainable attitude towards the planet we call home. For more information, visit Love Yourself's website!

Athens is set to welcome 2025 with a vibrant celebration at Syntagma Square, featuring a blend of music, theater, and innovative displays. The festivities will commence at 10 p.m. on December 31, with a performance by the Athens Philharmonic Orchestra. The main event, titled "Roof of Time," is a time-machine-themed show that will take attendees on a journey through Athens' history from 1945 to the present. This performance is crafted by musician Foivos Delivorias and director Angelos Triantafyllou, with Delivorias serving as the host and performer. He will be joined by artists Natassa Bofiliou, Martha Frintzila, and Thanasis Alevras, who will embody various iconic figures from each era. The show will also feature dancers, soloists, and emerging singers. 

In a first for the city, the night sky will be illuminated by silent fireworks, designed to minimize noise disturbance, particularly for pets and individuals sensitive to loud sounds. Complementing this will be a drone show, adding a modern touch to the traditional celebrations. 

The event is free to the public and will be broadcast live on the City of Athens' official Facebook and YouTube channels, complete with Greek sign language interpretation, ensuring accessibility for all. Following the main performance, a DJ set will keep the energy high as attendees dance their way into the new year. 

As Athens prepares to usher in the new year, these celebrations promise a memorable night filled with culture, entertainment, and community spirit.

The members of the first network of Greece based travel bloggers gathered in St. Irene Square in Athens to celebrate six months of teamwork during a dinner hosted by Manas Kouzina-Kouzina.
 

The blogger members consist of both expats and Greek bloggers with an international reach.  Since TBG started in Jan. 2015, it has grown to 20 members: 

“We’ve proven that teamwork matters and by working together we learn from each other. When we go and visit Greek destinations, our social media reach really helps promote touristic businesses in Greece,” says Rebecca Hall, one of the first members of TBG.  
 

Today, TBG’s social media reach to date is:

Facebook: 46,547 

Twitter: 18,841

Instagram: 8,135

During the six month celebration, members consistently shared, tweeted and posted the various traditional Greek dishes enjoyed at the event.   Mana’s Kouzina-Kouzina is one of the Greek businesses that successfully opened during the crisis specializing in magirefta or slow-cooked and baked traditional dishes hailing from all over specific villages, areas and the islands of Greece.  Homemade desserts were delivered from Thessaloniki by blogger member Amber Charmei, the publisher of Provocolate.

TBG has helped to promote authentic experiences working with various businesses including Discover Greek Culture, Scooterise, Alternative Tours of Athens, Livin Lovin, The Clumsies, Grecotel Pallas Athena, Keadivers, Sattas Group, ZanteHotels4U and more.  TBG has educational partnerships with Xyni Glyfada as well as the International Health Tourism Conference.  The professional networking group has also participated in blogger familiarization trips at the Montanema Handmade Village in Central Greece, Kea and Zakynthos islands.  

Each TBG member is based in Greece and blogs about a specific Greece travel related theme such as family travel, food, adventure travel and culture.  Each member must meet specific professional criteria to be approved as a beginner or full-member. Currently, TBG is working with more destinations and businesses to plan more events and travel excursions until the end of the year.

About Travel Bloggers Greece – TBG:  TBG is the first blogger networking group established in Greece. The members are Greeks and expats who live in Greece and cover Greece as a travel destination in various languages. They abide by ethical and professional standards and encourage positive cooperation, education and collaboration among their diverse membership.  TBG works with Greece-based businesses to help promote authentic travel and increased awareness of Greek travel destinations.

For more information please visit: Travel Bloggers Greece

An entirely different museum, digital and dedicated to Plato, the great philosopher of the antiquity, opened at the archaeological site of Plato's Academy in Athens.

The history of Plato and his work dominates the museum's exhibition, which is divided into three sections, unveiled in separate halls. Digital applications, video screening, maps and other material constitute the first museum of philosophy in Greece.

The museum's construction is also a part of the exhibition and its entrance is from the back of the building and works as a time capsule that travels the visitor back to Plato's era.

Another important element is its orientation which is directly connected with the archaeological site, the neighbourhood and the present. Moreover, the material used for the museum's construction is in total harmony with the surrounding environment.

 

The Digital Museum is in a new building in the Academy of Plato and comprises of a series of physical exhibits and multimedia applications with a variety of thematic areas. Through multiple levels of information consisting of texts, multimedia material and images, the visitor will be navigated both in the area (Academy of Plato and greater area) and in the "world of ideas". Beyond the emergence of the region and Platonism, the presentation aims at creating stimuli for discussion within and outside the area. The presentations are bilingual.

The exhibition takes a "step back" in time. It starts from the Academy of Plato in the current Athenian neighborhood. Along the route of the building's exterior, time counts counter clockwise and we see the archeological site's stages of revelation and discovery.

Located at Akadamia Platonos, Athens 10400, one of the oldest neighbourhoods of Athens,  the Plato Academy is a welcome reprieve to an area of Athens not particulalry well known for its beauty.

The museum is open daily from 09:00 - 16:00, except Mondays. Entrance is free. To learn more, please visit: Plato Academy.