XpatAthens

XpatAthens

Sun-drenched beaches with crystal-clear waters and fine sand are what Greece is mostly known for all around the world. And, justifiably so, since Greece has a coastline of a whopping 13,676 kilometers, the largest in the Mediterranean Basin, counting more than 6,000 islands and islets.
 
Often overlooked though, is the country’s fascinating mainland, where one can find impressive mountains, gorgeous lakes, and majestic rivers. The rivers, in particular, can rival some of the country’s most famous islands, offering crystalline waters, dense nature, and tree-lined river banks.
 
Here’s a small list of our favorite Greek rivers to enjoy a swim! 
 
Achelous River

Acheloos
@gogo_chatz
 
With a total length of 220 km, the Achelous begins at the eastern slope of Lakmos mountain in the Pindus range and empties into the Ionian Sea. The river covers the regions of Trikala, Karditsa, Arta, Evrytania and Etoloakarnania. 
 
The best spot to enjoy a swim is undoubtedly the Acheloos Valley, where the current of the river slows down, causing the banks of the river to turn into proper beaches, creating a jaw-dropping landscape with white sand and light blue waters. 
 
Voidomatis River 

Voidomatis
@giannos_petrogiannis 
 
Flowing across the villages of Zagoria, in Epirus, one of the most beautiful locations in Greece, Voidomatis features awe-inspiring natural beauty. Its name means the eye of the ox and derives from the fact that oxen have clear blue eyes, like the waters of this river.
 
The river is a famous holiday destination all over the world due to its clean waters, which probably make it the cleanest river in Europe. It’s also characterized by its traditional stone bridges, the most famous being the Kledonas Bridge.

Acheron River 

Acherontas
@veronika.kon
 
Located in the Epirus region, the Acheron river is prominently featured in Greek mythology as it was depicted as the entrance to the Greek Underworld. 
 
Acheron River comprises a unique destination for its magnificent transparent waters and the surrounding rocky landscape, where many rare birds of prey find refuge. An impressive ecosystem recognized and protected by the Natura 2000 Network, Acheron is surrounded by deeply shadowed forests with age-old plane trees, climbing plants, and dense ferns; nature at its best!

Nestos River 

Nestos
@imgeorgep

The second-longest river in Thrace and one of the five longest in Greece, the Nestos river is the natural border between Macedonia and Thrace. It springs from Bulgaria and has a total length of 234km, of which 130 are on Greek soil. 
 
Except for its Delta, an exceptional wetland with rich flora and fauna, Nestos river is also ideal for swimming. One of the most beautiful spots that are really worth seeing is an area known as Tempi Tou Nestou, which is characterized by towering cliffs and breathtaking scenery.

Monemvasia, on the southeastern shores of the Peloponnese, Greece is Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited castle town.

Founded in 583 by inhabitants of the mainland seeking refuge from the Slavic and the Avaric invasion of Greece and surrounded by the Myrtoan Sea, Monemvasia is located on an island about half a mile long.

A man-made road and stone bridge leads to the castle gate and main entrance of the majestic castle town onward through the colorful and lively citadel offering all who visit her both stunning views and an unforgettable ‘ambiance’ of times past.

The fortress’ stone walls protected the citadel of Monemvasia from various invaders throughout its history. Invasions by the Crusaders, Venetians, and lastly, by the Ottomans have all left an indelible cultural and architectural mark, granting the citadel a unique charm and romantic atmosphere close to none.

The town’s name is derived from two Greek words, mone and emvasia, meaning “single entrance.” The “Gibraltar of the East” or a “stone ship” about to set sail, as the famous Greek poet Yannis Ritsos described his birthplace, beckons you for a journey through time, wandering through vaulted alleyways and past churches and aristocratic mansions.

Monemvasia: A trade center that withstood invasions

From the 10th century AD, the town developed into an important trade and maritime center. The fortress withstood the Arab and Norman invasions in 1147; farm fields that fed up to thirty men were tilled inside the fortress.

