XpatAthens
Tuesday, 04 October 2016 05:24
August 2 - Summer In Athens
Learn where to find the best sandy beaches around Athens, outdoor cinemas, swimming pools, taverns by the sea, and the tastiest ice cream shops!
Please click HERE to view this issue of our newsletter!
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Newsletters
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Thursday, 23 February 2017 09:01
Celebrating 40 Years Of Living In Greece - '40 Things I Learned About The Greeks'
Susan from Greeker than the Greeks celebrates 40 years of living in Greece by sharing 40 things she as learned from the Greeks! Forty years ago, Susan left England on February 5th in 1977 to marry her love and start a new life. Here are 40 things Susan has learned from living in Greece.
- Punctuality is a dirty word - Time has no meaning, Greeks live for the moment!
- Everything is better with feta - Feta cheese, served with absolutely everything!
- Traffic lights, traffic laws and the Highway Code, were made to be broken.
- Everyone is someone’s cousin - All Greeks seem to be related to one another!
- Every family has a Yiannis - Yiannis is one of the most popular boy’s names in Greece, and as the tradition is to name the first born son after the grandfather, every family has one, I have one of my own, my son Yiannis!
- Greeks talk with their hands - Don’t stand too near to a Greek; you are likely to be whacked in the face by their wild hand gesticulations!
- Greeks force feed their guests - Greeks are such generous people. Don’t bother trying to refuse food from a Greek, just accept everything and then diet for the next two weeks!
- Greeks never say “I don’t know” - The Greek ego, I have learnt to my detriment, if they don’t know the answer, they’ll tell you anything, always best to check and double check from some other source.
- Greeks are consistently one year older - When you ask a Greek how old they are, they will always add a year.
- Greeks are passionate - In everything and every way, they love life, whatever they do, they do it with ‘meraki,’ their heart and soul.
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People
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Sunday, 10 December 2017 13:47
The Biggest Celebration By Labyrinth of Senses & Joy Park: A Park For All
On Sunday December 3rd, the winner of Social Impact Award, Labyrinth of Senses and the Non for Profit Organization Joy Park: A Park for All, with the support of Impact Hub and Kypseli Municipal Market successfully organized a large fest occasioned by the International Day of Persons with Disabilities event took place in the Kypseli Municipal Market and the participation was free.
The aim of this event was entertaining children and adults, people with and without disabilities and discovering diversity through a whole of original and specifically adjusted activities.
Labyrinth of Senses once more stunned the audience with its imaginative, multi-sensed activities. The day of its birthday, becoming 3 years old, the Labyrinth received the most precious gift, more than 100 smiles. The message of equality, respect and understanding to all and to ourselves was heard again.
Labyrinth of Senses once more stunned the audience with its imaginative, multi-sensed activities. The day of its birthday, becoming 3 years old, the Labyrinth received the most precious gift, more than 100 smiles. The message of equality, respect and understanding to all and to ourselves was heard again.
The Joy Park: A Park for All occupied the children with and without disabilities with the most beautiful way, giving them unforgettable and unique experiences. Children, along with their parents, had the chance to participate in an adjusted drama workshop regarding diversity, under the guidance of theatrologist and author Ersi Niaoti. At the same time, the kids with the help of volunteers created all together Christmas crafts under the sounds of DJ Vaggelis Bertolis. Finally, Joy Park: A Park for All, in cooperation with the mixed dance team Griego Latina and the children of Open Hug offered a unique latin dance workshop for people with and without disability to the audience.
Labyrinth of Senses and Joy Park: A Park for All promise to unite their powers again in the future and offer even more beautiful moments to the participants of all ages and capabilities.
For more information on Labyrinth of Senses and Joy Park: a Park for All check out their Facebook pages HERE and HERE!
Labyrinth of Senses and Joy Park: A Park for All promise to unite their powers again in the future and offer even more beautiful moments to the participants of all ages and capabilities.
For more information on Labyrinth of Senses and Joy Park: a Park for All check out their Facebook pages HERE and HERE!
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Local News
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Tuesday, 09 March 2021 13:41
ERTFLIX: A Free Hybrid TV Platform
Amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, ERT–the Greek public television network–made an important addition to its program, by launching a new hybrid television platform called ERTFLIX.
