This summer, the Maria Callas Museum of the City of Athens welcomes locals and  visitors with a series of creative and engaging events that bring together art,  imagination, and the vibrant atmosphere of the city. Every Sunday in July, Mitropoleos  Square transforms into an open-air art corner with La Mia Maria: Create your own  carte postale!, a colourful drop-in activity for all ages. On the night of the July full  moon, the museum stays open late for Under the Moonlight—a special evening  experience featuring reduced admission, music from a live DJ set, and breathtaking  views of the Acropolis. Throughout July and August, visitors of all ages can also join interactive guided tours offered in Greek and English, and discover the life and legacy of  Maria Callas in new and inspiring ways. 

Where will your own carte postale travel? 

Every Sunday of July, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, children and adults alike can create their own  commemorative carte postale featuring a portrait of Maria Callas using the stencil technique. 

In this fun activity, you will get to know the great opera diva through an artistic process full of  colors and imagination. When you leave, you’ll have a unique keepsake that will remind you of  this special encounter with your very own Maria Callas. 

Every Sunday, Mitropoleos Square comes alive with creativity and joy! Come with your friends  or family, enjoy a stroll through the city center, and make a stop for some art, imagination,  and… your very own carte postale! 

Duration of creating the carte postale: approximately 15 minutes 

Location: Mitropoleos Square – directly across from the entrance of the Maria Callas Museum Free participation – No reservation required, first-come, first-served basis 

The Maria Callas Museum, recently honored with a special commendation at the EMYA 2025,  invites visitors to experience the world of opera and the life of one of its greatest divas through  the guided tours offered in English. This unique museum is entirely dedicated to celebrating  the remarkable work and personality of Maria Callas. 

Among its priceless exhibits are rare and personal items from the life and career of this  extraordinary artist, whose extraordinary vocal range, distinctive tone, stage presence, and  musical mastery forever transformed the opera landscape. 

A visit to the museum is an immersive experience that awakens all the senses. Visitors delve  into the opera world and Callas’s legacy through engaging, experiential learning, enhanced by  audiovisual presentations, multimedia technology, texts, soundscapes, and historical artifacts. 

Date: July 16 & 30, August 7 & 21 

Time: 12:00 PM 

Duration: 50 minutes

Cost: 14€ – Reduced ticket categories also apply 

Discover the magic of Maria Callas through a unique family experience in the heart of Athens! 

A must-visit cultural destination, the Maria Callas Museum invites families on an inspiring  journey into the world of the legendary soprano. Through interactive exhibits and modern  audiovisual displays, children are introduced to the fascinating universe of opera in a way that  is fun, creative, and memorable. 

Our specially designed family tours keep both young and older visitors engaged, offering not  only knowledge but also moments of connection and shared discovery. 

Dates: July 16 & 30, August 7 & 21 

Time: 13:30 

Duration: 50 minutes 

Cost: €7 per child (ages 9–17), €14 per adult, €30 per family (two adults and at least one child  aged 9–17) 

Note: Family tours can also be arranged on alternative dates upon request. For more information, please contact us at visit@mariacallasmuseum.gr or +30 210 44 04 204 (Monday–Friday, 11:00–18:00).

September 15-21 - Join us for a transformative Brain-Health & Yoga Retreat on the sacred slopes of Mount Olympus, where science meets serenity and ancient energy inspires deep renewal.

This unique retreat combines cutting-edge, evidence-based brain-health practices with the timeless wisdom of yoga, breathwork, and mindfulness.

 

Through expertly guided sessions, you’ll explore the powerful connection between mind and body, gaining practical tools to enhance mental clarity, emotional resilience, and nervous system regulation.

 

Each day includes gentle yet energizing yoga flows, calming meditation, breathwork techniques, and brainhealth workshops to reduce stress and get a clear mind, all designed to help you rewire thought patterns and restore balance from within. Nourishing meals, spacious time in nature, and an intimate community atmosphere further support your journey.

 

Set against the mythic backdrop of Mount Olympus — a place of natural majesty and spiritual significance — this retreat offers the ideal environment to disconnect from everyday demands, reconnect with yourself, and return home with renewed clarity, vitality, and purpose.

Perfect for anyone seeking a holistic reset, whether you're navigating stress, seeking inspiration, or simply craving a deeply revitalizing experience rooted in nature and neuroscience.

 

The Athens Epidaurus Festival presents the world premiere of The Oath of Europe, a deeply evocative new play by internationally acclaimed playwright and director Wajdi Mouawad, starring the legendary Juliette Binoche. This unique production brings together a multicultural cast of six actors from different continents in a polyphonic performance that navigates themes of inherited trauma, war, silence, and identity.

Inspired by ancient mythology and rooted in the aesthetics of Greek tragedy, The Oath of Europe unfolds as a fragmented memory — a mosaic of voices, testimonies, and ghosts from the past. It tells the story of a woman forced to confront a buried childhood memory of atrocity, in a work that resonates with today’s fractured world.

