Just in time for peak season in Greece, the country was recently featured in two New York Times articles titled ‘How To Have An Affordable Vacation In Greece’ and ‘For Summer, Five Hot Summer Destinations.’

 

In the first article, our friends at TrueGreece shared insider tips about staying within budget on a Greek vacation, from visiting off-the-beaten path places in Greece to renting a villa with friends.

NY Times staff journalist wrote, “If you’re traveling as part of a group of six or more people, renting a spacious villa on a Greek island with a staff, a pool and other bells and whistles will be less expensive — by as much as 30 percent — than booking individual hotel rooms.”

In the second article, it was noted that especially among Americans, travel has increased significantly this summer, up from 2016.

“Some experts say that more Americans are traveling this year than they did in 2016 because of pent-up demand from the heated presidential election, when many people cut back on traveling.”

So, where are Americans traveling to? Greece was among five popular destinations for the summer. other countries included Croatia, South Africa, the Maldives, and Italy.

To read these articles in full, please visit: The New York Times ‘How To Have An Affordable Vacation In Greece’ and ‘For Summer, Five Hot Summer Destinations’

When I moved to Greece in 2012, I imagined I would be fluent in Greek within a year. I’m not sure why I thought that was possible, but this dream has proved to be one of life’s big disappointments. It’s been four years, and my Greek continues to be appalling. This is not for a lack of honest effort. I’ve attended almost every Greek school in Athens, I’ve had private tutors, I’ve read books, I’ve watched cartoons, I’ve tried nearly everything. It seems, in the end, I am not good at foreign languages—a devastating realization. But the one thing that is helping me turn the corner was the day YouTube decided I should learn Greek.

It began simply enough. I am a big fan of Monsieur Minimal and while I was working on my book, I would listen to his new album in the background on YouTube. Until one day, the album ended, I forgot to press replay, and YouTube decided what I would listen to next: 9 μήνες.

9 μήνες is a Greek soap opera based mainly in Cyprus. I’m not sure why YouTube decided to link a Greek musician to a Cypriot soap opera, but the Universe has its own method… 🙂 It took me about 30 minutes to notice I wasn’t listening to music, but when I realized what I was listening to, I was immediately sucked in. And so it began. Each day I would listen to more.

To read Lynn’s article in full, please visit: LynnRoulo.com

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Lynn is an American Kundalini yoga and Enneagram instructor teaching a unique combination of the two systems, combining the physical benefits of Kundalini yoga with the psychological growth tools of the Enneagram.

Most of her adult life has been as a Certified Public Accountant (US CPA) working in the Silicon Valley/San Francisco technology start up and venture capital industries. In 2012, she decided to move to Athens, Greece for purely intuitive reasons.  She's not Greek by heritage, she did not have a job here, she didn’t speak any Greek (at the time), and there wasn't a Greek man in the picture either! She simply had a really clear feeling that she should go to Greece. And so she did.

 

“I remember getting on the plane to leave San Francisco. My dog and two cats were in cargo below and I had packed a suitcase full of clothes. Almost everything else I had sold or given away. There wasn’t anyone to meet me in Athens because I didn’t know anyone. But it was one of the calmest moments of my life. I was totally sure I was making the right choice.  And I haven’t regretted it at all. I love Greece.”

To learn more about Lynn and all the great things she does in Athens please visit her webiste: 

Everything’s ready for the “Patmos Revelation” sports tourism event, which will take place on the sacred island between June 30 - July 2, 2017.

The main purpose of the Municipality of Patmos, in cooperation with The Region of South Aegean is the attraction of more alternative tourists who will participate in the event and become acquainted with the significant history of the island!

Few days are left for “Patmos Revelation”, the event which is now under the auspices of the Greek National Tourism Organization, and registrations continue with a lot of participations from Greece and abroad. Registrations through the official page of the event will continue on a regular basis, while racing kits from all participants will be received on Thursday (29/6), Friday (30/6) and Saturday (1/7) from 09:00 -21.00, at Patmos Cultural Center, “PATMION”.

Click HERE if you wish to register for the event!

The program of “Patmos Revelation” includes Kids’ Athletics by the Olympic and World Champion, Periklis Iakovakis on Friday (30/6) at 09:00 at the football stadium of Patmos.

On Saturday (1/7), at 11:00 in the morning, the open water swimming race will be held at Grikos bay (1 mile/1.6km swimming route). The safety of athletes will be taken care of by Katerini’s Lifeguard School, Lifeguard Patrol.

On Sunday (2/7), morning, running races will be held having Skala as the starting point. The 15km route starts at 08:15am, the 5km route starts at 09:00am while the 1km route for children starts at 10:55am at the seaside of Skala.

The Greek national open water swimming team will be present at the swimming race, headed by the European champion, Antonis Fokaidis.