ERTFLIX provides free access to several award-winning foreign films, foreign TV series, Greek series, award-winning documentaries, children's programs, and educational courses designed by the Ministry of Education.
The platform was designed by ERT technicians and its interface is very similar to Netflix or Amazon Prime.
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Local News
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Tuesday, 29 June 2021 17:40
Weigh Loss Surgeon Praises Mediterranean Diet
Imagine getting famous via TikTok, but you’re not an Instagram model, you’re a world-renowned weight-loss surgeon. This is what happened to Dr. Terry Simpson, he has gone viral on TikTok with a plethora of ‘hard truth’ videos regarding nutrition and weight loss. Dr. Simpson boasts 327,000 TikTok followers alone, with many more on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
What separates Dr. Simpson from other weight loss ‘experts’, is that he is an expert in Culinary Medicine (a new discipline in the medical field) and is a big believer in the Mediterranean Diet as a FIRST step to try and address the symptoms of being overweight, being obese and PCOS. His motto is, “you gotta be able to cook, otherwise losing weight will be near impossible”.
His Mediterranean diet consists of lots of home-cooked meals, using colorful fruits and vegetables and legumes. The way our Yiayia’s used to cook. The ‘Modern Mediterranean’ diet is NOT the same Mediterranean Diet that our ancestors ate. The ancient Mediterranean Diet is primarily based around Vegetables, Fruit, Legumes, Goats and Sheep’s Milk, Red Wine, and seeds/nuts.
Some examples of foods you must eat, according to Dr. Simpson:
1. Berries- Raspberries, Blueberries, Blackberries, Strawberries
2. Chia seeds
3. Oats
4. Wholegrains
5. Colourful vegetables (red and yellow capsicums)
6. Fermented dairy
7. Clean protein (wild salmon, high-quality grass-fed meat, free-range poultry)
8. Nut milk (Almond milk, oat milk)
Dr. Simpson is a pioneer in the field of bariatric surgery and patient education, with several websites dedicated to providing information online for patients. He is one of the leading bariatric surgeons in the use of social media to broadcast timely, relevant, healthcare news. Dr. Simpson is involved in research and clinical trials to further advance the field of bariatric surgery. He is currently involved in the examination of the Linx as a device for anti-reflux in Sleeve patients, as well as the use of the Mediterranean Diet for long-term weight loss.
To read this article in full, please visit: greekcitytimes.com
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Greek Food & Diet
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Thursday, 19 May 2022 07:00
Blue Flag: Greece 2nd In The World For Its Clean Beaches
Greece’s beaches are among the world’s cleanest with the region of Halkidiki and the island of Rhodes in the lead this year, according to the 2022 Blue Flag quality award list for beaches, marinas, and sustainable tourism boats, released by the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (EEPF).
Greece ranked second after Spain among 48 countries with 581 of its beaches, 15 marinas, and six recreational boats getting the Blue Flag label, one of the world’s most recognized voluntary eco-labels, awarded to beaches, marinas, and sustainable boating tourism operators.
At the top of the list with the cleanest beaches is the Halkidiki region with 87 Blue Flags, followed by Rhodes (55), and Crete: Lassithi (41), Chania (36), Heraklion (31), and Rethymno (20).
Other top 10 Blue Flag beaches in Greece are in Attica (18), Kefalonia (17), and Lesvos (17).
“We are blessed as a country. Our destinations are highly sought after by people from across the globe,” Deputy Tourism Minister Sofia Zacharaki commented on the news. Zacharaki went on to refer also to the quality of services and human resources in Greece while announcing that 140 million euros in RRF funds will be going into the construction of marinas and beach accessibility.
Last year, Greece ranked second again globally with 530 beaches among 49 countries for its Blue Flag beaches.
About the Blue Flag
The Blue Flag voluntary eco-label program is operated under the auspices of the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) and is headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark. In Greece, the program’s coordinator is the EEPF.
In order to qualify for the Blue Flag, a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility criteria must be met and maintained.
To read this article in full, please visit: news.gtp.gr
Greece ranked second after Spain among 48 countries with 581 of its beaches, 15 marinas, and six recreational boats getting the Blue Flag label, one of the world’s most recognized voluntary eco-labels, awarded to beaches, marinas, and sustainable boating tourism operators.
