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Syros: A Classy Year-Round Island Destination
Even Ermoupoli, Syros' capital, has a dual identity. Ermoupoli is stately and grand, topped with an Orthodox church, while above it, Ano (Upper) Syros is a typical Cycladic village, crowned with Catholic monasteries and churches.
The beautiful amalgamation of marble-paved squares, exquisite mansions, traditional settlements, and crystal clear beaches bestow Syros with a unique, elegant character that can't be seen anywhere else in Greece.
Syros is a year-round destination; in fact, it is a place you could live in throughout the year, so much is there to do!
7 Things To See And Do On Syros
1. Visit Vaporia
The neighborhood of Vaporia in Ermoupoli is where the island's captains of industry built their beautiful townhouses, all with sweeping views to the sea. Step inside the blue-domed church of Agios Nikolaos to find an interior that reflects its patrons' wealth: a marble icon screen and pulpit, and chandeliers brought in from Trieste.
2. Explore Ermoupoli
Ermoupolis is the bustling yet elegant port town of Syros. Marble flagstones pave its spacious main square, home to the majestic Town Hall, one of the 19th-century masterpieces of Ernst Ziller, the famous Saxon architect who became a Greek national. Graceful, neoclassical buildings emit an aura of old-world charm. Buildings such as the restored Apollo Theatre (a miniature of La Scala in Milan), the Hellas Club, and the Pallas cinema are perfect examples of yesterday's elegant urban architecture.
3. Taste Loukoumia: The Traditional Syros Sweets
The loukoumia from Syros(also known as Turkish Delight in English) are soft and chewy, flavored with rosewater, mastic, bergamot, pistachios, and almonds. According to locals, the water, not the sugar nor flavorings, makes them so delicious. Be aware that they are addictive, so don't forget to take plenty with you when you leave.
4. Visit Ano Syros
In contrast to Ermoupplis, Ano Syros has all the features of a typical Cycladic village. Its white cubist houses are nestled on a steep hillside, linked by narrow alleys and occasionally opening up onto spectacular terraces. Two things make Ano Syros unusual: the catholic monasteries and the Cathedral of Saint George on its summit and the bouzouki tunes of famous musician Markos Vamvakaris that can still be heard in its shops and squares. A native of Syros, Vamvakaris was one of Greece's greatest rebetika (blues) musicians.
5. Explore The Island's Beaches
Remember these names: Galissas, Delfini, Kini, Finikas, and Dellagratsia, where the island's elite built their splendid summer villas. Their serene landscapes, sheltered water, and pretty coves are ideal for a tranquil family holiday.
6. Visit The Industrial Museum
Part of Syros' former industrial district has been transformed into a museum. Wander among its buildings to see permanent exhibits related to its history and its shipping and industrial heritage.
7. Discover Grammata Bay
Grammata in Greek means letters, and at Grammata Bay in northern Syros, there are letters carved on the rocks. Generations of seamen washed up on this isolated coast and inscribed their wishes, prayers, and names on them. Most of the carved letters date back to the Roman and Byzantine eras. You can reach Grammata Bay by boat or on foot.
To learn more about the island of Syros, please visit: discovergreece.com
Navarino Challenge: Sports Unite People For The 7th Consecutive Year
Open Water Swimming In Pylos
On Saturday October 12, amateur and professional athletes can swim alongside silver Olympic medalist and world champion in open water swimming, Spyros Gianniotis, at the picturesque harbor of Pylos, at the site of the critical naval battle that led to Greece’s independence. The open water swimming race by Vikos, approved by the Hellenic Swimming Federation, covers a unique 1-mile (1.6 km) route charted by Nikos Gemelos, the Greek National coach who has given us countless Olympic and world-class honors in open water swimming. Check HERE to enjoy beautiful snapshots from last year’s competition:
On Saturday October 12, a coastal rowing relay race and demonstration will be held for the first time at the historic Navarino bay under the auspices of the Hellenic Rowing Federation in the presence of Greek and twice Olympic medalist in lightweight double sculls competition, Vassilis Polymeros (federation’s curator of national teams), who will be honored at this year's event.
