The bountiful islands of Greece feel like a breath of fresh air in so many ways. Life by these seas is slow-paced and indulgent, simple but breathtakingly beautiful. Time seems to have slowed down here, and when things at home get hectic, that’s often just the thing we need. Nothing brings a family closer together or creates longer-lasting memories than spending a week or two just living in the moment.

One of the best things about Greece is that there are so many islands to visit (227, in fact) and that each one brings something unique to the table. You can’t go wrong choosing any of the islands for a holiday, but doing a bit of research beforehand never hurt anyone – especially when you’re bringing the kids along. 

Corfu
Spectacular Corfu is an island of lush greenery, dramatic hills, and quaint little villages where beautiful and varied beaches abound. In the west, you’ll find Glyfada and Saint Gordios with their stretches of soft sand and the pebbly playground of Paleokastritsa. Meanwhile, the island’s north side offers warm shallow waters for swimming and stunning rock formations on beaches like Sidari. From sandcastles to water sports, beaches are always a hit with the kids.

The UNESCO-ranked Corfu Town is where kids tend to love running through the mazes of traditional kantounias, winding alleyways that encircle the city’s distinctly Venetian architecture. It’s the perfect place to introduce the kids to some local cuisine and scope out a restaurant serving pastitsada (best enjoyed with some local ginger beer).

Crete
The Greeks call Crete Megalónisos – The Great Island – and it’s well worth a visit to find out why. Crete’s sunny beaches and sparkling coves mingle with ancient caves and ruins that could make anyone’s fantasy run wild. This is where you’ll find the heart of Europe’s oldest civilization, Knossos, and its spectacular palace ruins. Thanks to the efforts of modern archaeology, visiting Knossos in the twenty-first century is like walking the kids through a history lesson come to life. And for even more learning about the history and culture of Crete, head to the capital city of Heraklion and explore the interactive kid-friendly museums there. 

For a beach day, Chania on the west side of the island is the place to go. The white sandy beaches there feel like they’re on a desert island but are just a stone’s throw from the city’s gorgeous Venetian harbor and waterfront restaurants where the kids can have a taste of freshly caught calamari. Kids will particularly love the lagoons of Elafonisi and playing in the rock pools at Kato Gouves.

Rhodes
The gorgeous island of Rhodes has much to look forward to, not the least of which its magical east coast covered in beaches. For thirty miles, all you’ll see is soft golden sands and warm shallow waters. If you came to Greece looking for rest and relaxation, you’ve found it. Faliraki beach is one of its most family-friendly stretches, with plenty of recreation for kids like the Faliraki Water Park and a Luna Park. But if you’re after something more slow-paced and quieter, try Agathi and Kallithea Springs as well. A bonus is that Rhodes has the longest-lasting summer of all the Greek islands, so if you’re lucky enough to get away in the off-season you can enjoy these places when the biggest crowds haven’t arrived yet. 

Rhodes Town is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed haven of car-free cobbled streets and medieval fortresses which feels like taking a walk through history. You can even wander along the walls of the old town and take in all the great views from up high. At sunset, head to the harbor and watch the fishermen reel in their catch of the day (then head to one of the local restaurants for a fresh taste). Kids will also love getting up close to the underwater world of the eastern Med at the Marline Aquarium.

Naxos
With crystal clear waters that are completely safe for children to play and swim in, as well as soft golden sands, Agios Georgios, Agios Prokopios, and Agia Anna are all great central options. They’re perfect for when you want to be close to the sights as well as the affordable shops and restaurants in town. For something a bit more adventurous, head to Plaka Beach for windsurfing lessons accompanied by the prettiest sunset on the island.

Inland, you can hike 40km worth of trails that take you past the islands many ancient villages – each of which is well worth exploring but the former capital of Haldiki especially so. Take a tour of one or more of these stunning mountain villages where you’ll come across the heart of the local culture and fascinating historical monuments to match. Since Naxos is rare in that the island still produces most of its food locally, you know that no matter where you choose to dine, you’re going to get the really good stuff for yourself and your little ones.

