It started when two friends began volunteering in refugee camps in Greece and realized that people needed more than just food, water, and shelter. As The Guardian reports, they wanted to study, to work for their future and to find a sense of purpose. So, the two friends, Laura Samira Naude and Esther ten Zijthoff, decided to launch Education Community Hope and Opportunity (Echo) and open a library on wheels.

Friends in London and Belgium did the fundraising and fitted out an old minibus with shelves and computer points for internet access, then drove it to Greece. The two then appealed for books in Arabic, Kurdish, Farsi, French, Greek and English, slowly filling the shelves and finally opening in November 2016.

They now have about 1,300 books – including some in storage because they don’t fit into the van – and welcome an average of 115 readers a week. So far, they have loaned out 904 books.

Those who come to the library love it: children say it feels like home; a Syrian economics professor used it to translate his work into English and young Afghans keen to learn English started informal classes. Those leaving the camp have even donated their own books.

To read this article in full, please visit: The Guardian

Summer in Greece, especially August, is packed full with all kinds of travelers, thus making it more difficult to find accommodation. If you’re looking to take a last-minute holiday, check out Greece Is’ list of the best places to do so!

Located in the northeastern Aegean, Samothraki (also known as Samothrace) has some truly fairytale landscapes not normally associated with Greek islands – most notably the Fonias Gorge with its waterfalls and plunge pools that you can swim in all summer long. Walk along the gorge under lush trees accompanied by colorful dragonflies flitting about.

Roughly a four-hour drive from Athens and located near the city of Volos (which has an international airport), Pilio combines much of the best of Greece has to offer (forested mountains, fantastic beaches, stone-built villages, stories of centaurs). While it is a popular destination among Greeks and foreign visitors, the accommodation options are many in and around the numerous villages, so even in the height of summer you should be able to find a little slice of paradise.

To read this article in full, please visit: Greece Is

The new heatwave sweeping across parts of Europe, nicknamed Lucifer, is expected to affect Greece as of Sunday and through the week, with temperatures reaching as high as 41 degrees, the National Meteorological Service said on Saturday.

 

On Monday the 7th of August, the hottest regions will be the western parts of Greece with 40-41C while the rest of the country will see temperatures between 38C to 40C. On Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, temperatures will stay high and hover around 38 degrees Celsius, mainly over the Ionian Islands and the mainland.

This will be the third heat wave affecting Greece this summer.

To read this article in full, please visit: Tornos News

As August is the month that most Greeks take their summer vacation, port authorities are advising travelers to arrive an hour earlier at the point of their departure as increased passenger traffic is expected at the ports of Piraeus, Rafina and Lavrion.

On just the first day of the August, 21 ferry routes took place from Piraeus port, as 23,036 passengers, 3,336 private cars, 742 trucks and 607 motorcycles departed for various Aegean islands.

According to data from the central port authorities and ferry companies, last June, July and August a total of 1,423,646 passengers departed from Piraeus to various Aegean islands and 469,917 passengers traveled to islands in the Argosaronic.

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

Check out our latest newsletter and discover top destinations to visit with the kids, top 10 things to do in Athens and discover some of the coolest events taking place in the city!

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Check out this list of garden restaurants, cafes & bars in and around Athens ideal to spend a refreshing evening with loved ones!

Vrasto Tavern


@to_vrasto

The family-owned taverna "To Vrasto", with over 40 years of tradition, situated next to Polydrosso's gully in Chalandri, has been offering, through the years, Greek cuisine dishes releasing a rush of aromas that take you on a trip down memory lane, always with commitment to quality and friendly customer service.

It was recently fully renovated with great care in order to create a warm but classy atmosphere and a place where customers and regulars, who have become friends over time, feel comfortable and cosy, enjoying private and business meals.

Location:  3, Rodon Str., Polydrosso - Chalandri
Telephone: 210 6813776 

Lefkes


@lefkesontheside

Located in Galatsi, the first step brings you into the courtyard, with the lush , green garden. The different cobblestone levels allow you to forget about the busy avenue which has led you here. The two tall elm trees in the heart of the courtyard are flanked by a large range of large and small local and exotic plants.

The menu is updated frequently, as are the “today’s specials” which allow many different choices to satisfy the most demanding palates.

Location: 100, Galatsi Avenue
Telephone: 210 292 4458

Dos Hermanos


@doshermanos.gr

True Mexican cuisine is made like its people, by contrast, impurities and full of traditions. One of the best authentic Mexican restaurants in Athens, Dos Hermanos invites you to discover a stylish and cosy space in the heart of Kifissia. The Chef daily prepares all the traditional Mexican dishes from every corner of Mexico, always using high quality ingredients.  

Relax in their cozy environment and enjoy unique flavors of Mexico!

Location:  24, Kyriazis street - Kifissia
Telephone: 210 8087906

Villa Grigio 46


@villagrigio46

The garden that shares sui generis sophisticated wine bar "Villa Grigio 46" with the popular Italian restaurant "Da Bruno" gives the charming sense of a secret corner just for you.

The Italians would describe the place as "aperitivi e vino", but in fact it is a multifunctional cafeteria, with 85 labels of Italian and Greek wines suitable for everyone!

Location: Agiou Alexandrou 46 - Palaio Faliro
Telephone: 210 9812080

Ta Romanakia


@taromanakia

This restaurant is located in Agia Paraskevi and serves exclusive authentic Cretan cuisine. Premises are open on a daily basis, from noon until late at night, and it aims to offer a tasteful experience, based on quality, uniqueness and the way Cretan life is valued.

