XpatAthens

XpatAthens

The traditional office is becoming a thing of the past. As we move through 2026, more professionals are realizing that if their job only requires a laptop and a stable Wi-Fi connection, they might as well be doing it from a balcony overlooking the Acropolis or a seaside café on a Greek island like Crete or Rhodes.

Greece has officially become one of the world’s top hubs for remote work, thanks to its specialized Digital Nomad Visa and a lifestyle that prioritizes well-being.
 
Thinking of making the jump? Here is why Greece is calling your name this year.

The Digital Nomad Visa: Your Golden Ticket

Greece’s Digital Nomad Visa is designed specifically for non-EU citizens who work for companies (or clients) based outside of Greece.
  • The Requirement: You need to show a stable monthly income of at least €3,500 (plus a bit more if you’re bringing a partner or family).
  • The Perk: Once approved, you get a residence permit that lets you live in Greece legally for up to two years, with the option to renew. Plus, for those who stay long-term, there are significant tax incentives for the first seven years.
Infrastructure That Keeps Up

Forget the old myths about slow island internet. In 2026, Greece has seen a massive rollout of fiber optics. Athens and Thessaloniki now boast 5G coverage that rivals any major European capital, and dedicated coworking spaces have popped up from the heart of Psirri to the shores of Rhodes.

A Balancing Act: Cost vs. Quality

It’s no secret that the “hidden gem” days of Athens are evolving; rent prices in the city center have risen significantly over the last couple of years. However, even with these changes, the city remains remarkably affordable compared to other major European cities.
  • The Value Gap: While a central 1-bedroom now averages €650–€800, you are still getting a lifestyle that would cost triple the price in Northern Europe.
  • Smart Living: By looking just a few metro stops outside the absolute center (in neighborhoods like Galatsi or Peristeri), you can still find great value while staying connected to the buzz of the city.
Beyond Athens: Where Should You Set Up?

While Athens is the heartbeat of the country, other cities are thriving:
  • Thessaloniki: The “cool younger sister” of Athens, known for its incredible food scene and a slightly more relaxed housing market.
  • Chania (Crete): Perfect for those who want a slower pace and some of the best beaches in the world within a 20-minute drive.
  • Nafplio: A hidden gem only two hours from Athens, offering a romantic, historic backdrop for your Zoom calls.
Community & Connection 

A strong sense of community is one of the greatest gifts Greece offers to anyone living a nomadic life. Loneliness can be a real challenge on the road, but the Greek spirit of Philoxenia, a deep‑rooted culture of warmth and hospitality, makes it remarkably easy to feel at home. Athens, in particular, has a thriving expat and digital‑nomad scene, with weekly meetups, casual coffee gatherings, “workation” retreats, and networking events that help newcomers connect quickly and naturally.

To dive straight into this local energy, the XpatAthens Community is an excellent place to start. As a lively hub for events and networking, it bridges the gap between local hospitality and the international crowd, ensuring that finding your "tribe" feels like a natural part of everyday life. If you'd like to hear our news and stay on top of things in the community, subscribe to our newsletter.

This blend of social connection and productivity is exactly what makes the Greece so charming. Whether you’re looking to discover fresh daily habits or simply want to share a table with a fellow traveler, the local workspace culture is second to none. Not to mention working from cafés is also a great office for the day, and we’ve already tracked down the very best spots for you here!

Monday, 26 January 2026 22:13

Top Co-Working Spaces In Athens

As 2026 shapes up to be the year of remote work, many of us are feeling the urge to step out of the house and settle into a space that’s more professional, more inspiring, or simply better organised. Athens has no shortage of places that tick all those boxes. To help you find the ideal spot, we’ve gathered some of the city’s finest coworking spaces, each offering its own blend of efficiency, comfort, and community.

WHEN Hub

Where: Socratous 29, Athens

Nestled in a bright, modern space, WHEN HUB offers a warm, inclusive coworking environment dedicated to empowering women. Its open-plan area features flexible desks or dedicated workstations, complemented by meeting rooms, private offices, event spaces for up to 70 people, and even a fully equipped podcast room. A standout feature is the Mini Hub, a safe, supervised play area for children aged 0 to 12, ideal for parents seeking balance. Fully accessible by stairs or elevator and offering catering and visual services, WHEN HUB blends community, comfort, and practicality in the heart of Athens.