Activities for parents and children at The Dunes Beach
The Dunes Beach offers peace and tranquility as well as sporting opportunities for participants at the Navarino Challenge. Following the enthusiastic participation of children at the beachathlon activities last year, this year parents get to join in the fun too! Under the expert supervision of 400m. obstacle Olympic and World Champion, Periklis Iakovakis, will guide 6-13 year olds and their parents through a series of track and field competitions.
Beach volleyball returns this year with the former Greek national volleyball player who holds the record of appearances in the Greek National Team, Michalis Triantafyllidis. During the weekend, beach volley lessons by Samsung, as well as the Samsung King & Queen Beach Volley Tournament by Triantafyllidis Beach Arena, will be held with Michalis Triantafyllidis. To wrap up, the advantages of exercise and well-being will benefit children and grown-ups who will be choosing beach yoga by Messinian Spa from FitnessArt of Dimitris Moros, with instructor Katiana Priovolou. 2 Enjoy some unique moments from the activities to be held at The Dunes Beach in the following video HERE!
Accommodation Packages at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino Navarino Challenge participants who have booked their package at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino, taking part in the main events (running, swimming) will be able to also enjoy the full programme that includes more than 30 sporting activities. The program includes: boccia with the gold Paralympic medalist Grigoris Polychronidis, pilates lessons with Mandy Persaki, high intensity training for people of all ages by Dimitris Moros & FitnessArt, indoor cycling (team teaching) for people of all ages by the trainer Tess Arlauckas and Dimitris Moros, powered by FitnessArt, baby swimming lessons for kids up to 3 years old by Swim Academy & Red Swim Academy, aqua aerobic lessons by Swim Academy & Red Swim Academy, climbing lessons by the Navarino Outdoors team, bike ride in Voidokilia supported by Navarino Outdoors, as well as golf clinics supported by Navarino Golf Academy. Free participation in the Authentic Marathon of Athens for the first 50 The first 50 to book their package at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino stand a chance to win a free participation at the Authentic Athens Marathon 5km race on Sunday November 10, 2019. More information on accommodation packages can be found HERE!
Registrations continue for running and swimming Entries for the award-winning sporting event are underway and interested parties can take part by completing the special form available HERE!
Pre-sale is also available online via www.viva.gr or by phone at 11876 as well as at all Viva pre-sale points.
For more information on accommodation packages in the region visit VitaNTravel
Samsung is the official technology partner for another year.
Official sponsors of the event are Ford Motor Hellas and the Natural Mineral Water “Vikos”.
Luanvi is the official sports supplier of the event for one more year. Official supporters are Poseidonia, Municipality of Pylos-Nestor and PlantBox.
Messinian Spa is the Official Beauty Partner for the first time.
Partners of the event are Pylos Poems, Fysiotek Sports Lab, Karalis Beach Hotel, Athens Easy Transfers. Avance Rent A Car is the official rental partner.
National Geographic is the strategic partner of the event and 24MEDIA its premium media partner.
“Navarino Challenge” has joined the Greek actions of the #BeactiveHellas 2019 programme of the European Commission and is under the auspices of the General Secretariat of Sports. The event is held under the auspices of the Greek National Tourism Organization with the approval of the Hellenic Swimming Federation. Navarino Challenge is co-organized by Costa Navarino , The Westin Resort Costa Navarino and Active Media Group with the support of the Municipalities of Pylos- Nestor and Trifilia.
Athletic Partners: Explore Messinia, F45 The Pearl, FitnessArt, Navarino Golf Academy, Navarino Outdoors, Navarino Racquet Academy, Pilates by Mandy, Red Swim Academy, Swim Academy, Triantafyllidis Beach Arena, Vizantinos target sport club 3 CSR Partners: Captain Vasilis and Carmen Konstantakopoulos Foundation, WWF Greece, Karkinaki, Institute of Preventive Medicine Environmental and Occupational Health Prolepsis
Assisted by: VitaNTravel, Karalis City Hotel & Spa, Lifeguard Patrol, Pylos Association of Enterprises for Tourism Development, Maritime Athletic Pylos Association “Nestor”, Target Security, Pilia Express, METAXA, The Blue Beetle, Fever-Tree, NoS, Southern Comfort Discount Partners: Anazoe Spa, Attica Selections, Kessaris, Panellinios Agora Boutique, Tsamis Eyewear Boutique Hashtags: #navarinochallenge #costanavarino #sportsunitepeople #eatwell #runwell #livewell
Photo credit: Spyros Gianinotis
Navarino Challenge: Shortlisted At The International Travel & Tourism Awards 2019
Another success is added to the events of Active Media Group. Specifically, the prestigious International Travel & Tourism Awards 2019 presented by the World Travel Market that evaluates and recognizes the best in global travel & tourism industry, included this year Active Media with the top sports event of “Navarino Challenge” in its shortlist for the Best in Wellness category. The final results will be announced on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, at the awards ceremony in London.
