2,792 years ago the Olympic games were born!

We love this video by the World Economic Forum ~ it explains the history behind the incredible event that unites the world every four years.

 

A recent analysis of Kayak, the popular travel search engine, found that interest in flights to the Greek islands have increased by more than 300 percent from 2015. Crete was the most popular searched for destination with an increase of 345 percent. Corfu was popular as well with an increase of 238 percent in travel searches.

The islands were among Kayak’s Flight Index Top 50 for the most sought-after destinations. The interest was viewed as largely caused by the falling air fares, dropping by 62-67 percent in the past year.

With fares dropping compared to last year, the average price to the 50 most searched for destinations had dropped on average by 22 percent.

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

The weather app on my phone tells me daily that Athens will hit 35 degrees or more – while my news apps tell me all about the best beaches and best seaside tavernas. My fitness app tells me I should keep jogging so I am fit for both. And my banking app suggests I should be cutting down on both.

What is life without our apps? They are the little magical assistants that help us do things that seemed simply impossible before. I am a particular fan of all the photo editing apps – and I certainly love the messaging apps like Whatsapp, Viber and so on…

But we are in the middle of Greek Summer, and this calls for some serious digital reinforcements. When the most pressing issue of many Sunday afternoons is ‘Where should we swim?’, which quickly turns into ‘Where will we find a spot on the beach?’ and the closely related ‘Where should we eat?’ – the gods of summer smile down on us and say ‘There’s an app for that…’

Let’s start with getting a spot on the beach… While there is no shortage of beaches to choose from, there is quite often a shortage of beach loungers, beach beds, umbrellas and ‘ksaplostres’. There are 2 slick new apps that promise to rid you of your mid-summer beach lounger stress.

Summerize and Plazz are brand new apps that let you select a beach, view related pricing, select a date, select a particular spot on the beach, and reserve your beach lounger in advance. This is for beaches around Athens, and in fact around the entire country. You can book water sports, too. So simple, and so great. Everyone I’ve told about this so far has had an identical response: ‘I have been saying that forever!’ So clearly this is an app that was long overdue. In both offerings, the interface is totally simple, the details are easy to understand, and the whole process is very smooth – kudos to both! The only drawback is that there aren’t yet a huge number of beaches that are available for booking via the apps. I assume this is because they are both start-ups, and will grow their service base over time. I already used Summerize to book a spot at Akanthus Beach the other day – it worked with no issues at all.

So now you’ve found your beach and reserved your spots. But before you order those fries and toast for lunch (and hit snooze on the fitness app), it could be a good time to think about dinner. But from your sunny perch beside the Mediterranean, who has the mental capacity to make such decision, much less call to book a table?

Enter ‘e-Table,’ a cool new app for selecting, reserving and commenting on more than 1800 restaurants in Athens and around Greece. From tavernas to sushi to Mexican to brunch – they’ve got them all. This award-winning app is the only one in Greece that allows you to make instantly confirmed reservations at popular restaurants directly from your phone. Great interface, easy navigation, tons of choice – and it actually works.

And like many of the smartest apps out there, these solve a problem that I never even knew was a problem, to the point where I can’t imagine what life was like before. So here’s to a fun and app-y summer!

Maybe I’ll turn off notifications on that fitness app...

Until next week,

Jack

For the sixth year in a row, Aegean Airlines has taken home the ‘Best Regional Airline in Europe’ award from the 2016 Skytrax World Airline Awards. The Skytrax World Airline Awards are highly regarded as the passengers choice, as they collect passenger satisfaction surveys from over 280 airlines and 104 different nationalities.

This year’s awards took into account the customer surveys that were conducted over a period of August 2015 until May 2016, which measured the quality standards across 41 performance indicators of quality product and service.

The CEO of Skytrax, Edward Plaisted, said that “Aegean remains a favorite amongst passengers in Southern Europe and continues to perform well in the awards surveys on both regional and a global basis.”

“All of us at AEGEAN are delighted to receive this important award for the 6th year in a row. This award motivates us to do more for our customers’ needs. We remain focused on the enhancement of our services and we are proud that our effort has been recognized by the passengers”, Dimitris Gerogiannis, CEO of AEGEAN, said.

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

In recent news, swimmers have been urged to be cautious this summer when choosing a beach for a swim due to highly polluted waters found at 4 of the Attica region beaches.