Location: Mesogeion Avenue 366, Korai square - Agia Paraskeuh
Telephone: 210 6532278

With the Athens bar scene growing significantly in the last few years, Athens Coast dives into the nightlife and gives us the inside scoop on the best courtyard and rooftop bar experiences!

Located on the roof of the Central Hotel in Plaka, this is Athens Coast’s go-to. “I like this place because it is never over-crowded and the service is friendly and attentive. Also, after a few cocktails, when the lights shine on the sides of the Acropolis, you can see the outline of a goat’s head.”

A hidden boutique hotel with a roof terrace over-looking Acropolis. The Zillers popped onto the scene recently and is on all of the trendy ‘Athens is the new (insert cool city here)’ lists.

This hostel has one of the highest rooftop bars in Athens, so you can see Acroplis and Mount Lycabettus. In the elevator on the way up, you will see a sign that reads, “No we don’t have wifi, get drunk and talk to each other.”

 

 

Black Duck Garden (website is in Greek)

As it is the official bistro for the Museum of the City of Athens, the Black Duck is the classiest joint on my list. Take a stroll through history and enjoy a coffee in the garden of the first palace in Athens. Black Duck is open year round, with the outdoor courtyard open Spring-Fall.

A renovated shopping alleyway on Kolokotroni has become an industrial, hip hang-out. Food, coffee, juices, cocktails- you name it, they have it.

 

 

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

 

Photo Credit: Athens Coast

A celebration of planet earth and the ability to travel from one end to the other, BBC Travel gives you 50 reasons to love the world in a beautiful photo gallery. First reason, Meteora, Greece!

To view the gallery, please visit: BBC

The perfect spot in the city center for getting a mouthful of delicious food and an eyeful of amazing scenery, from the Acropolis to Lycabettus Hill all the way down to the Saronic Gulf! Lay back comfortably in your deck chair and sip on refreshing cocktails or cool down under the impressive waterfall in the most stylish rooftop pool bar of Athens!

Located in Monastiraki Square, this wonderful bar is a favorite among the young and the older crowds. At the bar, you can choose from a selection of 60 different cocktails, while at the restaurant, you will savor imaginative dishes inspired by Mediterranean and Greek cuisine.

@kuzina.gr

Located in one of the most crowded pedestrian streets of the city, overlooking the Acropolis, in front of the Temple of Hephaestus, Kuzina combines Greek traditions with the latest trends, always using the freshest ingredients. Enjoy tasteful dishes and cocktails while the sunset paints the sky in the most unique colors!

Facing the sacred rock of the Acropolis, this hidden bar on Normanou street is most definitely one of the most beautiful terraces in the center of Athens. The all-day menu includes cocktails, coffee, healthy snacks, finger food, delicious burgers, and pizza. When the sun sets, you'll enjoy selected lounge and house music by well-known Greek and world DJs!

 

Location: 3 Normanou, Monastiraki
Telephone: 216 7004917

Telescope


@telescope_cafe_bar_restaurant

It's like love at first sight! You most definitely won't need more than a moment to fall in love with this place. Inside the store, you will find 21 telescopes which you can use to look at the magnificent view from the Piraeus port to the Olympic Stadium! The ideal spot for a relaxing drink or a romantic dinner!

A total of 93 free-entry events in 115 archaeological sites, monuments and museums all over the country are organized by the Ministry of Culture and Sports for the full moon of August, which this year takes place on the 7^th of August!

In addition, 22 venues and museums will remain open to the public without  specific events being held. 

At the Central Archaeological Council meeting, all members  gave the "green light" for events that include music, dance, theater and visual exhibitions as film screenings, poetry nights, guided tours and many other actions.

Last year's statistics showed that 63,795 people participated in 82 events  that were held in 116 archaeological sites, museums and monuments or visited  34 sites that were just open to the public.

This year's events will culminate on August 7^th, but there will be more around this date. As for Athens and Attica, that evening the Acropolis will remain open until 8 pm and Sounio until midnight.

Musical events will be held, among other things, in the archaeological site of Olympiou, with the Philharmonic of the Army General Staff (20.00-22.00), as well as in the adjacent area of ​​the Archaeological Museum of Piraeus ("Melodies in the Full Moon" with the soprano Vasia Zacharopoulou, Dimitris Paksoglou and The Underground Youth Orchestra, at 21.00).

The Acropolis Museum will celebrate the August full moon on two separate nights. On Thursday August 18 at 9 pm, the museum will host the well-known band The Swingin’ Cats.

Furthermore, the museum galleries will remain open from 8:00 am to midnight (entrance will be free after 8:00 pm), allowing visitors to look through the permanent and temporary exhibitions. At the same time, the restaurant, located on the museum’s second floor, will also be open to the public. Visitors will be able to taste exquisite dishes based on traditional recipes, while listening to jazz music.

Acropolis Museum – Free entry to museum from 8:00pm – 12:00am

The Acropolis Museum invites its visitors to a musical performance by the well-known musician and singer Manolis Mitsias and his band who will perform popular melodies by Greek songwriters and composers including, Manos Hadjidakis, Mikis Theodorakis, Stavros Xarchakos, Thanos Mikroutsikos, Loukianos Kilaidonis, Christos Leontis and Dimos Moutsis. Performance from 9:00pm. Museum opens 8:00am.

National Archaeological Museum – open until midnight

A musical performance in the garden of the museum, 9:30pm – 11:00pm.

Numismatic Museum

A musical performance by quartet – “Quarderinas Moonlight Stories”, 9:00pm – 12:00am.

Source: WhyAthens.com