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The title of the longest sandy beach in the European Union goes to Monolithi in Preveza, which stretches 25 kilometers long and is in western Greece, along the Ionian Sea on the Epirus mainland.

The beach of Monolithi extends along the west coast of the Prefecture of Preveza.

The name Monolithi comes from the Greek roots “Μόνος” + “Λίθος” = “single” + “stone”. It was an oversea rock 10X10m, near the coast, until the year 1942, when German and Italian soldiers destroyed the rock with mortar fire.

The beach extends from the Village Mytikas of Preveza (Cape Komarus) until the Village Kastrosykia also of Preveza City. The wide sandy beach in winter is about 50–10 meters and ends in Monolithi’s protected forest, also in Koukos hills.

The total length of the coastline west of the prefecture of Preveza is 70 km and is a pristine growing tourist area.

To read this article in full, please visit: greekcitytimes.com   
 
Image Credit: Spyros Vangelakis 





 Ancient Greece was the birthplace of Western civilization and democracy. The information we have about the life of the ancient Greeks, their celebrations, and their religious beliefs has been preserved in a series of ancient texts, which have survived, and today are part of the world's cultural heritage.
 
Despite our extensive knowledge about life in Ancient Greece, there are some mysteries that remain unexplained. 

The Eleusinian Mysteries
 
The Eleusinian Mysteries were the most sacred religious rites of ancient Greece, practiced for over a thousand years. Yet, we do not have much information about the rituals during these initiations. The people who participated in the Eleusinian Mysteries could not reveal what was going on during them. Several scientists claim, in fact, that anyone who spoke about the rituals was in danger of losing his life.

The First (?) Actor 
 
Many claim that the first actor in history was none other than Thespis. More specifically, Thespis is believed to have been the first to combine choral singing with recitations and was the first to exchange words with the chorus leader (coryphaeus). However, many argue that this particular person was a myth, a symbol of the beginning of acting in the Greek theatrical tradition.

The Architecture of the Parthenon
 
The Parthenon is considered one of the most emblematic temples of the ancient world. And books upon books may have been written about its construction, but there are some aspects of it that still remain unknown. There are questions to this day about the "figures" depicted on the frieze, as well as the two inner chambers that existed within the temple, since no one has determined with absolute certainty what they were used for. 

The Works of Pythagoras
 
We all know him for the famous Pythagorean Theorem. However, the life and work of the mathematician who created it are obscure. This is partly due to the fact that the philosophical school he founded operated in extreme secrecy. Also, many point out that his famous theory was first developed in ancient Babylon.

The Destruction of the Statue of Zeus
 
It is one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Of these, only the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt survives today. The statue of Zeus was created by Pheidias, and its destruction remains a great mystery. Legend has it that it was destroyed by fire, with the statue reduced to ashes. It has been argued, however, that the huge statue was removed from the temple and moved to Constantinople, where it was later destroyed.

The Mythical Labyrinth of the Minotaur
 
The Minotaur was a mythical creature with the body of a man and the head of a bull, who was kept imprisoned in a labyrinth by the king of Crete, Minos. The labyrinth is believed to have existed in the palace of the ancient city of Knossos. The excavations that have been conducted in the area, however, have not revealed any building structures that match a maze. Therefore, the debate surrounding the famous labyrinth continues to this day.

The Works of Homer
 
Homer is considered the greatest poet of all time. However, he remains a mysterious figure of Ancient Greece in many ways since several analysts argue that he was not the real—or, at least not the only—creator of the Iliad and the Odyssey. In any case, the information we have about him is much less than we would like. As for the two epic poems? It would be more proper to view Homer as the culmination of a tradition, the top of a centuries-old poetic pyramid, instead of the sole poet of these two works.

Originally published in Greek on: oneman.gr
Translated by: Codico Lab
The schedule is enriched with 2 masterclasses of the famous chef Panos Ioannidis.

The most prestigious and prominent multi-sport event in Europe, Navarino Challenge, which will take place on October 13-15, 2023, at Costa Navarino and Pylos, continues to enrich its activities. More than 40 sports activities and many surprises await this year’s participants at the W Costa Navarino and The Westin Resort Costa Navarino.
 