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@when.hub

Stone Soup 

Where: Charilaou Trikoupi 18, Athens

Located close to Panepistimio, Stone Soup is your quiet oasis in the heart of Athens. Whether you’re a freelancer passing through or a small company seeking a permanent base, Stone Soup caters to all. With a massive rooftop offering breathtaking city views, ergonomic office chairs, and a welcoming staff, it’s the perfect blend of tranquility and productivity.

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@stonesoupcoworking

Impact Hub

Where: Karaiskaki 28, Athens

Step into Impact Hub, a neoclassical townhouse in the heart of Athens, offering flexible spaces for freelancers and small businesses. Get acquainted with a lively community, sip on hot tea or coffee in the on-site kitchen, and take part in social and networking events.

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@impacthubathens


ViOS
 
Where: Fidiou 9, Athens

ViOS is a sleek multi-purpose workspace in the Panepistimio district. Going beyond the traditional co-working space, ViOS meets the global WELL Building Standard, prioritizing health and well-being. Enjoy perks like gym workouts, nutritious snacks, and even a Zen-like sleeping room. With its modern aesthetics and attention to well-being, ViOS is not just a workspace: it’s an experience.

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@viosgr

Spaces Ermou 

Where: Ermou 56, Athens

Experience contagious productive energy at Spaces Ermou, main shopping street. With 24/7 access, an on-site barista, and flexible contracts, Spaces Ermou is a global brand offering premium co-working spaces. From Instagrammable hangout areas to a roof terrace with Acropolis views, it’s a sociable workspace for hi-tech businesses, international companies, and freelancers alike.

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@spacesworks

Found.ation

Where: Evrystheos 2, Athens

What makes working at Found.ation such a delight? Quite simply, the founders designed a workspace they genuinely enjoy using themselves — and it shows. You can recharge in the kitchen or the food court, step out for a breath of fresh air in the backyard, and make the most of a full range of high‑quality equipment for all those little tasks that keep your day running smoothly: high‑speed internet, scanners, fax machines, printers, computers, projection screens, and even a trusty whiteboard.

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@found.ationgr

IQBILITY

Where: Alexandrou Pantou 25, Athens

IQBILITY is far more than a coworking space — it’s a genuine support hub for entrepreneurs. Alongside bright, practical areas to work and hold meetings, you can benefit from financial assistance during your first month, guidance through administrative procedures, and access to a real business network of mentors offering thoughtful advice. You may even find potential investors who are genuinely interested in your project.

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@iqbility

 

 

An Interview with Dr. Paul Cartledge by Dr. Richard Marranca
 

In Ancient Greece, was it “divine madness” that bestowed creativity? 

Socrates and Plato wrote that inspired thoughts originated when a person was beside themselves – in a state of divine madness. Reason was suspended. So, Plato considered that art was an imitation of an imitation – twice removed. In Poetics, Aristotle championed art as a valuable way to experience emotions, integral to tragedy and poetry.

Myth and religion, art and architecture, philosophy and science, theater and music – it would take a library to delve into all this from ancient Greece. What would be the impulse or common ground for all this? 

In the eyes and minds of ancient Greek people, it would have fallen under the umbrella of what they labelled mousikē: the sphere of the (usually nine) divine Muses who had their abode on Mount Helicon – where famously poet Hesiod claimed to have actually met them. It was Muses too that Homer invoked at the start of both the Iliad and Odyssey – as the cause of his poetic inspiration and craft. The Muses each had their individual circle of expertise and interest, but all operated literally under the sign of Memory (Mnemosyne in Greek), because that was their mother’s name. 

Their father was Zeus, though his role was more that of one-time progenitor than of cultural mentor. I wrote ‘almost all’: two significant exceptions were (visual) artworks and architecture, and in a different way philosophy. Philosophers had no one divine inspirer – they might look at different times towards Athena, Apollo or even Zeus for intellectual aid. Craftsmen in metal, stone or wood (kheirotechnai) were thought to need a different kind of inspiration from ‘makers’ (poiētai) of words, and this came from either Athena or Hephaestus (Homer’s lame craftsman god, maker of Achilles’s arms and armour) or both.

To revert to the Muses: epic poetry was taken care of by Calliope, love poetry by Erato, lyric poetry by Euterpe, sacred poetry/hymns by Polyhymnia, tragic drama by Melpomene, comedy by Thalia, and dance (manifested in the dramatic or singing chorus, a word which originally meant ‘dance’) by Terpsichore (‘she who delights in the dance’). 

