"The quality of water in Greece's seas and lakes is known and constitutes a competitive advantage of the country," Alternate Environment Minister Yiannis Tsironis said.

Of the 1540 bathing waters, 1518 were assessed, as 22 points were monitored for the first time in 2014. The new points have not been evaluated for 2014 since the minimum number of samples required by the Directive has not yet been collected.  However, from the initial results of 2014 it is evident that the concentrations of microbiological parameters remain below the respective criteria values of excellent quality.

For the remaining 1518 bathing waters, the classification results are the following report: 1495 bathing waters are classified as “excellent quality”. One of them are located in inland waters and the 1494 in coastal waters. 23 bathing waters are classified as “good quality”, one of which is located in inland waters and 22 in coastal waters. None of bathing waters have been classified as “sufficient" or "poor quality”.

"It is everyone's care and obligation - the state and the citizens - to continuously protect our seas and coasts in the best possible way. It is up to us to maintain the quality of our waters forever," Tsironis added.
 

To read more, please visit: ANA-MPA

Qatar Airways has announced its highly anticipated daily direct services from Doha to Sydney starting from 1st March 2016, the third Australian city in the Qatar Airways network. Currently, the Doha-based carrier operates daily non-stop flights to Melbourne and Perth with a total of 14 services each week. It also unveiled yet another exciting Australian destination, with daily non-stop scheduled flights between Doha and Adelaide due to commence on May 2, 2016.

Qatar Airways is one of the fastest growing airlines operating one of the youngest fleets in the world to more than 150 destinations spread across six continents. Since the beginning of the year, Qatar Airways has begun services to Amsterdam (The Netherlands); Zanzibar (Tanzania); Faisalabad, Sialkot and Multan in Pakistan, and Abha (Saudi Arabia). In the pipeline before the end of this year is Durban (South Africa) and Nagpur (India). In 2016, the airline is also launching flights to three new US destinations – Los Angeles, Boston and Atlanta.

Daily flights between Doha and Sydney from 1 March 2016 (all times local)
Depart Doha QR908 at 20:10, arrive Sydney at 18:05 (next day)


Depart Sydney QR909 at 22:20, arrive Doha at 05:05 (next day)

Daily flights between Doha and Adelaide from May 2, 2016 (all times local)
Depart Doha QR914 at 20:55, arrive Adelaide at 16:25 (next day)


Depart Adelaide QR915 at 21:30, arrive Doha at 04:50 (next day)

 

 

There are some things you might not know about Greek immigration to the United States.  This history becomes particulalry relevant when watching the news these days and political candiates like Donald Trump, supported by huge and vociferous crowds, call for the complete ban of people from entering the United States based in their race or religion.

This is nothing new. In fact– today’s “undesirable” Muslims (in Donald Trump’s eyes), were yesteryear’s Greeks.

It’s a forgotten history— something that only occasionally comes up by organizations like AHEPA or the occasional historian or sociologist. In fact, many Greek Americans are guilty of not only perpetuating— but also creating— myths of our ancestors coming to this country and being welcomed with open arms.

A look back at history will prove that this usually wasn’t the case for the early Greek immigrants to the United States. Greeks, their race and religion, were seen as “strange” and “dangerous” to America and after decades of open discrimination, Greeks were finally barred— by law— from entering the United States in large numbers.

The Immigration Act of 1924 imposed harsh restrictions on Greeks and other non-western European immigrant groups. Under that law, only one hundred Greeks per year were allowed entry into the United States as new immigrants.

Much like today, when politicians and activists like Donald Trump use language against a particular ethnic group— like his call to ban all Muslims from entering the United States, the same was the case a hundred years ago. Except then, Greeks were one of the main targets.

There was a strong, loud and active “nativist” movement that was led by people who believed they were the “true Americans” and the immigrants arriving— mainly Greeks, Italians, Chinese and others who were deemed “different” and even “dangerous” to American ideals, were unfit to come to America.

As early as 1894 a group of men from Harvard University founded the Immigration Restriction League (IRL), proponents of a United States that should be populated with “British, German and Scandinavian stock” and not by “inferior races.” Their biggest targets were Greeks and Italians and the group had a powerful influence with the general public and leaders in the U.S. government in their efforts to keep “undesirables” out of America.

To read more, please visit: Pappas Post

The submerged town of Pavlopetri is situated in shallow water between the beach of Pouda at Viglafia (near Neapoli) and the islet of Pavlopetri, opposite the island of Elafonisos. The architectural remains of this prehistoric town, visible at a depth of about three meters, were discovered in 1904 by Fokionos Negris.