The event honors the top race-walking athlete, Antigoni Ntrismpioti
The best Greek racewalker of all time, two-time European gold medalist, bronze medalist in world athletics championships, and Olympian Antigoni Ntrismpioti, will be present at this year’s Navarino Challenge event. The great athlete and ambassador of SIXT, a member of the MOTODYNAMICS Group, who is a role model for everyone and proves every year that age is just a number, will be next to young athletes and amateurs and will be honored by the event for her overall contribution to sports. 
 
Miele Masterclasses with Panos Ioannidis
The surprises of Navarino Challenge do not stop here. Miele, the event’s Official Sponsor, innovates and presents for the first time in the event, which stands for exercise and proper nutrition, the magical world of gastronomy, with 2 masterclasses that will bear the signature of the great Greek chef Panos Ioannidis. With the message “eat well, run well, live well”, participants will have the opportunity to meet him at the Miele Open House and learn the “little secrets” behind his magical recipes.  
 
More than 17 children’s activities
With the message “sport unites people”, Navarino Challenge presents more than 17 sports activities bringing young people and amateurs closer to healthy sports again, alongside Olympians and world-class names. The event follows the purpose of the Olympic Movement, which is to contribute to building a peaceful and better world, without discrimination through sport and promotes the benefits of information and exercise. At the same time, it encourages young people, through the Active Kids program, to play and do sports, enriching its program with more children’s activities.
 
Taekwondo lessons with the Olympic gold medalist Michalis Mouroutsos
As part of this year’s Navarino Challenge, the event brings the top taekwondo athlete, the Olympic gold medalist Michalis Mouroutsos. The European champion will implement a taekwondo workshop in memory of the two-time Olympic silver medalist Alexandros Nikolaidis, with the participation of children from the region of Messinia, who will learn alongside him the discipline and concentration that this great Olympic sport requires.
 
This year's schedule includes also activities for children such as: football clinics powered by Hellmann’s with European champion Giorgos Karagounis (for registration click here), basketball clinic powered by Hellmann’s with the Olympian Evina Maltsi and EuroLeague legend Joe Arlauckas, beachathlon powered by That Gorilla Brand with Olympian and European champion Periklis Iakovakis, climbing powered by That Gorilla Brand, golf clinic powered by Miele, e-bike tour to Gialova lagoon to watch the flamingos, bike ride to Voidokilia, tennis induction powered by Miele (ages 6 to 9 years and 10 to 13), baby swimming up to 3 years old, pilates lessons, spinning challenge for all ages powered by Vikos, pickleball, padel tournament powered by Miele, yoga powered by Messinian Spa and of course a 1km running route, for young people 10-14 years old powered by Europa and a 1km running route for children up to 9 years old powered by Vikos. 
In the activity of the 1km powered by Europa, the event will bring with the assistance of Europa, children from all over Messinia, who will have the opportunity to meet the Greek and world champions, to run with them but above all, their role-models will introduce them to the secrets of their favorite activities.
 
But the actions do not stop here as the children will also be introduced to the principles of sustainability. The individual bottles of the athletes will be offered by Europa in a recyclable bag, applying a zero-waste policy. The company’s goal is to guide people to make lifestyle changes that imitate sustainable natural cycles.
 
Watch here a video with some of this year’s children’s activities. 
 
Seminar & 2km walking powered by Novo Nordisk 
As part of this year’s event, the global pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk, as a Strategic Healthcare Sponsor, will organize a seminar to inform and raise public awareness about the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases. The keynote speaker will be the Doctor of Oxford University Dr. Konstantinos Manolopoulos.
Moreover, Novo Nordisk will give the opportunity to Navarino Challenge participants to take part in a 2km walk, which will take place in the Municipality of Pylos-Nestor and the beautiful Messinia, overlooking the Navarino Bay, starting from the residence of the Olympian Kostis Tsiklitiras in Pylos and finishing at the imposing castle - fortress Niokastro.
Vikos S.A. which is consistently close to sports events that promote fair play and the value of healthy competition, will stand alongside the athletes as an official hydration sponsor with Vikos natural mineral water and natural mineral soft drinks. The company has prioritized offering to society with an integrated multidimensional and extensive program of actions, under the title “V-oikos of our life” (“V-oikos tis zois mas”).
 
Register now at the running activities
Run for the first time in the Navarino Challenge Marathon by That Gorilla Brand with the ultramarathon runner Constantine “Dean” Karnazes, the Navarino Challenge Half Marathon by That Gorilla Brand, the 10km route, or the 5km route powered by Miele. Register through the special form available at the following link. The children’s race is held with free participation. All running races are co-organized with Messiniakos Gymnastic Club and EAS SEGAS Peloponnese Region.
 
