Greece is made up of a half a dozen archipelagos making it easy to see how there are a plethora of amazing uninhabited islands around Greece that visitors can add to their list of places to visit on their next Grecian holiday!

Located northwest of Amorgos, Keros island is a part of the Koufonissia islands and boasts important archaeological sites and excavations. Archaeologist have uncovered ruins from the Early Cycladic period 3200-2000 BC and in ancient times, it was called Keria. The beaches have white sand and the water is turquoise. People may visit the island on their own boat or by hiring an excursion boat. Overnight stays are not permitted by the Archaeological Authority that watches over the island.

Lihadonisia is an island complex located across from Kamena Vourla in Evia. The islands are dotted with beaches that were created by volcanic inlets. Often referred to as the “Maldives” of Greece, the islands emerged as a result of a massive earthquake thousands of years ago and volcanic activity during the Cenozoic century. Thought to have been named after the servant of the God Hercules, Lihas, the islands can be reached via boat excursions operating from the harbor of Kavos in Evia.

Gramvousa

Gramvousa is part of the Cretan islands archipelago. The two islands it refers to are Imeri and Agria Gramvousa, literally “tame” and “wild” Gramvousa. You can take a one day boat trip leaving in the morning and returning at night from Kissamos port and arriving at Gramvousa and Balos beach & lagoon. Day tours are available from May to October. Known for spectacular beaches, flora and fauna, and the remains of the Venetian castle and fort that tops Imeri Gramvousa peaks, these two islands are not to be missed.

To read this article in full, please visit: Greek Reporter

Navarino Challenge 2016 was completed leaving wonderful impressions!

Thousands of participants from Greece and abroad took part in the richest schedule of activities ever presented by an event!

Navarino Challenge 2016 completed successfully for a 4th consecutive year, confirming its title as the top sports tourism event in Greece, offering unique moments and creating great memories to each participant!

More than 2,000 amateur and professional athletes, friends of sports of all ages (according to the updated results - the oldest athlete was 82 years old), embraced the event by participating in more than 15 activities in Messinia and Costa Navarino from 9 to 11 September 2016.

Navarino Challenge attracted the global interest with participants coming from countries as USA, Canada, Australia, Britain, Sweden, Denmark, France, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, South Africa, Ghana, Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania and Cyprus. Meanwhile, bookings at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino, ran extremely high during the weekend, on the occasion of the event, supporting thus the hotel & hospitality tourism and promoting Messinia as a destination worldwide.

For the third consecutive year, Navarino Challenge had the safety and dynamic support of Allianz Greece. The company which is sensitive to issues related to health care and supports reinforcing the message of health protection and the adoption of a healthier lifestyle through exercise and balanced nutrition, supported the event (with its numerous team). The company’s principles and values are inextricably linked with those of the organization.

On Friday, September 9, 2016, the schedule of Navarino Challenge included activities for those staying at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino, such as: aqua aerobic lessons for all and baby swimming (for children up to 3 years old) with the support of Swim Academy, of the Federal Swimming Coach, Nikos Gemelos and the Silver medalist and World Champion in open water swimming, Spyros Gianniotis, TaeKwonDo lessons from the twice silver Olympic medalist Alexandros Nikolaidis (with the dynamic participation of the teams from Kyparissia, Kalamata and the whole region of Messinia) pilates lessons by the physical education instructor, specialized in pilates, Mandy Persaki, kick boxing lessons by the kick boxing champion Alexandros Nikolaidis, climbing lessons (by the certified climbing instructor of Navarino Outdoors, George Malamas) and a beautiful bike ride at Voidokilia -with the support of both activities from Navarino Outdoors. At the same time there was also a 4on4 basketball tournament (with the support of basketblog.gr) and the participation of Olympic medalists, champions, media groups and VIP guests of the event, golf clinics with the support of Navarino Golf Academy and scuba diving with the support of the Aqua Divers Club and Scuba Hellas. During the weekend, participating athletes quenched their thirst with the Natural Mineral Water "Vikos" that contributes to the well-functioning of the body during sports.

