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Monday, 19 November 2018 07:00
Monasteries Of Meteora
Meteora is an area in Thessaly (Central Greece) and Kalampaka is the city under the rock towers of Meteora. The thing that makes Meteora so special is the monasteries on the top of the rock towers. The monasteries, the amount of peaks to climb and the paths for hiking brings in Meteora the whole year many tourists.
The Monasteries of Meteora may be visited year round but the weather is wet and cool from December to March. Crowds and high season rates are guaranteed from July 1st to October 15th. May and June are the best months for comfortable weather, low season rates and the opportunity to leisurely explore the area.
Buses to Kalampaka are available from Ioannina, Trikala, Thessaloniki and Athens. It is also possible to take the train from Thessaloniki or Athens with a switch at Larissa. If you are traveling from Athens, take a morning train so that you can enjoy the spectacular scenery as you pass through the mountains between Livadia and Lamia.
Appropriate clothing is required to visit the monasteries. Sleeveless clothing and shorts are prohibited. Skirts and shawls are available at the entrance for those who are deemed to be unacceptably dressed (including guys wearing shorts and tanktops).
A visit to the Monasteries of Meteora is highly recommended. Each monastery charges a small admission fee. The nearby towns of Kalampaka and Kastraki have become very touristy with accompanying higher rates than the outlying areas. We suggest combining a trip to Meteora with another destination such as Zagoria or the Halkidiki peninsula. If you do not plan to travel to other areas in northern Greece or if your time is limited, the most efficient way to visit Meteora is to take a bus tour from Athens. You can usually negotiate a good deal with any of the several travel agencies to be found around Syntagma Square.
A listing of hotels can be obtained from the local Tourist Police located near the bus station (Pindou & Ioannininon, Kalampaka Tel: +30 2432078000, +30 2432078516).
The village of Kastraki is closer to the monasteries and convenient for those who want to visit by foot but there are more options for food and lodging in Kalampaka.
Tips:
- Plan to spend a full day at Meteora. You will delight in the play of light on the rocks and their changing moods. On sunny mornings, the red roof tiles of the monasteries glisten in sharp contrast to the weather-stained grayness of the rocks while the late afternoon sun bathes the landscape with a golden glow. At nighttime, the rocks are dramatically illuminated by spotlights while autumnal mists shroud them in an ethereal mysteriousness that must have appealed to the hermits and monks who sought refuge from the things of the world.
- Explore the paths between the rock towers but be careful because they are not all intact and some scrambling over uneven ground is required.
- Acquaint yourself with Greek Orthodoxy. It will enhance your appreciation of the Churches and Monasteries of Meteora and their valuable displays of Byzantine art. There are volunteers at the Church of the Transfiguration who will explain the rich tradition of Byzantine iconography.
- Remember to carry bottled water, especially if you are visiting the monasteries by foot. There are refreshment vendors along the road by the monasteries but their prices are excessive.
Source: Great Adventures
Published in
Travel Greece
Tagged under
Thursday, 10 January 2019 07:00
Libraries In Athens
In the beautiful and historic city of Athens where democracy was invented and many sciences were introduced for the first time, books have been a very important part of people’s everyday lives.
It is said that the first public library appeared in Greece by the 4th century BC. The philosopher Aristotle was among the first to put together a private collection of books and to have taught the kings of Egypt on how to arrange a library. It is interesting to also note that it is said that the first libraries were not buildings specially designed to house books, but that books were stored on shelves in dedicated rooms or warehouses, and reading took place outdoors while taking a walk or seated under a porch. (Source: History Magazine)
It is said that the first public library appeared in Greece by the 4th century BC. The philosopher Aristotle was among the first to put together a private collection of books and to have taught the kings of Egypt on how to arrange a library. It is interesting to also note that it is said that the first libraries were not buildings specially designed to house books, but that books were stored on shelves in dedicated rooms or warehouses, and reading took place outdoors while taking a walk or seated under a porch. (Source: History Magazine)
It goes without saying that books and libraries still have an important part in our daily lives. For this reason we have put together this list of libraries in Athens.
