XpatAthens

XpatAthens

Athens is one of the main metropolises of the world, both historically and socially. It is a living museum so vibrantly full of people and life. If you're thinking about moving to Athens, it's a magical place that has something to offer to everyone!

Here are some of our favorite neighborhoods to live in Athens, from the ones close to the city center to the northern and southern suburbs. This amazing city has so many options to choose from.

Nea Smyrni

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@tenarinsthlm

Included on The Guardian’s list of 10 of the best city neighborhoods in Europe, Nea Smyrni deserves to be on this list. Its convenient location between the center of Athens and the southern coastal suburbs is just one of its key highlights. It’s also up high on the list of the most family-friendly neighborhoods of Athens. The heart of Nea Smyrni beats at the car-free central square packed with fountains, shops, restaurants, trendy cafes, and bars to suit all ages. Another thing we love about it it’s the Nea Smyrni Grove, a green oasis featuring a jogging track, an outdoor gym, and a café.
 
Petralona

Petralona
Credit: @yiannisassiouras_photography
 
Set at the foot of the Philopappou Hill, between Thissio and Koukaki, Petralona is a neighborhood with a strong bohemian vibe, truly Athenian at heart. Split between Ano Petralona and Kato Petralona, the area has been enjoying a boost in popularity in recent years, especially among young people, who have invested all their creativity into making the neighborhood one of the coolest ones in Athens. This resulted in various alternative businesses popping up here and there, from old-style tsipouradika with a modern twist to socially conscious cafes, all adding to the distinctiveness of the area.
 
Voula

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Part of our beloved Athenian Riviera, tucked between its more famous neighbors, Glyfada and Vouliagmeni, Voula is a coastal suburb that has it all. Apart from the pleasures of seaside living, such as enjoying scenic walks along the coast and visiting the beach, Voula also provides a feeling of rural peace, even though it’s bustling with activity, especially in the summer. All the action is centered around Voula’s high street, Vasileos Pavlou, where you will find the main square. Sprawled across the square and on the surrounding side streets, you will find numerous restaurants, bistros, bars, and cafes.
 
Kifisia

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 Credit: @katerinafakinou87
 
The queen of Athens' northern suburbs and one of the capital’s oldest neighborhoods, Kifisia conveys an aura of elegance, old-world charm, and sophisticated splendor. A 30-minute train ride from downtown Kifisia with its tree-lined streets, picturesque parks, and groves, provides a refreshing alternative to the hustle and bustle of the center. One of the things that make Kifisia unique is its architecture. Neoclassical mansions standing along the quiet streets, horse-drawn carriages, upmarket boutiques, everything contributes to creating a sense of nostalgic romanticism.
 
Pangrati

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Credit: @wabitop
 
Located a stroll through the National Gardens away from Athens’ iconic Syntagma Square, Pangrati is a middle-class neighborhood turned into one of Athens’ hippest areas due to an influx of young residents, still holding on to its family-friendly reputation, though. Pangrati is a flourishing hub of arts and culture teeming with museums, small boutiques, cafes, and cutting-edge restaurants scattered throughout the neighborhood’s many vibrant squares. Pangrati is also home to the spectacular Panathenaic Stadium, one of the capital’s main historic attractions and the only stadium in the world made entirely of marble!

Chalandri 

Polydrosoy
📍Credit: @varasovas
 
A 20-minute metro ride from central Athens, the up-and-coming northern suburb of Chalandri is the perfect place to spend your Sundays with your friends or family. Its buzzing bar and café scene and the fact that it is one of the hottest shopping suburbs are only a few of all the things that make Chalandri stand out. Around the main square and the church of Aghios Nikolaos leafy pedestrian streets invite you to casually stroll through the neighborhood. Another plus is that Chalandri is located just beneath mount Penteli, allowing you to get your dose of fresh air in a jiffy!
 
Koukaki

Koukaki
📍Credit: @frederieklommen
 
Lying comfortably beneath the Acropolis, Koukaki is arguably considered one of the most eclectic and charming areas of Athens. It has plenty to offer, from art galleries to themed coffee shops and international eateries. In the pedestrian zone from Koukaki Square along Georgaki Olympiou Street, you will certainly feel a laidback atmosphere and an undeniable village feel hugging you. It’s probably the overhanging trees that hid the concrete buildings, making you feel like you are in the countryside for a little while. Koukaki is also home to a variety of great museums, the most popular of them being the National Museum of Contemporary Art.
 
