Our very own XpatAthens blogger Costa Tzavaras shared with La Carte Travel Magazine what makes a perfect day in Athens! Complete with museums, lots of eating, drinking, and shopping, he tells us about the city's most unique spots to check out. Here are a few of his stellar recommendations.

‘In Athens, coffee is our most important meal of the day so we’re starting out at Yasemi. It’s a sweet little café on the edge of Anafiotika, a tiny island-like oasis in the historic Plaka district. Hot coffee is a no-no during Greek summer — unless you want TOURIST stamped on your forehead — so order your brew iced. Sip your godly nectar on the café’s pillow-lined steps and listen to the cacophony of Greek voices discuss what they got up to last night.’

‘With its contemporary design, modern Greek menu and delightful sidewalk tables facing the ancient Agora, Moma restaurant is a jewel in the Athenian crown. Vibe to the cool music and people-watch the even cooler patrons while you nosh on perfectly grilled salmon and mushrooms or traditional cheese pie. A must-see in this restaurant: the bathroom, with its glass floor sitting atop ancient ruins — a reminder that you’re dining in one of the oldest cities on Earth.’

‘Athens is hot so let’s cool down with a glass of wine or a cold beer. Follow me through an alley you’d avoid in most cities and down a questionable flight of stairs into Six Dogs, a magical Athenian playground. Dip your feet in the warm sand or swing under massive, ancient trees while you sip your drink and watch the young and beautiful play. Sway to the beat of the live musicians and know in your heart that this is exactly how life should be.’

But wait! There’s more…
‘One day is not enough to explore this ancient city! Sneak in a few extra hours and hop a cab to Akanthus beach bar on the Athenian Riviera. In Athens we say the sea is never far from your thoughts …’

To read about this perfect day in full, please visit: La Carte
By Tonisha Robinson

On October 5, 2016 Athens From Beneath, an insightful documentary about Greece’s unemployed, will premiere in the U.S. at the New York City Greek Film Festival, an extraordinary feat for the man behind the lens Takis Bardakos, who directed, produced, and wrote the film while he too was struggling with his own economic crisis, one that left him and his family homeless and unemployed.

Takis Bardakos, 59, who has a quiet, gentle presence but an endearing strength behind his voice, would rather talk about the plight of his fellow Greeks than about his own struggles. The only way in is to discuss his passion for film, especially his new documentary that holds true for far too many Greeks.

“Even though I was unemployed [and had no cash flow], I decided to start filming,” says Takis. “I found myself one morning outside church in a middle-class area with wealthy people and saw more than 150 people with bowed heads, waiting patiently to receive food. I never expected that in a parish with well-to-do residents, there would be so many people who didn’t even have food to eat. I met my colleague, and he comes out with food for his family.”

“I have to do something about it,” he says about the “new poor” in Greece, a country not used to seeing homelessness. Athens From Beneath was Takis’ solution to the growing problem, a way to cultivate social awareness. “I saw people sleeping in ruins, many living under bridges, sleeping in abandoned cars, other people, sick, and sleeping in cardboard boxes to protect themselves from the cold. I saw many looking in the trash and decided to start shooting, without a budget, but determined to get to the end.”

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

The Megaron Concert Hall Garden is the perfect place to relax and escape the fast pace of the city. Walkers are free to stroll through the park and admire the beautiful verdant garden filled with thriving lush trees, flowers, shrubs, and climbing plants.

 

"In choosing the species to be planted, special emphasis was laid on evergreens such as carobs, acacia, orange and magnolia trees, with care taken to ensure that at any time of year some of the trees would be in flower. The mimosa, yellow jasmine, viburnum, and mahonia flower in the winter months. Early in spring, the ornamental plum-tree, Japanese quince, and forsythia come into bloom. The planting of laurel along the fences bordering the gardens was decided on functional – preventing noise pollution – as well as aesthetic grounds."

The landscape designers used the contours of the site to harmonize with the surrounding streets, the adjacent Eleftherias Park, and the monument to Eleftherios Venizelos. It was also designed to allow for rainwater run-off.

The Megaron Concert Hall Garden hosts a wide range of musical, educational, cultural, and environmental events. Perhaps the most unforgettable occasion was the concert by the Vienna Philharmonic, conducted by Riccardo Muti. About 4,000 people, sat in Megaron Concert Hall Garden, to enjoy a live broadcast of the concert on giant screens.

 

For more information, please visit: Megaron
Photo source: Megaron

Mobile phone owners in Greece were startled to hear multiple loud beeps on their mobile phones last week. It was a notification message from the Greek Civil Protection Service to warn citizens about the measures and precautions they should take against the virus. The SMS messages were written in Greek and English.

 

To date, the Greek Civil Protection Service has sent 3 alert messages prompting people to stay at home on the first sign of infection, to abide by the government regulations to avoid putting themselves and others at risk. However, the Civil Protection Service has confirmed that 10% of mobile phone owners did not receive the alerts. Here is how to activate this functionality and begin receiving these messages.