Help us build a resource of libraries!
If you know of a library in your neighbourhood,
we'd like to know about it too! Email us at ideas@xpatathens.com.
we'd like to know about it too! Email us at ideas@xpatathens.com.
National Library Of Greece
A new chapter has begun for the National Library of Greece (NLG), as it has recently relocated to a new state-of-the-art building at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC).
The library's collection, which includes 5.400 manuscripts dating from the 9th to the 19th century, is one of the most extensive in the world. Among others the collection includes a codex of the four Gospels attributed to the scribe Matthew, The Large Etymological Dictionary, a historic Byzantine dictionary; and the first publication of Homer's epics and hymns.
Researchers, students, and the general public have free access to collections of thousands of journals and manuscripts, while they are also able to borrow books through the Library’s Lending Department.
Address: 364 Leoforos Syngrou, Kallithea, 176 74
Telephone: 216 8091000
A new chapter has begun for the National Library of Greece (NLG), as it has recently relocated to a new state-of-the-art building at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC).
The library's collection, which includes 5.400 manuscripts dating from the 9th to the 19th century, is one of the most extensive in the world. Among others the collection includes a codex of the four Gospels attributed to the scribe Matthew, The Large Etymological Dictionary, a historic Byzantine dictionary; and the first publication of Homer's epics and hymns.
Researchers, students, and the general public have free access to collections of thousands of journals and manuscripts, while they are also able to borrow books through the Library’s Lending Department.
Address: 364 Leoforos Syngrou, Kallithea, 176 74
Telephone: 216 8091000
The American Library At The Hellenic American College
The Library houses over 35,000 titles in English and Greek, an online collection of over 250,000 digital books, subscriptions to major academic periodicals databases numbering 10,000,000 articles and a Rare Books collection.
The library and its resources can be used by: Members of the general public, including students at the Hellenic American Union and students at Greek public universities, upon registering as members of the library (please note that there may be some restrictions on the use of certain collections).
Students in the Hellenic American College programs, including the Hellenic American University’s degree programs that are offered at the Hellenic American College via an Agreement of Cooperation. Registered members of the library can use the library’s digital resources on site at the library, but only Hellenic American College students can access these resources off-site. Exceptions to this policy are made on a case-by-case basis.
Registered members can also use and borrow books from the library’s lending collections.
Address: 22 Massalias, Athens, 106 80
Telephone: 210 3680044
The Blegen Library focuses on all aspects of Greece and the Greeks from the earliest prehistory through late antiquity. The collection currently holds more than 105,000 volumes including nearly seven hundred periodical titles (current and defunct), forming a major research library on prehistoric and classical archaeology of the Mediterranean region, and classical languages, history, and culture.
About two thousand readers of all nationalities use the library. The library is non-circulating, and all books must be consulted on the premises. In its field, it is one of the premier research libraries in the world and the best in Greece.
The Blegen library is open to Members of the American School of Classical Studies, and approved visitors.
Address: 54 Souidias, Athens, 106 76
Telephone: 213 0002400
Cervantes Institute Library Of Athens
Since 1991, with the founding of the Instituto Cervantes, the library is the basic information and documentation center in Greece on matters relating to the Spanish Language and Culture.
The library offers modern facilities, over 26,000 publications, 34 reading seats, and 6 computers. Access to the Library is free.
In order to be able to borrow books and use the internet visitors must hold a library member card. To issue a member card, applicants must provide the Cervantes Institute with details (name, address, phone, and e-mail), proof of identity, and pay the corresponding price.
Address: 31 Skoufa, Athens, 10673
Since 1991, with the founding of the Instituto Cervantes, the library is the basic information and documentation center in Greece on matters relating to the Spanish Language and Culture.