On Saturday, September 10, 2016 morning, the weather being an ally (on a sunny day), the whole activity of the event was transferred in the Municipality of Pylos-Nestor, for the swim sports.

In the beautiful bay of Navarino at the picturesque port of Pylos, hundreds of friends of the sea had the opportunity to swim without competition, in the calm waters, covering the dreamy one mile (1.6 km) swimming route designed by Nikos Gemelos.

Meanwhile, the activity of Kids' Athletics was presented for the first time in Pylos Square by the ambassador of the event, the Olympic and World Champion in 400m. hurdles Periklis Iakovakis. The activity aimed at getting children acquainted with the track and field sports, as it has been developed and established by a special panel of scientists from IAAF (International Association of Athletics Federation) and is officially implemented in Greece by the Hellenic Athletics Federation (SEGAS) in cooperation with the Ministry of Education. Kids' Athletics included, among others, the activity of standing long jump, the sport of the world famous Olympic champion and legendary Kostis Tsiklitiras, who was born in Pylos Messinia.

For the third consecutive year, athletes and organizers moved with the safety and efficient engines of the cars of Ford Motor Hellas, the official supporter of Navarino Challenge.

Right after, within the same day, a Stand Up Paddling race by BIC® Sport took place for the first time in the event!

With the support of one of the most recognized brands in the world, BIC® company, present in the field of water sports with BIC® Sport since 1979, participants were divided into groups of beginners and professionals, covering the half mile and one mile routes respectively at the port of Pylos. All athletes had the opportunity to test the credibility of the SUP BIC® boards. Stand Up Paddling was held with the support of Surf Salad!

Mediterranean diet was highlighted by the food blogger Gogo Papadionysiou also known as Mamatsita who made traditional lalagia & diples with the assistance of local women and the team of Poseidonia restaurant in Pylos. The Mayor of Pylos-Nestor, Mr. Dimitrios Kafantaris awarded Spyros Gianniotis, Kelly Araouzou and Nikos Gemelos and offered them a tour at the home of Tsiklitiras in Pylos.

The “sea-day” was concluded with a demonstration race with 25 Optimist and 3 big open boats from Maritime Athletic Pylos Association “Nestor”, the Sailing Club of Kalamata “Poseidon” and the Sailing Club of Kalamata “Eolos” with the assistance of the Municipality Pylos-Nestor, the Port Authority of Pylos, Pylos Association of Enterprises for Tourism Development and Explore Messinia.

In the midday of Saturday, the action returned at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino! There, for the second consecutive year the boccia activity was presented, with the dynamic presence and support of the team of Allianz Greece (more than 90 people attended the demonstration of the sport). The ambassador and Gold Paralympic athlete of boccia, Grigoris Polychronidis greeted the event with its own private message, (as he was in Rio for the Paralympic Games), giving the pass for the demonstration of the sports to the athletes of the Greek boccia national team Christos Galaios (6th position in the European Championship) and Christos Kypriotis (Greek Champion) and the coach Jenny Rodiou and Evangelia Galaiou.

Saturday night ended in the most glittering and spectacular way, with the colors of the official airline partner of the event, Qatar Airways!

The cocktail “A Night to Remember by Qatar Airways”, was presented by the journalists Dimos Bouloukos and Dora Tsampazi. The evening moved into Swing, Jazz, Funk, Soul, Latin and Blues rhythms by Brandy Souare and included greetings, awards and many surprises for the honorees and high guests of the event.

The first award of the evening was given to the silver Olympic medalist and World Champion in open water swimming Spyros Gianniotis by TEMES S.A., Marketing & Business Development Director Mrs. Marina Papatsoni. The first surprise was announced, with the award of a set of business class airline tickets given to the silver Olympic medalist from the Commercial Director of Qatar Airways in Greece, Mr. Alexandros Michalopoulos. The World Champion in open water swimming, Kelly Araouzou was then awarded by Vikos SA Sales & Marketing Director, Mr. Konstantinos Sepetas. The event continued with the award given to the Federal Swimming Coach, Nikos Gemelos by the Chief Executive Officer of Allianz Greece, Mrs. Philippa Michali and the award which was given to the team of Allianz World Run (with the presence of Gerosideri Charis and Kafantari Dora who participated in the global initiative) by the Chief Executive Officer of Active Media, Mr. Akis Tsolis. Two more surprises were hidden next, to celebrate the four years of the event. National Geographic Channel team was awarded by the Co-Founder of Navarino Challenge & Director of Development of The Hellenic Initiative, Mr. Peter Poulos for its four years of support to the event as TV Communication Partner. The Commercial Director of FOX Networks Group, Mrs. Nadia Demiri received the relevant award, while Vargiamidis family was awarded by the ultramarathon Dean Karnazes for the four years of continuous participation in Navarino Challenge.

