Starting in May 2017, Tilos island, located in the Dodecanese, will be the first island in Greece and the Mediterranean to run completely on renewable energy.

 

Tilos received permission from the Regulatory Authority for Energy to set up a hybrid energy production and storage station, which is expected to cover 85 percent of the island’s energy needs. The energy production and storage station will also provide the island of Kos with 400kW in power for 5 hours a day.

The project is part of the EU’s Horizon 2020 plan called TILOS, which stands for Technology Innovation for the Local Scale Optimum Integration of Battery Storage) and involves 15 stakeholders from 7 European countries. The project is led by a research team from the Laboratory of Soft Energy Applications and Environmental Protection at Piraeus University of Applied Sciences.

The TILOS program stood out among 80 other competing companies in the Horizon 2020, which is EU’s largest research and innovation program with about 80 billion euros in funding. The funds will be spread out over a period of 7 years, which started in 2014.

Tilos is currently powered by a submarine cable from Kos.

To read this article in full, please visit: Greek Travel Pages

Celeste, from Family Goes Out, shares her favourite family-friendly beaches in Athens!

There are indeed a number of family friendly beaches along the southern and north eastern side of the Attica peninsula. To find a clean sea and a sandy beach with shallow water, it is best to pick a beach starting from Vouliagmeni-Kavouri. I personally prefer the beaches starting from Astir Vouliagmeni stretching to Cape Sounio. You can choose between free public beaches or a beach with an entrance fee. On many of the free public beaches are beach bars and the option of renting chairs and umbrellas. There are paid beaches run by the Green Tourist Organization and several first class beach clubs. The Tourist organization beaches offer some facilities such as changing cabins and bathrooms.

A beautiful first class beach club with all the facilities needed for a comfortable day at the beach. The sea here is calm and shallow. What I like here: nice decor, trendy people, a play area for the children, a large grass play field, clean facilities, watersports and family restaurants.

Not as asthetic as Astir Beach club but definitely as comfortable as far as fascilities. Very family orientated and in the member area there is also a swimming pool. I love the fact that towels are provided and I do not have to carry them from home. For members there is an alarm or service button at the sunbeds and there is a baby area inside providing soft play, a place to rest and feed your child.

My favorite low budget beach on the other site of the Attica peninsula is the beach in front of the Kalokairaki canteen next to hotel Golden Coast in Marathon. The beach is not well known and mostly used by the locals. It is not a beach club but a sandy beach with a simple canteen and large play area. Yet, the people running this beach and the basic facilities that they offer make it an ideal family beach.

To read this article in full, please visit: Family Goes Out

Because of its rare and unique collections coming from excavations in Boeotia, the Archaeological Museum of Thebes, which is one of Greece's most important museums, is getting a total makeover and will be re-named ‘The New Thebes Archaeological Museum.’

It was inaugurated in June of this year and it is organized into 18 thematic units, 11 of which tell the chronological story of Thebes and Boeotia (the region surrounding Thebes) from the Paleolithic Age right up to the establishment of the modern Greek state. Presented are Boeotia's culture, daily life, politics, and social development . There are special displays detailing the history of the museum and of Thebes, Boeotia in mythology and its spiritual life, especially through the famous tragedies of the Theban mythological cycle.

The exemplary Museum of Ancient Eleutherna on the island of Crete was also inaugurated in June in the presence of President Pavlopoulos and prominent representatives from the fields of politics, science, business and the arts.

Another important cultural site to reopen its doors to visitors in June was the ‘Palace of Nestor’ in the Peloponnese, one of the best preserved Mycenaean sites in Greece. The palace reached the peak of its prosperity in 13th century B.C. but it was destroyed by fire in the early years of the 12th century B.C. In 1939, K. Kourouniotis located the site of the Palace and Professor Carl Blegen of the University of Cincinnati excavated the area.

The palace was closed for restoration in May 2013. Now, after a 2.5-million-euro restoration work, the site will be inaugurated by Culture Minister Aristidis Baltas and reopen its doors to visitors in June.

To read this article in full, please visit: Greek News Agenda

Angélica Manrique, a student at Paderborn University in Germany, is conducting a study for her Bachelor’s thesis, which deals with the determinants in the expatriate adjustment process.

Understanding this process can help expatriates to learn about their situation, as well as to show international companies how and in which areas they can support their employees and families.

An international assignment is more than just a change of job. Expatriates must adapt to various events in the host country and deal with various cultural differences, which influence the adaptation to the host country. Factors such as labor and health conditions, spouse adjustment and moderators such as Cultural Attractiveness and Tightness-Looseness of a society affect this adaptation process and will be examined within this study.

