After the devastating wildfires that hit the Attica region recently, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is encouraging travelers to stick with their plans and visit the country. The UNWTO stated to tourists, "Tourism means much needed income and creates new opportunities. Go there!"

The Secretary General, Zurab Pololikashvili, expressed his condolences during this challenging time for Greece. He said, "In this difficult moment allow me to convey, on my personal behalf and that of UNWTO, our heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the victims and reiterate our full support to the people and the Government of Greece."

He added, "The people of Greece have proven their resilience many times before and I truly believe this time will be no different."

This week the whole country of Greece was in the unfortunate state of witnessing one of the most tragic wildfires to ever break out in the country, taking the lives of many people people.

We would like to express our deepest condolences to all the families affected by the event, and help as much as possible by gathering information about emergency contacts and ways one can help individually.

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

July is a very busy month in Greek summer, so a complete list of all the events taking place in Athens will help you make the most out of it! Meanwhile, you can discover how ancient Minoans inspired our summer clothes and styles we wear today!

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

After the devastating fires in the Attica region of Greece, in the areas of Mati and Rafina, as well as Agioi Theodoroi and Kineta, people across the country are coming together to offer aid and help where possible. Below we have sourced as much information as we possible in the last day in order to provide the community with emergency information, and how to help the victims of this devastating fire. If you have information that can be added to this article, please email us at ideas@xpatathens.com.

• General Help Line - call 108*
  
  
• Additional Line and missing persons reports - call 199
  
  
• Animal Help - 2108013302
  
  
• Medical Aid - If you know people that are diabetic and are in need of the drugs Lantus or Novorapid, please call +30 6970459926

• Major hospitals in Athens and in the surrounding areas are in need of blood. Please get in touch with your local hospital or the National Blood Donation Center for more information on how to donate blood.

• For expats who want to offer their home to victims, please click here. 
  
  
• Airbnb is asking anyone with available housing in the area indicated on the map (in the link), to please consider making their home available. Click here for more info.
  
  
• The stadium of Megara is open to those seeking shelter (tel. 229 608 1088).
  
  
• Free shelter and food in La Playa Marathon.
  
  
• Free shelter in hotel Nireas in Nea Makri (tel. 229 409 1214).
  
  
• Shelter provided at the 1st and 2nd primary schools of Agioi Theodoroi.
  
  
• Shelter provided at the Mayor's office "Dimarchio" and Cultural Center of Pnevmatiko Kentro in Rafina.
  
  
• Shelter and help at the Kineta and Megara Retirement Centers.

• The Municipality of the Rafina - Pikermi, along with Piraeus bank, created the following bank account to support all those in need.
  • Bank name: Piraeus Bank
  • Bank account: 5186092291418
  • ΙΒΑΝ: GR20 0172 1860 0051 8609 2291 418
    
    
• Hellenic Red Cross - In order to facilitate all individuals or companies willing to offer financial support in favor of the people affected by the wild fires, they have opened the following bank account. Click here.

• The central Sklavenitis supermarket in Rafina provide water and food.
  
  
• In the center of Pikermi, the cafés Grigoris and Everest provide food and water.
  
  
• Cultural center of Nea Makri with water /food and First Aid.
  
  
• Food and water collection - Nea Makri (Avenue Marathon 104).

• For the people in Kineta, they can bring the animals to the courtyard of the Agioi Theodoroi church.
  
  
• In case of stray animals near any fire affected areas, please collect them and call 6975664142 to ask for further information.
  
  
• Nine Lives Greece is organizing a search-and-rescue mission this Friday (27-07) and Saturday (28-07) in the fire-stricken areas. They will need foster care for animals that they find. If you can offer any space to the affected animals, please email ninelivesgreece@gmail.com or message their Facebook page. Additionally, if you would like to offer transport help, cages, traps, leashes, cat or dog food, and/or basic medical supplies, please let NLG know.

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The above information has been sourced from: Local community members, Greek Reporter, Peempip Facebook page, and the Foreigners Living in Greece Facebook group. We have tried our best to communicate this important information, but XpatAthens cannot take responsibility for inaccuracies.

 

We are deeply saddened by this devastating occurrence and hope to help in any way we can.