At the top of the list with the cleanest beaches is the Halkidiki region with 87 Blue Flags, followed by Rhodes (55), and Crete: Lassithi (41), Chania (36), Heraklion (31), and Rethymno (20).
Other top 10 Blue Flag beaches in Greece are in Attica (18), Kefalonia (17), and Lesvos (17).
“We are blessed as a country. Our destinations are highly sought after by people from across the globe,” Deputy Tourism Minister Sofia Zacharaki commented on the news. Zacharaki went on to refer also to the quality of services and human resources in Greece while announcing that 140 million euros in RRF funds will be going into the construction of marinas and beach accessibility.
Last year, Greece ranked second again globally with 530 beaches among 49 countries for its Blue Flag beaches.
About the Blue Flag
The Blue Flag voluntary eco-label program is operated under the auspices of the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) and is headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark. In Greece, the program’s coordinator is the EEPF.
In order to qualify for the Blue Flag, a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility criteria must be met and maintained.
To read this article in full, please visit: news.gtp.gr
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Greece In The News
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Thursday, 27 June 2024 23:02
The Peristera Shipwreck: Unveiling Greece’s Underwater Marvel
Discovery of a Sunken Giant
In 1982, the serene waters around the islet of Peristera near Alonissos held a tantalizing secret. Greek diver and fisherman Dimitrios Mavrikis, along with his son Kostas, stumbled upon a remarkable underwater find—a vast Classical-era shipwreck lying at a depth of 20 meters. This discovery, later brought to the attention of the Ephorate of Underwater Antiquities, unveiled a significant chapter in maritime history. The wreck, dated to the 5th century BC, was laden with a cargo of 3000 to 4000 amphoras, revealing it as the largest transport ship known from that era.
Excavation of an Ancient Treasure
In 1992, systematic excavation efforts commenced under the guidance of Elpida Hadjidaki, the director of the Ephorate of Underwater Antiquities. Initial surveys produced a photomosaic, illustrating the wreck's layout. The site was then divided into a grid to facilitate meticulous excavation. Layer by layer, archaeologists unearthed amphoras, black-glazed cups, plates, and bronze tableware. The amphoras, primarily from Mende and Skopelos, indicated the ship's role in transporting wine across ancient Greek trade routes. Excavations in subsequent years revealed more artifacts, including personal items of the crew such as oil lamps and mortars, and critical fragments of the ship's wooden hull and treenails, offering insights into ancient shipbuilding techniques.
A Monumental Maritime Vessel
The Peristera shipwreck stands out not just for its vast cargo but also for its sheer size. Measuring approximately 25 to 30 meters in length, the ship was capable of carrying up to 126 metric tons. This capacity was a revelation, challenging previous assumptions that such large-scale maritime transportation was only achieved during the Roman period. The ship's construction and the volume of its cargo highlight the advanced shipbuilding skills of ancient Greek craftsmen.
The Birth of the Alonissos Underwater Museum
Fast forward to 2020, the site was transformed into the Alonissos Underwater Museum, Greece's first underwater museum, offering an extraordinary experience for scuba diving enthusiasts. The museum allows visitors to dive into history, exploring the wreck in its natural underwater setting within the protected Alonissos Marine Park.
In 1982, the serene waters around the islet of Peristera near Alonissos held a tantalizing secret. Greek diver and fisherman Dimitrios Mavrikis, along with his son Kostas, stumbled upon a remarkable underwater find—a vast Classical-era shipwreck lying at a depth of 20 meters. This discovery, later brought to the attention of the Ephorate of Underwater Antiquities, unveiled a significant chapter in maritime history. The wreck, dated to the 5th century BC, was laden with a cargo of 3000 to 4000 amphoras, revealing it as the largest transport ship known from that era.
Excavation of an Ancient Treasure
In 1992, systematic excavation efforts commenced under the guidance of Elpida Hadjidaki, the director of the Ephorate of Underwater Antiquities. Initial surveys produced a photomosaic, illustrating the wreck's layout. The site was then divided into a grid to facilitate meticulous excavation. Layer by layer, archaeologists unearthed amphoras, black-glazed cups, plates, and bronze tableware. The amphoras, primarily from Mende and Skopelos, indicated the ship's role in transporting wine across ancient Greek trade routes. Excavations in subsequent years revealed more artifacts, including personal items of the crew such as oil lamps and mortars, and critical fragments of the ship's wooden hull and treenails, offering insights into ancient shipbuilding techniques.