Immediately after that, the activity “Like for a good cause” was presented -that ran recently for the five best photos of the event chosen by the people through social media- and its charitable cause was revealed for the first time. The photographs selected were converted into canvasses and now these works will be auctioned through Charity Idols, where all revenue generated will be given to the humanitarian non-profit Foundation of the Professor Afksendiyos Kalagkos, Coeurs pour Tous Hellas - Hearts for All, which supports children with congenital heart disease. The event was welcomed by the President of the institution Coeurs pour Tous Hellas, Mrs. Anna Grimani and the Executive Committee Member at the Department of Communication, Ms. Ioanna Moundrea.

Further, another set of economy class airline tickets was drawn by Qatar Airways to a lucky couple, while throughout the duration of the “Navarino Challenge” the top airline ran another contest to the participants of the event.

The evening ended with the award given to the ultra-marathon Dean Karnazes by the Marketing Director of Ford Motor Hellas, Mrs. Petri Logara.

Navarino Challenge promotes the value of “a healthy mind in a healthy body” and the spirit of “fair play” adopting the purpose of the Olympic Movement, supported by Olympic athletes and Champions who educate youth through sport, without any discrimination. At the same time, the athletes inform them about the benefits of exercise and the Mediterranean diet and prompt the audience to support the cause of the fight against childhood obesity. Overall more than 800 children were actively involved in all activities of the Navarino Challenge weekend of!

Navarino Challenge was also supported by the Navarino Icons products, Michael & Trianthe Dakolias, Village Cinemas, the Inbi restaurant, the New Hotel and Surf Salad.

The interest of the people, that surpassed all expectations with their participation, peaked on the third and last day of the event, on Sunday, September 11th 2016. Runners of all ages, starting from Navarino Dunes in Costa Navarino ran to Pylos beach, crossing Voidokilia beach for the first time and following the trail mapped out, back in Homer’s years, by Telemachus, Ulusses’ ’ son, trying to find his missing father. The start was given early in the morning for the top Half Marathon (21,1km) -with the participation of Greek-American ultramarathon Dean Karnazes- and the 10 km route, while the 5km run followed (for running and dynamic walking). The running activity ended amid countless smiles from children who participated in the 1km, with the support of the natural mineral water “Vikos”. Routes were designed and edited by the former marathon runner, holder of national best performance on the classical route, running coach and director of All About Running, Nikos Polias. The teams of Messiniakos and Akritas had a strong presence on the running and then also in the activity of Kids’ Athletics with the ambassador Periklis Iakovakis.

Food blogger Mamatsita, with her second in a row cooking challenge, undertook to revitalize and support the participants in running by offering them traditional Messinian food in Costa Navarino with the support of Posidonia Restaurant.

Navarino Challenge presented a great innovation with the Navarino Challenge chatbot!

The MPASS company participated for the first time in the event and contributed to its success by creating the Navarino Challenge chatbot. This is a global innovation since this is the first sports tourism chatbot that gave participants the opportunity to have, instantly, automatic personal updates on offers and events, by sending just one message in the official Facebook page of Navarino Challenge. The most important was that someone was able, for the first time, to receive automatically his finish time, in any route he participated with a personal message on Facebook messenger, by simply typing his BIB number.

Navarino Challenge was held under the Auspices of the Greek National Tourism Organization and the Department of Nutrition and-Dietetics of Harokopio University of Athens with the support of Costa Navarino and The Westin Resort Costa Navarino, as well as the Municipalities of Pylos-Nestor and Trifilia. The event was included, for one more year, in the European Week of Sport with the #BeActive activity which is supported by the European Commission and the Greek General Secretariat of Sports.