According to a report conducted by the Greek National Center for Ecological Research (PAKOE), 4 of the 17 popular beaches in Attica were found to have water with high pollution levels and were listed as ‘unfit for swimmers due to unsafe bacteria levels in accordance with the EU stipulations.’

Kavouri

Megalo Kavouri

Aghios Nikolaos in Lagonisi

Main beach in Saronida

Source: Greek Reporter

If summer had a flavor, it would certainly be that of ice cream! With so many ice cream shops and different flavors out there, it's hard to choose where to find the best! Whether you prefer classic chocolate or a more experimental flavor like handmade mustard, here's a list of where you can find the top ice cream spots in Athens to suit everyone's flavor of choice!

 

Located 2 minutes away from Syntagma Square, Le Greche serves delicious gelato and a variety of ice cream sandwiches. Owned by a Greek trained in Bologna, this gelato shop emphasizes quality raw ingredients and is the perfect place to enjoy a delicious ice cream along with a cup of authentic Italian coffee. 

Where: 16 Mitropoleos, Syntagma

Must-Try: Ricotta-bergamot or the sensational chocolate with plums and rum

Gellissimo Biscoto

 

Open since 1969, this retro patisserie and ice cream parlor on Patission Street is one of Athens' most historic pastry shops. Find a table on the pavement, order a voluptuous ice cream sundae and get ready for some serious nostalgic vibes. 
Where: 339 Patission, Athens
Must-Try: The delicious ekmek, an Athenian legend, or the excellent 'Chicago.'

Mucca 


@mucca_gelateria

If you're looking for a genuine gelateria offering ice creams in all kinds of flavors, from all-time classic chocolate to playful bubble gum, this is your go-to shop! The ice cream is served in a handmade cone, cup, or biscuit and you will also enjoy original Italian espresso or cappuccino, a choice in brioche and crepes and waffles.

Where: 146 Charilaou Trikoupi, Nea Erythraia

Must-Try: The Kinder Bueno

Zuccherino 


@zuccherino.gr

 

This dessert heaven in Monastiraki offers a wide range of unique ice cream flavors, from watermelon and Ferrero to banoffee and cookies, even profiterole!  With its generous portion sizes, it’s one of the best ice cream spots in Athens for a reason and will surely not disappoint you!

Where: 80 Mitropoleos, Monastiraki
Must-Try: Death by Chocolate

Bufala Gelato 

@bufalagelato

When you hear premium ice cream, Bufala Gelato immediately springs to mind, and justifiably so! The flavors are endless from choco caramel crunch to limoncello and cheesecake, including vegan and high-protein options. Not to mention you can enjoy your scoop in a freshly baked fluffy waffle sprinkled with Belgian chocolate drops. Such a guilty pleasure! 

Where: Artemidos 1, Glifada
Must-Try: Black coconut ice cream
 

 

Summer is around the corner so it goes without saying that anyone can enjoy a meal next to the sea while listening to the sound of the waves! But choosing the best one can be quite a challenge.

Below, you will find some of the best fish taverns that are as close to the sea as you can get! 


Garbi   


@garbirestaurant

This panoramic tavern in Vouliagmeni is quite charming, especially during the sunset and the terrace is simply relaxing. At Garbi, you will find classic dishes that characterize the 98-year-old history of the restaurant, including octopus with vinegar and eggplant salad, but also modern tastes like salmon hamburger and sea bass ceviche.

Location: Iliou 21, Vouliagmeni
Telephone: 210 8963480

Sardelaki Me Thea 


@sardelaki_me_thea

The terraces that look over the bay of Vouliagmeni offer a unique breathtaking view. Sardelaki Me Thea is a large restaurant with white tables and chairs, which create a very cheerful atmosphere. There are dishes you must try, including the marinated anchovies and the squid and grilled scorpaena. Also recommended are the sardines cooked with tomatoes, potatoes, and parsley. 

Location: Leof. Poseidunos 18, Vouliagmeni
Telephone: 210 9670913

Thea Thalassa


@thea_thalassa_

Located on a gorgeous deck at Mikrolimano, Giorgos Lebidaki's fish tavern is simple and relaxing with a friendly atmosphere. The tavern offers a large menu of classic and modern dishes, including handmade morsels, oysters with seaweed wakame, and lemon fried seaweed (sea lettuce), which you break by hand into seafood chips.  This is a great place with good quality and prices.

