Author and blogger, Marissa Tejada, from Travel Greece Travel Europe, travels to Nafpaktos and shares her favourite things to do!

The Venetian Castle of Nafpaktos is one very large and incredibly preserved structure that you simply can’t miss. It can be seen from the harbor and from many points in town. The castle is what gives this place – set on a sparkling aqua blue corner of the Corinthian Gulf – its defining charm.

The Botsari Museum is part of the Venetian Tower of Botsaris. It is a historic landmark that is run by the charitable Botsaris Foundation. It is worth a stop to view a collection replica paintings and engravings that give insight into the great Battle of Lepanto of 1571.

Every coastal town, big or small, in Greece has beautiful beaches and Nafpaktos is no exception. The names of the two city beaches are known as Psani and Gribovo and have been accredited with Blue Flag status.

To read this article in full, please visit: Travel Greece Travel Europe

It is finally on its way. In a few days’ time the 1st “Greek Panorama” exhibition will open its curtain at the Grand Central Terminal in the Vanderbilt Hall, in Manhattan, hoping to achieve a successful representation of Greece abroad.

The exhibition will offer free entrance to the public on May 12th and May 13th, from 10:00 AM until 06:00 PM, while everything that is included in the “Greek Panorama B2B sessions”, which is exclusively for professionals, will take place on May 11th, 2017 and the feedback of this event is extremely promising since the participations are already beyond every expectation.

The B2B is peeking the interest of many professionals who are involved in the American traveling market, as it is offering a unique opportunity for them to meet in person with people representing Greek tourist businesses and destinations. This particular event at the Greek Panorama will be organized at the high-end assembly hall “Kellari” and will include shows by famous chefs creating a variety of Greek delicacies.

A Greek expatriate as well as the entire Greek American community is standing by the side of this initiative. Important people will be there, such as the ultramarathon runner Konstantinos (Dean) Karnazes, who will be signing his book “The road to Sparta” and also the former NFL player, Niko Koutouvides.

At the time of the exhibition the first copy of the Greek American magazine Hellas Blu will be published, which includes interviews of the Greek NBA star Giannis Antetokoumpo, Dean Karnazes and the famous chef Maria Loe, who runs her own business in New York.

Greek Panorama” and its corresponding events are the main constituents of the plan of action created by the Hellas North American Events Inc. regarding North America markets, considering that the plan includes actions and initiatives throughout the year.

Shortly before the exhibition opens its doors, the general manager of North Events, Mr. Leonidas Babanis, pointed out: “I am very excited that we are just a few moments before the beginning of the exhibition, which aims to promote Greece everywhere! Having tourism, culture and gastronomy as the key points, a successful recipe is created so that the essence of Greece will originally take over New York and eventually the world. The overwhelming enrollments for the B2B event allow us to dream that the “Greek Panorama” is not only a yearly exhibition but an establishment for the future. I want to thank all those who have stood and are still standing beside us such as the Greek embassy in Washington, the Ministry of Tourism, the Hellenic-American Chamber of Tourism and Greek National Tourism Organization, Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE), the Federation of Hellenic Associations of Travel & Tourist Agencies (FedHATTA), Hellenic Hotel Federation (HHF) and the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels (HCH). More importantly, though, we have to thank the people, our expatriates, who from the beginning have shown that they are beside us. Finally, we will be waiting for you on May 12th and 13th at the Grand Central Terminal to enjoy Greece”.

It should be noted that the available exposure areas in the Greek Panorama exhibition are limited and due to the interest already expressed, the participation requests will be processed in priority order.

Official Hashtag: #greekpanorama

Double gold distinction at the Sports Marketing Awards 2017

The Olympic “family” of “Navarino Challenge” grows and returns for a 5th consecutive year on October 13-15 2017, in Messinia and Costa Navarino.

Every year “Navarino Challenge”, honors the athletes who stand out for their overall contribution to sports. Honoree person at this year's event will be the Olympic gold medalist in Rio and world champion in the rings, Lefteris Petrounias who has made proud all Greeks not only with his successes but also with his ethics. Petrounias, is considered an exemplary athlete for young people, who has already won a gold Olympic medal, two gold medals in the world gymnastics championships, as well as four gold and one bronze in European tournaments and championships in rings.

The multiple award-winning sports tourism event of Messinia continues with new distinctions; following the Gold Ermis Award as best sports tourism event, another important recognition came at the Sports Marketing Awards 2017, which highlight the best practices in the marketing and communication of the Greek sports market.

