We recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Dimitra Natskouli at Ariadne’s Garden of Spiritual Arts, a sanctuary tucked away in the mystical landscape of Delphi. More than just a venue, the Garden is a peaceful retreat space and artist residency inspired by the Delphic spirit of “Know Thyself.” Here, archetypal shadow work is approached through the mystical side of Greek mythology and unfolds through the arts.

Whether you join a drop-in session for Hatha and aerial yoga, explore intuitive painting and dance movement therapy, or host your own private retreat, Ariadne's Garden is a space designed to slow down, reconnect, and explore the self in a grounded, supportive environment.

In this conversation, Dimitra shares how she weaves philosophy, breath, and myth into a "playground" for the soul.



Your background is a fascinating tapestry of philosophy, dance therapy, and Byzantine iconography. How did these diverse threads come together to form the vision for Ariadne’s Garden?

Ariadne’s Garden is the playground where these three worlds meet and collaborate.

On one hand, Ancient Greek philosophy enters through archetypal shadow work, where myths are “de-symbolised” and become mirrors, very much in the spirit of the Delphic “Know thyself.”  On the other hand, dance therapy, under the umbrella of embodied mindfulness practices, brings everything back into the body, grounding insight into lived experience. And, lastly, Byzantine iconography offers something unique: a precise visual language which gives form to the inner images that arise when mind and body begin to speak to each other. Somehow, these three had been my tools since my teenhood while stryggling with my existential hypervigillance to find my inner truth. To be honest, I still struggle, but, now it’s more fun!

 

Breath is, quite literally, my starting point. Before anything else, I exist as breath. It has become a quiet architect in both my life and my work. Every space in the garden is designed with one simple question in mind: can this place breathe? And the same applies to the rhythm of the retreats.

There is time expansion and space for expression,always followed by silence, and integration.  The garden belongs to Gaia , and we are simply learning to be in relationship with Her. Mother and child - Gaia and human in a healthy relationship is the vision of the garden. In other words an intimacy and alighnment of our breath to hers. Above all, Ariadne’s Garden is a place to breathe.

 

In a way, the name chose me. Ariadne Koumaris—philosopher, translator, and founder of this space—created this garden in the 1980s and 90s as a place dedicated to self-awareness, long before “retreats” became a trend. Her students, many from Europe and the US, helped shape the venue based on principles of sacred geometry, so they could come, detox, and be in dialogue with her work.

Mythologically, Ariadne is the one who does not enter the labyrinth, and yet, without her, no one finds their way out. According to Plato she represents the part  of the psyche that does not get lost in illusion, but guides us through it. Labyrinth, our life in ignorance, takes us to the trauma. And the hero is the one that can face it, recognise it as part of their soul and transform it, Then find the way out to liberaton. Guests are invited to face their patterns, their stories, even their wounds,  then to understand and integrate them.  And somewhere along the way, they begin to sense their own thread.  This is the myth we are working on this year’s retreats, once a moth, in memory of the founder of the garden Ariadne Koumaris.

 

Delphi has always been a place where people came to listen more carefully, and attention is where most healing begins. There is a particular clarity in the landscape: something both grounding and slightly disarming. It’s not a place where you can hide for long. Whether one speaks in terms of energy or simply presence, the combination of mountains, silence, history, and even the mineral richness of the land creates a unique quality of presence.

 

Well, I  love this work and consider it essential for anyone who wants to live their life consciously, however I d say that I am pretty far from specialising in it. Returning back to self comes through opening the senses inside and outside, but this happens when we feel safe, right?. Ther’s so many tabboos about shadow work. The “shadow” is not something dark and dramatic, but something deeply intimate. It is a  withdrawn child of ours. With careful listening, understanding and a good dose of humor, something that indicates detachment from past, this child may become the gate to our true innocence.

Archetypal work through creative expression, and embodied practices, can make this work playful, joyful and interestingly authentic.

 

Creative expression is often the psyche speaking before the mind has had the chance to organize a proper sentence. It tends to speak through what we might call the “inner child”—the part of us that plays, imagines, and creates without overthinking. Of course, this inner world also carries our wounds, our memories, our unfinished stories.

Through intuitive art, both sides are given space. The wounded and the creative are not separate but they are part of the same movement. Art doesn’t fix anything. But it may  reveal what is alive. Isnt it in itself, is a powerful beginning?

 

When we move with awareness, we allow the psyche to breathe through the body. What emerges is often symbolic rather than logical; it can resonate with specific myths. In archetypal work, each life is seen as an emanation of a myth, an expression of something both deeply personal and universally human.