The executives of Active Media Group having an experience of more than 20 years in the field of sports events production bring yet another collaboration. Specifically, Active Media Group will undertake the Sports Presentation of the Mediterranean Beach Games to be held in Patras from 25-31 August, 2019. The games will include the presentation of eleven sports in total at ten sports facilities.
For this event our company is working with Mr. Yorgos Makrydakis an international expert in sports presentations.
Register for Navarino Challenge today!
XpatAthens is proud to be a Media Sponsor Of Navarino Challenge 2019
e-Fresh Sponsored Newsletter 4 - Fall 2019
A Musical Bridge Over Syngrou Avenue
The festival, which aims to bring young composers and musicians to the spotlight, is the culmination of an intensive workshop aiming to provide students with the experience of organizing music events.
The festival will take place at Panteion University and includes 5 musical concerts. Tickets are free on a first come, first-served basis will be distributed at the venue one hour before each event.
To read more about the festival, please visit: Onassis Stegi
Milos: Home To The Best Beaches In Greece
Milos is the most southwestern island in the Cyclades. It takes about 3 hours to get to Milos from the port of Piraeus on a fast ferry. The island has an airport, so taking a flight is also an option. Milos has over 40 beaches, and since the island is relatively small, you can go beach hopping, taking-in stunning seaside after stunning seaside, in a short time. Like most Greek islands, Milos offers both organized and unorganized beaches.
Organized beaches offer sunbeds, umbrellas, and snack bars so you can eat, drink, and relax on the beach without bringing much more than your beach towel and sunscreen.
Unorganized beaches offer raw Greek nature at its finest but with very few extra amenities. There are typically no sunbeds for rent, no umbrellas, and few, if any, options for food or drink. If you bring along your gear, you'll be rewarded with unspoiled beaches and free access.
Sarakiniko
Sarakiniko is a truly unique beach with an almost lunar landscape featuring white volcanic rock formations set above the sparkling turquoise water. Its otherworldly feel makes it a popular spot for climbing, diving, and snorkeling. Sarakiniko is not an organized beach, so bring along a towel, water, and sunscreen.
Firiplaka
Firiplaka beach is an easily accessible, gorgeous beach where you can rent sunbeds and get refreshments. With sand instead of pebbles, Firiplaka is the calm, clean cousin of the wilder beaches nearby. Firiplaka is an ideal beach for a relaxing, enjoyable afternoon at the beach, however, try to arrive early as sunbeds can sell out.
Triades
Triades beach constists of 3 sandy beaches side by side. Situated on the west side of the island, this fairly unknown beach is remote and unorganized with no restaurants, cafes, or sunbeds anywhere to be seen. If you're looking for an unspoiled setting, off-the-beaten-track, you should head to Triades!
To read this article in full and discover other amazing beaches on Milos, please visit: internationalliving.com
Athenian Itineraries: Free Thematic Walking Tours Of Athens Available In English
Hosted by author Nadia Georgakopoulou, Return to New Athens invites participants on a historical and experiential journey through the first 100 years of modern-day Athens as the capital of a new state. Starting from Hadrian's Gate, the route will stop at emblematic Athenian buildings and public spaces of the 19th century, while the narrative will focus on the architecture, the history, and the words of their protagonists. Participants will also visit Zappeion, the National Gardens, Syntagma Square, the Numismatic Museum of Athens, the Ophthalmology Clinic, the Catholic Church, and the emblematic Athenian Trilogy.
