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XpatAthens

Wednesday, 20 August 2025 11:20

Professional Diploma in Acupuncture

Are you ready to begin your journey in integrative healthcare? The European Institute of Integrative Health Sciences (EIIHS) in Athens offers a comprehensive Acupuncture training designed for aspiring integrative healthcare practitioners.

The program combines Traditional Chinese Medicine theory with extensive hands-on clinical training, starting from day 1. Students benefit from regular clinical practice treating real patients under supervision, while studying acupuncture meridian theory, point protocols, safety, and patient-centered approaches. 

Entry requirements include high school diploma or equivalent. Preference is given to applicants with biomedical or health-related backgrounds. Selected candidates may also undertake an interview.

Admission for the September 8th 2025 program is open now! 
Contact EIIHS today to arrange a Discovery Session or keep reading for more information.



Why Join This Program?

  • Become Part of a Global Community at the intersection of ancient traditions and modern healthcare.

  • Hands-On from the Start: Treat real patients from your first week under expert supervision.

  • Integrated Curriculum: Merges Western biomedical knowledge with traditional meridian theory.

  • Thriving Locale: Study in Athens — a vibrant hub for history, wellness, and cultural exploration.

  • Real Clinical Experience: Students may perform up to 50 acupuncture sessions in clinical intensives.

About EIIHS

The European Institute of Integrative Health Sciences (EIIHS) is a leading institute blending ancient heritage and modern science, specializing in training practitioners in Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine, Manual Therapies, and Healing Energetics. Students begin clinical training from Day 1 in Athens-based clinics.

Program Dates

Location & Tuition

With the countdown already underway, Messinia Challenge is excited to announce the finalization of this year's schedule. From May 8 to 10, 2026, Messinia will transform into a global athletic epicenter, offering a unique experience that combines movement, the philosophy of longevity, and the authentic hospitality of Costa Navarino.

The fully renewed schedule includes 70 parallel activities and 20 Olympic sports, remaining faithful to the timeless message "Sports Unites People". In this event, sports is transformed: it ceases to be a simple physical activity and becomes a powerful means to make the world better, promoting health, unity, and social contribution. 
A World-Class "Dream Team”
 
By the side of the participants will be an emblematic team of athletes, consisting of Olympians Dimosthenis Tampakos, Dimitris Papanikolaou, Periklis Iakovakis, Antigoni Ntrismpioti, and Evina Maltsi, Paralympians Nasos Ghavelas and Grigoris Polychronidis, as well as top champions Kostas Katsouranis, Joe Arlauckas, Michalis Triantafyllidis, Maria Polyzou, Georgia Kaltsi, Konstantinos Dean Karnazes, and Jo Manta.

These great athletes will not simply have the role of an observer. They will become one with the people: they will run, exercise, train, and sweat together with all participants! Messinia Challenge thus turns into an unrepeatable celebration of wellness, sports, and the practical promotion of the Olympic Ideal, this eternal value that transcends medals and records. The Olympic ideal is not just a competitive goal, but a moral compass that guides our every step. It is the belief in equal opportunity, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence through sports. With exactly this philosophy, the effort is celebrated to the fullest and all participants, young and old, receive their own commemorative medal at the finish line. 

Historic Return to Roots: The “American Dream” of the Spanos Family, the NFL, and Flag Football in Messinia 

This is the evolution of a great story: of a family that immigrated to America, where the late Alex Spanos thrived and became the owner of the Los Angeles Chargers, one of the most dynamic and rising teams in the NFL, the sport that captivates the planet with the most famous final worldwide, the renowned Super Bowl. 

Today, the continuers of this precious legacy return to their ancestral lands. A top moment of this year's event is the historic first visit of Dean Spanos, owner and Chairman of the Board of the Los Angeles Chargers, to the land of his ancestors, honoring the family's deep ties with the village of Eva, in Messinia. 

With him, Messinia Challenge welcomes the legendary Shawne Merriman, former Chargers linebacker, three-time Pro Bowler, and co-owner of the “Lights Out” MMA fight club. The NFL Flag Football Camp in Methoni has a great purpose: the spread of the sport to the new generation of Greece, especially now that Flag Football is preparing to make history as an official Olympic sport at the Los Angeles Olympic Games in 2028.

For the implementation of this vision, the mission is joined by two development head coaches of the official NFL Flag Football program, as well as 20 top Greek and Greek-American athletes, who will teach the secrets of the sport to the children of Messinia. At the same time, to seal this unique experience, authentic equipment from the Los Angeles Chargers will be distributed to the children, as an invaluable memento of a historic visit that creates the strongest bridge between American football and the ancestral land of Messinia. 

