Extreme weather conditions have forced Greek emergency services on high alert as a severe cold front sweeps through the country bringing snow and ice and making travel very dangerous. State services have been advising citizens to stay home and only travel when necessary due to the dangers posed by icy roads.

The Greek islands are the hardest hit from the extreme weather with a state of emergency declared on Skopelos due to heavy snowfall on the island with others expected to follow.

Authorities in other areas of Greece are struggling to keep major roadways open but snow chains are necessary in several areas and some roads have been closed due to icy conditions, especially on higher ground.

Many other areas, including Thessaloniki, were left without water for a second consecutive day as water pipes froze and burst and meters seized due to the low temperatures.

To read this article in full, please visit: Greek City Times

Winter sales will kick off in Athens and Thessaloniki on the 9th of January. Additionally, shop owners may also choose to open on the 15th of January 15th.

For stores that will open on January 15th, the proposed shopping hours are 11:00-18:00. Shops are also required to write the old and new price on all items offered and may also include the percentage of the sale. Sales will officially end on February 28th.

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

A mini-guide to the city's latest openings, from upmarket hotels to restaurants and cafes!

New Hotel Ancient Views - Electra Metropolis Athens

In the hands of interior designer – architect Maria Katsarou-Vafiadis, of the London-based MKV firm, a 1960s office building, formerly home to the Ministry of Education, has been transformed into a stylish five-star hotel, oozing Athenian retro-chic coolness. Highlights start right from the entrance canopy, where you will see the refurbished post-Byzantine Church of Aghia Dynami, to the impressive lobby atrium, featuring a gigantic artwork by famous Greek artist Alekos Fassianos, all the way up to the roof garden and pool, which offers the most breathtaking 360-degree view to enjoy while sipping a cocktail or dining. Check out the cute ground-level bistro as well, where remnants of the ancient city can be seen through glass floors, proving that, wherever you dig in Athens, there is always something ancient to be found.

Address: 15 Mitropoleos
Telephone: 214 100 6200
Website

Drupes & Drips - Takis Bakery

Fans of Takis Bakery near the Acropolis just got a whole new range of options, with a new Italian espresseria and a juice bar. Pick up a freshly made fruit juice, or choose a “pedigree” coffee prepared by expert baristas. At lunchtime, the small space becomes a cicchetteria, so you can try hams and cheeses from abroad or from small-scale Greek producers. There are no tables, so sit at the bar and have a glass of wine, spritz, prosecco or potent Greek tsikoudia with your nibbles.

Address: 20 Zitrou
Telephone: 210 923 0052
Facebook

Yoleni’s Grocery

If you think that this country is only about olive oil and honey, try visiting this unique five-story temple of Greek gastronomy to find local goods and produce. From local soda pops to nuts and kale flakes, and even local gin, you’ll find it all here. An amazing selection of over 50 brands of extra virgin olive oil, a wide assortment of cheeses, and dozens upon dozens of different kinds of canned goods line the shelves.

Address: 9 Solonos
Telephone: 212 222 3600
Website

To read this article in full, please visit: Greece Is

Tourist flows to the Greek capital are on the rise with professionals saying this is the best December 2016 performance in a long time demonstrated by increased demand for rooms and high passenger traffic at Athens International Airport (AIA).

Managing Director of Hotel Grande Bretagne and Hotel King George, Tim Ananiadis, told Euro2day that bookings at the two award-winning hotels have risen this month by 15 percent compared to last year, bringing 2016 to a healthy close for both five-star units.

Alexandros Vassilikos, president of the Athens – Attica & Argosaronic Hotel Association backs Ananiadis’ claims of boosted December performance, adding that many Cypriot travelers also chose to visit the Greek capital this year. The number of holidaymakers from Cyprus had dropped by as much as 60 percent in the previous years, according to hotel industry professionals.

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

 

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Many people associated Greece as being just a summer destination, but with its hidden treasures and diverse winter scenery, Greece is an amazing surprise for anyone lloking to explore its diversity all year around!

 

Here are a few of our favorite places to visit during the winter.

 

 

Lake Plastira is probably the most scenic lakes in Greece with exquisite surroundings, virgin nature, mountain villages, and fine monasteries and churches. You can limit your trip to the tour of Lake Plastira, however, if you are in the mood for an adventure and have a car that can take dirt roads or an SUV, it is definitively worth wandering through the rough dirt roads of Western Agrafa.