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

When you think about Greek music, there are probably many names that pop into your head: Dalaras, Mouskouri, Theodorakis, and of course also… Manos Hatzidakis.

Manos Hatzidakis was a composer and has written hundreds of popular Greek songs. He was also one of the first composers, together with Mikis Theodorakis, who introduced the “Entechno music” in the Greek music landscape. One of Hatzidakis’ songs already became internationally known in 1959, when Nana Mouskouri participated in the first Greek Song Festival and won the first prize performing his song ‘Κάπου υπάρχει η αγάπη μου’ (My love must be somewhere out there). The song was also performed by the well-known singer Georges Moustaki.

The love for Greek music is a reason why many adults start learning Greek. It is a great way to learn the lyrics and sing along during concerts. Not only do you learn more about the Greek language, but also about the Greek culture and passion that is described in many songs.

Childhood & youth

Manos H. was born on 23-10-1925 in Xanthi, North Greece. From his childhood, Manos started reading music and playing the piano and the violin. In 1932, he moved to Athens with his family. In 1938 his father was killed in a plane crash. This tragic accident and the outbreak of World War II ruined the family financially.

Work

In 1946 he finished his first project in the film industry, whereas his cooperation with the “Art Theatre“ of K. Koun started in 1954 and would last 15 years. In 1960, Manos Hatzidakis was awarded an Oscar for the song “The children of Piraeus” from J. Dassin’s film “Never on Sunday”. He became the first Greek composer to make a Greek song popular in the rest of the world. Manos Hatzidakis died in Athens on 15-06-1994.

Rebetiko & Entechno

His whole life, Manos Hatzidakis was dedicated to and strongly related to the traditional Greek song. In 1949, in a lecture about “ Rebetico” songs, he supported this genre which was, at that time, either unknown or despised. Later, he created, together with Mikis Theodorakis, the “Entechno”, a very important music stream, in which music has very close ties with Greek poetry. Along with his interest in Greek songs, Manos Hatzidakis was also a composer with personal inspiration. He managed to create a wonderful composition, combining the world of folk music with his new musical horizons.

If you are interested to learn more about Greek entechno music by Chatzidakis, click here: omilo.com

Omilo Greek Language and Culture inspires people from all over the world to learn Greek, while exploring Greece. They offer 1- and 2-week courses for adults that combine beautiful course locations, experienced teachers, and a balanced combination of Greek classes with cultural activities. All these make Omilo a place where people enjoy learning modern Greek and have fun.

Besides the courses, Omilo also creates online publications to help adults expand their language skills through Language Books and eBooks for different language levels.

In this summer’s Park Your Cinema Kids, we invite our young film buffs and their families to discover incredible heroes in worlds that defy the imagination, to embrace tales based on compassion, and to build bridges that abolish differences and create a universe of love and trust.

In all of these stories, the heroes break away from the safety of their world (like Elsa and Anna, who seek the truth beyond Arendelle), choose their unexpected families (like Paddington, the lovable bear, in London), meet the friends with whom they’ll share unforgettable adventures (like the boy who forges an unbreakable bond with the Iron Giant), choose kindness over prejudice (like Shaun the Sheep, when he comes across an alien weed) and, of course, the adventure that makes all of this possible (like the revelation of the Giant Pear). 

Every day, kids are faced with the reminder that the world around us is not black and white: it is multicolored, multifaceted, complex, like these wonderful films chosen by the Athens International Children’s Film Festival, which make up the most exciting summer cinema season at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center.

Athens is often called the cradle of philosophy and democracy. Even though historically both philosophy and democracy first emerged as concepts in the Greek cities of ancient Asia Minor it was in Athens where they flourished for over two centuries, where democratic institutions became philosophy in practice.

Here philosophy was exercised and taught in the free public space amongst equal citizens. Both philosophy and democracy openly questioned traditional norms and ideals in theory and in practice; through oration and dialogue, the urban landscape forged the Athenian way of life. Philosophy was initially taught and practiced in the ancient Agora but also, eventually, Schools were founded in the outskirts of the city.

