LIFE & CULTURE
XpatAthens
Monday, 15 February 2016 07:00
Tegea Archaeological Museum Nominated For European Museum Of The Year Award
Greece’s Culture Ministry and the Arcadia Antiquities Ephorate announced that the Tegea Archaeological Museum has been nominated as a candidate for the European Museum of the Year Award (EMYA) in 2016.
The museum was included in a list of candidates posted on the website of the European Museum Forum (EMF), which organizes the competition. The winning museum will be announced at a ceremony to be held from April 6-9 at Tolosa and San Sebastian in Spain.
The Tegea Archaeological Museum’s dossier was put together in spring 2015 and submitted to the EMF with the support of the Stasinopoulos-Viohalco Public Benefit Foundation. The museum is situated in the traditional settlement of Alea in Tripoli, Peloponnese, and was one of the first public museums of the independent Greek state, founded in 1907.
To read more, please visit: Greek Reporter
Published in
Greece In The News
Tagged under
Wednesday, 10 February 2016 07:00
Travel Massive: A Unique Event Dedicated To Greece
In Love with Greece! Travel Massive's Athens event is taking place on Friday 12 February 2016 at 18:00 at the Hard Rock Cafe Athens, Adrianou 52 Str.
Two days before the celebration of love, with the support of Content Traveller and Hard Rock Cafe Athens, you are invited to a special Travel Massive Athens Event in order to get together and share our love for the city we live in and the country we love: Greece.
All our travel industry friends are welcome to meet, exchange ideas and positive vibes!
We are excited to announce our special guests for the evening:
Panagiotis Filippou awarded filmmaker of “Greek Skies”
Gold Award | Los Angeles International Film Festival
TripInView | World’s 1st Visual Travel Website
Hard Rock Cafe Athens is the perfect place to be for this great event that will be full of lovely surprises! "Love All, Serve All" is its motto! Right under the Acropolis at its wonderful 1st floor open space with a welcome drink in hand. You just can't miss it!
Share your love for travel...Rock your world for Greece!
Follow hashtags: #ThisIsHardRock #travelmassiveathens
For more information, please contact Villy Magnolia by email at E.villy.manolia@gmail.com
Published in
Local News
Tagged under
Tuesday, 09 February 2016 15:11
Simon Reeve: I Could Happily Live In Greece
Greece has hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons recently but that hasn’t deterred seasoned adventurer Simon Reeve, who’s made it the focus of his new BBC2 series. When asked whether he’d recommend booking a holiday there – his answer was an emphatic “Oh goodness, yes!”
So why Greece?
I’m a huge fan of Greece: the landscape, the beaches, the food, the way of life. It’s a much more interesting country than people realise – we just think of it as having ancient history and being a place for beach holidays.
Are you a regular visitor?
Yes, I’ve been there on holiday any number of times. My wife speaks Greek and is a bit besotted with it, so she drags me there endlessly and I love it.
It’s been in the news a lot because of the economic crisis, the migrant crisis… Would your advice be to go there nonetheless?
Oh goodness, yes! Absolutely, definitely. Whatever your viewpoint on the situation – whether you think: “Oh look, I can get a cheap holiday there”. Yes, you can. Or whether you think: “Oh, I’m worried about whether I’ll be able to get money out of the cashpoint”. Yes, I’m sure you will. The Greeks are incredibly hospitable. This is just a moment of crisis in the history of a land that dates back thousands of years.
What do you like about their way of life?
That goes to the heart of what we love about Greece and Greeks – and also contributes to the [economic] situation that they’re in. Greeks really do live for the moment. They’re a very proud and passionate people who are keen to enjoy life, to spend time with friends and family. They’re not wage-slaves. I find that incredibly appealing because I’m not great at that. I’m more of a long-term planner – that northern European mentality – and that can be a bit boring.
So if you had to choose between being born in Germany or Greece?
Greece any day. It’s a way of life that is appealing, intoxicating. It’s a country that I’ve often thought about living in. I’m a very proud Brit but I could happily live in Greece.
So where would you recommend?