Understanding this process can help expatriates to learn about their situation, as well as to show international companies or institutions, how and in which areas they can support their employees and families.

To be able to carry out this study we are seeking input from expatriates who are currently working on international assignment.

The multiple-choice questionnaire takes approx. 10-15 minutes of your time and is in English. It is completely anonymous. The information submitted to us will remain confidential. The data will be evaluated without name and address.

The University of Paderborn, the Department of International Business and I want to thank you in advance for your participation in this important survey.

Travel blogger and author Rebecca Hall from Life Beyond Borders, explores Monastiraki and finds a Little Kook themed cafe. Here, she describes her experience and recommends it as a place to check out!

What initially draws you to this place is the huge dragon on the roof outside (not to mention the life-sized playing cards adorning the front). Located in a side street just off the Psirri district of Monastiraki (between Monastiraki and Thission metro stations), just at the ‘Street of Lights.’ Even if you get lost wandering around, you can’t help but notice it!

The menu is provided on a scroll (in Greek which is odd for its position – right in the heart of touristy Athens-but the staff speak great English and are more than happy to translate). The day I went in, I sat upstairs by the Cinderella fireplace, but had a choice of rooms! There appeared to be what I can only describe as a Christmas Carol room, but Cinderella suited me just fine.

Little KooK is predominantly a coffee and cake shop, but they do offer savoury crepes. The day I was there, I chose a salmon and Philadelphia crepe, then strawberry meringue. Yum!

Piped classical music, not too loud to be intrusive on conversation and just loud enough to create a cultured atmosphere. And it’s great for kids (of all ages). It’s popular with the Greek crowd, so expect both tourists who are more than a little intrigued, and locals who meet over the famous Greek frappe in a fun environment.

And it’s smoke free! Yes, they’ve managed to implement and keep the no-smoking rule here (those of you who know Greece and/or are frequent visitors will know how hard this is to impose!)

Little Kook themed cafe is, in essence, a place where fairytales come alive.

To read this article in full, please visit: Life Beyond Borders

Summer has made its appearance in the cafes and bars of Athens, along with some of the most cherished habits of the weekend. Saturday & Sunday brunch is served at tables outside, in cool courtyards and shady squares. Here are some of the top summer brunch spots in Athens:

 

In one of the most beautiful courtyards of Petralona, if not in the entire city of Athens, is Kyrios Xou, which has tables which that are loaded with homemade delicacies every Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 until 15:00. Successful flavours on the menu include spinach tart, ricotta and bacon, toast with feta cheese, tomato and oregano, Skopelos cheese pie, pancakes with honey, chocolate and maple syrup, New York City cheesecake with cherry jam, croque madame, and Scottish eggs. They serve hearty meals and are not too expensive. It comes out to be about 7€ to 8€ per person.

 

 

One of our favorite spots in Koukaki, Monsieur Barbu, has tables beneath foliage and next to flower beds. The chef serves eggs on brioche bread with sausage and bacon, savory tarts, burgers and tortillas and these are just for starters. For dessert, there's lemon pie with nutella, chocolate cake with peanut butter and fruit jams, carrot cake, and pancakes with chocolate or honey. Brunch is served every Sunday from 12.00 to 16.00 and will not cost you more than 10€ per person.

 

 

The most hip, industrial and urban café of Thissio is located in the most beautiful pedestrian area. It has many levels and in the small backyard, it serves  brunch from 11.00 until 17.00 on weekends. The menu includes salads (quinoa or lentils), eggs (fried, scrambled, benedict), sandwiches (Croque Madame, open with bresaola and burgers beef or chicken) and delicious pancakes (with honey or hazelnut praline). Dish prices range between  5€ to 8€.

 

 

In the captivating backyard that has finally been uncovered for the summer, Penny Lane serves delicious brunch not only on weekends, but every day from 10:00 till 18:00 in the afternoon. Croque Madame serves pancakes, pizzas, eggs benedict with fried bacon, salads superfoods (try it with the quinoa), and burgers. Prices range from 5€ to 6€.

 

Do you fancy visiting one of the busiest squares of Athens? Why not pay a visit to Osterman? Osterman has a luxurious industrial backdrop and prepares brunch cocktails (from 7€) like the French 75 with Prosecco, gin, lemon and sugar or homemade Bloody Mary. You can also find amazing coffee (3,50€ a freddo), homemade lemonades, and other beverages that will accompany the brunch served until 17.00. The menu includes fried eggs with spicy sauce and smoked bacon, eggs and sauteed mushrooms with cream and truffle oil, Croque Madame and Monsieur, sandwiches with Black Angys, chilli sauce and french fries, or with pastrami, sauerkraut and Emmental. Dishes range between 6,50 and 10€.

