Greece has once again cemented its reputation as one of the world's premier coastal destinations, securing 624 Blue Flag awards for its beaches in 2026 and retaining second place globally among 51 participating countries.

The results were announced by the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (HSPN), the national operator of the internationally recognised Blue Flag Programme, during a special ceremony held at the Ploes Floating Venue in Palaio Faliro. In total, Greece received 658 awards this year, including 624 beaches, 17 marinas and 17 tourist boats.

The achievement means that approximately 14% of all Blue Flag-awarded beaches worldwide are located in Greece, highlighting the country's continued commitment to high environmental standards, safety and quality across its coastline.

The Blue Flag is one of the world's most recognised environmental certifications for beaches, marinas and sustainable tourism vessels. Operated internationally by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), the programme sets rigorous standards for water quality, environmental management, safety, accessibility and environmental education.

To earn a Blue Flag, beaches must meet and maintain strict criteria throughout the bathing season, ensuring excellent water quality, proper safety measures, responsible environmental management and facilities that support accessibility and sustainability.

For travellers, the Blue Flag serves as a trusted indicator of clean, safe and well-managed coastal destinations.

Crete once again emerged as Greece's leading region, receiving 154 Blue Flag distinctions across the island. Halkidiki maintained its position as the country's top regional unit, with an impressive 93 awarded beaches.

Many of Greece's most popular destinations, including Rhodes, Corfu, Kos, the Peloponnese and Attica, also featured prominently in the rankings, reflecting a nationwide commitment to preserving the quality of the country's coastal environment.

Globally, the International Blue Flag Jury awarded 4,378 beaches, 747 marinas and 158 tourist boats. Spain retained first place worldwide, whilst Greece comfortably secured second position for another consecutive year.

Whilst the Blue Flag is often associated with tourism and beach quality, its environmental impact extends far beyond visitor experience.

Among those attending the announcement ceremony was Panagiota Theodorou, Legal and Institutional Affairs Co-ordinator at ARCHELON – the Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece. As a member of the National Judging Committee for the Blue Flag Programme in Greece, she highlighted the importance of the scheme in protecting critical nesting habitats for sea turtles.

According to ARCHELON, the implementation of environmental criteria and appropriate management measures on awarded beaches contributes significantly to safeguarding sensitive coastal ecosystems and the breeding habitats of endangered sea turtles.

The organisation continues to work closely with local authorities, beach managers and environmental organisations to ensure that sea turtle conservation is integrated into the sustainable management of Greece's coastlines.

At XpatAthens, we love sharing the stories of people who followed an unexpected path and found something extraordinary in Greece.

This time, we're delighted to introduce Chloe, founder of Explore Deeply, who has opened her heart to our readers and shared her remarkable journey, from years spent living and researching above the Arctic Circle to discovering a profound sense of belonging on the Cycladic island of Tinos.

In this deeply personal reflection, Chloe explores the transformative power of place, the beauty of slowing down, and the ways certain landscapes seem to call us exactly when we need them most. For anyone who has ever dreamed of starting over, reconnecting with themselves, or experiencing Greece beyond the guidebooks, Chloe's words are sure to inspire.

Today, through her work on Tinos, Chloe welcomes people from around the world to experience the island's unique energy through immersive retreats and transformational experiences designed to foster reflection, connection, and personal growth.

We invite you to enjoy her story and discover how a small Greek island became the next chapter in a life devoted to exploring the relationship between landscape, consciousness, and human transformation.

And who knows? It may inspire your own journey, too.

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For years, I kept returning to the Arctic. Friends would ask why. I never had a satisfying answer.

I had first traveled to northern Norway on a vacation after a heartbreak. It seemed random at the time, and about as far away from my former life that I could imagine myself going.

Again and again, I found myself drawn back above the Arctic Circle. To long stretches of wilderness where mountains rise directly from the sea. In summer, the sun never fully sets. The mountains hold a strange blue glow that seems to suspend time completely. Nothing moves except weather drifting across the fjords. There are long stretches of silence where the only sound is water and wind moving through the landscape.

Eventually I decided to return North through a research application and study at the Arctic University of Norway. My research in Indigenous Studies was focused on the landscape of Sápmi and how the concept of sacred shapes our relationship to place and our inner world. This unfolded alongside fifteen years apprenticing with Indigenous healers in Peru, where the natural world is understood not as material or scenery, but as something alive — something capable of shaping consciousness itself. Mountains, rivers, forests, and even stone exist within a living relationship with human beings. That understanding had deepened over the years and became something real and alive within me.