Through movement, this inner story begins to unfold. In a way, the body remembers what the mind has forgotten, or the soul remembers itself in a body that breaths openly. I personally believe that ther is nothing we can learn, just to remember.

They usually realise they are the same person…

You see, the seeker is the artist that has not yet expressed themselves and the artist is the seeker in a dialogue with their art as a remedy The seeker is looking for meaning and the artist is giving it form.

When the two meet, something becomes both deeply personal and unexpectedly universal. This itself can be a way to pure joy. Joy! Isnt’t it a good teacher?

 

A quiet, embodied sense of: “I can meet myself.” Not fix or  improve. Just meet. From there, most things tend to reorganise themselves quite naturally.

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If you are looking to reconnect, create, or simply find your own "thread" you can explore upcoming retreats here!

Thank you, Dimitra, for sharing the magic of the Garden with us. It was an honor to explore the "thread" of your journey and to witness how Ariadne’s Garden continues to be a lung of inspiration for seekers and artists alike.

Messinia Challenge returns more dynamically than ever on May 8-10, 2026, offering a unique three day event of sports, entertainment, and social contribution. Centered around Costa Navarino and Messinia, this year's event joins forces with leading brands and local entities, promising unforgettable experiences for athletes, companions, and visitors.

In a highly competitive environment, against many worthy candidates and strong foreign brands organizing international races in Greece, Messinia Challenge managed to stand out in the most emphatic way at the Sports Marketing Awards. The event garnered a total of 23 distinctions, setting a historic record, as these are the most awards ever received by a sports event in the country within this specific institution. This great success, which includes 2 Platinum, 10 Gold, 10 Silver, and 1 Bronze award, constitutes the ultimate culmination of strategic cooperation with leading global brands and institutional bodies, confirming the enormous potential of the Messinia Challenge and highlighting it as the top sports tourism event in Greece.

A special place in this year's Messinia Challenge schedule is held by Miele, which, as a Platinum Sponsor, highlights gastronomy once again as a key pillar of the overall experience. At the specially designed Miele Open House, participants and visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy a unique gastronomic journey, participating in a series of experiential workshops featuring the acclaimed chef Andreas Lagos. 

Through the interactive experiences of the “Workshops by Miele,” the public will discover modern techniques and creative approaches to Greek cuisine, giving a new, exciting dimension to favorite recipes, such as handmade gnocchi and traditional Messinian youvarlakia. This celebration of taste culminates in the most dynamic way through live gastronomic actions, such as the “Messinia Cooking Challenge by Miele” and the “Pasta Station by Miele”. There, Miele's chef, Alexandros Syngkiridis, will create a complete journey of flavors that will thrill all attendees, combining raw materials from the Messinian land with Miele's innovative technologies.

NIO, the innovative electric car manufacturer and member of the MOTODYNAMICS Group, participates dynamically in Messinia Challenge, representing the future of electromobility and bringing a new, fresh approach to sustainable urban mobility. The rhythm of the event will be set by the impressive NIO firefly as the “lead car” at the start, which won the title of “World Urban Car” for 2026. It is a modern, all-electric car that, with its cutting-edge technology, dynamic design, and smart practicality solutions, fits perfectly with the philosophy of an event that consistently looks forward. During the weekend, NIO will offer unique experiences to participants by organizing the first golf tournament, The NIO Messinia Golf Open, at the award-winning courses of Costa Navarino. The company's presence will culminate with a grand premiere: the spectacular awards party called The Electric Pulse by NIO, where Special Guest DJ Alexandros Christopoulos will take over to elevate the night.

SIXT, member of the MOTODYNAMICS Group, as the Premium Mobility Partner of Messinia Challenge, is committed to making every participant's journey not only perfectly safe but a truly special and unique experience. The company provides an impressive fleet of vehicles covering every need: from state-of-the-art SUVs and spacious vans to eco-friendly electric models and premium vehicles for the transportation of VIP guests. Furthermore, pioneering once again, SIXT will provide a special van this year that will exclusively serve the transfers of participants within the hotel facilities. Beyond top-tier road mobility, however, SIXT also focuses on body mobility. On Friday, at the Costa Navarino premises, the company joins forces with Joint Athens and specialized physiotherapists Angelos Giakoumidis and Giorgos Poulianitis to implement a comprehensive activity titled “Mobility & Recovery,” offering practical solutions for lower back relief and the management of musculoskeletal fatigue.

