XpatAthens

Wednesday, 06 April 2022 13:13

10 Years Navarino Challenge

The best wellness event in Europe and second in the world, Navarino Challenge, returns with its key message “sports unites people”, bringing all people together, without discrimination while celebrating with them its 10 years of presence through sports, tourism and the history of Messinia.

Amateur and professional athletes from Greece and abroad will participate in the celebration of sports tourism that will be held on October 21-23, 2022, at Costa Navarino and Pylos.

More than 30 sports activities, with the presence of Olympic athletes alongside amateur athletes of all ages and abilities, compose this year’s Navarino Challenge, which now bears its new, 10-year anniversary logo.

Enjoy here the teaser video of Navarino Challenge 2022.

Running in the magical Voidokilia - Register now

The participants will have the opportunity to run again this year crossing the dreamy beach of Voidokilia, with the Greek-American ultramarathon runner Konstantinos Dean Karnazes. The remarkable athlete will visit our country this year with his entire family and as a leading ambassador will strengthen for another year the participation of the Greek-American community that began 10 years ago.

Runners can secure their participation from now on and take advantage of the early bird prices, by completing the available form through the following link.

Honored guests from 2013 until today

Since 2013, the year that Navarino Challenge started, the event has honored great sports personalities who will be present again this year such as Panagiotis Giannakis, Konstantinos Dean Karnazes, Periklis Iakovakis, Alexandros Nikolaidis, Michalis Triantafyllidis and Dimitris Theodorakakos.

One of this year’s honorees will be the European champion and 11-time triathlon champion in Greece Grigoris Souvatzoglou.

The new ambassadors of Navarino Challenge

Navarino Challenge brings new personalities to its 10th anniversary. The Navarino Challenge team is strengthened with:

Christina Flampouri, the only Greek woman who has conquered the 7 highest peaks in the world, who will be responsible for the indoor climbing activity
and Georgia Kaltsi, the great wheelchair, basketball and fencing athlete

Navarino Challenge at the top of the 2022 Sports Marketing Awards

The award-winning sports tourism event Navarino Challenge excelled for another year at the Sports Marketing Awards, the institution that highlights the “champions” of Sports Marketing in Greece, receiving a total of 7 awards. More specifically, the event received 3 Gold Awards in the “Most Innovative Use of Content Creators & Influencers”, “Running & Live Well” and “Best Native Advertising Campaign” categories, 3 Silver Awards in the “Sports Tourism”, “Best Strategy for Branding” and “Kids / Youth / Grassroots” categories, as well as 1 Bronze Award in the “Best New Sponsorship” category for the sponsorship of Nestle Fitness, proving its steady upward trend, credibility and innovation as an event in the field of sports and tourism.

Accolade in the #BeactiveHellas program among 700 events

Navarino Challenge, which highlights the authentic values of the sports ideal, with activities that promote the Olympic spirit and participation of people of all ages, while educating young people alongside model athletes and Olympians, was distinguished among more than 700 events from the #BeactiveHellas program of the European Commission which is held under the auspices of the General Secretariat of Sports.

Costa Navarino and The Westin Resort Costa Navarino are the Official Hospitality Sponsors.

Navarino Challenge will take place under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, whose mission is the formulation of the tourism policy and the executive planning of the tourist development of Greece.

The event is organized by ActiveMedia Group which is also responsible for the event’s Sports Production.

Photo credit: Navarino Challenge

Published in Local News

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Tuesday, 23 September 2025 09:45

Yoga Festival 2025

11–12 Οκτωβρίου - Το Φεστιβάλ Γιόγκα 2025, που διοργανώνει ο Σύλλογος Γιόγκα Ελλάδας, θα πραγματοποιηθεί το Σαββατοκύριακο 11–12 Οκτωβρίου 2025 στον πολυχώρο ΠΛΥΦΑ, στην περιοχή του Βοτανικού.

