XpatAthens

XpatAthens

More than 40 activities & 16 Olympic Sports
 
Navarino Challenge, Greece’s top sports tourism celebration with the best wellness program, will celebrate its 10th anniversary on October 21-23, 2022, hosting world class names in sports and more than 40 activities at Costa Navarino and Pylos.

This year’s Navarino Challenge will feature some of the greatest names in Greek Sports, who are honoring both the event and their long-term collaboration with the event’s Grand Sponsor, Stoiximan with their presence: 
  • The gold and bronze Olympic medalist, 3-time world champion and 6-time European champion in rings, Lefteris Petrounias
  • The gold Olympic medalist, world champion and European champion in long jump, Miltos Tentoglou 
  • The gold Olympic medalist in rowing, Stefanos Ntouskos
  • The gymnastics champion, Vasiliki Millousi, with three participations in the Olympic Games and many distinctions in world, European championships and in the Mediterranean Games
  • The Greek men’s national water polo team coach that won the silver medal at the Olympic Games, the top team in the world according to FINA and the top team in the the Panhellenic Sports Journalists Association (PSAT) awards in 2021, Thodoris Vlachos
  • EuroLeague Legend, Dimitris Diamantidis
  • The former international basketball champion and holder of European titles, Georgios Printezis
  • The world champion in track cycling, Christos Volikakis
  • The three-time bronze world champion in wrestling, Maria Prevolaraki
  • The silver world champion in swimming, Kristian Gkolomeev

Alongside them Nasos Ghavelas, Grigoris Polychronidis, Alexandros Nikolaidis, Periklis Iakovakis, Panagiotis Giannakis, Evina Maltsi, Joe Arlauckas, Michalis Triantafyllidis, Georgia Kaltsi, George Lazaridis, Grigoris Souvatzoglou, will be there and compose a unique team that will be united with the event’s participants on October 21-23.



Watch here the running routes of Navarino Challenge, along with all their technical characteristics.

Extensive schedule with numerous actions 

This year’s schedule will be the richest ever in the 10-year history of Navarino Challenge. People of all ages and abilities with the message “Sports Unites People” will join this celebration and enjoy unique activities such as:

  • Tennis demonstration by the wheelchair tennis player and member of the National team George Lazaridis powered by Miele
  • Basketball demonstration powered by Samsung by wheelchair players and members of the National team
  • 4on4 basketball tournament by Trace 'n Chase
  • Tennis Induction powered by Miele for ages 6–9 and 10–13 years old with the support of Mouratoglou Tennis Center – Costa Navarino 
  • Bike Tour at Voidokilia with the World Champion in Track Cycling Christos Volikakis powered by Stoiximan in collaboration with Navarino Outdoors
  • High intensity training for people of all ages by Dimitris Moros & FitnessArt
  • Kick boxing lessons powered by Samsung for people of all ages from the kick boxing champion, Alexandros Nikolaidis
  • Baby Swimming Lessons by Red Swim Academy & Swim O' Clock for children up to 3 years old with one parent 
  • Boxing lessons by Christos Gatsis and Vizantinos Target Sport Club
  • Spinning Challenge for people of all ages powered by Vikos with Dimitris Moros & FitnessArt
  • Pilates lessons from the team of the pilates instructor Mandy Persaki powered by Samsung
  • Yoga by Messinian Spa from FitnessArt
  • Men’s Round Robbin Tournament with UTS format powered by Miele with the support of Mouratoglou Tennis Center – Costa Navarino
  • Women’s Round Robbin Tournament with UTS format powered by Miele with the support of Mouratoglou Tennis Center – Costa Navarino
  • Sea Kayaking to the island of Sphacteria with the support of Explore Messinia
  • Gravel Bike Tour 30km at the Kalamaris Waterfall powered by Vikos in collaboration with Navarino Outdoors
  • Basketball lessons for children 5 to 16 years old with Dimitris Diamantidis and Georgios Printezis powered by Iroes, together with Evina Maltsi & Joe Arlauckas
  • Half day Kids Camp for children 5 to 15 years old with the support of Mouratoglou Tennis Center – Costa Navarino
  • Padel tournament powered by Stoiximan with the support of Mouratoglou Tennis Center – Costa Navarino
  • Beachathlon powered by Europa (Track and field games for parents & children 6 to 13 years old) by Olympian and European Champion Periklis Iakovakis
  • F45 Barrio Salamanca Heavy Cardio Workout by the F45 team together with Dimitris Moros & FitnessArt
  • Tsimikas Football Clinics for children 13-17 years & 5-12 years powered by Prosport
  • Climbing lessons with Christina Flampouri powered by The North Face, supported by Navarino Outdoors
  • King of the Court Women’s Beach Volley Tournament from Triantafyllidis Beach Arena powered by Europa
  • King of the Court Men’s Beach Volley Tournament from Triantafyllidis Beach Arena powered by Europa
  • King of the Court Mixed Beach Volley Tournament from Triantafyllidis Beach Arena Mixed powered by Europa
  • Long jump with the gold Olympic medalist Miltos Tentoglou powered by Stoiximan
  • Golf lessons by Bombay Sapphire with the support of Navarino Golf Academy
  • Gymnastics by the gold and bronze Olympic medalist in rings Lefteris Petrounias powered by Stoiximan
  • Gymnastics by the champion Vasiliki Millousi powered by Iroes
  • Rowing lessons from the gold Olympic medalist in rowing Stefanos Ntouskos powered by Stoiximan with equipment from Concept2 
  • Freestyle wrestling lessons with the world champion Maria Prevolaraki powered by Stoiximan
  • “Feed the Fish” Golf Exhibition Game powered by Samsung
  • Swimming lessons from the silver world champion Kristian Gkolomeev powered by Stoiximan
  • Half marathon powered by Miele
  • 10km run powered by Stoiximan
  • 5km run powered by Samsung
  • 1km run powered by Vikos for children 10-14 years old & up to 9 years old