You may see the detailed schedule of the event at the following link: http://www.patmos-revelation.gr/en/schedule.html

The event has ensured special ferry routes through Blue Star Ferries to facilitate the audience and offer them direct access to the “sacred” island of the Dodecanese. All those attending “Patmos Revelation” will be able to travel with the safely and comfort of the top Greek shipping company. With an additional ferry route on Thursday (29/6) at 15:00, aiming to provide the best possible service, Blue Star Ferries offers a 50% discount on ferry tickets to the participant athletes, as well as a 30% discount to their escorts/family members and their vehicles to those wishing to visit the event and the island between June 26 to July 6.

At the same time, another great shipping company, Dodekanisos Seaways, will stand next to the event, offering a 30% discount to participants. With routes from and to Leros, Kalymnos and Samos, the company will enhance the tourist traffic of the island of Patmos.

Patmos Aktis Suites & Spa is an official supporter of the event. The 5-star hotel of “Divine Hotels” Group, is located at Grikos bay and is always ready to provide high quality hosting services to the participants and visitors of the island. In addition, the AB Vassilopoulos supermarket chain will support “Patmos Revelation” by offering products to participants and volunteers, while “Vikos” will offer the opportunity to all athletes participating in the event to quench their thirst with the natural mineral water “Vikos” that contributes to the good functioning of the body during sports.

The event has also taken care of the accommodation services for those participating in “Patmos Revelation”. Attractive packages for 4 days (3 nights) are offered with transport and accommodation for 2 people, starting at 260€.

VitaNTravel, as the official travel agent of the event, will take care and assist all athletes and escorts with information about the ferry routes, ferry tickets, car rentals and accommodation in the island. For more information click here.

The event will be supported by the following hospitality sponsors: Patmos Aktis Suites & Spa, Allotina Houses, Skala Hotel Patmos, Onar, Chris Hotel, Alykes Studios, Porto Scoutari, Stefanos Katsaros Studios, Hotel Athina, Hotel Rodon, Villa Zacharo, Grikos Hotel, Hotel Effie.

Watch the Patmos Revelation 2017 teaser video HERE! 

Official Sponsors: Blue Star Ferries, “Vikos” Natural Mineral Water
Official Supporters: Patmos Aktis Suites & Spa, Sixt rent a car, ΑΒ Vassilopoulos, Dodekanisos Seaways, 1001 flights
Assisted by: SEGAS, IAAF Kids Athletics, T & G Patmos Rentals, Lifeguard Patrol
Hospitality Sponsors: Patmos Aktis Suites & Spa, Allotina Houses, Skala Hotel Patmos, Onar, Chris Hotel, Alykes Studios, Porto Scoutari, Stefanos Katsaros Studios, Hotel Athina, Hotel Rodon, Villa Zacharo, Grikos Hotel, Hotel Effie
Official Travel Agent: VitaNTravel
Strategic TV Partner: National Geographic

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Hashtag: #patmosrevelation

Press Office Contact:
Tel.: +30 210 9343020, fax: +30 210 9316505 e-mail: pr@activemedia.com.gr

Discover the ultimate online supermarket in Athens and enjoy the benefit of grocery shopping from home! Also, learn about which investments are expected in the Athenian Riviera and all you need to know about Athens International Airport's biggest facelift and its new additions to the food and shopping experience!

 Remember to stay connected with us through our weekly newsletter, Facebook, and Twitter!

The Municipality of Hydra will honor late song-writer Leonard Cohen by naming the street outside of his house after him, during a tribute this June 2017 on Hydra.

The Canadian songwriter poet, novelist and painter bought his three-storey house on Hydra in 1960, where he lived with his partner Marianne Ihlen. While living on the Greek island, he created some of his most renowned works including songs “So long, Marianne” and “Bird on a Wire”, his novel “The Favorite Game” and the poem collection “Flowers for Hitler”.

The Municipality will also reveal a stone bench in his memory, donated by the International Forum of the Friends of Leonard Cohen.

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

Photo Credit: Leonard Cohen Files 

With summer in full swing, these beaches and seaside escapes near Athens — both organized and unspoiled — are the perfect antidote to the city’s heat. From luxurious resorts with sunbed service to crystal-clear coves that feel like a Cycladic secret, here’s where to swim, relax, and recharge without leaving Attica.

Vouliagmeni Lake


@travelwith.deniz

In the heart of the Athenian Riviera lies a natural wonder: Vouliagmeni Lake. This rare geological formation is tucked into an idyllic landscape and offers a spa-like swim experience. Its brackish waters are constantly renewed by the sea and underground thermal springs, creating a unique, mineral-rich soak just 30 minutes from central Athens.

 

Yabanaki


@yabanaki_beachbar

One of the most popular organized beaches. YaBaNaKi's long sandy beach, shallow waters, extensive water sports, and toy facilities along with plenty of dining options make it an irresistible beach fun approach. If you decide to visit Yabanaki you will find a variety of food including pizza, pasta,  a full list of "Goody's Burger House", fish and seafood, ice creams, coffees, and refreshments.

KAPE Beach, Sounio


@kleio_yoga

Tucked into the southeastern edge of Attica, just before Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon, KAPE is not exactly a secret anymore—but it still feels like one. This beach has avoided major development, keeping its raw beauty intact. Accessible via a steep staircase (around 100 steps), KAPE greets you with crystal-clear waters, a wild rocky backdrop, and views of the tiny islet of Patroklos. There are no beach bars or loungers here, so come prepared—with water, shade, and your sense of adventure.

