XpatAthens

XpatAthens

Saturday, 05 February 2022 14:26

Say Freeze!

The snow storm name 'Elpida' (Hope in English) covered Athens with an unusual amount of snow on Monday. Temperatures dipped below freezing, and the Greek capital's historic monuments looked beautiful in white!

 
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Tsimikas Football Clinics for the first time in Greece

The top sports tourism event Navarino Challenge, will showcase once again the beautiful natural environment of Messinia with more than 30 activities taking place at Costa Navarino and Pylos, on October 21-23, 2022 for the event’s 10th anniversary.
 
The running activity, which has been an integral part of Navarino Challenge since 2013, will be the main attraction once again and will be available to everyone, professional and amateur participants, people of all ages and abilities from all over the world. Running is one of the event’s wellness activities that brings children and parents closer to sports by giving them the opportunity to run on routes that cover all needs and demands.
 
Run in the unique 5km route powered by Samsung
Fans of short distance running can choose the 5km powered by Samsung. Participants of all ages will run along a magnificent route by the sea, among hundreds of centuries-old olive trees with stunning views of the Ionian Sea, with a start and finish point at Costa Navarino. Amazing gifts from Samsung Electronics Hellas will await the runners at the finish line.
Run in the top Greek Half Marathon powered by Miele

The route of the Half Marathon powered by Miele starts from the premises of The Westin Resort Costa Navarino and heads towards the south exit of the complex. The participants will run the 21.1 km of the route, together with the Greek-American ultramarathon Konstantine Dean Karnazes. They will pass through the wildlife sanctuary of Gialova Lagoon and will end up at the beach of Voidokilia where the most beautiful but also most demanding part of the route begins. At this point the route runs around the perimeter of the beach on golden sand for 650m. Voidokoilia and the wider area have been designated a place of special natural beauty and are part of the Natura 2000 Network. This is the only trail running route in Greece that combines sand, soil and asphalt. The end of the route will find participants again at Costa Navarino where they will be expecting rich gifts from Miele.
 
Watch the video with the running activities here.
 
Navarino Challenge routes are also ideal, for all those who have a soft spot for their four-legged friends as they can run with their pets. At the same time, all running routes highlight the natural beauties of Messinia, cultivating the environmental consciousness of the participants through the sustainability principles applied by the event.
Watch here the running routes and all their technical characteristics.
 
Register now for the running activities (21,1km, 10km, 5km, 1km) through the following link.

For group registrations of 10 people or more, a 20% discount applies. For more information, please contact the event organizers.

Tsimikas Football Clinics at Navarino Challenge for the first time 
Navarino Challenge includes football in its schedule for the first time, organizing the Tsimikas Football Clinics which bares the signature of the top international football player of Liverpool FC and the Greek National Team, Kostas Tsimikas. The Tsimikas Football Clinics will be held with a qualified football coach, and all participants will receive rich gifts such as a cap and a t-shirt signed by Tsimikas as well as a participation bag. In the context of this year’s event, the Chief Executive Officer of PROSPORT, Mr. Paschalis Tountouris, said: “The two-day Tsimikas Football Clinics at this year’s Navarino Challenge enables children who love sports, football and the Greek Scouser, to understand the philosophy of football, to be trained by the coach of the Greek academy level,  and to learn some of the favorite habits of the Greek international player by participating in challenges that Kostas himself will put them through! Dedication, consistency and hard training are the threefold success of Konstantinos Tsimikas and the basic principles of our company. Prosport, puts children in the “foreground” with the Tsimikas Football Clinics, cultivating above all the love for sports and “fair play”, just as Navarino Challenge has been doing for the last 10 years”.
 
New addition of Kois Optics
Kois Optics make a dynamic entry into this year’s Navarino Challenge, participating as the event’s Official Optics Partner. With its head store in Ermoupolis, Syros and additional stores in Athens (Hotel Grande Bretagne) and Mykonos, and through their new “Orophographia” series, with technical perfection, combine excellent quality and high aesthetics. The unique “Orophographia” aesthetic and design that has to date inspired a wide range of wearable art items including eyewear, silk scarves, jewelry and woven bags will be available for purchase at this year’s Navarino Challenge.  
 
