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The countdown has begun for the Porto Carras Pro-Am Aegean Mini Tour golf tournament, which will take place from May 14 to May 18, 2024, in one of the most beautiful and idyllic landscapes of Greece, at the Porto Carras Grand Resort, on the peninsula of Sithonia, in Halkidiki.

FootGolf with the European champions

The event’s schedule brings several surprises and side activities. With the assistance of the tournament’s Official Airline Partner, AEGEAN, an exciting FootGolf event will be held for the first time at the Porto Carras Grand Resort. On Friday, May 17, football legends and European champions such as among others Kostas Katsouranis, Angelos Basinas, Giourkas Seitaridis, and Takis Fyssas, who won the Euro 2004 with the Greek national team, as well as the international Greek football players Giannis Amanatidis and Lazaros Christodoulopoulos will be invited to place a football into holes larger than those found in golf with as few strokes as possible. The rules of the game closely resemble those of golf, promising an entertaining sport blending elements of football and golf, ensuring a delightful experience filled with fun and joy.

The competition

The schedule of the Porto Carras Pro-Am Aegean Mini Tour, at the award-winning Porto Carras Grand Resort, recognized as the top golf hotel in Greece at the Greek Hospitality Awards 2023, will start on Wednesday, May 15, with a practice round for all participants, while the event will greet its guests at the Welcome Cocktail by Domaine Porto Carras.

On Thursday, May 16, the 1st round of the Pro-Am will take place, and on Friday, May 17, the 2nd round will follow.

On Saturday, May 18, the competition will conclude with the Open Tournament for professionals and the Individual for amateurs starting at 08:30 am.
Participation of great golf professionals

Already, top golfers from Greece and abroad such as Federico Elli (PGA of Italy), Henrik Engdahl (PGA of Sweden), and Boris Chakarov (PGA of Bulgaria) have confirmed their participation. Registrations continue to finalize the number of teams participating.

The format of the Pro-Am tournament

The participating golfers will form teams of four consisting of one professional and three amateurs. The event uses the Stableford system, which rewards both team and individual performance as the basis for scoring. In the team score, the two best scores achieved by each team are calculated in the total score. In the individual score, for professionals, Individual Strokeplay applies, where each professional player competes individually to achieve the lowest possible score throughout the game, while for amateurs, Individual Stableford applies, where they compete individually based on the Stableford system, earning points according to their performance on each hole.

Wine Tasting for a good cause

Domaine Porto Carras, the largest unified organic vineyard in Greece supports the event as a Platinum Sponsor and on Thursday, May 16, will organize two Wine Tasting Sessions for the event’s guests. Participants will have the opportunity to experience firsthand the new era of Domaine Porto Carras and taste the exquisite varieties of the historic vineyard. At the same time, Porto Carras Pro-Am Aegean Mini Tour will reinforce, with the support of Domaine Porto Carras, the Parents Association of Children with Neoplastic Diseases of Northern Greece “LAMPSI”.

Golf Lessons for Beginners

On Saturday, May 18, non-golfers will have the opportunity to participate in a Golf Clinic. They will learn the basic principles of the Olympic sport of golf and have fun improving their flexibility, concentration, and mental health.

The schedule of the Porto Carras Pro-Am Aegean Mini Tour will conclude with the Awards Gala Dinner, where the winners at team and individual levels will be awarded.

The only golf course in Northern Greece, with 18 holes and par 72, overlooking the Aegean Sea and the stunning pine forests on Mount Itamos, provides a spectacular setting for all participants. Professionals and amateurs will enjoy the perfect destination, playing golf amidst the vineyards of the estate, the impressive three lakes of the course, pine trees, and olive trees making the game even more exciting.

The first Pro-Am golf tournament held on the renovated golf course is expected to be highly competitive, with participation from professional and amateur athletes from around the world, and professional golfers competing for the total prize money that can amount up to €16,500.

Porto Carras Pro-Am is organized by Porto Carras Golf under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, the Greek National Tourism Organization, the PGA of Greece, a member of the Confederation of Professional Golf, and the major sponsor, AEGEAN.

The sports marketing agency of the year ActiveMedia Group is responsible for the event’s Golf Production.

