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Thursday, 20 July 2017 09:02
Greek Airports See Passenger Traffic Up More Than 10% In First Half Of 2017
A total of 21.9 million passengers, up by 10.3 percent, compared to the same period in 2016 at 19.9 million, have gone through Greek airports in the first six months of the year, according to data released recently by the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA).
The number of travelers going through Greek airports in June rose by 14.1 percent at 7.3 million – a 8.7 percent increase in domestic travelers and a 15.8 percent rise in international visitors.
In June, the largest passenger traffic was recorded at Athens, Heraklion, Rhodes, Thessaloniki and Corfu airports with 2.168.155, 1.080.803, 784,484, 649,589 and 471,668 passengers respectively.
To read this article in full, please visit: Greek Travel Pages
Published in
Greece In The News
Tagged under
Monday, 23 October 2017 08:38
Aegean Among World’s Top 10 Airlines
Greek airline carrier Aegean was honored in the Condé Nast Traveler 2017 Readers’ Choice Awards as one of the 20 Best Airlines in the World!
The airline ranked 9th “for flying a modern fleet of narrow-body Airbus planes and its professional, friendly staff,” according to the Condé Nast Traveler.
In this year’s Readers’ Choice Awards survey, travelers voted on the world’s best airlines (outside the U.S.), with several Middle Eastern and Asian carriers getting top marks for their long-haul flights around the globe. The number one airline is Air New Zealand, followed by Qatar Airways in second place and Singapore Airlines in third place.
To read this article in full, please visit: Greek Travel Pages
Published in
Greece In The News
Tagged under
Thursday, 29 August 2019 07:00
Tips For Managing Back-To-School Stress
September is almost here, and most families are shifting from holiday mode into back-to-school mode. A variety of stressful parameters, like earlier bedtimes, demanding homework, and tighter schedules are about to impact children and parents alike.
Read on to find a few actionable tips on keeping back-to-school stress at bay.
Identify the signs of stress in your children
Stress can be expressed in a variety of ways, but because it's often internalized, it can be hard to identify in children. Look for warning signals, such as difficulty in sleeping, head and stomach aches, and changes in behavior like irritability and temper tantrums.
Michele Kambolis, a Vancouver-based child and family therapist, recommends having your kids externalize their stress. Kambolis uses an activity called a "worry wall," where kids write down their worrisome thoughts on sticky notes and paste them up on a wall. This simple action aids children to gain perspective and compartmentalize their stressors.
Listen carefully to your child
To be able to recognize school-related anxiety in your child, you need to open your ears and pay close attention to their particular grievances. If your child is complaining about not wanting to go to school or having difficulty doing their work, try to figure out the cause of the problem.
Is it a teacher issue? A bully? Are they over-scheduled? You will probably be able to address most of these problems either at home or by contacting school administrators.
Get the kids to bed
Children need much more sleep than most people realize. Children in kindergarten up to third grade may require up to 12 hours of sleep per night, and high schoolers need a solid 8 to 10 hours. Address factors that may result in sleep loss, such as demanding schedules, anxiety, or using technology and social media platforms late at night.
Make time for 'PDF'
'PDF' stands for (unstructured) playtime, downtime, and family time. While technology can occasionally be a part of PDF, the idea is that these are moments when the family is not plugged in. It's these face-to-face moments that will help kids decompress and reconnect with themselves, their family, and friends.
To read this article in full, please visit: Real Simple
Published in
Kids Life
Tagged under
Thursday, 26 March 2020 12:44
Free Housing For Medical Staff & COVID-19 Patients
In a period when Greece and many other countries in the world are in great distress, a Facebook group comes to offer a helping hand. Owners of empty Airbnb apartments around the country have been called to the rescue as there is a growing need for free housing.
Many members of the group willingly provide free housing to relocated medical staff and patients who need to self-isolate away from their families. If you own a vacant flat or house anywhere in Greece that you wish to offer for free during the coronavirus pandemic, please visit the "I offer my AIRBNB home for FREE during Covid-19 Crisis" Facebook group.