Location: Akti Themistokleous 344, Piraeus
Telephone: 210 4132070

Ammos


@ammosportorafti 

Grab a seat at one of the white sofas of this fish tavern in Porto Rafti and you will get the impression that you are on an Aegean island. In the kitchen, Chrysostomos Prasatzis makes fisherman's risotto, which is mussels with tomato sauce and linguini with clams. There are many choices for meat-eaters such as tenderloin marinated in black beer and served in a delicious mustard sauce.

Location: Avlakiou 52, Pοrto Rafti, Attiki
Telephone: 229 9084550

Dance lessons and a cooking event to further enrich this year’s schedule!

Days count down for the celebration of the top sports tourism event and the time has come for anyone to decide upon the activities to enroll for during the weekend of Navarino Challenge, on September 9-11, 2016.

 

This year’s event’s schedule is as rich as it gets, with 18 non-competitive activities addressed to all family, highlighting the values of exercise and nutrition and raising awareness on childhood obesity, a serious medical condition affecting a child’s health or well being. The schedule also includes activities such as running, swimming and SUP for everyone, while participants will have the chance to watch a demonstration race with Optimist and Laser boats in Pylos port!

For those staying at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino additional activities like taekwondo, climbing, pilates, bike ride, boccia, basketball, golf, kick boxing, baby swimming, aqua aerobic, kids’ athletics, scuba diving, dance lessons and a cooking event full of surprises, are offered. The detailed schedule and timetable of all activities is included in the following link: http://navarinochallenge.com/event_schedule_2016.html

Food and its process, namely the Mediterranean diet has always been an important element in Greece's culture. Potteries found in the palace of King Nestor, dating from 1300 BC testify that visitors or foreigners seeking for asylum in Pylos were offered meat processed with a specific technique. Both Messinian hospitality and Mediterranean diet will be highlighted through various activities supported by the Peloponnese food blogger Gogo Papadionysiou also known as Mamatsita!

On Saturday September 10, during the swimming day, local women will make traditional lalagia & diples with the care of Mamatsita, in Pylos. Respectively, on Sunday September 11, the famous food blogger will be supporting the participants in running, by offering them traditional sweets and products in Costa Navarino. The two cooking challenges will be supported by the team of Poseidonia Restaurant.

Navarino Icons, a range of products from Messinia inspired by the rich traditions and heritage of the area will be the official supporter of the event for one more year. All products are produced in small quantities by local producers and artists meeting qualitative and creative criteria, while raw materials are drawn from the estates, the olive groves and the botanical gardens of Costa Navarino. Dance, for the first time this year, will be at the foreground!

The artistic and athletic expression referring to the movement of the body following the rhythm of the music will be represented by Nick Marianos, choreographer of stars and Creative Director and Owner of Nick Marianos Dance Factory. Nick Marianos and his team will teach dance lessons which include the following styles: video clip dance, all hip-hop styles, break dance and hip-hop choreographies. Apart from the extra activities offered, Navarino Challenge has also secured for those participants who will be staying at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino, some very exclusive extra benefits offered by the brands supporting the event.

Precisely, Anazoe Spa, which took its name from the Greek word for rejuvenation will offer a 20% discount on treatments based on ancient Greek beauty practices. Those interested can take advantage of the offer during their participation in Navarino Challenge, by booking their appointment via email at anazoe@costanavarino.com.

In addition, Inbi, the Japanese fusion restaurant at Costa Navarino will offer a unique experience to the Navarino Challenge guests with exceptional tastes of unsurpassed quality.

You may find more information about the offers which are valid during your stay at Navarino Challenge at the following link: http://navarinochallenge.com/event_offers_2016.html

Book your room now at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino and take advantage of the privileged prices available for those wishing to enjoy the full schedule of Navarino Challenge. For further information please contact the event’s official travel agent, Vita N Travel.

Telephone: +30 210 3249070

Or visit: http://navarinochallenge.com/event_accommodation_in_2016_en.html

Registrations are open and anyone can take part in activities of running, swimming and SUP by filling the special form available at the following link: http://activemedia.com.gr/product/navarino-challenge/ The event will be held for one more year, under the Auspices of the Department of Nutrition and-Dietetics of Harokopio University of Athens with the support of Costa Navarino and The Westin Resort Costa Navarino, as well as the Municipalities of Pylos-Nestor and Trifilia.