Something of an outlier – or an uplier – was Ourania, meaning literally ‘heavenly’ and so the presiding Muse of astronomy. Astronomy – literally the disposition/arrangement of stars – was not an original Greek specialism. Rather, it was a manifestation of another key aspect of the ancient Greeks’ creative genius – their ability to borrow and take over something already very finely developed or crafted by another culture and then re-make it something new, and often something superior.


Richard Marranca is an author who teaches ancient world, myth, and religion at Montclair State University. He writes for various print and digital publications, and his upcoming book, "Speaking of the Dead: Mummies & Mysteries of Egypt," will be published by Blydyn Square Books. Richard has had the honor of receiving a Fulbright to teach at LMU Munich and spent a semester in Athens during his doctoral studies at New York University. In his career, Richard has had the privilege of interviewing esteemed classicist Paul Cartledge on topics ranging from Alexander the Great to Greek philosophy.

Opening: Saturday, 31 January 2026 at 18:00

Opening Hours: Thursday & Friday 18:00–21:00 / Saturday & Sunday 12:00–20:00

FokiaNou Art Space is pleased to host the exhibition “HYDORerotics” by the contemporary art collective elementA, continuing its creative trajectory following the group’s recent and successful participation in PLATFORMS PROJECT 2025 at the former Tobacco Factory, with the theme “WATER.” The artists approach water as a fundamental element of life, a carrier of memory and transformation, and a field of philosophical and environmental inquiry. The exhibition unfolds as a contemporary “symposium of ideas,” where water becomes the starting point for questions about the flow of time, the relationship between humans and nature, ecological urgency, and the power of imagination.

With innate curiosity and a passion for possibilities, the HYDORerotics reflect on the fluid element, transforming their answers—or their doubts—into artistic gesture. Through installations, prints, paintings, original techniques, and repurposed materials, the elementA collective composes a multilayered and deeply experiential narrative. The presentation evolves across dark and light spaces, where the natural meets the artificial and the real converses with the imaginary, creating an environment that encourages observation, empathy, and contemplation.

The HYDORerotics propose an experience where art meets philosophy, ecological concern, and the human search for meaning. Visitors are invited to engage in an active dialogue about the planet’s most precious element, to reconsider their own relationship with water, and to rediscover the fluidity that shapes both the world and the self.

Curation & Organization: elementA Art Collective, with the support of artists Panagiotis Voulgaris & Mary Cox

Members of elementA Laskarína Karagianni (Athens), Iliana Kolovou (Corfu), Vani Koronaki (Athens), Vasileios Papaioannou (Sydney, Australia), Dimitra Savva (Larnaca, Cyprus), Efi Seitanidou (Athens), Kalomoira Tsoukalá (Athens), Sofia Foniadaki (Ierapetra)

Instagram: @artelementa

FokiaNou Art Space is an active and open hub of artistic creation, fostering collaboration between Greek and international artists. In 2024 it celebrated ten years of continuous presence, having presented—under the curatorship of Panagiotis Voulgaris and Mary Cox—more than 70 group, solo, and interdisciplinary exhibitions, as well as workshops and talks. Its outward-looking character is further strengthened through participation in major international events, such as the TRYST Art Fair at the Torrance Art Museum in Los Angeles, the Athena exhibition in Karlsruhe (2025), and the SuperMarket Independent Art Fair in Stockholm (2023, 2019), contributing to the networking of independent art spaces and the development of a wider international collaborative community.


If you’ve just landed in Athens, your first few weeks will likely feel like a blur of strong coffee, chaotic traffic, and the sudden realization that "central" means very different things depending on who you ask.

The biggest mistake I see newcomers make is trying to sign a long-term lease from a hotel room within five days of arriving. Athens isn't a city you can understand through a screen; it’s a city you have to walk until your feet ache.

The "In-Between" Strategy: Why Short-Term is Your Best Friend

In Athens, a "short-term" rental isn't just a vacation spot; it’s your laboratory. These are usually furnished studios or Airbnbs where you pay a premium for the luxury of not having to deal with the Public Power Corporation (DEI) or signing a three-year contract in a language you don’t yet speak.

Most of us who stayed here long-term started exactly like this. We booked a month in a serviced flat to give ourselves the "breathing room" to actually visit neighborhoods at different times of day. A street that looks charming at 10:00 AM might turn into a loud, outdoor bar scene at 2:00 AM. You want to discover that before you sign a lease.