On Wednesday, July 12, “Navarino Challenge” remained in the top level by winning not just one, but two gold awards. In particular, the event received a gold award at the “Sports Events / Branded Events” section, in the category “Live Well” for the values promoted through its program of activities. As an event that attracted thousands of participants, reinforced the local community, promoted the athletic ideal and contributed to the strengthening of a healthy lifestyle, distinguishing itself in terms of design, creativity, innovation, efficiency and effectiveness.

The second gold award was received in the “Sports Brands” section of the “Integrated Marketing Campaign” category for the best communication and marketing campaign launched in 2016, in the light of strong creativity, ingenuity, originality and excellence.

“Navarino Challenge”, which takes place in Costa Navarino and throughout Messinia, is innovating every year and now composes not only the event with the most sports activities but also with the most Olympic sports, contributing to the promotion of sports and the promotion of Greek tourism.

Registrations for “Navarino Challenge” continue with an undiminished pace and everyone can take part by completing the special entry form available by clicking here.

Participants may select to run in one of the following routes, the exquisite Half Marathon (21,1km), the 10 km route and the 5km run (for running and dynamic walking), while at the same day children may run the 1km running route. This year, there will be race timing for all runners. In addition, participants will have the opportunity to swim in the beautiful Navarino bay at the picturesque port of Pylos, covering the unique swimming route of one mile (1.6 km.) and take part in the Stand Up Paddling race by BIC® Sport that will be held with the support of the best surf club, Surf Salad!

Travel to “Navarino Challenge” with the multiple award-winning airline company Qatar Airways, by using the promo code ATHNAVCH to book an exclusive offer for roundtrip tickets to Athens from over 150 places, by clicking here!

Offer is valid from 3 to 15 October 2017 included (Outbound) and (Inbound) to be completed on or before 25 October 2017. This offer refers to roundtrip tickets to Athens from more than 150 destinations. Participants should be ready for even more surprises to be announced by the official airline partner of the event.

In addition, Vikos company will support and refresh for one more year the audience and participants of the event with the Natural Mineral Water "Vikos", while ambassadors and organizers will move with the safety of the cars of Ford Motor Hellas.

The privileged accommodation packages at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino are available for those wishing to enjoy the full schedule of “Navarino Challenge”, which includes more than 10 free sports activities. For further information click here!

“Navarino Challenge” will be held under the Auspices of the Greek National Tourism Organization with the support of Costa Navarino and The Westin Resort Costa Navarino, as well as the Municipalities of Pylos-Nestor and Trifilia.

More information will be announced in the next few weeks.

Website
Facebook 
Twitter 
YouTube Channel
Instagram 
Hashtags: #navarinochallenge #costanavarino #eatwell #runwell #livewell

Photo: Greek Olympic gold medalist and world champion in the rings, Lefteris Petrounias will be the honoree person of "Navarino Challenge"

 

Official Airline Partner: Qatar Airways

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

Official Supporters: BIC®, BIC® Sport, Wyndham Grand Athens, Poseidonia, Surf Salad

Assisted by: Navarino Outdoors, Swim Academy, Navarino Racquet Academy, Apia

Strategic Partner: National Geographic

Under the auspices of the Greek National Tourism Organization

Turkey’s ban on Turkish ships sailing to the Greek islands has been lifted following a meeting between Greek Shipping Minister Panagiotis Kouroublis and Turkish Transport Minister Ahmet Arslan in Athens. This comes after the recent ban from a statement made September 25, 2017.

According to Mr. Arslan, passenger ferry services will continue to run normally since the two sides recognized each other’s importance in tourism and the economy.

As the Turkish Minister explained, the problem arose because Turkey could not take the risk of losing the white flag on the list.

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

The editors of ARCHAEOLOGY, the publication of the Archaeological Institute of America, revealed the 10 most compelling archaeological finds of the year. Among them is a Greek relic discovered near Ancient Olympia.

 

Scientists have dated the newly discovered excerpt back to the third century A.D. at the latest and believe it is likely the oldest inscribed section of the Odyssey ever to be found in Greece.

The inscription consists of the first 13 verses of the poem’s 14th book, in which Odysseus finally returns home to Ithaca. “I think the brick was inscribed at some point, and later it was used for construction,” says Erofili-Iris Kolia, director of the Ephorate of Antiquities of Ilia.