For more information about the event, you may contact us through the following special form: http://www.navarinochallenge.com/contact.html

Official Sponsors: Allianz Greece, “Vikos” Natural Mineral Water

Official Airline Partner: Qatar Airways

Official Supporters: BIC®, BIC® Sport, Navarino Icons, Village Cinemas

Assisted by: Health Runners Club of Messinia, Pylos Association of Enterprises for Tourism Development, Maritime Athletic Pylos Association “Nestor”, Explore Messinia, Navarino Outdoors, Swim Academy, Aqua Divers Club, Scuba Hellas, Navarino Golf Academy, Restaurant Posidonia Restaurant ThaMa, Alpha (Athlima SA), Department of Sports Organization & Management from University of Peloponnese, Anazoe Spa Costa Navarino, 1morekm, Hellenic Athletics Federation (SEGAS), IAAF Kids Athletics, Apia, Inbi, Diana “exoplizein”

Official Travel Agent: Vita N Travel

Official Broadcaster: OTE TV TV

Communication Partner: National Geographic Channel

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

Photo credit: Vladimir Rys

Since summer is here, don't feel like you're stuck in the heat of the city! Head to your local swimming pool for a refreshing swim. Pools are a great alternative, especially if you want to avoid going the distance to the beach. With this list of swimming pools around Athens, you will certainly find one that is just for you!

St. George Lycabettus


@stgeorge_lycabettus_hotel

With a breathtaking view of the Acropolis and Lycabettus Hill, the roof garden of St. George may not have the biggest swimming pool, but overall it has many other strengths. Other facilities and amenities include a health studio, sauna, pool bar, and a cool breeze that often blows from the highlands of Lycabettus. On the 7th floor of the hotel, you will find comfortable white chairs waiting for visitors to lounge. With the entrance fee, you receive a free coffee or soft drink and a towel.

Where: 2 Kleomenous,  Kolonaki
Telephone: 21 0741 6000

Poseidon


@poseidonhotel

Poseidon offers a nice, clean pool just a step away from the Saronic Gulf.  On the 8th floor of the seaside hotel, there is a Gamma-shaped pool complete with sun loungers, a pool bar, and beautiful views of the coast from Piraeus to Glyfada. 

Where: 72 Poseidonos Avenue, Palaio Faliro
Telephone: 21 0987 2000

Fresh Hotel


@freshhotelathens

On the 9^th floor of the Fresh Hotel, you will find a small swimming pool with large advantages. From the pool, there is a breathtaking view of the Acropolis and the urban, hip style of the centre of Athens makes it ideal for a mini getaway. Upon entrance, each person receives a coffee or soft drink and a towel.

Where: 26 Sofokleous, Athens
Telephone: 210 5248511

Semiramis Hotel


@semiramiscityhotel

Located in the northern suburbs, specifically in Kefalari Kifissia, there is a swimming pool with a funky and innovative pop aesthetic that gives off great vibes. Entrance includes coffee or soft drink and a towel. 

Where: 48 Charilaou Trikoupi 48
Telephone: 210 6284400

Radisson Blu Park Hotel



At the beginning of Alexandras Avenue, there is a spacious and wonderful pool with plenty of comfortable seats that ensure a certain comfort and a completely unobstructed view of the green area of the Champ de Mars. Entrance includes a lounger and a soft drink, juice, or coffee.

Where: Alexandras Avenue 10
Telephone: 210 8894500

Lane Sea Lines and Aegeon Pelagos, subsidiaries of Anek Lines, have made travelling by ferry easier thanks to a new electronic ticket system recently launched this summer!

Travelers can now just use their PC, smartphones or tablets to book, purchase and print their boarding pass online at www.anek.gr.

Lane Sea Lines offers journeys from Piraeus to Kythira, Antikythira, Gytheion, Kalamata and Kissamos via the Vitsentzos Kornaros ferry boat. Aegeon Pelagos offers ferry travel from Piraeus to islands in the Cyclades including Santorini, Milos, and Anafi and the Dodecanese (Rhodes, Halki, Kasos, Karpathos) and Crete (Sitia, Heraklion) via the Prevelis ferry.

Thanks to the new e-ticket system passengers can now save time when travelling by ferry as all they need is to show their e-ticket on their smartphone or tablet when boarding.

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