SERVICES

XpatAthens
Mona Supper Club
On May 27 and 28 at 20:00, the downtown concept hotel — which has pioneered cross-cultural pop-up events in its award-winning spaces — will host Cenk Debensason and Debora Ipekel, the powerhouse duo behind Arkestra, Istanbul’s Michelin-starred restaurant and listening bar.





ABOUT ARKESTRA
Opened in 2022, Arkestra is a Michelin-starred restaurant, listening room, and cocktail bar based in a 1960s villa in Istanbul. The brainchild of chef Cenk Debensason and music curator Debora Ipekel, Arkestra is an ever-evolving sensory destination where seasonal produce meets French technique, and sound is as central as flavor. From small plates at the bistro Ritmo to legendary DJ sets upstairs, Arkestra is a place to eat, meet, and move.
ABOUT CENK DEBENSASON
Cenk Debensason, born in Turkey is the co-founder and Head Chef at Arkestra. His career started in France training in Culinary Arts and Restaurant Management from the Institute Paul Bocuse in Lyon before touring the world to nurture his skills. He learned from some of the best restaurants such as Alain Senderens, Château de Bagnols, Maison Clovis, and Gary Danko. Cenk launched a pop-up dinner series in Los Angeles in 2013: ‘The Cartoonist’ before returning to his hometown of Istanbul in 2016. Before opening Arkestra, Cenk was head chef of cult favourite Petra and a culinary consultant for two years, whilst hosting a summer pop-up restaurant in Bodrum with partner Debora Ipekel. In 2022, Debensason and Ipekel opened Arkestra.
ABOUT DEBORA IPEKEL
Prior to moving to Istanbul and opening Arkestra, Debora was fully immersed in London’s vibrant music industry, working as an events programmer for Boiler Room and planning parties which spanned the globe. Opening a place of her own that merged food, music, drink and culture was always an overriding ambition, after a youth spent working in a London record store and DJing at bars, restaurants and clubs around Europe. Today sees her host a monthly show on NTS Radio, playing her genre defying picks, as well as running her record label Zel Zele.
ABOUT HOUSE OF SHILA & MONA SUPPER CLUBS
House of Shila (HOS) is a creative studio in pursuit of aesthetic pleasures. HOS creates distinctively designed spaces that act as laboratories of experiential storytelling — from boutique hotels like Mona and Shila to curated pop-up events, art residencies, publishing, and concept experiences. With locations in Athens, New York, and Skopelos Island, HOS connects a global community of artists, designers, chefs, and entrepreneurs, championing sensual beauty, craftsmanship, and cultural exchange.
Mona Supper Club is an ongoing dining series founded and curated by House of Shila, spotlighting global chefs paired with local culinary talent and in dialogue with Athens’ creative scene, Each gathering invites a chef to take over Mona’s Living Room to create their own gastronomic. Mona’s Supper Clubs have emerged as highly sought-after social events offering a taste of ephemeral brilliance, where old and new friends come together to connect.
Visit Mona's Webiste HERE or Book Tickets HERE
The Wait Is Over - Navarino Challenge 2025 Schedule Is Revealed



Τhe special offers and discounts of Discount Partners valid during the event can be found HERE!
Flower Power 4 Group Show At FokiaNou Art Space
Duration: 15 – 31 May, 2025
Hours: Thursday – Saturday, 17.00 -20.00
Opening: Thursday, 15 May, 18.00



