Air Mediterranean has recently announced the launch of seven new international flights out of Athens that will be flying to, London, Stockholm, Jeddah, Casablanca, Khartoum and Iraq (Baghdad and Erbil), starting November 1, 2017.

Ticket prices for all European destinations will start from 85 euros, including airport taxes and other fees.

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

Photo Credit: Air Mediterranean

Summer may be coming to an end but news is still hot! What's around the corner for Greece after the Bailout? How can you help EU's plastic reduction campaign? Which neighbourhood of Athens was named ''The Coolest in the World''? Discover all the answers in this week's newsletter!

The Municipality of Athens, through Develop Athens (EATA), has joined forces with the Greek National Tourism Organization (EOT) in order to promote the city of Athens as a global competitive tourism destination. 

With the tourism industry largely affected by the pandemic's devastating consequences, the two sectors work together with the aim of strengthening the local economy and helping businesses recover. 

The strategic plan includes actions for the promotion of Athens as: 

• An ideal year-round city-break destination. 
• A standard destination for conferences and large events.
• A top destination for digital nomads. 
• A top destination for young travelers, senior travelers, gastronomy lovers, etc. 

The two sectors undertake a joint initiative for the development of a single destination brand, by creating original promotional material for special sectors of tourism, thus maximizing the popularity of Athens.

Check the video below, promoting Athens as a modern city whose daily life is inherent in contemporary artistic creation and expression. 

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XpatAthens extends a warm thank you to This Is Athens and the City Of Athens for sharing news and inspiring stories about how Athens aspires to be a clean, friendly, and welcoming city to live in.

Preparations for the most historic swimming route continue as the Authentic Marathon Swim is expected to welcome amateur and professional swimmers from around the world for the 3rd consecutive year, on July 1-3, 2022, at Artemision. The participants will enjoy unique open water swimming routes at Pefki of Evia in the Municipality of Istiea - Edipsos.

World-class names with Olympic distinctions and unique records will visit Pefki, Evia to participate in this historic event. Two years after his first participation, the Bulgarian Olympian Petar Stoychev with 4 participations in Olympics, 11 consecutive titles in major international open water marathon swimming FINA series and his impressive position at the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame returns once again to Greece.

For the first time, the German world champion and marathon swimming Hall of Famer Christof Wandratsch, who holds the speed record in the English Channel with 7:02 hours as well as many world championships, cups and records will also take part in the event. 

Moreover, the English Hall of Famer Kate Steels, will visit Greece for the first time. She was named the Woman of the Year 2021 at the WOWSA Awards of the World Open Water Swimming Association.

 

From Greece, the open water masters’ world champion, Vicky Kouveli, the three-time Greek champion and two-time English Channel marathon swimmer, Sofia Psilolignou and the English Channel marathon swimmer, Giannis Kotsiopoulos will swim in the event along with Greek champions such as Stellina Aplanti, Ilectra Lebl, Dimitris Negris, Panagiotis Bolanos, George Skotadis who competes with the colors of the Dutch national team, while Olga Ntalla also returns to the event.

On Saturday, July 2, 2022, at 08:15am the authentic 14.5km route “Skylias & Hydna” will be held allowing swimmers from around the world to swim over the shipwrecks of the naval battle of Artemision that took place in 480 B.C., for the first time. Athletes will follow the example of Skyllias and his daughter Hydna, the very first “marathon swimmers”, according to the Father of History Herodotus (8.8) and other historians, who helped the Greek forces in the historic naval battle of Artemision against the Persian fleet. The swimmers will cover 80 stadia, the equivalent of 14.5km. On the same day, the 5km route and the 3km route, will also be carried out at 10:00am and 16:00pm respectively. On Sunday, July 3, 2022, the 10km marathon at 08:15am, the 1.5km race at 09:00am, as well as the children’s 500m race at 09:00am will take place. The routes of 5km, 3km, 1.5km and 500m. have Pefki beach as their starting and finishing point. Check the event's races & parallel actions schedule HERE!

 

Participants can now register and take part in the impressive open water swimming routes of 14.5km, 10km, 5km, 3km, 1.5km. All citizens of Istiea-Edipsos and people with disabilities can take part in the 5km, 3km and 1.5km routes, completely free of charge. Registrations for the 500m children’s race are also free. Register now here: https://bit.ly/3jRw20t 

 

The certified and experienced South Evian Gulf team that was founded in the Southern Gulf of Evia from its deep love for the sea and nautical travel, will not only accompany swimmers in the 5km, 3km and 1.5km races, but will also offer lessons on the basic techniques of open water sea kayaking, while getting participants acquainted with the boats on land and then allowing them to puddle at the straits of Artemision. You may register here now, as there is a limited number of entries.