You can see here the event’s schedule.

Register now for the running activities (21.1km, 10km, 5km, 1km) through the following link.

For group registrations of 10 people or more, a 20% discount applies. For more information, please contact the event organizers.

Live the unique sports experience and stay at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino

Enjoy a weekend with more than 40 activities for people of all ages. Book now the event’s accommodation package with half board and live this year’s unique sports and cultural experience. For more information on accommodation packages at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino you may send your email to booking(at)navarinochallenge.com or call Vita N Travel at +30 210 3249070.
Check the accommodation packages here

Stoiximan is the event's Grand Sponsor.

Samsung Electronics Hellas supports the event for another year as its Official Technology Sponsor. 

Miele and Europa are the event’s Official Sponsors.

Vikos Natural Mineral Water is the Official Water. 

Luanvi is the Official Sports Supplier.

Sixt of the Motodynamics group is the Premium Mobility Partner.

Costa Navarino and The Westin Resort Costa Navarino are the Official Hospitality Sponsors.

Poseidonia Restaurant, Karalis Beach Hotel and Bombay Sapphire are Navarino Challenge’s Official Supporters.

Trace ‘n Chase is the Sports Memorabilia Partner.

Kois Optics are the event’s Official Optics Partner.

Messinian Spa is the Official Beauty Partner.

Athens Medical Group is the Medical Partner. 

Pilia Express, the transportation company based in Pylos, Pylos-Nestor Municipality and Phee, are the event’s Partners.

SKAI is the Premium TV Partner. 

Concept2, Explore Messinia, FitnessArt, F45 Barrio Salamanca, Mouratoglou Tennis Center – Costa Navarino, Navarino Golf Academy, Navarino Outdoors, Pilates by Mandy, Red Swim Academy, Swim O’ Clock, Triantafyllidis Beach Arena, Vizantinos target sport club are Navarino Challenge’s Athletic Partners.

The event is assisted by Vita N Travel and Kayak. 

Navarino Challenge will take place under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism and the Greek National Tourism Organization.

The event has joined the Greek actions of the #BeactiveHellas 2022 program of the European Commission and is held under the auspices of the General Secretariat of Sports. 

All running races are co-organized with Messiniakos Gymnastic Club and EAS SEGAS Peloponnese Region.

The event is organized by ActiveMedia Group which is also responsible for the event’s Sports Production.

Hashtags: #navarinochallenge #costanavarino #sportsunitespeople #10yearsNavarinoChallenge #eatwell #runwell #livewell

(photo by Angelos Zymaras @ Navarino Challenge) 

 

Thursday, 06 October 2022 07:00

How To Save The World: A Step-By-Step Guide

We open the news and “Oh no! Not again!” Another disaster, a pandemic, a war, a robbery, and a murder. I used to want to save the world, and now I don’t know how.

