The top sports tourism fest is fast approaching on October 13-15.

The official presentation of “Navarino Challenge” took place on September 27th – World Tourism Day, announcing the event’s highlights. The 5th annual sports tourism fest will take place on October 13- 15 2017, in Messinia and Costa Navarino.

The press conference was hosted at the Wyndham Grand Athens hotel, and was attended by distinguished guests, including among others, the Greek American ultramarathon runner Dean Karnazes, who participates at the event as its ambassador in Greece and abroad for the 5th consecutive time, the Olympic and World Champion in 400m. hurdles, Periklis Iakovakis and the physical education instructor specialized in pilates, Mandy Persaki. One of the day’s highlights was the exclusive presentation of the “Navarino Challenge 2016” video.

On behalf of Costa Navarino, Marina Papatsoni, Marketing & Business Development Director at TEMES, mentioned: “When we conceived the idea of Navarino Challenge in 2011, we didn’t think that we have achieved as much as we have today. It is one of those cases where we succeeded in doing much more than we would have dreamed of! Navarino Challenge is a great celebration, where athletes and organizers come together, have a good time, learn to love nature, sports, good nutrition, and eventually learn how to live better. We look forward to seeing you all in Costa Navarino to share once again, unique moments and experiences”.

Akis Tsolis, Chief Executive Officer of Active Media Group, said: “As the United Nations General Assembly affirmed when announcing 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, tourism can contribute to all the three dimensions of sustainable development – economic, social and environmental – and each of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. All these goals have brought Navarino Challenge at the top of Sports Tourism Events. With principles based on the Olympic ideal and "fair play", from the first year in 2013 the event generated innovation and had a key role among sports tourism events. Once you participate in Navarino Challenge you will understand the essence of the famous Greek hospitality. The athletes that participate all comment how friendly and inviting the Messinians are. We owe huge gratitude to the people of the region and Costa Navarino for all they have done to make Navarino Challenge a success. We want the next generation of Greeks to feel and act differently about exercise, the environment and personal responsibility. We want to be part of creating a better Greece”.

On the official airline partner side, Theresa Cissell, Country Manager for Greece & Cyprus, of Qatar Airways, mentioned: “Qatar Airways, the national carrier of the State of Qatar, is celebrating 20 years of Going Places Together with travelers across its more than 150 business and leisure destinations. Qatar Airways is named “Airline of the Year” for 2017. Qatar Airways proudly supports a range of exciting international and local initiatives dedicated to enriching the global community that it serves. Qatar Airways, the official FIFA partner, is the official sponsor of many top-level sporting events, including Navarino Challenge, reflecting the values of sports as a key element in bringing people together. Navarino Challenge is a unique event that aims to raise awareness about the benefits of healthy living and exercise as well as the issue of childhood obesity, and through its numerous activities promotes the spirit of sportsmanship and fair play. Qatar Airways sponsorship strategy is aligned with the Qatar Vision 2030 and is based on three core pillars of Sports, Culture and Education, and for 3 consecutive years we are proud to fulfil our vision through Navarino Challenge and its ambassadors”.

On behalf of Sportingbet, Giannis Kapodistrias, stated: “In the last few years we watched Navarino Challenge as spectators with great admiration. It is such a pleasure for us that this year we sponsor this event. Of course, we will actively participate with our team in most sports. We are also looking forward to offering a warm welcome and a happy start to the full-of-surprises party that we organize at Costa Navarino for all participants on Friday night. We wish every success to Navarino Challenge 2017”.

On the side of the natural mineral water sponsor “Vikos”, Natassa Krentz, Marketing & Communications Manager of VIKOS SA, said: “VIKOS SA has lived for many years constantly next to sports, supporting the top sporting events organized in all lengths and widths of the country. We embrace and support events that include the values and athletic ideal that characterizes our company and governs our strategy. We promote in a multidimensional way the athletic activity and the spirit of good sportsmanship, in high level events with great appeal and infiltration to the general public, in all ages, ordinary citizens and athletes, supporting local sports clubs and a number of sporting events and activities throughout Greece. In this spirit the active support of Vikos is included in another Navarino Challenge for the 5th consecutive year, the top event of sports tourism in Greece, taking place in the enchanting and rich in history landscape of Messinia, at Costa Navarino. The Natural Mineral Water “Vikos”, the first bottled water in Greece, will provide the necessary hydration and stimulation to athletes of all ages and activities thanks to its rich mineral composition. Natural Mineral Water “Vikos” is bottled directly in the homonymous source, in the pristine and protected Zagorohoria, and has been recognized as Natural Mineral Water suitable for low-sodium diet, low salt and high in calcium, contributing to the good functioning of the organism. “Vikos” natural mineral refreshments will cool young and older people with their 8 unique flavors, while they are the only ones with Natural Mineral Water and natural fruit juices”.