Dark Athens by Arthur Antonopoulos highlights the transformation of Athens into a modern metropolis. Dark Athens is a fascinating crime adventure taking place in the streets of the city, starring the hidden symbols and the historical monuments that adorn it. Following in the footsteps of the heroine of Antonopoulos’ book, who tries to shed light on a conspiracy, the route starts at the Athens City Hall and continues to Klafthmonos Square and the Old Parliament.
Greek Maritime Plays Golf This September At Costa Navarino
Photo Credit: Greek Maritime Golf Event
June At The Municipal Market of Kypseli
Events
Athens Wine Selfie
This Is Athens City Festival and Wine Style present for the first time in Athens, Athens Wine Selfie, a unique journey into the wonderful world of wine. A two-day wine celebration at the Municipal Market of Kypseli for both connoisseurs and amateur wine lovers, where we taste iconic labels from local and global wine production to the sounds of acclaimed music producers.
- Sunday, 2/6 & Monday, 3/6 || 17:00-22:00
- Atrium
- Free Entry
The third season of this theatrical journey concludes this month! In "Next Stop: Kypseli," we travel back in time and watch Kypseli come to life before our eyes during a Sunday walking tour that reveals the secrets and stories hidden behind every corner of the neighborhood.
- Sundays, 2/6, 9/6, 16/6, 23/6, 30/6 || 20:00-21:10
- Sundays, 16/6, 23/6, 30/6 || 23:00-24:10
- Meeting Point: Municipal Market of Kypseli / Exhibition Entrance on Fokionos Negri
- Regular ticket: €7 per tour. Reduced ticket: €5 for unemployed, students, people with disabilities, and seniors 65+
- Ticket pre-sale HERE!
The HOME Project Community Building Event
For the past seven years, The HOME Project has built bridges of cooperation and understanding, creating an inclusive and supportive community in the heart of Athens. On Tuesday, June 4th, at 18:00, we celebrate this community with music and dance by HipHop4Hope, skateboarding lessons by Free Movement, artistic activities, and homemade food cooked by the organization's shelters.
- Tuesday, 4/6, 18:00-21:00
- Atrium
- Free Entry
Farmers' Market
Market with fresh natural and organic products from small producers.
- Every Wednesday || 14:00-17:00
- Atrium
- Free Entry
10 Years of Concerts
A journey with beloved artists through the lens of photographer George Spanos. From Manos Eleftheriou to Miltos Paschalidis and from the Odeon of Herodes Atticus to the Municipal Market of Kypseli. A photographic journey that comes to life on June 9 & 10 at the Municipal Market of Kypseli.
- Sunday, 9/6 & Monday, 10/6 || 11:00-23:00
- Atrium
- Free Entry
Health Check
If you’re passing by the Municipal Market of Kypseli, take a quick test! The market regularly collaborates with the Prevention & Sexual Health Center Checkpoint, offering quick, free, confidential tests for HIV and hepatitis B & C. On Monday, June 10th, from 11:00-15:00, the specialized staff of Athens Checkpoint will be at Creative Lab 2 of the Municipal Market of Kypseli, providing tests for all sexually active individuals and informing the public about sexual health, supported by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation.
- Monday, 10/6 || 11:00-15:00
- Creative Lab 2
- Free Entry
Blood Donation
With the initiative of the Municipal Market of Kypseli, Blood-e organizes an action to support voluntary blood donation.
- Tuesday, 11/6 || 16:00-19:00
- Creative Lab 1
- Free Entry
Agra Publications at the Municipal Market of Kypseli
From Friday, June 14th, the Municipal Market of Kypseli will be filled with books from Agra Publications. For three days, 600 titles (fiction, poetry, essays, crime novels, photo and art albums, children’s books, ancient Greek and Byzantine literature) will be available at incredible prices.
- Friday, 14/6 & Saturday, 15/6 || 09:00-21:00 Sunday, 16/6 || 11:00-20:30
- Atrium
- Free Entry
Book Presentation: Gender Without Identity
Gender Without Identity offers an innovative and sometimes disturbing theory of gender formation. Rooted in Jean Laplanche's metapsychology and in conversation with bold work in queer and trans studies, authors Avgi Saketopoulou and Ann Pellegrini abandon the "core gender identity" to suggest that gender is something all subjects acquire – and that trauma sometimes plays a role in this acquisition.