Click here to find more information about the running routes.
 
We run for a good cause
All the proceeds from the Marathon race, as well as 50% of the proceeds from all the other running routes, will be donated through the initiative “That Gorilla Brand's Adventures For A Cause”, by the Grand Sponsor That Gorilla Brand, the world's biggest lifestyle brand dedicated to the protection of mountain gorillas, to improve sanitation facilities in Uganda. 
 
Book your accommodation package now
Enjoy a weekend full of outdoor wellness activities for people of all ages. Book now the event’s accommodation package with breakfast and live this year’s unique sports experience. For more information on accommodation packages at the full of energy W Costa Navarino and luxury The Westin Resort Costa Navarino, you may send your email to the booking(at)navarinochallenge.com or call Vita N Travel at +30 210 3249070. Check the accommodation packages here
 
That Gorilla Brand is the event’s Grand Sponsor. 
Miele and Europa are the Official Sponsors.
Novo Nordisk is the Strategic Healthcare Sponsor.
Knorr, Hellmann’s, The Vegetarian Butcher are the Official Supporters. 
Vikos Natural Mineral Water is the Official Water. 
Luanvi is the Official Sports Supplier.
SIXT, member of the MOTODYNAMICS Group, is the Premium Mobility Partner.
Costa Navarino and the hotels W Costa Navarino, The Westin Resort Costa Navarino, and The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort, are the Official Hospitality Sponsors.
DHL is the Logistics Partner.
Athens Medical Group is the Medical Partner. 
Trace ‘n Chase is the Sports Memorabilia Partner.
Kois Optics are the event’s Official Optics Partner. 
Messinian Spa is the Official Beauty Partner.
SKAI is the Premium TV Partner.
Liquid Media is the Premium Media Partner. 
Vlaha, Poseidonia Restaurant, Karalis Beach Hotel, Municipality of Pylos-Nestor, Phee, Karalis City Hotel & Spa, Zoe Seaside Resort, Fysiotek, Bombay Sapphire, Trata, and Pilia Express are the event’s Partners. 
Angelic Yoga Arts, FitnessArt, F45 Barrio Salamanca, Moraitis Watersports, Mouratoglou Tennis Center Costa Navarino, Navarino Golf Academy, Navarino Outdoors, Pilates by Mandy, Red Swim Academy, Swim O’ Clock, Triantafyllidis Beach Arena are the event’s Athletic Partners.
Navarino Challenge is Assisted by Vita N Travel, Pylos Association of Enterprises for Tourism Development, and Rania's Flower.
Anazoe Spa, Away Spa, Moraitis Watersports, Mouratoglou Tennis Center Costa Navarino, Navarino Outdoors, Panellinios Agora Games are the Discount Partners. 
 
Navarino Challenge is held Under the Auspices of the Greek Ministry of Tourism and the Greek National Tourism Organization.
The event has joined the Greek actions of the #BeactiveHellas 2023 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.
 
More information on this year’s additional activities will be announced in the coming weeks.
 
#navarinochallenge #costanavarino #sportsunitespeople #eatwell #runwell #livewell

 

In a bid to instill a love for reading among Greece’s rote-jaded youngsters, the government is bringing more literature to the classroom, Education Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis told Kathimerini’s Sunday edition.

“Greece is one of the few countries that does not teach entire works in literature classes,” he lamented, adding that this will change from the next academic year. “The aim is for each class to choose two books from at least four options,” he said, adding that these options will stretch from Shakespeare and Penelope Delta, to Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes adventures.

“If we start with challenging books, few students will be able to break the psychological barrier of finishing it,” the minister said, explaining these choices.

The ministry will also bolster languishing school libraries with new books and a plan “so that they can become an organic part of the school community.” “It sounds like a cliche, but it isn’t: books expand your horizons, increase your curiosity and make you seek and learn new things,” added Pierrakakis.

Originally published on: ekathimerini.com
Thursday, 05 February 2015 14:03

My Week in Athens… Jan 31

I’m still in apartment-hunting mode. I’ve focused the search on a few areas within the historic centre of Athens, thinking that ‘living in Athens’ related closely to ‘seeing the Acropolis’ on a daily basis!