Research shows that we are living in the best time for humanity since the first appearance of the human species. This is not hearsay or some wishful thinking, surveys show that indeed the percentage of people living below the poverty line is lower than ever, child mortality, illiteracy, wars are drastically reduced, and more people than ever in history have access to basic goods, our life expectancy has increased, we suffer from less disease and have access to information, education and more freedom than man has ever known.

And although we have recently emerged from a pandemic and wars are raging around us, and environmental disasters continue to occur worldwide, the above statistics continue to apply. So why don’t we see it?

Media. We are bombarded daily with news and news, the vast majority of which are bad or at least disturbing. The wonderful everyday events are usually not even presented and there is a distorted picture of reality because this is what attracts attention.

We are led to believe that deep down the world is going to hell, and that is the widely held view. Our brains are tuned to be able to identify the views that agree with our pre-existing views. The system is called Reticular Activating System and if we have “set” it in this way, it will give us these results. If we feel unlucky, proof will come to us constantly that we are unlucky. If we believe we are not good at something, we will self-affirm. So if we believe that the world is headed for destruction, we will only listen to and process the information that confirms just that.

What cognitive errors intensify the problem in our minds?
  • Sadness/Apathy: man has an innate tendency to care and want to help his species, his fellow man, as Rutger Bregman really beautifully describes in his book “Humanity”. But when a man constantly receives messages that show him that bad things are happening around him, he may initially get angry and resist. Later, he sinks into sadness, and often apathy ensues. Apathy is a feeling of helplessness to do anything. This vicious circle robs us of the true power we have and is simply a wrong perspective.
  • “If I am responsible for everything, then it’s all my fault.” That’s not the case, we can’t feel bad about everything, good or bad our power is great but not that great.
  • I can’t change anything. Also not true. Each of us can actively help as a citizen, as a unit, as a friend, and influence the lives of those around us. Limiting beliefs like this sink us into a sense of helplessness.
  • Generalization of the feeling of helplessness in other areas of our life: “Since everything is bad, what do I want and do?”/ “It’s not a good time to change”/ “It’s not a time for dreams”. And our dreams are never present. There is a tendency to exaggerate what we observe as bad and a diminished belief in what we feel we can achieve.
To read this article in full, please visit: christinadrakopoulou.com


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I help outstanding individuals get unstuck from personal fears and limitations and fast-track to the life of their dreams. I specialize in the problems of modern life in urban environments: a job we do not love, dead-end relationships, lethargy, burnout, inability to live in stereotypes, excessive stress, a general feeling of “blockage”, “helplessness” and “entrapment”. For more information about me and my work visit my website.
Wednesday, 05 October 2022 16:33

ALAN CARR Live In Athens

Infectiously funny comedian and highly accomplished presenter Alan Carr, one of Britain’s most successful and treasured performers, is coming to Athens with his boundless energy and unique style of humour on Saturday 22nd October, at Parnassos Hall.

Alan’s back on the road with a brand-new stand-up show ‘Regional Trinket’. From the exhilarating high of his star-studded wedding day to the low of lockdown stuck on a farm, a lot has changed since Alan’s last tour four years ago, including Alan. Nowadays, it’s all about finding happiness and joy in the small things - why be a national treasure when you can be a Regional Trinket?!

Alan’s unique style of humour and effortless stage presence has made him one of Britain’s most successful and treasured comedians. With 16 series of Channel 4’s Chatty Man under his belt, Alan has won a multitude of awards including the publicly voted 2015 NTA and a prestigious BAFTA in 2013. Alan’s 2015 tour Yap, Yap, Yap saw him perform over 150 dates across the UK and Ireland culminating in the release of his DVD. His previous tour Spexy Beast Live was a 33-date arena tour. The DVD of Alan’s 2007 stand-up show, Tooth Fairy Live topped the HMV charts and was a Christmas 2007 top seller. He has also released two best-selling books Look Who It Is and Alanatomy.

Read more about Alan Carr's upcoming show HERE!
Tuesday, 04 October 2022 15:55

The Meet Market

130+1 events, 120+ vendors, 30+ new entries.

The Meet Market, Athens’s most colorful & nomadic pop-up market, returns for the 131st time on October 15 & 16 at Technopolis, City of Athens!

More than 120 designers, artists, small producers and collectors, of which 30 will participate for the first time (!), become nomads and leave their ateliers, shops and workshops to gather all together and take us through a tour of the creative side of modern Athens.