A Monumental Maritime Vessel
The Peristera shipwreck stands out not just for its vast cargo but also for its sheer size. Measuring approximately 25 to 30 meters in length, the ship was capable of carrying up to 126 metric tons. This capacity was a revelation, challenging previous assumptions that such large-scale maritime transportation was only achieved during the Roman period. The ship's construction and the volume of its cargo highlight the advanced shipbuilding skills of ancient Greek craftsmen.
The Birth of the Alonissos Underwater Museum
Fast forward to 2020, the site was transformed into the Alonissos Underwater Museum, Greece's first underwater museum, offering an extraordinary experience for scuba diving enthusiasts. The museum allows visitors to dive into history, exploring the wreck in its natural underwater setting within the protected Alonissos Marine Park.
Diving into History
The opening of the Alonissos Underwater Museum provides a unique window into ancient Greek history. Divers can witness firsthand the amphoras scattered across the seabed, forming a mound that outlines the ship's original structure. The museum combines the thrill of underwater exploration with a profound educational experience, showcasing the daily life, trade practices, and maritime prowess of ancient Greece.
Why Visit the Alonissos Underwater Museum?
Visiting the Alonissos Underwater Museum is a unique adventure that blends history, archaeology, and the natural beauty of the Aegean Sea. Here are compelling reasons to dive into this underwater marvel:
1. Immersive Historical Experience: The museum offers a rare opportunity to explore a well-preserved ancient shipwreck in its original underwater context. It's like stepping back in time to the Classical period.
2. Unique Diving Adventure: For scuba diving enthusiasts, this site provides a thrilling dive, ranked among the nine most important underwater museums in the world by News9live.com. The crystal-clear waters and the haunting beauty of the ancient shipwreck make for an unforgettable experience.
3. Educational Insight: The museum offers an educational journey through ancient Greek maritime history, trade, and shipbuilding techniques. It's an engaging way to learn about the past while enjoying a recreational activity.
4. Conservation and Protection: As part of the Alonissos Marine Park, visiting the museum supports efforts to protect and preserve underwater cultural heritage, ensuring these historical treasures remain intact for future generations.
Significance & Global Recognition
The Peristera shipwreck is not just a local treasure; it has garnered international acclaim. In a survey presented by the international news website News9live.com, the Alonissos Underwater Museum was ranked among the nine most important underwater museums in the world. This recognition underscores its global significance as a site of cultural heritage and archaeological importance.
A New Era in Underwater Archaeology
The Peristera shipwreck not only enriches our understanding of ancient Greek trade and shipbuilding but also marks a new era in underwater archaeology. The establishment of the underwater museum sets a precedent for future explorations and public engagement with underwater cultural heritage. It underscores the importance of preserving and studying submerged archaeological sites, offering both scholars and the public a chance to connect with history in an immersive and innovative way.
The opening of the Alonissos Underwater Museum provides a unique window into ancient Greek history. Divers can witness firsthand the amphoras scattered across the seabed, forming a mound that outlines the ship's original structure. The museum combines the thrill of underwater exploration with a profound educational experience, showcasing the daily life, trade practices, and maritime prowess of ancient Greece.
Why Visit the Alonissos Underwater Museum?
Visiting the Alonissos Underwater Museum is a unique adventure that blends history, archaeology, and the natural beauty of the Aegean Sea. Here are compelling reasons to dive into this underwater marvel:
1. Immersive Historical Experience: The museum offers a rare opportunity to explore a well-preserved ancient shipwreck in its original underwater context. It's like stepping back in time to the Classical period.
2. Unique Diving Adventure: For scuba diving enthusiasts, this site provides a thrilling dive, ranked among the nine most important underwater museums in the world by News9live.com. The crystal-clear waters and the haunting beauty of the ancient shipwreck make for an unforgettable experience.
3. Educational Insight: The museum offers an educational journey through ancient Greek maritime history, trade, and shipbuilding techniques. It's an engaging way to learn about the past while enjoying a recreational activity.
4. Conservation and Protection: As part of the Alonissos Marine Park, visiting the museum supports efforts to protect and preserve underwater cultural heritage, ensuring these historical treasures remain intact for future generations.