The library offers modern facilities, over 26,000 publications, 34 reading seats, and 6 computers. Access to the Library is free.
In order to be able to borrow books and use the internet visitors must hold a library member card. To issue a member card, applicants must provide the Cervantes Institute with details (name, address, phone, and e-mail), proof of identity, and pay the corresponding price.
Address: 31 Skoufa, Athens, 10673
Telephone: 210 3634117
Gennadius Library At The American School Of Classical Studies
The Gennadius Library, a treasure trove of books, manuscripts, archives, and works of art documenting the heritage of Hellenism since the end of antiquity, is housed in a stately marble building on the slopes of Mount Lycabettus.
It was named “Gennadeion” in pious memory of the founder’s father, George Gennadius (1786-1854) but it is equally a memorial to the founder himself, Joannes Gennadius (1844-1932), for the library that he created is a fitting symbol of his whole career. A diplomat, scholar, and bibliophile, he was always motivated first and foremost by a passionate devotion to Greece.
Joannes Gennadius’s collection is the richest private collection of books about Greece. As a collector and bibliophile, Gennadius saw Greece as a continuum from antiquity to the present and the Library he founded still adheres to that vision. His intentions are best described in his own words: “to form a library that represents the creative genius of Greece at all periods, the influence of her arts and sciences upon the western world, and the impression created by her natural beauty upon the traveler.”
Over 80 years after the Gennadeion first opened its gates to the public, its garden is a relief to the suffocating city center and the collections are now numbering over 119,000 volumes and continue to increase rapidly. New acquisitions are classified according to the original system devised by Joannes Gennadius with some minor changes and additions to the class numbers in order to encompass a large number of new books and more current subject divisions such as the collection of children’s books.
Address: 61 Souidias, Athens, 106 76
Telephone: 210 7210536
It was named “Gennadeion” in pious memory of the founder’s father, George Gennadius (1786-1854) but it is equally a memorial to the founder himself, Joannes Gennadius (1844-1932), for the library that he created is a fitting symbol of his whole career. A diplomat, scholar, and bibliophile, he was always motivated first and foremost by a passionate devotion to Greece.
Joannes Gennadius’s collection is the richest private collection of books about Greece. As a collector and bibliophile, Gennadius saw Greece as a continuum from antiquity to the present and the Library he founded still adheres to that vision. His intentions are best described in his own words: “to form a library that represents the creative genius of Greece at all periods, the influence of her arts and sciences upon the western world, and the impression created by her natural beauty upon the traveler.”
Over 80 years after the Gennadeion first opened its gates to the public, its garden is a relief to the suffocating city center and the collections are now numbering over 119,000 volumes and continue to increase rapidly. New acquisitions are classified according to the original system devised by Joannes Gennadius with some minor changes and additions to the class numbers in order to encompass a large number of new books and more current subject divisions such as the collection of children’s books.
Address: 61 Souidias, Athens, 106 76
Telephone: 210 7210536
Italian Cultural Institute
The library of the Italian Cultural Institute opened to the public in 2007. The library offers books related to literature, cinema, theater, linguistics, music, history, politics, journalism. It is available to readers some of the major Italian magazines and newspapers.
In order for someone to borrow books, they need to become a member. Membership is open to everyone residing in Athens by showing their identity card or their residence permit. Each member can borrow two books at a time.
Address: 47 28is Oktovriou (Patission), Athens, 104 33
Telephone: 210 5242646
The Infant –Toddler Library Of Athens
The Infant-Toddler Library of Athens is located in the Park for Children and Culture and is the first library in Greece exclusively for young children.
The library is divided into two sections. The first section is addressed to very young children (0-3 years) while the second section is addressed to older children (3-6 years) and also has a small auditorium in which various events take place. The library holds a substantial collection of Greek and foreign books, its services are free, and books may be borrowed by all children residing in Attica.