The site was first occupied in 3500 BC, making it one of the oldest known submerged cities in the world. The buildings, spread over six hectares, were divided into smaller rooms and in some cases had inner courtyards. At least six prehistoric roads were traced.

What was found among the ruins were stone-lined graves, probably from the Meso-Helladic period and in adherence with the practice at the time of burying infants and small children within the settlement. At the edge of the town under two small reefs are two Mycenaean chamber tombs. On the beach at Pouda is an extensive prehistoric cemetery of cist graves dating from the 3rd and 2nd millenia BC. Of particular interest are the ceramic vessels known as pithoi found at the site, in which the prehistoric inhabitants of Pavlopetri stored their wheat, oil and other products such as figs and olives, fish and meat. Other pots found there indicate they had developed close links with Kythera, Crete, the Cyclades and the north-eastern Aegean.

The settlement appears to have been abandoned in about 1100 BC. Pavlopetri occupied a prominent prehistoric place in the southern part of the Maleas promontory and was one of, if not the most important ports in the southern Peloponnese as it monitored shipping from the ports of southern Laconia to the Aegean and the western Mediterranean.

To read this article in full, please visit: Greece By A Greek

Image Credit: Protothema

We are counting down the days for the 5th consecutive event that will be held between October 13-15, 2017 in Messinia and Costa Navarino shortly before the historic Naval Battle of Navarino.

 

“Navarino Challenge” is the sports tourism event with the most Olympic ambassadors, and is hosted once more in Messinia with more than 10 Olympic sports!

 

“Navarino Challenge” promotes the value of “fair play” adopting the purpose of the Olympic Movement, supported by Olympic athletes and Champions who educate young people through sports, without any discrimination. At the same time, the athletes inform them about the benefits of exercise and the Mediterranean diet and prompt the audience to support the cause of the fight against childhood obesity.

 

Registrations for the multiple award-winning sports tourism event are open and everyone can now take part by completing the special entry form HERE!

 

Runners of all ages, starting from Navarino Dunes in Costa Navarino will run a coastal route to Pylos beach, crossing Voidokilia beach and following the trail mapped out, back in Homer’s years, by Telemachus, Ulysses’ son, trying to find his missing father. According to the Homeric tradition, when the son of Ulysses arrived on the beach on a ship, he had with him the goddess Athena disguised as Mentor. On their way, runners will discover the mythical Voidokilia, the most famous beach in Messinia and one of the best in the world, with its unique shape that outlines the letter Omega of the Greek alphabet, written as “Ω”!

 

Participants may select to run in one of the following routes, the exquisite Half Marathon (21,1km), the 10 km route and the 5km run (for running and dynamic walking). At the same day a 1km running route for children will be held. The start and finish points are common. The routes have been designed and edited by the former marathon runner, holder of national best performance on the classical route, running coach and director of All About Running, Nikos Polias. This year, there will be race timing for all runners.

 

For one more year, sea lovers will have the opportunity to swim without competition, in the beautiful Navarino bay at the picturesque port of Pylos, covering the unique swimming route of one mile (1.6 km.) designed by the Federal Technical Director in

 

Swimming, Nikos Gemelos (coach with countless distinctions in the Olympic Games and world championships in open water swimming).

 

Participating athletes will have the opportunity to quench their thirst with the Natural Mineral Water "Vikos" that contributes to the well-functioning of the body during sports. In addition, for the fourth consecutive year, athletes and organizers will move with the safety and efficient engines of the cars of Ford Motor Hellas, the official sponsor of “Navarino Challenge”.

 

Right after, the swimming activity, a Stand Up Paddling race by BIC® Sport will take place for the second consecutive year!

 

“Navarino Challenge” will present at the port of Pylos an innovative sport like Stand Up Paddling (SUP), which quickly became popular worldwide. It is an easy and ideal sport for someone to enjoy in an area surrounded by some of the best beaches in Greece. The entertaining routes for beginners or experts are the best choices for those who wish to experience the peacefulness of the Ionian Sea. One of the most recognized brands in the world, BIC® company with presence in the field of water sports with BIC® Sport since 1979, is supporting this activity. All athletes participating will have the opportunity to test the credibility of the SUP BIC® boards. Stand Up Paddling will be held with the support of the best surf club, Surf Salad!