Grand Beach Lagonisi


@grandbeachlagonissi

The "Grand Beach" of "Grand Resort Lagonissi" is considered - and is - one of the best-organized beach complexes in Attica. Beach services include cinema, volleyball courts, tennis, umbrellas and sun loungers, water sports, a practice room, a café, and a very good restaurant with a full menu for all tastes and the whole family.

Schinias Beach & Pefkodasos

@el_gott

A true natural treasure, Schinias combines a long sandy coastline with a unique pine forest (pefkodasos) that stretches to the water’s edge. It’s part of a protected National Park, with free weekend bus transportation available through September 18, 2025, from the Olympic Rowing Center. The wide beach, shallow waters, and shady walking paths make it perfect for all ages—just note that cars nor campers are allowed inside during high fire risk days.

Bolivar Beach Bar


@bolivarbeachbar

It is a happening spot with a young vibe during the day and turns into a nightclub in the evening with major events. The tropical design and seclusion from the busy beach road, really make you forget how close you are to the center of Athens - just 10km away. 

Astir Beach


@astirbeachgr

It may be the most expensive beach in Athens, but like with most things in life, you get what you pay for. Excellent customer service, great sun beds, and a pristine beach that is always clean and well maintained.

Marathon Village


@marathon_village

A laid-back seaside complex located right on the shores of Marathon Beach, Marathon Village is ideal for an all-day outing. With a spacious private parking lot, beach loungers, an all-day café, ice cream stands, restaurant, and beach bar, it combines the best of beach life without breaking the bank. The best part? Your entrance fee is credited toward food and drink, making it a favorite for groups, families, and locals alike.

‘After living in Greece for thirteen years, writer and reluctant olive farmer Rob Johnson has got used to most of the things that he and his partner Penny found so bizarre at the beginning. Most, but not all.

A Kilo of String is the story-so-far of this not-particularly-plucky couple’s often bewildering experiences among the descendants of Sophocles, Plato and Nana Mouskouri with occasional digressions into total irrelevances.

This is a book which is almost guaranteed not to change your life, but what it will do is answer many of the fundamental questions about life in Greece.’

It’s one of those words that comes with too much emotion and can’t be translated into any other language. It refers to a lifestyle, a person’s values, morals, and so much more. Even Greeks can’t agree on the meaning! Here, BBC travels to Greece and shares what they learned about the Greek word ‘Philotimo.’

‘In his second summer in the lonesome Greek village of Tolo on the east coast of the Peloponnese, German senior civil servant and writer Andreas Deffner committed a cultural blunder that led him to the celebrated concept of Greek philotimo.’

 

‘The exact meaning of philotimo is hotly debated, given that the word belongs to the pantheon of Greek lexical items that defy easy explanation. ‘Love of honour’, its official translation, is a utilitarian yet insufficient attempt to convey the constellation of virtues squeezed into the word’s four syllables. When I asked various Greeks about their own perception of philotimo, I received very different responses.’

To read this article in full, please visit: BBC Travel

XpatAthens has been connecting the English speaking community of Athens and Greece for 10 amazing years. We are proud to call Athens our home city and absolutely love the work we do to connect people near and far.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1) A Cape Sounion Day-Trip Transfer Service from YK Executive Transfers

Take a 4-5 hour trip along the Athens Riviera to the Temple of Sounion. Relax and enjoy as your local driver Giannis takes you for a lovely drive along the coast of Athens. Note, tour guide & lunch are not included, but may be added at an additional cost.

2) 1 spa voucher for a GB Collection Exclusive Massage at the GB Spa

Relish in the serene surroundings of the awarded GB Spa in Athens. Enjoy an exclusive massage at Athens' best spa!

3) Dinner for 2 at Chefi Restaurant

The summer garden is a refreshing city oasis and the food is divine! Enjoy dinner for two at one of Athens' finest restaurants.

4) Dinner for 2 at Dinner In The Sky

Head up above the city for a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience in central Athens that will take your breath away!

5) 2 nights accommodation at the King George Hotel Athens

Relax and unwind for two nights in central Athens at one of the city's best Luxury Collection hotels.

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Aiming to tap into the potential of its vast coastline, the Region of Attica signed a 150 million euro agreement this summer with construction firm Aktor for the redevelopment of the Faliro Delta.

According to authorities, the upgraded area is expected to attract major investments in real estate and tourism along the coast from Piraeus to Cape Sounio.

Under the deal, 21 months after construction works begin, the first part of the revamped coastal front will be ready. Projects include transferring Posidonos Avenue closer to the sea, altering Syngrou and Kifissos avenues, installing a biological cleaning system for Kifissos River, enhancing anti-flood works, constructing a new natural gas pipeline under Poseidonos Avenue, relocating the existing water supply pipeline and creating parks, green spaces and recreation areas.

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

 

Photo Credit: Greek Travel Pages