The BrainReGain – Hellenism in Action initiative to repatriate Greeks who left the country in the previous decade due to the financial crisis will receive a boost with the publication of Greece Country Highlights.

The publication provides information about current economic and social developments in Greece, and all the basic information about the Greek regulatory, legislative, and investment framework.

This information includes everything from economic development indicators and entrepreneurship support tools, to reforms in the functioning of the state and policies for family support and life in Greece.

Apart from the effort to reverse the brain drain of the previous decade and turn it into a brain gain, the project also aspires to attract professionals and scientists from other countries as well.

BrainReGain is a nonprofit initiative bringing together 35 leading Greek companies, 65 top business executives, and 100,000 Greeks from the diaspora.

For some time now it has been systematically engaged in collating all those elements that are worth presenting to Greeks living outside Greece so they can see for themselves that the country they left behind in the previous decade has well and truly changed.

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

A country of azure seas, idyllic sun-bleached villages, and sandy shores, Greece is undeniably one of the top Instagrammable places on Earth. The only problem is that, with so many breathtaking places, you may don’t know where to start!

To make your lives easier, we compiled a selection of the most beautiful spots in Greece to snap the most envy-inducing photographs!

Navagio, Zakynthos


@queencess_m

On the western coast of Zakynthos lies the most famous beach on the Ionian islands. Navagio or Shipwreck beach is located close to the Anafotiria village and was initially called Agios Georgios. It owes its new name to the shipwreck of a boat called “Panagiotis” that was washed ashore in the 80s. Crystal clear turquoise waters surrounded by vertical cliffs of white rocks and a ship emerging from the sand, it’s no wonder Shipwreck is one of the most photographed sights in Greece!

Oia, Santorini


@p_chara

Santorini, the most romantic destination in Greece, is teaming with picturesque villages. The most scenic of them all? Oia! Situated on an impressive cliff, overlooking the volcano and the island of Thirassia, Oia is known for its traditional whitewashed houses, labyrinthine alleyways, and amazing hotels, but more impressive than these are its magical sunsets. If you find yourself in Oia, you won’t be able to put your camera down; every little corner is worth taking a photo of, and you’ll get to capture the most beautiful sunset in Greece!

Sarakiniko, Milos


@lavoyachieuse

Have you ever wondered what it’d be like to walk on the moon? Well, Sarakiniko beach in Milos, one of the most impressive natural locations, with its unique geological profile, is as close as it gets to the moonscape. Long, white rocks surround the sea. With the passage of time, the erosion created small and big hollows all over the rocks, shaping a lunar landscape that offers an otherworldly experience to visitors.

Windmills, Mykonos


@photosophy___

Mykonos, the Queen of the Greek islands, a cosmopolitan paradise packed with international jet setters, VIPs, and celebrities, has much more to offer than its second-to-none party atmosphere. Like all the Cycladic islands, white and blue hues dominate Mykonos. You’ll find yourself wandering the cobblestone streets lined with sun-drenched whitewashed houses. The most quintessential Mykonian feature, though, is the old windmills. They can be seen from every point of Mykonos Chora, reminiscent of the island’s rich virile past.

Balos, Crete


@allincrete_guide

About 60km northwest of Chania, you will find one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece, Balos. As seen from the above, it looks like a lagoon. It’s a long beach with crystalline waters and soft white sand that in many places turns into a lovely pinkish color because of the millions of crushed shells. Opposite the beach, there is Gramvoussa, a rocky island with a steep Venetian castle on top of it. Its exotic setting makes it the most photographed beach in Crete and a favorite subject of all tourist guides for Greece. It’s no coincidence that Prince Charles and Princess Diana visited Balos on their private yacht many years ago!

Athens airport has been crowned the ultimate best in Europe according to rankings from user review ratings on Google compiled by Holidu, a British search engine for holiday rentals.

Being Greece’s main and largest airport, the Eleftherios Venizelos – Athens International Airport scored a whopping 4.4 stars out of 5 from 24,467 reviews.

The ratings placed the airport in top position outcompeting Zürich Airport -Switzerland, Francisco de Sá Carneiro Airport – Portugal, Alicante International Airport – Spain, and Malta International Airport in second to fifth positions, respectively.

What is outstanding about Athens Airport?

Located thirty-three kilometers away from the city center, Athens International Airport according to user ratings, “has so much to offer its travelers” revealed Holidu.

In case of a layover, passengers at Athens Airport “can enjoy baggage storage options, airport lounges, archaeological artifacts exhibitions, and a wide selection of restaurants and cafes,” Holidu said.

The airport also offers a conducive play area for children and a health and wellness center, which make makes it outstanding for travelers in Europe.

The above qualities crown the Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport the European aviation giant base for many travelers.