Local products festival

As part of the Authentic Marathon Swim, an exhibition of local food products and tasting will also be held in collaboration with Evia’s Federation of Trade and Entrepreneurship “Evia Epichirin”.

 

Music Concert by the Hellenic Navy Music Band

Moreover, on Saturday July 2, activities will include the presence of a Music Convention with the participation of the Hellenic Navy Music Band, connecting the historic naval battle of Artemision with the present and honoring the naval feat. The Hellenic Navy’s Music Department will hold a music concert in honor of the Artemision naval battle and the Authentic Marathon Swim.  

Book you room at the Municipality of Istiea-Edipsos

The Authentic Marathon Swim already collaborates with hotels in the region, with the aim of revitalizing North Evia and strengthening the Greek tourism product. Up to this point, this year’s event is enormously supported with special prices starting from 40 euros, by the following hospitality sponsors: Altamar Hotel, Maria Louiza Apartments, Island, Mirtia Hotel, Hydna Studios, Villa Anastasia, Artemis Rooms Pefki, Arethousa Hotel, Ellaeon Throesma, Prigkipessa Studios, Sunset Pefki, Viki Studios, Galini Hotel Pefki, Apolonio, Lito Hotel, Kerasiotis Apartments, Asimina Rooms. 

Participants and visitors can take advantage of the special offers, providing reduced accommodation prices and late check out while discovering beautiful hotels in the areas of Pefki, Loutra Edipsos, Artemision, Istiea, Kanatadika, Neos Pyrgos, Orei and Agiokampos.

Visit the event’s specially designed page and discover the hospitality options and the special offers that apply to the participants.

 

Just an hour and a half from Athens, participants can take a ferry boat with itineraries that serve from 07:00 am to 23:00 pm. The itineraries Arkitsa-Edipsos better serve visitors coming from Southern Greece, while the itineraries Glyfa-Agiokampos serve participants traveling from Northern and Central Greece. Learn how to get directly and quickly to Pefki and take advantage of the ferry boat offers that will be valid during the races. 

 

For the safety of all races, the event will be held in accordance with FINA regulations, in order to ensure the health of all athletes and attendees. The event will provide once again everyone with a safety lifeguard buoy since its use by professional and amateur athletes is mandatory. For each participant in the 14.5km and 10km routes there will be an escort-boat and its cost is included in the registration price.

                                                                                        

NP Insurance and Philosofish are the event’s Official Sponsors.

Luanvi is the event’s Official Clothing Partner.

South Evian Gulf Team is the event’s Athletic Partner. 

The event is assisted by Hellenic Red Cross with Chalkida’s Regional Department.

The event is organized by the Municipality of Istiea-Edipsos and the entire Local Government with the Region of Central Greece, the Organization of Cultural Development for Central Greece (O.P.A.S.T.E.) and the Regional Union of Municipalities of Central Greece. The Authentic Marathon Swim is held under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism. 

 

Use the event’s official hashtag #authenticmarathonswim and upload on social media the unique images and exciting moments you experienced in the previous years in the Municipality of Istiea-Edipsos as you prepare for the 3rd and most exciting year.

Piraeus just keeps getting more and more interesting. This year saw the opening of three new metro stations in Athens’ bustling port town, while last year, a section of the coastal tram line that follows a circular route around Piraeus was inaugurated. Now, a web-based cultural project called “Piraeus ArchWalks” aims to inform and engage the broader public in the architectural capital of the bustling port. Soon, the walks will also be shared in the form of a downloadable mobile app that connects with GPS.

“The main purpose is to highlight and promote the architecture of Piraeus as a new tourism product, as a cultural route,” write the project’s creators (namely the Municipality of Piraeus with Aegean Solutions SA and the Aikaterini Laskaridis Foundation), on the ArchWalks website. ArchWalks presents a comprehensive view of the city’s neoclassical heritage of the 19th century as part of the Virtual Tours of Piraeus program. The digitally interactive initiative includes four architectural walks starting at key locations that offer access to Piraeus, such as the ISAP metro station (green line).

“Piraeus has a rich offering of Architectural buildings and history and is the ideal place for developing a project like this,” says Alexandros Tzortzakakis, CEO of Aegean Solutions SA, located in Heraklion Crete. The company has established itself as a leading provider of “holistic solutions” in digital culture, social development and tourism, and was recently awarded the Gold Medal for Digital Tourism at the “Tourism Awards 2022” for the design and development of incrediblecrete.gr. “Similar projects have been developed in the past,” says Tzortzakakis, “but ArchWalks is different and innovative because it consists of 3D representations of selected buildings.”