By 1193, Monemvasia was a major city in the Peloponnese. Ships sailing between Constantinople (now Istanbul) and what is now Italy stopped there, giving rest to aristocrats and high-ranking church members and loading Greek exports like olive oil and wine headed for the West.

The resurgence of the Greek castle town

In more recent history, the castle town has seen a resurgence in importance with increasing numbers of tourists visiting the site and the region. The charming town of Monemvasia is made up of a labyrinth of winding cobblestoned streets that can only be traveled by foot. The medieval buildings have been restored, and many of them converted to hotels, artisans shops, boutiques, cafés, and restaurants.

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


The Athens Urban Transport Organization (OASA) worker’s unions declared that they are planning a 24-hour strike on Wednesday, June 29. The union will also organize a demonstration outside the OASA headquarters demanding that a tender with privately operated KTEL intercity buses is not extended.

“It is inconceivable that, without providing any information to its employees, there are ‘plans’ to address transit with constant contracts with KTEL, a fact that does not promote the public nature of urban transport,” stated the union in its announcement.

Originally published on: ekathimerini.com
When thinking about summer in Greece, one of the first things that pop into your mind, except for the sandy beaches and turquoise waters, is the unsurpassed sunsets of the Greek islands. Indeed, sunsets in Greece are utterly romantic, blissful, and relaxing.

But, you probably don’t know that you don’t have to travel to a Greek island for a memorable golden hour experience. Sunsets in Athens are equally indescribable, unsurpassable, and unforgettable. Here’s a list of 5 places in the Greek capital that every sunset chaser like us will fall in love with!

Areopagus

Areopagus
@iamsmark

Located northwest of the Acropolis, this prominent rock used to be the supreme court of ancient Athens. Today it is just as fascinating, providing panoramic views of the whole city. A beloved hangout spot for locals, there you will see groups of friends and couples chatting and taking in the spectacular vistas any time of the day (or night!).

Kastella

Kastella
@3_k_0_t_s

Set on a hill overlooking the Port of Mikrolimano, Kastella is, without a doubt, the most picturesque district in Piraeus. As you make your way to the top of the hill, meandering through the narrow, scenic streets, you will encounter impressive neoclassical buildings, architectural gems, and the Veakeio Theatre, until you reach the church of Profitis Ilias where the views over the Saronic Gulf will leave you speechless.

Lycabettus Hill

Lycabbetus Hill
@chiara.zagli

Gracefully standing 277 meters above sea level, Lycabettus Hill is the highest point in Athens. You can get there by taxi, the funicular, or on foot, but, no matter what, the views from the top are rewarding. Go all the way up until you reach the Holy Church of Saint Isidore, a chapel of striking beauty, and enjoy the mesmerizing views of the islands of Salamina and Aegina.

Temple Of Poseidon At Sounio

Temple Of Poseidon
@Tibortokai

At the end of the Sounio Peninsula, at the southernmost point of Attica, lies the Temple of Poseidon, a site of worship of the sea god Poseidon, built during Athens’ Golden Age. Today, it continues to enthrall visitors who, except for the bewitching views, can swim in crystalline waters while marveling at the marble-white columns of a 5th-century BC temple. A combination you can’t miss!

Parthenon

Parthenon
@manon_alzieu

Of course, a visit to Athens isn’t complete until you go all the way up to the temple of Parthenon that dominates the hill of the Acropolis. Undeniably Athens’ most famous historical landmark, a symbol of democracy, and a masterpiece of ancient architecture, Parthenon is the perfect place to enjoy the sunset, just like Athenians did 2.500 years ago!










Monday, 27 June 2022 07:00

11 Shipwrecks Now Accessible To Divers

The Ministry of Culture and Sports has announced a decision that will give recreational scuba divers access to 11 historic shipwrecks in Greek territorial waters. Organized visits to the wreck sites by accredited dive schools and tour operators will only be permitted following the submission of the necessary paperwork to the Ephorate of Underwater Antiquities, the department responsible for safeguarding the country’s submerged cultural sites.