Hellmann’s, inextricably linked to the joy of sharing moments with loved ones, supports the Family Fun Football Game as a sponsor, a delightful football match where parents and children will become one team, playing and laughing with all their heart. Additionally, Hellmann’s will offer a rich BBQ night exclusively for the event's guests on Friday evening. The action continues with the Hellmann’s Bike Tour, implemented by Moraitis Outdoors, where families and groups of friends will pedal through the magnificent and protected Natura environment of the Gialova lagoon and Voidokilia. The culinary experience of the event is dynamically complemented by Knorr at the Messinia Challenge Food Corner, presenting its new premium launches: the innovative Home-style Stocks with red and white wine extract.

Napapijri is present as a Bronze Sponsor, undertaking to dress the participants of the golf tournament in high-aesthetic polo shirts, hats, practical bags, and rich gifts. Beyond the athletic part, Napapijri actively supports the charity auction “To Save a Child”. In this context, the recognized Greek street artist and illustrator Same84, known for his unique visual style and collaborations with important brands and organizations, is an invited guest.

SKY express participates for the first time in Messinia Challenge as the Official Airline. With its modern fleet and constantly growing network, it makes access from 27 destinations of the Old Continent to Greece easier and, by extension, to Europe's leading wellness event. This collaboration takes on special significance as it comes immediately after the company's top distinction as “Airline of the Year 2025” by the ERA (European Regions Airline Association), a fact that confirms its pivotal role in connecting the country with abroad and its support for sports tourism.

One of the most important innovations is the creation of specialized recovery stations for running, golf, beach volley, and tennis athletes. The care is undertaken by the state-of-the-art physiotherapy center located in Alimos, Attica, Physio-Treat, and Anastasia Apostolou. Valuable allies in this mission are Hyperice of the Nexion group (the No. 1 brand worldwide in warm-up, recovery, and rehabilitation products) and Anatomic Line (with a leading presence in the field of orthopedic and medical technology products), ensuring absolute muscle relaxation and safety for participants.

The curtain falls on the top sports tourism festival in the most impressive way, through a dynamic closing party at Navarino Agora, open to both the event participants and the public of Messinia. On Sunday, May 10, at 20:00, the decks will be taken over by the acclaimed DJ and producer Junior Rush. With an international presence from New York to London and a career that started from Greece's top dance clubs, he remains faithful to his philosophy: absolute connection with the dance floor and the ability to raise the pulse to the maximum. The favorite VIKOS COLA will provide rhythm and refreshment to the evening, keeping energy levels high. As the music goes up and the vibe peaks, Bacardi, the authentic rum from the Caribbean, comes to blend perfectly with VIKOS COLA, creating the signature cocktail of the night: an enjoyable Bacardi Cola that becomes the ultimate symbol of the summer party. A closing full of intensity and positive energy under the Messinian sky in a setting that promises intense moments. Admission is free for all the public.

Messinia Challenge is deeply rooted, having leading Messinian businesses by its side. Pilia Express, as the Official Logistics Partner, guarantees that the huge volume of equipment for the five-day production will arrive with absolute safety. The Memmos Dairy from Kopanaki offers its famous creamy “armi” for traditional riganades, while Messinian Spa natural cosmetics will offer an authentic care experience based on the region's excellent olive oil. At the same time, the historical Silk Gonos Silk & Woven Industry highlights the rich heritage. Finally, the City Hospital Clinic of Kalamata undertakes the full medical support of the event with specialized doctors and ambulances, having the experienced rescuers of the Hellenic Rescue Team (HRT) of Messinia as valuable allies.

Dynamically moving into the new digital era, Messinia Challenge presents the event's brand-new mobile application, designed by Mind the Ad. Available on iOS and Android, the app functions as the ultimate digital guide for the athletic three-day event, offering users real-time information, direct access to the program, and a constant flow of announcements. Simultaneously, it ensures exclusive content and special privileges, as the use of discount coupons and offers from sponsors is carried out strictly through the application. It is an evolving digital ecosystem that upgrades the overall experience of participants before, during, and after the event.

Messinia Challenge awards are the only ones in Greece where athletes are distinguished not only for their performances but primarily for their ethos and solidarity. The highlight is the annual presentation of the established “Alexandros Nikolaidis” award, in collaboration with the Hellenic Olympic Committee (HOC). The trophies are a sponsorship of the distinguished artist Grigoris Kouskouris (Spira Marble Art Gallery), who has crafted unique works of marble. 

The celebration will be hosted in the Great Hall, at the House of Events in Costa Navarino, with free entry for participants. Patrón, one of the leading super premium tequilas worldwide, creates a special cocktail experience, welcoming guests from Friday and continuing Saturday night with iconic cocktails like Patron Paloma & Patron Margarita. The experience will be elevated by the exquisite offerings of Navarino Icons, with the new series of handmade breadsticks with natural sourdough and Kalamata olives, inspired by the Messinian gastronomic tradition. In the athletic arenas, Navarino Icons will contribute to the athletes' energy with the famous traditional pasteli, made exclusively from honey, sesame, and orange, without added sugar.

