Athens is one of the world’s great cultural capitals. But even mythology-mad kids can tire of all the marble monuments. When it’s too hot for exploring the antiquities, or your kids are crying out for some 21st-century entertainment, check out these family-friendly museums in Athens. From child-pleasing activities to educational trails, here’s where to keep boredom at bay for kids of all ages and interests.

The brilliantly curated and conceived Acropolis Museum knows that the best way to hold a child’s attention is to make learning fun. Everyday life in ancient Greece is brought alive for children here in exciting ways. The freestanding statues of the Archaic Period are far more gripping for young minds than two-dimensional paintings. They can explore all sides of these marble gods and goddesses, lions and snakes. Grab hold of one of the family backpacks (available at the information desk on a first-come, first-served basis) and follow the educational activities geared at kids aged between six and 12 years old (even younger children will enjoy getting involved, with a little help from you). Families work together to solve challenges, aided by colorful children’s exhibit labels in the museum galleries. The backpacks have games with cards, stickers or magnets, puzzles, memory games, and more. Smaller kids are better suited to do one of the less intensive Family Trails: theme-based activities based on specific exhibits. Hit the museum shop on your way out for a great selection of activity books, games, and children’s titles, many of them inspired by ancient Greek mythology, archaeology, and culture.

Location: 15 Dionysiou Areopagitou, Acropolis

Telephone: 210 900 0900

Turn your world upside down at this quirky museum where nothing is what it seems. Calling it a “museum” might be a bit of a stretch, but your kids will love getting hands-on at this well-located attraction that has a range of optical illusions to make them (and you!) think twice about how they perceive the world around them. They can swap noses, put each other’s heads on a platter, experience the absence of gravity, and reflect on infinity in the hall of mirrors. They can also put themselves against brain teasers designed to stimulate and challenge young minds in the Playroom (many of them are on sale at the museum’s Smart Shop, if you’re looking for educational souvenirs). The Museum of Illusions is just by Monastiraki Flea Market and the Ancient Agora, so you can combine shopping and sightseeing with a little mind-bending fun.

Location: 119 Ermou, Monastiraki

Telephone: 210 323 8065

Are your kids into dinosaurs? Underwater life? Insects? Fossils? You’ll find them all at this peaceful private museum in the suburb of Kifissia. There are lots of life-size animal replicas (including a triceratops and a giraffe), thousands of botanical specimens, and all kinds of shells, rocks, and minerals from all over Greece. The museum provides educational games for children aged between 4 and 8 related to the permanent and temporary exhibitions — from real live reptiles to storytelling events. The Gaia Centre for environmental research and education, housed in the same premises, educates young visitors about humanity’s impact on our planet, using interactive displays such as touchscreens and video walls. After exploring the exhibits, have an ice cream or juice in the garden café, where young kids can usually be found tearing around on their scooters or playing hide and seek among the trees.

Location: 13 Levidou, Kifisia

Telephone: 210 801 5870

To read this article in full, please visit: thisisathens.org

The Greek word Philoxenia, literally translated as a “friend to a stranger,” is widely perceived to be synonymous with hospitality.

For Greeks, it is much deeper than that. It is an unspoken cultural law that shows generosity and courtesy to strangers.

Greeks are enormously generous when inviting others to their home, or being invited themselves. In villages, it is not uncommon for villagers to show up at the door of a resident foreigner (or even a temporary visitor renting a room) with a sack full of fresh tomatoes, or even a bottle of local olive oil.

Philoxenia today can be as simple as a smile, helping a stranded motorist, buying a meal for a homeless person, or opening your home to friends and family.

This cultural law has its origins in Ancient Greece. The ancient Greek god Zeus is sometimes called Zeus Xenios — as he was also a protector of travelers. He thus embodied the religious obligation to be hospitable to travelers.

The beautiful story written by the Roman poet Ovid in 8 A.D of Zeus and Hermes disguised as poor travelers, narrates the sacred relation between host and guest, embodying the ancient Greek tradition.

The two ancient Greek Gods, the story goes, visited many villages in search of refuge for the night. A poor elderly couple — Baucis and Philemon welcomed them as guests in their home and generously served them food and wine.

After refilling her guests’ cups many times over, Baucis noticed that the wine jug was still full. Philemon then realized the visitors were actually gods and she offered to kill their only goose to feed them. Touched by this gesture, Zeus rewarded their generosity by transforming the humble cottage into a beautiful stone temple.