In the years I spent living above the Arctic Circle, I traveled even farther north into the Sámi regions, spending long periods alone in the landscape and studying the relationship between cosmology, perception, and place. Walking. Watching. Listening. The more time I spent alone in nature, the less interested I became in finding answers. Instead, I became fascinated by thresholds — liminal spaces where one form dissolves before another has fully emerged. When something is ending, or beginning, but we cannot yet name it.

Most of us want to move through these periods as quickly as possible. Yet some landscapes seem to ask the opposite. There is a gradual shift that comes through sustained contact with the land itself. Attention sharpens. The pace of thought slows enough for something else to emerge beneath it.

Years later, that same feeling surprised me, when I first arrived on the island of Tinos. Externally, it could not have been more different from the Arctic landscapes I had come to love. The North offered vast distances, dramatic mountains, cold summers with endless light, and colder winters in sustained darkness of the polar night. 

Tinos offered a different kind of light and warmth, dry stone terraces, wind, sea, and an entirely different history. And yet, beneath the surface, there was something deeply familiar about the pull of the island. There was that same slowing. That same subtle reorganization of perception that happens when a place opens you to a new understanding of yourself.

I had not planned to move to Greece. But within months, my life shifted dramatically, and I found myself moving to Tinos.

Today, my work on Tinos emerges directly from these years spent living in relationship with landscape, transition, solitude, and the unseen thresholds that shape a human life. Some people arrive here because something in them already knows change is coming. Others come simply because they are seeking respite, authenticity, or a different rhythm for a while.

What happens on the island is difficult to explain logically. The pace softens. Time opens. The quiet longing inside you rises to the surface and comes into focus.

Living on Tinos year-round, I have come to love the changing seasons and the wildness that emerges across the island at certain times of year. And I remain interested in the same question that first drew me north: Can certain landscapes change us? Not metaphorically or because we have a meaningful experience while visiting them. But through the relationship; sustained long enough for something hidden inside of us to begin to reveal itself, as though it were sprouting from the landscape itself.

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Inspired by Chloe's journey? Learn more about her work and explore her upcoming Tinos retreat here, a chance to immerse yourself in the island's unique rhythm, reconnect with what matters most, and experience Greece in a truly meaningful way. 

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Join XpatAthens for a special visit to the ARCHELON Sea Turtle Rescue Centre in Glyfada and discover the remarkable work being carried out to rescue, rehabilitate and protect sea turtles in Greece.

 

Each year, approximately 70 injured or unwell sea turtles arrive at the centre after being rescued from Greek waters. During this guided tour, participants will learn about sea turtle conservation, rescue and rehabilitation efforts, and the challenges these extraordinary animals face before being returned to their natural habitat.

This is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about one of Greece's most important wildlife conservation initiatives, meet the sea turtles currently undergoing rehabilitation, and gain insight into the vital work of ARCHELON's dedicated team and volunteers.

Join XpatAthens for an inspiring and educational experience while supporting the protection of Greece's marine wildlife. 🐢💙

Event Info 

Location: ARCHELON Sea Turtle Rescue Centre, 3rd Glyfada Marina, Athens
Duration: Approximately 45 minutes

Suitable for adults and children 8 years old and above.
Limited places available and advanced booking is required. 

Price: €10 per person (including entrance ticket and tour)

Registration Process:
1. Make your payment here via our secure online link

2. Email us your full name and number of participants: info@xpatathens.com
3. We will confirm your payment and participation via email.

 

We sat down with husband and wife Marc and Isabella, the owners and managing partners of Ten Twenty Club in Voula. This power duo is no stranger to creating high-vibe spaces; Isabella is also the visionary behind La Linda, the South American bakery that has become as famous for its meticulous croissant lamination and wellness-boosting smoothies as it has for its aesthetic charm.

Nestled on the sun-drenched Athenian Riviera, Ten Twenty Club is a premier racquet and wellness destination that reimagines the classic country club for a modern, active community. Blending high-performance sports with holistic recovery and a vibrant social atmosphere, the club offers an unparalleled experience just steps from the beach.

Isabella: I am originally Brazilian-Lebanese. My father lived here in Greece for many years. He’s Lebanese, but he absolutely fell in love with this country. He was the one who introduced it to us, and we loved it just as much. Eventually, we thought, "Why not give it a try?"

Marc: On my side, funny enough, my grandmother was actually born here. I didn’t discover Greece through her, though, as she moved to Lebanon where she married my grandfather. But we’ve been visiting for ten years, mainly because Isabella’s father retired here, and we fell in love. I always wanted to do something in Greece, especially since we have a large circle of Greek and Lebanese friends living here. After living in Qatar, when we decided it was time to move back to Europe, Greece was the first country that crossed our minds.