At the same time, the "Sino-Hellenic Investors' Confederation" is also calling apartment owners in Greece to contribute their vacant houses to front-line medical staff for free, during this challenging time. Offering accommodation to medics will allow them to rest near the hospitals, at the end of their shift. More importantly, this will significantly reduce the risk of infecting their family members. The "Sino-Hellenic Investors' Confederation" has already sourced 5 houses that have been granted to 5 medical staff members. However, there is still a need for at least 150 residences.
Please contribute to the cause by sharing this article. Let's protect the health of Covid-19 patients and their families; let's show our appreciation to doctors and medical staff by allowing them to rest safely without risking the health of their own families.
Please contribute to the cause by sharing this article. Let's protect the health of Covid-19 patients and their families; let's show our appreciation to doctors and medical staff by allowing them to rest safely without risking the health of their own families.
Published in
Local News
Tagged under
Monday, 12 October 2020 20:38
Glyfada Maritime Golf Event 2020: The 1st Maritime Tournament Of The Year With Absolute Safety
Maritime, golf, passion, energy, ideal weather conditions, and absolute safety…
Glyfada Maritime Golf Event was the first golf tournament held in 2020, to take the new health conditions prevailing in our country into consideration. Top executives of the Greek and global shipping industry competed in the beautiful and historic Golf Course of Glyfada, on Saturday, October 10, 2020.
Golf tournament with an approved health protocol
The event was held following the strict specifications set by the General Secretariat of Sports and the Hellenic Golf Federation. Always having the safety and health of all participants and staff as a top priority, Glyfada Maritime Golf Event executed an even stricter health protocol that was established by Active Media Group’s experienced staff certified by the World Health Organization, based on the guidelines of the special scientists-collaborators of the General Secretariat of Sports as well as the epidemiological data, the suggestions and the approval of the General Secretariat of Sports’ Health Committee. Specifically, among the safety measures that were implemented were: the mandatory use of a mask by the staff and the encouragement of its use by everyone, with its free provision by the organization, although several golfers entered the course already wearing a mask showing a high sense of individual responsibility, the temperature measurements of all by the team of Target Security, the maintenance of a list of people entering and exiting the golf facility, the service of participants with a Samsung tablet and use of gloves where necessary with the mandatory cleaning after each use, the disinfection of the event’s equipment, the maintenance of predicted distances throughout the tournament and the conservation of the predicted limit of people entering to the sports facility.
In the context of the 1st Glyfada Maritime Golf Event, the recognized PGA Golfer and tournament organizer, Thanos Karantzias stated: “I am delighted that the 1 st Glyfada Maritime Golf Event was held with absolute safety and based on the strict measures we had set, receiving the best reviews from the Greek and international maritime industry, offering moments of well-being and highlighting and promoting the sport we all love, golf. I would like to thank all the sponsors, supporters, and those who worked and stood by us from the very first moment. We are renewing our appointment with everyone for 2021”.
The 1st Glyfada Maritime Golf Event received the greeting of the Deputy Minister of Culture & Sports, Mr. Lefteris Avgenakis, who among other things highlighted: “In a very critical period, when sport on a world basis is tempted by the crisis of the pandemic, it is encouraging that sport and newly-founded indeed events are realized, such as the Glyfada Maritime Golf Event, which is addressed to the marine community. The holding of this event constitutes a unique chance for the highlighting of a special sport, which in recent years sees particular development and gradually wins the hearts of more and more Greek people”.
The Golf Action
The first tournament attracted the interest of the Greek and world shipping industry as its senior executives formed teams of four taking part in a shotgun scramble tournament, in a completely safe and ideal environment. A green space, set in a landscape of low hills, large trees, and low Mediterranean vegetation. The golfers competed at a team level, at the international standards 18-hole, par 72, Golf Course of Glyfada.
