After chartering through an Olympic course that avoids Brazil’s most controversial waters, Greek swimming legend Spiros Gianniotis proved that he had the endurance required, winning the Silver medal for Greece. Gianniotis was just shy of winning Gold, coming in behind Dutch Ferry Weertman by just a few milliseconds. Weertman swam the event in 1 hour 52 minutes and 59.8 seconds. Gianniotis came within a hair’s breadth of winning at 1:52:59.8.

Born in Corfu and half-English, Gianniotis is 35 years old and is a senior veteran of the Greek Swimming Federation. He enjoys a track record of success on the international stage after having won two FINA World Championships in the 10km marathon swim while also being a strong contender in every international competition he has participated in. Having participated in the Olympics for 2000, 2004, 2008 and 2016, he was armed with extra motivation in what was his final opportunity to win an Olympic medal.

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

Greece is getting ready to host its first ever Ironman 70.3 triathlon race in April 2019! Scheduled to take place at Costa Navarino in the Peloponnese on April 14, 2019, the event will welcome athletes from all around the world, who will travel to Greece to experience the renowned Greek 'philoxenia' (hospitality) and test their limits and strength in one of the most demanding sporting events in the world.

 

Ironman events are held in 55 countries around the world, while the community numbers about 1 million athletes and 5.5 million sports fans. Organized by the World Triathlon Corporation (WTC), the one-day event consists of a 4km swimming race; a 180km bicycle ride and a 42.2km marathon run.

 

Thanassis Papadimitriou, CEO & Founder of EY ZHN Greece DMC, the official travel partner of IRONMAN 70.3 Greece, said: “IRONMAN is not just a race! Ιt is an idea, a global move, a passionate crowd, an event that promotes the motto ‘Anything is possible’…” 

 

 

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

In times of social distancing and self-isolation, the on-demand online life coaching platform - Be Your Own Muse - is offering free access to their entire coaching platform as their way of social contribution to all those challenged by the COVID-19 pandemic. Until the end of April, everyone has free access to practical, effective and bite-sized online life coaching lessons to become the clearest, happiest, emotionally and mentally strongest person you know.

 

The platform launched on March 23rd with over 40 life coaching lessons offered in bite-size format (only 5 to 20 min. per lesson required), and a special Self-Help Toolbox of coaching lessons and audios to assist people in the mentally and emotionally demanding times of COVID-19. The coaching lessons are a combination of mind retraining audios, practical tools, education, inspiration and life wisdom to help people thrive in the fast-paced, increasingly demanding times we live in. Inspired by The Hill of The Muses in Athens, Greece, the platform combines modern and ancient wisdom with science and practical coaching.

The life coaching lessons are based on real needs and provide practical solutions to challenges we all face in this day and age. Coaching lessons include teachings and exercises for self-understanding, building healthy relationships, finding a meaningful career and purpose, increasing resilience, developing balance and inner strength, managing thoughts and feelings and creating lasting positive emotional and mental change.

Be Your Own Muse is a cross-cultural, cross-generational, inclusive platform aiming to assist and unite people from all cultures, ethnic backgrounds and social statuses. The platform is aimed at women but also welcomes men and transgender people with open arms. The Be Your Own Muse platform was launched in 2018 and has successfully been pilot-tested with women from all ages all around the world.

 

 

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A note from the founder Eleni Meraki:

“I believe that coaching has become a necessity in the rapidly changing, increasingly complicated and demanding times we live in. We haven’t been properly equipped with the mental and emotional skills to manage and thrive in today’s world. And thus, out of this necessity, which has become even greater the last couple of weeks due to the current global COVID-19 pandemic, I came to the deep understanding that coaching shouldn’t be a luxury product, available only to a select few. My platform was initially created in a program structure but with all that is happening now, I recognized the urgent need for these tools, knowledge and wisdom in everyone. Making the platform subscription-based and affordable was a no-brainer. Everyone deserves coaching and should have access to that now. We need people to assume personal responsibility and lead in their communities more than ever before. We are interconnected, we need each other. When you are not well, I am not well. The world changes, one happy and conscious person at a time. And it needs us to change quickly.”

