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account from abroad after September 1, 2017 can be taken out of the country once again in full, though only half can be withdrawn as cash.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

It may sound like a joke, but a Vietnamese chef, a French architect and a Greek musician have joined forces to create the funkiest Vietnamese restaurant in Athens. And if you're looking for a more relaxing way to enjoy your coffee, we have put together a list with some fabulous Bookstore cafes in the city!

In case you happen to be in Greece on January 5th and 6th, then here is what you can expect or experience:  In the morning of January 5th, Greek children sing–once again–from door to door. The song they sing is not that known as the Christmas’ or the New Years’ carols, but also beautiful.

Young men will dive or jump in the water and try to catch the holy cross. The person that will catch it, will have a lot of luck this year. Take a look at this video, to get a better idea.

The Epiphany tradition goes back to ancient Greece, and particularly to a feast which was called “Plintiria” (=washing machines). During this feast, the Athenians carried the statue of Athena to the coast of Faliro (close to Piraeus) to wash it in the sea, to make sure it would keep its magic powers.

Don't forget that on January 6th, a lot of people have their Name Day as well: Fotis, Foteini, Theofanis, Theofania, Fani, Ourania, Iordanis. You can wish them: Xronia Polla! Χρόνια Πολλά!

If you want to learn other Greek wishes you can use for Name Days, National Holidays or Social Occasions, you are welcome to download the “Greek Wishes For Social Occasions” FREE eBOOK, including Audio for the correct pronunciation.

Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis launched on Friday, November 5, the GR-eco project on the island of Halki, scheduled to turn the island green.

The project, which will include other islands in the future, aims at providing residents with lower electricity bills, reducing environmental pollution, and upgrading energy and telecommunications infrastructure.

Halki is a little island in the Dodecanese archipelago, located just 6 km west of Rhodes. Still untouched by mass tourism, Halki is the perfect destination either for relaxing vacations away from the bright lights or for a quick getaway from Rhodes island.

The benefit of the project for Halki is estimated to be a total of 180,000-250,000 euros per year, while the “green” energy from the solar energy power plants replaces the electricity production from oil resources from the Rhodes units, resulting in the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions by 1,800 tons per year, the Greek government says.

Halki and the Dodecanese Islands will become sites of dynamic investments in green and cyclical economies, Mitsotakis said, which means cheap electricity and new jobs for the residents.

Residents will work with municipalities to produce the energy they consume, practically nulling the cost of the energy, he explained. “This model of energy democracy can and must become an example for every island, reducing costs on residential bills,” ushering in the era of prosumers, or producers/consumers who take advantage of natural energy sources without additional expense, Mitsotakis noted.

The crisis can become an opportunity under these circumstances, while Greece’s strategic location makes it a hub of energy transfer. “This is the meaning of the recent agreement with Egypt – such agreements turn into shields defending our borders as well,” the premier underlined, urging additional islands and their councils to join the GR-eco islands model.

Earlier in the week, during a speech at the United Nations Conference on Climate Change COP26, he noted that “our pioneering strategy, GR-eco, will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by more than 10 million tons, gradually turning our islands into 100% green and sustainable, autonomous destinations.”

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

The Acropolis of Athens naturally sends eyes skyward to take in the glories of the Parthenon and other buildings atop it, but its best-kept secret is a chamber inside the sacred rock.

The secret chamber of the Acropolis is actually a Byzantine church. Restored in 2017, the Acropolis, once a place of worship, burrows deep into the base of Athens’ most renowned mountain. Above the Dionysus Theater, is the church called Panagia Spilotissa, or the Virgin Mary of the Cave, which was converted from an archaic temple.

Ironically, the church originated as a temple to celebrate the ancient Greek god of festivity and religious madness. Dating back to 320 BC, the cave was a temple dedicated to Dionysus, built by Thrasyllos. Two Ionian pillars still stand on top of the entryway, easily spotted from the pedestrian walkway, the Dionysios Areopagitis, that borders the Acropolis.

Acropolis’ Secret: First an Archaic Monument, Then an Alternative Church

The monument was erected to celebrate Thrasyllos’ victory as the benefactor of a chorus that performed in the annual dramatic festival that honored Dionysus. After the victory, Thrasyllos had the monument constructed. It was again modified in 297 BC, following his son, Thrasyklis, victory to include inscriptions.

The cave was most likely considered sacred long before the construction of the monument. It may have been dedicated to Artemis, the goddess of the hunt. The rock face was cut back to form a flat vertical surface, and the mouth of the cave was enlarged into a rectangular opening. Two broad stone steps led up to the entry.

A Doric marble portico was set at the front of the cave, in imitation of the Propylaea, on the southwest wing of the Acropolis. The structure would have been surmounted with three bronze tripods that served as the actual prizes in the annual competition that involved drama, comedy, and musical performances. The tripods were eventually replaced with a statue of Dionysus.