Originally posted on: In2life.gr
Translated by XpatAthens

Registrations are open for Santorini Experience 2016!

 

Privileged accommodation packages during the days of the event!

The exquisite event 'Santorini Experience' is ready to welcome the lovers of swimming and running on October 7-9, 2016!

On Saturday, October 8th, 2016, runners of all abilities will have the opportunity to run at the exceptional routes of 5km (running and dynamic walking), 10 km and 15 km (total positive altitude: 834 m.) overlooking the unique images of the volcano, the Caldera and the sites Imerovigli, Firostefani and Oia. The routes have been designed and edited this year by the former marathon runner, holder of national best performance on the classical route, running coach and director of All About Running, Nikos Polias. The starting time of the 10 km and 15 km routes is common at 08:15 am (with a limit of 150 participants per route), while the starting time of the 5km route will take place at 11:00 (with a limit of 200 participants). All routes start from the desalination plant in Oia with an initial direction towards Fira and athletes return back at 2.5 km, 5 km and 7.5 km points respectively, to finish their running at the same point where they started.

Runners will discover the magical trail that connects Oia with Fira overlooking the Caldera of Santorini (Thira), which took its name from Thira, the first Spartan colonist of the island. A detailed description of the routes including maps and technical details (altitude) is available in the following link: http://santorini-experience.com/event_routes_16_en.html It must also be noted that with the suggestion of the technical director of running, three vertical running routes will be prepared this year to enrich the weekend schedule of the event.

Ancient Santorini (Thira) was an earthly paradise, destroyed in 1,500 BC, along with a multitude of nearby coasts, dragging brilliant samples of the Aegean civilization. Its description fits perfectly with what Plato was saying for the mythical land of the Atlases that was completely destroyed, leaving no trace behind. The Atlantis.

So over the sunken Atlantis participants in the sport of swimming will have the opportunity to swim in the unique swimming route of 1.5 mile (2.4 km) of “Santorini Experience”, on Sunday, October 9, 2016 at 10:00 am, from the volcano to the old port in Fira.

The route has been designed by the Federal Technical Coach of Swimming, with Olympic and World distinctions in open water swimming and Technical Director of the event in swimming, Nikos Gemelos. The event will also be held under the auspices of the Hellenic Swimming Federation (KOE), something that happens for the first time in open water swimming, at a sports tourism event, marking the explosive participation expected from swimmers and swimming clubs from all over Greece and abroad.

Those interested can now make their registration in swimming or running through the official page of the event in the following link: http://activemedia.com.gr/product/santorini-experience-2/

For those wishing to combine sports with tourism and take advantage of their stay in one of the two or three most beautiful islands in the world, if not the most beautiful, privileged packages starting from 300 euro for 2 people for 3 days - 2 nights (including transportation, accommodation, food and participation in the event) will be available. For more information you may contact the hospitality sponsors of the event: Santorini Hoteliers Association, Meltemi Hotels & Resorts, Athina Luxury Suites, Central Fira Hotel, Sienna Residencies, Memories Hotel and Loizos Stylish Residencies which are available in the following link: http://santorini-experience.com/event_accommodation_en.html. The page will be daily enriched with new supporters and in the upcoming days discounts on transportation to Santorini will be announced.

This year's event will have an unprecedented international promotion, as FOX Sports of FOX Networks Group, will carry forward as the Official Broadcaster of “Santorini Experience” its sports documentary, to millions of homes in Europe, Asia and Africa, creating a unique television product.

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

Sponsors: Alafouzos Sport, Santorini Boatmen Union
Supporter: Village Cinemas Official Broadcaster: FOX Sports
Hospitality Sponsors: Santorini Hoteliers Association, Meltemi Hotels & Resorts, Athina Luxury Suites, Central Fira Hotel, Sienna Residencies, Memories Hotel, Loizos Stylish Residencies
Under the auspices of the Hellenic Swimming Federation (K.O.E.)

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One of the most well-hidden secrets of Athens, the unique Railway Carriage Theater to Treno sto Rouf, is an innovative, boutique, railway cultural venue, inside vintage train wagons. Heralded by 19th century science fiction novelist, Jules Vernes, it was realized in 1997 by the actress and director Tatiana Ligari to host the only train-theater in the world.