A close friend of ours and contributor to XpatAthens via her platforms Be Your Own Muse and Guts & Tales, we are grateful to Eleni for her contriution to our well-being.

Eleni made a 180 in her life when she left a corporate marketing career in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, to follow a coaching and writing career in Athens, Greece. By making this transition, she embarked on her life’s mission to guide and empower people to live more consciously and authentically. To learn more and get in touch with Eleni visit her personal website at: elenimeraki.com

Fresh, edgy and arty, Keramikos is reinventing itself as the new gallery and gourmet quarter of Athens. Art influencer Rebecca Camhi paints a picture.

Rebecca Camhi moved to Keramikos in 2008, long before the gentrification of this gritty, graffiti-lined neighbourhood kicked in. She lives in a sky-blue townhouse that doubles as a gallery and design shop, selling one-of-a-kind ceramics, jewellery, kaftans and cushions. “The area is changing rapidly,” says Camhi. “It’s full of incredible abandoned buildings that are ripe for restoration.” Slowly, these derelict houses and mid-century apartments are being converted into galleries, workshops, bars and restaurants, popping up among the Egyptian hookah bars, no-frills Cretan meze joints, and Chinese grocers. “Visiting artists love the area,” says Camhi. “It’s fresh and different, edgy, scruffy, and even a little seedy in parts, not so exposed to tourists. It’s also one of the most diverse neighbourhoods in Athens, opening up an exciting new chapter in the city’s history.”

Galleries

Take a day to wander around the galleries in Keramikos. A couple of blocks from my gallery, The Breeder is a beautiful space designed by the architect Aris Zambikos and the shows are just as cool. Atopos CVC is a multi-disciplinary space in a neoclassical building and there’s always lots going on there. The Municipal Art Gallery, once a silk factory, is home the city’s modern art collection. Most galleries are closed Sunday and Monday and some spaces are only open by appointment, so check before you go.

Seychelles

I always take visitors to this restaurant and they always love it. In the summer, you can sit outside on Platia Avdi, a huge square that’s the heart of the neighbourhood. Be patient; you may have a long wait for your food, but it will be worth it. They serve Greek dishes with a twist, including an amazing selection of Greek cheeses. Seychelles is open for lunch or dinner but do book ahead—it’s packed even on a Monday night. You can always have a drink at Ble Papagalos, a café-bar across the square, while you’re waiting for a table.

Address: 49 Keramikou, Keramikos, 104 36
Telephone: 211 1834789

Tamarind

After a week of feta and grilled fish, you might be in the mood for something spicier. This cosy, unpretentious Thai place, run by the lovely Angela, has great atmosphere and service. The green curries are divine.

Address: 51 Keramikou, Keramikos, 104 36
Telephone: 210 5225945

Chorologie

This fantastic dance school is run by professional dancers and choreographers with international careers. You can take ballet, jazz and contemporary dance lessons with incredible views of the Parthenon from the studio. If you’re into dance, also check out the Arroyo Nuevo flamenco school nearby, a beautiful loft space in an old car-repair shop.

Address: 76 Peiraios, Keramikos, 104 35
Telephone: 210 5231060

Sto Vathos Kipos

If you’re renting a place with a kitchen, stock up on organic produce at this cute, bright orange store run by two brothers, Loukas and Stefanos Skoulikaris. I do all my grocery shopping here. Look out for the organic loaves from Betty’s Bread. The name of the shop means 'garden at the rear', and there really is a secret garden behind the shop. If you’re into fresh, local produce, do check out the farmer’s market every Tuesday.

Address: 99 Keramikou, Keramikos, 104 35
Telephone: 213 0235776

Latraac Skate Park

This skate bowl has a little café in the yard that does a really good Sunday brunch. You can eat poached eggs and pancakes while you watch the skaters showing off. This unique spot in Athens is the brainchild of architect Zachos Varfis, who designed Athens' first skate bowl using floor wood from an old building and site debris. Latraac frequently hosts DJ sets and you never know which famous skateboarder you'll find whirling on its track.