The Vikos mountains up in the forested, mountainous north are absolutely stunning. They look like the Canadian Rockies in the sunshine. One of the great natural sights of Europe is up there: the Vikos Gorge, which is the deepest gorge in the world. It is a truly spectacular sight – incredibly rewarding for anybody who treks to the edge to look out from the limestone cliffs 1,000ft above the river below.
Where else?
I was blown away by Crete. A lot of people just stick to the resorts on the coast but go up into the mountains as well and learn a bit about Crete’s history – how valiantly they fought against the Germans during the Second World War – and meet some of the larger-than-life characters.
To read this interview in full, please visit: Apokoronas News
Published in
People
Tagged under
Thursday, 11 February 2016 07:00
The Muses Of Greek Mythology
According to Greek Mythology, artists have a Muse who whispers inspiration into their ears. Without the Muse, the artist wouldn’t be able to create. The Muse is said to help writers, musicians, painters, sculptors, and other creative people. Without the Muse, inspiration wouldn’t exist.
Today, “Muse” is simply a synonym for the word “inspiration”. To the Ancient Greeks, however, it was more than that. In Greek mythology, the 9 Muses were the goddesses of the arts, sciences, and literature.
The Origin Of The Muses
The 9 Muses were the daughters of Zeus, the King of the Gods, and Mnemosyne, the Titan goddess of memory. Zeus tricked Mnemosyne by disguising himself as a shepherd. In one version, they lay together for nine nights. Each night, a different Muse was conceived. In some versions, there were only three Muses.In this instance, Mnemosyne and Zeus were together only three nights. According to the poetry of Sappho, there was a tenth Muse. Historians argue as to why there was such a variation in the number of Muses.
Who They Were
Each of the 9 Muses represented different aspects of intellect, thought, and creativity. They were also associated with a certain tool. Here is an overview of who they were and what they represented, according to Hesiod.
1. Calliope was the Muse of epic poetry. She is usually depicted holding a writing tablet
2. Clio was the Muse of history. She is always associated with holding a scroll, or a book
3. Eurerpe was the Muse of music. Usually she is depicted playing an aulos (double flute)
4. Thalia was the Muse of comedy. She is usually portrayed holding a comic mask in her hand
5. Melopomene was the Muse of tragedy. She is usually depicted holding a tragic mask
6. Terpsichore was the Muse of dance. Usually she is depicted holding a lyre
7. Erato was the Muse of love poetry. She is usually depicted wearing a wreath and holding a kithara (lyre)
8. Polyhumnia was the muse of sacred poetry. She is usually depicted wearling a long cloak
9. Urania was the Muse of astonomy. Most of the times she is depicted holding a celestial globe
To read more, please visit: Greek Boston
Published in
Greek Language & Culture
Tagged under
Thursday, 11 February 2016 07:00
Greek Hotels Are Named Among World's And Europe's Best In 2016 By TripAdvisor
TripAdvisor travelers worldwide have placed two Greek hotels on the list of the world’s 25 top hotels for 2016, according to the latest Travelers’ Choice awards announced by the travel site on Wednesday. The Achtis Hotel located in Afitos, Kassandra, made the top 10 and ranked fifth on the list and the Canaves Oia Hotel in Oia on Santorini ranked 12th.
But that’s not all. Travellers have placed several Greek hotels on TripAdvisor’s 2016 lists for top accommodations in the world and Europe including Bargains, B&Bs and Inns, Luxury, Service and Small Hotels.
Travelers’ Choice award winners were determined based on the millions of reviews and opinions collected in a single year from TripAdvisor travelers worldwide. Now in its 14th year, the Travelers’ Choice awards have recognized more than 7,000 properties around the world, with lists covering 97 countries and eight regions worldwide.