The four walks cover four different zones, with photographs and informative texts for every architectural stop along the walk: the northeastern districts (with 32 architectural stops), northwest and west districts (37 architectural stops), south and southwest districts (37 architectural stops), and east districts (10 architectural stops).

Even without the app, by simply following the information on the website, architecture aficionados can traipse entire routes, or even just sections of them, regarding the buildings and landmarks listed. Apart from observing the architectural features of the included buildings, visitors can learn about Piraeus’ and Athens’ history, social culture, and industrial development.

The website also includes a Timeline of Piraeus that classifies the major historical phases and turning points represented by the town’s landmarks. It is described as “an interactive timeline about the port city that began to be built in the early 19th century on deserted ancient ruins, matured, reached its peak, declined towards the end of the 20th century, and seeks its rebirth in the early 21st century.” The Timeline begins with a map depicting “Long walls, 462-458 BC”, followed by “Ancient ship sheds of Zea, 4th century BC,” and concludes with “The port 1970 – 1985 AD”. (See the Timeline here.)

The “Piraeus ArchWalks” app is expected to be available within the next few weeks. For upcoming information on the app, check the Municipality of Piraeus website

To read this article in full, please visit: greece-is.com

Summer is the perfect time to unwind with your family, and what better way to do that than with a movie night? Whether you’re escaping the heat or having a cozy indoor day, Netflix has a fantastic selection of family-friendly movies that everyone will enjoy. Here are some top picks for movies to watch with your kids this summer, along with their suitable age ranges.

1. The Mitchells vs. The Machines (Rated PG, Ages 8+)

A delightful and heartwarming adventure about a quirky family trying to save the world from a robot apocalypse. Full of humor, action, and important messages about family and technology, this movie is a hit with both kids and adults.

2. The Willoughbys (Rated PG, Ages 8+)

This visually stunning animated film tells the story of four siblings who, feeling neglected by their parents, embark on an adventurous quest to create a new family. With its unique animation style and heartfelt storyline, it’s sure to captivate your family’s imagination.

3. Over the Moon (Rated PG, Ages 6+)

A beautifully animated musical adventure that follows a young girl named Fei Fei, who builds a rocket to travel to the moon in search of a mythical Moon Goddess. This film combines Chinese folklore with a touching story about love and loss, making it both entertaining and educational.

4. Paddington (Rated PG, Ages 6+)

Join the lovable bear Paddington as he navigates life in London with the Brown family. This charming film is full of humor, heart, and important lessons about kindness and acceptance. It's a great choice for a light-hearted family movie night.

5. Ralph Breaks the Internet (Rated PG, Ages 8+)

In this sequel to "Wreck-It Ralph," Ralph and Vanellope venture into the expansive world of the internet to find a replacement part for Vanellope’s video game. This movie is packed with humor, action, and clever references to internet culture that will entertain both kids and adults.

6. The Secret Life of Pets 2 (Rated PG, Ages 6+)

This fun-filled sequel follows the adventures of Max and his pet friends as they explore new adventures and face their fears. It’s a delightful and humorous look at what our pets do when we’re not around, with plenty of laughs for the whole family.

7. How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World (Rated PG, Ages 8+)

The final installment in the beloved "How to Train Your Dragon" series sees Hiccup and Toothless discover a hidden world of dragons. This epic conclusion is filled with breathtaking animation, emotional moments, and thrilling adventures that will keep everyone on the edge of their seats.

8. Finding ‘Ohana (Rated PG, Ages 8+)

A modern-day adventure that takes inspiration from classics like "The Goonies," this film follows two siblings from Brooklyn who discover their Hawaiian heritage on a summer trip. Filled with treasure hunts, cultural discoveries, and family bonding, it's a perfect summer movie.

9. The Croods: A New Age (Rated PG, Ages 6+)

Join the prehistoric Crood family as they encounter a more evolved family, the Bettermans. This fun and colorful adventure is filled with laughs, action, and important messages about family and friendship. With these fantastic options, your summer movie nights are sure to be a hit. So grab some popcorn, get comfy, and enjoy these wonderful films with your kids!

Get ready to dive headfirst into the Athenian culinary scene, because 2025 is shaping up to be a banner year for food lovers in this ancient metropolis. Forget dusty ruins for a moment (though definitely go see those too!), because we’ve scoured the bustling streets, peeked into hidden courtyards, and sampled our way through countless plates to bring you the definitive list of the 10 best restaurants you absolutely, positively need to try in Athens this year. From innovative takes on classic Greek fare to exciting international flavours with a Hellenic twist, your taste buds are in for a wild ride. So, ditch the tourist traps and prepare for a truly authentic Athenian dining experience. Kali Orexi!