Petri Logara, Ford Motor Hellas Operations Manager, also commented: “Ford Motor Hellas has the pleasure of participating for the fourth consecutive year, as a transportation sponsor, in one of the most important sporting and tourism events of our country, which promotes “fair play”, Navarino Challenge! In one of the most beautiful places in Greece, in the picturesque Messinia, young and older people will have the opportunity to experience the joy and well-being of sports through many different activities as well as to relax and rest at Costa Navarino. Ambassadors in their efforts will be the Greek American ultramarathon Dean Karnazes and the Olympic medalist of Tae Kwon Do Alexandros Nikolaidis. We wish a great success to the event and fun for everyone!”

The Greek-American ultramarathon Dean Karnazes stated, among other things: “Five years ago Peter Poulos and Akis Tsolis came to me with an idea. So they asked me ‘what do you think’ and I told them it is a good idea but it is a very progressive idea. You are ahead of your time. Last month Sir Richard Branson came to me and he said I have an idea for an event. He said “I want it to be for athletes of all ages & abilities. I want to offer more than just running”. So he said “What do you think?” and I said “You are 5 years too late!”. What is happening here, I think is fantastic, and I say that having run in many such events in various places around the world, I am proud to be an ambassador to this particular event”.

The new schedule of the multi-awarded event includes 17 activities, and registrations for “Navarino Challenge” in running, swimming and SUP continue for a few more days. For your registration please complete the form HERE! 

The detailed program with all activities is available HERE!

Kinder + SPORT, Ferrero’s Corporate Social Responsibility Program, will be supporting this year's “Navarino Challenge” as part of the effort to boost physical activity in young children. In particular, as an official promoter of the Navarino Challenge, it embraces the Kids’ Athletics by Kinder + SPORT activity, bringing the children into contact with the track and field events, with Ambassador the Olympic and World Champion at 400m. hurdles, Periklis Iakovakis. In addition, the range of activities for children includes Tae Kwon Dowhereby through the “voice” of the Olympic medalist Alexandros Nikolaidis, Kinder + SPORT will encourage children to have fun through sports and to engage in an active lifestyle, finding and practicing the sport they love.

The official airline partner of the event, Qatar Airways, continues to attract visitors from more than 150 destinations worldwide, offering discount up to 25% off their return tickets for the “Navarino Challenge”: http://www.qatarairways.com/gr/el/cugs/navarinochallenge.page

Sportingbet, one of the leading online gaming companies in the world, is participating this year as an official sponsor, while Samsung as an official technology partner.

Athletes taking part will have the opportunity to quench their thirst with the natural mineral water “Vikos” that contributes to the good body’s good function during sports. At the same time for the fourth consecutive year, athletes and organizers will move with the safety and efficient engines of Ford Motor Hellas, the official sponsor of Navarino Challenge.

National Geographic part of FOX Networks Group Greece is a strategic partner of the event for one more year, while with its numerous team it will have a dynamic presence in all sports activities!

Melissa pasta will be the official nutrition supporter for the first time. Melissa will be in Messinia and Costa Navarino on the occasion of Navarino Challenge with its new food truck, “Melissa On the road” and favorite food blogger Mamatsita will treat all participants in the Melissa Pasta Party, where she will create special autumn recipes with Melissa whole wheat penne, farfalle and fusilli. Because in sports we are also fans of pasta!

Official supporters include BIC®, BIC® Sport, GoPro, Wyndham Grand Athens, Poseidonia, Surf Salad and the sports nutrition company QNT

Navarino Challenge” will be held under the Auspices of the Greek National Tourism Organization with the co-organization of Costa Navarino, The Westin Resort Costa Navarino and Active Media Group and the support of the Municipalities of Pylos-Nestor and Trifilia. The sport of boccia will be held under the auspices of the Hellenic Paralympic Committee.

Official Airline Partner: Qatar Airways

Official Technology Partner: Samsung

Official Sponsors: Sportingbet, Natural Mineral Water “Vikos”, Ford Motor Hellas

Official Nutrition Supporter: Melissa

Official Supporters: Kinder + SPORT, BIC®, BIC® Sport, GoPro, Wyndham Grand Athens, Poseidonia, Surf Salad, QNT

Strategic Partner: National Geographic

Assisted by: Inbi, Navarino Outdoors, Swim Academy, Navarino Racquet Academy, Health Runners Club of Messinia, Pylos Association of Enterprises for Tourism Development, Maritime Athletic Pylos Association “Nestor”, Explore Messinia, Navarino Golf Academy, Hellenic Athletics Federation (SEGAS), IAAF Kids Athletics, Vizantinos target sport club, Target Security

Under the auspices of the Greek National Tourism Organization

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Hashtags: #navarinochallenge #costanavarino #eatwell #runwell #livewell

The Temple of Olympian Zeus, also known as the Columns of Olympian Zeus, in central Athens, will soon undergo restoration works, aiming to support its structure.