Greek hotels among the best in the World
Top 25 Hotels in World: Achtis Hotel, Afitos (5th place), Canaves Oia Hotel, Santorini (12th place)
Top 25 Small Hotels: Spirit of the Knights Boutique Hotel, Rhodes (9th place), Enigma Apartments & Suites, Fira (14th place)
Top 25 Bargain Hotels: Lithos by Spyros and Flora, Agios Ioannis Diakoftis (5th place), Chez Sophie Rooms and Suites, Kamari (11th place)
Top 25 Luxury Hotels: Lindos Blu, Lindos (19th place)
Top 25 Hotels for Best Service: Astra Suites, Imerovigli (9th place), Anastasis Apartments, Imerovigli (24th place)
Top 25 Bed & Breakfast and Inns: Aenaon Villas, Imerovigli (4th place)
To see the list in full, and to read the rest of this article, please visit: Greek Travel Pages
Published in
Greece In The News
Tagged under
Tuesday, 23 November 2021 07:00
Top Breakfast & Brunch Spots In Athens
Greeks aren't known for their love of breakfast, but with so many great spots opening up all over the city, the brunch craze has hit Athens for the past few years! Here is a terrific list of excellent brunch and late breakfast spots that will satisfy even the most discerning guests!
New York Sandwiches
@newyorksandwiches_
New York is not only relevant when it comes to the aesthetic of this place, but also its mouthwatering dishes. Famous for its rich weekend brunch menu, New York sandwiches serves a variety of American classics, including grilled bread with miniature tomatoes and mushrooms, French toast, eggs Benedict, American pancakes, bagels with various fillings, burgers, salads, and, of course, New York cheesecake or praline pancake for dessert. If you're thirsty, try a cup of filter coffee, a glass of fresh juice, or a Bloody Mary.
Address: Sinopis 3, Ampelokipoi
Telephone: 21 0777 8475
Telephone: 21 0777 8475
The Handlebar
@the_handlebar_cycle_place
Established by a group of cycling enthusiasts, the Handlebar is the first cycling cafe in Greece. Located in the heart of Athens, in the scenic neighborhood of Psirri, this cafe has a European beauty to it, and its unique design incorporates retro, street, and pop elements. While you wait for your bike to be repaired you may enjoy some delicious London breakfast at exceptionally affordable pricing. In addition to serving wonderful breakfast and nice meals, it also provides a variety of cultural activities
Address: 8 Melanthiou street, Psirri
Telephone: 21 1409 3002
Telephone: 21 1409 3002
Bel Ray
@yummyaddictions_
This corner snack bar in Koukaki serves a sumptuous Sunday brunch with comfort food options, such as the Croque Madame with smoked ham, tomato, and Swiss cheese, wonderful pancakes, vegetable tart, French onion soup, freshly cut salads, as well as delicious juices and outstanding drinks, in keeping with the latest food trends. The modern ambiance and delicious, yet healthy, flavors will make you want to visit again and again.
Address: 88 Falirou & G. Georgiou street, Koukaki
Telephone: 21 3032 6450
Odori
@odori_vermuteria
With its nice outdoor quiet area, this place serves the best authentic Italian pizza in the city! Brunch options are plenty on the menu. Anything with eggs is fantastic, especially pizza and traditional peinirli which are both great choices for brunch!
Address: 2 Skouleniou, Athens
Telephone: 21 0331 4674
@kitchenlab_official
If you're in the mood for a beach stroll, a visit to this place is a fantastic option. The delicious dishes all have chef Akis Petretzikis' signature. Go for the eggs Benedict with turkey. Simple and tasty. Protein shakes are also a great alternative for those of you looking to maintain your fitness. The granola yogurt (for the health-conscious) and, of course, the burgers (for the more adventurous) are both delicious.
Address: 26 Lazaraki, Glyfada
Telephone: 21 0968 1126
Telephone: 21 3032 6450
Odori
@odori_vermuteria
With its nice outdoor quiet area, this place serves the best authentic Italian pizza in the city! Brunch options are plenty on the menu. Anything with eggs is fantastic, especially pizza and traditional peinirli which are both great choices for brunch!
Address: 2 Skouleniou, Athens
Telephone: 21 0331 4674
@kitchenlab_official
If you're in the mood for a beach stroll, a visit to this place is a fantastic option. The delicious dishes all have chef Akis Petretzikis' signature. Go for the eggs Benedict with turkey. Simple and tasty. Protein shakes are also a great alternative for those of you looking to maintain your fitness. The granola yogurt (for the health-conscious) and, of course, the burgers (for the more adventurous) are both delicious.