The first tournament attracted the interest of the Greek and world shipping industry as its senior executives formed teams of four taking part in a shotgun scramble tournament, in a completely safe and ideal environment. A green space, set in a landscape of low hills, large trees, and low Mediterranean vegetation. The golfers competed at a team level, at the international standards 18-hole, par 72, Golf Course of Glyfada.
Non-participants in the tournament had the opportunity to attend golf lessons and take part in the golf clinic under the guidance of professional golfers.
The winners
The tournament concluded with the awarding of prizes to the teams that took the top three places in the overall standings of the tournament and the special awards given to the players who achieved the best scores in the “Longest Drive” and “Closest to the Pin” special categories. Specifically, the team of Sorotos, Chrousalas, Emmanuel, and Morris finished 1 st with 104 points, the team of Papadopoulos, Robbs, Kyvernitis, and Ventouris was 2 and with 103 points while the team of Robbs, Coustas, Daskalakis, and Kechagias received the 3 rd place with 96 points. The Closest to the pin award was given to Charalampos Ventouris whereas the Longest Drive award was won by Stergios Kavalekas.
Surprises & special gifts
The schedule of the event was enriched with special gifts from sponsors and surprises for participants. In particular, the winners of the special categories and the first three teams were offered prizes by Samsung, Porsche Center Glyfada, Christhellas-Christofle, Messinian Spa, and Ergon. In addition, a lucky winner won a test-drive and of course the experience of the Porsche Panamera Turbo S e-Hybrid Sport Turismo for an entire weekend, after a draw. During the event, participants tested the full range of Porsche cars that were available in the Glyfada Golf course parking space, while also having the opportunity to discover the new all-electric Taycan inside the golf course.
Jotun Hellas is the event’s Platinum Sponsor.
Samsung and The Marshall Islands Registry IRI are the tournament’s Silver Sponsors.
Porsche Center Glyfada is the Official Car Partner.
Marine Tours is the Official Travel Partner.
Tototheo Maritime and Handy Chart are the event’s Supporters.
Avance is the Official Rental Partner.
Boo Productions is the Audio Visual Partner.
Target Security is the Security Partner.
Messinian Spa is the Official Beauty Partner.
Hygeia is the Medical Partner.
Costa Navarino, Athina Luxury Suites, Christhellas–Christofle, Domotel Kastri, Ergon, Kokotos Estate, Athi Rodi, Kayak, Stella Artois, Cortese Caffe, Zafeiris Liquor Store, and Automotive Solutions are the event’s Partners.
Active Media Group is responsible for the tournament’s Sports Production.
Photo Credit: Boo Productions
Photo Credit: Boo Productions
All proceeds from entry fees were allocated for the improvement of the facilities of Glyfada Golf course. The tournament was organized by Active Media Group, an initiative of Birdie Events and the recognized Greek PGA golfer, Mr. Thanos Karantzias. The event was exclusively addressed to distinguished executives of the Greek shipping community.
Hashtag: #glyfadamaritimegolfevent
Published in
Life & Culture
Tagged under
Monday, 21 February 2022 07:00
Lipsi Island Among Top 10 Travel Destinations For 2022
Lipsi, a tiny Greek island in the Dodecanese archipelago, ranks as one of the top 10 alternative travel destinations in the world for 2022, according to Girovagate.com, one of Italy’s largest travel blogs. It. also noted Aspronissi, which has one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Greece, as one of its recommendations for tourists to visit when on Lipsi.-
What you need to know about Lipsi
There is no direct daily ferry or air connection to the island via mainland Greece, so the options to get there would include a ferry trip from other Dodecanese islands. The Greek islands providing connections to this island paradise are Leros. Patmos, Rhodes, Kalymnos, and Kos.