So, what can you expect to find at the Meet Market this October?

A collective of talented people, who dove head first into the world of entrepreneurship by creating their own brands, will present their fresh ideas through clothing, accessories, jewelry, art and home-deco items, wellness products, children’s products, organic food, vintage treasures and much more. Come browse, shop, mix, mingle and have a bite at one of our tasty street & drink food stalls featuring various ethnic foods, beers from local microbreweries and boozy cocktails that hit the spot!

Standing by the motto “First we Meet, then we Market”, we’ve got more than retail therapy on the agenda.  Get your groove on with back to back DJ sets from our beloved local DJs.  Bring your kids to play, learn and participate in educational activities completely free of charge.  And don’t leave the market without making a visit to the Central Cash/Info point, where we’ve got loads of goodies to give away including pins, posters and the ultimate Grand Raffle prize where 3 lucky winners will each will take home 1 huge basket full of products from our roster of makers!

Learn more about Meet Market's full schedule of events here


Screenshot 2022 10 05 3.59.13 PM

Hard Rock Cafe Athens is actively supporting the 23rd annual Hard Rock International's PINKTOBER campaign raising awareness of the breast cancer effort.

Hard Rock Cafes, hotels and casinos around the world operate for the benefit of the American Cancer Society, while here in Greece we will be collaborating for another year with Alma Zois presenting unique actions during the month of October.

This year, Hard Rock is teaming up with world-renowned French Chef and breast cancer survivor, Dominique Crenn, who is currently the only female chef in the United States to attain three Michelin Stars for her restaurant Atelier Crenn, in San Francisco, California. In partnership with Crenn, Hard Rock Cafe will create a limited-time menu item, exclusively available at Hard Rock Cafes, with a portion of proceeds donated to local charities around the globe.

In collaboration with Crenn, Hard Rock will create and offer a special limited edition dish, the Baja Style Shrimp Tacos exclusively available at all Hard Rock Cafes around the world, with a significant amount of the proceeds being donated to Alma Zois.

Hard Rock International is offering uniquely designed, limited-edition merchandise in support of breast cancer awareness and research, which includes a PINKTOBER-themed Hard Rock t-shirt and a newly designed PINKTOBER pin. Through the Hard Rock Heals Foundation, a percentage of all proceeds will go to the American Cancer Society to help raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research.


Wednesday, 05 October 2022 15:00

Children's Sundays At Hard Rock Cafe Athens!

Hard Rock Café Athens opens its doors and welcomes young and adults, to come and enjoy our Children's Sundays special menu!

A unique Sunday afternoon awaits our little Roxtars from 12 pm-4 pm, full of creative work and face painting, along with a delicious children's meal to enjoy!

The entrance for each child is €15 including the meal.





Greece is known for its beautiful summers, of course, but many choose to travel to the country during other seasons, even in winter, and for good reason.

Visiting Greece is a very different experience depending on whether you visit in summer or winter, but you are sure to have a great time in the country no matter when you choose to stay!

Visiting Greece in Winter: Where to travel

Although most picture sunny beaches when considering vacations to Greece, the country has a great deal to offer even in the winter months.

One of the most beautiful and unique places in Greece is Meteora, a stunning rock formation in northern Greece which is home to six enchanting monasteries.

The towering cliffs in Meteora, topped by age-old monasteries, are a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the country’s key tourist attractions. One of the most breathtaking places to visit in Greece, and entirely different from other areas across the country, it is certainly not to be missed.

Another option is the small village of Arachova, a short but scenic two-hour drive from Athens. Arachova is a charming and extremely picturesque mountain town with small houses made of wood and stone that lines cobblestone streets. Perfect for a cold weather getaway, one would find it hard to hold on to stress in such an idyllic and relaxing environment.

Many who visit Arachova do so to enjoy the ski slopes which are nearby. They are equipped with all modern ski facilities, including a lift, ski and snowboard leasing shops, and a chalet.

But just past the village is the ancient site of Delphi, one of the most important archaeological sites in the entire world. Do not miss any chance to see the panorama of this place, showing beautiful ruins against a backdrop of staggeringly beautiful mountains.

Another option for a winter traveler to Greece would be to visit one of the two main cities in the country, Athens or Thessaloniki.

