The government has decided to extend its vehicle-scrapping initiative until May 20, in which it subsidizes the purchase of new cars so that old vehicles are taken off the road; although the subsidy will be cut by 50 percent from last year.

The measure will be brought to parliament and once signed by Finance Minister Euclid Tsakalotos, it will apply retroactively from January 1. This will bring great relief to the thousands of prospective buyers who have the necessary scrapping documents, but were unable to proceed with their new purchase.

To read more, please visit: eKathimerini

The traditional dance festival called ‘Diamantis Palaiologos,’ held on Skopelos island this August, won a European award by the EILEEN (Enhancing Intercultural Learning in European Enterprises) project. There were over 600 participants and volunteers this year from Greece, Cyprus, Ukraine, and Nepal.

The Festival of Traditional Dances ‘Diamantis Palaiologos’ is a member of European Folklore Festival Association and is organized by Konstantina Angeletou, President of the Plegma, a nonprofit organization, along with the Thessaly Region.

The Greek National Commission to UNESCO, the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Education, Research and Religious Affairs, the Greek National Tourism Organisation and the Municipality of Skopelos embrace this big cultural event, putting the Festival under their auspices.

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

‘Athens is one of the world’s oldest cities; with so many places to visit, things to experience, stories to be told. And if you had only 60 secs to describe it, this is how Athens would look and sound.’

Athens Mayor Yiorgos Kaminis announced the 'Athens Tourism Partnership,' an initiative for tourism promotion in Athens. The City of Athens, Aegean Airlines, and the Athens International Airport unite for the first time having a common objective - promoting Athens as a modern cultural centre and attractive tourist destination throughout the year.

The first result of this collaboration is a new, vibrant and dynamic campaign entitled 'One City. Never Ending Stories' aimed at showcasing the Athenian experience.

To read this article in full, please visit: Greek News Agenda

 

 

Northern Greece is gaining ground for its rich culture and diversity, as well as beautiful landscapes and plenty of outdoor activities. However popular Athens and the Greek islands will be, sometimes it’s worth exploring the road less-traveled. Vogue takes us to 3 areas in Northern Greece where you can go wine tasting in the Rhodope mountains or visit the Great Prespa Lakes, bordering Albania and Republic of Macedonia.

Kavala

‘Northeast of Thessaloniki, in Greek Macedonia, the port town of Kavala serves as an excellent base for visiting the ancient city of Philippi and wine tastings around the semi-continental Rhodope mountains.’

Nymfaio

‘Grevana, to the south, is a quaint village recognizable for its arched stone bridges, mushrooms, and snowboarding. There is a half-pipe at posh Vasilitsa resort and Valia Calda National Park is nestled into a valley nearby as well.’

To read this article in full, please visit: Vogue

Save the date for Sunday, December 15th, when the British Residence will open its doors for the 3rd consecutive time to welcome old and new friends in Athens in an open day event that will reveal the fascinating history behind this magnificent building!

The British Residence is one of the most elegant neo-classical houses in Athens and the home to Eleftherios Venizelos towards the end of his life. Since 1936, the building has hosted the activities of the British Embassy, while today it is the home of HM Ambassador Kate Smith CMG.

To attend ‘THE BRITISH RESIDENCE OPEN DAY,’ applicants are kindly requested to send an email to events@british-embassy.gr noting ‘RESIDENCE OPEN DAY’ at the email subject, to receive further information regarding the registration process. Admission is granted only following a pre-registration on a first-come, first-serve basis.

To learn more about this event, click here.

With Easter upon us, what a better way to celebrate it in Greece than with some great tips about the festive local traditions, recipies and a guide to some of the most beautiful churces in Athens. Learn all about them in this week's newsletter!

Santorini is making a dynamic come back to the world of sports tourism this year, the ever-growing alternative form of tourism in Greece, bringing a new era to Santorini Experience.

Thira Municipality is not limited to simply hosting a major sporting event on the island of Santorini, as it intends to highlight the cultural wealth of a globally leading tourism destination, organizing Santorini Experience on September 23-25, 2022, after two years of pandemic. 

The history and culture of Santorini’s volcanic complex sparked the global interest in the 1980s and since then the island’s tourist movement began. People who choose to engage with sports tourism, always combine their participation in a sports event with a desire to find out the particular characteristics of the destination they are visiting, at the same time. 

This year, Thira Municipality, wishing to highlight the history and cultural wealth of the islands, enriches Santorini Experience for the first time, with a half marathon, a very popular running route worldwide.

The marble Daedalic Kore of Thira, a unique archaeological finding of supernatural size (2.30 meters height and about 750 kilograms weight), dating back to 640 BC. (7th century), was found preserved in excellent condition at the site of Sellada in Ancient Thira, on November 24, 2000, by the late archaeologist Charalampos Sigalas. It highlights the vast history of Santorini and is placed chronologically and aesthetically in the era of the genesis of the monumental Greek sculpture. This remarkable sculpture, which will soon be exhibited to the world for the first time, in the outdoor area of ​​the Archaeological Museum of Thira, which is being currently renovated, gives its name to the first half-marathon run, which is held for the first time on the island. The “Daedalic Kore of Thira” Half Marathon will take place on Saturday, September 24, 2022, running across the enchanting areas of Oia, Imerovigli and Fira.