The primary purpose of the library is to familarize young children with reading and the library experience. The first Greek library for infants is designed to be a friendly and hospitable place for young children and their families.
Address: Trifilias & Lakonos 9, Athens, 115 24
Telephone: 210 8829735
The Infant –Toddler Library Of Athens
The Infant-Toddler Library of Athens is located in the Park for Children and Culture and is the first library in Greece exclusively for young children.
The library is divided into two sections. The first section is addressed to very young children (0-3 years) while the second section is addressed to older children (3-6 years) and also has a small auditorium in which various events take place. The library holds a substantial collection of Greek and foreign books, its services are free, and books may be borrowed by all children residing in Attica.
The primary purpose of the library is to familarize young children with reading and the library experience. The first Greek library for infants is designed to be a friendly and hospitable place for young children and their families.
Address: Trifilias & Lakonos 9, Athens, 115 24
Telephone: 210 8829735
Lilian Voudouri Music Library Of Greece
Designed and organized to international standards, the Lilian Voudouri Music Library has been housed at The Athens Concert Hall since 2007. It is home to an ever-expanding library of works on music and other arts. The collection is enormous, and growing steadily, with a wealth of books and records featuring western music, as well as all manifestations of music in the Greek world – ancient, Byzantine, folk music, popular and art music, rembetika, etc.
The material housed in the library also includes archives of composers, rare collections, jazz and examples of music of traditional cultures from all around the world. The range of subjects covered now extends far beyond music, with important collections on ancient Greek art, theatre, literature, philosophy and other subjects.
The library has more than 63,000 books and musical scores, 22,000 volumes on microfiche, 400 periodicals, 10,000 sound recordings and a wealth of other audiovisual material. There is also access to 150 digital publications and multimedia resources in various areas, rare books, concert programmes and numerous manuscripts.
Housed in its new facilities, the Lilian Voudouri Library provides its services and materials free of charge, playing an active role in music education and research in Greece through its seminars and services.
Address: Vasilis Sofias Street & Kokkali, Athens, 115 21 – Access from the The Athens Concert Hall
Telephone: 210 7282778
Central Library Of The Municipality Of Athens
The Central Public Library of Athens is one of the oldest libraries in Greece; it was founded by the first Mayor of Athens, Anargyros Petrakis, in 1835. The library’s collection includes rare editorial material and consists of 55,000 titles various themes books, newspaper archives from 1863 to date, 900 magazine titles from 1834 to date, Government Gazettes from 1833 , as well as photographs of the history of the city of Athens. Available to adult readers, there are two bright and comfortable reading rooms with free internet access.
Address: 2 Domokou, Athens, 104 40
Telephone: 210 8846021
The Central Public Library of Athens is one of the oldest libraries in Greece; it was founded by the first Mayor of Athens, Anargyros Petrakis, in 1835. The library’s collection includes rare editorial material and consists of 55,000 titles various themes books, newspaper archives from 1863 to date, 900 magazine titles from 1834 to date, Government Gazettes from 1833 , as well as photographs of the history of the city of Athens. Available to adult readers, there are two bright and comfortable reading rooms with free internet access.
Address: 2 Domokou, Athens, 104 40
Telephone: 210 8846021
National Βοοκ Centre Of Greece
A private non-profit entity established in 1994 by the Ministry of Culture to implement national policy to promote books. Publishers, authors, translators, librarians and booksellers are all involved in decision-making and work closely to achieve the centre’s objectives. EKEBI is subsidised by the Ministry of Culture.
Its objective is to play a coordinating role among these players, to create new structures to support books, to offer information and support the players involved, to record new developments in the sector, and to make a substantive contribution to establishing a friendly environment for people from the world of books.
A private non-profit entity established in 1994 by the Ministry of Culture to implement national policy to promote books. Publishers, authors, translators, librarians and booksellers are all involved in decision-making and work closely to achieve the centre’s objectives. EKEBI is subsidised by the Ministry of Culture.