 
Tuesday, 23 August 2022 14:16

Bolivar Beach Club

The magical Bolivar Beach Club welcomes you all hours of the day at the organized beach “Akti tou Iliou” in Poseidonos Avenue, Alimos. It is one of the most popular destinations in Athens located a few kilometers from the city center. It stands out for its tropical style, exquisite menu, impressive parties, as well as its exotic sandy beach! 

In the kitchen of Bolivar, you will find Aris Jalal, from 9 am until midnight, the talented Iranian chef who loves Mediterranean flavors. The menu includes delicious dishes that will fill you up, made with the freshest and highest quality ingredients.

The beach scenery is extremely exotic: A combination of white sand with gravel, beautiful palm trees, shady trees and green spaces, comfortable sunbeds, and crystal clear blue waters…
The Bolivar Beach Club is sun, sand, music, and of course fun!

An all-star cast of special guests, international DJs, famous dancers, and super fans from all around the world are gathering to pump the adrenaline to the max!

Superstars like Solomun, Tale of Us, Boris Brejcha, Nina Kravitz, Deborah de Luca, Paul Oakenfold, John Digweed, Sasha, Dennis Ferrer, Guy Gerber and many more, mixing on the unique tropical space, offer an extremely powerful and memorable party experience.

This year Bolivar celebrates its 18th year by organizing explosive parties with an awesome lineup of renowned artists for all tastes! 

Bonus the fantastic cocktails: The specialized staff of Bolivar is highly trained to prepare a selection of cocktails and innovative blends for you. You will also find a wide variety of drinks and beers.
Undoubtedly, Bolivar is a timeless value on the dance scene in Greece and knows how to create magical days and nights for everyone! 

Check out their upcoming events HERE!
Monday, 19 September 2022 19:46

Burger Fest 2022

Burger Fest, the first and largest Greek food festival returns for the seventh year to O.A.K.A!

From Friday, September 16 to Sunday, September 18, and from Friday, September 23 to Sunday, September 25, Burger Fest 2022 transforms the Agora of O.A.K.A. in Marousi into the meeting point for burger lovers everywhere.

You will have the opportunity to enjoy tasty suggestions from the best burger houses in Athens along with concerts, DJ sets, challenges, actions and of course tastings and many happenings!

Get ready for the #BurgerOlympics!

The Athens English Comedy Club presents 'Not a Drug Dealer' by Malinda Perera!

Sri Lankan stand-up comedian Malinda Perera will be performing in Athens for the first time, this October, as part of his European tour (50 cities in 23 countries)!

This is Malinda's debut solo show where he talks about the experiences he had in Europe as a brown man. From moving to Europe from Sri Lanka as a student to starting life as a standup comedian, this show will give you an insight of what it means to be brown in a white continent.




Sunday, October 30th
Time: 21:30 (Doors open 20:45)
Tickets:
* Early-bird €12.00 til September 15th
* General admission (after September 15th) €16
Discounted tickets (after September 15th) €13
Duration: 1h15
Info: 6987994689 // athensenglishcomedyclub@gmail.com
Age: 16+


Friday, August 26, Bolivar, and Minotaur - Minotaur present DJ/producer Damian Lazarus. Label owner of Crosstown Rebels, Day Zero, Get Lost with a huge career as a DJ and producer comes to Bolivar for the first time for a magical night. Support DJs Christo Z / Mr. Orpheus / Steph / Rezo b2b Jay Madox / Kiko.

Purchase your tickets HERE!

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Saturday, August 27, one of the most iconic names in the field of electronic music, the British legend John Digweed returns to the decks of Bolivar. Support DJs Reign Of Time & Steph.

Purchase your tickets HERE!

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Robust tourist flows to Greece this year and increased revenue expected to surpass 2022 levels are making the country an attractive investor destination.

Eight in 10 investments made in Greece now concern tourism, either hotels or infrastructure,” said Tourism Minister Vassilis Kikilias in an interview this week with SKAI television.

