Up to 50% discount and an extra ferry route on Thursday (29/6) from Blue Star Ferries!

Athens, June 8, 2017 – “Patmos Revelation” continues its intensive preparations for the sports tourism event that will be held in the sacred island between June 30 and July 2, 2017. Registrations continue with undiminished interest as a lot of athletes from different places of Greece and abroad have already registered.

The Municipality of Patmos, in cooperation with the South Aegean Region and Active Media, aim to develop the sports tourism field, by attracting as many tourists as possible to participate in the event and by showing to the participants a part of the island’s history.

The program of “Patmos Revelation” includes Kids’ Athletics by the Olympic and World Champion, Periklis Iakovakis on Friday (30/6) at 09:00 at the football stadium of Patmos. The activity aims 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.

On Saturday (1/7), at 11:00 in the morning, the open water swimming race will be held at Grikos bay. Swimmers will cover the distance of the 1 mile (1.6km) swimming route. Right before the start of the race a warm-up will be held by the team of the pilates instructor, Mandy Persaki. The safety of athletes will be taken care of by Katerini’s Lifeguard School, Lifeguard Patrol.

On Sunday (2/7), morning, running races will be held having Skala as the starting point. The 15km route (starts at 08:15am), passes through two UNESCO World Heritage Sites (historic center of Chora, Holy Monastery of St. John the Theologian and Sacred Cave of the Apocalypse). The 5km route starts at 09:00am while the 1km route for children starts at 10:55am at the seaside of Skala.

Rania Rempouli will also be present in the running races. The Greek athlete is one of the of the most promising runners, who represented Greece at the Rio Olympics in 2016, and in December 2015 was the 1st Greek woman who completed the Athens Marathon the Authentic.

You may see the detailed schedule of the event HERE.

Such major events would not be successful without the support from significant sponsors. “Vikos” is one of these companies, which will offer the opportunity to all athletes participating in the event to quench their thirst with the natural mineral water “Vikos” that contributes to the good functioning of the body during sports.

The event has ensured special ferry routes through Blue Star Ferries to facilitate the audience and offer them direct access to the “sacred” island of the Dodecanese. All those attending “Patmos Revelation” will be able to travel with the safely and comfort of the top Greek shipping company. With an additional ferry route on Thursday (29/6) at 15:00, aiming to provide the best possible service, Blue Star Ferries offers a 50% discount on ferry tickets to the participant athletes, as well as a 30% discount to their escorts/family members and their vehicles to those wishing to visit the event and the island between June 26 to July 6.

At the same time, the event will be supported by Sixt rent a car, which will cover the event and all visitors’ car rental needs with its fleet.

The event has also taken care of those wishing to stay in Patmos while participating at “Patmos Revelation”, since attractive packages with several privileges are offered. VitaNTravel, as the official travel agent of the event, will take care and assist all athletes and escorts with information about the ferry routes, ferry tickets, car rentals and accommodation in the island.

For more information visit: http://vitantravel.gr/home/

If you wish to register for the event click HERE!

Watch Patmos Revelation 2017 teaser video HERE!

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Official Sponsors: Blue Star Ferries, “Vikos” Natural Mineral Water
Official Supporters: Patmos Aktis Suites & Spa, Sixt rent a car, 1001 flights
Official Travel Agent: VitaNTravel

Photo Credit: Patmos Aktis Suites & Spa

Greece’s Benaki Museum in Athens was recently announced as a winner of the TripExpert 2017 Experts’ Choice Award, which recognizes the best attractions around the world based on reviews by journalists and professional travel writers.

According to TripExpert, less than 2% of all attractions worldwide receive the award and the Benaki Museum is one of these.

As one of the top attractions in Athens, Benaki Museum has also received TripExpert’s Best of Athens Award.

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

Photo Credit: Greek Travel Pages

Greece is known for its healthy diet, with some everyday staples dating back to ancient times. From honey to mastic gum, Greece Is gives us all the details about the best Greek superfoods and how they are used today!

Among the most flavorful Greek superfoods, Avgotaracho (bottarga) is also referred to as the “Greek Caviar”. Avgotaracho is made from cured grey mullet (kefalos, in Greek) fish roe which is encased in a coat of natural beeswax, which lets it to keep for several months. Avgotaracho is a protected designation of origin (PDO) product, and is produced in Kleisova and Bouka, the lagoons of the Messolongi-Etoliko area.