Live & Work Remotely In Greece: Digital Nomad Residence Permit
If your dream is to answer emails from a seaside café or take Zoom calls with a view of the Aegean, Greece’s Digital Nomad Residence Permit might be the key to unlocking your ideal work-life balance.
What Is the Digital Nomad Residence Permit?
- Employment Status: You must be either self-employed or employed by a non-Greek company.
- Income: A minimum monthly income of €3,500 is required, with higher thresholds for dependents.
- Documentation: Necessary documentation includes a valid entry visa or eligibility for a visa exemption, a full medical care certificate, and a residential lease or property purchase contract.
- Supporting Documents: Additional Documents: The amount of sufficient resources is evidenced: a) by the employment contract or project contract or proof of employment relationship, in the case of dependent labor, services, or project, and b) Statements from your bank
- Translation: All non-Greek documents must be translated as required.
- Family Members: You can bring your spouse and children, provided you submit the necessary marriage and birth certificates.
Validity: 2 years, renewable electronically
Fees: €1,000 admin fee
Application: Handled by the One-Stop Service of the Ministry of Migration and Asylum
Need help managing the paperwork? Let Expat Law’s digital nomad visa specialists handle the process for you—from translations to legal representation. No in-person appointments required.
B. Digital Nomad Visa
Validity: Up to 12 months
Application: Submit through a Greek consulate in your home country
Fees: €75 visa fee + €150 admin charge
Limitations: Renewal requires exiting and reapplying—less flexible than the residence permit
Why Choose Greece as Your Remote Work Base?
- Affordable living costs
- High-speed internet in most urban centers
- Warm climate and natural beauty
- Access to EU-standard healthcare
- Vibrant international communities in cities like Athens, Thessaloniki, and Chania
- Double-check translations: Greek bureaucracy is strict about official documentation.
- Secure housing early: A signed lease or property ownership is required.
- Start early: Processing times vary and legal support can help prevent delays.
- Work with professionals: The laws evolve, and having experts on your side makes the journey smoother.
Golden Visa Greece: Your 2025 Guide To Residency By Investment
What Is the Greek Golden Visa?
- Low Entry Point: Starting at just €250,000, Greece offers one of the lowest investment threshold among Golden Visa programs in the EU.
- Visa-Free Schengen Travel: Holders can enjoy unrestricted travel throughout the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period, without needing additional visas.
- Renewal and Validity: The Golden Visa is initially valid for five years and can be renewed every five years, provided the investment is maintained. There’s no requirement to reside in Greece to renew the visa, which is unique compared to other residency programs.
- Family-Friendly: The Greek Golden Visa extends to the investor’s immediate family, including:
- Spouse or partner (if civil partnerships are recognized in the applicant's country of origin)
- Children under 21 (extendable under specific conditions)
- Parents of both the applicant and their spouse
- This family inclusion makes it an attractive option for those seeking residency for their entire household. - No Residency Requirement: You can maintain your visa without living in Greece, a unique feature not offered by all EU programs.
- Pathway to Citizenship: While the Golden Visa provides a route to Greek residency, obtaining Greek citizenship is a separate process. To apply for citizenship, you typically need to live in Greece for 7 years continuously and meet other criteria such as language proficiency, demonstrating ties to Greece, and passing a citizenship test. Learn more about the Greek citizenship process!
- Real Estate Purchase: The updated Greek Golden Visa rules introduce tiered investment thresholds for real estate. In sought-after locations, the minimum property investment has risen to €800,000. For other areas, the threshold is €400,000, while the €250,000 minimum still applies to heritage restorations or conversions of commercial properties into residential homes. These changes aim to balance market demand with preservation and development opportunities. This is the most popular route for Golden Visa applicants due to Greece’s attractive property market and affordable prices.
- Long-Term Leases: A five-year lease in a tourist accommodation (furnished residence or hotel) qualifies.
- Startup & Business Investments: Invest in an innovative Greek startup or registered enterprise to gain eligibility.
- Capital-Based Investments: Includes Greek government bonds, mutual funds, or fixed capital contributions, typically requiring a minimum of €500,000.
- Choose Your Investment
Select the most suitable option based on your goals—real estate, financial products, or a business venture. - Prepare Documentation
You’ll need valid identification, proof of funds, background checks, and health insurance. - Complete the Investment
Finalize the purchase or agreement and gather supporting legal documents. - Submit Your Application
You can apply in person or via legal representation through Greek immigration authorities. - Receive Residency Permit
If approved, your five-year Golden Visa will be issued, with eligibility for renewal as long as the investment is maintained.
Have a question or need help getting started? Feel free to reach out to us! We’re here to connect you with the right resources and make your path to Greek residency as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Group Greek Lessons For Women - Meet-Up & Coffee
Hello ladies!
I’m Angeliki, the content creator for Xpat Athens. I’ve been serving the local community for many years, and I’ve decided to blend this with my studies. I’m a psychology graduate and postgraduate, specializing in children’s mental health, but my university program also included extensive language lessons. I am highly proficient in both Greek and Ancient Greek, with a full understanding of the language.
For the past 7 years, I’ve been teaching both Modern and Ancient Greek, helping students of all backgrounds connect with the language on a deeper level.
My passion is seeing people learn to speak and understand my mother tongue, the language I hold so dear. That’s why I’m excited to offer Greek lessons for foreigners with a twist! Think of it as a more relaxed, community-focused way of learning. We’ll get together, chat, practice, and learn in a laid-back environment—where the focus is not just on speaking but truly understanding the language.
I’m strict but fair because I want you to actually learn and progress, not just say a few phrases.
📅 First Meetup – Coffee and Conversation
Our first meetup is set for Tuesday, May 20th, at 6:00 PM in the center of Athens (exact location to be announced soon). This casual coffee gathering is a great opportunity to get to know each other, discuss all the details about the lessons, and answer any questions you might have.
I’ll also allocate a short questionnaire to help divide the groups nicely based on level, availability, and personal preferences, making sure everyone finds the right fit.
This introductory meeting is, of course, free of charge (each participant will only cover the cost of their coffee/drink), so come meet me, the teacher, and connect with other like-minded participants.
The regular sessions will be €20 for a 2-hour lesson. I will share everything at our meet-up in writing so you have an exact idea of how things will work.
📧 If this sounds like something you’d be interested in, send an email to angie.vourliotaki@gmail.com to RSVP no later than Friday, May 16th.
Looking forward to helping you master Greek in a fun and engaging way!
Celebrity International Movers
-
Domestic & International Household Removals
-
Full Relocation Services (housing, schools, lifestyle support)
-
Office Moves with strategic planning and timeline adherence
-
Specialized Transports: Fine Art, Pet Moves, Exhibitions, and Vehicles
-
Short- & Long-Term Storage in modern, secure facilities
Because moving isn’t just about getting from A to B; it’s about peace of mind. With decades of experience and a genuine passion for what they do they are truly the movers who care.
📧 contact@celebrity.gr