Nestled in the charming Koukaki district, according to CJ Digital, Aleria isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a culinary journey. Housed in a beautifully restored neoclassical building, the ambiance alone sets the stage for a memorable evening. But it’s the food that truly steals the show. Chef Gikas Xenakis takes traditional Greek recipes and elevates them with modern techniques and a creative eye. Think slow-cooked lamb served with smoked eggplant puree and crispy pita chips, or fresh seafood dishes infused with aromatic herbs and local olive oil. The presentation is artful, the service impeccable, and the wine list boasts an impressive selection of Greek vintages. Aleria is perfect for a special occasion or when you simply want to indulge in a sophisticated dining experience that pays homage to Greece’s rich culinary heritage while pushing its boundaries. Expect a refined atmosphere and prices to match, but trust us, it’s worth every euro.

Why it’s a must-try in 2025: Aleria continues to innovate, consistently earning accolades for its inventive dishes and commitment to showcasing the best of Greek ingredients. Their ever-evolving menu ensures there’s always something new and exciting to discover.

Prepare for a flavour explosion at Nolan, a restaurant that dares to be different. Located in the heart of Athens, just a stone's throw from Syntagma Square, Nolan seamlessly blends Greek and Asian culinary traditions, creating dishes that are both surprising and utterly delicious. Chef Sotiris Kontizas, known for his appearance on MasterChef Greece, brings his unique vision to life with dishes like the signature steamed buns filled with slow-cooked pork belly and a tangy tzatziki-inspired sauce, or the delicate sea bass carpaccio with yuzu and dill. The minimalist décor allows the vibrant flavours to take centre stage, and the lively atmosphere makes it a great spot for a fun night out with friends. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone here; Nolan is a testament to the exciting possibilities that arise when culinary worlds collide.

Why it’s a must-try in 2025: Nolan remains a trailblazer in Athens' food scene, constantly experimenting with new flavour combinations and techniques. Its popularity speaks volumes, so booking in advance is highly recommended.

For a truly authentic taste of Greece, head to Tzitzikas & Mermigas. With multiple locations across Athens, this beloved meze restaurant embodies the spirit of sharing and convivial dining. The menu is a delightful journey through regional Greek specialties, from creamy fava bean dip and flavourful soutzoukakia (spicy meatballs) to grilled halloumi with fig jam and crispy fried calamari. The atmosphere is always buzzing, filled with the chatter of locals and the clinking of glasses. It’s the perfect place to sample a wide variety of Greek dishes in a relaxed and unpretentious setting. Order a selection of mezedes, a carafe of local wine, and settle in for a long, leisurely meal. This is Greek hospitality at its finest.

Why it’s a must-try in 2025: Tzitzikas & Mermigas remains a reliable favourite for its consistently high-quality meze, affordable prices, and vibrant atmosphere. It’s a staple of the Athenian dining scene for a reason.

If you’re looking for a truly exceptional and boundary-pushing culinary experience, Funky Gourmet is the place to be. This two-Michelin-starred restaurant, located in the vibrant Pangrati district, is helmed by chefs Georgianna Hiliadaki and Nikos Roussos, who are known for their playful and avant-garde approach to Greek cuisine. Expect dishes that are as much a work of art as they are a delight to eat, with surprising textures, unexpected flavour pairings, and a theatrical presentation. The tasting menus are a journey of discovery, showcasing the chefs’ creativity and deep understanding of Greek ingredients. While it’s undoubtedly a splurge, a meal at Funky Gourmet is an unforgettable experience for serious food aficionados.

Why it’s a must-try in 2025: Funky Gourmet continues to push the boundaries of Greek gastronomy, maintaining its Michelin stars and solidifying its reputation as one of the most innovative restaurants in the country.

Escape the city bustle and transport yourself to the Mani Peninsula at Mani Mani. This charming restaurant in the Thissio district specialises in the hearty and flavourful cuisine of the Peloponnese region. Think rustic dishes like hilopites (traditional pasta) with rooster in red wine sauce, slow-cooked pork with oranges, and flavorful pies filled with local greens and cheese. The warm and inviting atmosphere, with its stone walls and wooden accents, adds to the authentic experience. Mani Mani offers a taste of a different side of Greece, one that is deeply rooted in tradition and local ingredients. It’s a comforting and satisfying dining option that will leave you feeling like you’ve just enjoyed a home-cooked meal in a Greek village.