Marc: We were doing our own separate things while living in Qatar. Isabella was a consultant in the F&B industry, helping clients open new concepts, and I was in the sports industry. While in Qatar, I saw a massive opportunity in Padel and opened a small club there. After four years, we felt we’d had our fill of life in Qatar and wanted to return to Europe, but we knew we needed a strong idea.

Isabella already had her brand, La Linda, and we thought about opening that here. But I wanted to stay in sports, so I told Bella, "Why don’t we join forces?". We wanted to create a racquet club that goes beyond just sports, incorporating hospitality, a movement studio, and a strong community aspect. My experience taught me that for a club to succeed long-term, the hospitality side and the community vibe are just as important as the courts. So, we teamed up: Isabella handles the F&B and the aesthetics, and I handle the sports side.

Marc: I’ll let Isabella answer that; she’s the expert here!

Isabella: I handle the marketing, communications, and aesthetics. "Ten Twenty" actually refers to the size of a Padel court, 10 by 20 meters. But it’s also an angel number, which signifies that you are on the right path. It represents a good environment and positive vibes, which is exactly what we wanted to create: a place for like-minded people to connect, support one another, and learn from each other. That’s how Ten Twenty came together.

Marc: Absolutely. Because we have La Linda as our partner in the club, we knew we could offer a beautiful environment even for non-players. Our ultimate goal is to encourage people who might not know much about Padel or Pickleball to feel welcome. Eventually, they might feel inspired to try it out and join the lifestyle. That’s why we love this beachside location. You can work here, connect your professional life with a training session, eat well, do some recovery, and then end your day with a swim in the sea. It’s about enjoying life.

Isabella: We didn’t want it to be just for the athletes. I remember when Marc used to play Padel elsewhere, I would drop him off and leave, or wait in the car, because the clubs didn't feel inviting. We wanted to build a space where the whole family could come. You can watch the game, hang out in the garden, try a sport, or just eat. We wanted something for everyone.

Marc: It checked almost every box. Economically, the timing was right, the weather is perfect, and the cost of living was attractive compared to trying to launch a club in somewhere like London. Greece naturally possesses the ingredients for the lifestyle we wanted to promote: healthy food, nature, and the ability to swim nearly all year round.

Three years ago, when we were researching, we felt people were hungry for international concepts that moved beyond the typical taverna. We turned out to be right; La Linda has been very successful, and the club is doing great. Greece feels like an "emerging market" within Europe. It’s an amazing place to be ahead of the game, especially with so many international people moving here.

Isabella: It’s the quality of life that sets it apart. Especially here in the South, you have the taste of city life, but you’re basically living on an island. Greeks prioritize family, weekends, and holidays, those things actually mean something here. We aren’t on this planet for very long, and we need to make the most of it. The food, the weather, and that mindset make all the difference.

Marc: It’s been very interesting! We didn't just pick Pickleball out of nowhere. We knew it was huge in the US and Australia, and since Americans are a top tourist demographic here, we knew we could cater to them. Also, logistically, we had a corner of the space that was too small for Tennis or Padel, so we dedicated it to Pickleball and mini-tennis for kids. It started with just 10 people—mostly expats or tourists—and now we have over 100 people in our local Pickleball community.

Marc: For us, the experience begins before you even arrive; it starts with a feeling of inspiration from our social media and website. Once you step inside, our team will already know your name; we prioritize that personal connection. A typical day might start with an early tennis or padel lesson, followed by a refreshing shower in our facilities. Then, you grab a healthy brunch and settle into the garden or clubhouse to get some work done. In the afternoon, there's a "happy hour" vibe where friends and families gather. 

Isabella: On weekends, it’s even more vibrant with themed community events, like our Lebanese lunches or Brazilian carnivals, that celebrate our diverse cultures. It’s a place where you can find a purpose for every hour of the day.

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Curious about what a typical day at Ten Twenty is really like? We recently spent a day there ourselves and documented the experience in this article. 

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Marc: We don’t actually try to be "exclusive." We just avoid aggressive mass marketing. We prefer to grow organically so we can get to know our customers and build a community of like-minded people. If you keep the environment positive and grow naturally, you attract the right crowd that respects the space.

Isabella: Well, we are the perfect space for mothers. I work out two or three times a week and my baby is right there in the gym with me. We want women to feel they can bring their kids. We have a Kids’ Academy for tennis and padel, and on weekends we have gymnastics and social programs for children.