The event was also assisted by the Health Runners Club of Messinia, ThaMa Restaurant, Alpha (Athlima SA), the Department of Sports Organization & Management from University of Peloponnese, Anazoe Spa Costa Navarino, 1morekm, Hellenic Athletics Federation (SEGAS), IAAF Kids Athletics, Diana “exoplizein” and Nargile while Vita N Travel was the official travel agent. The event was finally supported by the Hellenic Red Cross Sector of Samaritans, Rescuers and Lifeguards.

Official Sponsors: Allianz Greece, “Vikos” Natural Mineral Water
Official Airline Partner: Qatar Airways
Official Supporters: Ford Motor Hellas, BIC®, BIC® Sport, Navarino Icons, Michael & Trianthe Dakolias, Village Cinemas, Poseidonia Restaurant, Inbi, New Hotel, Surf Salad
Assisted by: Health Runners Club of Messinia, Pylos Association of Enterprises for Tourism Development, Maritime Athletic Pylos Association “Nestor”, Explore Messinia, Navarino Outdoors, Swim Academy, Aqua Divers Club, Scuba Hellas, Navarino Golf Academy, ThaMa Restaurant, Alpha (Athlima SA), Department of Sports Organization & Management from University of Peloponnese, Anazoe Spa Costa Navarino, 1morekm, Hellenic Athletics Federation (SEGAS), IAAF Kids Athletics, Apia, Diana “exoplizein”, Nargile
Official Travel Agent: Vita N Travel
Official Broadcaster: OTE TV
TV Communication Partner: National Geographic Channel

Under the Auspices of the Greek National Tourism Organization

Photo Credit: Elias Lefas

Just opposite the entrance to the Acropolis sits a huge white rock. Named after the Greek God of War, Ares, it’s thought that many murder trials were held here, including the trial of Ares himself for the murder of Alirrothios, the son of Poseidon. Climb either the marble stairs carved into the side or take the modern steel stairs (which is the best option to avoid slipping) and sit and admire the vista; Athens sprawls out below you with views of the sea and islands nearby.

Under the northeastern side of the Acropolis lies a hidden “island village.”. In the early 1900s, many people came to Athens from the island of Anafi to build the king’s palace. They built themselves their own neighborhood, called Anafiotika, to remind them of their island homes. Today, only 45 of the original houses remain, but it’s amazing to wander through the winding streets and discover an island village that almost looks out of place within the heart of a city.

Visit the brackish waters of Vouliagmeni Lake, a natural lake formed many years ago from a cave collapse and surrounded by a natural pine forest. The lake is a mixture of warm fresh water and cold seawater and contains the garra rufa fish that nibble at your skin as you swim.

Located behind the parliament building in Syntagma Square and designed by Queen Amalia in 1840, you’ll find a plethora of plant, bird and animal species at the National Garden. Open to the public, locals spend their afternoons here drinking coffee in the small cafes dotted around the garden and older men play tavil (Greek backgammon).

The Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion makes a perfect day trip from Athens. It’s about 42 miles southeast of Athens, but definitely worth it. Visitors can wander around the monument, which is surrounded on three sides by the Aegean Sea, and admire the breathtaking views across the water. Afterwards, relax on the beach below.

This article was originally posted on Onboard.com, which is no longer online.

At XpatAthens we're all about living well and experiencing everything that the great city of Athens has to offer. In our effort to connect locals and visitors with experiences in the city, we are especially excited to announce our cooperation with E-table.gr!

E-table.gr is Greece's top service provider for free online restaurant reservations in English! E-table.gr has connected 150,000 diners with more than 1,700 restaurants in 24 cities around Greece and users have written more than 20,000 confirmed restaurant reviews.

 

Now you too can find the best restaurants in Greece quickly and easily, 24/7, as well as get exclusive privileges and discounts. Check out E-table.gr’s dining suggestions and experience all your culinary desires across the city of Athens and beyond!

If you have any questions or would like to get in touch with us, drop us a line at info@xpatathens.com.