Why it’s a must-try in 2025: Mani Mani continues to champion the regional cuisine of the Peloponnese, offering a unique and delicious alternative to the more common Athenian fare. Their commitment to quality ingredients and traditional recipes shines through in every dish.

Located in the Ilisia neighbourhood, CTC, led by the talented chef Alexandros Tsiotinis, offers a refined and contemporary dining experience. The restaurant’s sleek and minimalist design provides a sophisticated backdrop for the beautifully plated and thoughtfully crafted dishes. Tsiotinis’s cuisine showcases a modern interpretation of Greek flavours, often incorporating international influences and innovative techniques. Expect dishes like perfectly seared scallops with fava and truffle oil, or slow-cooked octopus with smoked paprika and potato foam. The tasting menus are a popular choice, allowing diners to experience the full breadth of the chef’s creativity. CTC is a perfect choice for a special occasion or for those seeking a more upscale and contemporary dining experience.

Why it’s a must-try in 2025: CTC consistently receives rave reviews for its elegant ambiance, impeccable service, and innovative cuisine. Chef Tsiotinis’s dedication to culinary excellence makes it a standout in Athens’ fine dining scene.

For a truly old-school Athenian experience, head to Oinomageireion Epirus. This traditional taverna, located near the Central Market, has been serving up classic Greek comfort food for generations. Don’t expect fancy décor or elaborate plating; here, it’s all about the honest, flavourful dishes and the no-frills atmosphere. Think hearty stews, grilled meats, and simple yet delicious vegetable dishes, all cooked with time-honoured recipes. The lively atmosphere, often filled with locals enjoying a midday meal or an evening drink, adds to the authentic charm. Oinomageireion Epirus offers a glimpse into Athens’ culinary past and is a must-visit for those seeking a truly genuine and unpretentious dining experience.

Why it’s a must-try in 2025: In a city that’s constantly evolving, Oinomageireion Epirus remains a steadfast guardian of traditional Greek flavours and a testament to the enduring appeal of simple, well-cooked food.

Prepare for a culinary curveball at Birdman, a popular izakaya (Japanese pub) located in the lively Agia Irini Square. While it might seem out of place on a list of Greek restaurants, Birdman has carved out a unique niche by blending Japanese techniques with high-quality Greek ingredients. Expect expertly grilled skewers (kushiyaki) made with local meats and vegetables, creative small plates with a Mediterranean twist, and an impressive selection of sake and Japanese whiskies. The lively and buzzing atmosphere makes it a great spot for after-work drinks and snacks or a fun and casual dinner. Birdman proves that culinary boundaries are meant to be broken, and the result is a delicious and unexpected dining experience.

Why it’s a must-try in 2025: Birdman’s innovative approach and consistently delicious food have made it a firm favourite among Athenians. Its unique blend of Japanese and Greek influences offers a refreshing and exciting dining option.

Transport yourself to the Greek islands without leaving Athens at Seychelles. Located in the trendy Koukaki neighbourhood, this charming restaurant exudes a relaxed and bohemian vibe, reminiscent of a Cycladic taverna. The menu focuses on fresh seafood and seasonal ingredients, with dishes that are simple yet bursting with flavour. Think grilled octopus with capers and oregano, fresh fish carpaccio with lemon and dill, and flavorful seafood pasta dishes. The whitewashed walls, blue accents, and outdoor seating create a perfect setting for a leisurely meal on a warm Athenian evening. Seychelles offers a taste of island life in the heart of the city.

Why it’s a must-try in 2025: Seychelles continues to impress with its focus on fresh, high-quality seafood and its laid-back island atmosphere. It’s a perfect escape from the urban bustle.

Okay, so it’s not technically a full-service restaurant, but no culinary tour of Athens is complete without a visit to Lukumades. This iconic shop, with locations across the city, specialises in the traditional Greek doughnut, loukoumades. These golden, honey-drenched balls of fried dough are simply irresistible. You can opt for the classic version with honey and cinnamon, or try more modern variations with chocolate sauce, nuts, or ice cream. Lukumades is the perfect spot for a sweet treat after a meal or a delightful afternoon snack. It’s a taste of pure Greek indulgence that you simply can’t miss.

Why it’s a must-try in 2025: Lukumades remains a beloved Athenian institution, consistently serving up delicious and comforting loukoumades that are a true taste of Greece. It’s a sweet ending (or beginning!) to any culinary adventure in the city.

So there you have it – our top 10 restaurants to try in Athens in 2025. From innovative fine dining to traditional tavernas and exciting fusion concepts, the Athenian food scene is more vibrant and diverse than ever. So, book your tables, loosen your belts, and get ready to embark on a delicious journey through this incredible city. You won’t be disappointed. Yiasas!