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

The Greek island of Tilos has been selected to be among the three finalists for the 2017 European Union’s Sustainable Energy (EUSEW) Awards in the ‘Energy Islands’ category for the introduction of a hybrid energy system that aims to switch the island entirely renewable energy sources after the summer.

The system is to be installed by the end of June 2017 and the first tests will begin in September 2017.

The Tilos project involves 13 partners from seven EU countries led by the Piraeus University of Applied Sciences Soft Energy Applications and Environmental Protection Laboratory (SEALAB). Greek participants include the Western Macedonia Technical Education Institute, the Hellenic Electricity Distribution Network Operator S.A, the companies Eunice and Eurosol and WWF Hellas.

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

The 1st ΥES to Sea Tourism Forum was held during the 4th Posidonia Sea Tourism, on Wednesday 24 May 2017 at the hall «Nikos Skalkotas» of the Megaron International Conference Hall, with the initiative of the YES Forum Team, consistied of 40 young executives and students managed by Mrs. Danae Bezantakou, Managing Director of the Navigator Shipping Consultants.

YES to Sea Tourism Forum was organised under the Auspices of the Ministries of Shipping, Education, Tourism and GNTO (National Organization of Tourism) and the majority of Greek Universities as well as the participation of more than 600 students and executives from the sea tourism & shipping industries.

Speakers stressed the need for launching a Platform of Open Dialogue between the young generation of shipping and sea tourism and today’s executives of the above sectors, recognizing simultaneously the contribution of the organization towards this goal.

The welcoming addresses were made by Mr. Dimitrios Tryfonopoulos, General Secretary of GNTO, Mrs. Evridiki Kourneta, Secretary General of the Ministry of Tourism and Mr. Pafsanias Papageorgiou, General Secretary of Lifelong Learning and Young Generation.

Worth mentioning is that during the Forum, the collaboration of the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Tourism was announced, regarding the upgrade of the Higher Schools of Touristic Education and the further modernization of the education provided in the 8 Public IEK (Institute of Professional Training) for Tourism. Following YES to Shipping 2016, the Ministry of Education underlined the necessity to upgrade maritime training, to develop the level of study in shipping-related schools and to bring them in contact with the shipping community, especially in terms of training program Studies.

According to a survey conducted by Focus Bari exclusively for the YES to Sea Tourism Forum, 82% of the respondents ranked from 7 to 10 (excellent) sea tourism in terms of their professional prospects, while in terms of salaries, 66% believe they are in satisfying level in comparison with other professions. However, 80% believe that information on employment is limited.

The Vice President of Royal Caribbean, Mr. Ukko Metsola, alongside with his speech, held a dialogue with the participants, referring to key features of the cruising and yachting sector. He underlined also that basic prerequisites for the development of a young individual are will and persistence.

Among the topics raised by the speakers were that the sectors of sea tourism, cruising and yachting in Greece are filled with opportunities for young people, which they should not be afraid to pursue and exploit. At the same time, issues such as the problems and challenges involved in finding managers were discussed, advice was given on the steps a young individual has to follow at the beginning of his/her career, and all of them insisted that the right conditions in order to “stay in Greece” have to be created first by us.

It was an honor for the organisers to participate at the Forum, among others, Professors from the biggest University Institutes of the Country, Senior Executives of Sea Tourism and Shipping, representatives of major organizations as well as representatives from the entire Maritime Press.

YES to Sea Tourism closed with executives from shipping industry participating in 4 networking corners with the following topics: “Chartering, Crew and Operations Departments of a Shipping Company”, “Startups, Innovation & Save Time in Shipping Agencies”, “Technical and Finance Department of a Shipping Company” and “Marine Insurance and Classification Societies”, giving advice to young people and answering their questions in reference to the above mentioned sectors.

Concluding this very successful Forum, Mrs. Danae Bezantakou invited everyone who contributed and supported YES to Sea Tourism Forum to continue this successful dialogue next year, at the 2nd YES to Shipping Forum, on 8th of June 2018 during Posidonia 2018.