So with this in mind, I scour the usual sites every day, have set-up my email alerts for new listings, and have spent several afternoons wandering little-known neighbourhoods looking for the tell-tale yellow and red ‘Enoikiazetai’ signs.

My experience so far with real estate agents has revealed a number of definite patterns:

a) Just because a property is listed on one or more websites, doesn’t mean that it is actually available. At least half of the one I’ve asked about have been, miraculously, ‘just rented’.
b) Just because you’ve emailed a response to the ‘contact us’ link on a property listing, doesn’t mean that anybody will call you back. Ever.
c) Just because it says, say, ‘100m2’, doesn’t mean that it might not be, say, ‘90m2’…
d) Just because we’re in a crisis, doesn’t mean that there is a glut of high quality, well-priced properties available.
e) Just because the listed price is ‘x’, doesn’t mean that you can’t get it for 25-30% less.

Having said that, today I had an actual call-back, based on my email contact, from a real-life real estate agent who actually (!) left me a voicemail. I suppose this weekend’s round of apartment visits bodes well…

Until next week,

Jack

In this weekly space, keep up with ‘Jack’ as he navigates daily life in Athens… Anecdotes, stories, hits & misses, the good, the bad and, well, the rest…

 

Monday, 16 February 2015 11:39

Istioploikos Restaurant

Surrounded by sailboats right on picturesque Mikrolimano, Istioploikos (named after the private Yacht Club of Greece) features delicious variations on classic Greek cuisine, especially seafood, but it is the cafe that steals the show with its incredible vistas. Later on in the night, the cafe turns into a bar. Istioploikos looks like a luxury boat ready to sail in the Aegean Sea. It is moored in the picturesque area of Mikrolimano offering spectacular views to the small harbor. Istioploikos operates as a restaurant, cafe and bar, covering all tastes. The two-story building can seat up to 1000 people.

The restaurant presents dishes which carry the special flavors and fragrance of the sea, while the cafeteria is even more seducing for the incomparable beauty and view to the sailing boats. The minimalist design of this place is enriched by maritime elements that create a distinctive luxury.

WHERE:

Akti Mikrolimano, Piraeus
Phone: 210 4134 084
Web Site: www.istioploikos.gr
Cuisine: Mediterranean

PRICE:

Main courses 35€-40€

 

Do you have a recommendation or recipe to share? Send it to us at ideas@xpatathens.com!

Thursday, 19 February 2015 11:08

Sports Events Extend Season Of Tourism

The organization of sporting activities at popular Greek destinations has helped to extend the tourism season and brought additional revenues to sector professionals. Among the big events in the coming weeks are the Navarino Challenge marathon this weekend, September 19-21, and the Spetses minimarathon on October 10-12.

Greek-American runner Dean Karnazes will again be participating in the Navarino Challenge, raising awareness about childhood obesity and highlighting the benefits of the Mediterranean diet and sports. The event includes a 15-kilometer run at Kalamata, and a half-marathon of 21.1 km and the 1-km and 5-km races at Costa Navarino in the southwestern Peloponnese.

Spetses will be hosting its minimarathon for the fourth year in a row. At a press conference on Tuesday in Athens, the head of the organizing committee, Marina Lyda Koutarelli, said athletes and visitors will exceed 10,000 this year, of whom some 20 percent will be foreigners from 17 countries.

To read more, please visit ekathimerini.com

By Stathis Kousounis

Thursday, 04 June 2020 07:00

Avocado Tzatziki

Adding avocado to the authentic tzatziki recipe gives it a richer flavor and color. It would be excellent with any kind of grilled food such as lamb, chicken, pita, meatballs (keftedes) and fried fish. The avocado adds another dimension to the dip creating a silkiness and lightness that is unexpected.

 

 

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic (about 1 large clove)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups plain yogurt (or low-fat)
• 1 cup peeled, seeded and grated cucumber (about 1 medium cucumber)
• 1 whole peeled avocado, diced small


Add the lemon juice, olive oil, garlic and salt to the yogurt. Add the grated cucumber, diced avocado and mix well. Chill for at least an hour to allow the flavors to blend.

To read more, please visit: Morethanburnttoast.blogspot.com

According to Stride Travel, Greece is among the top destinations for adventure travel in 2017!

