Archaeologists in southern Greece have discovered gold signet rings and a chain, gold and silver goblets, a sword and over 1,000 fragments of semi-precious stones in a tomb believed to date back to 1,500 B.C., the Greek Culture Ministry said.

“It is the most impressive display of prehistoric funerary wealth in mainland Greece which has come to light in the past 65 years,” the Ministry stated.

The discovery was made by American archaeologists working in the Pylos region in the southwest Peloponnese this summer.

The jewellery and weapons are thought to have been used to surround the shroud, placed in a wooden casket, of a warrior aged 30 to 35, likely a prominent figure of his time in the early Mycenaean period, the ministry said.

To read more, please visit: Euronews

The preselection meeting, during which the Greek cities bidding for the title of European Capital of Culture in Greece for the year 2021 presented their candidacy, concluded at the end of February 2016.

The following Greek cities presented their bid-books in front of a twelve-member panel of experts (10 members nominated by E.U. institutions, and 2 national experts): Corfu, Delphi, Eleusis, Ioannina, Kalamata, Larissa, Lesvos, Messolonghi, Piraeus, Rhodes, Salamis, Samos, Tripolis and Volos.

The cities that were shortlisted are:

• Eleusis (Elefsina)

• Kalamata

• Rhodes

Having received the relevant recommendations and feedback from the experts, these cities must now submit their amended bid-books in order to participate in the final selection meeting for the designation of a Greek city as a European Capital of Culture in 2021, which will be held in November 2016.

Originally posted on: Protothema

Just in time for spring and the national holiday of Protomagia, Greece is on the list of top destinations to travel to in May!

 

The esteemed Conde Nast Traveler has listed only 6 six destinations for the best May travel and Greece has made it to the number 1 spot. 

Conde Nast urges its readers “not to limit their trip to popular destinations like Mykonos and Santorini, but wander the lesser-frequented harbors of Hydra or hike through the verdant forests of Zagorohoria.”

Other destinations included on this list were the South of France, Portugal, and South Africa. 

 

Source: Conde Nast Traveler

Learn more about XpatAthens’ GB Roof Garden contest, how we are among recommended blogs for expats in Greece, what award the Athens International Airport won, and what will be developed at the Hellenikon land!

 

 

Remember to stay connected with us through our weekly newsletter, Facebook, and Twitter!

This is an interview with Aphrodite Bouikidis, the founder of WorkFromSKG, an innovative campaign supporting work, entertainment, and networking in Thessaloniki. The interview is conducted by Michael Kiloumis.

M.K.: Aphrodite, in your own words how would you describe WorkFromSKG to someone not familiar with it?

A.B.: The city of Thessaloniki is also known as SKG by its airport code. Work From Thessaloniki, or WorkFromSKG, is about Thessaloniki as a place that is great for anyone that wants to mix tourism with work. The initiative is a network of local partners that are ready to welcome people who are visiting the city, and working remotely. These partners provide information about the city, available co-work spaces, people to meet, entertainment, local travel and even bike sharing on the campaign website.

M.K.: Can you tell us about the lifestyle of Thessaloniki residents?

A.B.: Thessaloniki has a friendly and lively population. It is the largest student town in Greece, so there are a lot of young people, adding vibrancy to the café culture, nightlife, and arts and music scene. People like being outside, meeting over coffee and meals, or spending time out in public spaces. The city was recognized as “A capital of cheap eats” by The New York Times in its 52 Places to Go in 2016, and according to National Geographic, it has more cafes per capita than any other European city.

The Waterfront is always full of people walking, running, biking, strolling. There are night half marathons, Santa Runs, and all kinds of sports, music and street arts festivals going on around the city, bringing international visitors to the mix.

M.K.: What someone should expect working in Thessaloniki?

A.B.: Lots of opportunities to meet people, and a local ecosystem of professionals, freelancers, and startups or organizations who are eager to meet and collaborate with fellow professionals. A city that feels like a campus – it is a 30 minute walk to cross the entire city center – with opportunities to enjoy culture, arts, and great beaches and nature within an hour’s drive of the city.

To read this article in full, please visit: Greek TV

Greece is among the winners of the 2017 European Union Prize for Cultural Heritage / Europa Nostra Awards, Europe’s top honor in the heritage field.