Buondi Craft at the rhythm of Messinia Challenge 2026!

Buondi Craft gives a dynamic "presence" at Messinia Challenge (May 8–10) as the Official Coffee Partner, supporting one of the country's most important wellness events. Throughout the event, athletes and visitors will enjoy crafted coffee experiences at specially designed coffee stations during the golf and tennis tournaments, from the early morning starts to the recovery moments after the races. This collaboration is part of Buondi Craft's overall commitment to responsible entrepreneurship and sustainable development. Throughout the Messinia Challenge 2026, the coffee grounds produced will be collected and directed to recycling and reuse actions, supporting circular economy practices and contributing to the reduction of the event's environmental footprint.

Sun Protection & Wellness at Messinia Challenge

KORRES takes over the natural care and sun protection of the participants, promoting the inseparable link between wellness and the pure ingredients of Greek nature. During the event, the beloved brand stars with multifaceted actions, presenting the dynamic F45 Barrio Salamanca HYROX Work Out under the guidance of Euroleague Legend Joe Arlauckas and physical education professor Dimitris Moros (FitnessArt). At the same time, the activity moves to the sand of The Dunes Beach with the Family Beach Volley Tournament powered by KORRES. The action is implemented in collaboration with the Triantafyllidis Beach Arena and the Greek champion Michalis Triantafyllidis, offering a unique experience of teamwork and movement for the whole family. Naturally, because action requires safety under the sun, the KORRES Yogurt face and body sunscreen series will offer athletes comprehensive broad-spectrum protection, ensuring active hydration and skin comfort. 

Message of Life & Solidarity from the REA Clinic & the ORAMA ELPIDAS Association 

REA Clinic, proving its social sensitivity in practice, carries out a unique struggle of contribution by contributing decisively to finding volunteer bone marrow donors, in collaboration with the ORAMA ELPIDAS Association. During Messinia Challenge, they will join forces with the participants, implementing a great action of information and registration of new volunteers. Specifically, for three whole days, the mobile unit of the Volunteer Bone Marrow Donor Sample Collection Center of the REA Clinic will be specially installed at the House of Events of Costa Navarino. There, visitors and athletes will be able to get informed and give a sample through a process that is extremely simple, lasting only a few minutes and completely painless. Every new sample collected during the three-day period is not just a participation, but a real hope for a fellow human being who is ill and seeking a compatible donor for the transplant that will grant them life again! 

Melissa Grants Energy, Balance & Recovery Meals at the Messinia Challenge 

Combining intensity on the court with balance at sunset, Melissa participates dynamically in the event, highlighting the importance of proper sports nutrition. The beloved brand invests in the new generation by offering Basketball Clinics for children and adolescents, under the guidance of legends of the sport Evina Maltsi and Joe Arlauckas. Furthermore, it supports Sunset Pilates with the team of physical education professor Mandy Persaki, combining exercise with a setting of absolute tranquility. An ally for participants at every step is the innovative Melissa High Protein pasta series, with a new enhanced recipe with 25g of protein per 100g, which is a source of energy before and after training. Putting the message "At the heart of every moment" into practice, Melissa will be at the heart of the race with the characteristic Melissa Van on Sunday at the finish line of the running races, to distribute nutritious recovery meals, rich in carbohydrates and protein, to young and old runners! 
  
Vlaha Offers First Dives in the Pool 

Vlaha ensures the ideal first contact of infants with water in the context of Messinia Challenge. Through the Baby Swimming Lessons, held with the support of Red Swim Academy & Swim O’ Clock, a modified environment of absolute affection and safety is offered for children up to 3 years old accompanied by their parents. This action reflects the brand's philosophy which has remained unchanged for decades: care with pure ingredients and traditional value. Besides, Vlaha trachanas, which has been handmade since 1965, is synonymous with the authentic taste that grows generations upon generations, offering the nutritional basis for a healthy start in life. 

Feeju Offers Natural Energy 

Feeju brings natural stimulation and a strong dose of sportsmanship to the Messinia Challenge, inviting participants to a fun Knock Out Challenge. Through this beloved and extremely popular basketball skill game, everyone is given the opportunity to have fun, test their skills, and compete in an atmosphere of absolute joy and excitement, because for Feeju every effort counts, whether it is the shot that will bring you closer to victory, or the small daily energy boost that keeps you moving. Allies in this effort are the company's natural juices in "shot" form. Enriched with beneficial ingredients, vitamins, and minerals, Feeju's wellness shots are specifically designed for immediate, effective absorption and maximum health benefits, completely free of preservatives, sugar, additives, or dyes. These innovative products will accompany various wellness activities throughout the three-day period, naturally giving their dynamic "presence" to Sunday's running races as well, to grant the necessary, clean energy to all runners!