Address: 63-64 Leonidou, Keramikos, 104 35
Telephone: 213 0453377

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This content was originally published on This is Athens

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.

Up until recently, first-time visitors to Athens could have been forgiven for assuming that Athenians existed solely on souvlaki, freddo iced coffees (in single-use cups) and exhaust fumes.

 

True, Athens still has some catching up to do with its more environmentally-conscious European cousins. But as entrepreneurs, activists and local government join forces to develop big and small ways of becoming more sustainable, the Greek capital is making great strides towards its goal of evolving into a green and global metropolis.

 

From where to enjoy the best vegan souvlaki in town to eco-friendly hotels and up-cycled shopping, here’s our guide to making your stay in Athens as green as can be. 

Where to go for green bites
In short, everywhere. Greeks will always love their meat, but sticking to a plant-based diet in Athens is surprisingly simple. Most tavernas serve hearty vegetarian staples such as pites (pies with fillings like spinach, horta wild greens or mushroom, and ladera (veggies cooked in fresh tomato sauce and olive oil).

Go for delicious classics like fasolakia (green beans and potatoes) or yemista (stuffed tomatoes and green peppers) and throw in a horiatiki (Greek salad), along with zucchini fritters (kolokithokeftedes), and some traditional dips. Melitzanosalata (eggplant); tirokafteri (spicy whipped feta); and tzatziki (cucumber, garlic and yoghurt) are popular picks.

Menus are greening up all over Athens with an ever-increasing number of terrific vegan and vegetarian options, for all budgets (click on the links to read our drilled-down guides). Worth an extra shout out for their excellent mushroom souvlaki wraps and sustainable ethos (i.e. ecological suppliers and biodegradable/recyclable packaging) is Cookoomela Grill in Gizi, Athens’ first vegan steakhouse.

For a light and healthy feed, Peas Vegan cafe in Koukaki has a tasty range of pretty vegan dishes, accompanied by locally-sourced ingredients and a zero-waste policy. Are you a vegan sweet tooth? Run (don’t walk) to Cats & Monsters in Exarchia for next-level homemade vegan ice cream with soy, oat or rice milk.

Great news for the self-catering crowd. Most Athenian supermarkets now stock plant-based milks, vegan cheeses and meat substitutes like tofu. Shopping for more than just the basics? Stock up at Bamboo Vegan in Exarchia, a pioneering mini-market and café with a wide range of locally-sourced and imported vegan produce. There’s everything from meat substitutes such as tofu, seitan and tempeh to organic cereals, pulses and other health foods, as well as vegan cosmetics, detergents and cleaners (and a handy café to get your fair trade brew).

To source ingredients for a plant-based meal with zero compromise on flavour, the impressive Varvakios Agora (Athens Central Market) in the historic centre is your one-stop shop for the freshest of seasonal produce. Fruit and veggies sorted? Now walk around the corner to the aromatic spice markets of Evripidou Street, and choose from some of Greece’s finest herbs and spices to ramp up your cooking.

Unlike many European cities, where overpriced farmer’s markets attempt to roll back the dominance of supermarkets, Greeks have never lost their connection with where their food comes from. The laiki agora (people’s market) remains the best place to pick up fruits, vegetables and herbs, usually sourced from farms around Athens or across Greece, at incredibly reasonable prices (though you’ll need to push back against the tendency of stall owners to put everything into plastic bags).

Every Athenian neighbourhood has a weekly laiki, so just ask a local when and where. For a buzzy atmosphere with street musicians, venture to the Kallidromiou Street laiki (every Saturday morning in Exarchia).

Naturally, cycling is another top eco-friendly way to experience Athens—especially if you’re not afraid of a few hills. Cycling infrastructure still lags behind other major European cities but new bikeways are popping up everywhere and there some great traffic-free cycling routes where you can sightsee on the fly. To stay on message, start from the historic neighbourhood of Thissio and glide down the coastline to check out Renzo Piano’s cutting-edge beacon to sustainability, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre, in Faliro. Check out our in-depth guide to cycling in Athens for more suggested scenic routes and tips on your best bike rental options in Athens.