 

 

If you haven't been receiving the alert messages on your smartphone, all you need to do is upgrade to the latest version of its operating system and make sure your device is set to receive CB alerts.

 

 

If you don't have a smartphone, you can register here or by dialing 112 to receive alerts via one of the 3 following channels:

Are you looking for an interesting place to visit that is both outdoors and close to Athens? I suggest a visit to the archaeological site of Vravrona in southeast Attica.  The landscape here is diverse with vineyards, pistachio trees, pine trees, olive orchards, and rocky shores.

As you near the ancient site, you’ll encounter fruit and vegetable stands where the produce is grown just meters away from the stand. Near to the archaeological site of Vravrona there is a large parking area.

As you enter the grounds on foot, after about 50 meters you’ll find the museum on your left. If you keep walking down the path for another 100-150 meters or so, you’ll reach the archaeological grounds. The entrance fee is 6 euro for adults and free for children. This ticket includes a visit to both the museum and the archaeological site. Inside the museum, of course, you’ll need to wear a mask and no more than a certain number of people are allowed in each of the museum’s rooms, to maintain a safe distance from others.

 

The museum is small, clean, and well organized. There are five large rooms that feature archaeological finds not only from Vravrona but from surrounding areas as well, including Anavyssos and Perati. The exhibits cover the period from the Bronze Age until the Roman times. You’ll see vases, idols, and statues of young boys and girls.

The sculptures from the sanctuary of Artemis are of the most important finds. A few tactile sculptures have also been created to provide access to the original artwork for visitors with low vision or blindness. 

The ancient temple of Artemis was an important sacred site in ancient times. In the Doric-style temple, the goddess was worshipped and considered to be the protector of nature and women, as well as protector of childbirth. Women who had good deliveries would offer clothes and other personal items to the goddess Artemis. 

If you take a walk through the prehistoric acropolis above the temple of Artemis, you will get a panoramic view of the Erasinos valley and the surrounding area. 

You can also walk from the Vravrona Museum to the mavros vrachos [μαύρος βράχος] or ‘black rock,’ a low mountain beside the Erasinos River estuary. From here there is a great view of the wetlands and the southern Euboean Gulf. In the spring, there are beautiful wildflowers everywhere. You can even take a pony ride to explore the area.

The wetland and surrounding area of Vravrona also fall under the Natura 2000 Network. Click here to read about the protection and promotion of the Vravrona Wetland.

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About Eleni Maria Georgiou

Eleni Maria Georgiou is an independent writer and publishing professional devoted to creating books that are creative, original, and modern.  

Passionate about Athens and all the city has to offer, for four exciting years, I co-managed XpatAthens. This experience inspired me to write my first book, Eleni’s GREEK PHRASE BOOK: A Beginner's Guide to Greek Culture and the Greek Language in 2018, sparking the birth of Lenacke Press. I continue to write, think about, and publish creative and original books, adding to the Lenacke Press collection. 

In addition, since 2004, I have been running fixyourenglish.com, a business that provides Editing, Proofreading, and Translation services.

I currently live in Athens, Greece with my husband and two kids. I am fluent in both English and Greek and interested in learning more languages. I like organizing and attending community group events, reading, listening to podcasts and audiobooks, writing, lifting weights, and going hiking.

US airline companies in 2022 will start direct flights to Greece earlier than in any other year, Greek Tourism Minister Vassilis Kikilias announced.

Following a meeting with US Ambassador Geoffrey Pyatt at the ministry in Athens, Kikilias said that American airline companies this summer will operate 14 direct flights every week between eight large US airports and Athens International Airport (AIA).

According to the minister, direct flights from the US to Athens will start on March 7.

Greece recently lifted the mandatory Covid-19 testing before travel requirement for fully vaccinated travelers coming from the United States.

During his meeting with Ambassador Pyatt, Kikilias said he expects Greece to attract more Americans this year after the Greek authorities scrapped the rule.

The Greek tourism minister also said that bookings from the US to Greece this year were up compared to the same period in 2019. He also informed that the ministry is exploring ways to attract more tourist flows from America to Greece.

According to Bank of Greece data, the number of travelers from the US to Greece during January-November 2021 rose by 266 percent (to 382,000) year-on-year and their spending was up by 603.4 percent to 598 million euros.

In 2019, Greece saw over 1.1 million arrivals from the US.

Originally published on: news.gtp.gr

If you love brunch as much as we do, we have some good news for you: Athens loves its midday breakfast. Like other Mediterranean people, Greeks are real foodies and they give so much importance to every meal. Let’s see where you can have the best brunch right in the city center!




Black Duck Garden

@black_duck_athens

Located at the Athens City Museum, Black Duck Garden is a small oasis in the heart of the city. Respectful of the historical and natural environment, Black Duck Garden offers a Mediterranean menu with most of the ingredients coming from Greek nature and traditional cuisine. It’s the perfect place for coffee breaks, lunch breaks, brunch, and business meetings.