The Official Airline of the tournament is AEGEAN, a member of the leading airline alliance, Star Alliance. For the 12th consecutive year and 13th overall, AEGEAN is declared the passengers’ top preference and wins the title of “Best Regional Airline in Europe” according to the Skytrax World Airline Awards 2023.

The event’s sponsors:

Platinum Sponsor: Domaine Porto Carras
Official Airline: AEGEAN
Gold Sponsors: Lidl, Auto Hellas Hertz, Play Kids
Silver Sponsors: Miele, Quantos
Bronze Sponsors: Souroti, Olga Karaververi


Registrations for the Porto Carras Pro-Am 2024 Aegean Mini Tour continue through the official website of Porto Carras HERE!


Special accommodation packages and flight offers with AEGEAN are available for guests interested in staying at Porto Carras Meliton and participating in the full schedule of the Porto Carras Pro-Am 2024 Aegean Mini Tour. For the best service of all participants regarding registrations, accommodations, and flight tickets, you can send an email to: reservations2(at)portocarras.com or call: +30 2375 077000.

#portocarrasproam #aegeanminitour #portocarras

Porto Carras

Porto Carras Grand Resort is the historic iconic resort that has contributed significantly to the establishment of luxury tourism in Greece, especially in Halkidiki. For 50 years, it has been offering high-level services and authentic Greek hospitality to its guests in an environment of unparalleled beauty and intense contrasts. Located alongside a sandy coastline of 9 kilometers and surrounded by a verdant area of 18,000 acres, with gardens under the shade of pine trees dressing the slopes of Mount Meliton. Its facilities include an 18-hole golf course, the biggest organic vineyard in Greece, a spa and wellness center, restaurants with high-level gastronomy, a casino and a marina that provides integrated services. In addition, a wide range of sports and cultural activities on land and sea are available to visitors of all ages.

Website:
www.portocarras.com
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556927558708 
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/portocarrasgolf/
Thursday, 25 June 2020 13:26

Amorgos - The Big Blue

Did you know that the 1988 movie The Big Blue with Jean Reno was shot on the island of Amorgos, at the southeastern edge of the Cyclades? Parts of the island reach a considerable height above sea level, offering superb views out over the Archipelago, Amorgos is one of the most impressive Cycladic islands, boasting marvelous beaches with azure waters, gorgeous caves, ideal spots for diving, scenic bays and ancient footpaths leading through its steep rocky terrain.

Inhabited since the Protocycladic Era, as indicated by archaeological finds brought to light in the area, Amorgos has a long cultural history and tradition. Step off the beaten track and visit an island that has preserved its traditional color, where the locals welcome you with a smile on their face and make you feel at home!

Town of Amorgos (Hora)

Built at the center of the island and surrounded by rocky hills, the maze-like Hora of Amorgos is considered to be one of the most picturesque in the Cyclades! Here you can admire a breathtaking setting with scenic squares, traditional Cycladic houses with bougainvillea trees in their courtyards, and Lilliputian whitewashed alleys. In the morning you can wander around the narrow streets, visit the 13th-century castle and the monasteries or relax at a local coffee shop; in the evening pick one of the cozy bars and tavernas scattered around Hora’s streets and squares and enjoy local specialties accompanied by a shot of “psiméni” raki! Don’t be surprised if you come across a big group of people enjoying an impromptu feast - it is a very common event on the island- feel free to join in!

Katapola

Katapola is the main harbor of the island as well as a haven for boats and small cruise ships. Set off on a boat trip from Katapola and explore the island’s sun-kissed beaches!

Aigiali

Aigiali, the second harbor of Amorgos, is popular with young people as it is the site of the island’s campsite. Along its lively waterfront, you will find plenty of cafes and restaurants. Perched on a mountain behind Aigiali there are three picturesque villages: Tholaria, Lagkada, and Potamos; visit them at the end of the day when the sunset is beautiful.


To learn more about Amorgos, please visit: visitgreece.gr

Greek crops have been added to the list of the safest fruit and vegetables in the European Union, in regards to excessive use of pesticide residue, according to data released by the Food and Feed Safety Alerts (RASFF), for the first half of 2014.