Located between the Acropolis and the Ardittos hill in the heart of the capital, the temple was dedicated to Olympian Zeus. Construction began in the 6th century BC but was completed some 600 years later, during the reign of the Roman Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century AD.

The Central Archaeological Council (KAS) has approved the studies for the monument’s restoration and maintenance, which were compiled taking into consideration its construction features and history, in order to prevent any alterations to its authenticity.

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

Air Mediterranean has recently announced the launch of seven new international flights out of Athens that will be flying to, London, Stockholm, Jeddah, Casablanca, Khartoum and Iraq (Baghdad and Erbil), starting November 1, 2017.

Ticket prices for all European destinations will start from 85 euros, including airport taxes and other fees.

To read this article in full, please visit: Greek Reporter

Photo Credit: Air Mediterranean

Just recently, the Leading Culture Destinations Awards (LCDA) announced that Athens won as the ‘Best Emerging Culture City of the Year’ for 2017!

The award scheme, also known as the “Oscars for Museums”, celebrates the vibrancy and vitality of museums and institutions around the world, which are constantly evolving.

The Greek capital city won the award for Best Emerging Culture City in recognition that it managed to support culture and tourism with its strategic choices, despite the ongoing economic crisis in the country.

The award was received by Athens Mayor Giorgos Kaminis in London.

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

 

Additionally, check out the below video from This Is Athens! This is Athens for Culture Seekers:

 

"Right at the junction between East and West, the birthplace of democracy, philosophy and drama, is nowadays a restless contemporary hub, mixing, matching and unfolding in a series of never ending stories." #ThisisAthens

For more videos, please visit: This Is Athens

While Autumn weather kicks into high gear, start protecting yourself from the seasonal colds and flu with these Greek-style remedies.

Hearty, simple and extra comforting, this Greek lemon chicken soup is with no doubt the perfect dish for a cold winter's day! Kotosoupa Avgolemono is a classic delicacy made basically with chicken, which is boiled until tender, rice and finished off with a delicious egg-lemon sauce added to the chicken broth. This is the authentic recipe for Greek lemon chicken soup, a trademark dish that has nourished generations.

The ancient Greeks consumed a drink called tsipouro (or Raki), which was made from the leftover mash of wine-making. They added a little cinnamon and honey to create a remedy that eased cold symptoms.Patients were said to enjoy a clearer head and reduced symptoms.

This plant is a natural expectorant used to ease the discomfort of coughs. In ancient Greece, fennel tea was brewed for the treatment of muscle and joint pain.

To read this article in full, please visit: Neos Kosmos

Turkey’s transport ministry said on Monday it was banning travel to Greece on yachts, sailboats and ferries after Greek authorities seized 11 vessels among them four yachts headed for Kos and Rhodes, as well as a freighter off the port of Kalamaki for violating maritime regulation.

All Turkish-flagged commercial yachts (starting September 25) and passenger ships (as of October 12) are banned from traveling to Greek destinations, the Turkish transport ministry said in a September 25 statement citing the Paris Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control (Paris MoU) inspections.

“As of today we have stopped the sailing of commercial yachts to Greece. The fact that Greece started to inspect and seize such small commercial vessels, shorter than 24 meters, by claiming they did not comply with the rules, has put at risk Turkey’s status as a ‘white flag’ country. This is unacceptable,” Turkey’s transport minister, Ahmet Arslan, said as reported by Turkish daily Hurriyet.

“We have also warned our correspondents and sent our experts there. If Greece changes this exception, our commercial yachts will travel to Greek islands and contribute to trade. But we will not allow those vessels to sail as long as Greece maintains its attitude regarding this rule,” he said, adding that he would discuss the issue with his Greek counterpart on October 12 while on an official visit to Athens.

In the meantime, companies offering Greek island tours have said they would stop operations as of October 12 while the head of the Bodrum Sailors Association, Mustafa Demiröz, said the issue should be resolved through dialogue.

Continue reading reading this article on Greek Travel Pages.