Address: 26 Lazaraki, Glyfada
Telephone: 21 0968 1126
Published in
Restaurants In Athens
Tagged under
Monday, 07 January 2019 07:00
Traditional Greek Tavernas Ideal For Children In Athens
Whether it's on a weekday or during the weekend, anytime is the perfect chance for parents and children to spend some quality time together. Nothing compares to a family lunch outing at a taverna in Athens, where the kids can play while you enjoy your meal.
Here are some of the top tavernas in Athens, ideal for families with young children!
Here are some of the top tavernas in Athens, ideal for families with young children!
O Tasos
One of the most popular family restaurants in Athens, O Tasos is famous for its ribs, a traditional Greek meat dish called 'kokoretsi', and oven cooked goat in a traditional ceramic pot. The restaurant offers excellent and fast service, an outdoor playground where children can pleasantly pass their time, and if you decide to visit the tavern on a Sunday, a clown is there to entertain the kids. The taverna also has plenty of parking so no need to worry about your car.
Address: 9 Aiginis, 122 44, Aigaleo
Hours: Open daily from 12:00
Price: 17-25 euros per person
To Steki Tou Antrea
If you wish to get away from the centre of Athens for a bit, a very wise choice would be to visit To Steki Tou Antrea in Spata. It's a family restaurant who opened their doors in 1975. The restaurant includes a wide variety of Greek dishes to choose from and guests have the opportunity to enjoy their meal while the kids may play in the playground inside the restaurant. The restaurant's ground floor is non smoking, while smoking is allowed on the upper floor.
Hours: Open daily from 12:00
Price: 17-25 euros per person
To Steki Tou Antrea
If you wish to get away from the centre of Athens for a bit, a very wise choice would be to visit To Steki Tou Antrea in Spata. It's a family restaurant who opened their doors in 1975. The restaurant includes a wide variety of Greek dishes to choose from and guests have the opportunity to enjoy their meal while the kids may play in the playground inside the restaurant. The restaurant's ground floor is non smoking, while smoking is allowed on the upper floor.
Where: 64 Dimarchou Christou Beka, 190 04, Spata
Hours: Open Fridays & Weekends
Price: 18-28 euros per person
Hours: Open Fridays & Weekends
Price: 18-28 euros per person
To Vrasto
With 40 years of presence in the field of gastronomy, Vrasto intends to bring to mind memories and smells of your childhood. The specialty of Vrasto is boiled meat soup, which is from where the restaurant received its name. Recently renovated, it has four different rooms and on sunny days, you can enjoy your meal in the green courtyard with a fountain. Other feaures of the restaurant are the child seats for toddlers, changing tables for babies, and a play area for children. Smoking is not allowed indoors.
Where: 3 Rodon & Rododafnis, 152 33, Chalandri
Hours: Open daily except Mondays from 7:30 pm. Weekends open at noon.
Price: 17-24 euros per person
Koralli
Koralli is well known for the quality of their food and service, which proves the longevity of the restaurant. Koralli opened its doors in 1995, focusing on fresh seafood and ouzo. However, if you are not fond of fish, you can try one of the roasts and choose from a variety of hot and cold appetizers! The restaurant offers a lovely dining experience with its stylish interior and modern playground, where you can leave your child to be entertained while you enjoy your food!
Hours: Open daily except Mondays from 7:30 pm. Weekends open at noon.
Price: 17-24 euros per person
Koralli
Koralli is well known for the quality of their food and service, which proves the longevity of the restaurant. Koralli opened its doors in 1995, focusing on fresh seafood and ouzo. However, if you are not fond of fish, you can try one of the roasts and choose from a variety of hot and cold appetizers! The restaurant offers a lovely dining experience with its stylish interior and modern playground, where you can leave your child to be entertained while you enjoy your food!
Where: Agamemnonos & 19 Kolokotroni, 176 75, Kallithea
Hours: Open daily at noon
Price: 10-16 euros per person
Gallery tou Meze
Hours: Open daily at noon
Price: 10-16 euros per person
Gallery tou Meze
Decorated as an old mansion, Gallery tou Meze makes you feel warm and cozy as you enter the restaurant. Οne of the unique characteristics of this restaurant is its love for homemade food, including sauces, mayonnaise, sausages, and sweets. Do not hesitate to try the special dish of the day. Smoking is not allowed inside there is, however, a smoking section outside. There is live music on Saturdays and a pedestrian zone where children can play.