Lipsi is not just one island, but actually a cluster of islets located in southeastern Aegean. The collective name comes from the largest island of all, Lipsi, which is formed by landmasses joined by a narrow isthmus. Low hills and valleys, as well as a rocky coastline and several bays, are part of the landscape of Lipsi.
Cars and roads are not common on the island; therefore most of the action takes place along the pedestrian seafront promenade. A small fishing port and several must-visit tavernas can also be found, as well. In the town, Chorio, one can taste the famous island octopus dishes in one of the many ouzeries or fish restaurants there. At night, these venues turn into meeting places where people can to go for a drink and live music.
Being a small island, it is quite easy to move around by bike or even by foot on Lipsi. Despite its size, however, there are many churches and monasteries on the island. Locals even say that it’s possible that every family on Lipsi could have a chapel of their very own.
Sights on the Greek island of Lipsi
Koimisis tis Theokou, an austere Byzantine church dating back to the 7th or 8th century AD, is home to an icon of the Virgin Mary holding a crucified Jesus. The church is on the bay that dominates the port, surrounded by a lush landscape with natural springs.
The Archaeological Collection of Lipsi, in the main village, showcases clay artifacts and ancient inscriptions from the Classical, Hellenistic and Christian periods.
To read this article in full, please visit: greekreporter.com
There is no direct daily ferry or air connection to the island via mainland Greece, so the options to get there would include a ferry trip from other Dodecanese islands. The Greek islands providing connections to this island paradise are Leros. Patmos, Rhodes, Kalymnos, and Kos.
Lipsi is not just one island, but actually a cluster of islets located in southeastern Aegean. The collective name comes from the largest island of all, Lipsi, which is formed by landmasses joined by a narrow isthmus. Low hills and valleys, as well as a rocky coastline and several bays, are part of the landscape of Lipsi.
Cars and roads are not common on the island; therefore most of the action takes place along the pedestrian seafront promenade. A small fishing port and several must-visit tavernas can also be found, as well. In the town, Chorio, one can taste the famous island octopus dishes in one of the many ouzeries or fish restaurants there. At night, these venues turn into meeting places where people can to go for a drink and live music.
Being a small island, it is quite easy to move around by bike or even by foot on Lipsi. Despite its size, however, there are many churches and monasteries on the island. Locals even say that it’s possible that every family on Lipsi could have a chapel of their very own.
Sights on the Greek island of Lipsi
Koimisis tis Theokou, an austere Byzantine church dating back to the 7th or 8th century AD, is home to an icon of the Virgin Mary holding a crucified Jesus. The church is on the bay that dominates the port, surrounded by a lush landscape with natural springs.
The Archaeological Collection of Lipsi, in the main village, showcases clay artifacts and ancient inscriptions from the Classical, Hellenistic and Christian periods.
To read this article in full, please visit: greekreporter.com
Published in
Greece In The News
Tagged under
Friday, 30 December 2022 07:00
Athens To Host A Party At Syntagma To Welcome 2023
The Municipality of Athens aims to welcome 2023 with a special New Year’s Show at Syntagma Square with lots of music, fun, dancing, fireworks, wishes and positive energy.
Starting at 11am on Saturday December 31st, Athens’ municipal radio station, 98.4, will drive its vintage van around the city making stops in different neighborhoods to offer Athenians and visitors the opportunity to share their wishes, dedications and song requests on air.
The Greek capital will welcome the new year at Syntagma Square, with a show presented by Hellenic Broadcaster Corporation’s (ERT) presenters Fotis Sergoulopoulos and Jenny Melita.
The Athens Municipality Philharmonic Orchestra will launch the event at 10:30pm with a concert of classic Christmas tunes followed by the main festive event headlined by internationally-acclaimed Greek singers Mario Frangoulis and George Perris.
Frangoulis and Perris will be accompanied by a ten-member symphonic orchestra and will take the audience on a musical journey with songs and melodies that have stood the test of time.