A Resident's Map: Where You Actually Want to Live

Forget the tourist maps. Here is the ground-level vibe of the neighborhoods where expats actually end up:
  • Koukaki: This is the "soft landing." It’s right under the Acropolis, but it still feels like a village. You’ll find yourself at the same bakery every morning, and within a week, the owner will know your order. It’s walkable and friendly, but because everyone knows this, the rents have climbed significantly.
  • Pangrati: This is where you go when you’re over the "tourist" vibe. It’s dense, hilly, and feels lived-in. There’s no metro right in the center, but the sheer number of hidden squares and tavernas makes it feel like the heartbeat of the city.
  • Exarchia: It’s not a "postcard" neighborhood. It’s gritty, covered in incredible street art, and politically loud. If you’re a creative or someone who likes a bit of edge, you’ll love it. If you want quiet and manicured sidewalks, stay away.
  • Glyfada & The Riviera: If you need the sea to stay sane, head south. It feels less like "Old Athens" and more like a coastal resort. It’s where you go for air, light, and international schools, but be prepared to pay "sea-view" prices.
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The Unwritten Rules of Greek Rentals

The Reality

"Insider" Tip

Price

€500-€800 for a long-term 1-bed.

The best deals are rarely on a website. Look for "Enoikiazetai" (For Rent) yellow signs on balconies.

Furnishings

"Unfurnished" usually means completely empty.

Sometimes this includes the oven and fridge. Budget for an IKEA trip immediately.

Bills

The Koinóchrēsta (building fees).

Always ask what the average winter heating bill is. Older buildings can be incredibly expensive to keep warm, even in the Greek climate.

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How to Actually Find a Home

The best apartments in Athens move through a "whisper network." You hear about a flat because a friend’s cousin is moving out. This is why having a stable, short-term base is so vital.

While you’re staying in your temporary spot, tell everyone (your barista, your Greek teacher, the person at the laundry) that you’re looking for a long-term place. In the meantime, tools like cozycozy are great for that initial "landing" phase. It aggregates everything from apartments to hostels so you can find a comfortable base camp without opening twenty tabs.

Don't rush the process. Athens is a city that rewards patience and face-to-face conversation. Stay short-term until you find the neighborhood that actually feels like your rhythm, then make your move.
In a world where everything is easily replaced, returning to the kitchen feels almost revolutionary. 

The Euphoria Series and Penelope Dimitrakopoulou invite you to a day of conscious connection on Sunday, February 1st. Step away from the noise and join an intimate gathering designed to nourish both the plate and the soul. Together with Agapi Micheli—professional chef, mother, and advocate for simplicity—we are stripping away the drama of "perfect" cooking to rediscover a more human way to eat.

This isn’t a lecture on right or wrong; It’s a real conversation about the quiet power of using what we have, respecting our ingredients, and bringing "care" back to the table.

The Experience Includes: 

✨ Hands-on Workshop: Master zero-waste techniques and the art of sustainable cooking.
✨ Mindset & Connection: A deep-dive conversation led by Penelope Dimitrakopoulou on bridging the gap between our habits and our mental well-being.
✨ A Curated Lunch: An exquisite meal with intentional wine pairings.
✨ Private Sanctuary: Exclusive use of the restaurant for our group to connect in peace.

Why take a seat?
  • Shift Your Perspective: Turn sustainability from an obligation into a joy.

  • Learn the "How": Gain practical tools to cook seasonally and waste nothing.

  • Reconnect: Find the love that sometimes gets lost between the Tupperware.

If you feel like we’re speaking your language, we invite you to take a seat at our table and restore the love that sometimes gets lost between the Tupperware.

📍 Location: @proveleggiosathens, Paramythias 11, Kerameikos
Time: 14:00

🎟️ Tickets
• Early Bird (until 28 Jan): 65€

📩 Limited seating for an intimate experience. DM @theeuphoriaseries early to book your spot.


Monday, 19 January 2026 14:19

In 2026 Dive (Back) Into Greek Mythology!

The summer of 2025 brought an unexpected thrill to the Port of Piraeus. Along the bustling quays, the luckiest passers‑by may have caught a fleeting glimpse of some very familiar faces. From Zendaya to Matt Damon, with Anne Hathaway gliding in between, it felt as though half of Hollywood had suddenly materialised on Greek soil. And such a constellation of A‑listers could only mean one thing: an iconic project led by the equally iconic Christopher Nolan. His new film, Odyssey, was already stirring a palpable sense of anticipation across Greece.