Where: 63 Megalou Alexandrou, 121 32, Peristeri
Originally published in Greek on: Mama365
Translated by XpatAthens
Hours: Open daily at 1 pm
Price: 14-21 euros per person
Originally published in Greek on: Mama365
Translated by XpatAthens
Published in
Kids Life
Tagged under
Thursday, 21 June 2018 07:00
Great Spaces For Both Kids & Parents To Enjoy In Athens
If you have kids, then you must know how important it is to get them to go outside and run off some steam. Of course, it's an added bonus when you can enjoy a coffee and a snack while they play! Here are some unique places that your kids will love, but will also give you some 'parental relaxation' time. In other words, these places are great for both children and parents - enjoy!
Do you know a great place and want to share it with us?
Send us an email at ideas@xpatathens.com and we'll add it to the list!
1. Funmily - Marousi
Who doesn't enjoy the idea of having their coffee next to a fire place? At Funmily parents have the chance to start off with a hot drink and continue with delicious snacks. Meanwhile, children are busy playing indoors in areas speacially designed for them, together with the specially trained staff of the restaurant. In short, at "Funmily" you have child safety, ease and comfort while sitting at your own table.
Address: Pentelis 114, Marousi
Telephone: 210 810 5300
Who doesn't enjoy the idea of having their coffee next to a fire place? At Funmily parents have the chance to start off with a hot drink and continue with delicious snacks. Meanwhile, children are busy playing indoors in areas speacially designed for them, together with the specially trained staff of the restaurant. In short, at "Funmily" you have child safety, ease and comfort while sitting at your own table.
Address: Pentelis 114, Marousi
Telephone: 210 810 5300
Website (in Greek)
2. Koralli - Kallithea
Delicious dishes, fast service and affordable prices make Koralli stand out. The specialties of this traditional Greek mezedopolio are its sea food dishes, but if you or the kids are not fish lovers you can also enjoy classic dishes of Greek cuisine. The big advantage at Koralli is the indoor playground, where the kids can play for hours!
Address: Agamemnonas & Kolokotroni 19, Kallithea, 17675
Telephone: 210 941 8472
Website (in Greek)
3. Pisina - Piraeus
The famous landmark cafe and restautant called Pisina in Piraeus, is a perfect place to enjoy a coffee or sit down for lunch after a walk along the sea. On the lower level of Pisina there is a playground for younger children and electronic games for older kids.
Address: Akti Themistokleous 25, Pireaus
Telephone: 210 451 1324
Website (in Greek)
4. Balux Café - Glyfada
A great spot all year around in the south is Balux Café at the Asteras complex in Glyfada. This warm and welcoming place will make you feel like home from the moment you walk in. Whether indoors during winter or outdoors during the summer, this is an ideal spot to enjoy coffee, lunch or dinner all the while your kids release their energy in the large playground available.
Address: 58 Posidonos Av., Athens, Asteras Glyfadas Complex
Telephone: 210 898 3577
Website
5. Tritsi Environmental Awareness Park - Ilion
Coffee and outdoor exploration is the perfect combination at Tritsi Park in northern Athens. It is an ideal place to visit on a sunny Sunday morning and is great for nature lovers, both young and old. The kids can play whatever game they wish in natual surroundings and there are cafe options with light snacks and beverages for the whole family. There are often educational programs organized in the park for you and your children to enjoy together.
2. Koralli - Kallithea
Delicious dishes, fast service and affordable prices make Koralli stand out. The specialties of this traditional Greek mezedopolio are its sea food dishes, but if you or the kids are not fish lovers you can also enjoy classic dishes of Greek cuisine. The big advantage at Koralli is the indoor playground, where the kids can play for hours!
Address: Agamemnonas & Kolokotroni 19, Kallithea, 17675
Telephone: 210 941 8472
Website (in Greek)
3. Pisina - Piraeus
The famous landmark cafe and restautant called Pisina in Piraeus, is a perfect place to enjoy a coffee or sit down for lunch after a walk along the sea. On the lower level of Pisina there is a playground for younger children and electronic games for older kids.
