Tripadvisor reviewers placed Athens, Crete and Santorini among the world’s best destinations for travel in 2024.

The three Greek destinations were on Tripadvisor’s list of “Best of the Best Destinations”, the travel guidance platform’s first Travelers’ Choice Award for 2024.

The 2024 Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best Destinations are calculated based on an analysis of Tripadvisor reviews and ratings from a recent 12-month period (October 1, 2022 through September 30, 2023).

Three Greek destinations among the best

Greece’s capital city, Athens, shines as one of the top 20 destinations in Europe to visit (18th place). Athens also came in 15th world’s best destination for food (Food Destinations – World list) and 8th best in Europe. The Greek capital was also named the 5th best culture destination in the world.

The Greek island of Crete was named the ninth top destination in the world and fourth best in Europe. Crete was also applauded on the “Food Destinations – World” list and came in third best in that category. On the same list for Europe, Crete was voted as the second best destination.

Santorini shines in the 14th place on the “Top Destinations – World” list and in the 8th place on the “Honeymoon Destinations – World” list.

The 2024 Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best Destinations are calculated based on the quality and quantity of reviews, specific to each award subcategory, for accommodations, restaurants, and things to do in destinations from travelers globally on Tripadvisor between October 1, 2022 through September 30, 2023.

Originally published on: news.gtp.gr

CEOWORLD magazine has placed Greece in the Top 5 countries for expat retirement in 2024 after releasing the “Global Expat Retirement Index 2024 Survey," a guide listing the countries that offer the most stability for those thinking of retiring abroad.

A leading business magazine for CEOs, CFOs, high-level executive professionals, business leaders, and high-net-worth individuals, CEOWORLD assessed each country based on local friendliness, health, and well-being, quality of life, ease of settling in, recreation, culture, nightlife, and diverse culinary options.

Greece ranked 5th on a list of 50 countries with a score of 95.07.

Preceding Greece on the list were Taiwan in first place with a score of 95.67, followed by Spain (95.31), Portugal (95.29), and Mexico (95.2). Completing the Top 10 list after Greece were the United Arab Emirates, France, Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam.

Earlier this month, Greece was once again listed among the Top 10 Best Places in the World to Retire in 2024, according to the 2024 Global Retirement Index released by International Living.

The country ranked 7th with an overall score of 77 and was described as a “dream vacation destination.”.

To read this article in full, please visit: keeptalkinggreece.com

 

The British newspaper "The Sun" recently paid homage to a city in Greece that, despite its charms, often flies under the radar. Contrary to popular belief, this city isn't as unknown as they might think. It's quite the opposite.

The article starts by critiquing the bustling tourist scene of the Greek islands, noting how the overcrowding during peak seasons detracts from the overall experience. However, it then sheds light on lesser-known Greek destinations that offer a tranquil escape from the crowds.

Enter Parga, a gem of a town celebrated for its serene beaches, idyllic ambiance, and absence of tourist masses. Described as "photographically perfect" by Lonely Planet, Parga exudes a unique charm that sets it apart from the mainstream tourist hubs. Conveniently accessible from two airports, it presents itself as an appealing option for travelers seeking a more authentic Greek experience.

The tribute highlights Parga's accolades, including its recognition by Salon Prive as a top alternative travel destination. Despite not being a traditional Greek island, Parga encapsulates the essence of island life, as attested by the travel agency Greeka.

The article paints a vivid picture of Parga's allure, focusing on its crown jewel, the 11th-century Venetian castle perched atop a hill overlooking the city. From its vantage point, visitors are treated to breathtaking vistas, while below, colorful houses cascade down the hillside, framing the charming harbor. Moreover, Parga boasts a plethora of pristine beaches, with Lychnos, Valtos, and Alonaki Fanariou standing out as local favorites. Notably, Alonaki Fanariou Beach earned TripAdvisor's Travelers' Choice Award last year, underscoring its popularity among visitors.

In essence, Parga stands as a testament to Greece's diverse and captivating landscape, offering a blend of historical intrigue, natural beauty, and laid-back charm that is truly unparalleled.

Originally published in Greek on: intronews.gr
Transladed by: Codico Lab

“Poor Things,"  the dark comedy film by Greek director Yorgos Lanthimos, won 4 Oscars at the ceremony of the 96th Academy Awards on Sunday, March 10.

Along with protagonist Emma Stone, who won the award for Best Actress, the film also won the Oscars for Makeup and Hairstyling, Production Design, and Costume Design.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis posted on social media a congratulations message to Lanthimos.

“A thousand congratulations to Yorgos Lanthimos for winning four awards at this year’s Oscars with his film ‘Poor Things.’ His unique perspective and narrative skill have not only captivated film enthusiasts but also filled all of us with pride,” Mitsotakis said, among others.

Originally published on: keeptalkingreece.com

Greece, a land steeped in history and tradition, boasts a vibrant array of locally crafted spirits, each bearing the distinct essence of its origins. Drawing from an abundant palette of fruits, nuts, aromatic herbs, and seeds, Greek distillers have honed their skills to create an eclectic range of libations that embody the spirit of the land.

In a celebration of Greece's distilling prowess, Taste Atlas recently unveiled the top 100 spirits in Europe, showcasing seven distinguished Greek elixirs that have earned their place among the best. Here's a glimpse into each:

In a world brimming with spirits, these seven Greek treasures stand as ambassadors of the country's rich cultural heritage and enduring commitment to craftsmanship, inviting enthusiasts to savor the essence of Greece with every sip.