Filming began on 25 February 2025, and from that moment on, the production embarked on what can only be described as a world tour. Morocco’s sun‑drenched landscapes set the tone, before the journey swept through Sicily and the Aeolian Islands, crossed the United Kingdom and Iceland, ventured into the wilds of Scotland, skimmed the sands of Western Sahara, and paused in Malta and Ireland, eventually wrapping in the studios of Los Angeles. A modern odyssey in every sense, with Greece, naturally, at its heart. The Peloponnese and Messenia played a starring role, with scenes captured in and around the coastal town of Pylos, and even atop the dramatic Acrocorinth overlooking Corinth.

Homer’s Odyssey, the ancient Greek epic composed towards the end of the 8th century BC, tells the story of Odysseus’ long and perilous journey back to his island of Ithaca after the Trojan War. What should have been a homecoming becomes a ten‑year saga filled with trials, temptations and mythical encounters, all in the hope of reuniting with his wife Penelope and his son Telemachus. And even when he finally reaches his shores, his troubles are far from over.

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@nolanarchives

Nearly three thousand years after it first emerged, The Odyssey continues to speak to us because it touches on the most fundamental human experiences. It isn’t simply a tale of gods and monsters (even if we can’t help looking forward to shivering alongside Odysseus’ men as Poseidon unleashes his wrath or imagining ourselves succumbing to the Sirens’ hypnotic song) : at its heart, it is a deeply human story, exploring what it means to be alive, lost, tempted, brave, fragile, and forever searching for a home, both in the literal sense and in the emotional one.

The epic is threaded with themes that feel as fresh today as they did in antiquity: loyalty tested by time, the pull of temptation, the fear of the unknown, the ache of nostalgia, and the lifelong quest to understand who we are. These emotions belong to no single era or culture; they resonate with anyone who has ever felt torn, hopeful, or uncertain.

Part of the enduring charm of The Odyssey lies in its hero. Odysseus is not a flawless demi‑god but a wonderfully human figure who lies, hesitates, makes mistakes, gives in to temptation and fails more than once. His vulnerability makes him relatable, even modern. Today’s heroes, whether in films, novels or series, tend to resemble him far more than the untouchable champions of ancient myth.

This timelessness explains why The Odyssey has inspired artists across the ages. In literature, Nikos Kazantzakis offered a monumental reinvention of the myth in The Odyssey: A Modern Sequel, while James Joyce transformed it into a modern masterpiece with Ulysses, set in the Dublin of the early twentieth century. In cinema, Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar echoes the structure of the ancient epic with its lost hero and impossible return, while Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away follows a young girl through strange worlds, trials and transformation. Philosophers such as Hannah Arendt have read Odysseus’ return as a meditation on identity and memory, while Adorno and Horkheimer famously interpreted him as the first “modern subject”, a man who shapes his destiny through cunning and control. Even psychology has embraced the epic as a model for personal transformation, and contemporary pop culture continues to draw from it, from video games like Assassin’s Creed Odyssey to the myth‑infused characters of Marvel’s universe. Every era reinvents The Odyssey, and that constant reinvention is precisely what keeps it alive.

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To bring this legendary tale to life, Christopher Nolan has embarked on one of his boldest projects yet, assembling a truly stellar cast: Matt Damon as Odysseus, Tom Holland as Telemachus, Anne Hathaway as Penelope, or Zendaya as Athena, with additional roles played by Robert Pattinson, Mia Goth, Lupita Nyong’o, and more, the film promises a modern retelling of the myth on a scale as ambitious as the epic itself.

With its American release scheduled for 17 July 2026, audiences will need to wait a little longer - but the excitement is already building.

Before or after watching what is sure to be a masterpiece of a film, dive (or dive back) into the myth once cherished by the rhapsodes of ancient Greece. You may even find yourself exploring the country through a fresh lens: tracing Odysseus’ imagined route across islands and coastlines, rediscovering landscapes steeped in legend, or seeking out the real‑life locations that shaped both the ancient epic and Nolan’s bold new interpretation. This is the kind of story that draws us to Greece not merely for its sun and sea, but for the chance to follow a tale that has travelled across millennia and still feels astonishingly alive.


Athens is, of course, an undeniably touristic city and with good reason. Yet at some point, you may feel the urge to slip away from the well‑trodden paths, far from the crowds and the endlessly revisited landmarks. And that’s exactly where we come in! Below, you’ll find a non‑exhaustive selection of our favourite hidden gems, the kind of unique places you might easily miss if you stick to the usual routes.