The Railway Carriage Theater to Treno sto Rouf consists of nine refurbished antique cars, including an original wagon-restaurant from the 1926 Simplon Orient Express and a refurbished Breda type steam engine, which dates back to 1953, constituting evidence to modern Greek history and industrial heritage. All nine cars have been subsequently transformed, repaired and refurbished accordingly, with great sensitivity to originality and aesthetics, and are now home to a theatre stage, a music stage, a restaurant, a bar and foyer, dressing rooms and utility rooms. Every spring and summer there are tables set out on the station platform, where you can claim a spot in the cool breeze of the open-air bar-restaurant “Apovathra”.

For 22 consecutive years, the venue program mainly consists of artistic productions (theater, music, dance, visual arts, guided tours, educational programs, festivals, art projects, exhibitions, screenings, lectures etc.) equally paired with dining (be it romantic private parties, themed evenings or corporate events), while our bar and restaurant are open to all visiting guests.

Celeste, from Family Goes Out, gives her best advice for families visiting Athens during the warmer months. It's best to visit visit in May and June or September and October, where the temperatures are cooler and child-friendlier, but if you must visit during the peak of the summer, August is a good time to visit Athens, as the city empties when the Greeks go on holiday.

Babies and young children can get ill during hot weather (dehydration, heat stroke, sunburn). Babies less than 6 month old should be kept out of the sun. Always bring a light sheet, umbrella/cover for your stroller. Young infants cannot be in the sun during the hottest hours of the day. Sun hats with a wide brim and protective flap on the back, protective clothing and sunscreen are a must. Make sure your children drink plenty of water.

For July and August, make sure that you book your (air conditioned) accommodation (and everything else such as ferry boat / air tickets, etc.) well in advance. Choose one of the city hotels with a swimming pool. Another great option is to stay at the Athenian Coast, also known as the Athens riviera. There are several family friendly beach hotels and resorts here and it is very easy to get to the city from here by either car or public transport.

Athens is very hot during the day time so plan your activities in the mornings and afternoons/evenings. Do as the Greeks do and have a nap together with your children during the hottest hours of the day. You can also take a dip in your city hotel swimming pool (make sure the children stay in the shade) to cool off.

Visit the archeological sites only in the early morning, they open at 08:00.

To get around the city, instead of walking use the Athens Metro system.

A great idea for seeing all the highlights of the city is to use one of the so called hop-on-hop-off busses. There are several companies in Athens that offer such tours. These busses are air-conditioned and stroller friendly. Some of these bus tours combine their tickets with the tourist train in the historic center called Athens Happy Train or Sunshine express. This is another great way to get around the Plaka area with your kids whilst sitting in the shade and enjoying the sites. I would recommend the train for the afternoons.

• The National Gardens
• The New Acropolis Museum
• Hellenic Motor Museum
• The Athens War Museum
• The Museum of Greek Children’s Art
• Museum of the Ancient Agora

To read this article in full, please visit: Family Goes Out

In an effort to help refugee children in Greece complete their education, the Greek Ministry of Education and UNICEF have teamed up to devise short-term and long-term plans to fulfill this goal.

UNICEF’s Regional Director for Central and Eastern Europe, Marie-Pierre Poirier, visited Athens and Lesvos recently with the aim to collaborate with Greek authorities. While meeting with Greek education officials, she was informed about the current situation and the effects on refugee children.

According to UNICEF’s data, around 22,000 children are among the 55,000 migrants and refugees stranded in Greece. After interviewing 75% of school aged refugee children, 1 in 5 had never even begun their education. As a jumpstart, Greece’s Education Ministry has initiated pilot education and activities for children at refugee camps over the summer with the aim of beginning proper classes in the fall in their native language, English, and basic Greek.

While in Athens and Lesvos, Ms Poirier presented two plans to address the educational needs of the children. The first plan is a programme developed for younger children, which will allow for the immediate intervention at reception centers and the second plan is a programme to address the needs of adolescents, which include both education and career orientation.

For the younger children, the goal is to learn their mother tongue and English so they will be prepared once they settle in a host country. The goal for school aged children is to place them in Greek schools.

Apart from the educational needs Poirier was informed about, there are children who are unaccompanied. These children need to be aided by Greek institutions, prosecutors, and social workers to place them in foster care and eventually unite them with their families. UNICEF is also collaborating with the Migration Policy Ministry and the Social Solidarity Ministry to provide protection for unaccompanied minors.

To read this article in full, please visit: Greek News Agenda