Address: Akti Themistokleous 25, Pireaus
Telephone: 210 451 1324
Website (in Greek)
4. Balux Café - Glyfada
A great spot all year around in the south is Balux Café at the Asteras complex in Glyfada. This warm and welcoming place will make you feel like home from the moment you walk in. Whether indoors during winter or outdoors during the summer, this is an ideal spot to enjoy coffee, lunch or dinner all the while your kids release their energy in the large playground available.
Address: 58 Posidonos Av., Athens, Asteras Glyfadas Complex
Telephone: 210 898 3577
Website
5. Tritsi Environmental Awareness Park - Ilion
Coffee and outdoor exploration is the perfect combination at Tritsi Park in northern Athens. It is an ideal place to visit on a sunny Sunday morning and is great for nature lovers, both young and old. The kids can play whatever game they wish in natual surroundings and there are cafe options with light snacks and beverages for the whole family. There are often educational programs organized in the park for you and your children to enjoy together.
Published in
Kids Life
Tagged under
Monday, 15 February 2016 07:00
Athens Mayor Signs Greece's First Same Gender Civil Partnership
In an historic day for the gay and lesbian community in Greece, Athens Mayor Kaminis has signed the country’s first same gender civil partnership.
“As the first day that the law is being implemented, today is very important for civil rights in Greece and the country’s compliance to international reality,” the mayor said during the signing ceremony at Athens City Hall on a Monday in late January.
While Greece is one of the last European countries to legalize gay civil union, the Greek Orthodox Church still opposed the policy.
To read more, please visit: Greek Reporter
by
C.J. Polychroniou
“As the first day that the law is being implemented, today is very important for civil rights in Greece and the country’s compliance to international reality,” the mayor said during the signing ceremony at Athens City Hall on a Monday in late January.
While Greece is one of the last European countries to legalize gay civil union, the Greek Orthodox Church still opposed the policy.
To read more, please visit: Greek Reporter
by
C.J. Polychroniou
Published in
Local News
Tagged under
Wednesday, 06 October 2021 07:00
How To Make The Perfect Cup Of Greek Coffee
Greek coffee is a strongly brewed coffee that can be found all over Greece, a staple of the Greek diet, and an integral part of the country's culture. According to studies, Greek coffee has major health benefits, going as far as to say that drinking a cup of Elliniko kafe a day can increase your lifespan!
To make Greek coffee, you'll need a briki, a metal (copper is best) pot with a long handle. Brikis come in many different sizes–anything between 2 and 6 cups is acceptable. However, keep in mind that if you're serving more than 6 cups at a time, you'll need to do it in stages.
To make Greek coffee, you'll need a briki, a metal (copper is best) pot with a long handle. Brikis come in many different sizes–anything between 2 and 6 cups is acceptable. However, keep in mind that if you're serving more than 6 cups at a time, you'll need to do it in stages.
What You'll Need
1. Greek Coffee
2. A briki
3. Water
4. Sugar
5. Demitasse cups
How To Make It
Step1: Take however many demitasse cups are needed and fill each with water. Then, pour the water from each cup into the briki. Add 1 heaping teaspoon of Greek coffee into the briki for each demitasse cup.
Step 2: Add sugar as needed: 1 teaspoon for metrios (medium) 2 for glykos (sweet)
Step 3: Put the briki on a gas burner and turn it on to medium-low heat.
Step 4: After a few minutes when it starts to get warm, continuously stir the mixture until it dissolves. Once all is dissolved, stop stirring.Continue to slowly heat and watch for the foam to rise and take it off right before it begins to boil. (This foam is called kaïmaki) and the richer the foam, the better the coffee.
Step 5: If it’s just one cup, pour and enjoy. However, if there is more than one, pour a little into each cup, then go back to the first, and fill up each cup to the top. The reason for this is that you spread the foam to each of the cups so it will be present in each person's coffee.
Sit back, relax, and enjoy your coffee!
Published in
Greek Food & Diet
Tagged under