Photo by Matt Artz on Unsplash.

 

 

Thissio is a small area in downtown Athens, next to the Acropolis and is filled with cool little bars and restaurants. From our very own food critic, George highly recommends you to get lost in the neighborhood and try to discover its secrets, just as he did and precisely how he stumbled upon Gevomai kai Magevomai or the Savor Charms Taverna.

"During one of my rounds, I found myself pretty hungry and in need of a traditional and delicious Greek cuisine. So I thought, what better place to fulfill my desires than in a taverna? For some of you, this will not be a surprise, but to those of you who have never been to a Greek taverna, they are fairly cheap and incredibly good. You can usually order from a few daily prepared wonders, as well as from a traditional pre-arranged menu."

"This little taverna was no exception. What Savor Charms lacks in ambiance, it exceeds in food quality. I was offered a fairly full menu, both in English and Greek (for people like me who like to practice their Greek vocabulary and reading). After a few minutes, I was handed a hand-written note that showed the specials of the day, of which required some explanation from the waiter. Let me assure, though, they were the best choice!"

"I was with a small group of friends so ordered a few dishes to share among ourselves, as I think this works well with groups of friends. We ordered three daily specials, a mushroom souffle, fried sardines, and eggplant with tomato sauce and feta cheese on top. From the menu we had saganaki (fried cheese), potatoes, grilled octopus and zucchini croquettes. To ease the soul, we asked for two carafes of white wine from the house. Savor Charm's Greek wine is some of the best I have had so far! It was heavenly!"

"Needless to say the food was incredible. The souffle had a nice creamy texture to it and was cooked beautifully, the croquettes were a Greek delicacy and don´t even get me started on the eggplant with cheese! As is customary in Greece when the check comes, we were also offered a complimentary dish. This little gift from the taverna is usually an assortment of desserts, ouzo, coffee or in this particular case, a cold Mastixa. If you have never tried it, you are missing a big Greek secret. All in all, Savor Charms was a delicious and small Greek Taverna, perfect after a long day of museums and old stones sightings."

George is XpatAthens' Argentinian visiting food critic. All opinions are his own. Keep checking back in Restaurants for more of George's reviews!

Savor Charms
Address: Nileos 11, Thissio
Telephone: 210 345 2802
Facebook

Photo Source: Tripadvisor

Much of Greece has been hit by a heatwave and as temperatures are expected to reach over 40 degrees on Monday July 23, the Acropolis will close early again.

The Acropolis and Dionyssos Theater closed early on Sunday, July 22 and will close on Monday July 23 at 14:00 in order to protect staff and visitors from the dangers on heatstroke.

Visitors who have already purchased tickets online can visit any of the ticket issuing posts and exchange for a different date.

Source: Greek City Times

Ithaca is a non-profit organisation founded in July 2015 with the view to diminishing social exclusion of homeless people and raising awareness for the plight of the homeless. Ithaca operates the first mobile laundry unit for homeless people in Europe.

Ithaca's goal is twofold: to raise homeless’ people hygiene standards and restore their dignity, as well as to create opportunities for them. Ithaca manages to accomplish the latter by employing people from social vulnerable groups on a part-time basis for up to 12 months, contributing in this way to their social integration.

The culture ministry recently announced that a new e-ticketing and access control system has been installed at a few selected archaeological sites and museums in Greece.

The museums selected were part of a pilot program, and include the Acropolis, the archaeological sites of Athens' historic center, Knossos archaeoglical site, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and the archaeological area and museum of Ancient Messini.

As part of the new e-ticketing system, which helps handle traffic at peak times, an online service will be available to purchase e-tickets.

Source: Greek Travel Pages

Whether a local or visitor, there are a few places in Athens not to be missed. For instance, the gardens of the Concert Hall offer a beautiful and relaxing experience and a delicious pie shop downtown will top your experience. Learn all about them in our newsletter!

Athens is a city known all over the world for its rich history and culture. So, with millions of visitors every year, it's no wonder why the Acropolis won a major tourism award and how many ancient artifacts are yet to be found, such as a sculpture of a hunting dog dating back to 520 BC. It's a city full of surprises and beauty!