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Become part of the experience and secure your place on the starting line for an unforgettable sports event in Messinia. REGISTER HERE!

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Platinum Sponsor is Miele.

Gold Sponsors are MOTODYNAMICS Group, Hellmann’s, The North Face.

Official Hospitality Sponsors are Costa Navarino and the hotels The Westin Resort Costa Navarino and The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort.

Silver Sponsors are Gruppo Cucine, JYSK, NIO member of the MOTODYNAMICS Group, KORRES, Melissa.

Premium Mobility Partner is SIXT member of the MOTODYNAMICS Group. 

Official Water is VIKOS Natural Mineral Water.

Official Airline is SKY express. 

Official Coffee Partner is Buondi Craft.

Bronze Sponsors are Dipnosofistirion Group, Solgar, Napapijri, Icebreaker, Patron. 

Sports Memorabilia Partner is Trace ‘n Chase. 

Official Running Apparel Partner is 42K Running. 

Official Logistics Partner is Pilia Express. 

Official Functional Shot Partner is Feeju. 

Partners are Messinian Nest, Municipality of Pylos - Nestor, Alpha Estate, Nexion Hellas, Hyperice, Marshall, Objects We Love. 

Official Medical Partner is City Hospital Clinic. 

Authentic Flavor Partner is Navarino Icons. 

Official Optics Partner are Kois Optics. 

Supporters are Evenly, Messinia Transfer, Physio-Treat, Spira Marble Art Gallery – Grigoris Kouskouris, Messinian Spa. 

Official Life Care Partner is REA Clinic.

Integrity Services Provider is EAGLE Sports Integrity Services.

Helpers are Knorr, Vlaha, Anatomic Line, Humanity Greece, Karalis Beach Hotel, Karalis City Hotel, Memmos Dairy, Rania’s Flower, Vita N Travel, Silk Gonos.

Premium TV Partner is SKAI. 

Premium Media Partner is Liquid Media.

Athletic Partners are F45 Barrio Salamanca, Falcons Football Academy, FitnessArt, Joint Athens, Messiniakos, Moraitis Outdoors, Moraitis Watersports, Mouratoglou Tennis Center Costa Navarino, Navarino Golf Academy, Pilates by Mandy, Red Swim Academy, Swim O’Clock, Tennis Hold’em Club, The Art of Calisthenics, Triantafyllidis Beach Arena.

The strategic design, production, and communication of the event are signed by the award-winning sports tourism company ActiveMedia Group.

#messiniachallenge #sportsunitespeople #costanavarino

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Located on the sun-drenched Athenian Riviera, Ten Twenty Club is a premier racquet and wellness destination that reimagines the classic country club for a modern, active community. Situated in Voula, just steps away from the beach, the club blends high-performance sports with holistic recovery and a vibrant social atmosphere.

Whether you're a competitive athlete or looking for a "slice of fitness heaven" to work and chill, Ten Twenty Club offers an unparalleled experience by the sea.

• Modern locker rooms & showers
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• Pro Academy programs

📍 Leof. Alkionidon 4, 16673 Voula, Athens

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Digital nomad life looks exciting from the outside, and often it is. You get the freedom to work from different cities, shape your own routine, and turn cafés, co-working spaces, airport lounges, and short-term rentals into temporary offices. But that freedom comes with its own kind of friction too.

Working remotely while constantly moving means your setup is rarely perfect. One day you are in a quiet apartment with a decent desk. Next, you are taking calls in a noisy café, trying to focus in a busy airport, or walking through a new city while listening to directions and voice notes. That is why digital nomads tend to value gear that is practical, portable, and easy to live with. The best accessories are not the ones that look futuristic. They are the ones that quietly make daily work and travel smoother.

Digital nomads deal with a particular mix of convenience and disruption. They have flexibility, but they also have to work around unfamiliar environments all the time.

Noise is one of the biggest problems. Remote workers often end up in shared spaces, cafés, hotels, airports, and co-working hubs where sound is never fully under control. That makes calls harder, concentration more fragile, and even simple listening tasks more tiring than they should be.

There is also the issue of portability. Nomads usually prefer gear that does not take up much space, create extra clutter, or add another device to charge and carry. A setup that feels manageable at home can quickly become annoying when it has to fit into a backpack and move between cities every few days.