Commenting on the statistics, the special advisor to the Association of Greek Export and Consignment Enterprises for Fruit, Vegetables and Juices INCOFRUIT – HELLAS, Giorgos Polichronakis, said: “Turkey showed the most cases of excessive use of pesticide residue in fruit and vegetables during the reported period, with 38 cases (34 of which were peppers) followed by Egypt with 16. Ranked third, with 12 cases, are countries such as India, the Dominican Republic and Nigeria. Spain has been reported with 5 cases, while the Netherlands and Morocco have 5 and four 4 cases respectively.”

The most notices for excessive use were submitted in Bulgaria (35), followed by Italy (21), the Netherlands (19), the United Kingdom (19) and France (18).

To read more, please visit greenmed.eu

Friday, 06 March 2015 12:34

Halkidiki Introduces Itself to Europe

There is an old joke that Greeks tell among themselves. A Northern Greek gets to swim in the sea of paradise, but once he comes out of the water and is asked whether he enjoyed it, his reply is "It was nice, but not as good as Halkidiki." People in Halkidiki do not brag for nothing. Home of Aristotle and Mt. Athos’ monastic community, founded in the 9th century, the region’s three peninsulas stand out for their natural beauty, history and spirituality.

Local agents boast an industrious campaign to boost tourism in the area. During the last East Med Tourism Exhibition, in Istanbul (22-25.01), local authorities had forty B2B meetings with Turkish business people, in an effort to raise arrivals above 3,000, which was recorded in 2014. A charter flight from Ankara is expected to accommodate this target. Direct flights seem to have worked well also in the case of the Netherlands.

Halkidiki was visited by 3,500 Dutch in 2014 but the figure is expected to double in the current year. A direct flight from Amsterdam to Thessaloniki made it easier for tourists to reach the peninsulas.

To read more, please visit greeknewsagenda.gr

In terms of greeness, Athens doesn't even come close to other European capitals with their verdant parks and blossoming gardens. The truth is, modern urban development has not been particularly gentle with this city.  Numerous concrete buildings, along with poor road designs, hem in inhabitants and visitors with featureless views.  Thankfully, there are some oases in the cement desert that offer the hungry local or tourist a lush respite in which to enjoy a meal or drink.

Just behind Parliament lies the Ethnikos Kipos, or National Gardens, the indisputable green heart of the city.  Back in 1836, Queen Amalia had envisaged the Royal Gardens to follow the European models of the era, and so agronomist Frederick Schmidt, director of the gardens for almost 30 years, planted native flora from Cape Sounion and the island of Euboea, as well as many species from abroad that were suited to the Attica climate. Today, the gardens are home to more than 50,000 trees and shrubs and are open to visitors from morning to dusk.  The gardens' cafe sits at the Irodou Attikou entrance, with retro green tables arraying symmetrically in the relaxing shade of the alleyway.  After a morning walk, why not enjoy a cup of Greek coffee?  The menu offers dishes such as tzatziki, octopus stewed in vinegar sauce marinated anchovies and meatballs with potatoes.  It's pretty pricey though - be warned.

A few steps from Syntagma metro, a heavy iron gate stands guard over the former residence of the German archeologist Heinrich Schliemann.  Desinged by none other than the eminent Ernst Ziller, the architect of many of Athens' royal and municipal buildings, the Renaissance-inspired structure was named Iliou Melathron, or Trojan Mansion, in tribute to the owner's passion for the mythical city of Troy (also known as Ilion).  Iliou Melathron is now home to the Numismatic Museum, and the beautiful garden, where Schliemann spent hours planting and tending his trees, still includes many species of of Greek flora, with reproductions of ancient Greek statues peeking through the folige.

To read more, please visit: Culinary Backstreets 
Thursday, 08 October 2015 07:00

Top Flea Markets In Athens

In the heart of buzzing Athens there are a lot of open markets selling anything from food and spices to vintage clothing, antiques and souvenirs. Even if you don’t want to shop a walk into the flea market is a great way to get the real vibe of Athens.

Here is a list of the top flea markets in the centre of Athens:

Monastiraki Flea Market
Monastiraki flea market starts next to Monastiraki metro station.  It's not an actual flea market, but a collection of small shops.  Here you can buy almost anything, form clothing, jewellery, cheap souvenirs like t-shirts, toy exzone soldiers, marble Greek statues, postcards and quality souvenirs like backgammon sets, Byzantine icons, traditional Greek products, musical instruments and leather goods.  In Monastiraki flea market you will find almost everything.  Near the flea market there ar ea lot of cafes where you can stop for a refreshment and watch the people passing by.  Early in the morning and late at night when the shops are closed, all the shop fronts are covered with street art, which is totally worth checking out.