Want to amp up the challenge? Embark on a thrilling two-wheel conquest of the spectacular Mount Parnitha National Park—the closest national park to a capital city anywhere in Europe—with GR Cycling, who offer kick-ass road, mountain and e-bike rentals and experiences.

But, of course, the most sustainable mode of transport will always be your own two feet. Central Athens is compact, easily-walkable and much has been done in recent years to make the city more appealing to walkers. Large areas have been pedestrianised, such as the Commercial Triangle and the Great Athens Walk, while the ‘pocket parks’ initiative is reclaiming formerly neglected corners of the city to create new green spaces. Overall, Athens is gunning for a less car-centric future with more greenery and plant life, to improve the air quality and city experience for all.

The Greek Tourism Ministry announced that direct flights from Canada to Athens will begin on April 2.

The announcement followed a meeting between Greek Tourism Minister Vassilis Kikilias and Canada’s Ambassador to Greece Mark Allen at the ministry in Athens.

According to the tourism ministry, Canada’s direct flights to the Greek capital will be carried out for the first time until the end of November, as opposed to previous years when they usually stopped in October.

Minister Kikilias welcomed the development, which he said, combined with the recent lifting of the Covid-19 test requirement for fully vaccinated travelers from Canada, is expected to attract more visitors from the Canadian market.

On his part, Ambassador Allen informed the Greek minister of Tourism that Canada was adjusting its Travel Health Notice from a Level 3 to a Level 2, meaning that the government will no longer recommend that Canadians avoid travel for non-essential purposes.

According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, the Government of Canada will begin a phased easing of travel restrictions as of February 28.

Originally published on: news.gtp.gr

Greece once again tops the list of Mediterranean countries for overall tourist satisfaction, according to the latest data indices.

The so-called general satisfaction index (GRI), based entirely on customer feedback, is especially encouraging for Greek tourism, as it continues to recover from two years of disruption due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Calculated by ReviewPro and processed by the Institute of the Greek Tourism Confederation (INSETE), the GRI for Greece in 2022 was 87%, with Cyprus in second place at 85.6%. The index, which gathers its data from hundreds of social media platforms, hotel review websites and online travel agents, analyzes a range of comparative indicators, inlcuding hotels, service, food and drink, entertainment, hotel cleanliness, location, and value-for-money. A score above 80% indicates a positive experience.

While Greece continues to top the general satisfaction index, it is facing stiff competition in other categories from some of its closest neighbours, including Cyprus, Italy, Croatia, and Turkey.

As of November this year, while Greece ranks first in general satisfaction for hotels (86.8%) and service (89.1%), for example, Cyprus snatched first place for hotel cleanliness (91.8%), and Turkey topped the food and drink category (84.3%). Greece achieved third place in both categories, with scores of 90.6% and 82.7% respectively.

Turkey also topped this year’s list for location (90.4%) and value-for-money (86.8%), with Cyprus in second place in both. As other countries continue to narrow the gap, it’s clear that those working in the Greek tourist industry will need be at the top of their game as we head into 2023.

Originally published on: greece-is.com

LAMDA DEVELOPMENT, in fulfillment of the agreement inked in May 2023 with POLKEOA (Cultural Center Of Olympic Aviation Employees), has immortalized the Boeing 747 once belonging to Aristotle Onassis, etching its place beside the Saarinen building—a testament to a new era dawning upon Hellinikon. Witness the awe-inspiring footage capturing the ascent of this iconic aircraft, symbolizing a glorious chapter in the history of Elliniko.

On Wednesday, February 21, LAMDA DEVELOPMENT, honoring the accord with POLKEOA, gracefully orchestrated the relocation of the revered aircraft to its new home beside the Saarinen building, marking the beginning of its journey in Hellinikon's unfolding narrative.

As the Saarinen building, inaugurated in 1969—the same year Aristotle Onassis commissioned this aircraft—stands tall, it echoes the timeless legacy of "The aircraft of Aristotle Onassis," forever intertwined with the rich tapestry of Hellinikon's history.



Originally published in Greek, on: skai.gr