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

The Acropolis Museum celebrates August Full Moon on Friday 12 August 2022 with Greek songs about the moon, film music and famous melodies from abroad, performed by the historic Hellenic Air Force Band, in the Museum’s entrance courtyard at 9 p.m.

 

The Hellenic Air Force Band consists of senior and junior officers – high-level musicians who studied at various conservatories of the country and were admitted into the ranks of the Air Force after passing certain examination. The Band takes part in worldwide music festivals and leads the 5th Avenue parade in New York dedicated to March 25th celebrations of the Greek expatriates. Major Alexandros Litsardopoulos is the Conductor of the Band. The singers that will perform are Elena Orfanidi and Aggelos Mousikas.

   

On this occasion, the Museum will remain open from 8 a.m. to 12 midnight with free entry for all visitors from 9 p.m. onwards, giving visitors the opportunity to stroll through the galleries and enjoy the view of the Acropolis under the charming moonlight. The restaurant on the second floor will be open during the same hours (reservations: +30 210 9000915).

Santorini is making a dynamic come back to the world of sports tourism this year, the ever-growing alternative form of tourism in Greece, bringing a new era to Santorini Experience.

Thira Municipality is not limited to simply hosting a major sporting event on the island of Santorini, as it intends to highlight the cultural wealth of a globally leading tourism destination, organizing Santorini Experience on September 23-25, 2022, after two years of pandemic. 

The history and culture of Santorini’s volcanic complex sparked the global interest in the 1980s and since then the island’s tourist movement began. People who choose to engage with sports tourism, always combine their participation in a sports event with a desire to find out the particular characteristics of the destination they are visiting, at the same time. 

This year, Thira Municipality, wishing to highlight the history and cultural wealth of the islands, enriches Santorini Experience for the first time, with a half marathon, a very popular running route worldwide.

The marble Daedalic Kore of Thira, a unique archaeological finding of supernatural size (2.30 meters height and about 750 kilograms weight), dating back to 640 BC. (7th century), was found preserved in excellent condition at the site of Sellada in Ancient Thira, on November 24, 2000, by the late archaeologist Charalampos Sigalas. It highlights the vast history of Santorini and is placed chronologically and aesthetically in the era of the genesis of the monumental Greek sculpture. This remarkable sculpture, which will soon be exhibited to the world for the first time, in the outdoor area of ​​the Archaeological Museum of Thira, which is being currently renovated, gives its name to the first half-marathon run, which is held for the first time on the island. The “Daedalic Kore of Thira” Half Marathon will take place on Saturday, September 24, 2022, running across the enchanting areas of Oia, Imerovigli and Fira.

In the most beautiful caldera in the world, created by the successive eruptions of Santorini’s volcano, from prehistoric times to 1950, participating athletes will have the opportunity to swim in the unique 1.5 miles (2.4 km) “L & E Nomikos” open water swimming route, of Santorini Experience. The swimming event is going to be held on Sunday September 25, 2022, starting from the volcano with its finish line being at the old port of Fira, under the imposing view of the island. Watch some highlights from the amazing swimming route here:  

From this year, the swimming route will bare the name “L & E Nomikos” in honor of the founders of the “Loula & Evangelos Nomikos” Foundation, established in 1979 by the shipowner Evangelos Nomikos, who adored the sea and his island. The construction of the cable car, which connects the city of Fira with the old port (Bay of Fira), the end point of the swimming route, is a pioneering project of the Foundation, which was completed 40 years ago and was put into operation with a great contribution to the service of the residents and visitors. At the same time the cable car has benefited the entire island over time, since the Foundation’s income is used for great projects and the overall support of the community. It is a debt of honor in the memory of these great benefactors of the Municipality of Thira, to name this unique swimming route after them, from now on. 

Vikos Natural Mineral Water is the event’s Official Water.

 

Santorini Experience takes place this year for the 6th year and is organized by the Municipality of Thira and the Sports Tourism department of ActiveMedia Group.

 

More information on new surprises of this year's event, the opening of registrations and special offers for access to Santorini, will be announced in the coming weeks at: www.santorini-experience.com 

Sports Production: ActiveMedia Group

#SantoriniExperience

Photo by Babis Giritziotis

The Hotel Grande Bretagne has been included, one more time, on the top of the World’s Best List of the well-known Travel + Leisure magazine. The King George Hotel is also an honoree for the first time. 

 

Every year, Travel + Leisure asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe and share their opinions on the top hotels, destinations, cruise ships, airlines and more. Hotels were rated on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value and as a result, Hotel Grande Bretagne was ranked as the best hotel in Athens while King George was placed third.  

Readers praised the hotels’ beauty, location and restaurants while T+L specifically mentions, “to stay at the Hotel Grande Bretagne is to sleep inside a small piece of Athens's history”.