To read this article in full, please visit: greekreporter.com
Greece has seen a record production of electricity from renewable energy sources exceeding the corresponding output from natural gas this year, without considering the contribution of large hydroelectric plants with exports expected to reach 3 billion cubic meters this year.

The structural upheavals in the energy market brought about by the international crisis also include the fact that Greece became an energy exporter and an energy channel for the Balkan countries, supporting their energy supply with Liquefied Natural Gas infrastructure.

Environment and Energy Minister Kostas Skrekas pointed out that with the increase in RES, Greece has a comparative advantage in electricity production for the first time because it has twice as much solar radiation compared to Northern Europe. He estimated that the production of "green" energy will translate into savings of more than 2 billion euros in 2023 from the substitution of natural gas imports.

The developments in natural gas exports are also impressive with the Liquefied Natural Gas storage and gasification infrastructure in Revythoussa playing a leading role. Skrekas has recently stated at the Ministerial Council of the International Natural Gas Conference in Bucharest, that the country exported 0.7 billion cubic meters of natural gas last year, while this year it is already approaching 2 billion.

Moreover, the country's export potential will be strengthened with the commercial operation of the Greek-Bulgarian natural gas pipeline that began on October 1 and the start of operation, in 2023, of the new floating Liquefied Natural Gas station in Alexandroupolis.

Originally published on: greekcitytimes.com
Monday, 03 October 2022 07:00

Line 3 To Piraeus Ready In Coming Days

The extension of Line 3 in Piraeus will be operational within the next few days, according to Giorgos Karagiannis, deputy minister of infrastructure and transport.

Speaking to ERT, he highlighted the substantial advantages that the metro lines 3 and 4 additions will provide to not only all Athens citizens but also to the environment. Karagiannis noted that with the operation of the metro in Piraeus, the country’s largest airport will be connected to the largest port in less than an hour. The trial runs for Metro Line 4 started last Tuesday.

“An additional 340,000 passengers will travel daily on this line alone, while 2,000 new trees will be planted in Athens, and, for the first time, architectural contests for square redevelopments will be launched in collaboration with the Municipality of Athens,” he said.

Karagiannis also announced the project for the extension of Line 2 to Ilion will be tendered by the end of 2022 and the extensions to Menidi and Zefiri will follow in the next phase.

Originally published on: ekathimerini.com



Today, a growing number of people are going green, and with all that’s been going on, it is only natural to want to change to a more earth-conscious world. 
 
When we decide to make our lives more environmentally friendly, we may be driven by the need to save money, which is understandable, especially with the energy inflation rate continuing to rise. But, apart from that, there are numerous other reasons why we should start saving energy. And, since it’s easier to do something when you perfectly understand why you’re doing it, here are some of these reasons!
 
Energy conservation benefits the environment 
 
Environmental issues are becoming especially important now more than ever, and we must take some action. We can start by reducing our carbon footprint. Using energy more efficiently means burning fewer fossil fuels, which results in lower emissions of GHGs and other toxins into the atmosphere, soil, and water. It also reduces the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere, reducing the risk of global warming, and can help mitigate habitat destruction.
 
Energy conservation enhances health & quality of life
 
In addition to being damaging to the environment, energy production and consumption can also be damaging to human health. Asthma and lung cancer are just two of the many serious medical complications that pollution from energy sources like coal, natural gas, and oil may cause. Energy conservation ensures a lower carbon footprint, resulting in fewer respiratory diseases.
 
Energy conservation reduces the risk of depletion
 
It may seem that we have an unlimited supply of natural resources, but we don’t. In reality, energy reserves are declining every single day. According to a research study by the American Energy Information Administration and the International Energy Agency, the universe is expected to continue the consumption of 2% more energy each year than it consumed the past year, putting us in dire need of conserving energy. 
 
Energy conservation maintains steady energy prices
 
By conserving energy, any chance of shortages is minimized. Abundant energy supply translates to year-round stable prices or, better still, price reductions. Stable costs mean that your budget will remain steady, and you won’t have to worry about prices exploding. But, this is not about your pocket as much as it is about the whole community and taking care of your fellow citizens that can’t afford their energy bills. 
 
Energy conservation has a positive impact on society
 
You might think that saving energy will go unnoticed, but, in reality, you’re setting the right example for everyone to follow. Your friends, family members, and neighbors will be interested in knowing what you did to lower your electric bill, and many of them will try to do the same, which will benefit the entire community. As Mother Teresa once said, one alone can’t change the world, but one can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples!
 
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