5

Trace ‘n Chase Unites Authentic Basketball Culture with Social Contribution! 

Based in Thessaloniki, Trace ‘n Chase, a company specializing in sports trading cards and memorabilia, is the official representative in Europe for top brands in the field, such as Panini, Upper Deck, Topps, and Fanatics. In this year's Messinia Challenge, the company gives a dynamic "presence" at the 4on4 basketball tournament, connecting the passion for the sport with modern collecting culture. On a court where Olympians, professionals, and amateur athletes coexist and compete together, Trace ‘n Chase highlights the values of teamwork and fair play, while offering a high-level experience to basketball fans. At the same time, the company's participation also has a huge social footprint. The first collectible sports items for the auction of the great initiative "To Save a Child" will be exhibited at the event venue. Several of these unique exhibits will be immediately available through the “Buy Now” process. All funds from these purchases will be automatically and directly directed to the bank accounts of the 12 NGOs that the event actively supports, demonstrating in practice the power of sports to offer substantial hope!

Bacardi, the authentic rum from the Caribbean

Bacardi rum is inextricably linked to enjoyable cocktails like the iconic Bacardi Mojito and carefree moments by the waves. In this year's Messinia Challenge, Bacardi rum brings the spirit of celebration, sociability, and summer carefreeness, supporting the impressive King of the Court Mixed Beach Volley Tournament at the idyllic The Dunes Beach. Participants will have the opportunity to live the intensity and rhythm of a fast and spectacular tournament from Triantafyllidis Beach Arena. In this unique setting, sports meets lifestyle, giving the joy of participation to those seeking action in the sand, but also to those looking forward to the ultimate summer cocktail, the Bacardi Mojito.

The ultimate digital visitor's guide

Step into the new digital era with the event's ultimate guide! Download the Messinia Challenge App now (designed by Mind the Ad) on iOS and Android. For the first time in Greece, a sporting event innovates to such a degree: the Messinia Challenge becomes the first Greek event to present a comprehensive app cut and sewn exclusively to the needs of the visitor. It is not just another live tracking application for running times. It is a complete, interactive digital "companion" that upgrades the overall hospitality experience! Only through the application will you have direct access to real-time updates, the full three-day schedule, as well as exclusive discount coupons from our sponsors. Don't wait, live the Messinia Challenge experience to the fullest with one click! 

Wilson Signs the Ultimate Basketball Experience

Wilson, the leading sports equipment company worldwide, is represented in Greece by Fais Group and is the ultimate synonym of authentic basketball culture, standing out over time for the innovation and unparalleled quality of its products. In this year's Messinia Challenge, the historic company gives a dynamic "presence" as the exclusive basketball game sponsor. The iconic Wilson balls will star, giving the rhythm to the demanding Corporate Tournament, while at the same time they will be in the hands of young and old at the special basketball clinics that will be held under the guidance of great legends of the sport, ensuring a completely professional experience on the court! 

Timeless Aesthetics from PETROS TASOULIS FINE JEWELLERY 

PETROS TASOULIS jewelry, with a history starting from 1970, is a synonym of timeless elegance and high aesthetics. With a steady focus on quality and innovation, every creation reflects the art of detail and the value of authenticity. In this year's Messinia Challenge, the PETROS TASOULIS brand participates dynamically in the context of a top sporting event. With an impressive exhibition space at the official Gala, participants will have the opportunity to get to know its creations up close and at the same time will benefit from exclusive offers through the event's official app. 