In the most beautiful caldera in the world, created by the successive eruptions of Santorini’s volcano, from prehistoric times to 1950, participating athletes will have the opportunity to swim in the unique 1.5 miles (2.4 km) “L & E Nomikos” open water swimming route, of Santorini Experience. The swimming event is going to be held on Sunday September 25, 2022, starting from the volcano with its finish line being at the old port of Fira, under the imposing view of the island. Watch some highlights from the amazing swimming route here:  

From this year, the swimming route will bare the name “L & E Nomikos” in honor of the founders of the “Loula & Evangelos Nomikos” Foundation, established in 1979 by the shipowner Evangelos Nomikos, who adored the sea and his island. The construction of the cable car, which connects the city of Fira with the old port (Bay of Fira), the end point of the swimming route, is a pioneering project of the Foundation, which was completed 40 years ago and was put into operation with a great contribution to the service of the residents and visitors. At the same time the cable car has benefited the entire island over time, since the Foundation’s income is used for great projects and the overall support of the community. It is a debt of honor in the memory of these great benefactors of the Municipality of Thira, to name this unique swimming route after them, from now on. 

Vikos Natural Mineral Water is the event’s Official Water.

 

Santorini Experience takes place this year for the 6th year and is organized by the Municipality of Thira and the Sports Tourism department of ActiveMedia Group.

 

More information on new surprises of this year's event, the opening of registrations and special offers for access to Santorini, will be announced in the coming weeks at: www.santorini-experience.com 

Sports Production: ActiveMedia Group

#SantoriniExperience

Photo by Babis Giritziotis

Are you looking for fun things to do in Athens with your kids, whether you're a local or just visiting? Athens isn't just about ancient history; it's a lively city with plenty of activities to keep children entertained and happy. Here's a list of family-friendly attractions and experiences that will make your time in Athens unforgettable!

Greece is renowned for its abundance of museums, and while sightseeing might not always be the top choice for little ones, there are certain museums that are sure to captivate their interest. One such gem is the Acropolis Museum! Boasting interactive exhibits, multimedia presentations, and captivating artifacts, this museum offers a delightful journey through ancient Greek history, making learning both enjoyable and engaging for children.

Athens may not be the greenest of cities, but it has its fair share of beautiful parks! Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and spend some quality time in the tranquil National Garden. Located in the heart of Athens, this green oasis is perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic. Kids will love exploring the winding paths, spotting turtles in the ponds, and playing in the playgrounds scattered throughout the park.

Animal-loving kids will be thrilled to visit the Attica Zoological Park. Home to over 2,000 animals from around the world, including lions, giraffes, and elephants, this zoo offers a fun and educational experience for the whole family. Don't miss the daily animal shows and feeding sessions for an extra dose of excitement.

For a day packed with excitement, head to Allou! Fun Park. With a wide range of rides and attractions, including roller coasters, bumper cars, and water slides, this amusement park guarantees endless entertainment for kids of all ages. Plus, there are plenty of family-friendly restaurants and snack bars to keep everyone fueled throughout the day.

Hop aboard the Athens Happy Train for a unique way to explore the city. This colorful train takes passengers on a scenic tour of Athens, passing by major landmarks such as the Acropolis, Plaka, and Syntagma Square. Kids will love riding a train while taking in the sights and sounds of the city.

Ignite your child's curiosity with a visit to the Eugenides Foundation Planetarium and Science Center. There, kids can learn about space through immersive planetarium shows and interactive exhibits. From learning about the solar system to experimenting with hands-on activities, there's plenty to inspire young minds.

With approximately 250 days of sunshine each year, Athens invites you to soak up the sun at its stunning beaches! A quick drive from the city center reveals picturesque shores with crystal-clear waters, perfect for a leisurely stroll on the sand or a refreshing swim during the warmer seasons. Pack a picnic, unwind, and savor a serene day by the sea.

Dive into the fascinating world of nature at the Goulandris Natural History Museum. With exhibits showcasing everything from dinosaurs to marine life, this museum offers an immersive learning experience for children of all ages. Interactive displays and hands-on activities make it a fun and educational outing for the whole family.

As the weather cools and leaves turn golden, there’s nothing better than curling up with a warm drink. But why settle for the usual when you can add a Mediterranean flair to your fall sips? Here’s a roundup of hot beverages inspired by Greek flavors and traditions, perfect for the season.

Traditional apple cider gets an upgrade with the addition of Greek spices like cinnamon, cloves, and star anise, commonly found in Greek desserts like melomakarona. Add a splash of Metaxa (a Greek amber spirit) for a grown-up treat.

• 1 liter apple cider
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 3-4 cloves
• 1 star anise
• Optional: 30ml Metaxa

Greek mountain tea, made from the sideritis plant, is a soothing herbal infusion with earthy and floral notes. Transform it into a latte by adding frothed milk and a drizzle of honey.

• 2 teaspoons dried Greek mountain tea
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup frothed milk
• Honey, to taste

Inspired by Greece's famous honey-soaked doughnuts, this rich hot chocolate features cinnamon, a hint of nutmeg, and a drizzle of honey for sweetness.

• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• A pinch of nutmeg

Give your chai tea a Mediterranean twist with a dash of ouzo, the iconic Greek anise-flavored liqueur. The licorice notes pair beautifully with chai’s spiced profile.

• 1 chai tea bag
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 tablespoon ouzo
• Milk and sugar, to taste

Turn your morning coffee into a dessert-inspired delight by incorporating the flavors of baklava. Add a hint of cinnamon, a touch of vanilla, and sweeten with a bit of honey. Top it off with crushed walnuts for the full effect.

• 1 cup brewed coffee
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Crushed walnuts for garnish

Mastiha, a resin from the island of Chios, adds a subtle pine and citrus flavor to this warm milk drink. It’s calming and aromatic—perfect for unwinding.

• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon mastiha powder (or a small piece of mastiha resin, ground)
• Honey, to taste

These hot fall beverages with a Greek twist are guaranteed to bring a little Mediterranean sunshine to even the chilliest autumn days. So grab your favorite mug, and enjoy a taste of Greece this season!

Which one will you try first?