 

The privileged accommodation packages at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino are now available for those wishing to enjoy the full schedule of “Navarino Challenge”. For further information please click HERE!

 

In order to get advantage of these privileged prices it is necessary to have completed your registration for at least one activity in running, swimming, or SUP (per reservation).

 

“Navarino Challenge” will be held under the Auspices of the Greek National Tourism Organization with the support of Costa Navarino and The Westin Resort Costa Navarino, as well as the Municipalities of Pylos-Nestor and Trifilia.

Website  

Greece rang in the New Year with a record-breaking Vasilopita cake that was 2,500 kilos. The cake was offered to Athens' locals for free as the Greek bakers wanted to send their well wishes for 2018.

 

Greek City Times reports, "the 70-metre-long and 3-metre-wide Vasilopita was cut in 15,000 slices at a Platia (centre square) in Athens’ suburban municipality of Peristeri and is the largest ever made in Greece, according to organisers."

Over fourty people worked non-stop for three days to prepare the record-breaking, delicious cake, said Panagiotis Sachinidis, President of the Association of Athens’ Bakers who took the initiative.

The municipality of Peristeri hid 200 “lucky coins” inside the cake for good luck. Locals were also given small gifts by the Mayor of Peristeri Andreas Pachatouridis who helped slice the cake. “We are cutting the Vassilopita of the love and solidarity,” he said addressing the event.

To read this article in full, please visit: Greek City Times

Ancient coins are among the most well-preserved archeological findings and allow useful insight into antiquity; they offer a glimpse into the past in terms of international trade, prominent figures, culture, and traditions.

Even though lately there is a trend for digital money and cryptocurrencies, it is the archaic invention of coinage and its use as an official means of trade that shaped the course of history as we know it.

In ancient Greece, thin long metal rods called 'ovolos' preceded the coin. Six 'ovoloi' equaled an ancient drachma, which derives from the ancient Greek word 'drattomai' that means grasp or handful. Coinage was born when the 'ovoloi' took on a more convenient rounded shape during the Archaic Age, preceding democracy (508-507 BC).

According to Aristotle, the first coins were minted by Hermodike II, daughter of King Agamemnon of Aeolian Kyme, while Herodotus credits the Lydians, a western Anatolian people.

Although it remains unclear who first developed this method of transactions, the ancient Greeks are regarded as the earliest adopters of minted coins.

"...money has become by convention a sort of representative of demand; and this is why it has the term money (νόμισμα), because it exists not by nature, but by law (νόμος) and it is in our power to change it and make it useless."

​- Aristotle, Nichomachean Ethics

To read this article in full, please visit: Portes Magazine

The first express electric train service to carry out the Athens-Thessaloniki route will be launched on Monday, May 20. The new trains are expected to shorten the journey by more than an hour, covering the distance in 3 hours and 55 minutes.

 

 

 

 

Welcome to the age of virtual tours! Would any of us actively choose a virtual tour over a real life one? How could it possibly measure up; stripped of the sounds, tastes, smells and general hubbub of life? But with so many postponed holidays, many tour operators are stepping into the void with immersive and live guided city interactions that provide wonderful “appetisers” for the real thing.

 

Not only can they be a great way to stay close to the places we love, from afar; they’re also a fun and engaging way for separated friends, families and colleagues to bond. So, This is Athens and some of their friends went on a virtual tour of 10 city highlights that challenge the common perception of Athens, through a mix of informal narration, video clips and photography.

Here are some of the colourful revelations that inspired them to dig deeper into their exploration of Athens (even for those of us who live here)!

That Old Black Magic
In the historic neighbourhood of Keramikos lies one of the least visited archaeological treasures of Athens, we’re told. The Ancient Necropolis of Keramikos, built atop the Eridanos River (which once flowed through the area until the Romans covered it up). This below-radar site spans 11-acres and is filled with monumental graves, tombstones and dramatic marble statues from the 4th to 5th century BC (including a rather menacing bull!). Most visitors miss this extraordinary spot. Even fewer encounter its fascinating dark history, apparently.

“In 2016, a very big well was discovered here with many nice objects such as cups and coins and tablets made of lead,” says Thomas. “And these tablets were found to have some ‘bad words’ on them to invoke harm on other people. So these ‘curse tablets’ are said to be like an ancient form of black magic.”

Kalliopi takes over the tale: “Ancient Athenians believed that water was sacred and a way to connect to the underworld. It was very common to place these tablets with curses written on them in the water of the wells, to communicate their wishes to Hades.”

