The beach of Elafonissi,located on the Greek island of Crete, was ranked among the 14 best beaches in the world and the second best in Europe for 2016, according to the Travellers’ Choice Awards — the largest travel platform in the world, TripAdvisor.

In addition, five other Greek beaches, Limnionas on Zakynthos, Balos, Agios Pavlos, Sarakiniko on Milos and Egremni on Lefkada were also included on the list of the 15 best beaches in Europe.

The beaches included on TripAdvisor’s lists had the best user reviews in the last 12 months, both regarding quantity and quality.

The lists were as follows:

1. Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos

2. Baia do Sancho, Brazil

3. Playa Paraiso, Cayo Largo, Cuba

4. Anse Lazio, Praslin Island, Seychelles

5. Cayo de Agua, Los Roques National Park, Venezuela

6. Flamenco Beach, Culebra, Puerto Rico

7. Playa de Ses Illetes, Formentera, Balearic Islands

8. Ngapali Beach, Ngapali, Myanmar

9. West Bay Beach, Honduras

10. Nacpan Beach, El Nido, Philippines

11. Maho Beach, Cruz Bay, St. John

12. Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Island, Whitsunday Islands

13. Sharm El Luli, Marsa Alam, Egypt

14. Elafonissi, Greece

15. Playa Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

To read the Top 25 Best Beaches In Europe, please visit: Greek Reporter

Cremation of the dead is now legal in Greece, despite strong opposition from the Orthodox Church. The law on cremation was officially published in the Government Gazette.

The Church of Greece prohibits cremation. However, the bill that was passed in parliament mid-February provides that the choice of burial rites is every person’s right.

The law provides that any person can freely declare before a notary the type of funeral ceremony and the place of burial. With the notarized declaration of the person who wishes to be cremated, relatives and friends can grant his or her wish.

The law also says that if the wish of the deceased is not contrary to public policy, health regulations or moral traditions, the persons or services that have undertaken the burial of the deceased have to comply to the deceased’s wish.

To read more, please visit: Greek Reporter

Apokries is the celebration of carnival in Greece. The word literally means 'no more meat' (αποχή από κρέας – apo-kreas) and is today associated with the Orthodox traditions of a three week preparation period before the 40 day lenten fast which precedes Easter.

Although typically associated with the traditions of the Orthodox church, many traditions around Greece have roots in ancient times. In Ancient Greece there were celebrations at this time of year to commemorate the end of winter and the coming of spring which were associated with the worship of Dionysos, the God of Wine and Feast.

Despite where the traditions originated, one this is for sure - there are always many people (young and old) that dress-up in costume and head out to enjoy festivals and parties throughout Greece during the period of Apokries! The below video is an excellent depiction of carnival celebrations in Greece.

Click HERE to learn more about the traditions and carnivals around Greece.

Imagine one of the biggest street parties you've ever seen. It's a time when people of all ages can take a break from their everyday lives, dress up in full costume, and dance in the street! This is carnival in Greece!

The Patras Carnival is the largest event of its kind in Greece and one of the biggest in Europe. Giant decorated cars, carts, coaches, and colorful paper-mâché figures fill the city streets for a full weekend of street parades and parties. A key character is the Carnival King, presented in all his splendor. The carnival also has its queen, who is actually a beautiful young lady on a floral or artistic float. There is also a night parade, called “nyhteriní podaráti" (which means night walk), which takes place on Saturday night before Sunday’s extravagant parade. Thousands of carnival participants are organized into groups and dance holding torches in the dimly lit streets of the city. The only float allowed to participate in this parade is the King’s.

If you find yourself in central Greece during carnival season, you should definitely experience the Tyrnavos Carnival; Tyrnavos is known as a “rebellious” little town in the region of Thessaly, just outside the city of Larissa. Put on your costume and pick a team that you'd like to be part of (the “Next Top Model,"  “Surgeons and Sexy Nurses,"  “Tri-Colour Macaroni, etc.), and get ready to party until your heart’s content!

Head to northeastern Greece for the Xanthi Carnival to experience a spectacular carnival that is organized in association with over 40 cultural groups of the region. Each association sets up its stalls in the streets of the city to wine and dine the guests with plenty of local wine and delicacies. Be sure to look out for the custom of “To kápsimo tou Tzárou” (the burning of Tzaros) as well as for the highlight of carnival celebrations, the Great Carnival Parade on the evening of the final day of the carnival. Floats with thousands of masked revelers fill the streets with music and colors to accompany the Carnival King.

If you enjoy carnival with a Venetian masquerade twist, then head to Crete for the Rethymno Carnival. For almost a whole month, the city is host to a series of fun-filled celebrations, bringing together locals and visitors alike who want to participate in carnivals just simply because they love to live in the moment! The Rethymno Carnival Parade is a spectacular production of pictures and sounds with a strong Venetian influence evident in the costumes, the carnival floats, and the overall spirit of the carnival celebration.

When you think of Greek national pride, the first things that come to mind are the Greek flag and the national anthem.

The Greek national anthem, officially titled "Ymnos is tin Eleftherian" in Greek and the Hymn to Liberty in English, is a reminder not only of how far Greece has come since the Ottoman Empire was officially defeated, but also of the journey that the people took that ultimately led to their freedom.