Its objective is to play a coordinating role among these players, to create new structures to support books, to offer information and support the players involved, to record new developments in the sector, and to make a substantive contribution to establishing a friendly environment for people from the world of books.
Additional Information:
• The library accepts donations of books related to specialization
• Library material is available for use on the premises and for loan
• Books can be borrowed for fifteen days, and may be renewed
Address: 4 Athanasiou Diakou, Athens 117 42
Telephone: 210 9200300
• The library accepts donations of books related to specialization
• Library material is available for use on the premises and for loan
• Books can be borrowed for fifteen days, and may be renewed
Address: 4 Athanasiou Diakou, Athens 117 42
Telephone: 210 9200300
The British School at Athens is a post graduate research institute for Hellenic studies established in 1886. Situated in a green oasis in Kolonaki, the main building houses the library. The library collection covers all subjects relating to the Greek world from prehistory to the present day with an emphasis on art, archaeology, history, epigraphy, archaeological theory, material sciences and Byzantine architecture.
The library comprises more than 70,000 volumes and 1,300 periodical titles, in many different languages. There is a growing collection of digital materials with free Wi-Fi connection throughout the building. Books cannot be borrowed, but local and visiting researchers are welcome to join as Readers. Access is free, however, visitors applying for Reader’s cards are asked to provide a letter of reference.
Check the British School at Athens website under events for lectures and seminars open to the public.
Address: 52 Souidias, Athens, 106 76
Telephone: 211 1022820
Filothei-Psychiko Public Library
The Filothei-Psychiko Public Library is housed in a traditional house that once belonged to famous Greek author Kosmas Politis. It holds a sizeable collection of Greek and English books, magazines and newspapers, offers free Wi-Fi, and runs a children’s program. The library also hosts an English book club that meets once a month.
Address: 13 Stratigou Kallari, Psychiko, 154 52
Telephone: 210 6724307 & 210 6773484-5
Photo Credit: @EBE_Theophilos Gerontopoulos
Help us build a resource of libraries!
If you know of a public library in your neighbourhood,
we'd like to know about it too! Email us at ideas@xpatathens.com.
we'd like to know about it too! Email us at ideas@xpatathens.com.
Published in
City Discovery
Tagged under
Monday, 14 December 2015 07:00
East Med Yacht Show 2016 To Spotlight Piraeus
The Marina Zea in Piraeus is getting ready to hold the 15th East Med Yacht Show in 2016 and welcome international charter professionals, private yacht brokers and travel agents to give a broad display of over 60 Greek luxury crewed yachts for charter.
After being held for many years in the docks of Poros Island, the event was decided to be held between May 13 and May 18, 2016, in the Marina Zea in the port city Piraeus, one of the largest ports in the world.
In a press conference, Piraeus Mayor Yiannis Moralis underlined the importance of the yacht show for the city's exposure.
“Industry professionals, travel agents, residents and the thousands of visitors that will visit the yacht show will have the opportunity to get to know the attractions and beauties of Piraeus”, Mayor Moralis said and added that the yacht show’s location — Marina Zea — is one of the most impressive spots in Piraeus.
The Municipality of Piraeus will support the yacht show through its ongoing tourism campaign “Destination Piraeus”. All participants and guests at the show will have the chance to get to know the city through the campaign’s apps for smartphone and tablets that support a number of languages.
“Industry professionals, travel agents, residents and the thousands of visitors that will visit the yacht show will have the opportunity to get to know the attractions and beauties of Piraeus”, Mayor Moralis said and added that the yacht show’s location — Marina Zea — is one of the most impressive spots in Piraeus.
The Municipality of Piraeus will support the yacht show through its ongoing tourism campaign “Destination Piraeus”. All participants and guests at the show will have the chance to get to know the city through the campaign’s apps for smartphone and tablets that support a number of languages.