Zeus also granted the couple their ultimate wish: to be the guardians of the temple, die at the same time, and stay together for eternity as they were turned into trees, guarding each side of the temple’s door.

According to legend, even an event as momentous as the Trojan War began because of a guest’s violation of xenia. The Trojan prince Paris was a guest of King Menelaus of Sparta when he abducted Menelaus’ wife, Helen.

Both the Odyssey and the Iliad are filled with episodes in which xenia is either honored or ignored and the subsequent consequences are notable. For instance, when Odysseus sails to the island of the cyclops, the monster’s treatment of Odysseus and his sailors is a violation of the custom of xenia. The cyclops are punished for the transgression. Odysseus blinds his “host” and escapes. The cyclops episode depicts an abuse of xenia.

In another story, Odysseus’ wife Penelope is forced by custom to entertain an entire household of suitors. The guests not only make unreasonable, burdensome requests that were impolite for guests but they do so with the assumption the host himself is no longer alive. The conclusion of the poem involves Odysseus’s slaughter of the suitors. This violent ending can be seen as retribution for egregious abuse of xenia, or conversely, a violation of its very precepts.



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

Gordon Ramsay, Gino D’Acampo and Fred Sirieix Go Greek!

Their RV hits the beautiful Greek islands and historical city of Athens, for a big fat Greek adventure, together again behind the wheel on an epic odyssey like no other.

The guys begin their adventure in Crete, Greece’s largest island, before navigating their way to stunning Santorini, making their way to the party island of Mykonos and finishing their trip in the Greek capital Athens and the monasteries of Meteora. 

One of the series' highlights is when Yiayia Catrina from Santorini, renowned for her legendary Moussaka tastes Gordon’s Salsa Verde and criticizes how much salt Gordon has added.

Gino says: “Today there is one thing that we all learned, even god can make mistakes. If he can make mistakes like that - we all have a chance in life!”



Originally posted on itv.com

Our world is filled with magic!

Since the 19th century the art of magic has been entertaining people making it famous and popular all over the world. Houdini and other famous magicians of the time laid the foundations of the so called today "Magic Shows", which they retained their popularity during the television era, where magicians such as David Copperfield and David Blaine managed to modernize its art form.

For the past two years, the Christmas Theater has been hosting the "Las Vegas Magic Festival", a show that presents renowned award-winning magicians every year, with impressive performance.

So it's now time for another unique experience as  "The Las Vegas Magic Festival" is returning to Athens! 

Reserve your seats and get the chance to see five of the best modern alchemists of our time, in a unique show filled breathtaking momments that defy logic and the laws of physics!

The Meet Market, the vibrant platform for meeting the creative Athens of today, welcomes the autumn season this October 16 & 17 at Technopolis City of Athens!  Well-crafted clothes and accessories with the signature of new fashion designers, useful and decorative art objects with a twist, uniquely handmade jewelry with perfect imperfections, traditional Greek food products from small producers and eco living goods.. and a whole lot more… will fill the “Central Courtyard, the “Machine-works Courtyard and the Machine-works building of our favorite venue Technopolis.

Expect to find more than 90 Greek brands of independent small-scale businesses, of which 25 will join for the first time. All of them will be presenting their fresh ideas in a market that is constantly evolving in a mission to discover creative stories, products, personalities, and support the scene of living local.

Our usual suspects aka our DJs will take care of the weeknd’s soundscaping with non stop dj sets, along side plenty of free fun & educational activities for kids, street food delicacies and cocktails. And make sure you pass by the Meet Market Central Cashier/Info where you can take part in our grand-prize raffle consisting of two huge baskets filled with Meet Market goodies from each participating vendor, for 2 lucky winners to take home.
So head on over to The Meet Market this October 16 & 17 to meet, mingle, shop, stroll, eat, drink and come together again under the iconic red chimneys of Technopolis, Gazi!

109 years later, one more Gold Olympic Medal in Pylos.

Gold Paralympic medalist Nasos Ghavelas will be honored in Navarino Challenge 2021

The schedule of this year’s event

The top sports tourism fest of Navarino Challenge is approaching and will unite people of all ages and abilities for the 9th year, at Costa Navarino and Pylos, Messinia, on October 15-17, 2021.

Navarino Challenge honors each year role-model athletes for their contribution to sports and society. This year, the Gold Paralympic medalist in 100m. Nasos Ghavelas and his guide Sotiris Garaganis will be honored. They both offered emotional moments and pride for Greece at the Tokyo Paralympic Games, while they also set a world record (with a time of 10:82) in the final. This is the second gold medal coming from Pylos, Ghavelas’ place of origin, after that of Kostis Tsiklitiras.