Just before midnight, Athens Mayor Kostas Bakoyannis will join Athenians and visitors to welcome 2023 and kick off a festive party running into the small hours.
The high energy cover band, Bejeezus, will bring their energy to 2023’s first open air party with pop, swing, latin και rock ‘n’ roll sounds at Syntagma, while a few hundred yards away, the Varvakeios Municipal Market will host some of the most prominent representatives of the Greek electronic dance music scene during a party that will transform Athens’ historic market into a dance club filled with light and joy.
This Christmas season, the Municipality of Athens has organized more than 120 noel family events and more than 30 music shows across 129 neighborhoods.
Furthermore, municipal authorities managed to decorate the city with LED technology lights, lowering energy consumption by 80 percent, when compared to previous years.
Originally published on: news.gtp.gr
Starting at 11am on Saturday December 31st, Athens’ municipal radio station, 98.4, will drive its vintage van around the city making stops in different neighborhoods to offer Athenians and visitors the opportunity to share their wishes, dedications and song requests on air.
The Greek capital will welcome the new year at Syntagma Square, with a show presented by Hellenic Broadcaster Corporation’s (ERT) presenters Fotis Sergoulopoulos and Jenny Melita.
The Athens Municipality Philharmonic Orchestra will launch the event at 10:30pm with a concert of classic Christmas tunes followed by the main festive event headlined by internationally-acclaimed Greek singers Mario Frangoulis and George Perris.
Frangoulis and Perris will be accompanied by a ten-member symphonic orchestra and will take the audience on a musical journey with songs and melodies that have stood the test of time.
Just before midnight, Athens Mayor Kostas Bakoyannis will join Athenians and visitors to welcome 2023 and kick off a festive party running into the small hours.
The high energy cover band, Bejeezus, will bring their energy to 2023’s first open air party with pop, swing, latin και rock ‘n’ roll sounds at Syntagma, while a few hundred yards away, the Varvakeios Municipal Market will host some of the most prominent representatives of the Greek electronic dance music scene during a party that will transform Athens’ historic market into a dance club filled with light and joy.
This Christmas season, the Municipality of Athens has organized more than 120 noel family events and more than 30 music shows across 129 neighborhoods.
Furthermore, municipal authorities managed to decorate the city with LED technology lights, lowering energy consumption by 80 percent, when compared to previous years.
Originally published on: news.gtp.gr
Published in
Local News
Tagged under
Tuesday, 20 February 2024 13:50
Exploring History & Culture: 8 Must-Visit Museums In Athens For Family Fun!
Athens, the cradle of Western civilization, is a city steeped in history and culture. From ancient ruins to modern art, there's something for everyone in this vibrant metropolis. And what better way to delve into its rich tapestry of stories and artifacts than by visiting its museums? Whether you're a history buff, an art enthusiast, or simply looking for a fun family outing, Athens has a museum for you. Here are eight must-visit museums that promise an unforgettable experience for the whole family!
Acropolis Museum
Acropolis Museum
No visit to Athens is complete without exploring the Acropolis, and the Acropolis Museum offers a perfect complement to this iconic site. Situated at the foot of the Acropolis itself, this modern museum houses a stunning collection of more than 4.250 artifacts found on the Acropolis hill. From intricately carved statues of gods and goddesses to fragments of ancient pottery bearing mythological scenes, the museum brings ancient Athens to life. Families can embark on a journey through time together, marveling at the wonders of the Parthenon and the Erechtheion, and gaining a deeper understanding of the significance of these ancient monuments.
Location: Dionysiou Areopagitou 15, Athina
Telephone: 21 0900 0900
Opening Hours: Monday–Thursday: 9:00–17:00 Friday: 9:00–22:00 Saturday & Sunday: 9:00–20:00
National Archaeological Museum
As one of the largest and most important archaeological museums in the world, the National Archaeological Museum is a treasure trove of ancient Greek artifacts. From the golden Mask of Agamemnon to the intricate Antikythera Mechanism, there's no shortage of awe-inspiring exhibits to discover. Kids will love the museum's interactive displays, including a virtual tour of ancient Athens and hands-on activities where they can try on replicas of ancient armor and clothing. With its vast collection spanning thousands of years of history, the museum offers a truly immersive experience for visitors of all ages.