Best-Preserved Examples of post-Byzantine Hagiography

“The fresco decoration of Panagia Spiliotissa comprises the best-preserved examples of post-Byzantine hagiography in the area of the Acropolis and its slopes,” according to Dr. Konstantinos Boletis. Boletis serves as a restoration architect for the Department/Ephorate of Antiquities of the City of Athens.

The church was one of the “alternative” places to worship that began to emerge in Athens during the sixth century following the decrees sent down by the Byzantine emperors.

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

Described by Bloomberg as "Europe's largest smart city project," the Ellinikon Project by Lamda Development is making waves. Specifically, the publication notes that along the southern coastline of Athens, a long-awaited plan to transform the former airport of the Greek capital into Europe's largest smart city is finally gaining momentum. After a decade of delays, the vision for the Greek project is emerging. The marina tower, expected to be Greece's first skyscraper, is beginning to rise, while the iron skeletons of apartment buildings are taking shape. Standing at the marina, with a view of the Saronic Gulf on one side and the tower on the other, one can envision the future city, boasting open spaces, sustainable energy sources, and abundant greenery, elements currently lacking in Athens.

Spanning 6,200 acres and a 20-minute drive from the city center, the Ellinikon project will transform both the coastline and the country itself. It's the kind of project commonly seen in China or the United Arab Emirates and signifies Greece's resurgence post-crisis. Estimates suggest the project will add 2.5 percentage points to Greece's GDP and create up to 80,000 new jobs, while generating tax revenues exceeding €10 billion after its completion in 2037.

Moreover, it's expected to attract an additional million tourists annually, who can choose between a Mandarin Oriental hotel and an integrated casino-resort for their stay. For those looking to reside permanently in Elliniko, 243 units are already up for sale, with 140 already committed. The Marina Tower apartments, beachfront villas, and residential complexes were the first to sell out, with Lamda announcing property sales revenue of €641 million since last March.

Most buyers were Greek citizens, and the city is expected to house up to 20,000 people in approximately 10,000 homes over the next 13 years. Residents will have access to schools, parks, offices, stores, and even the beach within 15 minutes.

The process to start operations at the Greek project was not easy. When Lamda purchased the plot in 2014, parts of it were filled with the former airport's debris, including abandoned aircraft, while other parts housed refugees and migrants. The waterfront was filled with nightlife establishments and long-forgotten sports facilities, while licensing delays further complicated matters. Greece's near-bankruptcy when the project was proposed made it even more unlikely to start someday, as reported by Bloomberg.

While these challenges have receded, Lamda continues to face a labor shortage. Nearly 7,000 workers will be needed next year when construction begins around the project's commercial center. Lamda currently has around 2,000 employees and is in advanced discussions with contractors to bring in construction workers from other countries. By the end of summer, seven new apartment buildings will be visible from the shore, alongside the skyscraper currently under construction.

By the end of 2024, the skyscraper will reach 100 meters, and the number of beachfront residential buildings under development will skyrocket to 15. It's worth noting that by the end of 2025, a sports center with football fields, tennis courts, and swimming pools will open to the public. In conclusion, Lamda's CEO, Odysseas Athanasiou emphasizes that "by Christmas 2026, we want residents to live in their homes."

Originally published in Greek on: newsbeast.gr

Transladed by: Codico Lab

We arrived at the marina of Kallithea early in the morning, around 7:00, ready to board Cosmos, our companion for the day. For VIP guests, Athens Day Cruise even provides transfers to the marina, which makes the start of the trip effortlessly smooth.

By 7:45, we were sailing off on our adventure and the excitement of a full day at sea was already in the air. The moment we stepped onboard, the Athens Day Cruise staff welcomed us warmly and not just with smiles. They snapped our photo dressed up as tsoliades - it was a fun touch that set the tone as we embarked on our Greek island adventure!

Once inside, we made our way to the deck. For those choosing the VIP option, there’s the comfort of the business-class lounge, but we decided to enjoy the open air outside. Soon enough, a waiter stopped by, warmly cracking a couple of jokes as he took our order. The coffee was tastefully good; not your usual bland “ship coffee,” but a rich and tasty brew that paired perfectly with the morning sea breeze. The menu offered everything from mocktails and cocktails to sandwiches, wraps, and light snacks. In short: plenty of options to keep you nurished and happy during the voyage.

With music accompanying us along the way, the three-hour trip to Hydra didn’t feel long at all. Just before arrival, we got to enjoy live music on deck: a talented bouzouki player filled the air with the sounds of Ta Paidia tou Peiraia. It was one of those moments: the sea, the music, and the undeniable spirit of Greece coming alive around us. Announcements were made in Greek, English, Spanish, and French, making sure everyone felt included.