Nowadays, the traces of that ancient city are still visible in modern Athens, and invite our imagination to a venture through history and theory that combines a visit at the physical spaces where the greatest philosophers taught with a seminar about the theoretical concepts they invented.

I am definitely not the only parent who wants to have a little peace when going to the beach. I want to enjoy the water and relax on a sunbed afterwards, read my book, maybe even take an occasional nap. What do you think mums and dads? Would you say it is too much to ask? I would argue it is not but I would also add that your child’s age plays a key role. If your child is young they might want you to play with them, to build castles, to hug. When they get older they become more independent and you have more time to yourself.

But regardless of the age of the child, I would encourage them to speak calmly and not shout. I would lovingly help them to learn to respect themselves and those around them. “How do I do this?” you may ask. Well, by being the example; the positive example. If you sit on your sunbed and shout “George,” “Maria,” “Bill, get out of the water now! Do you hear me? Don’t make me come over there!” just think if this is the example you want to give to your child. If you shout at them from afar, whether to come eat their fruit or toast or to get out of the water and under the shade, your child will not pay attention to you as they know you will keep on shouting. And only when you do get up from your chair will they begin to understand that maybe you meant what you were saying.

One might point out that long beaches are too crowded and so they are noisy anyway. I agree but I don’t see the reason to add to the noise pollution. We can respect the people around us and still have a good time. Let each and every one of us set the example for our children and let’s remember that education starts at home!

Originally published on: itsmylife.gr

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If there’s a topic you’re interested in and would like to learn more about you may contact me via email. For more information about me and my work check the XpatAthens Directory or visit my website. Because this is your life!

Imagine getting famous via TikTok, but you’re not an Instagram model, you’re a world-renowned weight-loss surgeon. This is what happened to Dr. Terry Simpson, he has gone viral on TikTok with a plethora of ‘hard truth’ videos regarding nutrition and weight loss. Dr. Simpson boasts 327,000 TikTok followers alone, with many more on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

What separates Dr. Simpson from other weight loss ‘experts’, is that he is an expert in Culinary Medicine (a new discipline in the medical field) and is a big believer in the Mediterranean Diet as a FIRST step to try and address the symptoms of being overweight, being obese and PCOS. His motto is, “you gotta be able to cook, otherwise losing weight will be near impossible”.

His Mediterranean diet consists of lots of home-cooked meals, using colorful fruits and vegetables and legumes. The way our Yiayia’s used to cook. The ‘Modern Mediterranean’ diet is NOT the same Mediterranean Diet that our ancestors ate. The ancient Mediterranean Diet is primarily based around Vegetables, Fruit, Legumes, Goats and Sheep’s Milk, Red Wine, and seeds/nuts.

Some examples of foods you must eat, according to Dr. Simpson:

1. Berries- Raspberries, Blueberries, Blackberries, Strawberries

2. Chia seeds

3. Oats

4. Wholegrains

5. Colourful vegetables (red and yellow capsicums)

6. Fermented dairy

7. Clean protein (wild salmon, high-quality grass-fed meat, free-range poultry)

8. Nut milk (Almond milk, oat milk)

Dr. Simpson is a pioneer in the field of bariatric surgery and patient education, with several websites dedicated to providing information online for patients. He is one of the leading bariatric surgeons in the use of social media to broadcast timely, relevant, healthcare news. Dr. Simpson is involved in research and clinical trials to further advance the field of bariatric surgery. He is currently involved in the examination of the Linx as a device for anti-reflux in Sleeve patients, as well as the use of the Mediterranean Diet for long-term weight loss.

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

When you think of Athens, a bustling, lively capital, brimming with top-notch cultural exhibits springs to mind. Right? Well, it's much more than that. Apart from the great historical monuments, the huge apartment buildings, the streets, and the avenues, you will also discover many beautiful parks and gardens in the center of the city offering a much-needed respite from the urban hustle.

Here's a list of our favorite parks to explore in Athens and spend a refreshing afternoon!