To Mikio 

Nestled along the quiet stretch of Ioánnou Drosopoúlou 14 in Athens, this tiny spot is so discreet you could easily walk past it, which would be such a pity. “Mikio”, meaning small or tiny in Cretan, is an affectionate twist on mikró (μικρό = small), and the name suits the place perfectly. True to its spirit, the restaurant offers some of the most emblematic Cretan dishes: mouthwatering apaki, Cretan pies filled with wild greens, and graviera in several subtly spiced variations, all best enjoyed with a generous splash of raki. Kali orexi!

Jazz in Jazz

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@nikos.mytilinaios


A cosy little gem tucked away at Deinokratous 4 in Athens this spot will delight any whisky enthusiast will be absolutely charmed by the selection offered on the menu of this bar with its vaguely Parisian charm. The moment you step inside, you’ll notice the owner’s immense love for jazz, a passion he’s carried with him across his travels, collecting instruments that now hang from the ceiling or proudly adorn the walls. The playlist deserves its own round of applause too, offering a lovingly curated selection of iconic, era‑defining jazz tracks that set the tone beautifully. The owners have crafted a truly singular atmosphere in one of the city’s most elegant neighbourhoods, making it a place that feels both intimate and vibrant. It does get busy, but it’s absolutely worth the bustle - arriving early is your best bet for soaking it all in.

St George Square, Kypseli

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@tsiou_k

This lovely little square, wrapped in greenery and dotted with colourful lanterns, is your happy place from morning to night, whether you’re after a late‑morning brunch, a hearty meal, a sweet afternoon treat, or a quick ice cream on your way back home. From traditional Greek dishes cooked right before your eyes by an army of yayas to indulgent desserts perfect for a cheeky cheat day, the tiny eateries surrounding the square have you covered. Take your time, soak up the joyful yet peaceful atmosphere, and above all, enjoy every bite.

Perched on the edge of the equally adorable Kypseli neighbourhood, the square is the perfect starting point for a gentle wander. As you stroll through the area, you’ll come across small independent shops, carefully curated vintage finds, and characterful coffee places that make the whole walk feel like a little urban treasure hunt.

L’on Space

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@lon.space


Calling all fashion lovers and second‑hand enthusiasts: Monastiraki is about to become your personal paradise. Step into L’on Space, located at Praxitelous 33, a beautifully curated haven where you’ll stumble upon the future favourites of your wardrobe, from impeccably cut timeless classics to one‑of‑a‑kind pieces with a distinctly refined flair. The overall aesthetic is effortlessly elegant, Mediterranean‑inspired, and crafted from second‑hand treasures and deadstock finds. Do remember to leave a little room in your suitcase…!

Chalandri Neighborhood

Chalandri, tucked away in the northern reaches of Athens, has all the charm of a little town within the city, and no wonder, given it truly was a small village until Athens sprawled its way outward in the 1960s and 1970s. Today, it’s a delightful spot for a leisurely wander, whether you’re browsing quirky artisan boutiques or dipping into the big international brands. As evening falls, the neighbourhood shifts effortlessly into a lively hub, its cobbled streets lined with festive tavernas and cosy corners perfect for lingering. It’s a refreshing change of pace, far from the well‑trodden districts you’ve likely explored to exhaustion, offering a slice of Athens that feels both familiar and wonderfully unexpected.

Bageion Hotel

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Courtesy of openhouseathens.gr

Omonia may be one of Athens’ least‑loved districts these days, but who would ever imagine that it once played host to such a luxurious hotel? Designed in the late nineteenth century by Ernst Ziller (a Saxon‑born architect who embraced Greece as his home and went on to shape the city’s neo‑classical identity with more than 500 buildings between 1870 and 1914) the place boasts a pedigree that feels wonderfully out of step with its present‑day surroundings.

Now reinvented as a vibrant multicultural venue spread across two floors, it showcases performances and contemporary art exhibitions, hosts designer markets, and slips effortlessly into an electro or techno club once night falls. A little secret haunt for the coolest among us, hiding in plain sight in one of Athens’ most unexpected corners.

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Last but not least on our little list, a tiny restaurant at Evripidou 88, absolutely worth getting lost in the dimly lit backstreets to find. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, the staff wonderfully friendly, and the traditional dishes are both generous and beautifully flavourful — all at prices that feel almost too good to be true. The dolmadakia, in particular, deserve a special shout‑out!

A documentary by Eva Stefani, produced by Onassis Culture, inspired by the performance Transverse Orientation (2021) by Dimitris Papaioannou.