Platia Avissinias Flea Market
Every Sunday at Avissynias Square, just off Ifaistou Street, the central street of Monastiraki flea market, there is a bazaar.  There are vendors selling antiques from furniture to old books and recornds to anything you can imagine.  Some have no value at all, but you can also find a lot of bargins.  There are some cozy cafes at the square and Avissynias restaurant with live Greek music and traditional food where you can have a bite and watch all the action of the square.

To read more, please visit: Travel Passionate




Tuesday, 16 February 2016 07:00

Top Things To Do In Metsovo, Greece

Metsovo is a picturesque town situated in the slopes of Mount Pindos in Epirus.  The small town stands at an altitude of 1156 metres and is surrounded by beautiful nature and lush vegetation.  Metsovo is a very popular destination in Greece as it's a place that has kept its character over the years with traditional stone and wood houses.  It offers visitors a variety of activities all year.  Here, Travel Passionate offers her suggestions in things to see and do in Metsovo.

Admire art at the Averoff museum
The museum houses a vast collection from the works of famous Greek painters and sculptors from the 19th and 20th century.

Visit the museum of Folks Art
The museum is housed in the restored Tositsa Manor. On your visit you will be able to see how a traditional house of Metsovo was organized. It has an invaluable collection of old objects.

Walk around the village
Explore the village on foot, walk in the stone alleyways and admire the traditional architecture of the houses and the views of mount Pindos. Make sure you stop at Metsovorama cafe and bar for a coffee and admire the incredible view of the surrounding mountains. There are a couple of churches worth visiting like the church of Agia Paraskevi at the central square of the village and the church of Agios Nikolaos with rare byzantine icons.

To read more, please visit: Travel Passionate







Tuesday, 27 December 2016 07:00

Glug Glug Bang Bang - Borsalino Bar

Enter Borsalino Bar, an intriguing addition to Kolokotroni street serving fine spirits and cocktails with soul and jazz on the speakers. Inspired by the 1930s-set French gangster film of the same name, Borsalino's atmosphere and decor harken back to an era where men wore hats non-ironically. As a result, the cocktails you'll find here are smooth and sophisticated. Try the Borsalino Blues — the seductive libation of bourbon, port, banana, camomile and buttermilk will have you hooked. At Borsalino, just when you think you're out, you get pulled back in.
 
Address: Kolokotroni 59, Plaka, Athens
Hours: Daily, 9 a.m.-3 a.m.
Telephone: 210 323 2222
Facebook Page

To read this article in full, please visit: Savoteur
Thursday, 01 June 2017 07:00

The Dalliance House Restaurant In Kifisia

The Dalliance House Restaurant in Kifisia is in a neoclassical building of 1890 and was originally used as a bourgeois house. The all-day bar restaurant that is now in operation, has iron constructions and plasterboards largely covering the treasure of memories which were trapped underneath and that had to be totally dismantled. Today, three generations later, The Dalliance House in Kifissia, houses the space created by Lefteris Bakopoulos and his colleagues, so we can enjoy it by morning, noon, or evening.

In the main entrance, guests have a general view of the site as it evolves 180 degrees, revealing from left to right, the bar, the corridor leading to the second floor of the building and the petrol blue room. On the left side of the main entrance lies the space of the bar. The playful lights of the bar have lots of personality!

The elements that characterize The Dalliance House are intimate, comfort, and a tendency to create a space where privacy and sociability are combined. It plays on the dichotomy that takes place between the space and its world.

Address: Kiriazi 19, Kifisia
Telephone: 210 62 30 775
 
To read this article in full, please visit: Living Postcards
 
New regulations easing capital controls and raising the maximum monthly cash withdrawal limit to 1800 euros came into effect on September 1st, 2017. The measure was announced and passed as an act of legislative content in early August.

In addition, sums transferred to a bank account from abroad after September 1, 2017 can be taken out of the country once again in full, though only half can be withdrawn as cash.

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