For those families who live in the Diaspora, trips back to Greece are often a favourite family tradition. Many families will have a particular time of the year (for example Greek summer or Greek Easter) when they like to go back to Greece to visit their ancestral village or town, usually staying with relatives. Sometimes the extended family will go elsewhere in Greece together, such as one of the beautiful Greek islands, so that everyone can have some relaxing time away from work and routine. The common ingredient, regardless of family, destination or time of year, is quality time spent as a family, enjoying one another’s company and building precious lifelong memories.

 

Many parents like to turn the family holiday into an exciting opportunity for their children to explore their cultural heritage. Living in the Diaspora, our kids will most certainly already have a “taste” of their heritage and language, often by participating in events within the Greek community, and socialising with other Greek families. However, when visiting Greece on holiday, kids will discover many differences, and even more similarities, between their own life, and that of their peers who live in Greece. Visiting the country of birth of their parents or grandparents offers them an appreciation and connection to their own heritage. They will begin to form a deeper understanding of many of your family traditions and celebrations they witness in the Diaspora, and these will take on a whole new meaning when they return home. It is certainly a new feeling to enjoy Greek Easter with the entire town and country, than it is with only a small group of others back home – when most of their classmates eat their chocolate eggs on a different weekend altogether!

There are lots of fun and age-appropriate ways to help your child make the most of his/her holiday back to Greece. Firstly, prepare in advance by showing children pictures and discussing your destination. Talk about the sites you will visit back home and why they are special, such as the house you were raised in, or a cultural landmark in your town. Show them photos of their relatives that you will visit, as well as any family friends, and explain the family connection. If Greek isn’t already spoken at home, your child will get a real buzz out of learning, and then trying out, a few key Greek phrases when they arrive. Start with the basic greetings, and depending on your child’s interest and ability, introduce him/her to more words and phrases as the holiday draws closer. You can also purchase colourful activity books aimed at kids to assist the process, such as ‘Trip to Greece’, which features an interesting narrative in English, and Greek keywords to practise and learn. Each page offers multiple fun opportunities for your child to hear, speak, read and write Greek.

When planning your travel itinerary, it’s always a good idea to include plenty of child-friendly activities, as most kids will find long days of visiting monuments and museums, as well as relentless visits to aging relatives, quite tiring. They will get more enjoyment out of the trip (and learn more too) if you spread out your cultural visits over the duration of the holiday. And of course, they will always have more fun during visits to relatives and family friends who happen to have kids around the same age. It is certainly important that kids do visit and spend time with their older relatives too – but, depending on your child’s age, consider bringing along some games or activities for when their attention span during the visit starts to wear out.

Make sure to include some unscheduled time too. An agenda that is too full unfortunately eliminates opportunities for those unplanned adventures that so often are the highlights of the entire holiday. Leave plenty of time to explore at leisure, or simply enjoying relaxing in your relatives’ home. Remember that children are fascinated by the small things – they will spend hours absorbed in exploring the kitsch souvenirs at Monastiraki or watching the Evzones guarding the tomb of the unknown soldier, chasing pigeons, tasting gioconda chocolates while visiting, or eating vanilla fondant by the spoonful!

As many of us have experienced, when travelling overseas, not everything always goes to plan. Museums or attractions you had planned to visit may be closed, or bad weather may force you to cancel some excursions you were hoping to make. Travelling with kids just adds to the unpredictability of the holiday. However, don’t see this as a deterrent. Leave some room in your holiday schedule for some spontaneity, and (depending on their age) let your kids decide on some of the activities you do together. Often, the things that you didn’t plan turn out to be the most memorable.

Enjoy your family holiday – these memories are the most precious and the building blocks of your family. Hopefully your trip back to Greece will awaken your child’s curiosity and interest in his/her cultural heritage, and the desire to learn Greek more fluently for the next visit!

For more information about the author and her children's books, please visit: Melina Mallos
 

Kostarelos Chessemakers and their exceptinal products can be found in seven stores in Attika. The one that makes the difference, because it introduces a different kind of delicatessen in Athens, is the one in Kolonaki with a unique concept. It is a Greek deli where you can find their dairy products and taste unique recipes exclusively made by the well-known chef Chrysanthos Karamolegos.

Kostarelos Cheesemakers first entered the world of cheesemaking in 1937, by the keen hands of Kyriakos Kostarelos. Now, it has been passed on to the third generation, the equally capable brothers Kyriakos and Nikos, who continue their family's legacy.

Keeping the values that were passed on to them, no other than the loyalty to the traditional cheesemaking along with the most modern techniques, they produce a large variety of products that have drawn the attention of those who are serious about cheese.

Some of their creations are the famous feta cheese, the goat cheese, graviera, the desired creamy tsalafouti, ladotiri, and of course their yogurts.