From January 31, at Danaos Cinema for a limited number of screenings, as part of the CineDoc documentary festival.


CLICK HERE to watch the official trailer!

Director Eva Stefani follows the preparation and European tour of Dimitris Papaioannou’s Transverse Orientation, observing the acclaimed Greek creator and his collaborators up close as they shape and breathe life into the work. Stefani’s camera captured two years of rehearsal footage at the Onassis Cultural Center during the pandemic and performances in Paris, London, Vilnius, and other international venues, culminating in the final performance in San Francisco.

The Heart of the Bull is an intimate portrait of the multifaceted artist and director Dimitris Papaioannou. The viewer encounters his obsessions, relationships, methods, and constant questioning of the process—despite the fact that process is the only thing he fully trusts. Rehearsals, adaptations, bodies, movement, pressure, images, friendships, and family are laid bare—the preparation of Transverse Orientation reveals his unwavering faith in the creation of art. “The joy of art,” Papaioannou notes, “is that it gives you the sense that there is something beyond the life you live.”

The film premiered at the 27th Thessaloniki Documentary Festival, winning the WIFT GR Award and the Special Jury Prize of the Student Youth Committee of Thessaloniki Universities. It was also presented at Doc Lisboa ’25 and DOC NYC, and won the Best Documentary Award at InShadow – Lisbon Screendance Festival ‘25.

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Director’s Note

“I have known Dimitris Papaioannou since I was 17, and I always wanted to make a documentary about/with him. When he invited me to film the making-of of Transverse Orientation, I was thrilled. However, at the same time, COVID was surging across Europe, leading to repeated postponements of the performance. Alongside the uncertainty caused by delays and the shadow of the pandemic, the question arose once again: ‘What is the meaning of art in a time of crisis?’

The documentary began as a simple record of a group of dancers and technicians trying to give meaning to the daily routine of preparing a performance that might never happen. At the same time, it is the portrait of an artist who inspires his collaborators and captivates audiences with works that combine pain, heart, and beauty. The filming was done with a very small crew (2–3 people), following the direct cinema method, so that we could be as unobtrusive as possible. We experimented a lot with imagery, particularly out-of-focus shots, which we felt conveyed the uncanny atmosphere we experienced while watching the work. My intention was for the documentary to capture, at least to some degree, the experience of watching Transverse Orientation: its sensuality, darkness, and enigma. Additionally, I wanted to leave gaps that offer a window into the complex psyche of this brilliant artist.”

SCREENINGS

As part of the CineDoc Documentary Festival, The Heart of the Bull will have its Athens premiere on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 20:00, at Danaos Cinema, with the filmmakers in attendance. Through CineDoc’s network, the film will also be shown in Volos and Rethymno, with a special screening in Thessaloniki. Screenings will have Greek and English subtitles.

The documentary is nominated for the Audience Award in Athens, Volos, and Rethymno.

Athens – Danaos Cinema
With filmmakers in attendance:

  • Sat, Jan 31, 2026, 20:00 (Premiere)

  • Sun, Feb 1, 2026, 20:00

  • Wed, Feb 4, 2026, 20:00

  • Sat, Feb 7, 2026, 18:00

  • Sun, Feb 8, 2026, 18:00

Advance tickets: Danaos Cinema box office and HERE!

For group bookings (10+ people): cinedocanemon@gmail.com | +30 210 7211073

Larisa – Hatzigiannio Cultural Center
Fri, Feb 13, 2026, 20:00
With director Eva Stefani in attendance

Volos – Cultural Center of Nea Ionia
Sat, Feb 14, 2026, 20:00
With director Eva Stefani in attendance
Advance tickets: ENTEKA – Digital Prints
Info: https://www.facebook.com/CineDocVolos

Thessaloniki – Limani, “Stavros Tornes” Hall
Wed, Feb 18, 2026, 19:00

Rethymno – “Simeio” Cultural Space
Sat, Feb 28, 2026, 20:00
With director Eva Stefani in attendance
Info: https://bleproductions.gr/simeio/
Advance tickets: Simeio box office

Director Bio

Eva Stefani was born in the USA and lives in Athens. She has directed over 30 films, spanning ethnographic and experimental cinema. Her work has been screened at festivals worldwide, earning international awards (Oberhausen, Cinéma du Réel, FIPRESCI, etc.), and retrospectives have been organized at festivals like the Oberhausen International Short Film Festival and L’Europe autour de l’Europe, as well as at universities such as NYU and Columbia in New York.