Known as a fashionable place in the winter months, visitors come from mostly Athens and Patra to enjoy a fun weekend at the ski resort. The natural scenery and old monasteries are also fun for all ages.

Zagorohoria 


@georgeeptr

This area never fails to awe its visitor with its majestic natural beauty, pine and fir forests, crystalline streams, and stunning scenery. Visitors can also see arched stone bridges, imposing mansions, and lovely old churches.

Imposing and charming, Kastoria is embellished with impressive lakefront mansions and Byzantine churches. Among the places you should definitely visit is the Petrified Forest, which dates back approximately 20 million years, Lake Orestiada, designated as a Monument of Natural Beauty, and last but not least the Cave of the Dragon with its beautiful stalactites and stalagmites. 


Trikala 


@dimitris_moutsopoulos

 

Just a breath away from Lake Plastira you will find the charming town of Trikala. The first thing you should do is take a walk through the ancient town, particularly in the Varousi and Old Manavika districts, where you will be transported to another era. Varousi is home to some gorgeous houses and the city's oldest churches.

 

Nothing stands in the way of the Evzones doing their diligent duty as the members of the Greek Presidential Guard. They have been serving their country since December 12, 1868. Even when it is cold, rainy and snowing the guards are responsible for guarding important sites such as the House of Parliament and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

The Evzones are like statues who are so precise from their uniforms to their routine. This is because they are trained to be able to march with their legs expanding to shoulder width and to stand motionless for over 100 hours a month.

The Evzones are allowed a coat when it gets cold, but regardless of the weather, they must stand at their posts and perform their duties in the snow, sleet or the cold!

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

The international golf tournament Messinia Pro-Am will take place in Costa Navarino, the award-winning golf destination in Europe, from 21 – 24 February 2017. Professional and amateur golfers are rushing to ensure their participation in the tournament. Please see the teaser video here!

The 30 teams participating in the first tournament have been almost completed while registration will continue until January 20 2017.

Costa Navarino is renowned for being an ideal destination at any time of year and participants in the tournament are expected to enjoy the exceptional Messinian climate and mild winter in February.

Mr. Bernhard Langer, former two times US Masters Champion, Ryder Cup Captain and designer of The Dunes Course, Costa Navarino mentioned:

"Following the two recent awards that Costa Navarino received this year both by IAGTO and IGTM, it is super exciting that the 2017 season kicks off with the Messinian Pro-Am Golf Tournament! Launching the Messinia Pro-Am at a time that golf has once again become an Olympic sport for the first time since 1904, Costa Navarino proves its devotion and dedication to golf and golf tourism. A new tournament to discover and hopefully a well-established annual golf event in the near future, the Pro-Am presents a great opportunity to mingle among top golfers from around the globe, while play golf at a world-class golf destination of unprecedented natural beauty, historical and culinary legacy. I am sure that alongside the tournament, participants will experience a rich program of entertaining events, on top of the warm and genuine hospitality of the Messinians. This cannot be missed!”

The tournament will be held at both golf courses The Dunes Course and The Bay Course. In The Dunes Course, athletes will play golf amongst olive trees over 100 years old and enjoy stunning views of the Sellas River and the Ionian Sea. Similarly, in The Bay Course, athletes will follow a spectacular path among hills and olive groves overlooking the historic bay of Navarino. Costa Navarino has recently been recognised by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) and presented with the prestigious European Golf Resort of the Year 2017 award.

Each team will play a total of 54 holes, 18 holes per day, while the three best professional players and the three best teams will be awarded for their success. In addition, special awards will be given in both men and women’s categories.

Golfers’ prizes have been crafted by the company Vourakis, the official supporter of the first Messinia Pro Am. In addition, Loux, the largest Greek soft drinks and juices company will support Messinia Pro Am tournament as official sponsor highlighting its authentic flavors and Greek qualitative raw materials with the most effective way. AEGEAN Airlines, member of STAR ALLIANCE, the leading global aviation alliance will be the official airline partner of the event, while the company Kyvernitis Travel will also be an official supporter of the event.

Registration and participation forms for the 1st Messinia Pro Am continue for a few more days at the official page of the event.

For those who are interested in staying at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino and enjoy the full experience of the Messinia Pro Am 2017, special accommodation packages are available.

The 1st Messinia Pro Am will be held under the umbrella of the PGAs of Europe, the PGA of Greece, the Hellenic Golf Federation and the Hellenic Olympic Academy.

Website: messiniaproam.costanavarino.com

 

Photo Credit: The Dunes Course, @Costa Navarino