As part of this year’s event, Navarino Challenge will also honor the top international basketball player of all time, Olympian & Eurobasket MVP Evina Maltsi. Basketball fans will have the opportunity to meet her at the 4on4 tournament, while children will learn the sport’s basic principles by the great athlete, together with the Euroleague Legend, Joe Arlaukas.

With its message “sport unites people”, the event promotes again this year the benefits of exercise, the Olympic values ​​and fair play with more than 30 sports activities and 15 Olympic sports. You may find the event’s detailed schedule here.

With the experience and dynamics of Navarino Outdoors, participants will have the opportunity to make their favorite bike ride to the beautiful Voidokilia and enjoy the unique Messinian landscape. For more information & participation outdoors(at)costanavarino.com

Respectively, another activity full of adrenaline awaits the whole family. At the Navarino Rocks indoor climbing wall, people of all ages will be able to take climbing lessons.

Run in one of the top Greek Half Marathons of 21.1km, together with the Greek-American ultramarathon runner Dean (Konstantine) Karnazes, in the 10km route or the fun 5km route by Samsung. Runners can participate by completing the available form through the following link. Moreover, the 1km children’s route will be held in two groups, for children 10-14 years old and kids up to 9 years of age. The children’s race is held for free. 

Enjoy a weekend full of outdoor wellness activities for all ages. Book now the event’s accommodation package which is full of sports activities and includes half board. Live the unique sports and cultural experience that is offered to you. 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.

The event continues to innovate by having Samsung Electronics Hellas as its Official Technology Partner for another year. Following the successful contribution of the leading technology company, in achieving zero paper use for the purposes of the 2019 event, Samsung returns to the Navarino Challenge. The top technology company this year brings the third generation of folding premium smartphones, the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G and Galaxy Z Flip3 5G as well as the completely redesigned Galaxy Watch4 and Galaxy Watch4 Classic to provide the best functions for managing fitness. The Samsung wearables series is complemented by the Galaxy Buds2, the wireless headphones with premium, top sound and comfortable application. Samsung’s experience at the Navarino Challenge is completed with the Neo QLED TVs that offer an absolutely exciting, cinematic, viewing experience and the revolutionary MicroLED The Wall™ that can cover surfaces of any size and shape, offering vibrant and natural colors for an unsurpassed visual experience. 

Vikos company supports the event as an Official Sponsor with the Vikos Natural Mineral Water and the Vikos Natural Mineral soft drinks spreading the message of the sports ideal and sportsmanship, while offering the necessary hydration and revitalization to all participants. Vikos Natural Mineral Water pushes with its flow the athletes to continue their effort and complete their exercise by providing them with the necessary balance, wellness and energy.  

The favorite breakfast cereal bars FITNESS®, as the Official Breakfast Partner of Navarino Challenge, will be by the side of the participants at the high intensity training and pilates lessons, giving them the energy they need to meet the challenges they will encounter during this unique event! With their B-complex vitamins that helps release energy from food, they form the ideal choice for a delicious and balanced breakfast. 

You may find the Discount Partners’ offers, which are valid throughout the 2021 Navarino Challenge for all participants here.

Samsung is the Official Technology Partner. 

Vikos Natural Mineral Water is the event’s Official Sponsor.

Luanvi is the Official Sports Supplier.

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

Poseidonia and Karalis Beach Hotel are Navarino Challenge’s Official Supporters.

Messinian Spa is the Official Beauty Partner. 

Nestlé FITNESS® is the Official Breakfast Partner.

The North Face is the Outdoor Partner.

Target Security, Fysiotek Sports Lab are the event’s Partners.

Avance is the Official Car Rental Partner.

π3 (pi3) is the Sustainability Partner. 

SKAI is the Premium TV Partner.

National Geographic is the Strategic Partner. 

Deree - The American College of Greece is the Educational Partner.

Explore Messinia, FitnessArt, F45 Barrio Salamanca, Navarino Golf Academy, Navarino Outdoors, Navarino Racquet Academy, Pilates by Mandy, Red Swim Academy, Swim Academy, Triantafyllidis Beach Arena, Vizantinos target sport club, Marathon Team Greece are Navarino Challenge’s Athletic Partners.

A Little Shelter, All For Blue, ANIMA, Diaforozo, Karkinaki, The Other Human, Pet Partners of Hellas are the event’s nonprofit organizations CSR partners.

