In the annual awards that TIME magazine gives, choosing 10 destinations within the U.S. and 7 in the rest of the world, they include Crete as 3rd most important place in the world! “If the last time you thought about Crete was in a lesson on Greek history, now is the time to think about visiting it”, writes the TIME magazine.

“It has world renowned sites, such as the Palace of Knossos, beautiful beaches and wonderful tavernas which serve fresh seafood, homemade raki and local cheeses”, the article states.

The magazine suggests that now is good time to visit Crete, as the prices of flights and hotels have fallen. They also suggest that anyone visiting should not miss seeing Elafonisi and Balos.

Article Source: Fonien

Avli is one of those places you have to be introduced to by someone who’s already been there. Although a sign does exist above its narrow metal door, there’s so much graffiti on either side of it, you could walk right by even if you had the address firmly in your hand or mind. Once inside, if you’re the first customer, you still might think you’ve made a mistake.

Avli means ‘courtyard,’ but this one is narrow, much more like a back alley. Blue doors and shuttered windows the same shade as the Greek flag pierce the right wall, the left has a few potted plants and three plump alley cats comfortably ensconced on the old-fashioned rush-seated taverna chairs. A whitewashed staircase closes the space at the back, and a sheet of corrugated plexiglass offers some protection from the elements.

Funky is the word that comes to mind, an impression reinforced when you examine the faded clippings, drawings, and magazine ads hanging on the walls and pasted on the shutters (all gifts from friends), the cracked marble flagstones, the small tables with their plastic 'cloths' of different colors, stripes, checks or flowers, the somewhat bedraggled garland of garlic and chili peppers hanging from a drainpipe.

Avli

Address: Agiou Dimitriou 8
Telephone: 210 321 7642

To read this article in full, please visit: Culinary Backstreets

The English language owes a lot to Greek, with 6% of its vocabulary estimated to use words with Greek origin or pure Greek. The use of Greek words in all fields of science, regardless of language, is vast. But there are also may words in English that although at first sight might not seem to be related to Greek, are in fact the product of Greek suffixes or prefixes.

 

Watch the video below to see how much Greek has influenced the English language and how important it is for the understanding of science!



To read this article in full, please visit: Tornos News

Greek carrier Aegean Airlines is among the winners of the first annual Travelers’ Choice Awards for airlines by the travel planning and booking site TripAdvisor. Aegean ranked second best airline company in Europe for 2017 in the category ‘Regional & Low Cost Airlines.’

The awards recognize travelers’ favorite carriers around the globe and honor 50 airlines overall, including top lists for the World, Europe, North America, the Middle East and Africa; as well as 16 regional winners. Emirates was named the top airline in the world.

The awards also highlight top airlines by level of service, covering First Class, Business Class, Premium Economy and Economy. Award winners were determined using an algorithm that took into account the quantity and quality of airline reviews and ratings submitted by travelers worldwide, over a 12-month period.

To read this article in full, please visit: Greek Travel Pages

 

Photo Credit: Greek Travel Pages

This summer 2017, the New York Film Academy will be hosting workshops and film classes taught by leading industry professionals. The NYFA is considered the best hands-on film school in the world by many of today's top filmmakers. The student body is remarkably diverse across the New York City, Los Angeles and South Beach campuses.

The New York Film Academy was founded on the philosophy that ‘learning by doing’ combined with best industry practices is more valuable than years of theoretical study for filmmakers and actors. This educational model allows students to achieve more in less time than at all other film or acting schools in the world.

Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, Bruce Springsteen, Al Pacino, Robert Downey Jr., Jamie Foxx, and Jodie Foster are among the many figures in the film industry who have sent their family members to study at the New York Film Academy. The NYFA is honored to be the film and acting school of choice of these other luminaries including Kevin Kline, Pierce Brosnan, Susan Sarandon and Tim Robbins, Bono (U2), directors Stephen Frears, Peter Bogdanovich, Roger Donaldson and James L. Brooks.

