The Acropolis of Athens, one of the most visited archaeological sites in the world, will soon be offering the much-needed improved disabled access.

 

The central archaeological council (KAS) of Greece has recently approved the installation of a new elevator to provide easier access to disabled visitors. Furthermore, the council has also approved the upgrade of existing lighting for the site and its landmarks.

 

In terms of lighting, the KAS decision refers back to a 2003 study carried out by renowned French lighting designer Pierre Bideau. The planning will be carried out by Bideau’s collaborator Costas Kapos of the Doxiadis Bureau.

 

Care for an ouzaki? Like many other Greek words, ouzo is often referred in the diminutive, which makes it even more charming and appealing. There is nothing severe or pretentious about an ouzaki; it can be an excuse for a break in the middle of a busy day or a staple feature of a Greek summer holiday. No matter what you call it, sharing a carafe or miniature bottle of ouzo is a quintessential Greek experience. While there are no rules about doing it properly, there are certainly ways of getting the most out of it.

 

Ouzo can is made from grape or grain-based alcohol, which is distilled with anise, fennel, and other herbs, according to the 'secret' formula of each producer. Its alcoholic content ranges from 38% to 48% volume. It is the presence of anethole in the anise that turns the transparent drink to a milky white color when mixed with water or ice cubes.

 

 

The summer is over, and fall is gradually making its presence with autumn showers and chilly evenings. Even though the memories of the warm Greek summer holidays are still fresh, there is something about the transition between seasons that invites us to explore unknown and remote destinations.

 

Visit these 5 great international destinations in October to take advantage of the affordable rates and thinner crowds, while being able to visit world-famous attractions in a more relaxed manner.

 

Visit Spain in October, and you are in great luck. In the fall, you'll be able to go chestnut picking, and wine tasting in Catalonia, surf in the Basque Country, or climb the Teide volcano. Compared to other European countries, Spain is warmer and drier in October, making it an excellent destination for an autumn retreat! Most probably, you'll even still be able to swim as waters are still warm in October.

 

Great Things To Do: Visit the Alhambra, and explore the cities of Seville and Barcelona

Ideal For: Honeymooners

 

 

Prague is one of the most exquisite destinations in Europe. Airfares are more affordable in October, there are many festivals and events happening around the city in the fall, and the temperature hasn't yet started to drop to its low winter grades. Furthermore, the traditional beers, local foods, and delicious pastries will definitely treat your taste buds too.

 

Great Things To Do: Walk on the Charles Bridge, visit Prague Castle, cruise Vltava River, and watch a Black Light Theater Performance

Ideal For: Families, friends, and couples

 

If you have the time and the budget for a more extended trip outside Europe, Canada is an excellent option. Packed with beautiful landscapes and amazing sites, Canada is one of the ideal holiday destinations in the world. Not only is Canada the second-largest country in the world, but it's also home to the breathtaking Niagara Falls and other incredible natural sites. With such a variety of places to visit, don't be surprised if you manage to explore snowy mountains, quaint port towns, and the Arctic Ocean on the same trip.

Great Things To Do: Go to Niagara Falls, visit a maple syrup farm, and explore Toronto's Sugar Beach
Ideal For: Families and honeymooners

 

 

 

Great Things To Do: Visit as many pubs as you can, discover Irish music, and take a day trip to the Cliffs of Moher

Ideal For: Young travelers and families

 

 

Greek locals probably haven't thought of October as a great time to explore our beautiful country.However, October is the best time to visit Greek islands like Santorini, Mykonos, Corfu, Crete, and Kefalonia. In October, the weather is still quite warm, the crowds are thinner, and travel costs can plummet by as much as 20%! From hiking beautiful island trails to bird watching, there are plenty of outdoor activities that you can pursue in Greece in the fall.




Great Things To Do: Climb Mount Olympus, watch the Santorini sunset in peace, or visit a year-round destination like Crete

Ideal For: Couples and families

 

Welcome to the fourth edition of KinderDocs – the documentary festival of award-winning films made for children and teenagers, as well as their friends, teachers, and parents, running all year long at the Benaki Museum/138 Pireos St. in Athens and the MOMus- Museum of Contemporary Art in Thessaloniki. KinderDocs premieres this year with a documentary on youth, science, and the environment.

Meet passionate teenage innovators from around the globe who are creating cutting-edge solutions to confront the world’s environmental threats. Take a journey with these inspiring teens as they prepare their projects for the largest convening of high school scientists in the world, the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair. Who will be the winner?

 

Inventing Tomorrow
Youth, science & environment
Age 12+

Meet passionate teenage innovators from around the globe who are creating cutting-edge solutions to confront the world’s environmental threats. Take a journey with these inspiring teens as they prepare their projects for the largest convening of high school scientists in the world, the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair. Who will be the winner? Watch the trailer here

KinderDocs
KinderDocs International Documentary Festival for Children and Young People presents each year award-winning films made for children and teenagers, as well as their friends, teachers, and parents, running all year long in Greece. Discover the magic of documentaries, explore new ways of communication, get inspired by stories we all care about, have fun. Each film is a story on teenage life – friendship, family, education, social media, creativity, art, music, dance, psychology, migration, environment – an opportunity to enter the colourful world of kids and teenagers, a platform for constructive dialogue and after-screening events, building tomorrow’s thinking viewers today. Founded in 2016, KinderDocs premieres for its fourth season in October 2019, in collaboration with the Benaki Museum in Athens and MOMus – Museum of Contemporary Art - Macedonian Museum of Contemporary Art and State Museum of Contemporary Art Collections in Thessaloniki, supported by the biggest documentary festivals in Europe – IDFA (The Netherlands) and DOCX! (Germany). In November 2019, KinderDocs Greece will also be featured for the second time at the prestigious Festival dei Popoli in Florence, Italy (est. 1959).

Watch  KiderDoc's official trailer HERE! 

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XpatAthens is proud to be a Media Sponsor of the KinderDocs Festival

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ChocolateFest is the first festival in Greece dedicated to chocolate and returns once again for a delicious 4-day event! 

From October 17-20 at the old OSY Depot, exhibitions from chocolate manufacturers, famous patisseries, pop-up kiosks, and renowned pastry chefs will take place presenting mouth-watering chocolate creations that will blow you away!


 

Don't miss the chance to experience the sweetest festival in Athens!

If you're new in Greece and feeling lost, no need to worry! We've got you covered with some must-know Greek words and phrases you should know and you'll be just fine. Just check out this week's newsletter for more information and other exciting news!

Athens in home to thousands of activities and events for people, as well as families to enjoy. If you're curious to find out, nothing beats our children's activities list, filled with fun and educational family outings in the city!

Great news for education in Greece! The academic community will surely be proud that NTUA has been voted a Top-10 University worldwide and that a school from the small town of Trikala, is paving the way for a better future for children in terms of nutritional and environmental practices! Also, how would you like to take part in two amazing giveaways? Check this week's newsletter for more information!

The transition from relaxing summer holidays to the daily routine can be quite difficult. That's why we have put together some life saving tips for managing back-to-school stress. And if you're working and want to make your day at the office a bit better, here are some delicious snack ideas you can order online!