LIFE & CULTURE

XpatAthens
FokiaNou Art Space: Destination Athens, Group Exhibition
FokiaNou Art Space is an artist-run project space in the intimacy of a small apartment in an old building in the center of Athens. The space encourages collaborative creative efforts between Greek and foreign artists, thereby promoting and supporting the local art community. The space hosts exhibitions, workshops and projects under the direction of two artists, Mary Cox and Panagiotis Voulgaris.
Your Guide To Shopping Hours In Athens For 2024
In the vibrant centers of large cities, as well as large municipalities, stores typically follow continuous opening hours from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. This trend extends to renowned brands, department stores, and shopping malls, which typically operate from 9:00 or 10:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m.
Small Neighborhood Shop Hours
For most smaller and suburban stores, the working hours follow a unique schedule. On Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, you can shop during split shifts from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and then again from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. On Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday, these shops are open from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Supermarkets
Banking Hours
Banks in Greece operate from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.
Sunday Shopping in Greece
On Sundays, shops selling food, drinks, and fuel are typically open from 07:00 to 22:00. Moreover, since 2018, specific regions have allowed commercial stores to open every Sunday from May to October.
- The first Sunday of the winter sales: January 14th
- The second Sunday of the winter sales: January 21st
- Palm Sunday: April 28
- The first Sunday of the summer sales: July 14
- The first Sunday after Black Friday: November 29
- The penultimate Sunday before Christmas: December 15
- The last Sunday before Christmas: December 22
- The last Sunday of the year: December 29
Supermarkets may formulate individual policies regarding Sunday operations. During sale periods, most supermarkets are closed on Sundays, while they remain open during festive periods like Christmas and Easter.
- New Year’s Day: January 1
- Epiphany: January 6
- Clean Monday (Ash Monday): March 18
- Greek Independence Day: March 25
- Orthodox Good Friday: May 1 (shops are open but close early)
- Orthodox Easter: May 3
- Orthodox Easter Monday: May 5
- Pentecost Monday: May 6
- Day of the Holy Spirit: June 23 - June 24
- Assumption of the Virgin Mary: August 15
- "Oxi" Day (National Holiday): October 28
- Christmas & Boxing Day: December 25 & 26
Hotel Grande Bretagne: Celebrating 150 Years With Grand Experiences
Since its establishment in 1874, the Hotel Grande Bretagne, a distinguished member of the Luxury Collection, has stood as the epitome of Greek hospitality. It has written its history of timeless elegance, paralleling the evolution of Athens. As one of the world's few hotels boasting 150 years of continuous operation, it proudly holds the title of a landmark for Athenian society. Its reputation as a favored host for heads of state, royalty, and dignitaries remains unwavering over time.
Originally published in Greek, on: marieclaire.gr
Tripadvisor: Athens, Crete, Santorini ‘Best of the Best’ Destinations For 2024
The 2024 Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best Destinations are calculated based on an analysis of Tripadvisor reviews and ratings from a recent 12-month period (October 1, 2022 through September 30, 2023).
Three Greek destinations among the best
The 2024 Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best Destinations are calculated based on the quality and quantity of reviews, specific to each award subcategory, for accommodations, restaurants, and things to do in destinations from travelers globally on Tripadvisor between October 1, 2022 through September 30, 2023.
Originally published on: news.gtp.gr
MyAuto: New App Streamlining Vehicle Info Access Via Gov.gr Wallet
Information provided by Gov.gr Wallet includes:
- Specifics regarding traffic permits sourced from the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport Registers.
- Information on vehicle technical inspections (KTEO) extracted from the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport Registers.
- Specifics on road, immovable property, and property tax payments retrieved from the Registers of the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (IAPR).
- Access to vehicle insurance details sourced from the records of the Auto Accident Liability Insurance Information Center.
- Comprehensive details of the marketing authorization.
- Verification of paid traffic fees.
- Real-time status of whether the vehicle is in motion or stationary.
- Instant notification in case of a reported vehicle theft.
- The outcome of the Technical Inspection (KTEO) and the upcoming inspection date. Gov.gr Wallet ensures citizens receive a mobile notification two weeks prior to the next Technical Inspection.
- Detailed information on vehicle insurance.
Restoration Of Philip II's Royal Palace In Aigai
Originally published in Greek on: lifo.gr
SNFCC: Α Tribute to Elvis Presley
Unlocking Ancient Wisdom: 5 Podcasts Every Greek History Lover Should Listen To
Archaeological Museum Enters Digital Age
Sailing Into The Season: A Greek Twist To Christmas Decorations
Once upon a time Greeks decorated boats, instead of trees, with festive flair! While this tradition may not be as common nowadays, the memory of adorning sailboats for Christmas still floats on the seas of nostalgia.
Imagine the picturesque coastlines of Greece where communities would gather to decorate their sailboats and fishing boats into dazzling Christmas showpieces. Forget the tinsel and the tree—these folks were all about making a splash with twinkling lights, ornaments, and garlands that turned the seaside into a wonderful wonderland.
Of course, the choice of a sailboat wasn't random—it was a nod to Greece's maritime heritage. These boats weren't just vessels, they were floating symbols of adventure, exploration, and the salty spirit of the sea. The tradition paid tribute to the sailors and seafarers who had charted the Aegean, Ionian and Mediterranean waters.
In some coastal areas, there's a spirited effort to revive the sailboat tradition as it's not just about decorating a humble sailboat into a festive fiesta; it's about reviving joy, community, and a charm that made the tradition so special for so many generations.