Nestled among the vibrant tapestry of global urban culture lies an unexpected treasure: Troon Street in Athens. In a recent unveiling by Time Out magazine, celebrated for its keen eye for cultural hotspots, Troon Street proudly clinched the 28th spot on the list of the 30 coolest streets in the world for 2024.

But what defines the essence of a 'cool' street? Is it the diverse array of cafes, culinary havens, and inviting bars where time seems to stand still amidst the exploration of tantalizing cuisines and innovative cocktails? Perhaps it's the charming boutiques teeming with one-of-a-kind treasures that entice the curious wanderer. Or could it be the intangible ambiance that envelops a street, an unmistakable aura of community and familiarity?

In crafting its esteemed list, Time Out meticulously weighed various factors, including culinary diversity, libation offerings, cultural vibrancy, nocturnal allure, and the collective spirit of each street's inhabitants. The result is a celebration of streets that have evolved into dynamic hubs, offering sanctuary from the urban hustle and bustle.

Leading the charge is Melbourne's High Street, an urban sanctuary renowned for its plethora of gastronomic delights, hidden watering holes, and independent boutiques. Here, locals and visitors alike revel in a palpable sense of camaraderie, epitomizing the inclusive spirit of the community.

And amidst these illustrious thoroughfares lies Troon Street, a beacon of Athenian charm and authenticity. Stretching from the historic neighborhood of Thisios to the heart of Petralona, Troon Street captivates with its fusion of storied landmarks, picturesque vistas, and a thriving local scene. It beckons travelers to immerse themselves in an authentically Athenian experience, where every corner reveals a new facet of the city's rich tapestry.

In an age where streets have transcended their traditional roles as mere conduits of traffic to become vibrant social spaces, Troon Street stands as a testament to the transformative power of community and culture. As the world embraces al fresco dining and champions green initiatives, Troon Street remains a shining example of urban revitalization done right—a place where the echoes of the past converge with the pulse of the present, and every step narrates a tale of resilience and renewal.

Originally published in Greek on: intronews.gr

Greek swimmer Apostolos Christou made history on Thursday by winning the silver medal in the men's 200m backstroke at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Christou’s remarkable performance set a new national record with a time of 1:54.82, securing Greece’s first Olympic medal in pool swimming in 128 years.

Christou’s silver marks a monumental achievement for Greece, as the previous seven swimming medals were all earned at the 1896 Athens Olympic Games. The most recent honor before Christou's victory was an open water silver medal by Spyridon Gianniotis at the Rio 2016 Olympics.

A Stellar 2024 for Christou

The 27-year-old swimmer has had an impressive year. His journey began with a bronze medal in the 100m backstroke at the Doha World Championships in February. He continued to shine at the European Aquatics Championships in Belgrade, where he clinched gold in both the 50m and 100m backstroke events and contributed to the Greek men's 4x100m freestyle relay team, which won bronze.

A Historic Day

Christou dedicated his silver medal to his family, calling Thursday the best day of his life. His performance not only brought pride to Greece but also highlighted his remarkable talent and determination.

Greece's Success in Paris

Christou’s achievement follows another significant win for Greece at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. On Wednesday, July 31st, judoka Thodoris Tselidis secured a bronze medal in the men’s -90kg weight class, earning Greece its first medal of the Games.

Final Standings in the 200m Backstroke

Gold: Hubert Kos (Hungary) – 1:54.26
Silver: Apostolos Christou (Greece) – 1:54.82
Bronze: Roman Mityukov (Switzerland) – 1:54.85

Apostolos Christou’s silver medal is a historic milestone for Greek swimming, marking a triumphant return to the Olympic podium after more than a century.

Zoe Fitsiou and Milena Kontou delivered an outstanding performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics, clinching the bronze medal in the women’s lightweight double sculls on Friday. The event, held at Vaires-sur-Marne, saw the Greek duo finish behind Great Britain, who took gold, and Romania, who secured silver.

This achievement marks Fitsiou and Kontou’s debut at the Olympics, contributing to Greece’s medal count and making it the country’s fourth medal in Paris. It also adds to Greece’s legacy in rowing, representing the sixth Olympic rowing medal in the nation’s history.

Earlier in the competition, Petros Gkaidatzis and Antonios Papakonstantinou also won bronze in the men’s lightweight double sculls. The Greek pair finished behind Ireland, who took gold, and Italy, who earned silver.

Originally published on: ekathimerini.com

A record number of American students are choosing Greece as a study abroad destination, according to the Open Doors 2024 survey findings, published annually by the Institute of International Education (IIE).

In the 2022-2023 academic year, the number of US students studying in Greece surged by nearly 34% compared to the previous year, reaching a total of 6,000 students.

Greece continues to be a top-ten study abroad destination for US students, maintaining its popularity in recent years. In comparison, it ranked 17 in 2018, which shows Greece’s trajectory to become a top destination for U.S. students in recent years.

Meanwhile, a growing number of Greek students chose the United States for their studies.In the 2023-2024 academic year, 2,561 Greek students were enrolled in US academic institutions, reflecting an upward trend from the previous year. 

“The United States is invested in Greece’s future and is proud to see our educational ties continue to expand.  International education strengthens the ties between our countries, strengthens our economies, and deepens the ties between our peoples,” noted US Ambassador to Greece George J. Tsunis.

Originally published on: ekathimerini.com