The served dishes include a great variety of sandwiches, salads and a unique plateau of cheese and sausages of strictly Greek origins. There are also excellent sweet proposals based mainly on the dairy products of the creamery.

In the store of course one can find the complete range of their dairy products, like Kostarelos award-winning feta cheese, the famous yoghurts and creams – all made with Greek fresh milk.

To read this article in full, please visit: Living Postcards

In a recent poll for the Condé Nast Readers' Travel Awards, Greece was voted the best country in the world! With excellent food, stunning beaches, and amazing hospitality, it’s no wonder that Greece came in at #1!

The Readers' Travel Awards celebrates the best of the best in travel, as voted for by people who love to travel: the readers of Condé Nast Traveller.

To see more of the ‘best of the best’ in travel, please visit: CN Traveller

Everything is ready for the top sports tourism event ‘Navarino Challenge’ that returns for the 4th consecutive year in Messinia and Costa Navarino on September 9-11, 2016.

‘Navarino Challenge’ will attract the interest of the sports fans from all over the world who will have the opportunity to do sports and entertain themselves without competition through more than 15 activities (for the whole family), in Pylos and Costa Navarino.

For the third consecutive year, athletes and organizers will move with the safety and efficient engines of the cars of Ford Motor Hellas, the official supporter of ‘Navarino Challenge.’ One of the activities that are expected with great interest this year is golf, which will be held for the first time as an official exclusive activity of ‘Navarino Challenge!’

The activity of golf will have the support of Navarino Golf Academy and participants will have the opportunity to play and test their skills on Friday, September 9th at 17:30 and Sunday, September 11th at 18:30 at ‘The Dunes Course,’ the first signature golf field with 18 holes in Greece.

The twice Silver Olympic Medalist, Alexandros Nikolaidis, will introduce us, this year again, to the secrets of the most popular Korean martial art TaeKwonDo. The schedule of ‘Navarino Challenge’ includes TaeKwonDo lessons for children and adults on Friday, September 9th and Saturday, September 10th at 17:00 at the indoor basketball field within the facilities of Costa Navarino. Children from Kalamata, Kyparissia and the region of Messinia are expected to zealously join the courses. The detailed schedule and timetable of all activities is included in the following link: http://navarinochallenge.com/event_schedule_2016.html

Another innovation follows these great activities!

‘Navarino Challenge’ innovates once again with ‘Navarino Challenge’ Chatbot!

The new service provided for the first time at a sports tourism event, is launched in cooperation with the MPASS to serve, directly and reliably via Facebook Messenger, all the participants of the event who need to have all the necessary information… on a plate!

Chatbot allows you to find, through your personal Messenger, the news and information that interest you, via a brief automated conversation. By typing the specific keywords or by selecting the appropriate category from the menu, the application will directly send information and a brief preview of each theme.

Through ‘Navarino Challenge’ Chatbot, participants, when writing their bib number will be able to receive a message with their time, at the time of their finishing, be informed on offers that will be active during the event, and on individual activities which will take place in Costa Navarino. Similarly, they will be able to evaluate the event!

‘Navarino Challenge’ has also secured, for those participants who will be staying at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino, some very exclusive extra benefits offered by the brands supporting the event.

More specifically, on Friday, September 9th, 2016 at 17:00 a bike ride in Voidokilia will be organized in collaboration with Navarino Outdoors. Participants will enjoy the magical pictures of Voidokilia, which has been declared one of the best beaches in the world, and the beautiful scenery around the premises of Costa Navarino. Navarino Outdoors continues to support the event by offering a 30% discount on your tour packages (with bike) during your stay in ‘Navarino Challenge.’ To get information and book your preferential tour packages, send your email before your arrival at: outdoors@costanarino.com

Offers do not end here!

Nargile restaurant supports the event, by offering a 20% discount to the participants and guests of “Navarino Challenge” at its a la carte menu.

Do not forget Inbi restaurant that proudly showcases a new standard of Japanese dining, offering the finest quality cuisine and impeccable service. Experience traditional sushi artistry in a contemporary setting endowed with a spectacular view of the Ionian Sea.

You may find more information about the offers which are valid during your stay at ‘Navarino Challenge’ at the following link: http://navarinochallenge.com/event_offers_2016.html

Privileged prices at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino are available for a few more days for those wishing to enjoy the full schedule of ‘Navarino Challenge.’ For further information please contact the event’s official travel agent Vita N Travel. Telephone: +30 210 3249070 or visit: http://navarinochallenge.com/event_accommodation_in_2016_en.html

The event will be 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.