Greece received two awards in the 'Conservation' category for the Ancient city of Karthaia on the island of Kea and the Bastion of the Grand Master’s Palace on Rhodes.

With its two wins, Greece automatically has two entries in the Europa Nostra’s Public Choice vote for the 29 winners.

The project, directed by a Scientific Committee under directorate of the Greek Culture Ministry, offers visitors a glimpse into the past following the conservation, partial restoration and interpretation of the ruins of the ancient city of Karthaia, located on the island of Kea.

The site is one of few examples in Greece where both the unspoiled natural landscape and the planning of the city are well preserved.

The remains of the city include both temples and public buildings and are found on the southeast coast of the island which can only be reached by traditional footpaths or by sea.

People can now vote online for the Public Choice Award and rally support for the winning projects from their own or another European country. Vote now!

To read this article in full, please visit: Greek Travel Pages

Everything’s ready for the “Patmos Revelation” sports tourism event, which will take place on the sacred island between June 30 - July 2, 2017.

The main purpose of the Municipality of Patmos, in cooperation with The Region of South Aegean is the attraction of more alternative tourists who will participate in the event and become acquainted with the significant history of the island!

Few days are left for “Patmos Revelation”, the event which is now under the auspices of the Greek National Tourism Organization, and registrations continue with a lot of participations from Greece and abroad. Registrations through the official page of the event will continue on a regular basis, while racing kits from all participants will be received on Thursday (29/6), Friday (30/6) and Saturday (1/7) from 09:00 -21.00, at Patmos Cultural Center, “PATMION”.

Click HERE if you wish to register for the event!

The program of “Patmos Revelation” includes Kids’ Athletics by the Olympic and World Champion, Periklis Iakovakis on Friday (30/6) at 09:00 at the football stadium of Patmos.

On Saturday (1/7), at 11:00 in the morning, the open water swimming race will be held at Grikos bay (1 mile/1.6km swimming route). The safety of athletes will be taken care of by Katerini’s Lifeguard School, Lifeguard Patrol.

On Sunday (2/7), morning, running races will be held having Skala as the starting point. The 15km route starts at 08:15am, the 5km route starts at 09:00am while the 1km route for children starts at 10:55am at the seaside of Skala.

The Greek national open water swimming team will be present at the swimming race, headed by the European champion, Antonis Fokaidis.

You may see the detailed schedule of the event at the following link: http://www.patmos-revelation.gr/en/schedule.html

The event has ensured special ferry routes through Blue Star Ferries to facilitate the audience and offer them direct access to the “sacred” island of the Dodecanese. All those attending “Patmos Revelation” will be able to travel with the safely and comfort of the top Greek shipping company. With an additional ferry route on Thursday (29/6) at 15:00, aiming to provide the best possible service, Blue Star Ferries offers a 50% discount on ferry tickets to the participant athletes, as well as a 30% discount to their escorts/family members and their vehicles to those wishing to visit the event and the island between June 26 to July 6.

At the same time, another great shipping company, Dodekanisos Seaways, will stand next to the event, offering a 30% discount to participants. With routes from and to Leros, Kalymnos and Samos, the company will enhance the tourist traffic of the island of Patmos.

Patmos Aktis Suites & Spa is an official supporter of the event. The 5-star hotel of “Divine Hotels” Group, is located at Grikos bay and is always ready to provide high quality hosting services to the participants and visitors of the island. In addition, the AB Vassilopoulos supermarket chain will support “Patmos Revelation” by offering products to participants and volunteers, while “Vikos” will offer the opportunity to all athletes participating in the event to quench their thirst with the natural mineral water “Vikos” that contributes to the good functioning of the body during sports.

The event has also taken care of the accommodation services for those participating in “Patmos Revelation”. Attractive packages for 4 days (3 nights) are offered with transport and accommodation for 2 people, starting at 260€.

VitaNTravel, as the official travel agent of the event, will take care and assist all athletes and escorts with information about the ferry routes, ferry tickets, car rentals and accommodation in the island. For more information click here.

The event will be supported by the following hospitality sponsors: Patmos Aktis Suites & Spa, Allotina Houses, Skala Hotel Patmos, Onar, Chris Hotel, Alykes Studios, Porto Scoutari, Stefanos Katsaros Studios, Hotel Athina, Hotel Rodon, Villa Zacharo, Grikos Hotel, Hotel Effie.