We also do a lot for women specifically. Every Thursday, we have a group called "Women of Ten Twenty." They play Padel for an hour in a social format with a coach—since many have never played before—then we have a smoothie together and head to the beach. I started this because Padel can be very male-dominated and intimidating for women. Interestingly, almost 100% of the women who attend are expats! It’s open to everyone, not just members.

Isabella: We really wanted to make fitness accessible to everyone, not just the players. Our gym focuses on functional movement with high-quality, non-electric equipment like dumbbells, kettlebells, and resistance ropes. We also have an outdoor sauna and ice baths for that essential post-workout recovery. 

Marc: Exactly. Most importantly, we aren't a "members-only" fortress; while memberships are offered and come with great benefits, the club is not member-exclusive at all. The gym, the recovery area, and the café are open to everyone at an affordable price point. We have coaches available for everything, and people are always welcome to walk in. If there isn’t a class in session, the gym space is open for you to use. We’re open from 8:00 AM to midnight, so you can truly walk in anytime. If a coach happens to be busy for an hour or two, you can just grab a coffee at La Linda and soak in the garden atmosphere while you wait. We never want anyone to feel like they have to run out; we want you to stay and enjoy the space.

Marc: Logistically, the space is large enough to accommodate both. Tourists usually want to play at 10:00 or 11:00 AM while locals are at work. By the time locals finish work, the tourists are often at the beach or at dinner. There’s also a great synergy. Tomorrow, for example, we have a group of six French guys coming for a Padel retreat. A local who spends time here gets to meet them, hear their stories, and maybe make a new international friend. It’s a very nice synergy.

Isabella: In two words: Happy Place. I want them to feel inspired and healthy. Life can be very stressful, and I want this to be where people disconnect and recharge.

Marc: Exactly! But I also want them to feel a sense of accomplishment. We take the sports side very seriously. I don’t want you to just come for the social aspect; I want our coaches to help you genuinely improve your game. It’s that mix of a "happy lifestyle" and the thrill of personal progress! 

A huge thank you to Isabella and Marc for welcoming us into their beautiful space. We left feeling inspired by the energy they’ve built in Voula and are already looking forward to our next visit!

There’s a certain kind of magic that happens when high-performance sport meets the laid-back rhythm of the Athenian Riviera. I found it at Ten Twenty Club, a space that feels less like a traditional racquet club and more like a lifestyle destination suspended between elite athletics and a seaside escape.

Just minutes from the shoreline in Voula, the club manages to bridge two worlds effortlessly: the energy of a world-class sports academy and the ease of an all-day coastal hangout.

And here’s the surprising part: I don’t play tennis. I don’t play padel either.

Normally, that would make me feel slightly out of place in a racquet club. But Ten Twenty is built around community, not exclusivity. So, even if you never pick up a racket, you still feel like you belong.

The "Office" With A View

The first thing that struck me when I walked in was the light.

Floor-to-ceiling glass windows wrap around the clubhouse, creating a seamless connection between the sleek interior and the vibrant outdoor courts. Everywhere you look, there’s movement, sunshine, and this subtle pulse of energy that instantly lifts your mood.

I debated sitting outside in the spring sun, but the indoor café space was so beautifully designed — calm, sophisticated, modern — that I ended up setting up my laptop inside.

Part of the club’s secret lies in its collaboration with La Linda, the beloved South American bakery known to anyone who frequents Glyfada. Having La Linda integrated into the experience elevates everything.

I ordered a Freddo Espresso and opened my laptop for a morning work session. The coffee was exactly what you’d hope for: bold, artisanal, perfectly balanced.

What surprised me most was how ideal the atmosphere felt for working. Around me, matches unfolded on the courts and conversations drifted through the space, yet somehow the environment remained calm, curated, and discreetly luxurious. The kind of place where productivity comes naturally.

For digital nomads, freelancers, and remote workers, this might be one of the southern suburbs’ best-kept secrets.

A Gym That Breathes With The Outdoors 

Later, I wandered over to the Open Gym. This isn’t your typical screen-filled fitness room. The entire concept feels stripped back in the best possible way: functional, open-air, and deeply connected to movement.

Instead of rows of machines and flashing electronics, you’ll find high-quality “analog” equipment — kettlebells, dumbbells, resistance bands, Bosu balls, battle ropes — everything designed to make your body move naturally through space.

And then there are the recovery facilities: outdoor sauna, ice baths, contrast therapy setups. 

