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Wednesday, 18 February 2015 12:05

The Snowy Side Of Greece

Although the Swiss Alps are still numero uno for European skiers, Greece's slopes are giving Switzerland a run for the money. The snow may be wetter than one would like, and snowmaking is limited, but the December to April ski season in Greece offers ski enthusiasts the enviable attractions of stellar views, endless sun, and excellent après ski options. There are at least 20 ski resorts in Greece.

Most are small, but a handful are larger operations with more challenging trails, ski schools, rental shops, night skiing, and big lodges. Here are a few of the best.

Central Greece

The country's biggest ski center, Parnassos is located 180 km from Athens. Parnassos is made up of two sections (Kellaria Mountain and Fterolaka Mountain). There are 13 lifts (half of them chairlifts, the rest tow lifts) and 23 trails, with 14 km of skiing. Kellaria features mostly blue (easy) and red (intermediate) trails while Fterolaka's seven trails include the 1,500-meter black (expert) Sahara trail. Expect traffic and long lines on weekends and holidays. Lift rates: Kellaria weekends/holidays: 27 euros; Fterolaka weekends/holidays: 17 euros, or Kellaria/Fterolaka daily (includes both ski centers): 12 euros. www.parnassos-ski.gr.

Karpenisi (30-22370-21112; weekends/holidays 20 euros; daily 12 euros), 78 km from Lamia, has four chair lifts, a couple of tow lifts, and 11 trails for all levels. There are four lifts and six mostly easy trails on Elatohori (30-2351-072200; lift rates: weekends/holidays 13 euros; daily 10 euros), while farther south is Pilio (30-24280-73719; lift rates: weekends/holidays 16 euros; daily 12 euros), which has three peaks, five-lifts, a five-km Nordic run, and a resort perched over the sea.

Northern Greece

Thessaloniki residents looking for a day on the slopes head to Seli (30-23310-49226), 95 km away. Fifty thousand skiers a year visit the resort, which has nine lifts, 15 downhill trials (nine easy, four intermediate, three beginner) and two Nordic ski runs. There is on-the-premises lodging, a small base village, and easy driving access. Lift rates: 13 euros weekends and holidays; 10 euros daily.

Farther north, 17 km from Naoussa, is tree-flanked 3-5 Pigadia, which typically welcomes 65,000 visitors a year with seven lifts (including one chairlift) and 10 trails that can satisfy advanced and cross-country skiers alike. There's a snowboarding park and two rental shops. Weekend visitors can combine skiing there, or at Seli, with a visit to the wine-producing city Naoussa (18 kms from both). Lift rates: 12-18 euros weekends and holidays; 10 euros daily. www.3-5pigadia.gr/.

Thirty-nine km northwest of the town of Edessa, at the border with the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, is Greece's highest center, Kaimaktsalan (or "Voras"), which offers 25,000 skiers a year the best dry, fluffy snow in the country. Look for one chairlift, five tow lifts, and 14 trails good for moderate skiers. There are areas for snowboarding and snowtubing, and for those who want something to warm their bones, there's a bar. Bad weather can close the lifts and the winding mountain road leading to the center. Lift rates: 15 euros weekends and holidays; 12 euros daily. www.kaimaktsalan.gr/.

The top spot for skiing in northeastern Greece is Falakro, which is visited by more than 30,000 skiers each year. True to its name, which means "bald" in Greek, the resort features wide, obstacle-free trails. You'll also find three lodges, 9 lifts (two are chairlifts), and 20 trails, including a 2,200-metre black trail and a Nordic ski trail. It is accessed by a winding mountain road. Lift rates: 15-20 euros (depending on lift package) weekends and holidays; 10-15 euros daily (depending on package). www.falakro.gr.

To read more, please visit www.fodors.com

Published in Travel Greece

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Thursday, 19 February 2015 13:15

Full Speed Ahead For Elections

Despite the government gaining the support of 168 MPs in yesterday's second round of the presidential ballot, an improvement on the 160 votes it obtained in the first round, it looks increasingly difficult to garner the required 180 and avert snap elections early next year. Everything will be sealed on the third and final round of voting at noon on the 29th of December.

Until then there will be ongoing discussions in the background as a last resort to convince MPs to switch their votes and support the candidate.