Platinum Sponsor is Miele.
Gold Sponsors are MOTODYNAMICS Group, Hellmann’s, The North Face.
Official Hospitality Sponsors are Costa Navarino and the hotels The Westin Resort Costa Navarino and The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort.
Silver Sponsors are Gruppo Cucine, JYSK, NIO member of the MOTODYNAMICS Group, KORRES, Melissa.
Premium Mobility Partner is SIXT member of the MOTODYNAMICS Group. 
Official Water is VIKOS Natural Mineral Water.
Official Airline is SKY express
Official Coffee Partner is Buondi Craft.
Bronze Sponsors are Dipnosofistirion Group, Solgar, Napapijri, Icebreaker, Patron
Sports Memorabilia Partner is Trace ‘n Chase. 
Official Running Apparel Partner is 42K Running. 
Official Logistics Partner is Pilia Express. 
Official Functional Shot Partner is Feeju
Partners are Messinian Nest, Municipality of Pylos - Nestor, Alpha Estate, Nexion Hellas, Hyperice, Marshall, Objects We Love. 
Official Medical Partner is City Hospital Clinic. 
Official Game Basketball is Wilson.
Authentic Flavor Partner is Navarino Icons. 
Official Optics Partner are Kois Optics. 
Supporters are Evenly, Messinia Transfer, Physio-Treat, Spira Marble Art Gallery – Grigoris Kouskouris, Messinian Spa. 
Official Life Care Partner is REA Clinic.
Official Jewellery Partner is the company PETROS TASOULIS JEWELLERY EST.1970.
Integrity Services Provider is EAGLE Sports Integrity Services.
Helpers are Knorr, Vlaha, Anatomic Line, Humanity Greece, Karalis Beach Hotel, Karalis City Hotel, Memmos Dairy, Rania’s Flower, Vita N Travel, Silk Gonos.
Premium TV Partner is SKAI
Premium Media Partner is Liquid Media.
Athletic Partners are F45 Barrio Salamanca, Falcons Football Academy, FitnessArt, Joint Athens, Messiniakos, Moraitis Outdoors, Moraitis Watersports, Mouratoglou Tennis Center Costa Navarino, Navarino Golf Academy, Pilates by Mandy, Red Swim Academy, Swim O’Clock, Tennis Hold’em Club, The Art of Calisthenics, Triantafyllidis Beach Arena.
The event is held under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, the Greek National Tourism Organization, and the Region of Peloponnese.

The strategic design, production, and communication of the event are signed by the award-winning sports tourism company ActiveMedia Group.

#messiniachallenge #sportsunitespeople #costanavarino

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Wednesday, 18 February 2015 12:40

Gytheio

Gythio is located in middle south of Peloponese at the center of the Laconian Gulf. It is a lively, charming little harbour town. Most of its houses are two- or three-storey neo-classical mansions, stuck to the steep side of the Mt. "Koumaros". A long sea-side promenade, the colourful fishing boats, the narrow streets and stairways produce the typical Greek environment which fascinates every visitor.

 

There are not really mentionable ancient objects to be studied in Gythio. From its ancient past, only a small Roman theatre was left by an earthquake that destroyed the city in the 4th century. So, every visitor is free to just enjoy the Greek life of the present.

Gythio is protected by spurs of the mighty Taygetos mountain range. Its highest "Profitis Ilias", with 2.407 m the highest mountain on the whole Peloponese, makes a marvellous background scene. From November to May, the snow-white peaks are a magnificent sight behind the deep blue sea.

A little island called "Kranai" and connected with the mainlaind by a short dam, protects the port of Gythio town from the open sea. It is a beautiful place with pine-trees and an ideal view-point to overlook the gulf towards the Parnon mountain range in the east and Taygetos in the north-west. As it is reported by Homer, the island was the first refuge of Helen and Paris on their journey to Troy. According to the myth, Paris forgot his helmet on the islet as he was leaving - hence its name, since in Greek a helmet is calles "kranos". An interesting site on Kranai is the restored Tzannetakis Tower, a Maniot fortress-residence belonging to the Tzannetakis-Grigorakis families. It was donated to the state and currently houses the History and Ethnology Museum of Mani. Also worth visiting are the chapel of Agios Petros and the octagonal lighthouse of 22 m height, built in 1873 of tenarian marble.

There are many beaches around of Gythio and the largest one is Mavrovouni-beach. Because of its length of several kilometers it will never get crowded - just during the first half of August, when nearly all Greek people are on holiday, it may become a little more lively. In the afternoon, usually a perfect wind for wind-surfing will raise, and you can also hire a board and take lessons by the "Ocean Cafe". Mavrovouni beach is one of the favourite places for the "caretta-caretta" sea turtles to lay their eggs in the sand. The nests are surveyed and protected of the Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece called ARCHELON.

In 2007 the beach of Mavrovouni was awarded the BLUE FLAG. The Blue Flag award is both based on all the bathing water quality results of the previous year and of the current year of the award. This means that only beaches with excellent bathing water quality standards in the previous year will be eligible for the Blue Flag award.

Source: Insidemani.gr

The first meeting between Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and the President of European Parliament Martin Schulz took place in Athens on Thursday in a tense atmosphere, after the spat over the imposition of further sanctions against Russia.