Enjoy!!

The popular travel website AFAR released a travel guide listing the hidden gems of Europe. Only 29 gems made the list and not surprisingly, Athens took two top spots!

At number 18, the Central Market in Athens is described as ‘noisy, smelly, and chaotic, but it’s an experience no foodie or photographer should miss.’

An AFAR Local Expert writes, ‘the colours, shapes, and patterns are a compositional dream, but the market is not for the squeamish. You can find every conceivable creature from the sea on sale here. The floor is wet and the air smells salty. In the next building, animal parts you didn't even know were edible are hanging from hooks or stacked in baskets - Sheep's head anyone? Around the exterior of the market you can find spices, fresh fruit and vegetables.’

 

Coming in at number 20 is the Hellenic Parliament Building. The AFAR expert describes the Grand Change of the guards experience, ‘well worth watching and fascinating to watch and photograph.’

Every Sunday morning at 11:00 am, visitors can watch the elite unit of the Greek Military, known as the Athens’ Evzones, perform the Grand Change. They are guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier while they march from the barracks to the Parliament and perform maneuvers marching along with a band.

 

To read this article in full, please visit: AFAR

A project that was started in 2011 called 'Study In Greece' was launched by a group of faculty members from the Department of Informatics and Telematics, of Harokopio University, with the help of students (international and Greek) who worked on a volunteer basis, in order to bring the project to life. Their aim is to provide information, support and advice to incoming international students who wish to study in Greece for a higher education degree, as well as to existing international students. The project addresses the most important issues faced by international students while applying, registering, and settling in Greece.

The main focus of the 'Study In Greece' group was to gather all necessary information that would allow prospective students to not only navigate their way through existing academic programmes on offer, but to also understand the conditions for foreign students living in a friendly and safe destination such as Greece. Students who are interested in pursuing post-graduate studies in Greece can search the catalogue of specialized study programmes taught in English or directly contact the international relations offices of the Higher Education Institutes listed in the relevant section.

'Study In Greece' offers a comprehensive list of the main characteristics of the country, interesting destinations, archaeological sites, monuments and museums to visit, as well as data about Greek gastronomy, the cost of living, facts concerning international students living in Greece , health and safety issues, contacts for embassies and visa details. The platform also offers a section called ‘Education Institutes’ where visitors on the site can type a word related to their area of study and a full list in English of programmes, universities, departments, and cities corresponding to the search word will appear.

The 'Study In Greece' initiative contributes to the international spread of Greek culture, promotes Greece as a destination for higher studies among international students, and it includes support for refugees and people seeking international protection. It also offers suggestions regarding ongoing educational programmes, updates on plans by the Greek State to provide support to the educational needs of refugees, including special courses, e-learning platforms, and summer schools.

To read this article in full, please visit: Greek News Agenda

For more information about 'Study In Greece,' please click HERE to visit their website.

Melanie Hawco had traveled to Greece before she met her husband and fell in love with the country. After they met, they traveled to Greece every year for four years, and finally decided to make the move permanently in 2016. Here’s their story!

I had lived in Toronto for seven years. I have my business degree and had worked in social work in Cape Breton. In Toronto, the job market just kind of geared me towards working with the adult population to teach financial literacy. But it was extremely stressful. Adrian worked at the same restaurant as my brother. That’s how we met. We both share a love of travel, so immediately we started talking about travelling the world.

We’ve been married for three years. Now we live in a little village just outside the city of Heraklion. The village has only 150 people. We’re in the mountains. The view from our balcony is unbelievable. It’s all farmland.

My daughter is turning 13 soon, so the change for her is a little more difficult. But she’s getting along great, too. In September she’s enrolled in an English-speaking school. The baby is almost two.

We own property on a mountain close to us. We have 30 acres of farmland that has lemons and walnuts and other produce on it. We just started a cooking school and in September we are going to be farmers.

We had one run of the cooking school that is out of our village. It’s really amazing. In Toronto, I hardly ever saw my husband. We worked separate hours. But here, we’re working together. Adrian is an amazing chef.

