This November 2016, the Hotel Grande Bretagne has been included for one more year among the Best Hotels in the World according to the well-known publication of Condé Nast Traveler magazine, as voted by its readers. The King George Hotel is also an honoree in the 2016 list for the first time.

The distinguished publication of Condé Nast Traveler has selected the two most luxurious and historical hotels in Athens among the top hotels in Greece and Turkey. The renowned ‘Reader’s Choice Awards’ has honoured 1,396 winners, which were selected by 300,000 readers taking part in the 2016 Reader’s Choice Survey, voting for the best cities, islands, hotels and transportation in the world. The awards have been published in the November 2016 issue of the famous magazine.

Having received these important distinctions, Hotel Grande Bretagne and King George are committed to continue delivering exceptional, indigenous experiences for their guests. Both Hotels have the best location in the heart of Athens with spectacular views to the Acropolis and set a significant example in the international hotel industry, offering exceptional services and memorable experiences.

For more information on Hotel Grande Bretgane and Kind George, please visit: Starwood Hotels

Greece is the ultimate summer holiday destination, with stunning beaches, Mediterranean cuisine, unique shopping, and incredible experiences. Some places might be more popular than others, from Mykonos to Antiparos to Athens, but below are secret spots where the locals go. Forbes gets the inside scoop on where to go, stay, eat, and what to do in some of the most well-known destinations of Greece.

"Just a hike down Philopappou Hill, Ano Petralona is the neighborhood to be if you want to feel like a local Athenian. The tavernas, bars and restaurants do not only offer some of best affordable menus, but the cocktails and music also make this area a popular destination."

Ilias Lalounis Jewelry Museum

"While the most iconic jewelry house in Greece might be globally praised, the museum — which is housed in the old workshop of the master Ilias Lalounis — is often overlooked when visiting Athens. Under the shadows of the Acropolis, the incredible space is run by Lalaounis’s daughter Ioanna, who is launching a number of initiatives to help cultivate new talent. Call ahead and organize a private tour."

"Lake Vouliagmenis is located along the coast and is the starting point for the stunning drive known as “Limanakia” meaning small ports. Because of its constant warm water temperature and its rich content in hydrogen sulphide, the lake functions as a spa since the end of the 19th century."

For many more recommendations and to read this article in full, please visit: Forbes

While on the Cycladic island of Sikinos in Greece, archaeologists came across an untouched tomb of a prominent and noble woman, along with 1,800 year-old jewelry, during a restoration project of a monument.

The grave, which had the inscription "Neiko," was found inside the vault of a Roman-era maosoleum at Episkopi, and was initially believed to be the temple of Apollo Pythios. Inside the tomb, the team of archaeologists found golden jewelry that included wristbands, rings, and a pendant and buckle, along with vases, a pen and mirror, and fragments of clothing. The woman, they believe, belonged to the nobility class and lived between the 2nd and 3rd century BC.

The director of the ephorate, Dimitris Athanassoulis, referred to the find as 'unprecedented' and told the Athens News Agency that the objects were hidden in a blind spot amongst the double walls.

Athanassoulis also told Reuters, "It’s very rare. A monument, one of the Aegean’s most impressive, has got an identity. We now have the person for whom the building was built, we have her remains, and her name."

Article source: Greek Travel Pages

Photo credit: Greek Travel Pages

Greece is known for its beautiful summers, of course, but many choose to travel to the country during other seasons, even in winter, and for good reason.

Visiting Greece is a very different experience depending on whether you visit in summer or winter, but you are sure to have a great time in the country no matter when you choose to stay!

Visiting Greece in Winter: Where to travel

Although most picture sunny beaches when considering vacations to Greece, the country has a great deal to offer even in the winter months.

One of the most beautiful and unique places in Greece is Meteora, a stunning rock formation in northern Greece which is home to six enchanting monasteries.

The towering cliffs in Meteora, topped by age-old monasteries, are a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the country’s key tourist attractions. One of the most breathtaking places to visit in Greece, and entirely different from other areas across the country, it is certainly not to be missed.

Another option is the small village of Arachova, a short but scenic two-hour drive from Athens. Arachova is a charming and extremely picturesque mountain town with small houses made of wood and stone that lines cobblestone streets. Perfect for a cold weather getaway, one would find it hard to hold on to stress in such an idyllic and relaxing environment.

Many who visit Arachova do so to enjoy the ski slopes which are nearby. They are equipped with all modern ski facilities, including a lift, ski and snowboard leasing shops, and a chalet.

But just past the village is the ancient site of Delphi, one of the most important archaeological sites in the entire world. Do not miss any chance to see the panorama of this place, showing beautiful ruins against a backdrop of staggeringly beautiful mountains.

Another option for a winter traveler to Greece would be to visit one of the two main cities in the country, Athens or Thessaloniki.