During the two-hour meeting, which Mr. Schulz called “tiring”, there was some tension, however as the European official noted in the subsequent press conference, he was pleased with Mr. Tsipras intention to submit proposals to discuss.

Regarding the renegotiation which the Greek government is aiming for, both sides came to some agreement on tax evasion and tackling corruption, although it should be noted that Mr. Schulz does not have authority on this matter. Nevertheless, there was a mutual understanding that further time was necessary for the deliberation to begin.

The three main points of discussion were tackling tax evasion, transparency, the efficiency of public administration and the introduction of tax system based on an wealth list; the Greek government’s willingness to work towards primarily balanced budgets, with the downward revision of primary surplus goals up to 2020; funding the country’s productive reconstruction through a new investment deal, NSRF and the exclusion of public investment from the fiscal deficit target.

To read more, please visit tovima.gr/en

Thursday, 18 June 2015 07:00

100 Days Of Solitude - Daphne Kapsali

How far do you need to go to find yourself?
What do you have to give up?

Daphne didn't go very far. After too many years of living as a writer who didn't write, she gave up her life in London to spend 100 days of solitude on the remote Greek island of Sifnos, off season, and find out, once and for all, who she really was. Her challenge: to write every day.

One hundred days and one hundred entries later, her question had been answered in more ways than she could have imagined, and the things she'd given up never mattered in the first place. This book is her story, as personal as it is universal, of the most obvious and most fundamental quest of all: to be happy; to do what you love.
Part memoir, part fiction, part philosophy and part travel writing, 100 days of solitude is a collection of one hundred stories, all of them connected and each one self-contained.

To find out more about this book, please visit Daphne's site at: Daphne Kapsali

Available on Amazon
China Greece Times, a community newspaper in the Chinese language published in Greece since 2005, has launched a Greek-language section.

“Our readers used to be Chinese who live and work in Greece but also Chinese visitors to the country,” the paper’s editor-in-chief, Lydia Liang, tells Kathimerini. “However, as our two peoples had come so much closer over the past two years and the two governments are working closer together, we decided to expand to a Greek audience.”

The new edition forms a bridge of communication for many Greeks, mainly businessmen who are interested in expanding their activities to the Asian powerhouse.

“Many Greeks want to know more about the real China by reading Chinese news firsthand,” says Liang.

“There are already businessmen who have found partners in China and expanded their activities, such as Coco-Mat with its mattresses, Vianex with pharmaceuticals and Boutaris wines,” notes journalist Giorgos Tzogopoulos, an expert on Greek-Chinese relations who is also one of the newspaper’s columnists and founder of the website www.chinaandgreece.com. “Language has always been an obstacle and with this initiative we are removing it.”

Tzogopoulos admits that the political uncertainty in Greece is making potential Chinese investors hesitate, but in the meantime, “they are waiting and are interested in making acquaintances in the Greek business community.”

To read more, please visit: Ekathimerini
Thursday, 08 February 2018 07:00

6 Secret Beaches You Will Love In Greece

Romantic holiday or not, who wouldn't want to find a secret cove or a hidden beach where all you will find is yourself and the sea? Luckily in Greece, there are plenty of islands to find a secluded paradise and Greek City Times is here to help! Below is a list of 6 secret beaches in Greece you will definitely fall in love with.

Afales Beach, Ithaca

Ithaca, the destination of Odysseus and the symbolic end of his adventures, is one of the greatest islands of the Ionian Sea, with so many reasons to visit it! Afales beach is one of the most charming ones and totally secluded.

Seychelles, Ikaria

Ikaria is an island known for its wild beauty, but most importantly, known for its population’s longevity. One of the most magnificent beaches is Seychelles, with bright white and grey pebbles, blue- turquoise water, surrounded by cove scenery. Seychelles is located approximately 25 kilometers from Agios Kirikos, near the village Manganitis.

Voutoumi beach, Antipaxos

The island of Antipaxos is a small one near the well known Paxoi. The truth is that during the last years Antipaxos is becoming popular and due to its small size and easy access from Paxoi, it is often crowded. Nevertheless, Voutoumi beach tends to differentiate. It’s a quiet and hidden part, which you can access by a pathway.