Based on what we know now, even if the coalition manages to draw a few more MPs from the pool of independents or even the parliamentary groups of DIMAR and Independent Greeks the magic number of 180 needed to elect president in the third round of the presidential ballot remains very difficult to achieve. So despite the efforts, the understanding is that after December 29th the country will go to snap elections.

The way things stand now, the best case scenario is for the coalition to attract as many as 174-175 MPs which still leaves it short of electing Stavros Dimas but can be used as a powerful argument ahead of elections. The government will insist that the presidential ballot was a close call and the impasse was caused by Syriza's irresponsible stance. New Democracy hopes that in the case of snap elections it will be able to overturn the projected opinion poll results that put Syriza ahead. The pre-election campaign will be characterized by tough rhetoric and dilemmas by both sides in order to rally support.

To read more, please visit thetoc.gr/en

By Anna Zafiri

Published in Local News

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Saturday, 18 April 2015 13:35

International Travel Bloggers Share Best Places In Greece

When 11 International Travel Bloggers were asked, 'Which is the best place you have been to in Greece?' here is what they answered:

"With a question like this, I have to stay true to my heritage – and with good reason. My family is from the island of Chios -- the fifth largest Greek island, located in the Aegean sea, a mere 30-minute ferry ride from mainland Turkey and a 30-minute flight from Athens airport. From the tulip blooms in March, to the mastic tree orchards in the South; from the black- pebbled beach of Mavra Volia, to the crystal clear waters of Nagos; from the stunning medieval village of Mesta, to the haunting ghost town of Anavatos, there is so much to see in Chios. With its rich history (Christopher Columbus is rumoured to have come from here), unique beaches, mouth-watering food, breathtaking mountain and sea views, Chios has so much more to offer than your typical Greek island getaway. Rarely making the list of ‘must-see Greek islands’ Chios truly is one of Greece’s many hidden gems." Maria Carras, Greece, Sun and Shine blog

"The best place (s) for me in Greece are the Greek islands. They are all so wonderful to visit and to get to know. One of the most memorable island destinations is Santorini. It is so unique compared to all of the islands. As for one of my favourite islands in general I’d say Ithaca. It’s small, green, less touristic and has a wonderful energy about it. I also discovered Naxos last year and that was great too. There are so many…. This is a problematic question… LOL." Marissa Tejada, USA living in Greece, My Greece, My Travels and Chasing Athens

"We loved Athens, with all of the ancient ruins. We also loved the islands, especially Hydra, with it's laid back atmosphere – we wish we had spent more time there on our last trip. Next time!" Sean Boyle and Jennifer Evans,USA (and beyond!), Venturists

"Leros Island in the Dodecanese. Oh, and Rhodes Old Town. Oops, that’s two places! I don’t think it’s possible to name just one." Rebecca Hall, British living in Greece, Life Beyond Borders blog

To read more, please visit: Passion for Greece

by Elena Sergeeva

Published in Travel Greece

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Wednesday, 18 November 2015 07:00

Auto Registration Fee Hikes Based On Emissions And Age Of Vehicle

After weeks of wrangling over revenue sources to replace an unpopular education tax that was scrapped, the government is expected to announce an automobile registration fee hike based on CO2 emissions and the age of the vehicle.

Firstly, the exemption from registration fees will be narrowed from the current exemption for vehicles with emissions of 100 grams CO2/km, and will only apply to cars with emissions of up to 90 grams. The change will apply to vehicles acquired after October 1, 2010.

Under the current regime, 200,000 vehicles were exempt from fees, with most of these being in the 90-100 gram range. The government will reportedly impose a fee of nine cents per gram in this category. Hence, a car with emissions of 98 grams will now be charged with an 88 euro fee.

Secondly, all vehicles registered after 1 November 2010 will be saddled with fee hikes. This covers approximately 480,000 vehicles, which currently are charged between nine cents and 3.4 euros per gram. This is expected to be hiked by between 10 and 30 cents per gram, with cars that have low CO2 emissions paying less.

To read more, please visit: The TOC

Published in Local News

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Tuesday, 19 March 2019 07:00

Free Entrance To The Acropolis Museum On The Greek National Holiday

On the occasion of the Greek National Holiday on Monday 25 March 2019, the Acropolis Museum invites visitors to enjoy its permanent collection with free entrance from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Visitors will also be able to participate in walks through the Museum exhibition galleries, making unanticipated stops and various discussions, together with Archaeologist-Hosts.