Live the unique sports experience and stay at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino
Enjoy a weekend with more than 30 outdoor wellness activities for people of all ages. Book now the event’s accommodation package with half board and live this year’s unique sports and cultural experience. For more information on accommodation packages at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino you may send your email to booking(at)navarinochallenge.com or call Vita N Travel at +30 210 3249070. Check the accommodation packages here

More activities and surprises will be announced soon on this year’s schedule.
          
Samsung Electronics Hellas supports the event for another year as its Official Technology Sponsor. 
Miele is the event’s Official Sponsor.
Vikos Natural Mineral Water is the Official Water. 
Luanvi is the Official Sports Supplier.
Costa Navarino and The Westin Resort Costa Navarino are the Official Hospitality Sponsors.
Poseidonia Restaurant, Karalis Beach Hotel and Bombay Sapphire are Navarino Challenge’s Official Supporters.
Trace ‘n Chase is the Sports Memorabilia Partner.
Messinian Spa is the Official Beauty Partner.
Pilia Express, the transportation company based in Pylos and Phee, are the event’s Partners.
SKAI is the Premium TV Partner.
Explore Messinia, FitnessArt, F45 Barrio Salamanca, Mouratoglou Tennis Center – Costa Navarino, Navarino Golf Academy, Navarino Outdoors, Pilates by Mandy, Red Swim Academy, Swim O’ Clock, Triantafyllidis Beach Arena, Vizantinos target sport club are Navarino Challenge’s Athletic Partners.
The event is assisted by Vita N Travel and Kayak. 
 
Navarino Challenge will take place under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism and the Greek National Tourism Organization.
The event has joined the Greek actions of the #BeactiveHellas 2022 program of the European Commission and is held under the auspices of the General Secretariat of Sports. 
The event is organized by ActiveMedia Group which is also responsible for the event’s Sports Production.
Tuesday, 14 January 2025 12:26

Spend The Coziest Day In Athens

Winter in Athens might not be what you'd expect—sure, it’s chilly, but it’s equally beautiful, if not more so. With the upcoming Alkyonides Days, where the sun makes an appearance even during the winter months, there’s no better time to explore the city in a cozy, laid-back way. So, why not spend the day embracing Athens' winter charm? Here's your perfect cozy day itinerary that mixes delicious food, charming spots, and plenty of opportunities to soak up the unique atmosphere of the city.

1. Brunch at Acera The Brunch Project, Kallithea

acera
@acera_brunch

Start your day right with a hearty brunch at Acera The Brunch Project in Kallithea. This spot has gone viral for good reason, especially its massive wooden plate filled with everything you could want for breakfast or brunch—eggs, toasts, croissants, waffles, and more. The rustic vibe and large servings make it an iconic spot to fuel up for your day. Keep in mind, it's popular, so try to go early to avoid long waits (but trust us, it’s totally worth it!). You'll leave with a full stomach and a smile on your face!

2. A Cozy Coffee at Little Tree Books & Coffee, Koukaki

little tree
@littletree_books

After brunch, head over to Little Tree Books & Coffee in Koukaki for a cozy, relaxed atmosphere to sip on some coffee. This gem is not only perfect for coffee lovers but also for bookworms. You can get your caffeine fix while browsing through the selection of books—they even have cozy reading nooks to make you feel like you're right at home. It’s the perfect place to unwind before lunch and to enjoy a slow, peaceful moment in Athens.

3. Lunch at Kostas Souvlaki

kostas

When lunch rolls around, it’s time to get a taste of classic Athens street food. Head to Kostas Souvlaki on Filellinon Street for some of the best gyros in the city. The juicy, flavorful gyros are a must-try, and the lines move quickly (but they can get long, so make sure you get there early!). The best part? It's incredibly affordable compared to many other spots in Athens, so you can fill up without breaking the bank.

4. Evening Drinks with a View

a for athens
@a_for_athens

As the day winds down, it’s time for a drink with a view. Athens is known for its stunning rooftop terraces, and there are plenty of choices depending on the vibe you’re after. Head to A for Athens or 360 Cocktail Bar, two of the most popular spots offering breathtaking views of the Acropolis and the city skyline. If you're in the mood for something cozier, Ciel Athens or Giasemi (right in the heart of Plaka) are perfect choices for a more intimate, relaxed drink. Whatever you choose, you’ll be able to enjoy a unique sunset while sipping your favorite cocktail.