At a "warm" event in downtown Athens, the official presentation of the 3rd "Santorini Experience" was held on Tuesday, May 30th, while the organization will take place in the enchanting Santorini from 6 to 8 October. The press Conference of the top sports tourism event for professional and amateur athletes in Greece, was hosted at the Wyndham Grand Athens hotel, with the presence of journalists and numerus eminent guests.

The event also featured the exclusive show with the best moments of "Santorini Experience 2016" before the broadcast by FOX Sports.

Several honored personalities were present in the event, people that are connected with the successful sports weekend of Santorini, which will be held for the 3rd consecutive year. The mayor of Santorini, Mr. Nikos Zorzos, the president of the Hellenic Swimming Federation, Mr. Dimitris Diathesopoulos, the president of D.A.P.P.O.S. (Municipal Sports Cultural Environmental Organization of Santorini) Mr. Lefteris Tzouros, the technical directors of swimming and running Nikos Gemelos and Nikos Polias, the responsible of the Kids' Athletics program, Periklis Iakovakis, as well as Greek National Open Water Swimming team were some of the protagonists of the Press Conference.

The mayor of Santorini, Mr. Nikos Zorzos, made a very important announcement and pointed, among other things: "We are delighted to welcome the 3rd Santorini Experience this year! This sports event has become an establishment for our island and even more visitors are looking forward and arrange their holidays around it. This year, which is very emotional for us, the 5 km route will be named "Aristides Alafouzos". The route, begins from the desalination factory of Oia, which was donated to the island's inhabitants by this great man. This action, as a minimum tribute to the late Aristides Alafouzos, while in the future there will be also other acts of expressing our gratitude".

Mr. Dimitris Diathesopoulos, the president of the Hellenic Swimming Federation (ΚΟΕ), said: "The event is part of the sport tourism, which our country needs and in combination with the venue, the beautiful Santorini, gives an incentive for an important event that goes beyond the limits of Greece and is now becoming an international sport and tourism event. By incorporating it under the auspices of KOE and with the participation of the whole National Team and the top athletes in OPEN WATER, we support the event in practice, thus contributing to its promotion and establishment in the international arena”.

Greetings also addressed by the Greek National Tourism Organization General Secretary, Mr. Dimitrios Tryfonopoulos: "Last year athletes from 28 countries realized why this island offers unique experiences to its visitors. This year, those who will be involved, will experience it in practice. This event is in line with the objectives of the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) to internationally promote the country's destinations as well as the alternative forms of Greek tourism, that ensure sustainable development with a 12-month horizon. In fact, through the coverage of networks such as FOX Sports, one of the largest sports television networks in the world, we have the opportunity to spread our message to countless potential visitors, much more than the 28 million people we have hosted in 2016".

Please note that the FOX Sports premiere in Europe, of the show with the best moments of last year's organization, will be broadcasted through NOVA on 19/6, while of Asia, Africa etc.

The president of DAPPOS, Mr. Lefteris Tzouros, in his turn, said: "Santorini Experience returns on October 6-8 full of energy and new ideas.

Establishing it is a fact that makes us proud because in a very short time it has managed to gain a world-wide glamor, which was our initial goal. The successful collaboration of the Municipality of Santorini - DAPPOS - ACTIVE MEDIA, the auspices of the ΚΟΕ and the Greek National Tourism Organization, as well as our sponsors, are the factors that have given a global power to the organization. We are waiting for you to live these moments and to participate in the challenge of Santorini Experience... ".

An important part of the success of the event is also accomplished thanks to Ryanair, who as an official airline partner of "Santorini Experience", offers the connection of Athens with Santorini with direct flights from 13 cities abroad. At the same time, for those who choose a flight with an intermediate stop in Athens, the cooperation with the Wyndham Grand Athens Hotel offers accommodation with very attractive packages, which happens for the first time in a sports event taking place outside Athens.

"Santorini Experience" is the 1st Sport Tourism Event in Greece with an online special website section for the partner hotels, aiming to bring more athletes, targeting to the bloom of tourism with a higher turnout from abroad. It’s worth to be mentioned that in almost one month of registrations, 80% of them come from Russia, Austria, Italy and Germany.

