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Everything You Need To Know About The Athens & Epidaurus Festival 2019
Among the headline acts are Chinese pianist, Yuja Wang, the British rock band Jethro Tull, and Yo-Yo Ma the greatest solo cellist in the world. A production of Oedipus based on Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex, by acclaimed American theater director Robert Wilson, will be held at the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus on 21 & 22 June. The Greek National Opera will present Vincenzo Bellini’s Norma in June and Giuseppe Verdi’s La Traviata in July.
ReBrain Greece: A Program That Aims To Tackle Greece's Brain Drain
Greece Steadily Emerges From Lockdown Measures
This means that the SMS system for leaving home will end, night curfew will begin at 12.30 am (instead of 11 pm), while domestic travel restrictions will be lifted as part of Greece’s phased returned to normality after months of strict lockdown measures.
Celebrating August 15th In Greece
Official Presentation Οf Santorini Experience 2022 Culture & Sports in Santorini
Register here: https://bit.ly/3oyKX27
Photo by Babis Giritziotis
New Seasonal Menus At GB Roof Garden & Tudor Hall
Nefeli Nine: A Unique Retreat Experience In Greece





Greece’s Secret Shores — 4 Hidden Beaches Worth the Journey
Beyond Greece’s famous blue-domed islands and Instagrammed coastlines lies another world — one of raw beauty, adventure, and silence. These beaches aren’t just “uncrowded”; they’re tucked away in coves, carved into cliff sides, or hiding behind forest trails — known mostly to locals, hikers, and the bold. Here are four of Greece’s most secluded beach escapes, perfect for a summer day that feels like your own private island.
Aspri Limni, Crete
The “White Lake” That Feels Like Another Planet
On Crete’s rugged western edge, near the Monastery of Chrysoskalitissa and a few kilometers before the famous Elafonissi Beach, you’ll find Aspri Limni, a shallow, crescent-shaped lagoon hidden behind rocks and shrubs. Its name translates to "White Lake" due to the blindingly pale sand and chalky rocks that surround the clear, turquoise shallows.
Getting there requires a short drive down an unpaved dirt road off the main coastal route. There’s no signage, so GPS and a sense of adventure are essential. You’ll park near the monastery and walk through a narrow path to reach this untouched inlet. There are no facilities — no loungers, bars, or umbrellas — just utter stillness, salt-sculpted rocks, and the whisper of sea breeze. Aspri Limni is also a protected biotope, home to rare flora, so tread lightly and leave no trace.
@alisatheexplorer
Gria Spilia (aka Americanou Beach), Syros
A Tranquil Cove with a Story to Tell
On the quiet northern side of Syros, far from the island’s bustling capital of Ermoupoli, lies Gria Spilia, also known as Americanou Beach a reference to the nearby summer home of a American expat John Pierson, who once frequented the area. This pebbled cove is backed by tamarisk trees and rolling hills, and its soft gradient makes for easy swimming in crystal-clear waters.
Reaching the beach isn’t straightforward: visitors must follow a winding dirt road from the village of Sa Michalis and then hike down a rough path for about 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can approach it by boat from Kini or Delfini beach. The isolation is part of its charm — you’ll often share the beach with no more than a handful of others. There are no services, so bring everything you need for the day.
Sunrise here is magical, as the light creeps over the eastern cliffs and casts a soft glow across the water, a moment of quiet perfection.
@jay_stoumpos
Kalami Beach, Kythira
For the Brave: A Beach at the Bottom of a Gorge
Kalami isn’t just a hidden beach, but rather an adventure. Tucked into a remote gorge on the island of Kythira, it’s one of the most isolated and dramatic beaches in all of Greece. To get there, you must descend a rocky trail near the abandoned village of Mylopotamos, then climb down a 30-meter cliff using a rope (yes, a rope) that’s anchored to the rock face.
The descent takes about 40 minutes and requires proper hiking shoes and caution. The reward? A tiny cove of dark pebbles, towering cliffs, and deep emerald water that stays cool even in the peak of summer. Because of its difficulty, Kalami is rarely visited and you may have it all to yourself. It’s an ideal spot for those seeking absolute solitude, meditation, or even wild swimming.
There are zero amenities, no shade, and no cellular signal, so this beach is best left to experienced hikers and strong swimmers. Don’t attempt the route in slippery or wet conditions.
@stratos_kiriakos_mua
Mesovrika Beach, Antipaxos
A Quiet Pebbled Bay Between Two Famous Neighbors
Nestled between the famous beaches of Voutoumi and Vrika on the tiny Ionian island of Antipaxos lies Mesovrika, a peaceful alternative for those seeking calm away from the popular anchorages. With fine white pebbles, turquoise water, and a pine-scented hillside behind it, Mesovrika offers everything the island is known for, minus the boat parties and crowds.