From incredible ancient sites like The Acropolis and Epidaurus to the stunning blue waters off Santorini, an adventure tour to Greece will ensure you don’t miss any of the classics. There’s no place like Greece for sailing - head out to sea and enjoy a view of the famous Greek islands from the water.

Some outfitters even encourage you to help skipper the boat. Back on dry land, check out local tavernas where you can taste delicacies such as moussaka and grilled octopus.

Greece is also a relatively inexpensive destination compared to other European countries, which keeps it popular with budget travelers and value-seekers alike.

To read this article in full, please visit: Tornos News
Brunch is considered the new enjoybale trend that gives a distinctive flavor to our Sundays. The tasty meal made its apppearance a few years ago in Athens and since then, has been established in Greeks' weekly agenda. The famous 'brunch' can be found in most cafés, wine bars, and restaurants that have included it in their weekly menu. Young people sacrifice their Sunday nap for a well-made omelette, pancakes and other goodies, encountered in almost every corner of the city. Below you may find some of the best brunch spots Athens has to offer!

Zampano

Zampano's Sunday Brunch has returned with a new menu and live Jazz music from Manouchedrome.

Address:16 Sarri Street
Telephone: 213 023 3244
Hours: Dinner daily except Monday from 18:00 to 01:00. Lunch daily from 12:30 to 18:00. Coffee and breakfast daily from 08:00 to 11:00.

For more information regarding Zampano click here

Harvest

A pleasant surprise awaits for you on the corner of Evripidou! The Harvest has improved the quality of their dishes lately and presents us with a very satisfying and hearty brunch menu. You should certainly try the delicious pancakes on their menu!

Address: 64 Aelou & Evripidou
Telephone: 213 025 2284
Hours: Daily from 09:00 to 01:00.

You can find out more about Harvest by clicking here.

Odori

This spot promises Italian flavors on the brunch menu, which has its own Sunday legend. Ortilana with mozzarella, roasted eggplants, arugula & Italian benedict with prosciutto and pesto hollandaise are some of its strongest points on the menu.

Address: Skouleniou 2
Telephone:210 331 4674

Click here if you interested in learning more. 

Zambri

One of the most beautiful and oldest mansions in Kifissia (Beau Brummel, Pacific Monte Carlo, Château) opened its doors in May to take us to a heavenly world ... The outer eccentric shades - in Baobab style trees of Madagascar - prepare you to see things that have nothing to do with what we've seen so far. 

Address: Αγίου Δημητρίου 9
Telephone:210 623 0063
Hours: Daily from 09:00 to 04:00.

Click here for more information about Zambri.

Monsieur Barbu

Monsieur Barbu in Koukaki offers the famous juicy Burger with homemade crispy fried potatoes, delicious chocolate banoffee pie, tortilla with chicken tantoori, and tart with almond cream, cherries and apricots! And of course the BLT Egg sandwich.

Address:59 Falirou Street
Telephone: 210 924 7555
Hours: Daily from 11:00 to 02:00

La Esquina

Since June 2016, the picturesque street of Kolonaki acquired a cozy and unpretentious cocktail and burger bar that managed to establish itself immediately on the map of the Athenian everyday fun. Its inner space may inspire a cosmopolitan style, but what monopolizes the interest is the green oasis outside. It has an American style menu that includes generous salads and appetizers and tasty dishes like chili con carne, tacos with pork and sweet chili cream, and juicy burgers with fluffy brioche.

Address:Χάρητος 43
Telephone: 210 723 2575
Hours: Daily from 13:00 to 02:30

Find more out La Esquina here.

The Trap

The Trap is usually suggested for the first coffee of the day or for a light lunch break offering dishes like eggs and a bagel with tuna to octopus carpaccio, but its also ideal for a drink after office hours where you will hear sounds of jazz, soul, afro mousikon. Go for one of their signature cocktails from the inspiring list, which has been edited by the award-winning Ioannis Samaras along with a remarkable team of professionals.

Address:Othonos 10
Telephone: 210 321 5561
Hours: Daily from 10:00 to 02:00

For more information click here.  

New York Sandwiches

An incredible variety of pancakes, bagels, eggs (scrambled, Benedict, tortilla Espagnola) and burgers are going to win you over immediately. Make a reservation just in case!

Address:Nikis 23
Telephone: 210 321 6000
Hours: Daily from 12:00 to 00:00

Originally posted on athensmagazine.gr
Translated by XpatAthens



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