Personally, my stress level is completely lower. We’re starting up a new business and a new life so of course there is going to be stress. But when I look around I see the beauty of the place I want to be. Last night I was walking the baby and there was a wedding party in a little square in our village. I could hear the music and I was looking up at the stars.

Our daily routine involves a lot of work setting up the business. We get up, my son eats his four bowls of cereal and right now there’s a lot of shopping and preparing – getting the tables and chairs and cutlery for the cooking school. The beauty of it is, we always have our bathing suits in the car so after shopping we go to the beach and jump in the sea. We always make sure we have at least half an hour to jump in the water.

We’re paying way less rent for our house here than we paid in Toronto. We have a balcony in the back and a wood-fired oven that we’re learning to use.

I’m really excited about September. I’m not nervous at all, which I think comes when you really feel like you’re in your place and living your dream.

Article Source: The Global And Mail

It’s a strange paradox: while many Athenians are leaving the city to emigrate, more and more foreigners are choosing Athens as their new home. They are cultured, educated and often come from the arts scene. Athens has become a magnet for creative souls – artists have a tendency to be attracted to disaster, abandonment and dissolution. Truth be told, the capital has acquired a certain character because of the crisis.

And, as we know, when artists open their studios in an area, it instantly becomes fashionable. While Athens may not be set to become the next Berlin, foreigners seem to be impressed by the energy of the city, its chaotic architecture, the low prices and the feeling of freedom (or lawlessness, you could say) that prevails in Greek society.

The 24 year-old British graduate of the Edinburgh College of Arts moved to Greece last summer, following an invitation to participate in a group exhibition. She lives in an apartment in Kypseli, with an American musician for a roommate, who also decided to live in Athens.

She showed me her new series of drawings on the parietaria, a common plant belonging to the nettle family. As is often the case, outsiders end up observing and shedding new light on things that locals take for granted. “Athens inspires me. Walking around the city, I feel like I’m working.”

During her final year at Edinburgh College of Art, she was approached by a fellow student, Augustus Veinoglou from Greece, who told her that he was thinking of organizing a residency program in Athens and asked if she was interested in taking part. She agreed, and in 2012 she found herself in the Greek capital as the first guest of the Snehta Residency program.

“When I finished the two-month stay, I returned to Edinburgh, but I was unable to adapt to my old life again,” recalls the 30-year-old Scottish artist, “so, after two weeks I booked a one-way flight to Athens. Something keeps me here.”

“I found a place that makes me feel alive. There is a strange energy here. The Athenian art scene is small, but it is active. At first I did not understand the works of the Greeks, but after learning more about Athens and studying Greek history, I could better interpret the meaning of the exhibitions.”

Lee Wells grew up on a horse farm in Ohio. After studying psychology and fine arts in Chicago, in 2000 he moved to New York where he worked as a curator, gallerist and art dealer. A few months ago he opened a showroom in the central Athens district of Neos Kosmos, and continues to be in charge of an art gallery in Manhattan.

“Athens reminds me a bit of New York in the 1970s and 80s. Crude and at the same time refined. It is very difficult for an artist to live in large urban centers such as New York, Paris or London. You have no free time to produce art, because you have to work to survive. Or, if you manage, usually what you do is connected with how you can make money.”

“The world of art is too commercialized, and it shows in the products sold in galleries. I think that Athens is a very welcoming city for artists and has become a place of transit for important personalities from the international art scene. Now it is imperative for Greek artists to develop speed. I want to build a bridge between the American and Greek art scenes.”

Cathryn Drake lives in an old house near Varnava Square, in the central Athens district of Pangrati. Her beautiful apartment is decorated with the works of young Greek artists. We took her dog for a walk in the neighborhood and after a while we stopped for coffee at the Chelsea Hotel.

The art critic lived for many years in Italy before deciding to moving to Greece in 2013. How did she end up here? “It is the result of a series of opportunities and coincidences. But I often visited Greece to cover artistic events.” What does she like here? “Athens is the only Western capital which is still human and provides quality of life. Despite the lack of resources, Athenian cultural life continues, mainly through the desire of some people who appreciate the importance of culture.

To read this article in full, please visit: Greece Is