Location: loannou Paparrigopoulou 7, Athina
Telephone: 21 0325 2396 

Beauty Killed The Beast


@beauty_killed_the_beast_gr

An impressive neoclassical building turned into a cozy shop, Beauty Killed the Beast is a brunch hotspot where you can enjoy re-invented Greek classics like the stifado burger with slow-cooked beef and onions and imaginative cocktails.

Location: Paramithias 14, Athina
Telephone: 21 0524 0117

Me Kolonaki


@me_kolonaki

Me is a beautiful space with a minimalist, clean-cut design in Kolonaki. The menu is based on simplicity and quality with a focus on healthy eating and modern culinary trends. Brunch is a big part of Me, as is coffee, and on the menu, you will find smoothies that can accompany various dishes like eggs, omelets, avocado toast, spinach toast, and many more.

Location: Kapsali 10, Athina
Telephone: 21 0724 2588

Hippy 3


@hippy3athens

Green accents, Scandinavian elements, wood, and earthy colors dominate the interiors of this all-day bar-restaurant on Spyrou Merkouri Street. Cozy and warm Hippy 3 offers great brunch options like fluffy pancakes or Croque madame as well as Greek-inspired dishes such as peinirli with minced meat. On the menu, you will also find mini burgers, open sandwiches, flatbreads, and delicious sweets.

Location: Spirou Merkouri 22A, Athina
Telephone: 21 0725 1154

Ohh Boy


@ohhboy_ath

In the popular neighborhood of Pagrati, Ohh Boy reminds us of something from a Greek island oozing with freshness yet at the same time referring to a Scandinavian minimalist aesthetic. Its sweets are definitely the highlight served in tasteful antique dinnerware. The menu also includes "small eats”, such as slow-roasted pork burgers, avocado sandwiches on rye bread with pesto, and a variety of vegan-friendly salads.

Location: 32, Archelaou street, Athina
Telephone: 21 1183 8340

A photography exhibition of 70 historical costumes from the 19th century, from daily life and life in battle, worn by contemporary Greeks will be shown at the Acropolis Museum as of December 20, ANA reports.

'Raiment of the Soul' is an initiative by the Marianna V. Vardinoyannis Foundation. The Acropolis Museum presents the exhibition in collaboration with the National Historical Museum of Athens and is under the auspices of Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou. It will run until March 26, 2023.

Most of the costumes used belong to the National Historical Museum of Athens and were loaned by the late Ioannis Mazarakis-Ainian, general secretary of the museum, to photographer Vangelis Kyris and embroidery specialist Anatoli Georgiev.

Originally published on: tornosnews.gr

As the winter chill settles over Greece, so too does the comforting warmth of its traditional cuisine. Greek winter staple dishes offer a delightful array of flavors and textures, often showcasing the country's rich culinary heritage and the use of seasonal ingredients.

Let the gastronomic journey through some must-try Greek winter dishes begin!


1. Trahanas Soup



Trahanas, a traditional Greek pasta made from wheat or semolina flour mixed with sour milk or yogurt, is the star of this comforting soup. Simmered with vegetables like tomatoes, onions, and sometimes meat, Trahanas Soup offers a hearty and nourishing meal perfect for cold winter evenings.

2. Revithada



Revithada is a rustic Greek dish consisting of slow-cooked chickpeas, simmered with onions, garlic, olive oil, and a blend of aromatic herbs. Traditionally baked in a clay pot in a wood-fired oven, this hearty stew develops rich flavors and creamy textures that make it a true winter comfort food.

3. Lahanodolmades



Lahanodolmades are cabbage rolls stuffed with a savory mixture of ground meat, rice, and herbs, simmered in a tomato-based sauce. This humble yet flavorful dish showcases the ingenuity of Greek home cooks, who transform simple ingredients into a hearty and satisfying meal that's perfect for warming up during the winter months.

4. Psarosoupa



Psarosoupa, or Greek fish soup, is a soul-warming dish made with a variety of fish, vegetables, and fragrant herbs. Simmered to perfection, this hearty soup is both nutritious and comforting, offering a taste of the Mediterranean even on the chilliest of days.

5. Melitzanes Papoutsakia



Melitzanes Papoutsakia, which translates to "eggplant little shoes," is a lesser-known Greek dish that's as fun to say as it is to eat. Halved eggplants are filled with a flavorful mixture of minced meat, tomatoes, onions, and spices, then topped with a generous layer of creamy béchamel sauce and baked until golden and bubbly.

6. Kolokythokeftedes



Kolokythokeftedes are Greek zucchini fritters, made by grating zucchini and combining it with herbs, cheese, and flour, then frying until crispy and golden brown. Served hot with a dollop of tzatziki sauce, these fritters are a delicious and satisfying winter snack or appetizer.

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For even more winter culinary delights, be sure to check out this article!

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