The minister referred to a 17 percent increase in travelers to the South Aegean islands in the first week of August compared to the same period in 2019, adding that Greece was doing very well given the challenges: the Russian-Ukraine war, inflationary pressures, Covid-19, and the energy crisis.

Kikilias went on to add that the strong demand for Greece was reflected in a 26.5 percent increase in Airbnb-style holiday rentals for stays in July, August and bookings for September compared to the same months in 2019.

In efforts to keep tourist flows coming, the minister referred to an ongoing campaign to attract mostly seniors from Northern European countries to spend their winters in warmer Greece.

Lastly, Kikilias said he would be visiting major cities in Germany in the coming weeks and meeting with tour operators there in order to promote one- to three-month stays in Greece during the winter for pensioners at destinations such as Crete, Rhodes, Kos, Corfu, Thessaloniki, and Athens.

Originally published on: news.gtp.gr
The craze of infused water has taken the world by storm, and we have the perfect way to add a Greek twist to your infused water concoctions.

Recent studies have shown many health benefits of drinking infused water. These benefits include weight loss, increased hydration, and a means of detoxing.

When you are in need of a beverage that quenches your thirst, why not choose one that is also good for you—one with a Greek twist? 

1. Fresh Day Infusion

What you need:
Mastiha + filtered water

One must-try infusion you will love is infused water with mastiha from the mastic trees on Chios. This tree resin has valuable health properties such as aiding in relieving digestive issues due to its antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.

Preparation of infused water: Head to your health food store and get some mastiha resin— you can even find mastiha powder—and add some to your water and enjoy the fresh, earthy taste while reaping the health benefits. 

Bonus: Add some fresh mint to your infused drink for a truly Mediterranean experience!

2. Cherry Bliss Infusion

What you need:
Cornelian cherries + Greek Honey + filtered water

Another great Greek twist you can add to your infused water drink is Cornelian cherries from Drama in northeastern Greece. Cornelian cherries have a potent astringent action and, therefore, have traditionally been used for curing diarrhea and dysentery. They are also valued for their potent tonic and restorative properties.

Preparation of infused water: Wash the cherries and cut them into halves; add them to your water. If you desire to sweeten your cherry-infused water, add a teaspoon of Greek honey.

Bonus: You can also add Greek lemons to this drink for a concoction that tastes something like Cherry Coke!

To read this article in full, please visit: greekreporter.com
For most people, the summer holidays mean beaches, exotic cocktails, relaxation, sunshine-filled carefree moments, and, of course, food; lots of food!

There are many reasons why we tend to get weight during the summer holidays, from swimming, which is known to whet one’s appetite, to parties and social gatherings where we get more reckless regarding what we eat. Not to mention all these delicious summer foods, with ice cream, our all-time favorite summertime treat, being on top of the list.

If you feel like you have let yourself go a little bit and want to get your fitness back on track, here’s a list of some Greek foods, both healthy and tasty, to help you jumpstart your healthy eating habits!

Garlic

Garlic

Garlic possesses a number of properties that are super good for our body, including antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. Garlic has been used as a natural detoxifier for thousands of years because it helps the body produce more glutathione, an important antioxidant that ensures healthy liver and kidney function and detoxification.

Almonds

Almonds

Almonds are a valuable healthy ally that we should definitely include in our diet. Just a serving of almonds (about 30 grams) provides 35% of recommended daily intake of vitamin E, and is also a great source of omega-3 fatty acids (the good type of fat!). Not to mention that almonds benefit the regulation of bad cholesterol, boost brain activity, help bone density, and improve skin and hair health.

Capers

Capers

The caper shrub mainly flourishes in the Aegean Islands (especially the Cyclades), and capers are a great addition to the Greek salad and every other salad, actually! Quercetin, their main flavonoid compound, possesses antibacterial properties and significantly improves immune system performance. Moreover, capers contain vitamins, antioxidants, and anti-histamine properties.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes

A staple of the Greek diet, used in hundreds of recipes, tomatoes are great for reducing oxidative stress in the body and are a major source of vitamin C. This hugely variable ingredient has a high lycopene concentration when cooked protecting us against heart disease and various cancers.