Navarino Challenge is assisted by Vita N Travel, Karalis City Hotel & Spa, Lifeguard Patrol, Pylos Association of Enterprises for Tourism Development, Maritime Athletic Pylos Association “Nestor”, Pilia Express, Kayak.  

Anazoe Spa, Attica Selections, Kessaris, Nargile, Panellinios Agora Games are the Discount Partners.

Navarino Challenge will be held under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, the General Secretariat of Sport of the Ministry of Culture & Sport, the International Olympic Academy and the Greek National Tourism Organization. 

The event has joined the Greek actions of the #BeactiveHellas 2021 programme of the European Commission and is held under the auspices of the General Secretariat of Sports. The event is organized by ActiveMedia Group which is also responsible for the event’s Sports Production. All running races are co-organized with Messiniakos Gymnastic Club and EAS SEGAS Peloponnese Region.

Hashtags: #navarinochallenge #costanavarino #sportsunitepeople #eatwell #runwell #livewell

Photo by Elias Lefas / Navarino Challenge

Greece’s most recent lockdown period, with its requirement that citizens notify the government of their movements, provided the setting for a series of interventions in the area of Lycabettus, by Panagiotis Voulgaris. Using the code B6, to declare a venture out for exercise, Voulgaris over a period of about four months created ephemeral geometric works that interacted with the natural pine forest environment:  sometimes reflecting light, sometimes becoming transparent and sometimes disappearing. The radial arrangement of work was done using paper tape, which after a short period of time was removed and recycled for use the next day. The play of light, the recording of time, steps and paths, as well as the contact with both nature and other citizens enjoying nature were the main elements of this public work of art that uniquely reflects the special conditions of the lockdown period.

In FokiaNou’s exhibition, a map consisting of photographs, tapes, drawings and plants, as well as a series of raw short videos taken from a mobile phone, document Voulgaris’ lockdown interventions. An installation made of thousands of meters of thread points to all the days, routes and steps needed to create the works. A simulation of the hill of Lycabettus invites visitors of the exhibition to make the journey on foot, in order to make contact with nature and appreciate its importance. In addition, a series of walks will take place throughout the duration of the exhibition.

Panagiotis Voulgaris is a visual artist and curator, and co-director of FokiaNou Art Space in Athens. He holds a Master’s degree in Art and Architecture from the University of East London. He was a resident artist of the European Capital of Culture, Valleta, in 2018 and was a recipient of the STEP Travel Grant from the European Cultural Foundation. His main work is installations and interventions in archaeological sites, old buildings, and public spaces. He has participated in exhibitions and residencies in Greece, Italy, Malta, Sweden, France, Germany, Spain, Hungary, Brazil and the USA.

www.panagiotisvoulgaris.myportfolio.com                             
www.behance.net/PanagiotisVoulgaris

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. www.fokianou247.gr

Opening:  Saturday 9 October, 18.00
Duration:   9-30 October 2021
Hours:  Wednesday – Saturday 17.00-20.00

A new tourism campaign to promote the Peloponnese region of Greece features a video called ‘Greece – beyond the obvious’ and showcases the beauty of locations such as Mani, Ancient Olympia, and Nafplio, highlighting that there is so much more to Greece than her islands.

The campaign, which has been winning over audiences, makes light of the stereotypical tourist who often fails to think beyond the Greek islands when imagining a holiday in Greece.

The video opens with text on the screen that reads: “We asked people the following question: What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear ‘Holidays in Greece?’”

“The islands” comes the reply from various tourists from around the world.

The humorous video cuts to a scene where the local “kafeneio” owner is explaining to the viewer how he has gathered all of the elderly men in the village together in order that they can all Google ‘Peloponnese’ to give the region a higher search ranking on Google.

The video forms part of the region’s ongoing tourism campaign aimed at establishing the Peloponnese as a leading destination to experience genuine Greece and traditional Greek hospitality.

“The first drink is on us!” the local “kafeneio” owner featured on the video promises prospective visitors.

In its first month on air, the 1.22-minute video has already exceeded 3 million views. It will be used to promote the region through social media outlets to major tourism markets, including Germany, France, Poland, Switzerland, and the UK.

Do you live the life you’ve always wanted or are you trying to fit in and be comfortable with an existing situation? Are you in control of your own life or do you just go where the situations and people around you go? Two of my clients recently admitted to themselves: “That’s not the relationship I’ve dreamed of with my partner and father of my two children.”Both of them are wonderful, smart, successful women and mothers – one has elementary school children and the other is a mom of two teenage boys. One is a working mom while the other has made the conscious decision to stay home and raise her children.

