XpatAthens

XpatAthens

Thursday, 06 April 2017 07:00

Corfu Is Greece's Top Easter Destination

Corfu is again the top destination for the upcoming Easter holiday period in Greece and visitors from Athens, Thessaloniki and from every island, village and town around Greece will be making their way across to Corfu to celebrate Holy Week.

It has been said by many that if you only get one chance in a lifetime to visit Corfu, Easter week is the time to be there. Many visitors from overseas also arrive to see Corfu’s natural and cultural beauty come to life- as Greek Easter traditions are celebrated all around the island.

The Easter period begins in Corfu on Palm Sunday- At 11am the procession of the holy body of Saint Spyridon takes place. It is a custom dating back to 1630, in memoriam of the relief of the island of the Plague, which, in 1629, had claimed many victims from the people of Corfu. All 15 philharmonic bands of the island take part in that procession. At lunch people enjoy the traditional dish of the day- stock fish or haddock with skordalia (garlic mash potato).

To read this article in full, please visit: Greek City Times
Monday, 22 May 2017 07:00

Is Athens Europe's New Art Capital?

“Athens is slightly lawless, but that’s one of the nicest things about it,” says Michael Landy, a British artist currently creating an ongoing exhibition in the city called ‘Breaking News - Athens.’ His exhibition will explore politics, culture, and the debt and refugee crisis in Greece. Landy and his eight assistants have so far created over 400 drawings, which are created from items Athenians send through the mail. Images range from pieces of graffiti to street signs, bank logos, newspaper headlines, and more.

In addition to Landy’s exhibition, BBC describes the booming arts scene in Athens and other exhibitions such as Documenta 14, which put Athens on the map in the international art world. The city attracts many, with low rents, a lively local scene, and good weather. Athens is especially attractive to artists who see the abandoned industrial buildings perfect for their next creative space.

“There is a hype around Athens, it’s true,” says Elina Kountouri, Neon’s director. “Athens is sexy now.”

As BBC says, “Perhaps, then, it’s time to stop saying that Athens is the new Berlin, and instead follow the lead of one Greek graffiti writer, who recently scrawled the following slogan in the city’s streets: “Athens is the new Athens.”

To read this article in full, please visit: BBC
Tuesday, 03 December 2019 01:00

Inspirational Greece

Greece is a beautiful country, with picturesque landscapes, amazing beaches and many more. Hence the fact it was voted one of the best countries in the world! Also, don't miss the chance to let some drone footage of Crete take your breath away!

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On the occasion of World Animal Day, the Animal Welfare Department of the Municipality of Athens launched a website dedicated to the city's strays to raise public awareness.
 
The website aims to inform users about the municipality's efforts to protect stray animals, secure a home for them, adopt registered cats and dogs, and allow them to report animal abuse incidents.
 
Citizens can also register stray animals and lost pets; receive information about pet owners and municipalities' responsibilities towards animals, and seek advice if they wish to adopt a lifelong friend.
 
The City of Athens has also initiated a program to place free microchips on pets whose owners belong to vulnerable groups. Through the program, 157 dogs and 49 cats have acquired a microchip.
 
Furthermore, the municipality has placed seven outdoor cat and dog houses, seven feeders, and 42 water bowls in various parts of Athens. The municipality plans to create parks for dogs, a temporary shelter for strays, and the first municipal veterinary clinic.

To read this article in full, please visit: gtp.gr
Athens, Greece's historic capital, is a city brimming with culture, elegance, and energy, a city bursting with life all year round. If, however, you feel like escaping the hustle and bustle for a while, taking a dip in the sea, or relaxing on a sandy beach, there's nothing stopping you from hopping on a ferry to one of the many beautiful islands just a breath away from Athens. 



1. Spetses 

Spetses is not a typical Greek island. It's a place oozing with vintage charm, an affluent paradise where you'll find charming neoclassical mansions and narrow alleyways. Cars are not allowed there, so you'll only see bicycles and carriages - it's like being transported back to another era. Walk along the waterfront, have a leisurely coffee in Dapia, and visit the Bouboulina Museum. The islands' romantic cosmopolitanism is sure to take your breath away!

2. Agistri

A tiny, picturesque island in the Saronic Gulf, Agistri is a very popular weekend getaway among Athenians. Blessed with lush pine forests, its unspoiled natural setting makes it a camper's paradise. But, there's so much more to do there. Explore the quaint traditional villages, swim in scenic coves, relax on pebbly beaches, and pay a visit to the Folk Art Museum, if you want to get to know the past everyday life of the islanders. 

3. Hydra 

Hydra has been attracting international jet setters for a long time and its aristocratic charm is, indeed, unquestionable. There, you'll see traditional white houses with blue shutters, impressive mansions dating back to the 18th century, as well as numerous churches and monasteries, as the island boasts rich religious history. Once again, cars are officially banned in Hydra, as the island has been listed for preservation due to its architectural and cultural significance. 