5. Ice Cream at Django Gelato

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@djangogelato_ath

No cozy day is complete without a sweet treat, and Athens has no shortage of great ice cream spots. Head to Django Gelato to indulge in some of the best gelato in the city. Whether you're in the mood for classic flavors or something more adventurous, this place is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. For this time of the year we totally recommend the apple and cinnamon and tangerine sorbet flavors!
📅 September 27–28, 2025 | 📍 Athens Centre for Arts (Parko Eleftherias)
For children ages 4–15 | Free entry

The Cycladic Kids Festival, hosted by the Museum of Cycladic Art, is back for its third year — this time with a special focus on the environment. Over two days, kids will explore creativity, imagination, and ecological awareness through theatre, music, dance, film, storytelling, and hands-on art workshops — all outside the museum and fully accessible.

2. Cycladic Kids Festival Μουσείο Κυκλαδικής Τέχνης

This year, the festival features a host of inspiring activities, including:
  • Interactive music workshops with Zammominia

  • Theatrical performances by Patari Project and storytelling ensembles like Oi Katsikes Xeron To Dromo and Paramythokores

  • Outdoor cinema under the Athens sky with the animated film Flow

  • Family dance workshops led by the International Dance Festival of Kalamata

  • Eco-art and silk-screening workshops with Louppes & Eurolife FFH

  • Environmental and sustainability activities by Plastic Clever Schools, Community Energy River, Symbeeosis, Bee Camp, Agále, and more

  • Hands-on exploration of the Cycladic heritage, crafts, and traditional materials


3. Cycladic Kids Festival Μουσείο Κυκλαδικής Τέχνης

Children will also participate in collecting and recycling activities, storytelling sessions, and creative labs that highlight biodiversity, conservation, and climate awareness. The festival partners with organizations like Library4All, ActionAid Hellas, and Cycladic Identity to connect art, education, and environmental responsibility.

11

Highlights:
  • Experience the world of Greek islands through the eyes of young storytellers

  • Discover the Cycladic Children’s Art Competition winners and their creations

  • Enjoy a variety of workshops linking creativity and ecology

  • Participate in playful, educational, and interactive experiences

Dress comfortably, bring your curiosity, and get ready to dance, paint, sing, and create at the Cycladic Kids Festival!


See the full program HERE!


Wednesday, 18 February 2015 13:22

Best Archaeological Museums To Visit In Greece

National Archaeological Museum of Athens - The museum houses some of the best examples of Greek art. Artifacts from prehistoric Greece all the way up to Roman times are exhibited in its halls. Highlights include a large collection of Mycenaean artifacts, archaic Kouros statues, and masterpieces from the Classical and Hellenistic eras. This is by far the largest museum of Greece, and it shelters the best examples of Greek Art and Culture from the entire country.

The building has been recently renovated in 2004, and some of its collections have been enhanced.

The Acropolis Museum (at the Acropolis of Athens)

A visit to the Acropolis should include a visit to the Museum on the site. If you love art, the Acropolis museum will not disappoint with its exhibition of mostly Archaic and Classical sculptures from the various Acropolis monuments. The highlights are the parthenon freeze, a large collection of Kouros and Kore statues, and the original Caryatides statues from the Erectheon. Now if the British government could return the Elgin marbles from London, one would be able to experience the entire Acropolis site in one visit.

Heraklion Museum in Crete

The best examples of Minoan art and culture have been collected in the Heraklion museum in Crete. Minoan civilization has been widely credited as the first European civilization and the artifacts it produced are dazzling in their quality. Highlights of the Heraklion museum include the Bull rython, the gold jewelry from Malia, and the beautiful frescoes from the palace of Knossos. Examples from the classical and Hellenistic periods are also exhibited at the museum.

Olympia Museum

The museum at ancient Olympia is a great place to spend a whole day strolling through its collection. Recently renovated in 2004, it is a pleasant building that shelters some of the best examples of ancient Greek Classical and Late Classical Greek art. Most visitors will marvel at Hermes of Praxiteles, and most art scholars will drool over the statues from the Temple of Zeus pediment and metopes.

Delphi Museum (from ancient-greece.org)

The museum at the ancient archaeological site of Delphi houses artifacts found during excavations at the site and should not be missed if you travel to Greece. Highlights of the museum include the "Charioteer of Delphi", a bronze statue of the severe style, and the two archaic Kouroi named Kleobis and Biton. Since the oracle of Delphi was so important for the politics of the entire Eastern Mediterranean, it was adorned by the best examples of art in ancient times, many of which have been unearthed and are now housed in the museum.