For more information about the event, you may contact us through the following special form: http://www.navarinochallenge.com/contact.html

Official Sponsors: Allianz Greece, “Vikos” Natural Mineral Water
Official Airline Partner: Qatar Airways
Official Supporters: Ford Motor Hellas, BIC®, BIC® Sport, Navarino Icons, 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

Under the Auspices of the Department of Nutrition and-Dietetics of Harokopio University of Athens

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Photo Credit: Vladimir Rys

 

‘Swing Away,’ a film about self-discovery and one woman’s love affair with Greece, will be released in November 2016 in select cities throughout the US.

The film focuses on a Greek-American golfer named Zoe, played by Shannon Elizabeth, who has become disillusioned with her life in the US following a very public meltdown and decides to travel back to Greece to visit her family and figure out a new direction. Her decision is inspired by famous Greek writer Nikos Kazantzakis, whose philosophy of ‘hope for nothing, fear nothing’ is infused throughout the movie.

‘Swing Away’ is one of the few non-Greek language movies to be shot, edited, and post-produced within Greece, partly in order to more effectively tell the story, in which the country plays such a central part, and partly as a decision of the filmmakers to support the Greek creative community. The film has already picked up praise and accolades, especially when it premiered at the Geena Davis-founded Bentonville Film Festival in May 2016.

Though the Greek-American community will definitely relate to the film’s central message of going back home to find yourself, the movie will surely appeal to a wider audience as well thanks to its tale of change, courage and self-discovery.

To read this article in full, please visit: Tornos News

Watch the trailer!

 

Between Karpathos and the shores of Asia Minor, Rhodes shows evidence of Western European influence from the days of the Knights and Italian domination.

Corfu is considered the closest to Western Europe, both geographically and culturally. It was the first area of the country to be conquered by the Romans and then eventually passed through the hands of the Venetians, the French, and the British. The Corfiots have a long tradition in music, theatre, and intellectual pursuits.

Considered the Gibraltar of the Peloponnese, Monemvasia was fortified during the Middle Ages to protect the inhabitants from raids by the Avars, Slavs, and pirates. The town took its name from the Greek words meaning single approach, the point at which the rock is connected with the mainland. This medieval fortress-state is built on a rock 300 meters above the sea.

The villages here seem to have been discovered around 912, but the area was really developed during the Ottoman occupation because of the privileges awarded to its inhabitants by the conquerors. There is a chain of 46 traditional villages in the mountains north of Ioannina, whose natural boundaries are Mts Mitsikelli, Gamila, and the Aoos River. Thick pine and fir forests, crystalline streams and stunning scenery, this area never fails to awe its visitors with majestic natural beauty.

The chaos of Mani’s past history and the severity of its bizarre customs forced almost every family to have its own defensive town to live in, its own chapel, and their own cemetery. In Mani, there are 250 villages and hamlets, 800 towers, and six castles!

To read this article in full and for more old town destinations, please visit: Hip Greece

The Hellenic Chamber of Hotels has come out with a new electronic tourism guide for Athens and Attica named Trip2Athens that focuses on online booking, organizing travel and boosting business partnerships within the tourism industry of the Greek capital.

The Trip2Athens e-guide displays all tourism activities including accommodation, catering, entertainment, shopping, etc., and is offered in seven languages, Greek, English, German, French, Spanish, Russian, and Chinese. 

Through the platform, visitors from around the world can live out the “dream – plan – book – visit – share” experience: plan their journey to Athens from the beginning to the end, choose their transportation, choose the hotel for their stay, choose the attractions they are interested in visiting and make all the necessary reservations.

The Trip2Athens e-guide is also a business tool for enterprises as they can use it to promote their business to the international e-tourism market.

The platform encourages synergies between different tourism service providers for the offer of personalized services to travellers that will strengthen and improve the overall visitor experience.

Today the platform counts 2,000 companies, 470 hotels, approximately 1,000 sites, hundreds of activities and other places of interest in Athens and Attica.

All professionals on the platform can promote their businesses and increase sales through the guide by making a company profile, which can include photos, opening hours, contact details, interactive map, etc., and upload offers and discount vouchers. Guests that have already used the platform will be notified of all available offers.

To read this article in full, please visit: Greek Travel Pages

The Greek national open water swimming team will be in Santorini this October under the auspices of the Hellenic Swimming Federation!

Additional flights to Santorini and unique offers for the participants in the event! The best island in the world, according to many established travel magazines and reviews of millions of travelers, will become a point of reference of all the visitors from Greece and abroad this October!

‘Santorini Experience’ that focuses once more in the activities of running and swimming, is strategically promoting the island of Santorini as destination, by offering significant benefits and privileges to those wishing to travel for the event on October 7-9 2016!