Location: 28is Oktovriou 44, Athina
Telephone: 21 3214 4800
Opening Hours: Tuesday: 13:00–20:00 Wednesday-Monday: 08:30–15:30
Location: Dionysiou Areopagitou 15, Athina
Telephone: 21 0900 0900
Opening Hours: Monday–Thursday: 9:00–17:00 Friday: 9:00–22:00 Saturday & Sunday: 9:00–20:00
National Archaeological Museum
As one of the largest and most important archaeological museums in the world, the National Archaeological Museum is a treasure trove of ancient Greek artifacts. From the golden Mask of Agamemnon to the intricate Antikythera Mechanism, there's no shortage of awe-inspiring exhibits to discover. Kids will love the museum's interactive displays, including a virtual tour of ancient Athens and hands-on activities where they can try on replicas of ancient armor and clothing. With its vast collection spanning thousands of years of history, the museum offers a truly immersive experience for visitors of all ages.
Location: 28is Oktovriou 44, Athina
Telephone: 21 3214 4800
Opening Hours: Tuesday: 13:00–20:00 Wednesday-Monday: 08:30–15:30
Benaki Museum
Nestled in a neoclassical mansion in the heart of Athens, the Benaki Museum offers a fascinating journey through Greek history and culture. From ancient artifacts to modern art, the museum's diverse collection spans centuries of Greek art and civilization. Families can explore beautifully decorated rooms adorned with intricate textiles and exquisite jewelry, gaining insight into the daily life and customs of Greeks throughout the ages. Highlights include a stunning collection of Byzantine icons, Ottoman-era textiles, and folk art from rural Greece.
Location: Koumpari 1, Athina
Telephone: 21 0367 1000
Opening Hours: Monday-Wednesday-Friday-Saturday: 10:00–18:00 Thursday: 10:00–00:00 Sunday: 10:00–16:00
Museum of Cycladic Art
Step into the world of the Cycladic civilization at this unique museum dedicated to the art and culture of the Cyclades islands. Featuring a remarkable collection of Cycladic figurines, pottery, and artifacts, the museum offers a glimpse into the life and customs of this ancient civilization. Kids will be captivated by the minimalist beauty of the Cycladic sculptures, while parents can appreciate the museum's serene atmosphere and insightful exhibits. Don't miss the opportunity to marvel at the iconic marble figurines dating back to the 3rd millennium BCE, which continue to inspire artists and art lovers around the world.
Nestled in a neoclassical mansion in the heart of Athens, the Benaki Museum offers a fascinating journey through Greek history and culture. From ancient artifacts to modern art, the museum's diverse collection spans centuries of Greek art and civilization. Families can explore beautifully decorated rooms adorned with intricate textiles and exquisite jewelry, gaining insight into the daily life and customs of Greeks throughout the ages. Highlights include a stunning collection of Byzantine icons, Ottoman-era textiles, and folk art from rural Greece.
Location: Koumpari 1, Athina
Telephone: 21 0367 1000
Opening Hours: Monday-Wednesday-Friday-Saturday: 10:00–18:00 Thursday: 10:00–00:00 Sunday: 10:00–16:00
Museum of Cycladic Art
Step into the world of the Cycladic civilization at this unique museum dedicated to the art and culture of the Cyclades islands. Featuring a remarkable collection of Cycladic figurines, pottery, and artifacts, the museum offers a glimpse into the life and customs of this ancient civilization. Kids will be captivated by the minimalist beauty of the Cycladic sculptures, while parents can appreciate the museum's serene atmosphere and insightful exhibits. Don't miss the opportunity to marvel at the iconic marble figurines dating back to the 3rd millennium BCE, which continue to inspire artists and art lovers around the world.