Το φεστιβάλ φιλοδοξεί να αναδείξει τα πολλά και διαφορετικά μονοπάτια της γιόγκα, δημιουργώντας ένα πεδίο συνάντησης και ανταλλαγής τόσο για έμπειρους ασκούμενους όσο και για όσους έρχονται για πρώτη φορά σε επαφή με την πρακτική.

Πρόκειται για ένα διήμερο αφιερωμένο στη γιόγκα και την ευεξία, με πλούσιο πρόγραμμα που περιλαμβάνει:

Μαθήματα και εργαστήρια από έμπειρους δασκάλους
Ομιλίες, παρουσιάσεις και διαλογισμούς
Γιορτινά δρώμενα
Εκθεσιακό χώρο με σχολές, προϊόντα και υπηρεσίες

XpatAthens is excited to let you know that we have begun to introduce some Greek content to our platform! We love the Greek language and there are many of us within the international community who speak the language and like to connect with our local communities in their native language.

Οι δραστηριότητες θα πραγματοποιηθούν σε δύο αίθουσες του χώρου ΠΛΥΦΑ, σε ένα περιβάλλον που ενθαρρύνει τη δημιουργικότητα, την έμπνευση και την εσωτερική σύνδεση.

Published in Retreats & Gatherings

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Wednesday, 18 February 2015 13:30

Kythera

Wonderful for its exciting contrasts, the island of Kýthera has been home to hosts of peoples and civilizations: from the Neolithic Age to the Minoan times (20th century AC) and to the Mycenaens, the Dorians and the Spartans, still in the ancient times; from the Byzantine middle ages to the Venetian rule; from the Ottoman to the English occupation; from the State of the Ionian Islands to the modern Greek State which it joined in 1864.

The ancient myth that referred the island as Aphrodite’s birthplace has been the inspiration for the paintings of celebrated artists such as Sandro Botticelli and Jean-Antoine Watteau. Now, a trip to Kýthera is the symbol of a burning desire, of hankering for beauty; and not unjustly so.

Chóra, the capital of the island, stretches out around the Venetian castle of the 13th century - renovated by the Venetians in 1503 - to share with it an overwhelming view to the Cretan Sea. On the cliffs around the castle a small yellow jewel of a flower grows; sempreviva is peculiar to the island. White little houses squeeze each other to fit in the narrow cobbled streets that go whirling uphill and past tiny little churches and Venetian mansions with beautiful gardens. Your need for a rest will be met at the cafés of the two scenic squares of the village. But if you feel like having a delicious meal or a drink, walk downhill to Kapsáli.

Kapsáli could be said to be the busiest spot for tourists. Full of cafés, tavernas, bars and boasting a marina too, Kapsáli is where the night of the island turns energetic and eager for a meeting and romance. The number of the aficionados of the island is a multi-digit one. Most of them agree that Avlémonas is the most beautiful village of it. Crystal blue-azul waters bathe the frisky morphology of little bays to match with the cycladic architecture of the houses and the cobblestone paths around them into an attractive ambience of recreation and wellness.

To read more, please see visitgreece.gr

Published in Travel Greece

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Monday, 13 April 2020 06:00

Fassolakia Lathera - Green Bean Casserole

Vegetable dishes that are cooked with olive oil and tomatoes are referred to as lathera (lah-the-RAH) in Greek, because the key ingredient is flavorful olive oil, or “lathi.” The most popular vegetable to make "lathera style" is the green bean, but you can try this dish with small zucchini, okra, or peppers as well. This version includes some potatoes and baby carrots (I find the carrots sweeten the sauce a bit) and can be a delicious vegetarian entrée or a tasty side dish.

Try serving it with some crumbled feta on top and some great bread for dipping in the savory sauce.