Then there is comfort. If you spend hours wearing headphones, switching between work audio and everyday listening, your gear can start to feel like a burden. Remote workers often need something that supports both productivity and movement, without making the day feel heavier.

Audio glasses are exactly what they sound like: glasses with built-in audio technology. Instead of relying on traditional headphones or earbuds, they bring sound into something people already wear every day.

That is what makes them interesting. They do not ask you to carry another obvious piece of tech. They blend audio into a more natural part of daily life.

Some are designed mainly for entertainment or calls. Others lean more into practical listening support. In the case of Nuance audio glasses, the idea goes a bit further. The official product positions them as hearing glasses with built-in open-ear speakers, app-based settings, background-noise control, and prescription-ready or light-responsive lens options. The site also clearly frames them around work, noisy environments, and everyday wear rather than just novelty.

That matters because digital nomads usually do not need more gadgets for the sake of gadgets. They need gear that earns its place.

One of the biggest advantages is that audio glasses reduce how much separate tech you need to rely on throughout the day.

Instead of constantly reaching for earbuds, adjusting headphones, or deciding whether to wear one device for work and another for walking around, audio glasses can make things feel more streamlined. That kind of simplicity matters when your workday is already spread across different environments.

They also suit nomad life because they are more discreet. Headphones can feel bulky. Earbuds can be easy to lose, uncomfortable over long stretches, or socially awkward in some settings. Glasses feel more natural because they fit into ordinary movement. You can walk, work, listen, and stay connected without looking or feeling like you are wearing a full audio setup.

Open-ear listening is another part of the appeal. That design can make it easier to stay aware of your surroundings, which matters when you are navigating unfamiliar places, listening for travel announcements, or trying not to shut yourself off completely in public spaces. 

What makes audio glasses feel different is not just that they combine two functions. It is that they fit the rhythm of remote work better than a lot of traditional audio gear does.

Digital nomads are constantly shifting between tasks. A normal day might include writing, video calls, navigation, messaging, a walk to a café, a quick grocery stop, and some light admin while waiting for transport. The best gear supports that movement instead of forcing you to switch modes every hour.

Audio glasses can do that because they sit in the middle ground between work tools and lifestyle accessories. They are useful while working, but they also keep making sense when the laptop closes. That is a big reason they can feel like a genuine upgrade rather than an extra device.

For digital nomads who already wear glasses, the appeal is even stronger. Combining vision and audio into one piece of gear can make daily life feel lighter and less cluttered. Nuance also offers prescription-ready options, app controls, a charging case, and styles designed to look wearable rather than overly technical, which makes the idea more realistic for everyday remote workers, not just early adopters.

The future of remote work gear is probably not about carrying more. It is more likely about combining functions in ways that feel natural.

That is where audio glasses start to make real sense. Remote workers already want tools that travel well, reduce friction, and support long days without becoming tiring. Glasses that handle both vision and audio fit neatly into that direction.

As wearable tech becomes more practical and less attention-seeking, audio glasses could become especially appealing to people who move often and work from mixed environments. They suit the kind of lifestyle where portability, comfort, and subtle usefulness matter more than flashy features.

That does not mean every digital nomad needs a pair tomorrow. But it does mean the category feels more relevant now than it might have a few years ago. The more remote work becomes normal, the more people will look for tools that fit around real life rather than interrupting it.

Digital nomads do not just need stylish accessories. They need functional ones. The gear that earns a permanent place in a travel setup is usually the gear that makes daily life easier without adding more hassle.

That is why audio glasses stand out. They suit movement, reduce clutter, support listening in busy environments, and fit naturally into the kind of flexible routine remote workers already live. For people constantly balancing work, travel, and everyday life on the move, that combination is hard to ignore.

In that sense, audio glasses are not just an interesting idea. They are starting to look like the kind of accessory modern remote workers may genuinely grow into.

 

The Athens English Comedy Club is honoured and thrilled to be presenting the first ever Italian language comedy show in Greece!

Join us on Sunday, April 26th and enjoy comedians Giulia Vittoria Cavallo and Carlos Gutiérrez as they bring their comedy to Greece for the first time! 

Opening act: Dimitris Christodoulou (He is half Italian, it’s OK!) 

💪 Powered by BeComedy

Founded in 2019, the Athens English Comedy Club is the first, and only, purely English comedy club in Greece - and is now branching out to more languages!

About the comedians:

Giulia Vittoria Cavallo is an actress, singer, and comedian. She has been performing stand-up comedy since 2023 and debuted at Zelig in Milan with her first show, "Cose da non fare se vuoi stare al mondo." In 2025, she placed second at the "Cabaret Amore Mio" festival, the oldest comedy festival in Italy. She is currently touring with her new show "Vengo sempre dopo," bringing her own musical comedy format to the stage, and actively collaborating with BeComedy UK.