The 5^th Petit Paris d' Athènes once again is going to host musical performances, art and photo galleries, street art, theater, street performances, colloquiums, “tables rondes” and “rendez vous sociaux”, educational activities, petanque and chess. This year, the festival is co-organized by the Athens ArtNetwork, the City of Athens Organization of Culture, Sports and Youth and the Region of Attica, under the auspices and support of the Ministry of Culture and Sports as well as with the support of the French embassy, the French Institute of Greece and the Hellenic Railways Organisation.

This year’s central axis is «Women in Europe» («La femme en Europe»).

One of the most troubling issues of our time is the role of women in Europe’s present and future society. The turbulent climate nurtured by the economic and social crisis is threatening to derail a previously well-established course in which women have been taking agency in all aspects of public life. Once again, the duty befalls on art to light the way being the mean for freedom of thought and speech through the ages. Any woman born in, or arriving at Europe has the right to create and express herself, perhaps more in here than anywhere else. We invite men and women alike to «defend» that right by producing art centered around our year’s theme.

The festival will take place from the 5^th to the 15^th of October 2017, in the area included inside Omonoia Square, Vathis Square, Karaiskaki Square, Larissa station and Peloponissos station. Most roads in this region have French names due to a long history of foreign traditions merging with Greek ones through visiting travelers and immigrants. Since its conception it was meant to fill one of the most badly treated regions of Athens with culture and art, by which process it quickly became a widely celebrated multi-festival. Over 500 artists from all over the world participate in 40 carefully selected spots (theaters, consevatoires, schools,galleries,bistro,hotels,parks,squares,buildings of historical import).

The first Petit Paris in 2013 was dedicated to Albert Camus and the 100^th anniversary of his birth. In 2014, it was dedicated to the Belle époque and the start of World War I. In 2015 the theme was “The culture of Café and Bistros” («Bistrot et Café Culture») with a special tribute to rive gauche. Last year our theme was «Team Spirit and Arts» («L' esprit d' Équipe et les Arts»). For the year 2017 the theme for Petit Paris d' Athènes  is going to be “Women in Europe”.

The season of Autumn is the perfect time of year to visit vineyards in Greece and taste the unique and flavourful wine selections. Why Athens takes us around Athens and Attica to some of the best wineries in the area!

“Many may not know that Athens is surrounded by small historical vineyards that are dotted around the city’s landscape, which you can see from an aeroplane as close to the airport itself. Dionysus god of wine and fertility was worshipped and celebrated in ancient times and is said to have given the knowledge of viticulture to Icarius of Athens, more than 3,000 years ago. The Attica region has been cultivated ever since and flourished during Byzantine times and through the reign of the Ottomans.”

“Today, Attica is the largest wine region in Greece with 16,000 acres of vineyards. Many of the wineries can be reached within a 30 minute drive from the centre of Athens.”

“Two years ago, Wines of Athens was established in an effort for wineries in the region to collectively promote the vineyards and merits of wines in Attica. A dynamic and diverse team of wineries make up the initiative, including Papagiannakos, Mylonas, Anastasia Frangos, Markou Vineyards and Kokotou Estate. They all produce top quality savatiano wines along with other varieties.”

To read this article in full, please visit: Why Athens

Archaeologists unearthed one of the largest carved tombs ever found in Greece, in Orchomenos, about 100 km northwest of Greek capital of Athens.

Dated back to the middle of the 14th century B.C., it is the ninth-largest chamber tomb out of roughly 4,000 excavated in the last 150 years.

Greece’s Culture Ministry says the 3,350-year-old chamber belonged to a man who was between 40 to 50 years old when he died.

The nobleman’s tomb contained pottery vessels sheathed in tin, bronze horse bits, jewellery, bow fittings and arrowheads.

To read this article in full, please visit: Greek Reporter

While wine will always be popular in Greece, recent market trends suggests specialty beer from Greek microbreweries is making its presence known and more and more people are opting for a beer. Ekathimerini reports how Greek microbreweries and beer have gained popularity locally and abroad.

Greece’s microbrewing industry has grown markedly in recent years. In 2009 there were six microbrewers in the country. Now that number has risen to 35. Despite this increase, Greece is still considered an underdeveloped market in terms of microbreweries, with plenty of room for growth. According to the Hellenic Association of Brewers, there are now 1,000 microbreweries in Italy, 300 in Belgium, 500 in the Netherlands and more than 2,000 in the UK.

“There has been an increase in beers from Greek microbreweries due to higher demand from consumers. As a result, more Greek ales can be found on the market these days,” says Sofoklis Panagiotou, vice president of the Hellenic Association of Brewers. “There’s higher demand for flavors from Greece from foreign tourists while Greek consumers are always on the lookout for better beer made in the country and want to help small domestic producers,” he adds.

To read this article in full, please visit: Ekathimerini