For those considering sharpening their skills, the NYFA offers a wide selection of immersive, hands-on workshops, where working industry professionals teach students to create their own original work using the latest techniques, industry-standard equipment, and premier facilities. Students interested an intensive short-term workshop can choose from topics in filmmaking, acting for film, photography, producing, screenwriting, documentary filmmaking, broadcast journalism, 3D animation, digital editing, game design, virtual reality, and musical theatre.

In addition to the summer courses, the NYFA offers camps, short-term workshops, conservatory-style programs, and degree programs. The Academy’s one and two-year conservatory-style programs include topics in Filmmaking, Acting for Film, Producing, Screenwriting, 3D Animation, Cinematography, Broadcast Journalism, Photography, Graphic Design, Musical Theatre, and Game Design, as well as an accelerated three-year Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree programs in Filmmaking, Acting for Film, Producing, Screenwriting, 3D Animation, Graphic Design, and Game Design, and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Media Studies.

The school also offers two-year Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degrees in Filmmaking, Acting for Film, Screenwriting, Producing, Cinematography, Documentary, Game Design and Photography, and two-year Associate of Fine Arts (AFA) degrees in Filmmaking, Acting for Film, Producing, Screenwriting and Game Design, and a Master of Arts (MA) in Film and Media Production at the Los Angeles campus. Each program is structured for students who want intensive training from award-winning faculty, using professional facilities and equipment starting their first day of classes; better preparing them for a career in the motion picture and entertainment industries. In the first year of any of our filmmaking programs each student will write, shoot, direct and edit eight films and work as crew on 28 more!

About the Faculty

Claude Kerven - Director and Screenwriter
Chair, Filmmaking Program at New York Film Academy

Claude Kerven's career as a professional director began with the outstanding debut of "Candy Store," winner of a student Academy Award for Best Dramatic Student Film. In 1982, he directed a series of after-school specials for ABC TV including the Emmy-winning "Starstruck," and the DGA nominated "High School Narc." Kerven also earned a Cable Ace award nomination for his direction of Jim Belushi's Cinemax comedy special "Birthday Boy" and was the director of over 25 short films for Saturday Night Live including the much celebrated "Synchronized Swimmers" starring Martin Short, Christopher Guest and Harry Shearer.

As a directing and screenwriting instructor, Kerven has taught at a number of prestigious film schools (NYU, SVA) before taking on the position of Chair at the New York Film Academy, a role he has held now for over 12 years.

Susan Lambert - Singer, Actress, Producer
Vocal Technique Teacher, Workshop Leader & Coach

Susan Lambert has been concertizing on world stages and in intimate venues for 25 years as well as premiering new works and working in the theatre around the U.S. and Europe as a high profile actress on stage and in television. She has designed arts programs for young people in universities and high schools and freelance and has taught and performed in Greece since 1985.

Susan’s great love is teaching, whether it be acting classes, private voice lessons, or workshops. She has taught Broadway performers, opera singers, pop recording artists, actors form the stage and screen and people who just love to perform as well as teaching hundreds of young students throughout the years!

Phaedra Soutou
Choreographer, Dramaturg, Dancer, Performer

Phaedra Soutou teaches workshops in physical theatre, contemporary dance, and improvisation. A graduate of the Professional School of Dance of Despina Grigoriadou, she also studied Dramaturgy in the theater department of the National Kapodistrian University in Athens, Greece, graduating from the higher dramatic school "Ebros" and going on to hold a Vaganova diploma (Master's in Choreography and Teaching) from the Varna International Dance Academy, Bulgaria.

Anthoula Katsimatides
Actress, Teacher

Anthoula, a true artist at heart, was born and raised in Astoria, Queens and is eagerly pursuing her acting career. Anthoula has played parts in major films such as “Taking Woodstock” (directed by Oscar-winner Ang Lee) and “The Family” (starring Robert Deniro and Michelle Pfeifer and directed by the incredible Luc Besson). In addition to her major acting roles, she has developed her own one-woman show, called “What Will People Think?” and has performed sold-out shows at festivals in NYC.