Great names from our Greek national open water swimming team that made us really proud during Rio 2016 Olympic Games, will give a dynamic presence at this year's event! Among them, the recent Silver Olympic Medalist winner and World Champion in open water swimming, Spiros Gianniotis, the World Champion in open water swimming, Kelly Araouzou and top athletes of the open water swimming such as Antonis Fokaidis, Giorgos Arniakos and Dimitris Negris, will all attend ‘Santorini Experience 2016.’ The first sports tourism event that will be held under the auspices of the Hellenic Swimming Federation.

Due to overwhelming demand for ‘Santorini Experience,’ Ryanair as the official airline partner added 5 extra flights on its Athens - Santorini service on the 4th, 6th, 8th, 11th and 13th of October with special fares starting from only 19,99€ which are valid from September 1st.

These seats are available for booking on the Athens-Santorini route only from Thursday 1 of September to Sunday 4 of September (until midnight) for traveling between 4 to 13 of October. Since these amazingly low prices will be snapped up quickly, those interested in joining the event as active participants should log into www.ryanair.com and avoid missing out as this is the third flight added by Ryanair which is also expected to be fully booked soon as the previous two.

Registrations in swimming and running continue with an undiminished pace- through the official page of the event in the following link: http://activemedia.com.gr/product/santorini-experience-2/ or alternatively at Alafouzos Sport store at Fira (in Santorini), the official sponsor of the event supporting it for a second consecutive year.

For your access to the island by ferry, there is always the option of Blue Star Ferries. Participants, supporters, and the spectators of ‘Santorini Experience’ will be able to travel for one more year with the safety and comfort of Blue Star Ferries. The top Greek shipping company will offer 50% discount on ferry tickets to those wishing to visit the event and the island between 6 to 10 of October.

In addition, for the second consecutive year, athletes and organizers will move with the safety and efficient engines of the cars of Ford Motor Hellas, the official supporter of ‘Santorini Experience.’

The athletes who will take part in the event will also have the opportunity to quench their thirst with the Natural Mineral Water “Vikos” that contributes to the good functioning of the body during sports.

Once you reach the beautiful island of Cyclades, or a little bit earlier to make the right planning, rent your car from Avance Rent A Car, the official car rental company of ‘Santorini Experience,’ that will serve you with one of the fastest growing car rental networks with presence in all major airports in Greece and Cyprus. Τhe car rental company Avance Rent A Car, as an official supporter of the event, can deliver your car at the airport, the port or directly to your hotel. So do not hesitate to contact Avance Rent A Car, to receive 15% discount on your car rental, during the days of the event.

To complete the services of your travel package enter the official site of the event www.santorini-experience.com and enjoy your trip!

Unroll the incomparable beauty of Santorini at sea with Santorini Yachting Club an established yacht charter company with experienced captains!

The event will receive the additional support of Aqua Vista Hotels, Saucony, Arena and Passagio Santorini.

‘Santorini Experience’ will be held under the auspices of the Greek National Tourism Organization and the Hellenic Swimming Federation and will receive the international promotion of FOX Sports TV network of FOX Networks Group, participating in this year's event as the Official Broadcaster.

Combine sports with tourism and take advantage of your stay in one of the hospitality sponsors of the event. For more information please address your request to Aqua Vista Hotels, Santorini Hoteliers Association, Meltemi Hotels & Resorts, Athina Luxury Suites, Santorini Secret Suites & Spa, Caldera Collection, West East Suites, 270 Oia's View, White Pearl Villas, Central Fira Hotel, Memories Hotel, Loizos Stylish Residencies, Esperas and Sienna Residencies which are available in the following link: http://santorini-experience.com/event_accommodation_en.html. The page will be daily enriched with new supporters.

‘Santorini Experience’ is a collaboration between the Municipality of Santorini, the Municipal Sports Cultural Environmental Organization of Santorini (D.A.P.P.O.S.) and Active Media Group.

Official Sponsors: Alafouzos Sport, Blue Star Ferries, Santorini Boatmen Union
Official Airline Partner: Ryanair
Official Supporters: Ford Motor Hellas, “Vikos” Natural Mineral Water, Avance Rent A Car, Aqua Vista Hotels, Saucony, Arena, Village Cinemas, Santorini Yachting Club, Passagio Santorini
Official Broadcaster: FOX Sports
Hospitality Sponsors: Santorini Hoteliers Association, Meltemi Hotels & Resorts, Athina Luxury Suites, Santorini Secret Suites & Spa, Caldera Collection, West East Suites, 270 Oia's View, White Pearl Villas, Central Fira Hotel, Memories Hotel, Loizos Stylish Residencies, Esperas, Sienna Residencies
Assisted by: Diana “exoplizein”

Under the Auspices of the Greek National Tourism Organization
Under the Auspices of the Hellenic Swimming Federation

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