To read more, please visit: Greek Travel Pages
Published in
Greece In The News
Tagged under
Thursday, 01 December 2016 07:00
The House Project - A Beach House For Kids & Parents
Open all day, the Balux Cafe House Project in Glyfada is a great escape to recharge your batteries while the kids play!
Spend the day in what is designed to feel like an oversized beach house with large open spaces. Inside you’ll find a library, games room and outdoor playground for small children. The décor is bright and welcoming with big oversized armchairs and by the end of the day, you’ll be wishing you could take this luxurious all in one venue home with you.
While perfect for families, outside offers more of a party atmosphere with great music overlooking the beach and a well-staffed bar and café.
Opening Hours
Daily 09:00 to 03:00
Free Entry
Address
58 Leoforos Posidonos Ave, Glyfada
Asteras Glyfadas Complex
Telephone: 210 89 83 577
Published in
Kids Life
Tagged under
Thursday, 01 November 2018 07:00
Ready For The November Mid-Season Sale
Take advantage of the mid-season sale, that will run from Thursday, November 1st to Saturday November 10th, and start selecting holiday gifts for you and your loved ones at a fraction of their original price! Keep in mind that it is mandatory for shops to display both the full and the sale price of items and the percentage of the discount offered. In older to make shopping more convenient for consumers, many centrally located stores will be open on Sunday, November 4th from 11:00 to 20:00.
Published in
Local News
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Thursday, 01 August 2019 07:00
Simple Ways To Keep Athens Clean
Public city spaces are our home, so we want them to be clean and tidy. The City of Athens invites locals to actively participate in keeping the city clean while helping municipal workers complete their tasks with ease.
Clean Your Neighborhood
Clean Your Neighborhood
If you are interested in removing unwanted graffiti and tags in your neighborhood, contact the City of Athens' synAthina by email at synathina@athens.gr or by phone at 210 3464738.
Properly Dispose Of Electrical Appliances
Don't dump your old refrigerator, washer, cooker, or any other electrical appliance on the street. The City of Athens collects old appliances for special recycling. All you need to do is book a time slot through 1595, the municipality's 24 hour phone line.
Tie Up Garbage Bags
Don't dump your old refrigerator, washer, cooker, or any other electrical appliance on the street. The City of Athens collects old appliances for special recycling. All you need to do is book a time slot through 1595, the municipality's 24 hour phone line.
Tie Up Garbage Bags
Please tie up garbage bags before putting them into the dumpster; this way, the sidewalks, and streets won't get dirty during garbage collection. Note: When placing recyclables into the blue recycling dumpsters bags don't need to be tied up.
Organize your Recyclables
Please organize your recycling at home. Putting your recyclable materials in different bags makes the process at the collection and sorting recycling plants a whole lot easier.
Don't Move The Dustbins
Please don't move the dustbins; this makes the cleaning, and garbage collection process much easier and more effective.
Originally Posted on City Of Athens
Translated by XpatAthens
Published in
Local News
Tagged under
Tuesday, 09 February 2021 09:47
Former Royal Summer Palace To Be Converted Into A Museum And Luxury Resort
The Greek government plans to convert the former Royal Palace in Tatoi into a hub of history, culture, and luxury. The palace, which sits on grounds spanning 10,000 acres, was bought as a summer residence for the Greek royal family in the 1880s has been abandoned for almost 50 years.
Following the restoration, the estate will include shops, restaurants, nature walking trails, and a luxury hotel and spa. The main palace building will become a museum to display artifacts and items found on the site, including the royal family’s famed car collection.
Tatoi lies on Mount Parnitha, 27 kilometers from the center of Athens, in a green area with woods, rivers, and abundant wildlife.
By transforming the site into a luxury vacation spot and highlighting its royal history with a new museum, the government aspires to attract more visitors and history lovers to Greece.