Stavros Niarchos Park 


@mysecretathens

A cultural hub surrounded by tree-lined paths, perfect for jogging and cycling, the Stavros Niarchos park was specially designed to provide a "respite from urban concrete". The impressive complex includes flowers, pine and olive trees, playgrounds, fountains, and canals that fill the area with the refreshing sound of running water. During the summer months, the park hosts a number of events (often free), from yoga workshops to film screenings.

The sprawling Syngrou Estate, in the northern suburb of Maroussi, is actually a 200-acre wooded park, with well-maintained paths, perfect for jogging, running, and strolling. The park used to belong to wealthy businessman Andreas Syngros, but after his death, his wife donated it to the Greek Agricultural Company. One of its highlights, is the rare plants that can be found there, such as wild orchids. Once there, don't forget to pay a visit to the nearby Church of Agios Andreas, which is the only Neo-Gothic Orthodox church in Greece.

Flisvos Park 


@fanwho

Strolling around Flisvos Park, in the southern part of Athens, is a truly local activity, as this is completely off the tourist path. Located right next to the sea, the park features modern playgrounds and outdoor workout equipment for adults. The Flisvos Marina is just around the corner, where you can find modern seaside cafes and restaurants, as well as the Battleship Averof, a floating museum.

The most historic swimming event in Greece, the Authentic Marathon Swim, which opened the road for the organization of safe sports tourism events last year, returns this year with all the necessary health & safety measures and will be held with utmost safety, on July 2-4, 2021, at Pefki Evia of the Municipality of Istiea- Edipsos.

The Authentic Marathon Swim will gather great names of marathon swimming for another year. More specifically, the races will be held with the presence of the silver Olympic medalist, world champion and member of the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame, Spyros Gianniotis. The Hungarian Oceans Seven holder and member of the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame, Attila Manyoki, the American world ice swimming champion who has swum in the Arctic Circle, who is also the fastest swimmer in the world in his category, Quinn Fitzgerald, and the European champion George Arniakos will participate in the event for the first time. The list of Greek participants is enriched by members of the Greek national swimming team such as Dimitris Negris, Stellina Aplanti and Ilektra Lebl.

The Authentic 14km Route “Skyllias & Hydna”
The historic moment has arrived. In the morning of Friday, July 2, 4 top athletes from Greece and abroad will try to revive the feat of Skyllias and Hydna, the very first “marathon swimmers”, according to The Father of History, Herodotus, who helped the Greek forces in the historic naval battle of Artemision against the Persian fleet in 480 B.C. The swimmers who will try to cover the authentic marathon 14 km route are Attila Manyoki, the open water masters’ world champion, Vicky Kouveli, the three-time Greek champion and two-time English Channel marathon swimmer, Sofia Psilolignou and the English Channel marathon swimmer, Giannis Kotsiopoulos.

The Schedule of The Authentic Marathon Swim
On Saturday, July 3 at 11:30 in the morning, the action will start with the new 5km open water swimming race, at 14:00 the 1.5km will follow, and the schedule of the day will end at 15:30 with the 3km race. The swimmers will swim within the square and triangular routes that have been designed with a starting and finishing point at Pefki beach. On Sunday, July 4, the event will climax with the 10km marathon swimming route. Swimmers along with their escorts will board at Pefki beach pier, at 06:30 in the morning and their boats will sail towards the race’s starting point at 07:00. The race will start at 2 08:00 with a finish point at Pefki beach. At 09:00 in the morning, the 800m children's race will be held. The warm-up of the athletes will be held by the physical education instructor, Mandy Persaki.

You may find the full schedule of the event here!

The Historic Routes
All routes of the Authentic Marathon Swim have been designed by the Federal Technical Director of the Greek National Swimming Team and race’s technical director, with Olympic & world distinctions in open water swimming, Mr. Nikos Gemelos.

You may find the historic routes here! 