Scuba diving has become an increasingly popular recreational activity in Greece in recent years, drawing thousands of tourists each year eager to explore the country’s spectacular variety of underwater sites. This is especially the case for wreck diving, which, until recently, was largely prohibited due to concerns over the looting of priceless antiquities.

The following wrecks have been made accessible:

HMHS Britannic, Kea (British ocean liner and sister ship of the famous Titanic, sank in 1916); SS Burdigala, Kea (German ocean liner, sank in 1916); SS Patris, Kea (paddle steamer, sank in 1868); SS Artemis Pita, Milos (Greek cargo steamer, sank in 1943); SS Sifnos, Milos (Greek cargo steamer, sank in 1941); SS Minnewaska, Marathi, Crete (British steamer, sank in 1916); SS Mytilene, Bay of Kypsa Kassandra, Halkidiki (German cargo ship, sank in 1961); the Turkish shipwreck at Kalamitsi, Chalkidiki (sank in the first two decades of the 20th century); SS Creteland, Aghios Georgios, Evia (Greek cargo steamer, sank in 1930); SS Pioneer I, Lichades, Evia (cement ship, sank in 1944); SS Volos, Lefteris reef, between Pelion and Skiathos (German steamer, sank in 1931).

To read this article in full, please visit: greece-is.com
Greek Maritime Golf Event, returns for the 8th year with the participation of distinguished executives of the Greek and global maritime industry, on September 8-11, 2022, at Costa Navarino, Messinia. 
 
The best golf tournament in Greece, as it has been distinguished in recent years, will present for the first time a new competition format, as its participants will compete on a team level, in a two-day shotgun scramble on Friday, September 9, at The Hills Course and on Saturday, September 10 at the International Olympic Academy Golf Course. More information on the competition format can be found here.
 
More than 100 leading executives from the maritime industry will play at the two new 18-hole signature courses and “cross” their golf clubs to win the top three positions in the overall standings, whereas special awards will be given to individual players who will achieve the best scores in the “Longest Drive” and “Closest to the Pin” categories. It should be noted that the final results will materialize after the completion of the event’s 2nd day of competition on Saturday, September 10.
 
Golf & Maritime Industry join forces for a good cause
The Greek Maritime Golf Event is a tournament that is always distinguished for its social work, amongst other things. This year, the leading golf event will strengthen through its actions the Non-Profit Company HOPEgenesis. More specifically, during this year’s award ceremony to the winners, and winning teams respectively, on Saturday, September 10, participants will have the opportunity to directly contribute with their desired amount at the designated area. The total amount to be collected will be given to the Non-Profit Company HOPEgenesis, operating in the health and social welfare sector, which aspires to reverse the trend of declining birth rates in Greece with the aim of providing complete medical care to women, from the moment they become pregnant until the day of their birth. For more information about HOPEgenesis: www.hopegenesis.org
 
In the context of this year’s event, HOPEgenesis Chairman, Dr. Stefanos Chandakas said: “We thank the Greek Maritime Golf Event for the valuable collaboration aimed at supporting families in Greece and especially women living in remote areas and remote islands of our country, to give birth to their children. We know that the organizers’ social awareness is long-standing and significant, and we are grateful that this year they chose to contribute to our work against infertility”.
 
IRI/The Marshall Islands Registry is the event’s Platinum Sponsor.
Mainline Shipping Company, Jotun Hellas and Onego Shipping Company are Golden Sponsors. 
DNV, Arrow Hellas and Marine Tours are the Silver Sponsors. 
Optima Shipbroking is the Official Sponsor.
Poseidonia Restaurant is the event’s Official Supporter.
Karalis Beach Hotel and Kayak are the event’s Partners. 
Boo Productions is the Audio Visual Partner.
 
Greek Maritime Golf Event is organized by Birdie Events, through an initiative of the recognized Greek PGA golfer, Mr. Thanos Karantzias. The award-winning sports marketing agency of ActiveMedia Group has undertaken the event’s Golf Production. The tournament is addressed exclusively to distinguished executives of the Greek shipping community.
 
The event will be held under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism and the Hellenic Golf Federation.
 