To read this article in full, please visit: greekreporter.com
Published in
Greece In The News
Tagged under
Tuesday, 03 May 2022 07:00
2 Greek Hiking Trails Among Europe’s Most Photographed
Two Greek hiking trails feature on a list of what can be considered the most scenic trails in Europe, based on online reviews and social media.
The list of beautiful trails, which was put together by workout equipment company Onbuy Treadmills, was compiled with the help of various experts and Tripadvisor reviews. The trails on the final list were then ranked according to the number of times they’ve been tagged on Instagram. Europe is home to thousands of hiking trails, and the two Greek trails on the list were ranked as number 27 and 28.
The Samaria Gorge trail, the most famous hiking route on the island of Crete, is placed number 27. A big draw for tens of thousands of visitors each year, especially during the summer, it’s a 16-kilometer hike that takes from five to eight hours to complete depending on your shape and experience, all downhill.
This ruggedly beautiful canyon is not only instagrammable, but a place you’ll remember. The trail begins at Xyloskalo, more than 1200 meters above sea level, on a steep, rocky path downward (a walking stick is a good idea here), and continues along the Tarraios river, through the abandoned village of Samaria and the natural habitat of endangered wild goats, through the narrowest part of the gorge known as the “Gates,” where the steep rock walls stand only a few meters apart.
The second Greek trail on the list, in 28th place, is perhaps less famous among hikers, but all the more recognizable in photos due to its iconic views. This is the Fira-Oia trail on Santorini – a path connecting the two famous villages running along the edge of the caldera. 10.5 kilometers long, it is a moderately challenging route that takes around 3 hours to complete regardless of the direction you choose, featuring some more demanding, steep sections with loose gravel.
To read this article in full, please visit: greece-is.com
Main image: @girlwith.thecamera
The list of beautiful trails, which was put together by workout equipment company Onbuy Treadmills, was compiled with the help of various experts and Tripadvisor reviews. The trails on the final list were then ranked according to the number of times they’ve been tagged on Instagram. Europe is home to thousands of hiking trails, and the two Greek trails on the list were ranked as number 27 and 28.
The Samaria Gorge trail, the most famous hiking route on the island of Crete, is placed number 27. A big draw for tens of thousands of visitors each year, especially during the summer, it’s a 16-kilometer hike that takes from five to eight hours to complete depending on your shape and experience, all downhill.
This ruggedly beautiful canyon is not only instagrammable, but a place you’ll remember. The trail begins at Xyloskalo, more than 1200 meters above sea level, on a steep, rocky path downward (a walking stick is a good idea here), and continues along the Tarraios river, through the abandoned village of Samaria and the natural habitat of endangered wild goats, through the narrowest part of the gorge known as the “Gates,” where the steep rock walls stand only a few meters apart.
The second Greek trail on the list, in 28th place, is perhaps less famous among hikers, but all the more recognizable in photos due to its iconic views. This is the Fira-Oia trail on Santorini – a path connecting the two famous villages running along the edge of the caldera. 10.5 kilometers long, it is a moderately challenging route that takes around 3 hours to complete regardless of the direction you choose, featuring some more demanding, steep sections with loose gravel.
To read this article in full, please visit: greece-is.com
Main image: @girlwith.thecamera
Published in
Greece In The News
Tagged under
Sunday, 02 July 2023 20:33
The Stones Speak: A Mesmerizing Performance at Hadrian's Library
The archaeological site of Hadrian’s Library in the center of Athens will host a set of free performances as part of the 4th “The Stones Speak” cultural program.
Launched in 2017 by the Athens-Attica & Argosaronic Hotel Association, the program aims to introduce the works of great writers from Greek antiquity to both residents and visitors of the Greek capital through theatrical performances.
The “The Stones Speak” performances at Hadrian’s Library will take place on July 1, 2, 7, 8 and 9 between 11:00 and 13:00 and will run in Modern Greek, French and English.