Symbolic Activities Honor The History of Marathon Swimming
On Friday, July 2, in the afternoon the Authentic Marathon Swim, honoring the history of the place, will hold a symbolic event at the ancient settlement of Artemision where Mavroelia from Artemision, which is also know as Olive Mavromandila can be found. It is a monument of nature and local history, one of the oldest olive trees in the world, dating back over 2,500 years. Winners of the routes will be symbolically awarded with a branch of Mavroelia.

Moreover, activities will include for the first time the presence of a Music Convention with the participation of the Hellenic Navy Music Band, connecting the historic naval battle of Artemision with the present and honoring the naval feat. On Saturday, July 3, at 21:30 in the evening, the Hellenic Navy’s Music Department will hold a music concert in honor of the Artemision naval battle and the Authentic Marathon Swim.

We Inspire the New Generations to Protect the Environment
With respect to the environment and aiming at informing and raising people’s awareness in the effort to achieve a zero environmental footprint, the Authentic Marathon Swim will have the nonprofit organization π 3 (pi3) as a Sustainability Partner this year. The event’s environmental activities will begin on Friday, July 2, in the morning, with the cleaning of Pefki beach. During the three days, additional actions will follow, aiming towards informing and educating the public for the adoption of an environmentally friendly attitude by everyone.

Strict Implementation of a Health Protocol
The Authentic Marathon Swim, that was recently honored with a Silver Award at the 2021 Tourism Awards for its “Guest - Staff Protection” strategy during the Covid-19 pandemic, will be held again this year in accordance with FINA regulations and the health protocol approved by the Greek General Secretariat of Sports’ Health Scientific Committee and established by the experienced team of ActiveMedia Group, in order to ensure the health of athletes and attendees.

Every Participant Should Bring the Following on the Day of the Event
All participants will have to do a self-test or a rapid test within the last 24 hours, or alternatively a PCR test within the last 48 hours prior to their race, in order to enter the event’s venue. They will have to show the certification of the negative diagnostic test for Covid-19. Self-test declaration is held here!  .

If there are consecutive race days for a participant, it is recommended to do 1 test before the first race. In addition, everyone must provide a health certificate from a cardiologist issued within the last 2 months before the event. This applies for everyone except for participants representing the Hellenic Swimming Federation who must provide their respective health certificate. You may find the general terms and conditions that all participants should know here: https://bit.ly/3gTouZi 


Register now & Acquire the Richest Participation Kits Participants will swim with safety in the impressive 10km route (over the shipwrecks of the Naval Battle of Artemision that took place in 480 B.C.), the 3km, the 1.5km as well as the new and unique 5km route. Respectively, the younger fans of the sea will have the opportunity to test their swimming skills in the 800m children’s race. Registration for the 800m children’s race is free. The event also offers a special discount on group registrations of more than 10 people. All citizens of Istiea-Edipsos will have the opportunity to take part in the 5km, 3km and 1.5km routes as well as the 800m. children’s race, completely free of charge.

Special offer: Book 2 nights & Get the 3rd Night for Free!
Accommodation packages at the Municipality of Istiea-Edipsos The Authentic Marathon Swim already collaborates with more than 35 hotels in the region, offering the 3 rd night of their stay for free, with the aim of revitalizing the sports tourism industry of Northern Evia and strengthening the Greek tourism product. Up to this point, this year’s event is enormously supported by the following hospitality sponsors: Maria Louiza Apartments, Altamar Hotel, Villa Anastasia, Ellaeon Throesma, Kochili Apartments, Pefki Seascape Rooms, Hydna Studios, Aktaion Hotel, Arethousa Hotel, Galini Hotel Edipsos, Island, Ilios Studios, Irene Studios, Meliti Studios, Mirtia Hotel, Prigkipessa Studios, Aenaon Studios, Aidipsos Hotel, Alex Spa Hotel, Anesis, Apolonio, Artemis Rooms Pefki, Artemision Hotel, Asimina Rooms, Avli, Evia Dream, Galini Hotel Pefki, Kerasiotis Apartments, Konstantinos Hotel, Lito Hotel, Maria Studios, Melikari Studios, Oversea Rooms & Villas, Posidonio Studios, Rodon Hotel, Sunset Pefki, Thalassa Hotel, Vasiliki Studios, Viki Studios.