The first Colombian to record for Comedy Central Italia. Champion of the Comedy Battle at the Canile Drammatico festival (Parma, May 2025). Semifinalist for the Massimo Troisi Award for Best Italian Comedian (Naples, June 2025) and the La Cicala d’Oro stand-up competition (Bologna, August 2025). He regrets being a political scientist, even though he doesn't really know what a political scientist does. In his comedy, he reflects on being an immigrant from a country famous for the wrong reasons, a perspective that allows him to craft a comedy that blends dark humor and self-irony with observations that range from Tuscan bread to Latin American music (never heard in Latin America).

https://www.xpatathens.com/administrator/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item#k2TabImage

Find Giulia and Carlos online!

Giulia

Carlos

Now in its 7th season, the Athens English Comedy Club has hosted lineup shows, solo shows, open mics, online competitions, and comedy workshops, with *160* local and international comedians from *39 countries*.

*This show is in Italian*

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Date: Sunday, April 26th 

Time: 21:00 (Doors open 20:30)

Tickets:
Early-bird €15 | General admission €20 | At the door €25

Duration: 1h30

Recommended for ages 16+

Address: ELIART Theater - Konstantinoupoleos 127 (closest to Kerameikos and Metaxourgeio metro stations).

The theatre is wheelchair accessible.

Info: 6987994689 // athensenglishcomedyclub@gmail.com 

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
📩 Sign up to our newsletter for direct-to-email updates and exclusive ticket offers!

Adorable Greek Shepherd (Tsopanoskilo) mix puppies ready for adoption. They are a beautiful mix of white-beige and have wonderful, friendly personalities.

All puppies are healthy and ready for their new families.

These pups are going to be loyal companions! If you're looking for a fluffy new addition to your family, we’d love to hear from you.

📞 For more information, please call Dimitra at +30 6930737119.

The CineDoc 2025-26 Documentary Festival concludes on Thursday, April 30, with the presentation of the E.K.K.O.ME.D. Audience Awards and the screening of the documentary Dust to Dust at the Danaos Cinema. The awards are sponsored by the Hellenic Center for Motion Pictures, Audiovisual Media, and Creation (E.K.K.O.ME.D.) - Creative Greece, and the event will be held in the presence of Athena Kartalou, General Director of Cinema at E.K.K.O.ME.D.

The films nominated for the Audience Award are: Takis. by Michalis Roumbis, The Goals of August by Dimitris Koutsiabasakos, LO by Thanasis Vasiliou, The Red Teacher by Stelios Charalampopoulos, and Bull's Heart by Eva Stefani. Supported by Creative Greece, this year’s festival draws to a close after eight months of screenings in Athens, Volos, Larissa, Thessaloniki, and Rethymno, featuring premieres, VR screenings, and tributes across its network.

Following the Closing Ceremony, the documentary Dust to Dust by Kosai Sekine will be screened, focusing on sustainable fashion and the work of Japanese designer Yuima Nakazato. The film is a national premiere and has received international accolades, including the Green Warsaw Award (Millennium Docs Against Gravity 2025) and the Human/Nature Award (Tribeca Film Festival 2024).

DUST TO DUST by Kosai Sekine (2024, Japan, 89’)

CLOSING FILM - 30/04/2026 | Arrival: 19:30 - Start: 20:00

The screening will be introduced by Christiana Vardakou (Textile Designer) and Iro Tsarampopoulou-Fokianou (Oceans Campaigner, Greenpeace Greece). A reception by the Open Farm producers' network will follow in the cinema foyer.

Tickets: Available online and at the DANAOS cinema box office: danaoscinema.gr

Synopsis

Yuima Nakazato is only the second Japanese designer invited to Paris Fashion Week and the youngest graduate of the Antwerp Royal Academy of Fine Arts. A pioneer of sustainable fashion, Nakazato blends haute couture with ethical production. His vision? A future where creativity is inseparable from environmental care. Dust to Dust follows his journey to Kenya to understand the impact of fast fashion, resulting in a 2023 collection made entirely from landfill waste.

Nominated Films & E.K.K.O.ME.D. Audience Awards

For the 2025-26 season, CineDoc partnered with the Votemo platform to establish local Audience Awards in Athens, Volos, and Rethymno.

TAKIS.

Michalis Roumbis, 2025, Greece, 63’ 

Takis, a former disco owner, dedicates his life to saving strays in Crete. Hosting over 400 dogs in his shelter, the film showcases his daily struggles to change local mindsets while gaining global support.