"Athens just feels like a breath of fresh air," says Ben Jacobs as he looks over the sleeping city from the roof of his new apartment in Kypseli. Ben's work and social life in London became severly affected by coronavirus restrictions, so he started looking for cities where he could still work but enjoy a much more fulfilling existence. Athens came out on top.

Athens has been rising as a destination for digital nomads for several years now, with people of all types of professions, from artists to web developers and online marketers, deciding that the Greek capital offers a winning combination of climate, quality of life, and low cost of living. When Covid-19 struck Europe, Greece was acknowledged as one of the countries to have handled the outbreak best; the early and strict lockdown kept cases low—and as of now, Greece still has much fewer fatalities than other EU countries of comparable size.

We spoke to 'corona nomads' from a range of countries and professions about their decision to move to Athens, the experiences they've had while here, and why they recommend relocating to the Greek capital.

"I was working on a huge youth dance project, I was in multiple drag shows, I was developing a contemporary dance project and planning to take my company LADS on tour around Australia and New Zealand," Isabella recalls. "Then, corona appeared, and all of that was canceled, along with any future work."

Isabella, 29, is a performance artist and feature choreographer, accustomed to working multiple gigs, seven days a week and being regularly on the move. "Now I have just a few hours of yoga teaching per week," she explains. "The change was drastic and devastating at first. I couldn't teach, I couldn't perform and I had no-one to collaborate with. All things I adore doing. It was really hard to have it all ripped out from underneath me."

In March, she left London and returned to Nottingham to spend the lockdown with her family. Isabella is half Greek, half English but grew up in the UK, taking holidays to Greece. When her late grandmother's flat in Koukaki became available in July, she jumped at the opportunity. "Dancers can't sit still, we have to keep training," says Isabella. "After being cooped up in the UK, here I have space to train at home with the free classes that dance schools and teachers have been putting online."

Normally, Isabella would be performing at the big summer festivals and booking gigs for next year. She now faces an empty calendar stretching long into the distance. Yet, with her savings and a small income from teaching online yoga and dance classes, she's learned to enjoy a simpler life in Athens, shopping at the laiki, exploring the cool cafes of Koukaki.

 

"If there's no work, there's no reason for me to be back in London," she says. "If everything is going to be laptop-based for the foreseeable future, I might as well be here, where the Mediterranean lifestyle is more chilled, the food is delicious, the sun shines for eight out of twelve months of the year and the sea is really close. I'm quite happy to leave the rat race behind."

The Playwright Searching For A Muse—Ben Jacobs

Like Isabella, Ben, 32, works in an industry decimated by coronavirus: tourism. As a self-employed London tour guide, he ushered groups around the capital daily, passionately sharing stories and interacting with visitors from all over the world.

"London is great for making money, meeting people and going to events," he says. "But now, with so few tourists, I can't make anywhere near what I used to; while London is still as expensive as it has always been." Reluctant to face a long and dreary British winter and the significant restrictions on indoor spaces, Ben's thoughts turned to Athens, particularly its lively outdoor art scene.

"Lockdown has forced everything outdoors and that's far less restricting in an outdoors culture like Athens," he says. Aside from being a tour guide, Ben is also a writer and playwright, with several works currently in progress. Rather than burning through his savings paying rent in London—or switching careers—he decided to relocate to Athens to make his money stretch much further. He arrived in mid-September, just as new lockdowns arrived elsewhere across Europe.

"I've definitely got enough work to keep me busy here," he says. "Athens is now a throbbing and passionate metropolis; a lively stage on the edge of Europe. There's tonnes of inspiration here to create and perform new work."

---

To read more, please visit This is Athens

Whether you've just arrived in town – or have been here for years – Athens always has new secrets to share! This is Athens is the official guide to this captivating city of ancient energies and booming urban culture. Compiled by a team of specialist local writers, This is Athens brings you an authentic and intimate portrait of a living Athens beyond the guidebooks – along with daily curated listings of all the best events and great weekend inspiration all-year round. From must-know neighbourhoods and emerging art hubs, to gourmet hotspots, cool shopping and the buzziest bars, This is Athens will help you to get the most out of living in Athens!

Thank you This is Athens for your contribution as an XpatAthens Partner.

The Greek National Tourism Organization (EOT) launched a new advertising campaign, touting Greece’s attractions as a city break destination. Coining the word “Greekend,” the campaign encourages people to “end your week like a Greek.”

In its new spot, EOT promotes Athens and Thessaloniki as ideal destinations for travelers looking for a weekend break, stressing the prevailing good weather conditions and easy flight connections. It showcases the offerings tourists can enjoy in Greece’s big cities including the coffee culture, local cuisine, art galleries, shopping destinations, and entertainment venues.