Dr. Eugenia Arsenis
Director, Dramaturg, Teacher

Eugenia Arsenis has collaborated with international cultural organizations, Royal Albert Hall, San Francisco Opera Center, Center for Contemporary Opera, Skylight Music Theatre. She has worked as Dramaturg of the Center for Contemporary Opera in New York. Coordinator and Dramaturg of the Experimental Stage of the Greek National Opera under the artistic direction of Theodore Antoniou, throughout all the years of its artistic operation. A speaker at international conferences, she has taught at many Universities and Conservatories.

For more information, please visit: NYFA

Photo Credit: NYFA

Located on the narrow steps of Mnisikleous Street in the heart of Plaka, Yiasemi Bistrot was selected by the editors of Condé Nast Traveler magazine as one of the world's favourite secret destinations that they love to visit during their off-the-beaten-path vacations.

With tables on the steps of a picturesque alley and an interior that reminds you of a hospitable house set in a bygone era, Yiasemi truly prevails as a small treasure hidden in the narrow streets of the most beautiful neighbourhood in Athens, Plaka.

Owner Mariza Kouzeli, who has spent the last eight years of her life turning an old building into this special gem, has managed, through hard work and the marriage of traditional and modern concepts, to find ways to turn her café into a street landmark where customers can go from early in the morning until the late hours of night and immerse in its cosy atmosphere, taste homemade food, delicious spoon sweets as well as genuine Greek coffee.

Yiasemi

Address: Mnisikleous 23
Telephone: 213 041 7937
Hours: Every day from 10:00 to 02:00

To read this article in full, please visit: Neos Kosmos

Photo Credit: Yiasemi Facebook

Greece is among the winners of the 2017 European Union Prize for Cultural Heritage / Europa Nostra Awards, Europe’s top honor in the heritage field.

Greece received two awards in the 'Conservation' category for the Ancient city of Karthaia on the island of Kea and the Bastion of the Grand Master’s Palace on Rhodes.

With its two wins, Greece automatically has two entries in the Europa Nostra’s Public Choice vote for the 29 winners.

The project, directed by a Scientific Committee under directorate of the Greek Culture Ministry, offers visitors a glimpse into the past following the conservation, partial restoration and interpretation of the ruins of the ancient city of Karthaia, located on the island of Kea.

The site is one of few examples in Greece where both the unspoiled natural landscape and the planning of the city are well preserved.

The remains of the city include both temples and public buildings and are found on the southeast coast of the island which can only be reached by traditional footpaths or by sea.

People can now vote online for the Public Choice Award and rally support for the winning projects from their own or another European country. Vote now!

To read this article in full, please visit: Greek Travel Pages

Navarino Challenge, the award-winning sports tourism event, which promotes sports and fair play, is yet again adding more activities for the entire family, in its program! Between October 13 and 15 2017, Costa Navarino, with the support of Swim Academy, will host already familiar water activities such as baby swimming (for babies and children ranging from 3 months to 3 years old) and aqua aerobic (considered the most popular aerobic exercise).

The Federal Technical Coach of Swimming and Swim Academy representative, Nikos Gemelos, who is taking part in the event yet again, stated, “It gives me great pleasure and honor to have been cooperating with the Navarino challenge event all these years. From the technical point of view regarding the swimming competitions, I have observed that more and more people are embracing the sport of open water swimming and I feel even more proud to be able, along with my team, to offer the necessary safety that is needed for these races, while leaving to the participants a great experience. With the help of Swim Academy and my close colleague, Silver Olympic Medalist and World Champion in open water swimming Spyros Gianniotis, we will be presenting for this second year, activities that gave to the parents and children great joy, such as baby swimming for children up to three years old but also aqua aerobic, which took place for the first time last year and proved to be extremely successful."

 

Furthermore, Navarino Challenge 2017, will also host another Olympic event, the sport of tennis. With the support of Navarino Racquet Academy, amateur and medium level athletes of tennis will have the opportunity to try out the Tennis Cross Training.