Beetroot

Beetroot

Another Greek staple - everyone has heard about pantzarosalata, after all - beetroot is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Beetroots are a great source of fiber, folate (vitamin B9), potassium, iron, and vitamin C and have been associated with numerous health benefits, including improved blood flow, lower blood pressure, and increased exercise performance
Thursday, 18 August 2022 15:21

Free Things To Do In Athens

Athens is among the top destinations in Europe that offer the best value for money and justifiably so! The Greek capital provides visitors with unlimited options in terms of sightseeing, dining, shopping, and entertainment that won’t break the bank.
 
If you’re visiting Athens on a tight budget but still want to cherish the experience, here are some amazing things you can do in the city without spending a dime!
 
Free Museums 

National Historical Museum
@athens24_com 
 
Most museums in Athens require an entrance fee, but there are museums with free admission, too. You can visit the National Historical Museum for free every Sunday, while the Benaki Museum is absolutely free every Thursday. Other museums that offer free admission all year round are the Museum of Popular Instruments, often overlooked yet including an impressive collection of 1,200 Greek musical instruments, the Museum of Folk Art & Tradition, and the Melina Merkouri Cultural Centre, to name a few. 
 
Visit The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center 

SNFCC
@snfcc 
 
Completed in 2016, the SNFCC fast became one of the city’s most popular landmarks, and it’s undoubtedly worth a visit. Upon visiting, there are a bunch of things you can do without spending any money, such as taking a 20-minute tour of the SNFCC, browsing the collections at the National Library of Greece, participating in a free outdoor session of yoga, and enjoying various free events, including outdoor movie screenings, concerts, and exhibitions hosted at the centre.
 
Admire The Archaeological Collections Of Various Metro Stations

Syntagma Metro Station
@maryagony

During excavations of the 135-kilometer-long metro network, workers discovered a trove of ancient treasures. In fact, more than 50,000 historical artifacts were unearthed, including old city walls, parts of an ancient bridge, vases, and even sarcophagi. Many of these relics from antiquity are now exhibited in big metro stations open to the public free of charge, turning a subway ride into a journey through time. They can be found on the upper level of Syntagma, Panepistimio, Acropolis, Monastiraki, Evangelismos, Egaleo, and Dafni metro stations.
 
Free Walking Tours Of The City

Plakapng
@katerinafakinou87

Who said you have to pay for a tour guide? If you do a little research, you will find several organizations offering free walking tours led by enthusiastic locals who will show you the best the city has to offer and share fascinating facts about the Greek capital. During these walks, you can admire from the outside world-famous ancient ruins, such as the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian’s Arch, the Tower of the Winds, the Panathenaic Stadium, and, of course, the Parthenon!
 
Explore Athens’ Vibrant Markets 

Aeropagitou
@mkoumparda 
 
Offering everything from antiques and fresh produce to books and fashion, Athens’s street markets cost nothing to look at, though you may be tempted to buy a unique souvenir to bring back home with you. The most famous of them all is the Monastiraki flea market lined with stores selling handmade sandals, clothes, souvenirs, and second-hand items. The Varvakios Agora, the biggest meat-and-fish market in the city, and the antique flea market at Avissinias Square are also worth a visit!
 
 
 
 
 
Friday, August 19

3 separate international acts, the Dutch Joris Voorn, the Mexican Sainte Vie (live) and the Ukrainian Korolova share the decks of Bolivar in an evening that is expected to be unforgettable. Support by Dj Steph.

Purchase your tickets here!

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Saturday, August 20

The popular djs/producers from the roster of the unsurpassed Afterlife, Massano and The Element will undertake the decks of Bolivar. The British Massano producer of the viral tracks "The Feeling" and "ID" has won continuous support from famous names such as Tale Of Us, Artbat, Mind Against and appears at the biggest festivals and clubs worldwide. The Element is a pioneering artist from Malta with over 30 years of experience in Melodic house & techno having performed along with all the biggest artists in the world. After signing with Afterlife in 2019, with his first single 'Ryder, he became world-famous for his quality performances and productions.

Purchase your tickets here!

2022.08.20 Massano The Element story
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