Nominated in: Athens, Volos, Rethymno.

THE GOALS OF AUGUST (TA TERMATA TOU AVGOUSTOU)

Dimitris Koutsiabasakos, 2025, Greece, 117’ 

Every August, an improvised football championship revives small villages in southern Pindos. Through the journey of the "Armatolikon" team, the film captures the vibrant local community and personal stories of all ages. 

Nominated in: Athens, Volos.

LO

Thanasis Vasiliou, 2025, Greece – France, 70’ 

A year after his mother’s death, the director returns to his childhood apartment in Athens to manage a troubled inheritance. Fragments of family memories emerge from the bare walls, intertwining personal history with the collective trauma of the Junta. 

Nominated in: Athens, Volos, Rethymno.

THE RED TEACHER

Stelios Charalampopoulos, 2024, Greece, 100’ 

Two political trials and executions left an indelible mark on post-civil war Greece: those of Nikos Beloyannis and Nikos Ploumpidis. Ploumpidis died alone, slandered and disgraced. This film explores his Promethean tragedy. 

Nominated in: Volos.

BULL'S HEART

Eva Stefani, 2025, Greece, 78’ 

Eva Stefani follows world-renowned creator Dimitris Papaioannou over two years during the tour of Transverse Orientation. The documentary explores the nature of creation, asking "Why do we do what we do?", highlighting art as a means of resistance against futility. 

Nominated in: Athens, Volos, Rethymno.

About CINEDOC

CineDoc screens and distributes award-winning Greek and international documentaries. Screenings are organized as part of the CineDoc Documentary Festival, in collaboration with:

• Danaos Cinema and Anesis Open-Air Cinema

• The French Institute and the Greek Film Archive (Tainiothiki)

• CineDoc Volos, under the auspices of the Municipality of Volos and with the support of the Region of Thessaly (P.E. Magnesia & N. Sporades)

• The Municipality of Larissa

• The Thessaloniki International Film Festival ("Pavlos Zannas" and "Stavros Tornes" theaters)

• The "Simeio" Cultural Center in Rethymno

The festival takes place annually from September to April across the main CineDoc network, presenting new films approximately once a month. The sponsor of the CineDoc 2025-2026 Documentary Festival is the Hellenic Center for Motion Pictures, Audiovisual Media, and Creation (E.K.K.O.ME.D.) - Creative Greece.

Furthermore, CineDoc continuously expands its distribution network by organizing documentary screenings both on the Greek islands (Cyclades, Sporades, Ionian, and Dodecanese through CineDoc Island) and throughout mainland Greece. Every year, it co-organizes and supports regional documentary screenings in collaboration with cultural and environmental organizations, film clubs, counseling centers, foundations, cinemas, municipalities, and more. 

Theatre of the NO hosts Ross Daly and his Quartet on Saturday, April 25 at 21:30 for a unique musical evening that bridges the past and present of global musical traditions. Ross Daly, one of the most iconic figures on the international music scene, will present a program that masterfully blends tradition, improvisation, and contemporary musical expression.

On stage, four accomplished musicians come together: Ross Daly (lyra, tarhu, rabab), Kelly Thoma (lyra), Thomas Meleteas (oud), and Maro Panagi (percussion). Together, they create a program of contemporary modal compositions inspired by the musical traditions of the Eastern Mediterranean, Central Asia, and beyond. Their music fosters a lively dialogue between the local and the universal, connecting traditional forms with modern interpretation.

Born in England to Irish parents, Ross Daly began his musical journey with the cello and guitar before turning to the music of the East, with a particular focus on Indian classical traditions. In 1975, he moved to Crete, where he studied the Cretan lyra with Kostas Mountakis and traveled extensively to Turkey and Afghanistan, deepening his understanding of traditional musical forms and instruments.

A virtuoso of many instruments, Daly has collaborated with prominent international musicians, moving fluidly between Eastern musical traditions and contemporary improvisation. His repertoire includes the Cretan lyra, rabab, laouto, Byzantine lyra, sarangi, oud, saz, and tambour.

As a composer and teacher, Daly is renowned for creating multi-layered sonic landscapes and cultivating a deeply human connection with his collaborators, offering audiences an authentic musical experience. Through the Music Workshop “Labyrinth” that he founded and directs in Crete, he has transformed the island into an international hub for artistic exchange, hosting musicians from around the world and fostering dialogue between traditions.

His music is strongly influenced by Sufi philosophy, emphasizing the spiritual dimension of sound and its transformative power for both performer and listener. Moving beyond conventional labels like “world music” or “ethnic,” Daly offers a deeply immersive, almost ritualistic experience.