“So if you come and visit the on-site museum here, you can see these curse tablets for yourself. They are in a small corner though, so you have to really look out for them.”

More Poetic Tales Of The Dead
From ancient souls to departed modern Greek heroes, we venture to another remarkable off-grid burial ground. This one is the First Cemetery of Athens and you’ll find it near the Panathenaic Stadium in Pangrati. It’s the final resting place, we learn, for a poetic pantheon of the great and good of Greece. Built in 1837, shortly after the founding of the modern Greek state, there’s everyone from eminent politicians, artists and actors, to prominent Philhellenes and beloved figures of the Greek Revolution interred at this prestigious listed space.

We flip through a series of beautiful photographs. Magnificent marble tombs graced with exquisite sculptures; whimsical white chapels; all framed by towering pines and cypresses. It feels like half-park and half open-air museum. Or a free outdoor sculpture gallery, if you like.

Thomas stops at the star of the show: “Here is the Sleeping Maiden, created by one of Greece’s most important Greek sculptors, Yannoulis Chalepas, from Tinos; an island renowned for its famous marble and sculptors. It is the diamond of the First Cemetery.”

And again, at a particularly grand tomb with a soaring sculpture that resembles a mini-Parthenon: “This is the mausoleum of Heinrich Schliemann who excavated ancient Troy. He had a great love for Greece and asked to be buried here.”

You’ll need to carve out a chunk of time to see all the marvellous sights at this unexpected architectural trove, advises Thomas. “It’s very big, so you might need maybe five hours to wander the whole site. But believe me, it’s very, very interesting, with many amazing monuments.” Adds Kalliopi: “You will also find a lot of cats. Cats are everywhere in Athens.”

How Street Art Is Rebranding Athens (One Mural At A Time)
“We have made it our mission to track down and photograph all the best street art in Athens,” says Kalliopi, as we arrive at what is clearly their favourite part of the tour. “Do you recognise anything about this mural? Something about the eyes, perhaps?” she asks. On our screens is an arresting black and white street art canvas, from the urban neighbourhood of Gazi. “They’re the eyes of Mona Lisa?” guesses Ellen. Correctly, it turns out. Thomas elaborates: “In Mona Lisa’s left eye, you can see a protestor. In her right, there is a policeman holding a riot shield. So it’s a comment that if the real Mona Lisa was watching over the streets of the modern city of Athens, this is what she would see.”

The acrylic paint mural was created in 2018, by Athens’ most internationally famous street artist INO, and forms part of his extended homage to Leonardo da Vinci. The collective work stretches for nearly one hundred metres across the old Bus Depot building in Pireos Street. Like Banksy, INO’s identity is a closely-guarded secret.

More evocative murals from other artists light up our screens one by one. I won’t spoil the fun for everyone else—but my personal favourite is the sky-scraping reading lady (aka “So Many Books, So Little Time” by SimpleG). It appeared on the side of a building in Metaxourgeio in 2019 as part of the Little Paris Festival and apparently it’s been voted as one of the world’s top 50 street art murals.

“What do the residents of Athens think of all this street art?” asks Ellen. “Are they divided?” “It is controversial,” admits Thomas. “The younger people generally like it. For them it’s uplifting. Many older people consider it all graffiti, even the murals.”

Regardless, over the past ten years, Athens has become one of the hottest European capitals of street art; its movement now active and diverse.

“The motivation was the financial crisis,” elaborates Kalliopi, “The city felt like an open notepad where people could express their feelings and anger outside. But nowadays, it’s become more creative and artistic. We have artworks whose only purpose is to beautify the area.” We all find this street art segment the most engaging part of the tour. As Helen says: “It’s so interesting to see how street art has changed in Athens. It’s gone from angry slogans to some truly stunning pieces of work. It definitely makes me want to wander around and see more.”

To read more and book your own virtual tour visit This is Athens!

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Whether you’ve just arrived in town – or have been here for years – Athens always has new secrets to share! This is Athens is the official guide to this captivating city of ancient energies and booming urban culture. Compiled by a team of specialist local writers, This is Athens brings you an authentic and intimate portrait of a living Athens beyond the guidebooks – along with daily curated listings of all the best events and great weekend inspiration all-year round. From must-know neighbourhoods and emerging art hubs, to gourmet hotspots, cool shopping and the buzziest bars, This is Athens will help you to get the most out of living in Athens!

Thank you This is Athens for your contribution as an XpatAthens Partner.


Photo Credit: Awesome Athens Experiences