It’s a workout program which combines tennis and cross training (which is a type of workout that combines muscular empowerment and cardio respiratory toning, using one’s body weight but also actual weights – depending on the trainee’s level – accompanied by music). It offers a full body workout and improves strength, stamina and flexibility while creating a sense of teamwork for those taking part. Tennis Cross Training can apply to all levels of technical knowledge and physical ability. Meanwhile the experienced staff of Panellinios Agora Games will support the activity of a Padel Family Competition which is ideal for the entire family.

The Navarino Challenge will take place for another year with the support of Costa Navarino and The Westin Resort Costa Navarino as well as the Municipalities of Pylos-Nestor and Trifilia.

Official Sponsor: Vikos natural mineral water

Official Supporter: Wyndham Grand Athens

Assisted: Swim Academy, Navarino Racquet Academy

 

Photo Credit: Vangelis Patsialos @ Navarino Challenge

Greece is the ultimate summer holiday destination, with stunning beaches, Mediterranean cuisine, unique shopping, and incredible experiences. No matter what type of holiday you dream of, the perfect island awaits, be it the iconic Mykonos for endless partying or the hippie island of Ikaria for ultimate relaxation. 

But what happens when you're traveling with kids? Is Greece a family-friendly destination? The answer is YES! Greece is a fantastic destination for a family holiday. And, since Greece's unbelievable coastline may make it a bit hard to choose where to go, here's a list of our top 5 islands for the perfect family vacation!

Sifnos


@anna_sarika

This is an island where you can look forward to lazy days watching your kids play on sheltered, shallow-water beaches followed by leisurely strolls along labyrinthine streets or remote pathways overlooking the sea. To eat you’ll find simple, traditional Mediterranean cooking at its finest: crisp chickpea patties, juicy tomato salads, and fresh seafood in familial village squares. 

Indeed, a classic way to holiday here is to rent a small boat and spend days swanning around, stopping off anywhere and everywhere to plunge into the cool depths, getting your land legs back just long enough for a spot of lunch before returning to aquatic adventuring. That’s not to say that there aren’t plenty of child-friendly beaches to kick back on, with sun loungers and umbrellas for rent.

Naxos


@victor_manolito

Naxos, the largest island of the Cyclades, is definitely an ideal destination for families. It majestically combines long, sandy beaches with fertile valleys, stunning gorges, and a bit of history. Not to mention its delicious cuisine based on local products. Last but not least, Naxos incorporates the communities of four additional smaller isles, Donousa, Schoinousa, Iraklia, and Koufonisia, so you’ll get to enjoy a trip to an unspoiled paradise!

Alonnisos


@elaki26

On the edge of the Sporades archipelago lies the island of Alonissos, ready to captivate you with its green landscape and pristine beaches. The ideal destination for a relaxing holiday, there, you’ll find yourselves leisurely walking along scenic paths surrounded by pine forests, olive groves, and orchards. The island’s highlight is definitely its marine park, a refuge for rare seabirds, dolphins, and the Mediterranean monk seal, Monachus Monachus.

 

So close to Athens yet so far away, Andros, the second-largest and the greenest island of the Cyclades, has everything you need for the ultimate vacation. With lush vegetation, deep blue waters, and rushing rivers, Andros’ breathtaking natural beauty makes it the perfect island for a tranquil holiday. If you love spending time as a family, there are numerous experiences awaiting from hiking along the well-marked trails to visiting world-class modern art museums!

 

Two 20-year-old cyclists began a trip from Athens to Kassel during the opening of Documents 14 to convey a message of art and solidarity. They will ride their bikes for 100 days, traveling a distance of about 4,000km across 14 European countries to the German city of Kassel. They will arrive just in time for the second part of the Documenta 14 show.

From Greece, the cyclists will travel through Albania, FYROM, Kosovo, Montenegro, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and the Czech Republic with their message of unity and tolerance.

To read this article in full, please visit: Greek Travel Pages