What makes the whole concept even more refreshing is the accessibility. You don’t need an exclusive membership to experience it. Whether you want a day gym session or simply access to the recovery spaces, the club welcomes drop-ins without making you feel locked into a commitment.

That openness seems to define the entire philosophy of the place.

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Behind every great club is a great story. Discover the journey of Ten Twenty founders Marc and Isabella in our exclusive interview, where they discuss community, wellness, and creating their own "happy place."

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Brunch, "The Wimbledon," & New Friends

By midday, hunger kicked in and this is where the La Linda partnership truly shines.

The menu goes far beyond predictable “sports club snacks.” Think handmade sourdough breads, artisanal pastries, nourishing bowls, wraps, fresh salads, and elevated comfort food designed to energise rather than weigh you down.

From traditional Greek kayanas and omelettes to mortadella-and-mozzarella sandwiches, salad and protein bowls, and delicious açai bowls, everything feels intentionally curated: indulgent enough to enjoy, clean enough to leave you feeling good afterward.

Then I noticed the smoothies.

Each one is inspired by the world of sport, and the names alone are impossible to ignore. Someone nearby was drinking a “Wimbledon”, a blend of kale, spinach, pineapple, lemon, and ginger, and naturally I had to try it.

It was genuinely excellent: fresh, sharp, energising.

But the real highlight wasn’t the smoothie. It was the atmosphere around it.

Ten Twenty has this rare ability to encourage interaction without ever feeling forced. Within minutes, I found myself chatting with a British-Lebanese lady at the next table as though we’d known each other for years.

Around us, the scene perfectly captured the club’s inclusivity: mothers working on laptops while toddlers played nearby, gym-goers squeezing in workouts between coffees, children happily occupied, conversations flowing effortlessly and, at one point, even a very charming sausage dog trotting through the café.

Yes, it’s pet-friendly too.

A Club Built Around People

Eventually, I made my way outside to the courts: 7 Padel courts, 4 Tennis courts, and 2 Pickleball courts buzzing with energy under the afternoon sun.

I had the chance to speak with Alex, the club’s Technical Director of Sports, who explained the philosophy behind the coaching approach. Their goal isn’t simply to teach technique or improve performance. They see these sports as tools for confidence, connection, discipline, and personal growth, a way of developing not only athletes, but people. 

It’s a surprisingly holistic mindset, and it changes the entire feeling of the club.

With 5 dedicated Tennis and 3 Padel coaches catering to everyone from young children to competitive adults, the structure feels serious without ever becoming intimidating.

What impressed me most was how beginner-friendly everything is. Even though Padel — and especially Pickleball — are still relatively new in Greece, the organization here feels world-class. Everything is organised by level, so if you’re a beginner like me, you can just do a trial, and they’ll place you in an academy class with people at the exact same stage.

Honestly, by the end of the conversation, I caught myself thinking: Maybe I could become a Padel player after all.

The Perfect Riviera Ending

As the afternoon light softened, I packed up my laptop and walked the short distance down to the beach in Voula.

There’s something deeply restorative about ending a productive day with your feet in the sand and the sea breeze cutting through the last traces of work stress.

That’s what makes Ten Twenty Club feel so special. It’s a place where wellness, work, movement, social connection, and coastal living all blend together naturally.

Whether you’re an athlete, a parent, a remote worker, or simply someone searching for a beautiful place to spend the day, Ten Twenty feels less like somewhere you visit and more like somewhere you instantly want to return to. And if you ask me? I’m definitely gonna be returning very soon! 

 

FokiaNou Art Space is pleased to present a two-person photography exhibition, “In-between spaces”, with Tatiana Mavromati’s “S(h)exualities – Narratives of sexuality from the 1980s to the present” and Dimitra Kakka’s “Regarding”. 

The photographic exhibitions by Tatiana Mavromati and Dimitra Kakka attempt to create an intermediate space between the inside and the outside, private and public space, where women and femininities move through or “traverse” roles, gaze and expectations. 

Mavromati’s exhibition, curated by Natassa Markidou, features personal narratives about sexuality that open the doors to the private sphere. Here, amidst the photographic portraits and the voices, lived experiences conveyed through narrative, and fragments of memory (sometimes private, captured in personal moments, and sometimes public, as reported in the press), a new space is created, where personal experience takes on collective significance. 

Kakka’s exhibition, curated by Dimitra Louvrou, features images from the street: images that observe women in the streets, in the rhythm of the city. The gaze turns outward, observing facial expressions, movements, and small gestures that capture the daily negotiation on the street: How do women and femininities claim space, how do they negotiate their visibility or invisibility within public space?