Walks (in Greek): 12 noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m.
Participation: For registration, please refer to the Information Desk at the Museum entrance on the same day.

Limited to 40 visitors per session. First-in first-served.

Families will also be able to receive the specially designed booklets from the Information Desk in order to have a pleasant and interesting visit at the Acropolis Museum.

On the same day the Museum restaurant will serve Greek traditional dishes.

Click HERE for valuable information about the Acropolis Museum in Athens.

Published in Local News

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Tuesday, 30 July 2019 02:32

July 30 - Happy Summer Issue

We're sure you know that Greece is one of the best places to spend your summer in, but how about visiting the Greek island voted as the best one in Europe? Or the 10 places you need to visit in Greece according to Forbes? Pack your bags and get ready for an unforgetable summer!

Please click HERE to view this issue of our newsletter!

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

Published in Newsletters

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Tuesday, 20 October 2020 10:06

World Health Organization To Establish A New Office Ιn Athens

Following their meeting in Copenhagen last week, Health Minister Vassilis Kikilias and the WHO Regional Director for Europe, Hans Kluge, have announced that the World Health Organization's (WHO) head office or the Quality of Health Care and Patient Safety will be in Athens.

The decision of the World Health Organization – as pointed out by the Greek health ministry – was based on several parameters, such as:

The emergence of Greece as a protagonist for its resilience to the health challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The vital knowledge and experience gained by Greece in quality of patient care and safety, with the legislation and establishment of the National Organization for Quality Assurance in Health. These practices can be adapted to the needs of other countries in the WHO European Region.
Successful management in implementing the anti-smoking law, which has improved the level of public health and safety of patients.
The unique features of Greece that can protect health and improve the quality of life have not been taken into account in the quality of care models. Greece, for example, with its record of longevity and the Mediterranean diet, can be the perfect example for improving the quality of life in Europe.
The experience of the Organization's Office in Greece in the transformation of health systems, which provides a strong base and an extensive network, on which future work will be based, even beyond the national level.

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

Published in Greece In The News

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Tuesday, 08 March 2022 07:00

How To Build A Better Relationship With Yourself

Self-confidence, self-esteem, self-respect. Three concepts of paramount importance for personality development. All three of them are interrelated, directly affecting each other and defining the overall self-image of the individual.

When one or all of the above three concepts are low, it is common for a person to be hard on themselves. Of course, depending on the circumstances, even people with high self-esteem, self-confidence, and self-respect can make the mistake of treating themselves harshly, which is often completely unnecessary. Sure, we may be the worst judges of ourselves, but we really shouldn't over exaggerate. We must love, respect, and believe in ourselves because only then will we evolve as human beings.

So, if you find that you treat yourself too harshly, question or even criticize yourself, engage in harmful behaviors, and/or neglect yourself, here are five ways to have a healthier relationship with you!

1. Understand your needs

Take time to listen to your needs. What do you want the most right now? Recognizing our needs promotes emotional stability, cultivates security in our relationships with others, and contributes substantially to fulfilling our goals.

2. Eliminate toxic people from your life

To feel good about yourself, you need to remove toxic relationships from your life. Remember that the three concepts mentioned above can be influenced by significant others and our social environment, in general. Therefore, look for people who make you feel better, not people who constantly try to put you down.

3. Focus on what you have, not what you lack

Let's start with the basics - everyone will not get everything they want. This is the way of life, and it's not a problem. The problem is that most people focus only on what they do not have. The illusion of perfection projected through social media (and other media too) is very much responsible for the sense of frustration that afflicts many people and the feeling of jealousy that timidly emerges, putting us in the process of comparing ourselves to others all the time. When this happens, we need to redirect our energy into appreciating everything we have.

4. Stop blaming yourself

Taking responsibility for our actions is indeed very important. However, sometimes we overdo it. Some things are beyond our control, and it makes no sense to try and change them. Let life flow, and do not spend time on things that are not up to you. This way you eliminate the excess stress and have more energy to deal with what you can actually control - your present moment, your goals and aspirations.

5. Accept that not everyone will like you

People want to be liked. However, this may not always be the case, and you need to learn to deal with it. It's a big mistake to change your behavior and alter your personality just to be liked. Pretending to be someone you are not can only hurt you and will result in your relationships with others being based on a very shaky foundation. Love yourself and accept you for who you are.