And then…Hydra. That postcard-perfect port appeared, framed by stone mansions and a fortress-like charm that transports you back in time. A car-free paradise where donkeys replace taxis and cobblestone streets invite you to wander. With almost 2 hours of free time, we were ready to dive into this little slice of heaven.

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Enjoy 22% off your Athens Day Cruise (from €141)! Head to the Athens Day Cruise site and use promo code XPAT10 at checkout.

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For those in the VIP lounge, Athens Day Cruise offers the option to join a guided walking tour of Hydra, a wonderful opportunity to learn about the island’s history, hidden corners, and stories that make it so special.

Back on Cosmos, it was already lunchtime, and the crew had prepared a feast. The buffet, designed by the ship’s chef, was a true “chef’s kiss.” There were plenty of options for vegetarians and vegans, all traditional Greek favorites. We couldn’t resist trying everything: tender chickpeas (revithia), flavorful briam, tender fish kokkinisto, oven-baked potatoes, roasted chicken legs, fusilli with sauce, fresh salad. Each dish was cooked with care and tasted authentically good.

And then came dessert: a melomakarono cookie. It may not have been Christmas, but honestly, who wouldn’t want a taste of one of Greece’s most iconic sweets? Sweet, aromatic — the scent of orange filled the air — with its melt-in-the-mouth texture, it was the perfect ending to the meal.

The one-hour journey to Poros passed quickly, especially after such a lunch. The staff were attentive throughout, clearing plates, checking in with a smile, and making sure everyone felt cared for. It was really impressive how personal the service felt despite the number of people onboard. Music, as always, filled the atmosphere: Greek melodies accompanied our meal, and in the VIP lounge, a pianist entertained guests with Greek tunes.

Poros soon appeared on the horizon, a green island with lush pine trees and calm waters. We had about 50 minutes to explore, just enough time to stroll the waterfront, snap some photos, or pick up a small souvenir.

Next, we headed toward Aegina, a one-hour-and-twenty-minute journey, just enough time to explore Cosmos’ boutique. The 2025 summer collection was stunning: elegant swimsuits, breezy cover-ups, and airy outfits perfect for a Greek vacation (or any vacation, really). The sales attendant was knowledgeable and eager to help. VIP lounge guests also enjoyed special discounts.

We arrived in Aegina with 2 hours to explore, and the timelines for each stop had been clearly explained, repeated many times so everyone was on the same page. This attention to detail from the Athens Day Cruise allowed us to fully relax and be completely present in the moment. Aegina itself was lively and fun, a pistachio lover’s dream. Tens of kiosks sold pistachio in every form imaginable: pasteli, bars, yogurt, ice cream — heavenly for anyone who loves this iconic Greek nut. The two-hour visit was perfectly paced to wander a bit, snap photos, or simply soak in the island vibes.

With only an hour and a half remaining until we got back to Athens, the ship readied for the finale: Greek party time! As the sun dipped toward the horizon and fairy lights flickered, dancers in traditional attire guided us through dances from all over Greece, from the Kalamatiano and Milo mou Kokkino, to Kotsaris, Pentozali, and, of course, the grand finale with Zorbas and sirtaki. Guests were even invited for a short dance lesson to show off their moves!

The DJ, a true crowd-pleaser, kept the energy sky-high, so much so that a visiting Mexican group even jumped in with their traditional beats, for a truly international party! Dancing spilled out across the ship, and even folks strolling along the Kallithea marina joined in the fun. The combination of music, lights, and the Aegean breeze made it feel like a floating festival.

By the time we docked, we were buzzing with joy, laughter, and memories of a day perfectly spent between breathtaking islands, good food, and the Greek spirit that’s impossible not to fall in love with.

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Enjoy 22% off your Athens Day Cruise (from €141)! Head to the Athens Day Cruise site and use promo code XPAT10 at checkout.

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Do We Recommend Athens One Day Cruise? Yes!

This cruise is a unique way for someone who wants to catch a glimpse of 3 Greek islands, all within a day’s journey from Athens. From Hydra, voted one of the most beautiful islands in the world, to Poros, to Aegina, each stop offers its own unique charm. For us, what truly made the day memorable were the people and the energy aboard Cosmos.

The staff’s warmth and attention to detail were remarkable - true to their roots of Greek hospitality. The combination of food, music, and culture created an experience that was far more than a cruise. It was a taste of Greek culture. Dancing to traditional music, savoring authentic flavors, enjoying live performances, and sharing laughter with fellow travelers all blended together to form a day full of joy.

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Enjoy 22% off your Athens Day Cruise (from €141)! Head to the Athens Day Cruise site and use promo code XPAT10 at checkout.

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