 

Having received these important distinctions, Hotels Grande Bretagne and King George are committed to continue delivering exceptional, indigenous experiences for their guests. Both Hotels have the best location in the heart of Athens with spectacular views to the Acropolis and set a significant example in the international hotel industry, offering exceptional services and memorable experiences.

The Greek Maritime Golf Event, the best golf tournament in Greece according to the Sports Marketing Awards, is just around the corner for its 8th year and is once more expected to gather distinguished executives of the Greek and global maritime industry, on September 8-11, 2022, at Costa Navarino, Messinia.

 

This year’s event will be held with a new competition format as participants will compete for the top positions in a two-day shotgun scramble. The first round will take place on Friday, September 9, at 10:00am at The Hills Course, and the final results will derive after the second round, which is going to be held on Saturday, September 10, at 10:00am at the International Olympic Academy Golf Course.

More than 100 leading executives from the maritime industry will play in the two new 18-hole signature golf courses designed by two-time Masters champion and Ryder Cup legend José Marίa Olazábal at Navarino Hills. Players will compete in an idyllic landscape full of centuries-old olive trees with stunning views of the Ionian Sea, the historic Bay of Navarino and the picturesque port of Pylos, in order to claim the top three positions in the overall standings, whereas special awards will be given to individual players who will achieve the best scores in the “Longest Drive” and “Closest to the Pin” categories.

Non-golfers will be able to attend a golf clinic on Saturday, September 10, at 12:00pm and participate in the putting competition that will be held at The Dunes Course.

 

On Friday, September 9, the event will welcome all participants to the Cocktail by Marine Tours at 19:00pm.

The Greek Maritime Golf Event will support the Non-Profit Company HOPEgenesis through its actions. On Saturday, September 10, during this year’s award ceremony, participants will have the opportunity to directly contribute with their desired amount at the designated area. The total amount to be collected will be given to the Non-Profit Company HOPEgenesis, operating in the health and social welfare sector, which aspires to reverse the trend of declining birth rates in Greece with the aim of providing complete medical care to women, from the moment they become pregnant until the day of their birth. For more information about HOPEgenesis: www.hopegenesis.org 

 

Aspiring to make all athletes better through passion, design, and the constant need for innovation, Under Armour offers a wide range of technological apparel and footwear products for the everyday & professional athlete. From its foundation to today, Under Armour has been a pioneer in the field of performance technological products with gear specifically designed to keep athletes cool, dry and light during training. The company firmly and dynamically declares its presence in sports events, embracing every form of sport.

 

Greek Maritime Golf Event is attended by some of the leading shipping companies from Greece and Cyprus, as well as various other important companies that support the event.

 

IRI/The Marshall Islands Registry is the event’s Platinum Sponsor.

Mainline Shipping Company, Jotun Hellas and Onego Shipping Company are Golden Sponsors. 

DNV, Arrow Hellas and Marine Tours are the Silver Sponsors. 

Optima Shipbroking is the Official Sponsor. 

Standard Club, Bacardi and Poseidonia Restaurant are the event’s Official Supporters.

 

Greek Maritime Golf Event is organized by Birdie Events, through an initiative of the recognized Greek PGA golfer, Mr. Thanos Karantzias. The award-winning sports marketing agency of ActiveMedia Group has undertaken the event’s Golf Production. The tournament is addressed exclusively to distinguished executives of the Greek shipping community. 

  

Messinian Spa is the event’s Official Beauty Partner. 

Minoa Water is the event’s Official Water.

Karalis Beach Hotel, Hellenic Grocery, Spitiko, Kayak and Athi Rodi are the event’s Partners. 

Boo Productions is the Audio Visual Partner.

 

The event will be held under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism and the Hellenic Golf Federation.

Hashtags: #greekmaritimegolfevent #costavarino #navarinohills

Photo Credit: Mike Tsolis

Named after the greek word for smokestack, this former tomato cannery is now a vibrant culture center celebrating art and creativity and offering multiple spaces to enjoy life in the shade of plane and mulberry trees. In the summer months, the main plaza fills with families and kids playing ping-pong, table football or chess, while enjoying drinks & dining outdoors. Seasonal Greek fare such as keftedakia with yoghurt and mint sauce, grilled talagani cheese, mousse of feta and local provio ice-cream, is served by the CAFÉBISTROT under the trees and on the deck by the stream.

FOUGARO hosts live music events every Saturday night, dj sets on Fridays, and an annual Jazz Festival every September. Contemporary art exhibits run through the year, and sculptures of the FKPCOLLECTION adorn all gardens and patios. Workshops for young and old include ceramics, drawing, and painting, and an annual exhibition of its students’s works is presented every summer in all its workshop spaces.

Water features, fragrant gardens, two multilingual libraries and a towering smokestack, all combine to create a welcoming oasis of culture and aesthetics, making FOUGARO ARTCENTER the ideal place to relax, savour and enjoy life!