It’s only accessible by foot or private boat. If you're coming from Voutoumi, you’ll need to hike over a rocky headland for about 10 minutes, navigating a faint trail that weaves through brush and limestone. The beach has no umbrellas, sun beds, or beach bars, so come early, pack light, and bring water and snacks.
Swimming here is blissful, and snorkelers will enjoy the rocky formations that shelter schools of fish and hidden caves. It’s the kind of beach you stumble upon and remember forever — quiet, clean, and stunning in its simplicity.
@chris_fotopoulos
Friends of Canada
About FoC
Friends of Canada is an informal network beginning in 2001 when the Canadian embassy suggested alumni from Canadian universities band together in Thessaloniki, Greece. We later embraced a more open-door policy and, in close collaboration with the Canadian Consulate of Thessaloniki, welcomed all friends of Canada into our Northern Greece group.
In late 2011, incoming Canadian Ambassador to Greece, Robert Peck, and Maria Pantazi-Peck suggested we start an informal sister FoC network in Athens, and they hosted an opening Christmas event at their official Canadian residence. Since then, FoC has strived to serve as a link between the local community and the embassy/consulate.
FoC’s main purpose is to facilitate the exchange of Canadian-related information, as well as to encourage old-fashioned camaraderie. Membership is free and all nationalities are welcome to join.
NewsletterThis is the backbone of FoC. We send out our free newsletters whenever we have Canadian-related news that is of particular interest to the local community. We email notices about our own FoC events, as well as pertinent notices from our embassy-related affiliates: the Canadian Embassy in Greece, the Canadian Institute in Greece (CIG), the Hellenic Canadian Chamber of Commerce, the Vorres Museum (‘Canada House’) and the Canadian University Graduates in Greece group.
EventsWe collect no monies, so there is a ‘pay as you go’ philosophy at FoC happenings in both Athens and Thessaloniki. To facilitate participation by all, special care has always been taken to keep participation costs to a minimum, and to use venues with easy public transport access. Over the years, FoC has hosted numerous events and activities, however COVID has brought downsizing. Our affiliates also host several open-to-the-public events, so our FoC newsletter acts as a link to inform the local community about such occasions.
MembershipThere is no membership fee. To join up and receive our free electronic newsletter, simply send all of the following information to friendsofcanada.greece@gmail.com (your confidentiality will be respected):
- Full Name
- Nationality
- Email address
- Mobile phone number
- Landline phone number (home or office)
- Present city/town
Preferred newsletter, Athens or Thessaloniki - Facebook name (if you are on Facebook)
Please also copy and send the following statement: *'Friends of Canada has my consent to process my data.'
* This is simply a legal formality, to comply with the EU General Data Protection Regulation. It means you are consenting to FoC processing your data for the sole purpose of FoC communications. You may withdraw this consent at any time by emailing FoC with a request to 'unsubscribe' - your contact information will then be deleted from our database.
FacebookBesides registering, do also ‘like’ us at https://www.facebook.com/athens.thessaloniki. Our FoC Facebook page, with thousands of global (including local) followers, gives FoC a forum in which to make announcements about the great personal projects of FoC members. If we are emailed a concise notice (and/or a visual in .jpg format), we can then copy/paste and post this announcement on our facebook page.
Founding & Current Coordinator
Kathryn Lukey-Coutsocostas
CONTACT INFO
Email: friendsofcanada.greece@gmail.com
Website: https://friendsofcanada.gr/
Pertouli
Pertouli is a picturesque and unspoilt village situated at an altitude of 1,150 metres among mountains of fir tree forests, in the prefecture of Trikala, in central Greece. Pertouli and its surrounding region are of outstanding natural beauty; surrounded by the mountains Neraida, Koziakas, Loupata and Avgo and plenty of dense forests, green fields with wild flowers of all possible colours and running waters of rivers and waterfalls.
Pertouli, features the most easily accessible ski centre in Greece, as it is only 45 minutes away from Trikala, the nearest big city.
The ski centre of Pertouli is found at 1,170 metres extending up to 1,340 metres and it features three slopes; one for children (green slope; 80 metres length), one for beginners (blue slope; 400 metres length) and one for more advanced skiers and snowboarders (red slope; 1,500 metres length). Two ground lifts operate on the smaller slopes, while one double-seated aerial lift will operate on the bigger slope and offers an enjoyable ride and a great overview of the mountain and the region. The ski centre of Pertouli may not be big enough for expert skiers or snowboarders, but it is perfect for beginners to advanced, families with little children or people who just enjoy being around snow.
Places to visit
• the ski centre of Pertouli
• the nearby villages of Elati, Neraidochori (fairy village), Gardiki, Vrontero, Athamania, Pyrra, Chaliki
• the River Gorge Faraggi tis Manas
• the Lake Koziaka between the mount summits Astrapi and Arvanites (altitute: 1,500–1,600 metres)
To read more, please visit hellasholiday.com