“The Tourism Ministry and EOT are launching the City Break campaign, inviting visitors to discover the well-known and hidden corner of Greek cities,” said Tourism Minister Vasilis Kikilias.

“Hotels in our cities, particularly Athens and Thessaloniki, have suffered due to the pandemic. This campaign is the first in a series of initiatives we will carry out, inviting visitors to safely enjoy an authentic Greek weekend in our largest cities,” he added.

“The pandemic has negatively impacted urban tourism. In many cases, disproportionately to our other tourist destinations,” said EOT General Secretary Dimitris Fragkakis, adding that “the Greekend campaign seeks to promote a complete tourist product, one that is equal to other established European weekend destinations.”

The new campaign is scheduled to initially run for two months in 10 countries including France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, Denmark, Sweden, and Israel.

Originally published on: ekathimerini.com

 

For ancient Greeks, every waterway was protected by nymphs. These were invariably ageless young girls who existed even before the Olympic gods and long before the birth of mortals.

They were not all immortal. Some died after living for centuries. Still, they existed in a magical world between mortals and gods. Nymphs were generally harmless, too, but not always.

For a man, encountering a nymph while alone might put him in a precarious situation. The term nymphomania is derived from the word nymph. It means uncontrollable desire in a woman and stems from a belief that some nymphs would bewitch innocent young men, becoming their lovers and never releasing them.

Nymphs were everywhere in ancient Greece

These graceful young girls not only populated waters but were found throughout nature. For instance, every tree in every sacred grove was believed to owe its life source to the nymph who lived there.

Wherever Greeks ventured into nature, they were conscious of these beings. Villagers were aware that they were watched, measured, and evaluated by intelligent beings who were wild and unpredictable.

Usually, nymphs were invisible, but thousands of Greeks in ancient times reported seeing them. Nymphs seemed to be everywhere in ancient Greece. They presided over all natural phenomena, including clouds, caves, meadows, and the rocky beaches found all over Greece.

As nature spirits, they were associated with several of the Olympic gods, including Zeus, Hermes, Artemis, Poseidon, Demeter, and Dionysos.

The most famous of Artemis’ nymphs were the Pleiades, seven sisters who were immortalized by Zeus when he turned them into the Pleiades constellation. The Pleiades were originally mountain nymphs, but there were many families.

To read this article in full, please visit: greekreporter.com

A "Jewel Made in Greece" stands as the pinnacle of creativity and refinement, a visionary platform born from the ingenuity of Mary Samolis. As a designer and micro-sculptor, Samolis describes it as "a fusion of artistry and entrepreneurship," a journey that has traversed four continents, nine countries, and over fifty destinations with resounding success.

Year after year, the AJMIG (A Jewel Made in Greece) team of Greek jewelry designers unveils their latest masterpieces. In its tenth annual gathering at Zappeio Megaro, fifty Greek artists reconvene, celebrating not only art but also championing a national cause. This year's exhibition intertwines with a tribute to the missing Caryatida, adding depth and purpose to the showcase.

From February 23 to 26, visitors are invited on a transcendent journey guided by fifty jewelry designers and their corresponding brands. Within this enchanting tapestry, art reigns supreme, seamlessly blending precious and humble materials, diamonds with ceramics, all infused with a profound sense of soul. Each piece boasts exquisite aesthetics, unique textures, and innovative designs.

As an esteemed institution and beacon of creativity, A Jewel Made in Greece provides a platform for Greek jewelry designers to showcase their vision to the public and industry professionals alike, spanning from stores to art shops, museums, and galleries.

This year's exhibition will feature a visual tribute titled "A Jewel for Caryatida," conceived and designed by Mary Samolis, with editorial and theoretical support from Iris Kritikou. This tribute will unfold over twelve months across ten stations, beginning at Zappeion and extending to historical sites both within and beyond Greece's borders.

Guiding visitors through the captivating world of jewelry, diamonds, and gemstones will be the esteemed scientific partner, Giorgos Spyromelios. From February 23 to 26, Spyromelios will offer insights into jewelry valuation, enriching the experience for all attendees.

In conjunction with the exhibition's opening, attendees will be treated to a fashion show titled "EN PORTANT MES BIJOUX" by Alice Dikeos, adding another layer of elegance and sophistication to this illustrious event.

Originally published in Greek on: parapolitika.gr