 

The Anthem was written by the famed poet, Dionysios Solomos, in 1823. He was born and raised in Zayknthos, but his family were refugees from the island of Crete. As a member of a prominent wealthy family, Solomos was well educated, which eventually drove him to become a poet. Although he studied in Italy for several years, he eventually penned his poems in his native Greek language.

 

The Hymn to Liberty is one of Solomos' most inspiring works. The Greek Revolution began in 1821 and was happening just as he began his career as a poet. In addition to the revolution that finally ended the Ottoman occupation, it served as a source of inspiration for this poem. Solomos wanted to put into words his feelings about the struggles of the Greek people and the inevitability of the win.

To learn more, please visit: Greek Boston

Although Athens is not a city famed for its greenery, there are some lovely spots tucked away that offer pleasant green havens from the hustle and bustle of the city centre. Whether you want to take a peaceful stroll, offer your children a pleasant environment to play, or have an enjoyable picnic, here are some natural environments in Athens that are worth the visit!

Just a stone's throw from the centre of Athens, the Forest of Tatoi was once the summer retreat of King George and Queen Olga, before being converted to the Royal Family's permanent residence in 1948. Walking in the forest, you will be stunned by the lush vegetation; Aleppo pine trees, tall cypresses, poplars, plane trees, beech trees, Greek strawberry trees, olive ad citrus trees - among others, adorn the Tatoi forest, which is protected by the Natura 2000 network as a area of outstanding beauty. Don't miss the 10m waterfall that offers an unrivalled sense of serenity and enjoyment.

Created and designed by Queen Amalia in the 19th century, this is the ultimate children's paradise in the centre of the city, and is home to more than 500 different species of plants, trees, birds and animals.  There is also a Botanical and a Children's Museum, a zoo and a playground along with scattered ancient monuments and statues. Relax at the pleasant and always shaded coffee shop, where children can taste one of the best strawberry sorbet in town!

Antonis Tritsis Environmental Awareness Park
Welcome to the largest green zone in Attica! It’s the region’s precious gem that encompasses ponds, canals, a rich flora and a refuge of hundreds of species of birds and mammals. A specially designed system ensures continuous recirculation of fresh water between the park’s six lakes. This abundance of water has helped promote and preserve the park’s rich biodiversity. Immerse yourself in some trekking, jogging, biking and even horseback riding!

To read more, please visit: This is Athens

In a recent show of solidarity with fellow citizens, many Greek merchants have launched a food and coffee 'suspended' program for the needy.

The process happens something like this - you walk into the butcher shop and order the meat that you need for your own personal consumption. Then you tell the butcher that you’d also like to buy some additional meat and place it on the 'suspended' list for a family in need. The butcher keeps a record on what has been purchased 'on hold' and lists it on a banner or chalkboard inside or outside the shop.

Similar campaigns are popping in various other shops, like coffee shops, throughout the country. Patrons are able to purchase “suspended” coffees, sandwiches and other items for those in need.

A Facebook page (in Greek) can be followed HERE.

Originally posted on: Pappas Post

 

Greek carrier Ellinair has added additional destinations to its international network, which will substantially boost connectivity between popular Greek destinations and renowned cities abroad. Ellinair is a member of Mouzenidis Group.

In its second year of scheduled flights, Ellinair’s international network serves 40 cities in 15 countries.

This year, the airline’s flight program includes direct flights to many Russian cities from Thessaloniki, Athens, Corfu, Zakynthos and Heraklion and to cities in the Ukraine from Thessaloniki, Corfu and Heraklion. Riga in Latvia will also be connected directly to both Thessaloniki and Corfu.

From Thessaloniki, passengers this year will be able to fly direct to Tbilisi in Georgia, Astana in Kazakhstan, Tallinn in Estonia, Izmir, Budapest, Bucharest, Belgrade, Larnaca in Cyprus and to three cities in Italy: Rome, Milan and Verona.

To read more, please visit: Greek Travel Pages

Although we can still feel the crisis, Athens is slowly regaining its confidence... and with a vengeance.

As creativity stirs again, the enterprising young generation is breathing fresh and exciting life back into the streets of Athens - shops and businesses that beautifully combine the classics of ancient Greece with the anarchic character of modern times. The below video is a great depiction of how Athens is entering a new era. Enjoy!

Read this article from the New York Times for some great ideas on things to do in Athens.

Greece's Alpha Bank SA has launched a process to sell Athens-listed Ionian Hotel Enterprises, owner of the five-star Hilton Athens, a source familiar with the matter said.

Alpha Bank, which holds 97.3 percent of IHE, wants to receive expressions of interest by a deadline of March 11. Citi is advising Alpha Bank on the sale, the source said.

Alpha Bank was not immediately available for comment.

The Greek bank is aiming to further strengthen its capital base with the share sale, which is valued at about 106 million euros based on its last closing price of 8.13 euros.

Greek banks that have been recently recapitalized with the euro zone's help have agreed to divest non-core banking activities and sell their participation in overseas assets.

Citi's head of Greece and Cyprus investment banking, Theodoros Giatrakos, is leading negotiations with interested parties, which have been given the option of bidding alone or teaming up in an investment consortium.

Hilton Athens was one of the venues that hosted recent negotiations between international creditors and the government of Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras in 2015.

To read more, please visit: Ekathimerini