Hashtags: #greekmaritimegolfevent #costavarino #navarinohills

Photo credit: Mike Tsolis
Wednesday, 22 June 2022 12:25

The Meet Market At The Old Amaxostasio

The Meet Market returns to the old Amaxostasio, right in the heart of the city center, on June 25th & 26th!

Join us for a super summery weekend of meets, market, dj sets, kids activities and street food, all under one industrial roof.  Expect to find exquisite creations and innovations from 100+ local designers, artists, collectors and producers from all over Greece as they leave their workshops, studios and ateliers and head to the Meet Market to meet you all in person and share their talents.  You can find a bit of everything in this summer edition event including a wide range of style and techniques in jewelry, clothes for the beach or daytime or night time partying, accessories such as bags and shoes and sunglasses and more, furniture and deco for your home, kids products for our little friends, vintage & retro collectables, tasty tidbits to savour, art, prints, books and lots more…

There will also be plenty of refreshing cocktails and summer spritzes, locally brewed beer, savory street food from Greece and abroad, and some sweet treats to treat yourselves too.  Non-stop back to back djs sets from our beloved DJs will keep the vibe festive and don’t forget to bring your little friends, because we have all sorts of free inter-activities for them to join throughout the weekend.

So head on down before you head off for holidays to our summer edition Meet Market at Amaxostasio.  And make sure you stop by the central info point to pick up a poster or a pin, or try your luck at the grand raffle prizes featuring 3 HUGE baskets full of goodies from our makers, for 3 lucky winners.
Shop small & support local.

Opening Hours: Saturday 16:00 – 00:00 / Sunday 15:00 – 23:00
Tuesday, 28 June 2022 11:57

MAMMA MIA!

The award-winning musical that has been loved by millions of viewers around the world, for the show itself, but also for its great songs, one of the most entertaining feel-good musicals of all time, is coming this summer at the City Garden Festival.

The sunny, happy, and moving story by Catherine Johnson unfolds on a Greek paradise island. Donna's daughter, Sofia, is about to get married but before that, she needs to discover the unknown identity of her father.

Secretly reading her mother's diary, she realizes that she has 3 potential dads whom she invites to her wedding to find out who the real one is. A fascinating story with plenty of ABBA songs and music!

Love, joy, laughter, friendship, and emotions are entangled in a seductive story that, through the lyrics and timeless music of ABBA, invites spectators to a unique summer party!

Starring: Nadia Kontogeorgi, Alexandros Bourdoumis, Aphrodite Liantou, George Chraniotis, Ivan Svitailo, Doretta Papadimitriou, Penelope Anastassopoulou, Ian Stratis
In just a few days, on June 23 and 24, SNF Nostos Health will be here, inspired by the SNF Health Initiative to focus this year on humanity’s most valuable resource: health.

In 2016, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) initiated a process of investigating areas of possible support for public health in Greece. Building on a long track record of grantmaking in the area of health since 1996, SNF engaged experts to identify and map community needs and held dedicated discussions with the Greek state. As an outcome of the latter, in September 2017, SNF officially announced its intention to fully support a series of major projects to enhance the country’s public health sector. On March 21st, 2018, SNF and the Greek State signed a Memorandum of Understanding marking the start of SNF’s Health Initiative in Greece.

To date, the Health Initiative encompasses 17 constituent projects, with the Health Initiative S.A. serving as the special purpose vehicle set up by SNF to facilitate their coordination and implementation as well as a transparent and participatory process at every stage.



To learn more about this new initiative visit snfhi.org
Tuesday, 21 June 2022 07:00

The Ellinikon Park Plan

Lamda Development recently uploaded an online presentation of its plan for the development of The Ellinikon Park, the largest coastal park in Europe that will dominate the Athens suburb of Elliniko.

It is the company’s fifth online presentation of the works for the major redevelopment of Elliniko, which will transform a unique area in southern Athens by creating a model city at a global level.

As was announced, architecture firm Sasaki, which has drawn up and implemented some of the largest and most impressive urban parks in the world, is responsible for the design and the study of The Ellinikon Park, in collaboration with Greek architecture firm Doxiadis.

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