Serves: 8
Difficulty: Easy

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooks in: 1 hour

Ingredients

• 1 kl. green beans, cleaned and trimmed
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2-3 medium potatoes, cut in large wedges
• A large handful of baby carrots
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tbsp. tomato paste
• 4-5 ripe tomatoes, skinned and crushed (substitute 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes)
• 1½ cups warm water
• 1 tsp. sugar
• 1 tbsp. chopped fresh dill
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Method

In a large Dutch oven or pot, heat the olive oil over medium high heat. Add the onion and saute until translucent. Add the garlic and saute until fragrant, about one minute.

Add the green beans, potatoes, and carrots to the pot. Dissolve the tomato paste in the water and add, along with the crushed tomatoes, parsley, and sugar. Lower the heat to medium low and simmer covered for about an hour or until the green beans are tender but not mushy.

In the last ten minutes of cooking, add the chopped fresh dill and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Note: Make sure to monitor your liquid levels while the beans are cooking. You can add a little bit of water if needed.

Recipe Source: The Spruce Eats

Published in Greek Food & Diet

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Friday, 06 March 2015 12:51

Greeks In Germany Organize Rally To Support Greek Gov’t

Greeks in Germany are calling on all the Diaspora members and European citizens to support the Greek government’s struggle against international creditors.

Using the slogan “Europe with Democracy and Solidarity” they have organized a campaign through social media, in support of their homeland.

They urged citizens of Italy, Spain, Portugal, as well as other European countries to participate in the rally to show support towards the Greek government in this time of need.

To read more, please visit greekreporter.com

By Ioanna Zikakou

Published in Greece In The News

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Friday, 08 May 2015 08:00

35 Greek Olive Oils Awarded 'Best In The World' For 2015

Thirty-five extra virgin olive oils from Greece have achieved the distinction “Best in the World” for 2015 at the New York International Olive Oil Competition (NYIOOC), a much stronger showing than in 2014 and a clear sign that the determination of olive oil producers in Greece is paying off.

Twenty-one percent of Greek entries in the world’s largest and most prestigious olive oil quality contest were awarded this time, a lower success rate than rival producer countries Spain and Italy, but a marked improvement over last year’s tally. Nineteen Gold Awards and 16 Silver Awards went to Greek oils. To see a list of the best Greek olive oils for 2015, please click HERE.

Greece submitted more entries (168) in the annual competition than any other country, an indication that producers are striving for quality and to distinguish their brands in the marketplace.

“Winning at the NYIOOC was a big honor for our family,” said Diamantis Pierrakos, who was in New York with his brother Dino to accept the award for the Gold Award-winning brand, Laconiko. “Being recognized at this very prestigious competition has proven to us that our hard work and sacrifices we have made are finally paying off. This distinct recognition is a message that our family, from the small region of Lakonia, Greece, produce one of the world’s best extra virgin olive oils.”

Greek producers have long sold their olive oils in bulk to foreign producers who used the robust kick of the mostly Koroneiki varietals to lift the taste of inferior blends. In recent years, even in the midst of a wrenching economic crisis, Greek olive oil companies have unveiled new, innovative brands while stepping up the quality of their products.

“Greek olive oil quality is trending higher,” said Curtis Cord, NYIOOC president. “What we are seeing now is the rise of Greek olive oil brands to the world stage, a stage on which they rightfully belong.”

To read more, please visit Olive Oil Times

Published in Local News

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Sunday, 02 July 2017 01:08

The Meaning Of Philotimo

The word 'philotimo' only exists in the Greek language. Its direct translation means 'to honour your friend', but its actual meaning in day-to-day life delves much deeper. This video is an incredible description and understanding of this uniquely Greek word.

Read more about philotimo in an excellent article from the BBC.

Published in Videos

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Thursday, 15 October 2015 07:00

Athens Ranks 1st Among 25 Most Influential Cities In The World

Two Greek cities, that have always been a magnet for art and culture, were included on the list of the 25 cities with the greatest impact on the world.

More specifically, the capital of Greece, Athens, ranked in first place in the list that was compiled by List25, the website that gathers and presents lesser-known intriguing information on a variety of subjects, while at #22 one can find Olympia, in western Peloponnese.