- Monday, 17/6 || 18:30-21:30
- Atrium
- Free Entry
Our common home
Action for children taking place at the Municipal Market of Kypseli, as part of Refugee Week Greece, by the Babel Day Center. Each child participating will have the opportunity to depict themselves with colors on a piece of paper and then place themselves in their favorite room of a large house. All the 'miniatures' of the children will be placed inside the same house, coexisting, interacting, and sharing. The action is aimed at children aged 4-10. Coordinators: Eva Malaktari, speech therapist, Georgia Gioka, occupational therapist.
- Tuesday 18/6 || 11:00-13:00
- Creative Lab 1
- Free Entry
Let's Move!
Action for adults taking place at the Municipal Market of Kypseli, as part of Refugee Week Greece, by the Babel Day Center. The rhythmic expression group of the Babel Day Center opens its doors for the first time to anyone who wants to try the exercises, games, and songs studied by members of the Babel Day Center with the dance anthropologist Natasha Martin and other invited artists. Through exercises, rhythmic games, melodies, and dance therapy exercises, we will become a group, socialize, and connect better with our bodies, ourselves, and those around us. The event is linked to the theme of the refugee week, as we seek to find the home within us, in the body and in the environment we are in now. The action, supported by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, is accessible and open to everyone over 18 years old.
- Tuesday 18/6 || 11:00-13:00
- Atrium
- Free Entry
The Municipal Market of Kypseli welcomes the Bantu Dancers who will introduce you to the fun world of AFROfitness, a type of fitness with Afro Dance elements that gives the feeling of a party! AFROfitness is a fitness program that combines traditional African dance moves of intensity and duration with contemporary dance expressions, developing fluidity, greater range of motion, as well as a richer and more authentic movement. Through AFROfitness, different dance expressions inspired by African traditions are explored and it is an excellent exercise for the whole body. A fun way to build self-confidence, improve and build endurance and physical coordination.
- Tuesday 18/6 || 19:00-20:30
- Atrium
- Free Entry, reservations HERE!
The Greek Council for Refugees and the Rosa Luxembourg Foundation present the field research on Reception and Asylum conditions in Greece through the experiences and words of refugees.
- Wednesday 19/6 || 19:00-21:00
- Atrium
- Free Entry
#WECONNECTATHENS
The #WECONNECTATHENS, the celebration of volunteering and Civil Society, comes to the Municipal Market of Kypseli on Friday, June 21st at 18:00. Get ready to meet new friends, have fun with interactive games, workshops, and create unforgettable memories! Don't miss the opportunity to participate in this unique event that marks the end of Festival 11!
- Friday 21/6 || 18:00-23:00
- Atrium
- Free Entry
Athens Cocktails comes to the Municipal Market of Kypseli with a musical event where well-known bartenders of the city present their favorite cocktails, for only €6.
- Saturday 22/6 || 15:00-23:00
- Atrium
- Free Entry
The pioneering educational music program of El Sistema Greece in collaboration with Blend Mishkin takes place from June 25 to 27 and brings together 30 children and adolescents aged 10-16 from every part of Athens, without any distinction or limitation, with or without musical knowledge. At the grand closing concert of the program, with the participation of all its students, the emerging talents of hip hop will take the stage and present their original musical creations to the audience, their skills in scratching and breakdance through an impressive choreography, as well as in graffiti through the work they will create and will be the scenery of the concert. The teachers of the children Blend Mishkin, BNC The Disco Vampire, and DJ Marble will also participate in the concert, setting the tone of the evening and captivating us with their rhythms.
- Thursday 27/6 || 20:00-21:00
- Atrium
- Free Entry
On Saturday, June 29, the Real Characters celebrate their 5 years of operation. For the celebration of this anniversary, they chose the vibrant space of the Municipal Market of Kypseli. A day full of enthusiasm and emotion, with the presentation of the pop-up store of the brand, DJ sets, live bands, delicious food, excellent coffee, refreshing drinks, and cocktails.
- Saturday 29/6 || 11:00-23:00
- Atrium
- Free Entry
ComicDom Bazaar - Summer 2024
Comicdom Bazaar returns to the Municipal Market of Kypseli, to make the summer of comics lovers even more beautiful, with many comics and related items!
