While it’s not rare for Athens to get snow, it usually melts before we know it! Luckily, this video captures the few pristine moments the city was blanketed in a fresh white coat. Check it out!

Source: Greek Reporter

One of ancient Greeks’ main diet ingredients was Zea flour or Triticum Dicoccum, known as the scientific name. They wouldn’t eat food containing wheat and they used wheat as animals' food. The grain of Zea is probably the oldest in the world.

Zea is two times richer in dietary fiber than wheat, two times richer in protein with a high amount of vitamins A, B, C and E. It is also high in magnesium and very low in gluten.

Until about 100 years ago, Zea was the most popular grain in Greece. But in 1928, according to Santorini Food Lovers, its cultivation was banned for financial reasons as the imported cereals crops of rice and wheat were more profitable. The revival of the ancient Zea grain has lately been taking place in few areas of Greece’s mainland.

To read this article in full, please visit: Greece by a Greek

Extreme weather conditions have forced Greek emergency services on high alert as a severe cold front sweeps through the country bringing snow and ice and making travel very dangerous. State services have been advising citizens to stay home and only travel when necessary due to the dangers posed by icy roads.

The Greek islands are the hardest hit from the extreme weather with a state of emergency declared on Skopelos due to heavy snowfall on the island with others expected to follow.

Authorities in other areas of Greece are struggling to keep major roadways open but snow chains are necessary in several areas and some roads have been closed due to icy conditions, especially on higher ground.

Many other areas, including Thessaloniki, were left without water for a second consecutive day as water pipes froze and burst and meters seized due to the low temperatures.

To read this article in full, please visit: Greek City Times

Winter sales will kick off in Athens and Thessaloniki on the 9th of January. Additionally, shop owners may also choose to open on the 15th of January 15th.

For stores that will open on January 15th, the proposed shopping hours are 11:00-18:00. Shops are also required to write the old and new price on all items offered and may also include the percentage of the sale. Sales will officially end on February 28th.

To read this article in full, please visit: Tornos News

A mini-guide to the city's latest openings, from upmarket hotels to restaurants and cafes!

New Hotel Ancient Views - Electra Metropolis Athens

In the hands of interior designer – architect Maria Katsarou-Vafiadis, of the London-based MKV firm, a 1960s office building, formerly home to the Ministry of Education, has been transformed into a stylish five-star hotel, oozing Athenian retro-chic coolness. Highlights start right from the entrance canopy, where you will see the refurbished post-Byzantine Church of Aghia Dynami, to the impressive lobby atrium, featuring a gigantic artwork by famous Greek artist Alekos Fassianos, all the way up to the roof garden and pool, which offers the most breathtaking 360-degree view to enjoy while sipping a cocktail or dining. Check out the cute ground-level bistro as well, where remnants of the ancient city can be seen through glass floors, proving that, wherever you dig in Athens, there is always something ancient to be found.

Address: 15 Mitropoleos
Telephone: 214 100 6200
Website

Drupes & Drips - Takis Bakery

Fans of Takis Bakery near the Acropolis just got a whole new range of options, with a new Italian espresseria and a juice bar. Pick up a freshly made fruit juice, or choose a “pedigree” coffee prepared by expert baristas. At lunchtime, the small space becomes a cicchetteria, so you can try hams and cheeses from abroad or from small-scale Greek producers. There are no tables, so sit at the bar and have a glass of wine, spritz, prosecco or potent Greek tsikoudia with your nibbles.

Address: 20 Zitrou
Telephone: 210 923 0052
Facebook

Yoleni’s Grocery

If you think that this country is only about olive oil and honey, try visiting this unique five-story temple of Greek gastronomy to find local goods and produce. From local soda pops to nuts and kale flakes, and even local gin, you’ll find it all here. An amazing selection of over 50 brands of extra virgin olive oil, a wide assortment of cheeses, and dozens upon dozens of different kinds of canned goods line the shelves.

Address: 9 Solonos
Telephone: 212 222 3600
Website

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

Tourist flows to the Greek capital are on the rise with professionals saying this is the best December 2016 performance in a long time demonstrated by increased demand for rooms and high passenger traffic at Athens International Airport (AIA).

Managing Director of Hotel Grande Bretagne and Hotel King George, Tim Ananiadis, told Euro2day that bookings at the two award-winning hotels have risen this month by 15 percent compared to last year, bringing 2016 to a healthy close for both five-star units.

Alexandros Vassilikos, president of the Athens – Attica & Argosaronic Hotel Association backs Ananiadis’ claims of boosted December performance, adding that many Cypriot travelers also chose to visit the Greek capital this year. The number of holidaymakers from Cyprus had dropped by as much as 60 percent in the previous years, according to hotel industry professionals.

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

 

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Many people associated Greece as being just a summer destination, but with its hidden treasures and diverse winter scenery, Greece is an amazing surprise for anyone lloking to explore its diversity all year around!

 

Here are a few of our favorite places to visit during the winter.

 

 

Lake Plastira is probably the most scenic lakes in Greece with exquisite surroundings, virgin nature, mountain villages, and fine monasteries and churches. You can limit your trip to the tour of Lake Plastira, however, if you are in the mood for an adventure and have a car that can take dirt roads or an SUV, it is definitively worth wandering through the rough dirt roads of Western Agrafa.

Known as a fashionable place in the winter months, visitors come from mostly Athens and Patra to enjoy a fun weekend at the ski resort. The natural scenery and old monasteries are also fun for all ages.

Zagorohoria 


@georgeeptr

This area never fails to awe its visitor with its majestic natural beauty, pine and fir forests, crystalline streams, and stunning scenery. Visitors can also see arched stone bridges, imposing mansions, and lovely old churches.

Imposing and charming, Kastoria is embellished with impressive lakefront mansions and Byzantine churches. Among the places you should definitely visit is the Petrified Forest, which dates back approximately 20 million years, Lake Orestiada, designated as a Monument of Natural Beauty, and last but not least the Cave of the Dragon with its beautiful stalactites and stalagmites. 


Trikala 


@dimitris_moutsopoulos

 

Just a breath away from Lake Plastira you will find the charming town of Trikala. The first thing you should do is take a walk through the ancient town, particularly in the Varousi and Old Manavika districts, where you will be transported to another era. Varousi is home to some gorgeous houses and the city's oldest churches.