It’s not so difficult to answer this question but at times it is difficult to actually accept reality. Most of us believe we deserve to have what we say we want to have. It’s a subconscious belief. And when life is not what we think it should be for us, not only are we not happy but we also get very angry. The tricky part is that we blame others for what’s happening to us instead of taking responsibility. That is why we often sabotage ourselves. The way we do that is by being passive, not getting into action while at the same time waiting for someone else to make a move first.

How many times have you told yourself what you really want from a situation or a person and what you need to do? And how many times did you not do it because there was always a good excuse … because the other person, the conditions… it was not exactly what you expected … it did not happen as you had imagined it? I’m the first to admit, I’ve done it again and again.

Think about how it would be if you could break this vicious circle; break the belief that there is no hope for you to create on your own a worthy change that will last. Can you imagine what it would be like if you’d make your own decisions for yourself and take action today, now? How would you feel? “Will I need to move out of my comfort zone?” you may ask. “For sure” I’ll reply. It’ll probably feel uncomfortable or strange at the beginning. But it’s a start, an important first step towards creating your life the way you want it to be.

The key to your success is your mind. And if you want to live the life you dream of, you need to start by setting your personal growth goals. As Albert Einstein has said: “To live a happy life tie it to a goal, not to people or things.”

So, go ahead! 1. Choose your goal, 2. Commit to it and 3. Get into Action now. Because in the end it is not what we are capable of doing but what we actually do to make changes and bring the results we want.

Originally published on: itsmylife.gr

 

Greece is one of the most important cultural hubs of the world, sprinkled with numerous archaeological sites. From the world-famous temple of Parthenon to the ancient theater of Epidaurus, there is so much one can discover. However, there are some lesser-known archaeological sites in the country that hold their own rich history, even though not many people have heard of them.

Here's a list of the lesser-known archaeological wonders of Greece, perfect for history aficionados and those who love sightseeing! 

Nikopolis 


Octavian Theater Nikopolis. Source: Harrygouvas/Wikimedia Commons

Located 7km north of Preveza, Nikopolis, the largest ancient city in Greece, was founded by Octavianus Augustus in 31 BC to commemorate his nearby victory over Antony and Cleopatra in the naval battle of Actium. Every four years, the city celebrated the Actia, festivals including athletic, musical and racing contests. Among the most important monuments that can be found in the area are the Theatre, the Odeum, the Monument of Augustus, and the Nymphaeum. 

Ancient Calydon 


Source: Vasarchit/Wikimedia Commons

The ancient city of Calydon is located about 10km from modern Mesolongi. According to tradition, the town was founded by Calydon, son of Aetolus, and it's mentioned by Homer as one of the five Aetolian cities that participated in the Trojan War. The site is also known for the Calydonian bear sent by Artemis to ravage the area because its king failed to honor her. Today, one can admire the temple of Artemis, Apollo, and Dionysus, as well as the ancient theater and the tomb of the Calydonian hero, Leo. 

Karthea 


Source: Augusto Gasbarri/wondergreece.gr

Karthea is the most important of the four ancient city-states of the Cycladic island of Kea. It was founded in the Archaic times and survived until the early Byzantine times. Little remains today from the ancient town, however, the route there is very popular for trekking. Some of the most interesting monuments in Karthea include the Doric temple of goddess Athena and the archaic Temple of Pythion Apollo (530 BC). The Archeological Museum of Kea exhibits parts of this fascinating ancient city.

Orraon


Source: Harrygouvas/Wikimedia Commons

Located in Epirus, the archaeological site of Orraon is sometimes described as the most well-preserved ancient settlement in Greece. It was founded in the 4th century BC, and in 31 BC it was abandoned by its inhabitants who were obliged to settle in Nikopolis. Apart from the exceptional preservation of the stone-built private houses, the defensive character of Orraon is truly remarkable. With massive fortification walls reinforced with towers, this city-fortress was located in a strategic position, guarding the passage from the Amvrakikos Gulf to the Ioannina basin.

Lying off the beaten track for most tourists, Asklepion is perched high above the harbor of the island of Kos. In antiquity, the site served as a sanatorium, and, as the name hints, it was dedicated to Aesculapius, son of Apollo, god of medicine and healing. The site consists of three terraces, the highest one enjoying a breathtaking view of the town of Kos. It might be high up, but admiring the amazingly well-preserved temple is rewarding.