The organization innovates once again by taking care of amateur athletes with the addition of a high-quality safety lifeguard buoy, which gives the participant another reason to choose the participation in Santorini Experience.

All of the above would not have happened without the great support of the sponsors who stood by the idea of "Santorini Experience" from day one. "Vikos" is one of these companies, which for the third consecutive year will offer to the athletes who will take part the opportunity to quench their thirst with the Natural Mineral Water “Vikos” that contributes to the good functioning of the body during sports.

More information regarding the activities schedule and the hospitality packages of sponsors will be announced in the following weeks.

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Hashtag: #SantoriniExperience

Official Airline Partner: Ryanair
Official Sponsors: Blue Star Ferries, Alafouzos Sport, Athina Luxury Suites
Official Supporters: “Vikos” Natural Mineral Water, Avance Rent A Car, Aqua Vista Hotels, Wyndham Grand Athens, Santorini Boatmen Union
Hospitality Sponsors: Aqua Vista Hotels, Athina Luxury Suites, Vedema A Luxury Collection Resort Santorini, West East Suites, 270 Oia's View, White Pearl Villas, Central Fira Hotel, Memories Hotel, Loizos Stylish Residencies, Esperas Santorini, Sienna Residencies, Hotel Rivari Santorini
Official Travel Agent: Smile Acadimos

(photo credit: Mike Tsolis)

 

Capital Controls Restrictions in Greece were first implemented in July 2015. Nearly two years later, they are still very much in effect, although somewhat less restrictive.

 

Katerina Sirouni and Attorney Arsinoi Lainioti of LAINIOTIS LAW LLC discuss the current restrictions (as of May 2017), and well as how to open a Greek bank account.

While limited cash withdrawals are still in effect, there have been some changes and these are the main points you should be aware of:

Opening a bank account in Greece has indeed become a challenge. They can be opened under specific circumstances and only with the person wishing to open the account being present, with very few exceptions.

Of particular interest to residents abroad, it is possible to open a Greek bank account if the bank account is funded with at least 10,000 Euros (or equivalent in another currency) from abroad (i.e. outside the Greek banking system). This is particularly relevant for our clients who are considering buying property in Greece.

To read this article in full, please visit: K.Sirouni Architecture and Property Management

Dancer and yoga instructor Katerina Soldatou on Tuesday carried out a breathtaking performance of extreme aerial dance suspended above the Corinth Canal, as part of the “Greece Has Soul” programme. The event was held in order to raise awareness of the environment and the need to respect the history of each place.

Article Source: Greek Reporter

Sifnos is located in the middle of the western Cyclades islands, with only 2,600 inhabitants. It is surrounded by other islands, which enhance the views and has a mild Mediterranean climate with lots of sun and minimal rain. The island is quiet most of the year, except for August, and is known for its ceramics, pastries, and cooking.

Some say that Siphnos, leader of the Ionian colonists, a hero of Attica and the son of Sounios, gave the island its name, but it may derive from the Greek word ’sifnfis’ meaning ‘hollow.’ Herodotus wrote that the inhabitants were wealthy because of the gold and silver mines in the Agios Sostis region, where their buildings were attractive features of the town.

The capital and Sifnos’ largest village, extends over three hills, virtually joined to Exambella, Ano Petali and Artemonas. The island’s main life is concentrated along the narrow pedestrian street, Stylianou Prokou, which begins near the square and ends at the Agios Spyridon church.

To read more about Sifnos, where to go, what to eat, and what to buy, please visit: Hip Greece

Photo Credit: Hip Greece

A list published on Forbes.com has ranked ‘Athens Marathon. The Authentic’ among the top marathons worth traveling to Europe for. This year, the 35th ‘Athens Marathon. The Authentic’ is expected to see over 53,000 runners from 50,000 last year.

 

The Forbes’ list includes marathons found in international cities like Paris, London, Athens and Rome and iconic settings such as Bordeaux, Transylvania or Tuscany.

“For many people, there’s no better way to see a city or a town than by running through it,” Forbes’ contributor, Cecilia Rodriguez, says and underlines that running in a marathon also gives the opportunity to discover new destinations.

The event will be held on Sunday, November 12, 2017.

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