Check the special accommodation packages here!

Participants and visitors can take advantage of the special offers, providing reduced accommodation prices and late check out while discovering beautiful hotels in the areas of Pefki, Loutra Edipsos, Artemision, Istiea, Kanatadika, Neos Pyrgos, Orei and Agiokampos.

Offers by the top Greek car rental company Avance
The top Greek car rental company Avance, as the event’s Official Car Rental Partner provides participants of the Authentic Marathon Swim with an opportunity to make their reservation, with a 15% discount on the official price list, for any vehicle of their choice regarding their travel to North Evia during the period of the event. In terms of bookings, participants need to send an email to reserve(at)avance.gr

NP Insurance and Philosofish are the event’s
Official Sponsors. Natural Mineral Water Vikos is the Official Water. Luanvi is the event’s Official Clothing Partner.
Avance is the Official Car Rental Partner.
Target Security is the Security Partner. Schoretsanitis Cheese Factory, Nivea Sun, Syconia, E. & D. Kontos S.A., Almanda and The Norman Farm are the event’s Partners.
Leandros, Swimmingclub.gr, LA Elite Fitness, APS TRIAS and Kallithea Open Water Team are the Authentic Marathon Swim’s Athletic Partners.
Liquid Media is the Premium Media Partner. π 3 (pi3) is the Sustainability Partner.
The event is assisted by Hellenic Red Cross with Chalkida’s Regional Department, Super Market Andreou and Melirriton. 

The Authentic Marathon Swim will be held with the permission of the General Directorate of Tourism Policy of the Regional Tourism Service of Central Greece, under the auspices of the Greek National Tourism Organization and the International Olympic Academy.

The event is co-organized by the Municipality of Istiea-Edipsos, the Region of Central Greece, the Organization of Cultural Development for Central Greece (O.P.A.S.T.E.), the Central Union of Municipalities in Greece (KEDE) and the Regional Union of Municipalities of Central Greece. ActiveMedia Group is responsible for its sports production. 

Photo Credit: Elias Lefas

Bring your heartiest appetite. In this episode, Sofka takes us food shopping the Athenian way, with two local food writers. Get ready to scour buzzy neighborhood markets and exotic spice-scented streets - and along the way, myth bust the Greek love affair with meat; tuck into Athens’ booming “world cuisine” scene; and meet the Greek superfood served at every taverna in town. Finally, we’ll take a nose dive into the heady aromas of Athens and explore the uniquely Greek approach to fasting. “You can always trust a Greek to turn a fast into a feast,” says Sofka Zinovieff in this fourth episode, devoted to the Greek capital’s most enticing perfumes and flavors.

Bestselling writer and former anthropologist, Sofka Zinovieff, embarks on a quest to uncover the true essence of her adopted home, in all its layers and mysteries. Discover how Athenians feel about their own architecture, how tragedy and trauma have flavored the city’s cuisine, why Athens has always been a “15-minute city”, and much, much more.

 

"Athens is the most foreign capital in the world," wrote the Greek poet Michalis Ganas. Indeed, “True Athenians” - those who have lived in the Greek capital for generations - are rare. Most call another place home; whether it’s an ancestral mountain village or island. Or another land entirely. From the Cycladic islanders who built their picture-perfect settlement on the northern slopes of the Acropolis; to the displaced Greeks of Asia Minor who fled the great 1922 Catastrophe; and the 21st-century refugees who risk everything to escape.

In this episode, we explore the vibrant collection of outsiders who have made this city their own - and in their wake, created an ever-evolving tapestry of Athenian villages; each with its own distinct personality.

Bestselling writer and former anthropologist, Sofka Zinovieff, embarks on a quest to uncover the true essence of her adopted home, in all its layers and mysteries. Discover how Athenians feel about their own architecture, how tragedy and trauma have flavored the city’s cuisine, why Athens has always been a “15-minute city”, and much, much more.

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Listen To Episode 3 HERE

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