Location: Neofitou Douka 4, Athina
Telephone: 21 0722 8321
Opening Hours: Monday-Wednesday-Friday-Saturday: 10:00–17:00 Thursday: 10:00–20:00 Sunday: 11:00–17:00
Goulandris Museum of Natural History
For nature-loving families, the Goulandris Museum of Natural History is a must-visit destination. Located in the lush surroundings of the Alsos of Kifisia, this museum boasts an impressive collection of flora and fauna from Greece and around the world. From dinosaur fossils to interactive exhibits on biodiversity, the museum offers a fun and educational experience for visitors of all ages. Kids can embark on a journey through the history of life on Earth, exploring ancient fossils and learning about the wonders of the natural world.
Location: Levidou 13, Kifisia
Telephone: 21 0801 5870
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday: 09:00–14:30 Saturday and Sunday: 10:00–15:00
Numismatic Museum
Delve into the fascinating world of coins and currency at the Numismatic Museum of Athens. Housed in the former mansion of archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann, the museum's elegant rooms are filled with rare coins, medals, and banknotes spanning thousands of years of history. Kids can embark on a treasure hunt through the museum, searching for hidden gems and learning about the evolution of money along the way. Highlights include ancient Greek coins depicting mythological figures and historical events, as well as rare specimens from civilizations around the world.
Location: El. Venizelou 12, Athina
Telephone: 21 0363 2057
Opening Hours: Wednesday – Monday: 08.30–15.30
Delve into the fascinating world of coins and currency at the Numismatic Museum of Athens. Housed in the former mansion of archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann, the museum's elegant rooms are filled with rare coins, medals, and banknotes spanning thousands of years of history. Kids can embark on a treasure hunt through the museum, searching for hidden gems and learning about the evolution of money along the way. Highlights include ancient Greek coins depicting mythological figures and historical events, as well as rare specimens from civilizations around the world.
Location: El. Venizelou 12, Athina
Telephone: 21 0363 2057
Opening Hours: Wednesday – Monday: 08.30–15.30
Museum of Greek Folk Musical Instruments
Music lovers won't want to miss the Museum of Greek Folk Musical Instruments, located in the picturesque neighborhood of Plaka. Here, visitors can discover the rich musical traditions of Greece through a diverse collection of instruments, from lyres and lutes to bagpipes and drums. Families can even try their hand at playing some of the instruments themselves, making for a truly interactive and memorable experience. Highlights include traditional instruments used in folk music festivals and religious ceremonies, providing insight into the cultural heritage of Greece's diverse regions.
Location: Diogenous 1, Athina
Telephone: 21 0325 0198
Opening Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday: 08:30 - 15:30
Music lovers won't want to miss the Museum of Greek Folk Musical Instruments, located in the picturesque neighborhood of Plaka. Here, visitors can discover the rich musical traditions of Greece through a diverse collection of instruments, from lyres and lutes to bagpipes and drums. Families can even try their hand at playing some of the instruments themselves, making for a truly interactive and memorable experience. Highlights include traditional instruments used in folk music festivals and religious ceremonies, providing insight into the cultural heritage of Greece's diverse regions.
Location: Diogenous 1, Athina
Telephone: 21 0325 0198
Opening Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday: 08:30 - 15:30
EMST – National Museum of Contemporary Art
Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of contemporary art at the EMST – National Museum of Contemporary Art. Housed in the former Fix brewery in the heart of Athens, this cutting-edge museum showcases a diverse collection of contemporary artworks by Greek and international artists. From avant-garde installations to thought-provoking multimedia exhibits, the museum offers a glimpse into the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary art. Families can explore interactive displays, attend workshops, and participate in guided tours, making for an engaging and inspiring experience for art enthusiasts of all ages.