“Birthplace of Western civilization, Athens is the most influential city ever in the fields of philosophy, architecture, politics, science, and free thinking, as well as the original home of what is considered the most ideal system of government: democracy,” the website reads while it continues, referring: “Athens also became the first city to organize the first modern Olympics back in 1896. Some of its most famous citizens include giants such as Socrates, Plato, Solon, and Pericles.”

To read more and see the full list of the 25 cities, please visit: Greek Reporter

Published in Greece In The News

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Thursday, 16 June 2016 07:00

Athenian Smoke-Free Hangouts

Nowadays, as the negative impacts of smoking become more prevalent and people are opting to quit, more restaurants, cafés, and bars are joining in the fight for smoke-free restaurants!

Since the 2009 law, smoking is supposedly forbidden in all public indoor places and all businesses supposedly comply. That’s why, in most places, you will see non-smoking signs – even though the owners will inform you that smoking is in fact allowed – and why you won’t see any ashtrays – even though you will be offered some sort of improvised ash dispenser, (like a plastic cup or a small plate) on the sly, if you profess to be a smoker. As one complying owner said to me “this was not a war on smoke, but a war on ashtrays.”

Following is a list of Athenian downtown spaces which are smoke-free in theory and in practice, and where exceptions are never made. However, bear in mind that in the summer most places have their doors and windows open and smoke from outside often creeps in.

1. 42

Address: 3 Kolokotroni
Telephone: 694.824.2455
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 12:00 – 02:00, Sat-Sun 12:00 – 03:00
Website: Click here

The owner of one of the most respected cocktail bars in the city is a smoker, and yet he doesn’t want his workspace full of smoke. His clients respect that and step outside for a cigarette, socializing with other smokers in the process. Wood paneling, art deco elements and subdued lighting set the tone for a unique experience at bar 42, where what you end up drinking may be the result of a psychotherapeutic encounter with the barman. According to a footnote on the menu, all you need to do is tell him a few things about yourself and your preferences, and he will come up with a cocktail tailored just for you.

2. CAKE

Address: 15 Herodotou
Telephone: 210.721.2253
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 08:00 – 22:00, Sat-Sun 09:00 – 21:00
Website: Click here

Cake used to be a tiny bakery in Kolonaki, one of Athens’ most posh areas, with delicious American-style cakes. About eight years ago it changed location and became a café while, a year ago, it changed owner. However, it still remains one of the cutest coffee & cake places in the city with a wide selection of cakes catering to all tastes. The owner recommends a slice of carrot cake, or his all time favorite, the ‘Red Velvet.’ Cake is an ideal hangout after a visit to one of the museums or galleries in the area and religiously smoke-free for the sake of its clients, who, in the mornings, are mostly elderly people.

3. MAKALO

Address: 23 Nikis, Syntagma
Telephone: 211.406.7032
Opening Hours: 12:00 – 23:00
Website: Click here

Makalo opened four years ago and has become a popular haunt because of its fine cuisine at affordable prices. Smoke-free because the owners wanted their customers to enjoy their food without the taste of smoke, they initially met with a lot of opposition from smokers, but now have regulars, who will always choose quality of food over smoke. Favorite dishes among the regulars are the chicken fillet in tomato sauce with mushrooms and Greek trahanas (cracked wheat with fermented milk) and the grilled salmon fillet with sauté zucchini, lime sauce, peppermint and brown rice. The chef recommends spinach pesto tagliatelle with almonds, fresh tomato, olives and feta cheese and make sure you try their homemade lemonade.