Watch the Patmos Revelation 2017 teaser video HERE! 

Official Sponsors: Blue Star Ferries, “Vikos” Natural Mineral Water
Official Supporters: Patmos Aktis Suites & Spa, Sixt rent a car, ΑΒ Vassilopoulos, Dodekanisos Seaways, 1001 flights
Assisted by: SEGAS, IAAF Kids Athletics, T & G Patmos Rentals, Lifeguard Patrol
Hospitality Sponsors: Patmos Aktis Suites & Spa, Allotina Houses, Skala Hotel Patmos, Onar, Chris Hotel, Alykes Studios, Porto Scoutari, Stefanos Katsaros Studios, Hotel Athina, Hotel Rodon, Villa Zacharo, Grikos Hotel, Hotel Effie
Official Travel Agent: VitaNTravel
Strategic TV Partner: National Geographic

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Hashtag: #patmosrevelation

Press Office Contact:
Tel.: +30 210 9343020, fax: +30 210 9316505 e-mail: pr@activemedia.com.gr

Unique in its antiquity, Athens boasts thousands of years worth of democracy, plays and philosophy, and classical buildings that surround the Acropolis. Amongst the Athenians have been foreigners and strangers visiting the capital city for centuries, creating the term philoxenia, meaning 'love of strangers.' It's a term that locals use to give warmth and welcome to foreigners and as BBC explains, the people of Greece, "can be very hospitable and friendly."

"Though more than 4.5 million people visit the city every year to delve into its past, Athens has plenty in its present to make it worth staying for the longer term."

Why do people love it?

"The always-on atmosphere of Athens attracts Greeks and expats alike. 'Athens is a buzzing city,' said Chrissy Manika, an Athens native and blogger at Travel Passionate. 'No matter when you go out you will see the cafes and bars filled with people having a good time.' She especially likes wandering the city centre neighbourhood of Plaka, on the north-east side of the Acropolis. 'With all the tourists around, it feels like you are on holiday on an island, especially in summer.'"

"Despite living in an ancient city, residents never get sick of the views. 'Driving into the city and seeing the Acropolis or the Temple of Zeus takes my breath away,' Mina Agnos from Travelive said. 'At every turn, there is a beautiful reminder of the ancient past of this city. It is a lovely reminder of our limited time and that we should make the best of it.'"

To read this article in full, please visit: BBC

The Odeon of Herodus Atticus goes as far back as 161 AD as a majestic stage, hosting plays and performances that would captivate the crowd in its spectacular ancient surroundings.

Sitting beneath the slopes of the Acropolis, this open-air theater was renovated in the 1950s in order to be able to facilitate the needs of the hundreds of events it offers every year, especially since it is the prime location for the Athens and Epidaurus Festival.

From classical music and Opera concerts, to famous Orchestras and ancient Greek theater plays, this magnificent venue covers all tastes!

The registration period for those wishing to take part in “Navarino Challenge” comes to an end September 14th ; The award winning sports tourism event will be held for the 6 th consecutive time in Messinia and in Costa Navarino, October 12 th to 14 th 2018.

The open water swimming race of “Navarino Challenge” will be held for the first time with timing at Navarino bay, the place where the historic naval battle that changed the history of Greece was held. The Olympic sport of swimming will be organized with the approval of the Hellenic Swimming Federation and the supervision of the Greek federal coach Nikos Gemelos.

Nikos Gemelos highlighted on the event: “A few days before Navarinia, we celebrate the opening of the events with the activity of swimming at the splendid landscape of the bay, at the very beautiful port of Pylos with the valuable assistance of the Mayor of Pylos-Nestor and the local businesses that really stand as helpers and support Navarino Challenge for the 6th year. The race is held with complete safety thanks to the efforts of the Port Authority of Pylos and the Maritime Athletic Pylos Association “Nestor”, the lifeguards of the credible Lifeguard Patrol School, the stunning Explore Messinia team, Surf Salad and the conditions and regulations set by the Hellenic Swimming Federation and FINA.

The second day of Navarino Challenge with sport activities such as sup, swim and sailing with optimist & laser boats gives the motto of this year's event, which is that Sports Unite People (#sportsunitepeople)! Come and swim this year and experience the magic of Navarino Challenge!”.

Registrations continue for a few more days and can be completed through the special form available HERE!