4. Kea

Although part of the Cyclades island group, Kea doesn't have the typical Cycladic landscape and architecture. It's a verdant island, still untouched by mass visitors, brimming with elegant buildings. Kea has a vast network of paths with wooden signposts that cover most of the island, connecting its most important landmarks. Apart from the beaches, Kea has also a lot to offer in terms of sightseeing, as there you'll find four ancient cities, one of them being Ioulis, the island's enchanting capital. 

5. Andros

The greenest island of the Cyclades, Andros is the ultimate destination for nature lovers, hiking enthusiasts, and water-sports aficionados due to its strong winds. Except for its wild natural beauty and its incredible beaches, the island is also famous for its cosmopolitan vibe. The island's capital, Chora, is full of architectural masterpieces, like elegant mansions, neoclassical buildings, and, of course, the famous lighthouse of Andros. The island boasts a variety of museums as well, making it the perfect destination for art lovers! 
British rock star Sting will celebrate his 70th birthday in Greece by giving two concerts on September 30, October 1 at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus on the slopes of the Athens Acropolis.

The “My Songs Tour”, which took Sting to several cities around the world, is in support of his thirteenth solo studio album My Songs, released on 24 May 2019.

It features new renditions of previously released songs from his illustrious four-and-a-half decade career, including fan favorites “Desert Rose,” “Fields of Gold,” “Englishman in New York” and The Police mega-hits “Roxanne,” “Message in a Bottle” and “Every Breath You Take.”

His sell-out concerts at the Odeon were highlight events during the Athens and Epidaurus Festival in late summer 2018. This time, the multi-award-winning artist, who was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003, will be accompanied by his musician son, Joe Summer, frontman of the rock band Fiction Plane.

Alongside his son, Sting will be accompanied by an electric, rock ensemble including Dominic Miller (guitar), Josh Freese (drums), Rufus Miller (guitar), Kevon Webster (keyboard), Shane Sager (harmonica) with Melissa Musique and Gene Noble (backing vocals).

Sting, born Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner, was the principal songwriter, lead singer, and bassist for the new wave rock band the Police from 1977 to 1984. He launched a solo career in 1985 and has included elements of rock, jazz, reggae, classical, new-age, and worldbeat in his music.

With the Police, Sting became one of the world’s best-selling music artists. Solo and with The Police combined, he has sold over 100 million records.

To read this article in full, please visit: greekreporter.com
A large pod of dozens of adult and young dolphins enjoyed the blue waters of Theologos in Fthiotida, Central Greece, offering a spectacular natural show.

The spectacle was captured by a drone of UpStories.



The bay of Theologos is a well-known refuge for the dolphins in the Evia Gulf. The crystal clear shallow and warm waters, combined with the swarms of fish that often appear in the area, create the ideal conditions for dolphins to swim there almost all year round.

Originally published on: keeptalkinggreece.com
In the prefecture of Messinia lies a hidden treasure, Nea Koroni, a village that defies conventional urban planning norms. Nestled near the Messinian coastline, this architectural marvel stands as a testament to meticulous design, resembling an artist's geometric masterpiece rather than a traditional settlement.

Originally an extension of the historic village of Koroni, Nea Koroni's symmetrical layout unveils itself majestically when viewed from above, as showcased in a captivating video by the Up Stories YouTube channel.

This geometric wonder is a rarity in Greek architecture, yet its genesis becomes less astonishing when considering its relatively recent establishment compared to the haphazard growth of many Greek communities during the nation's formative years.

The video offers a bird's-eye perspective of Nea Koroni's radial network of eight roads, gracefully emanating from a central roundabout to meet the encircling ring road, forming a flawless square with intersecting diagonals and medians.

Beyond mere aesthetics, these images serve as a compelling model for future urban planning endeavors, urging us to embrace organized and harmonious structures in shaping our communities. Nea Koroni stands as a beacon of inspiration, demonstrating the beauty and functionality that can emerge from thoughtful design.


Originally published on: reader.gr


Looking for a one-of-a-kind experience in Athens that combines history, style, and upscale leisure? The Golden Moments Experience offers exactly that, a premium cultural escape curated for those who appreciate the finer things in life.

Set in the elegant surroundings of Golden Hall, one of Europe’s leading shopping destinations, this experience takes visitors beyond the ordinary. From an exclusive guided visit to the Athens Olympic Museum, to a personalized introduction to Greece’s fashion scene and plenty of time for indulgent shopping, this journey is thoughtfully crafted to offer both inspiration and enjoyment.

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What Is the Golden Moments Experience?
 