4. MAMA ROUX

Address: 48 Eolou
Telephone: 213.004.8382
Opening Hours: Mon: 10:00 – 18:30 (breakfast 10:00 – 12:30), Tue-Sat 10:00 – 00:30 (breakfast 10:00 – 12:30), Sun 12:30 – 18:00 (brunch only)
Website: Click here

Mama Roux, on the pedestrian Eolou Street, opened in 2011 with a multi-cultural staff and a multi-ethnic cuisine, and quickly became a favorite among locals who enjoy its food and easy-going atmosphere. For John, its American owner who moved to Greece 12 years ago, having a non-smoking establishment was more about taking a stand than complying with the law, and even though, during the first weeks, many clients fought against his choice, he also received good press for making a serious commitment. For him, it was also an aesthetic and ethical issue; he wanted his employees to work in a smoke-free environment and his clients to be given a smoke-free option. Mama Roux is a popular destination for Sunday brunch, but make sure you make a reservation ahead of time.

5. NOLAN

Address: 31-33 Voulis
Telephone: 210.324. 3545
Opening Hours: Tue-Sat 13:00 – 00:00, Sun 12:00 – 17:30
Website: Click here

Named after Christopher Nolan, the owner’s favorite director, this downtown restaurant has opened quite recently and yet customers are already swooning over the fusion dishes of its Greek-Japanese chef. Marble, mosaic, wood and metal create the set for a multi ethnic culinary journey via an inspired menu; where a Vietnamese chicken soup can co-exist harmoniously with Nolan’s version of fried chicken (NFC) and a dish of shrimps with Greek stamnagathi (a leafy green) and Turkish soutzouki (a kind of sausage). Kostas, the owner, a fanatic smoker, opted for a non-smoking restaurant because food and smoke simply do not go together and “any restaurateur who claims that he does not forbid smoking for fear of losing his clientele, is simply trying to hide his shortcomings. If what you offer is good, you will always have clients.”

For more suggestions on Athenian hangouts without smoke, please visit: Greece Is

You may also like to read: Scenic And Smoke-Free Cafes In Athens

Published in Restaurants In Athens

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Thursday, 08 April 2021 17:03

Hiking Mount Ymittos In Athens

Sometimes the best-kept secrets are hidden in plain sight. Mount Ymittos forms the natural eastern boundary of Athens. Here, the dense city grid suddenly gives way to a tree-covered slope dotted with monasteries. This is the ‘Aesthetic Forest of Kesariani,’ a protected nature reserve that is a quick 15-20 minute drive or cab ride from central Athens. Just minutes from the urban hustle of Athens the walkable delights of Mount Ymittos offer a heady escape of nature, wildlife, historic monasteries and heavenly honey.

Upon arrival you’ll quickly notice that the lack of development is part of the charm of this route. Despite its proximity to the city, you feel off grid and in discovery mode. Keeping the city as a very visible landmark, it is difficult to get lost here—but easy to feel like it. This hike will have you exploring rich olives groves, a 12th century monastery, the ruins of an old Christian basilica, a Botanical Walk, and a whole lot more!

For complete details and route information visit: thisisathens.org

Photo by: Manos Chatzikonstantis

Whether you've just arrived in town – or have been here for years – Athens always has new secrets to share!

This is Athens is the official guide to this captivating city of ancient energies and booming urban culture. Compiled by a team of specialist local writers, This is Athens brings you an authentic and intimate portrait of a living Athens beyond the guidebooks – along with daily curated listings of all the best events and great weekend inspiration all-year round. From must-know neighbourhoods and emerging art hubs, to gourmet hotspots, cool shopping and the buzziest bars, This is Athens will help you to get the most out of living in Athens!

Thank you This is Athens for your contribution as an XpatAthens Partner.

Published in City Discovery

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10 Years Navarino Challenge

Yoga Festival 2025

Kythera

Fassolakia Lathera - Green Bean Casserole

Greeks In Germany Organize Rally To Support Greek Gov’t

35 Greek Olive Oils Awarded 'Best In The World' For 2015

The Meaning Of Philotimo

Athens Ranks 1st Among 25 Most Influential Cities In The World

Athenian Smoke-Free Hangouts

Hiking Mount Ymittos In Athens

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