Created by Greek director Efi Theodorou, composer Nikos Platanos and the Delos Drama School student actors, the performances will take spectators on a philosophical journey on love, life and democracy through texts ranging from Homer’s Odyssey to Sophocle’s Antigone among others.
To read this article in full, please visit news.gtp.gr
To read this article in full, please visit news.gtp.gr
Published in
Local News
Tagged under
Monday, 03 June 2024 16:21
Rediscovering Happiness – The Path Of Self-Discovery
In a world constantly urging us to pursue happiness through external endeavors, perhaps it's time to entertain a different perspective. You've likely heard the phrase "happiness comes from within" numerous times. But what if it's true? What if the essence of happiness lies, has always lain, and will forever lie within, waiting to be unearthed?
Reexamining Happiness – The Road to Self-Exploration
In a society driven by consumerism and materialism, the pursuit of happiness often takes on external dimensions – acquiring wealth, chasing success, or seeking validation from others. However, it's time to challenge this conventional narrative and shift your focus inward, recognizing that true happiness cannot be found in external achievements or possessions. Instead, it resides deep within your being, waiting to be discovered through introspection, self-awareness, and mindfulness.
Self-discovery is a transformative journey that requires courage, vulnerability, and a willingness to embrace the full spectrum of your human experience. This journey begins with confronting your fears, embracing your vulnerabilities, and exploring the complexities of your inner landscape.
Imagine starting your day with a simple mindfulness practice, sitting still as you take a few deep breaths. In this moment of quietude, you may notice thoughts and emotions arising. Pay attention to them. Identify their origins. Through consistent practice, you gradually cultivate a deeper sense of self-awareness, understanding the patterns of your mind and the motivations behind your actions.
In this journey, journaling can become a valuable companion, providing space for raw expression and introspection. As you write on the page, you may uncover hidden desires, unresolved issues, or limiting beliefs that have shaped your life. Through this process of self-reflection, you gain clarity about your values, aspirations, and fears, paving the way for personal growth and transformation.
Mindfulness must accompany you throughout your journey, infusing each moment with presence and purpose. Whether savoring the taste of your morning coffee or feeling the warmth of the sun on your skin, mindfulness invites you to immerse yourself in the richness of the present moment. As you cultivate a deeper connection with yourself and the world around you, you discover that true happiness is not found in external achievements or possessions but in the simple joy of being alive.
Embrace the Present Moment & Release Expectations!
Since happiness resides within you, it means it cannot be placed on a continuous timeline. It cannot be found in the past or the future, only in the now. By cultivating awareness and presence, you can truly see the beauty that surrounds you in every moment, regardless of external circumstances. Whether enjoying life's simple pleasures, being grateful for all that you have instead of being miserable for what you lack, or finding meaning in everyday experiences, happiness always becomes present, a companion on your journey through life.
When you recognize that happiness is an inherent quality that stems from within, you automatically free yourself from the shackles of comparison, competition, and societal expectations. Instead of seeking validation from others, you learn to trust your own inner wisdom and follow your heart in pursuit of a life aligned with your deepest values and aspirations.
Happiness is not a destination to reach but a state of being to be achieved from within. Begin this journey with an open mind and heart, knowing that true happiness awaits you in the very depths of your soul!
Originally published in Greek on: loveyourselfmagazine.com
Love Yourself is a comprehensive Greek media platform dedicated to embracing mindstyle as its fundamental essence. It advocates for a wholesome lifestyle that nurtures not only our soul, mind, and body but also promotes a positive and sustainable attitude towards the planet we call home. For more information, visit Love Yourself's website!
Originally published in Greek on: loveyourselfmagazine.com
Love Yourself is a comprehensive Greek media platform dedicated to embracing mindstyle as its fundamental essence. It advocates for a wholesome lifestyle that nurtures not only our soul, mind, and body but also promotes a positive and sustainable attitude towards the planet we call home. For more information, visit Love Yourself's website!
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