The pre-sale is available also via www.viva.gr , by phone at 11876, as well as at the pre-sale points of the Viva network

One of the biggest online gaming companies worldwide, Bwin, consistent with its efforts to enhance Greek sports, supports the event as the Grand Sponsor of this year's Navarino Challenge. By promoting actions of public good, Bwin recognizes the goal of Navarino Challenge, which is to raise awareness of the issue of childhood obesity and to promote physical and mental well-being through the message “sports unite people”. Bwin will be

there to welcome the participants of Navarino Challenge by organizing the Bwin Welcome Party with the voice of Penny Baltatzi, in retro swing and jazz music rhythms (#sportsunitepeople #bwincares).

For the second consecutive year “Navarino Challenge” innovates with Samsung the event’s official technology partner. Samsung will enrich the experience of those participating and attending the event with the innovative Samsung Galaxy ecosystem services such as the Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ coupled with the Gear 360 and Gear VR with unique content at 360 degrees, as well as the QLED TVs with their outstanding picture quality and stylish design. For the days of the event, Samsung will create a special Samsung Business Lounge and a Samsung Gaming Corner and offer endless fun, information and entertainment to the Navarino Challenge participants. At the same time, it will sponsor the Samsung King & Queen Beach Volley Tournament by Triantafyllidis Beach Arena that will be held at Costa Navarino.

Everything you know and love on the Ford Focus. Add a brand new level of smart design, a modern style and more space than ever before. Combine them now with the highly advanced connectivity and a range of impressive technological driver assistance systems that you will truly appreciate. This is the new Focus. At Costa Navarino you can discover them all... driving it!

At Navarino Challenge, we believe in the ancient saying of “a healthy mind in a healthy body” and this year, with the support of the Hippophae of Meteora, Hippocrates Farm, we realize it.

The Greek Hippophae of Rezos Brands is grown on the model multifunctional farm Hippocrates Farm in Meteora and aims to promote the hippophae as a top Greek super food with unique beneficial quality for the human body. An excellent food, a fruit with 190 beneficial elements!

Navarino Challenge participants who will book their accommodation package at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino and choose to take part in at least one of the main activities (running, swimming, SUP) will also be able to enjoy the organization’s full program of activities free of charge, including:Tae kwon do, climbing, cycling, pilates, basketball, golf, kick boxing, baby swimming, aqua aerobics, kids’ athletics, beach volley, tennis cross training, crossfit, beach yoga, boxing, beachathlon and demonstration race with optimist boats.

More information about the accommodation packages may be found HERE!

Official sponsors of the event are for another year the Natural Mineral Water “Vikos” and Ford Motor Hellas. Luanvi is the official sports supplier of the event for the first time.

Official supporters are Poseidonia, BIC®, BIC® Sport, Avance and the Municipality of Pylos-Nestor.

Navarino Challenge is co-organized by Costa Navarino , The Westin Resort Costa Navarino and Active Media Group with the support of the Municipalities of Pylos- Nestor and Trifilia. Navarino Challenge will take place with the approval of the Hellenic Swimming Federation, under the auspices of the Greek National Tourism Organization.

Grand Sponsor: Bwin

Official Technology Partner: Samsung

Official Sponsors: Natural Mineral Water “Vikos”, Ford Motor Hellas

Official Sports Supplier: Luanvi

Official Supporters: Poseidonia, BIC®, BIC® Sport, Avance Rent A Car, Hippocrates Farm, Municipality of Pylos-Nestor

Partners: Navarino Outdoors, Swim Academy, Surf Salad, Triantafyllidis Beach Arena, FitnessArt, Vizantinos target sport club, Red Swim Academy, Fysiotek Sports Lab

Strategic Partner: National Geographic

Assisted by: Lifeguard Patrol, Navarino Racquet Academy, Pylos Association of Enterprises for Tourism Development, Maritime Athletic Pylos Association “Nestor”, Explore Messinia, Navarino Golf Academy, Target Security, The Diner, Hellenic Recovery Recycling Corporation, Athens Easy Transfers, Anazoe Spa, Kayak, Collective Resort, Department of Sports Organization & Management from University of Peloponnese, Karalis City Hotel & Spa, Karalis Beach Hotel

Hashtags: #navarinochallenge #costanavarino #sportsunitepeople #eatwell #runwell

Photo credit: Elias Lefas