Since 2000, she has participated in international visual arts exhibitions, notably documenta14 and the Venice Biennale. Her latest art installation, The Luminous Cave, was commissioned by the National Museum of Contemporary Art (EMST) as part of the exhibition cycle “What if women ruled the world?”.

In addition to her artistic work, Eva Stefani is a cinema professor in the Department of Communication and Mass Media at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (EKPA). Her latest film, The Heart of the Bull, is a unique portrait of director and choreographer Dimitris Papaioannou.

For more information, visit: onassis.org

About CineDoc

CineDoc screens and distributes award-winning Greek and international documentaries. Screenings are organized as part of the CineDoc Documentary Festival, in collaboration with Danaos Cinema, Anesis Summer Cinema, the French Institute, the Film Archive of Greece, CineDoc Volos under the auspices of the Municipality of Volos, and with the support of the Region of Thessaly – P.E. of Magnesia & Northern Sporades, the Municipality of Larissa, Thessaloniki Film Festival (halls “Pavlos Zannas” and “Stavros Tornes”), and the “Simeio” Cultural Space in Rethymno. The festival runs annually from September to April across CineDoc’s network, presenting new films approximately once a month.

The festival is sponsored by the Hellenic Center for Cinema, Audiovisual Media & Creation (E.K.K.O.ME.D.) – Creative Greece.

CineDoc continuously expands its distribution network through screenings across the Greek islands (Cyclades, Sporades, Ionian, and Dodecanese as part of CineDoc Island) and throughout Greece. The festival co-organizes and supports regional screenings in collaboration with cultural and environmental organizations, film clubs, advisory centers, institutions, cinemas, municipalities, and more. Regional screenings run year-round.

Follow CineDoc on Facebook and Instagram. More info: https://www.cinedoc.gr | cinedocanemon@gmail.com



 
Monday, 02 March 2026 13:55

Hoi Polloi - IMPROV COMEDY!

After a banging premiere on January 25th, HOI POLLOI improv troupe invites you to more hilarious, awkward, improv shows powered by the Athens English Comedy Club and House of Improv!

🥳 Hoi Polloi welcome you to an evening of pure fun. Featuring some of Athens’ most experienced performers, their fast-paced comedy is created right here, right now, as you watch. 

💪 A team of improvisers take inspiration from the crowd at the beginning of the show and then perform a random number of scenes. Some scenes will appear once and then disappear forever, other scenes or characters might reappear. Free improv utilizes all the tools of improvisation theater, offering stories and scenes that can be both funny and dramatic, surreal and grounded, short and long. 

Improv c AECC Leonidas Kaklamanis 2 2

✋ A single suggestion from the audience will see them build a world where human flaws and frailties are on full display, bringing glorious laughs and moments of touching joy.

😆 Expect bold characters, unexpected connections, joyful chaos, and those beautifully awkward situations. 

💥 A show where ideas and references collide and nothing ever quite goes as planned. 

⁉ Every night will be completely different, and anything can happen.

This is improv that celebrates the weird, warm, confusing, and human side of all of us, performed in - let's be real - moderate English. 

Improv c AECC Leonidas Kaklamanis3

About HOI POLLOI

🤝 The HOI POLLOI (/ˌhɔɪ pəˈlɔɪ/ from the greek words “the many”) troupe is made up of experienced improvisers with 3 to 15 years of practice. After performing together regularly they decided to join forces and creating a new, unstoppable, ensemble. 

🎆 Created with the vision to offer amazing improv to English speakers in Athens, they bring diverse backgrounds, strong chemistry, and a shared love for playful, honest scenes. 

😎 Funny, awkward, energetic, and sometimes touching — their focus is always great improv, making eachother and the audience look good, and creating a great night out.

Find House of Improv online: 

Instagram
TikTok
Facebook

About the Athens English Comedy Club

🦉Founded in 2019, the Athens English Comedy Club is the first, and only, purely English comedy club in Greece!

📩 Sign up to our newsletter for direct-to-email updates and exclusive ticket offers!

Follow us on social media!

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

YouTube

TikTok

Come and laugh! Nay! Come and chortle. Or better yet, guffaw!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
📅 Sunday, March 22nd
⏰ Time: 21:00 (Doors open 20:40)
⏳ Duration: 1h20 (without interval)

🎟 Tickets:
* Early-bird: €8
* General admission: €12
* At the door: €15
 
♿ The theatre is wheelchair accessible.
👶 Recommended for audiences aged 16 and above.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

 
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