Museum of Prehistoric Art (in Santorini)

I visited the Museum of Prehistoric Art during my visit in Santorini, and I marveled at the variety and quality of its collection. While most travelers think mainly of the Classical and Hellenistic periods of Greek art and culture, there is a whole world of prehistoric art to be discovered in museums like this one. It houses a great deal of artifacts from the excavations at ancient Akrotiri, and its highlights include reconstructions of ancient houses with frescoes of joyous human and animal activity.

Vergina Royal Tomb

The royal tomb of Vergina have been renovated recently to become one of the most spectacular museums / archaeological sites of Greece. The rounded hillock, known as the Great Tumulus was created in ancient Greece to protect the tomb of the Macedonian king Philip II, father of Alexander the Great and others. Today, visitors who enter the tumulus enjoy an excellent exhibit of the artifacts found in the royal tombs alongside the tombs themselves. It is a great example of how the presentation of the artifacts in proximity to their original context allows for a unique experience and the best level of understanding.

Source: Greeklandscapes.com

Greece’s entry at the upcoming Eurovision song contest in Vienna, Austria, is “One Last Breath,” a ballad performed by Cypriot vocalist Maria-Elena Kyriakou. Kyriakou was one of five performers who competed late Wednesday in Athens in the finals of a local contest to determine Greece's representative at this year's song contest.

Kyriakou will represent Greece at the first Eurovision semifinal on May 19. A second semifinal takes place on May 21, with the final set for May 23.

“One Last Breath” features music by Efthyvoulos Theocharous and Kyriakou and lyrics by Vangelis Constantinidis and Evelina Tziora.

To read more, please visit ekathimerini.com

The government has announced that all mass transportation will be free for the entire week and until banks re-open on Monday July 6th. This includes all train lines, buses, trollies, and tram. This does not include Proastiakos train lines and KTEL buses.

Translated by: XpatAthens
Source: In.gr
Tuesday, 14 June 2016 07:00

The Odyssey Meets Greece

Meeting the Odyssey is a social and artistic collaborative project sailing from the Baltic to the Mediterranean Sea. Each summer from 2014 to 2016, artists and organizers from different European countries travel together, giving workshops and performing theatre pieces.
 
The project combines elements of the Odyssey, contemporary themes relevant to Europe and stories collected through exchanges with the local population. But Meeting the Odyssey is also a journey in and of itself: bringing people together through long term collaboration and discovering new artistic landscapes and cultural attitudes to develop synergies at the European level.

In 2014, the ship Hoppet sailed in the Baltic Sea, in 2015 in the Mediterranean Sea and this year, the tour will take place in Greece.

Here is what the Project Manager, Matilda von Weissenberg, had to say:

It is time for this project to reach its last tour. It is time to set sails and reach the final destination: Greece, the home of Odysseus himself, the origin of so many myths and legends, philosophers and artists.

When we planned the Meeting the Odyssey project in 2012, we decided that the last tour would happen in Greece as a tribute to all culture, arts, civilization and heritage that we can thank Greece for. Another reason was to show solidarity with the in times of economical crisis. We wanted to go against the trend of blaming the south for the crisis. We wanted to do something that would unite Europeans instead of dividing us. Meeting the Odyssey was our answer to those first signs of EU’s internal crisis that were discernible already back in 2012 – with a ship filled with theatre we wanted to enhance intercultural dialogue and overcome prejudices.

We have sailed many seas and performed in many ports since those planning days. Almost 19000 people have seen the performances in 25 places all over Europe. Meeting the Odyssey started its journey 2014 in St.Petersburg in the middle of very difficult relations because of the Crimean crisis. After a rainy and cold tour on the Baltic Sea, the project reached Central European places like Prague, Opole and Berlin. In 2015 the tour went around Italy, France and Malta, stopping also at Lampedusa, the island where so many migrants have landed after a dangerous trip from the African continent. All along, this project has been somehow present in the places of concern in Europe. The same pattern continues as we reach the final tour in Greece.

The European spectrum has changed during these years. We started out focusing on the collaboration and dialogue within Europe. We end up confronting us with a situation far more complex, where all of Europe is trying to deal with the arrival of thousands of people from outside Europe, people who represent different cultures, religions and languages. How can Meeting the Odyssey face these challenges? How can we, as artists, contribute to a better understanding between cultures and traditions? Can we do anything at all?