To read this article in full, please visit: greekreporter.com

Halkidiki, March 4, 2025 – On the stunning peninsula of Sithonia, where the lush green slopes meet the endless blue of the Aegean Sea, Porto Carras Grand Resort is preparing to host the successful Porto Carras Pro-Am AEGEAN Mini Tour 2025, which will bring together golfers from all over the world. From May 20 to May 25, 2025, professional and amateur golfers will have the opportunity to enjoy a unique combination of competitive action and relaxation in one of the most spectacular landscapes in Greece.

The participants will be competing in a magnificent natural environment, in a luxury complex that offers exceptional facilities and unparalleled hospitality, ideal for those seeking top-class relaxation and sporting experiences.

The Porto Carras golf course, the only one in Northern Greece with 18 holes and a par 72, offers panoramic views of the AEGEAN Sea and the dense pine forests of Mount Itamos. Participants will enjoy an unforgettable game in an idyllic setting, including lush vineyards, three serene lakes, towering pine trees, and century-old olive trees.

After last year’s success, the upgraded course will once again host a Pro-Am tournament that is expected to be highly competitive, as professional athletes will have the opportunity to compete for total prize money of up to 16,500 euro, adding excitement and interest to the event.

The event’s first official practice session will take place on Wednesday, May 21, at Porto Carras Grand Resort, which was awarded as the top golf hotel in Greece at the Greek Hospitality Awards 2024. On Thursday, May 22, and Friday, May 23 the 1st and 2nd rounds of the Pro-Am tournament will be held respectively, while on Saturday, May 24 the action will conclude with the open tournament for professionals and the individual for amateurs.

Members of the Greek national team from 2004 and current Champions for Life are returning to a…golf course!

For another year, the exciting FootGolf could not be missing from the activities of the event, offering a unique experience that combines the magic of football with the technique of golf. With the support of the Official Airline of the tournament, AEGEAN, the legendary Greek footballers who made history by winning Euro 2004, thrilling all of Europe, return to the field, this time with a different goal: to shoot the football balls into the specially designed holes of FootGolf!

What makes this action stand out is the clever combination of elements and rules from two different sports, creating a game that requires strategy, technique and precision. FootGolf is played on specially designed courses where players, following the rules of golf, hit the football with their feet in order to put it in the hole with the fewest possible strokes. The whole experience offers an exciting challenge for the athletes.

The CEO of Porto Carras, Mr. Sergei Smirnov said: “We are very excited to welcome again the top Porto Carras Pro-Am AEGEAN Mini Tour 2025 golf tournament at the magnificent Halkidiki. Porto Carras Grand Resort is the ideal destination for athletes and guests who wish to combine competitive action with moments of relaxation. The continuous upgrading of our facilities, combined with the stunning natural landscape, offers an unforgettable experience. Filled with joy for this tournament, we look forward to meet golfers from all over the world at the only golf course in Northern Greece!”.

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Watch the highlights video from last year's event and get ready for another great golf experience.

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The Official Airline of the tournament is AEGEAN, a member of the leading airline alliance, Star Alliance. For the 13th consecutive year and 14th overall, AEGEAN is named the top passenger choice, winning the title of "Best Regional Airline in Europe", according to the Skytrax World Airline Awards 2024.

The event’s sponsors:

Platinum Sponsor: Domaine Porto Carras

Official Airline: AEGEAN

Registration for the Porto Carras Pro-Am 2025 Aegean Mini Tour has started via the official Porto Carras website and will be closed on April 30, 2025. Register here.

Porto Carras Pro-Am is organized by Porto Carras Golf under the auspices of the PGA of Greece, a member of the Confederation of Professional Golf and the major sponsor, AEGEAN.

For those wishing to stay at Porto Carras Meliton and enjoy the full schedule of the Porto Carras Pro-Am 2025 AEGEAN Mini Tour, special accommodation packages and airfare offers with AEGEAN are available.

For the best service to participants in terms of registration, accommodation and air tickets, you can send your email to: reservations4(at)portocarras.com or call +30 2375 077000.

The sports marketing agency of the year ActiveMedia Group is responsible for the event’s Golf Production.

#portocarrasproam #aegeanminitour #portocarras

About Porto Carras 

Porto Carras Grand Resort is the historic iconic resort that has contributed significantly to the establishment of luxury tourism in Greece, especially in Halkidiki. For 50 years, it has been offering high-level services and authentic Greek hospitality to its guests in an environment of unparalleled beauty and intense contrasts.

Located alongside a sandy coastline of 9 kilometers and surrounded by a verdant area of 18,000 acres, with gardens under the shade of pine trees dressing the slopes of Mount Meliton. Its facilities include an 18-hole golf course, the biggest organic vineyard in Greece, a spa and wellness center, restaurants with high-level gastronomy, a casino and a marina that provides integrated services. In addition, a wide range of sports and cultural activities on land and sea are available to visitors of all ages.

Website: www.portocarras.com 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/portocarrasgolf 

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@portocarrasgolf