Supported by Fujifilm Hellas.

INFO

Opening: Saturday, 6 June 2026, 19:00
Duration: 6 June - 20 June 
Hours: Wednesday – Saturday, 17:00 – 21:30

The Maria Callas Museum of the Municipality of Athens welcomes summer with "Art Scooped Up!", an exciting and playful two-week summer camp dedicated to the magical world of performing arts, imagination, and play.

From June 22 to July 3, 2026, children aged 5–8 years old are invited to experience an interdisciplinary journey of creation and exploration within the museum spaces. Music, visual arts, dance, theater, yoga, educational programs, and creative field trips shape a daily environment of joy and expression, where children don’t just watch stories—they create them.

This year's Summer Camp draws inspiration from Maria Callas's favorite little moments and pleasures: a flavor of ice cream, a melody, a cinematic image, or a theatrical scene become the spark for a journey of imagination. Through these prompts, children discover how even the smallest and simplest things can create immense worlds! It is a two-week summer theater-education program where arts blend together—just like different ice cream scoops on a single cone!

The program unfolds across two distinct thematic weeks:

• June 22–26, 2026 | Summer Lab: Scoops of Art | Sounds & Images One of Maria Callas's favorite ice cream flavors becomes the starting point for a journey into the world of sounds, images, and museum exhibits through musical explorations, art workshops, games, and creative activities.

• June 29 – July 3, 2026 | Summer Lab: Scoops of Art | Scenes & Wonders A brand new flavor leads the children into the world of opera and theater, where sets, costumes, music, and theatrical play transform into fields of imagination and personal expression.

Every single day at the Summer Camp features artistic workshops, museum educational programs, free play, multi-sensory activities, and creative meetups, turning the Maria Callas Museum into a vibrant space of discovery.



Info: 

Dates:

• Week 1: June 22–26, 2026

• Week 2: June 29 – July 3, 2026

Hours: 08:00 – 16:00

Ages: 5–8 years old

Participation Fee: €130 / week

* The price includes all educational activities, two educational field trips, a mid-morning snack*, eco-friendly materials, and access to fully equipped spaces.
** Special discounted rates are available for siblings, unemployed individuals, large families, and single-parent households for a limited number of slots.

Reservations & Bookings: Call 210 4404204 (Tuesday–Friday, 11:00–17:00)

With a celebratory mood and rhythm, the musical nights of Athens Jazz take off with a series of exciting parallel events for all ages.

Celebrating its 25th anniversary, Athens Jazz returns to the Technopolis City of Athens from Monday, May 25 to Sunday, May 31, featuring a rich program of parallel events that frame a dynamic lineup of 20 bands from Greece and abroad. In a festive atmosphere charged with creative energy, Technopolis transforms for an entire week into a vibrant meeting point for music, art, and immersive experiences, hosting activities for every age group. Exhibitions, installations, performances, a film screening, the Meet Market, children's activities, and parties come together to form a multifaceted parallel program, giving this year’s edition a distinct character and creating a festival experience unlike any before.

A special place in the 25th edition's parallel events program belongs to the photography exhibition "25 Years of Athens Jazz: Images of a Journey." Moving from the stage to the photographic frame, the exhibition—curated by Thodoris Markou and Vangelis Patsialos—offers a retrospective look at the festival's history. It captures some of the most unforgettable moments of this long-standing musical institution through the lenses of 10 photographers who have been historically linked to the festival's journey.


@Vangelis Patsialos

Concurrently, the comic book exhibition "Musicoma," held in collaboration with Comicdom CON Athens, presents pieces from the journey of the interactive comic of the same name by Maria-Olia Ntakogianni, creating a unique dialogue between imagery, narrative, and music. The exhibition includes guided tours led by the creator, while teenage visitors will have the opportunity to participate in a special workshop that connects the core principles of comic book creation with the history of jazz, following a dedicated tour through the world of the artwork.

The festival energy peaks with thrilling experiences presented by the Grand Sponsor of Technopolis, COSMOTE TELEKOM, at the ART/TECH AREA by COSMOTE TELEKOM. Continuing to explore the intersection of art and technology, COSMOTE TELEKOM presents live sketching with doodles by the Do Do and Do creative team, a unique multi-performance project by Dimitris Vassilakis, and an impressive interactive hologram installation in collaboration with the Athens Digital Arts Festival.