Wellness Retreats Greece
Wellness Retreats Greece is a growing wellness community connecting individuals, professionals, and companies with curated wellness experiences and expert consulting. Expanding beyond the traditional retreat platform, WRG comes as a transformative space for growth, healing, connection, and community. Whether you seek personal renewal, want to enhance workplace well-being, are eager to participate in inspiring wellness events, or need expert guidance to bring your own vision to life, we’re here to support you.
Our mission is to connect like-minded individuals and businesses, foster meaningful experiences, support local communities and establish Greece as a leading destination for wellness and holistic well-being.
🌸 Curated retreats, workshops & gatherings happening around Greece designed to rejuvenate the whole self.
🧘♀️ Signature wellness experiences designed to inspire personal growth, healing & renewal.
🌿 Tailored corporate wellness programs crafted to enhance employee well-being, productivity & team cohesion.
🤝 Guidance and support helping you effortlessly create and host your own wellness events in Greece.

Fire On The Island By TIMOTHY JAY SMITH


Athens Singers Perform Misa A Buenos Aires!
Mr. Palmeri has created this tango mass by using both his experience as a choir director and his work arranging Argentinian tango music. Starting with the form of a classical Roman Catholic mass, including lyrics in Latin, he adds the rhythms and attributes of tango. The end result is a piece that is both spiritual and exciting. Don't be surprised if you find your foot tapping to the rhythm!
The concert will be held on Friday, 23rd of May at 8:30PM at The War Museum Amphitheatre, conveniently located across from the Evangelismos Metro station.