To read this article in full, please visit: Greek City Times
Following the growing trend towards artist-run initiatives in the global art scene, FokiaNou Art Space will take part in an international art fair specifically for artist-run spaces, presenting the exhibition “FokiaNou Goes to Supermarket”, curated by Mary Cox and Panagiotis Voulgaris. FokiaNou will exhibit nine of its artists at Supermarket 19, Stockholm Independent Art Fair, in Stockholm, Sweden, 4-7 April, 2019. Initiated and run mostly by artists since 2007, Supermarket Art Fair is a showcase for independent, artist-run spaces all over the world, providing international exposure and the opportunity for collaboration and networking to such spaces. The fair has hosted exhibitors from more than 60 countries, becoming one of Sweden’s biggest art events, and has firmly established Stockholm on the art world map. In addition to the main exhibition, which takes place at Sickla Front, Uddvagen, the fair hosts a Talks and Performances program, meetings and networking events, and offers an internationally distributed Supermarket Art Magazine. https://supermarketartfair.com

FokiaNou Art Space is an artist-run project space in an intimate, small apartment in an old building in Athens. FokiaNou encourages collaborative creative efforts between Greek and foreign artists, and promotes the local art community. Founded in 2014, the non-commercial space hosts exhibitions, workshops, talks and performances under the direction of two artists, Mary Cox and Panagiotis Voulgaris. This is the first time an Athens initiative will participate in the fair, and also the first time FokiaNou Art Space will participate in an international event. At Supermarket 2019 FokiaNou presents artists whose work reflects the current climate in Athens: diverse, creative, difficult but at the same time optimistic. John Bicknell, Mary Cox, Panajotis Daramaras, Sarah Ettlinger, Jane Grover, Nikos Podias, Ioanna Terlidou, Iliana Theodoropoulou, and Panagiotis Voulgaris will show work ranging from painting to art books, textiles, video, and mixed media. http://www.fokianou247.gr

Participating Artists: John Bicknell, Mary Cox, Panajotis Daramaras, Sarah Ettlinger, Jane Grover, Nikos Podias, Ioanna Terlidou, Iliana Theodoropoulou, and Panagiotis Voulgaris
Friday, 06 November 2020 11:04

Second Lockdown In Greece

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced on Thursday that Greece will enter a second national lockdown on November 7 for three weeks until November 30th.
 
“In the last 5 days, we have seen an exponential increase in cases,” said the Prime Minister while addressing the Greek people in a national broadcast.
 
The significant rise in hospitalizations, incubations, and the number of patients in Intensive Care Units (ICU's), and the low ratio of hospital admissions and discharges has led the government to put Greece on a second lockdown.

Click here to learn about safety measures that will be implemented during the lockdown.
 
Click here to see what SMS to send when you need to go outdoors.

Click here to read about symptoms and how to protect yourself.



 
On the occasion of World No Tobacco Day, on May 31st, a smoking cessation clinic is piloted by the Municipality of Athens, under the guidance of pulmonologists from the Hellenic Thoracic Society and specialized psychologists. This project aims to inform citizens about the dangers of smoking, as well as teach them practical tips to help break their nicotine addiction.

The Smoking Cessation Clinic starts in June, through four weekly group sessions, under the supervision of the Deputy Mayor of Health and Education Manolis Kalambokas. The long-term goal is for the clinic to be established permanently in the city's Municipal Health Clinics.

The clinic's main goal is to make quitting smoking easier and safer, as well as encourage those who are not yet ready to kick their cigarette habit for good.

The following actions will take place: 
  • Detailed briefing on the effects of smoking and the benefits of quitting. 
  • Preventive medical examination of the cardiorespiratory system.
  • Application of international smoking cessation guidelines, according to which a combination of personalized counseling and medication increases success rates.
  • Provide support to those who have managed to quit in order to prevent relapsing. 

Are you are interested in participating in the program or want more information?
Please call 210 2015510, from 09:00 until 14:00 every day, until June 5th. 

On May 26th, the Municipality of Athens will host an online press conference at the Serafio Swimming Pool by the Hellenic Thoracic Society in collaboration with the Hellenic Society of Cardiology.

At the same time, the Hellenic Thoracic Society will organize a set of actions to inform people about quitting smoking and its benefits: 
  • On May 30th and 31st, a short informative video for World No Tobacco Day will be shown in central parts of Athens.
  • On May 31st, the fountain of Omonia will be illuminated as part of the antismoking initiatives.
Finally, on Wednesday, June 2nd at 19:30, the Municipality of Athens and the Smoking Cessation and Public Health Promotion Team of the Hellenic Thoracic Society will organize an informative online scientific day for students and their parents on the prevention of addictive behaviors, with the participation of specialized pulmonologists and pediatricians.


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


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