- Sunday 30/6 || 11:00-21:00
- Atrium
- Free Entry
Connecting Families
The Municipal Market of Kypseli in collaboration with the Youth Center of AMKE IASIS and Connect Athens invite you to participate every Tuesday, 19:30-21:00, in a warm space of mutual support and learning, where parents, educators, and all those interested in the development of teenagers (aged 12-18), gather to share, learn, and empower each other. Through 6 weekly meetings, we will explore topics such as stress management, boosting children's self-esteem, and techniques for effectively intervening in difficult behaviors.
- Every Tuesday from 21/5 to 25/6 || 19:30-21:00
- Creative Lab 1
- Free admission, register HERE!
Digital Empowerment Workshop for 60+ The successful digital empowerment workshop returns to the Municipal Market of Kypseli, renewed and enriched! Using tablets, we learn to surf the internet, search for useful information, communicate with friends and relatives online, and conduct transactions with the government. No prior experience is required from participants (individuals aged 60+), just a willingness to learn!
- Every Wednesday from 1/5 to 12/6 || 10:00-12:00
- Creative Lab 1
- Cost: €50 for the 7-session cycle
- Tickets available HERE or at the physical ticket office (Creative Lab 1, Monday - Friday 11:00-14:00)
Learn some basic wood processing techniques by making your first project, an auxiliary stool that you can take home at the end of the class.
- Every Wednesday from 1/5 to 26/6 || 18:30-20:30
- Creative Lab 2
- Cost: €220 for the 8-session cycle Ticket pre-sale available HERE!
hōkō presents the easiest technique for plant propagation through water. Each participant will learn how to cut a plant and take it home at the end of the session. We also learn how to care for the cutting while it roots, and of course, how to transplant it into the soil.
- Wednesday 5/6 || 18:00-19:00
- Creative Lab 1
- Free admission, reserve your spot HERE!
Pan Pan strikes again with the 4th session of Kypseli Jam! This time, the jam isn't just about pencils, brushes, and inks; every third week, synthesizers, drum machines, and other gadgets join the mix. What do all these buttons do? How do these lights synchronize with the beat I'm making? How did my comic suddenly get a soundtrack? Find out at the Municipal Market of Kypseli!
- Every Thursday from 4/4 to 27/6 || 19:00-21:00
- Creative Lab 1
- Cost: €13 / session. Pre-sale available HERE!
The First Aid seminar for children and babies teaches us life-saving skills and gives us the confidence to know when and how to act in case of an emergency. Practice includes training in practical skills such as CPR, and analysis of how to handle emergency situations.
- Tuesday 11/6 || 17:00-18:30
- Creative Lab 2
- Cost: €30 Registration: message HERE or call 6979545608
A two-day workshop on small vertical loom weaving. We will discuss the art of weaving and create a small object while learning the basic weaves. The possibilities are endless, and the entire process is very relaxing. Participants can create either a wall hanging or a pouch or bookmark. Maximum number of participants is 12 people.
- Friday 14 & Sunday 16/6 || 18:30-21:00
- Friday 28 & Sunday 20/6 || 18:30-21:00
- Creative Lab 1 Cost: €60 for the two-day workshop
- Registration: message pilgrim makershub or email info@pilgrimathens.com
Let's create together the most colorful and imaginative designs on objects we wear every day. We don't need much: all materials are provided by the workshop, as well as the hat, good company, mood, music, snacks, and something to keep us cool!
- Saturday 15/6 || 19:00-21:00
- Creative Lab 2 Cost: €28
- Registration: chrysoliesart@gmail.com or call 6984561871
The First Aid seminar for adults teaches us life-saving skills and gives us the confidence to know when and how to act in case of an emergency. Practice includes training in practical skills such as CPR, and analysis of how to handle emergency situations.
- Tuesday 25/6 || 17:00-18:30
- Creative Lab 2
- Cost: €30 / session Registration: message HERE or call 6979545608
Sq. Cafe Bar & Food
Praxitelous 43 and Agiou Markou, center, 2103210460.
By Angela Stamatiadou
translated by Eleni Georgiou
athinorama.gr
Do you have a recommendation or recipe to share? Send it to us at ideas@xpatathens.com!