The Golden Moments Experience is an immersive 4.5-hour program designed for individuals, small groups, and travelers seeking a refined cultural and retail experience in the heart of Athens. It blends Greek Olympic heritage, fashion-forward design, and luxury shopping, all in one beautifully choreographed itinerary.

Ideal for visitors, incentive travel groups, and high-end leisure travelers, the experience offers a truly elevated way to explore Athens, going beyond the typical tourist trail.

What’s Included

A Journey Through Olympic History
Athens Olympic Museum – Guided Tour (approx. 1 hour)

Start your visit with an exclusive guided tour of the Athens Olympic Museum, the city’s only institution dedicated to Olympic history and ideals. Led by a knowledgeable expert, the tour offers deep insight into Greece’s foundational role in the Olympic movement, the evolution of the Games, and inspiring stories of Greek Olympic champions. It’s a unique opportunity to engage with sporting legacy on a personal level.

The World of Greek Designers
Curated Walkthrough at Golden Hall (approx. 30 minutes)

Step into the vibrant world of modern Greek fashion with a guided introduction to some of the country's most celebrated designers. This brief but impactful walk-through showcases the innovation and craftsmanship that define Greek style, a great way to experience local culture through design.

Leisure Time at One of Athens’ Finest Shopping Destinations
Shopping & Dining at Golden Hall (approx.3 hours)
 
Enjoy free time to explore Golden Hall’s exceptional array of boutiques and eateries. With a thoughtfully curated mix of Greek and international brands, high-end fashion, jewelry, delicatessens, and fine dining spots, this elegant venue offers a premium shopping experience unlike any other in the city.

Whether you’re indulging in retail therapy, sipping coffee at a stylish café, or browsing for exclusive souvenirs from luxury Greek brands, your time at Golden Hall is guaranteed to be well spent.

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Why Choose the Golden Moments Experience?

Athens has no shortage of historical attractions, but very few experiences manage to combine culture, education, and luxury as seamlessly as this one.

Here’s why it stands out:

✔️ Cultural enrichment through a world-class museum focused on Olympic legacy
✔️ Fashion & design discovery through a curated local experience
✔️ Ample time for upscale shopping at one of Europe’s leading malls
✔️ Ideal for premium travelers, families, couples, and incentive groups
✔️ Turnkey experience with a clear schedule and added comforts

It’s a chance to explore Athens in style, combining the city’s ancient glory with its modern elegance, perfect for those who want more than a typical sightseeing tour.

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About the Venue: Golden Hall

Golden Hall is a premium destination where entertainment, culture, and lifestyle intersect. Located in the heart of northern Athens, the complex is home to:
  • The Athens Olympic Museum, part of the Olympic legacy of the Athens 2004 Games
  • XPLORE Oceans, the city’s only aquarium
  • XPLORE Entertainment Center, an interactive educational and play space for kids
  • 140+ boutiques and luxury retailers
  • Refined restaurants, delicatessens, and cafés
  • Ample underground parking and premium visitor services
Its location, design, and curated experiences make Golden Hall a must-visit whether you're a local or a traveler.

Bonus: Shopping Privileges with the Golden Passport

You can enhance the experience even further by combining it with the Golden Passport, a package of exclusive discounts and offers at participating retailers within Golden Hall. Guests can enjoy special privileges and added value as they shop.

Looking to offer your clients, guests, or group a cultural outing with a luxurious twist? The Golden Moments Experience is Athens at its best, combining history, heritage, design, and lifestyle in a single unforgettable day.


Contact details for the experience booking:
 
Evanthia Karastogianni
T: +30 2160025215
M: +30 6940163734



Wednesday, 18 February 2015 12:31

Spotlight On Volos

The city of Volos in Greece sits in a beautiful location, at the foot of Mount Pilion at one end and the Pagasetic Gulf at the other. Volos is where the rich agricultural Thessaly region, breadbasket of Greece, meets the gentle waves of the Aegean Sea. The Sporades islands (Skiathos, Skopelos and Alonissos) are nearby and accessible by either ferry or fast hydrofoil and there are also sea connections to the islands of Chios, Lesvos, Skyros and Limnos.

 Further still, Asia and the Middle East can also be reached from Volos, which is Greece’s third major port (after Pireaus near Athens and the port of Thessaloniki).

Built near the neolithic (4,000BC) remnants of Dimini, today’s city of Volos sits on the site of 3 later, ancient Greek cities. One of them, Demetrias, was named after both the local Olympian goddess of harvest and a Macedonian king; another city (Iolcus) was connected to the mythological hero Jason (of Argonauts and Golden Fleece fame).

During the Byzantine era (13-14th century AD) and subsequent Ottoman (Turkish) rule, the city was known as ”Golos”. It became part of free Greece in 1881.

To read more, please visit blog.sunshine.co.uk

By Karen Bryan

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