Significance & Global Recognition
The Peristera shipwreck is not just a local treasure; it has garnered international acclaim. In a survey presented by the international news website News9live.com, the Alonissos Underwater Museum was ranked among the nine most important underwater museums in the world. This recognition underscores its global significance as a site of cultural heritage and archaeological importance.
A New Era in Underwater Archaeology
The Peristera shipwreck not only enriches our understanding of ancient Greek trade and shipbuilding but also marks a new era in underwater archaeology. The establishment of the underwater museum sets a precedent for future explorations and public engagement with underwater cultural heritage. It underscores the importance of preserving and studying submerged archaeological sites, offering both scholars and the public a chance to connect with history in an immersive and innovative way.
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Travel Greece
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Thursday, 05 February 2015 13:18
My Week in Athens… Sep 14
Having grown up in Canada, one would think that I’ve seen Cirque du Soleil shows before. Sadly, I have not. I never knew what all the hype was about… I mean, it’s a circus, isn’t it?
Sure, but it’s so much more.
Last night my eyes were treated to a great performance of Allegria at the OAKA complex. From the beautiful contortionists and the fantastic aerial trapeze, to the theatrical costumes and the music – atmospheric, live, gorgeous music. Everything was perfect – amazing acts, other-worldly creativity, choreography and dance – and music that really stuck in my mind. I’ve just downloaded the soundtrack :)
Did I mention the clowns? Hilarious!
We had a great night out at Allegria. Two hours of beautiful escape from reality. Hopefully some of you had a chance to see it too!
Until next week…
Jack
In this weekly space, keep up with ‘Jack’ as he navigates daily life in Athens… Anecdotes, stories, hits & misses, the good, the bad and, well, the rest…
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My Week In Athens
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Monday, 16 February 2015 11:08
Epicure Restaurants In Voula, Vouliagmeni, Kifisia
Wherever you are, north or south, an "epicure" restaurant is expecting you! Simple places, where the warmth of the wood and the stone design reign. The ideal ambience and amount of light, will offer you a unique environment. It's not a matter of luck that Epicure has been in business for 25 years and has had continued success. You should taste the unique hamburger with roquefor, filet, steaks and king size delicious omelets. You will be excited with the variety of the first plates and you will satisfy your hunger with the fresh salads. The hot applepie with ice cream, the cheese cake and the brownies with ice cream will be the perfect choice for sweetish occasions. We will offer you our fresh sangria or one of our excellent wines from the renewed cellar. Our friendly and exceptional service will be accompanied by the slow music of old and new songs for each age. Open daily 19.00- 01.30 pm. On weekends we're open midday. Don't even worry about the parking! We're expecting you!
Voula
The well known place to our customer, recently renewed and specially improved for the most demanding of you. The warmth of the wood and stone combined with the " open" kitchen is unique. The ideal light and the firestone, offers you the complete warmth to you and to your favourite persons.
Vouliagmeni
The unique view of the sea, combined with the soft music and the warmth of the wood design is sensational! You will discover a warm and familiar enviroment in a renewed place for the most demanding customers. The ideal light, the pine- trees, the wonderful view that the customer can enjoy from many levels of the restaurant, confirms our obsession with perfection.
we have been chosen from those who knows about delicious kitchen, and who cherish Kind treatment and relaxing moments.
Kifissia
The restaurant with the unique warmth of winter, and the relaxed environment in summer.
The warmth of the wood and stone combined with the "open" kitchen is unique.
The ideal light and the firestone, offers you the complete warmth in the cold winter nights.
In a place full of pine-trees and with the well lighted waterfall in the yard of the restaurant, offers you special relaxed moments of your summer nights.
The experienced and friendly staff, the variety of tastes, the delicious plates and the exceptional service, combined with all the offers, confirms the classic suggestion of the unique taste and relaxation.
Contact
VOULA:
16 Metaxa Str.,
Tel.: 210 8953544 / 210 8953846
VOULIAGMENI:
17 Posidonos Str.,
Tel.: 210 8961237
N. KIFISIA:
12 Eolias Str.,
Tel.: 210 8078095 / 210 8000588
E-mail: epicure@epicure.gr
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Restaurants In Athens
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