Published in Mindful Reads & News

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Monday, 11 March 2024 18:53

Emotional Intelligence: Illuminating The Path To Deeper Connections

The human connection is a tapestry woven with beauty and complexity, where emotional intelligence emerges as a guiding beacon, illuminating the path to enriched relationships, both with others and with ourselves.

Understanding Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence encompasses a person's capacity to recognize, comprehend, and manage their own emotions while also remaining sensitive to the emotions of others. It transcends mere self-awareness, diving into the realms of empathy, effective communication, and adept navigation of social dynamics.

The Benefits of Emotional Intelligence

At its core, emotional intelligence fosters empathy—the cornerstone of profound interpersonal connections. By validating and empathizing with the emotions of those around us, trust is built, bonds deepen, and a nurturing environment for open communication and mutual support is cultivated.

Authentic Expression & Interpretation of Feelings

Emotional intelligence empowers individuals to express themselves genuinely and interpret the emotions conveyed by others accurately. This skill in communication is pivotal in resolving conflicts, addressing misunderstandings, and fostering constructive dialogue within relationships.

Emotional Self-Regulation

Beyond understanding emotions lies the crucial ability to regulate one's emotional responses. This self-regulation is fundamental to personal well-being. By effectively managing anxiety, stress, and other negative emotions, individuals with high emotional intelligence can confront life's challenges with resilience, leading to a more harmonious and fulfilling existence.

Conflict Resolution and Management

Emotional intelligence proves invaluable in navigating conflicts, whether in personal or professional settings. Equipped with empathy, active listening, and a solution-focused approach, emotionally intelligent individuals foster positive atmospheres and facilitate collaborative problem-solving.

The Relationship with Oneself

The relationship with oneself serves as the cornerstone of all other connections. Emotional intelligence encourages profound self-awareness, enabling individuals to comprehend their needs, values, and motivations. This introspective journey is pivotal in nurturing healthy self-esteem, guiding life decisions, and fostering authenticity in actions and relationships.

Emotional Intelligence: A Transformative Force

In the realm of human connections, emotional intelligence emerges as a silent yet potent force, capable of transmuting the ordinary into the extraordinary. As we unlock its potential, we tap into a profound power that enriches every interaction, transforming relationships into dynamic landscapes of understanding, authenticity, and genuine resonance.

Originally published in Greek on: loveyourselfmagazine.com

Love Yourself is a comprehensive Greek media platform dedicated to embracing mindstyle as its fundamental essence. It advocates for a wholesome lifestyle that nurtures not only our soul, mind, and body but also promotes a positive and sustainable attitude towards the planet we call home. For more information, visit Love Yourself's website!

Published in Mindful Reads & News

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Wednesday, 20 November 2024 15:08

Survey Reveals Record Number Of US Students Choosing Greece

A record number of American students are choosing Greece as a study abroad destination, according to the Open Doors 2024 survey findings, published annually by the Institute of International Education (IIE).

In the 2022-2023 academic year, the number of US students studying in Greece surged by nearly 34% compared to the previous year, reaching a total of 6,000 students.

Greece continues to be a top-ten study abroad destination for US students, maintaining its popularity in recent years. In comparison, it ranked 17 in 2018, which shows Greece’s trajectory to become a top destination for U.S. students in recent years.

Meanwhile, a growing number of Greek students chose the United States for their studies.In the 2023-2024 academic year, 2,561 Greek students were enrolled in US academic institutions, reflecting an upward trend from the previous year.

“The United States is invested in Greece’s future and is proud to see our educational ties continue to expand. International education strengthens the ties between our countries, strengthens our economies, and deepens the ties between our peoples,” noted US Ambassador to Greece George J. Tsunis.

Originally published on: ekathimerini.com

Published in Greece In The News

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The Snowy Side Of Greece

Full Speed Ahead For Elections

International Travel Bloggers Share Best Places In Greece

Auto Registration Fee Hikes Based On Emissions And Age Of Vehicle

Free Entrance To The Acropolis Museum On The Greek National Holiday

July 30 - Happy Summer Issue

World Health Organization To Establish A New Office Ιn Athens

How To Build A Better Relationship With Yourself

Emotional Intelligence: Illuminating The Path To Deeper Connections

Survey Reveals Record Number Of US Students Choosing Greece

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