We think we can. We have a beautiful sailing ship called Hoppet to take us around in the Adriatic, Ionian and Aegean Seas and we have over 50 artists from all over Europe ready to perform fantastic theatre productions as well as Instant performances and workshops. Here we come Greece!

For more information, please visit: Meeting The Odyssey
Tuesday, 15 November 2016 07:00

Facebook Adds Ancient Greek As Language Choice

Among the many languages offered on Facebook, Ancient Greek is now a choice.
 
When you save Ancient Greek as a language, from then on messages will be ‘Aγγέλματα’, Facebook will be asking you ‘Tί δοκείς;’, friend search will be ‘Φίλους ευρίσκειν’, the main page will be called ‘οίκος’, while under each post you will see the indication ‘Σχόλιον γράφειν.’

To change your language settings to Ancient Greek, go to Settings - Language - Select Your Language - Ancient Greek - Save Changes.

The first professional blogger network in Greece, Travel Bloggers Greece (TBG), traveled to Pelion to celebrate its two-year anniversary and blog about the region. Spyrou Philoxenia, a top hotel management company with headquarters in Athens, invited TBG members to experience the sights, nature and gastronomy of the up-and-coming destination.

Celebrating Two Years of Travel Blogger Teamwork

The three-day itinerary included hiking in Tsagarada with Trekking Hellas to photograph the region’s mountain and sea views. A tour of several villages included Vyzitsa, Millies, Afissos, Zagora and Makrinitsa. The bloggers also experienced local gastronomy including at O Patis taverna in Zagora and a tsipouro tasting at Lepi in Volos. For a coffee with a view, the Greece based bloggers enjoyed the hospitality at Hotel Maistrali in Afissos. Members also gathered at Manthos Hotel in Chania to cut the organization’s vasilopita, a traditional New Year’s cake. The coin prize was a gift certificate sponsored by Manas Kouzina-Kouzina, a traditional Greek restaurant in Athens. To end the blogger trip, TBG sat down for a traditional dinner warmly hosted by the staff at the award-winning Kritsa restaurant in Portaria, a member of the Guest Inn Network.

“Our two-year anniversary was a great opportunity to promote beautiful Pelion, a special year-round destination in Greece,” said Elena Sergeeva, co-founder of TBG. “Our members look forward to blogging about their experiences in full, over the next month, on their individual travel blogs.”

“Spyrou Philoxenia showed us the best that Pelion has to offer so we can relay what we learned to our international followers,” said Marissa Tejada, co-founder of TBG. “TBG members love traveling in Greece and are seasoned in effectively sharing those travel experiences through quality digital content and through social media.”

Discover Pelion with Spyrou Philoxenia

The blogging trip included a stay at Aglaida Apartments in Tsagarada, where members also celebrated their two-year anniversary with a “Greek party” which included a traditional dinner prepared by the hotel.

“In this digital world, we understand the importance and impact travel blogging has on today’s traveler holiday decisions. As Greece destination experts, we knew that Pelion would be an ideal place for TBG to explore for their special anniversary weekend,” said John Grigoras, Deputy Manager, Sales and Marketing of Spyrou Philoxenia. “We look forward to the positive impact, excellent blog coverage and social media exposure the blogger trip will have on the region in coming weeks and in the long term.”

To sponsor the TBG blogger tour, Spyrou Philoxenia successfully managed collaborations between private business and regional tourism organization including Trekking Hellas, Les Hirondelles, the Hotel Owners Association of Magnesia and the Prefectural Units of Magnesia and Sporades Islands.

About Travel Bloggers Greece – TBG

Established in 2015, TBG is the first professional travel blogger networking group in Greece. Members are Greeks and expats who live in Greece and abide by ethical and professional standards. A membership committee approves candidates based on specific professional criteria. TBG works with businesses in Greece and around the world to help promote authentic travel.

For more information, please visit: Travel Bloggers Greece

About Spyrou Philoxenia

Hotel Management company, Spyrou Philoxenia organizes special tour packages through authentic experiences coupled with professional services and select accommodations at Spyrou Philoxenia Affiliate Member Hotels.

For more information, please visit: Spyrou Philoxenia
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