Two steady companions of Athens Jazz in recent years, the radio station Kosmos 93.6 and the Meet Market, will also be present at this anniversary edition. The now-established Kosmos Jazz Party returns on Saturday, May 30, at the Gazarte Roof Stage with a unique mix of Latin and jazz rhythms, while the station's broadcast van will be stationed at Technopolis during two of the festival's most vibrant days—Monday, May 25 and Friday, May 29—broadcasting the festival’s musical lineup live. And of course, The Meet Market #JazzEdition returns with a summer mood, featuring more than 100 exhibitors and a rich program of side activities, including DJ sets and children's entertainment, turning Technopolis into an open-air hub for creativity and social gathering.

The parallel program also features a special film screening for cinephile festival-goers, expanding this year’s Athens Jazz experience beyond the live music stage. Johan Grimonprez’s film, "Soundtrack to a Coup d'Etat," screening on Saturday, May 30, blends political tension, jazz music, and historical intrigue against the backdrop of the 1960 Congo, illuminating the profound relationship between music, politics, and history.

Finally, the 25th Athens Jazz dedicates a special day—Sunday, May 31—to the festival’s youngest friends through Jazz for Kids. This program is packed with activities where music becomes a catalyst for expression, play, and participation. A treasure hunt, an arts and crafts workshop, music-movement and theater activities, face painting, and a specialized workshop for crafting wooden musical instruments all combine to create a festive experience full of rhythm, imagination, and creativity.

Detailed Program of Parallel Events for the 25th Athens Jazz:

Athens Jazz celebrates its 25th anniversary with a retrospective photography exhibition dedicated to the evolution of an institution that has championed music as a space for communication, connection, and shared experience. Ten photographers—regular patrons and companions of the festival throughout the years—present images born from the live presence of music: the silences between the notes, the glances, the movements, and those moments of absolute devotion to sound and improvisation. The exhibition captures the relationship between musicians and the audience, the intensity of musical creation, and the deep human expression that jazz evokes. Through diverse perspectives, it highlights the spirit of a festival that, for a quarter of a century, has remained a gathering place for people sharing the same love for music and the live listening experience.

• Participating Photographers: Thomas Daskalakis, Thrasos Eirinis, Christos Kisajekian, Christos Kopsacheilis, Thodoris Markou, Michalis Mpothos, Kostas Mproumas, Ippokratis Navridis, Vangelis Patsialos, Stefania Tsoupaki

• Curated by: Thodoris Markou, Vangelis Patsialos

• Hours: 19:00 - 00:00

Musicoma, the comic book by Maria-Olia Ntakogianni that fuses the reading experience with jazz history and original music, comes to Technopolis in collaboration with Comicdom CON Athens. The exhibition showcases pieces from the entire lifecycle of the project—from the initial drafts to the musical composition, timelines, and references, as well as photographic material from its musical theater adaptation by the Parnassos Literary Society. Scheduled guided tours by the creator will take place as part of the exhibition.

• Exhibition Hours: Monday – Sunday: 19:00 - 00:00

• Guided Tour Hours: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 20:00 - 21:00 & Sunday: 19:00 - 20:00

The most jazzy version of the Meet Market is hosted once again at Technopolis, featuring over 100 exhibitors showcasing unique vintage items, handmade goods, and creations from local brands. But the surprises don't stop there. Infused with positive energy and good vibes, this year’s Meet Market #JazzEdition features live DJ sets, street food, and children's activities to further enrich the days of this celebratory event.

• Hours: Monday – Friday: 19:00 – 00:00 & Saturday - Sunday: 12:00 – 00:00

What happens when the spontaneity of raw sketching meets the rhythm of jazz and interacts live with the audience? The creative team Do Do and Do presents the Jazz Doodle Universe—a live illustrative performance where artists create digital sketches in real-time. Projected live on a giant screen, they transform moments, audience expressions, and personalities into an unpredictable, interactive jazz universe where visitors become part of the artwork itself.

• Hours: Monday - Sunday: 20:00 – 00:00

With the help of high-end technology, internationally award-winning saxophonist and composer Dimitris Vassilakis, along with his team, present a distinct multi-performance exhibition to the public. Saxophone improvisations train an AI system, which responds and converses with him through music, poetry, and prose, generating multi-layered soundscapes. The experience is enriched by screenings, videos, multi-performances with visuals, theater, dance, and a panel discussion on the role of artificial intelligence in the creative process.

• Exhibition Hours: Monday – Sunday: 19:00 - 00:00

• Live Performance: Monday - Sunday: 21:30 & 22:30

The Athens Digital Arts Festival curates and presents the interactive holographic installation "Astral Music Projections" at Athens Jazz. Using the installation's controllers, the audience dynamically influences the composition, triggering millions of potential visual and audio variations to create a multicultural universe of music and human interaction. Created in collaboration with MDH Hologram and Strange Pill, the installation invites visitors on a participatory exploration of music as an ever-evolving experience.