Following the particularly positive response sparked by its announcement, Porto Carras Athlos moves into its next phase, outlining the activities that will transform the iconic Porto Carras Grand Resort into the ultimate sports tourism and wellness destination in Northern Greece. From May 29th to June 1st, 2026, the "athlos" of personal transcendence takes shape through a schedule featuring over 10 activities and 5 Olympic sports, offering a holistic experience of movement and rejuvenation.

On Saturday, May 30th, participants face off in the swimming routes of Skylias Open Water, in an event that pays tribute to Skyllias from Scione, the greatest diver of antiquity. As Herodotus reports, Skyllias was the man who managed the impossible, swimming a massive distance to Artemision to warn the Greeks about the movements of the Persian fleet, staying in history for his endurance and courage. In the crystal-clear and Blue Flag-awarded beaches, athletes are called to live their own experience of freedom at the distances of 1km, 3km, and 5km, connecting their effort with this ancient myth and the unparalleled natural landscape of the area.

Registrations are available through platform more.com. 

Sunday, May 31st belongs to the runners, with the Giant Run Series drawing its inspiration from the mythical Gigantomachy (Battle of the Giants) that took place on the soil of Halkidiki. Participants do not simply follow a route, but they tread upon the land where, according to legend, the Giants clashed with the Gods of Olympus, giving their name to the peninsula. The routes for the Half Marathon (21.1km), 10km, and 5km unfold through the iconic vineyards and pine forests of Domaine Porto Carras, offering a rare experience amidst lush vegetation and the blue of the sea. Focus on the next generation is a priority, with 1km children's races for ages 0-9 and 10-14 offered free of charge.

Registrations are available through more.com platform, bringing their own pulse to the event.

In the heart of the four-day event, Beach Volley emerges as a dominant activity. Under the guidance of Olympian and European Champion Efi Sfyri, one of the most significant figures in Greek beach volley with numerous distinctions in international and national championships, the Resort’s new courts will be inaugurated with specialized camps, training sessions, and tournaments in King of the Court, Men, and Women categories. The action on the sand culminates on Monday, June 1st, with the spectacular Mixed Tournament supported by Enso Sports Club, offering the ideal closing to an event full of intensity, competition, and athletic energy. 

Registrations are available through platform more.com.

Tennis action at Porto Carras Athlos will be hosted on the resort’s top-tier tennis courts, offering a unique competitive experience in a stunning seaside environment. The program will include Tennis Tournament Mixed Doubles (8–12 teams) as well as Men’s Singles, providing the opportunity for athletes of various levels to participate. 

Registrations via more.com.

Porto Carras Athlos redefines sports tourism as a complete lifestyle event, with its program being finalized gradually through new additions that embrace every aspect of well-being. The experience of movement extends beyond the races, with daily Yoga, Pilates, and Calisthenics sessions held by the shore, offering the ultimate balance. Special care has been taken for the family and the young stars of the event, who can participate in specialized Baby Swimming Sessions and Football Clinics, while the safety and recovery of all participants are actively supported by an experienced team of physiotherapists located at the heart of the event. The program will also include beach soccer on the Porto Carras beach, next to the deep blue waters of the Aegean, as well as crossfit training sessions.

The path to your own “athlos” is open, as registrations for all running and swimming routes are held exclusively through platform more.com.

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Participation in Porto Carras Athlos is completed with a stay in the heart of the activities at the iconic Porto Carras Meliton Hotel, managed by SWOT Hospitality for the second consecutive year. For the Holy Spirit holiday weekend, special preferential packages are available starting from €230 for a double room per night, including half-board at the “Athos” restaurant and free participation in side wellness activities such as Yoga, Pilates, and Calisthenics. Interested parties can choose between rooms and suites with sea or marina views, ensuring a holistic hospitality experience with a minimum stay of two nights.

Reservations are made through the official website of the event HERE!

Porto Carras Grand Resort is the historic iconic resort that has contributed significantly to the establishment of luxury tourism in Greece, especially in Halkidiki. For 50 years, it has been offering high-level services and authentic Greek hospitality to its guests in an environment of unparalleled beauty and intense contrasts. 

Located alongside a sandy coastline of 9 kilometers and surrounded by a verdant area of 18,000 acres, with gardens under the shade of pine trees dressing the slopes of Mount Meliton. Its facilities include an 18-hole golf course, the biggest organic vineyard in Greece, a spa and wellness center, restaurants with high-level gastronomy, a casino and a marina that provides integrated services. In addition, a wide range of sports and cultural activities on land and sea are available to visitors of all ages. 

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