Location: Kallirois Avenue & Amvrosiou Frantzi, Athina
Telephone: 21 1101 9000
Opening Hours: Tuesday-Sunday: 11.00 – 18.30
Published in
City Discovery
Tagged under
Thursday, 05 February 2015 15:21
Greek Donkeys
Maybe I'm way behind the times, maybe I walk around in a daze most days, maybe as a 'non-driver by choice' I simply miss these things... Outside my front door there is always a tightly packed line of cars, parked nose to tail, on both sides of the street. It is notoriously difficult to find parking in the Thiseio neighbourhood, especially on weekends. So finding a spot is a real coup and brings instant joy to the winner.
Of course, we have also all seen the utter creativity of Athenian drivers, in making their Renaults fit in the most awkward of spaces, or in discovering space where I am fairly sure there was no space before. Thus, when I returned from a leisurely coffee on Saturday afternoon, I was not so shocked to find a little grey Toyota sticking out diagonally from the corner, having parked nose-first up on the curb, blocking the sidewalk completely, blocking the other cars from leaving, and generally proving the miraculous skill and total arrogance of certain drivers. It was also bold to the point of offense, and (I assume) completely illegal.
Here comes the good part: on the front windshield someone had stuck a bright orange sticker that read in Greek 'Είμαι γάϊδαρος! Παρκάρω όπου γουστάρω' ('Ι am a donkey (read: jack*ss), Ι park wherever Ι please') - with a cartoon drawing of a smiling donkey sitting in a car.
This brought a huge smile to my face! Finally someone taking action against parking hoodlums, someone saying exactly what we are all thinking, in bold neon orange.
In this city of seemingly low accountability and precious few consequences (especially concerning cars and parking), this 'sticker shaming' movement is better than the alternative - the alternative being 'nothing'. So I snapped a photo and posted it to my Facebook. A couple hours later, the car was gone and the sticker was not thrown on the ground, as I had expected it would be. I'm hoping the driver got the message and perhaps was showing the sticker to his/her friends... Who am I kidding, he probably didn't even notice it on the windshield...
I'm not sure if this 'public ridicule' works, nor how widespread this practice is in Athens. Something tells me that 'public shaming' actually has an an effect in this culture - but if so, then maybe an orange sticker doesn't go far enough....
I'm less interested in the outcome (the 'driver'), than in the original action (the 'stick-er'). In an economic and social climate where the state does not/cannot take effective action on all fronts, this is a sign of thinking outside the box, of an 'entrepreneurial' mindset, of making change from the bottom-up, of creative protest, without violence or extremes. It is really a small action in the grand scheme of change, but it's different than what came before and I think its great.
So fair warning: if you are looking for parking in Athens, be careful how creative you are, lest you be stuck with a jack*ss on your windshield.
Until next week,
Jack
In this weekly space, keep up with ‘Jack’ as he navigates daily life in Athens… Anecdotes, stories, hits & misses, the good, the bad and, well, the rest…
Published in
My Week In Athens
Tagged under
Wednesday, 18 February 2015 11:17
Discover The Island Of Agkistri
Only 19 nautical miles away from Piraeus, Agkistri is an easily accessible Argosaronic Gulf paradise. Azure waters, pine trees and lush vegetation (where many bird species find refuge) are the main characteristics of this tiny, yet charming, island of less than 1,000 inhabitants! There are three large settlements on the island: Megalohóri (or Mýlos), Skála and Limenária.
Apart from the little church of Ayioi Theódoroi, other things to see on the island are Metopis and an 1812 windmill at Megalohóri. Don’t miss the opportunity to follow beautiful walking routes through the island’s dense pine forest.
The most known beach of the island is the sandy sparkling beach at Skála; other beaches worth exploring are Limenária, Drayonéra, Maréza, Apónisso, Mýlos (consists of two beaches, one sandy and one with pebbles) and Halkiáda, an isolated beach with white pebbles, mostly preferred by nudists.
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