• Hours: Monday – Sunday: 19:00 – 00:00

As part of the "Musicoma" comic book exhibition, teenagers aged 15 and up have the opportunity to take part in a guided tour of this unique display by the creator herself. This will be followed by an interactive workshop where they will be introduced to the fundamental principles of comic design and a touch of jazz history. Guided by music and creativity, they will craft their own unique stories.

• Hours: 17:00 - 19:00

• Ages: 15+

In a brilliant amalgamation of jazz atmosphere and political gamesmanship, Johan Grimonprez’s film screens at the 25th Athens Jazz, bringing a compelling cinematic edge to our festive evenings in a special screening in collaboration with Cinobo. The critically acclaimed film tells a story full of tension, music, and collusion in the heart of 1960 Congo. It serves as an indictment of colonial and corporate interests against the backdrop of the conspiracy against Patrice Lumumba, the country's independence leader and first democratically elected Prime Minister. It is not simply a film, but a profound history lesson.

• Screening Hours: 19:00 – 21:30

Marking five years of their shared journey, Athens Jazz and radio station Kosmos 93.6 bring us the most electrifying Kosmos Jazz Party to date. Get ready for a night of non-stop dancing and music, moving not just to jazz, but to vibrant Latin rhythms! The star of the night is none other than Rosanna Mailan, who brings her Cuban fire alongside the 11-piece Rosanna Mailan Orchestra for an unprecedented, high-energy musical evening. Additionally, Kosmos 93.6 radio producers will take over the decks to keep the energy high with a night full of rhythm, dance, and authentic Latin flair.

• Start Time: 21:00

@kamarotos

The 25th Athens Jazz dedicates a full day to children through a specially designed program that promises a Sunday full of color, music, and fun. Arts and crafts workshops, performances, music-movement and theater workshops, face painting, and a treasure hunt promise an exceptional experience filled with notes and creativity—proving that jazz knows no age limit.

• Activity Hours: 11:00 – 14:00

Brought to life by the Industrial Gas Museum team, this unique treasure hunt combines the history of the old gas factory and its production line with the secrets of jazz. Parents and children can explore and discover one of the best-preserved industrial museums in Europe through an exciting and thoroughly entertaining adventure.

• Hours: 11:00 – 14:00

The Moutzoures team comes to Athens Jazz to fill smiling faces with colorful, jazz-inspired face painting. For children and... kids at heart!

• Hours: 11:00 - 13:00

• Ages: 2+

How many shapes are hidden inside a saxophone? How many circles make a drum? Our young friends will cut, assemble, decorate, and create their very own jazz instruments using recyclable materials in a fun arts and crafts workshop by the Industrial Gas Museum. Once finished, they can wear their creations and form the most imaginative jazz band together!

• Hours: 11:00 – 11:40, 11:40 - 12:20, 12:20 - 13:00

• Ages: 5-8 years old

Children are invited to become mini jazz luthiers (instrument makers), crafting string and percussion instruments by combining wood with various everyday materials found at home! Real woodworking tools, such as hand saws and sandpaper, will be used during construction under guidance.

• Hours: 11:00 - 13:00

• Ages: 5+

Children will play and experiment with rhythm, creating an improvisational musical piece where sound and movement blend freely. Guided by the music, they will move through the space with "dancing feet," exploring different styles of walking and physical expression. Through theatrical play and improvisation, each child will transform into a unique "jazz animal," expressing themselves creatively and engaging in rhythmic dialogues. A delightful program designed by the Industrial Gas Museum team.

• Hours: 12:00 – 13:00 & 13:00 – 14:00

• Ages: 5-8 years old

Two multi-instrumentalist music educators and a magical totem (!) will guide children on a quest to discover the first sound ever created in the world, using the accordion, bagpipes, bouzouki, various percussion, and other improvised instruments. An interactive performance by the 2 Laloun team, filled with music and sounds that will enchant both young and old.

• Hours: 13:00 - 14:00

• Ages: 2-6 years old

The 25 candles of Athens Jazz are blown out this year alongside the most impressive parallel events in its history. Throughout the week, visitors have the chance to actively participate in a series of happenings designed not just to entertain, but to build lasting memories. Seven days of music, seven days of endless energy and fun!

• traditional acupuncture

• cupping

• moxibustion

• dietary and lifestyle recommendations

• individualized TCM assessment and treatment planning