Staged for the first time at the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, this international co-production with Théâtre National de la Colline (Paris) is part of the Festival’s Contemporary Ancients cycle and is supported by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation. A bold and lyrical exploration of myth and modern history — and one of the summer’s most anticipated theatrical events.

The Athens Epidaurus Festival presents an extraordinary evening of classical music under the stars at one of the world’s most breathtaking venues — the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. On July 15, the celebrated Mahler Chamber Orchestra, known for its dynamic, conductor-free performances, takes the stage with internationally acclaimed pianist Yuja Wang, who also leads the ensemble as musical director for the evening.

Together, they’ll perform a powerful program featuring beloved works by Beethoven, Chopin, Stravinsky, and Tchaikovsky, blending romantic lyricism with avant-garde intensity. Wang, praised for her technical brilliance, charisma, and emotional range, is considered one of the most exciting classical artists of our time. Her presence, combined with the Mahler Chamber Orchestra’s exceptional musicality, promises a performance of rare artistic synergy.

This special night is part of the Classical Music Cycle of the festival and is a highlight of the summer season — perfect for music lovers, culture seekers, and anyone looking to experience the magic of live music in an unforgettable ancient setting.

When most people think of summer in Greece, the images are predictable: sunbathing on white-sand beaches, sipping ouzo at seaside tavernas, watching the sun melt into the sea. And while those are undeniably part of the magic, there’s another Greece waiting to be discovered.

 

This is a Greece of hidden waterfalls, sea caves, open-air cinemas, and ancient paths under starry skies. Ready to go off-script?

 

Here are 10 unique summer experiences in Greece that will transform your idea of what summer can be.

Milos is volcanic, wild, and full of hidden coves and surreal sea caves, and the best way to explore them? By kayak. Paddle through tunnels of white rock, swim in translucent water, and land on beaches that are inaccessible by road.

🛶 Best Spot: The caves around Kleftiko and Sykia on the southern coast.

2. Chase Waterfalls in Northern Evia or Pelion

 
@analytis.mp3

Greece is more than islands; it’s full of lush gorges and waterfalls. Cool off in natural rock pools shaded by plane trees, just a few hours from Athens.

Try: The waterfalls of Drymonas in Evia or Tsagarada’s Fakistra Waterfall in Pelion. Ideal for a day trip with a picnic.

3. Watch a Film Under the Stars at a Greek Open-Air Cinema


@yuksel_pecenek

It’s not just a movie; it’s a ritual. With a breeze in your hair, jasmine scent in the air, and a cold drink in hand, Greece’s θερινά σινεμά (summer cinemas) are pure nostalgia.

Where to go: Cine Thisio in Athens, with the Acropolis glowing behind the screen, or Cine Kalisperitis in Kimolos.

4. Learn Pottery in Sifnos, the Island of Clay


@mrchrissharples

Sifnos is a hub of ceramic art. Sign up for a pottery workshop with a local artist, and get your hands into the same clay that’s been shaped for centuries.

🏺 Best studios: Atsonios or Peristeriona in Kamares.

5. Spend the Night in a Treehouse in Evritania


@dimvsd

Karpenisi in summer, transforms into a green paradise, filled with rivers, forests, and cool mountain air. One of the most magical ways to experience it? Sleeping in a treehouse nestled among fir trees.

Surrounded by nature, you can swing in a hammock, wake up to birdsong, and fall asleep under the stars. It’s the kind of stay that makes you feel like a kid again, whether you're with family, your partner, or on a solo recharge.

6. Spend the Night in a Monastery on a Remote Island


@jcamatsos

If you're craving silence, introspection, or just a break from modern chaos, spend a night (or two) in a working Greek monastery. Many are open to respectful visitors in the summer months, offering basic lodging, shared meals, and early-morning liturgies.

It’s not about religion but about stillness, starlit courtyards, stone cells cooled by mountain air, and waking to the sound of chanting echoing through the hills.

 

Greece’s islands are famed for their postcard-perfect villages, those dreamy whitewashed settlements draped in bougainvillea, built amphitheatrically on cliffs or tucked into olive-covered hills. While Santorini and Mykonos often steal the spotlight, the true heart of the Aegean and Ionian seas lies in the less-hyped island villages that are just as breathtaking, more serene, and wonderfully authentic.

Here are some of the most beautiful Greek island vilages that we can’t stop dreaming about, and maybe, neither will you.

Chora – Amorgos


@annakarin6.0

Mystical and minimal, Chora of Amorgos is a Cycladic masterpiece. Tucked inland and surrounded by windmills and rugged peaks, it feels like a walk back in time. Quiet streets, hidden tavernas, and a strong local character give it depth and allure.

Why it stands out: It's untouched, has zero glitz, and is full of hidden Byzantine chapels, stone archways, and incredible authenticity.

Olympos – Karpathos


@diokaminaris

This village on the island of Karpathos is unlike anywhere else in Greece. Perched high on the mountains, Olympos feels like an open-air folklore museum, where women still wear traditional dress and the dialect is ancient.

This is where time stands still, and every stone street seems carved from history and myth. Remote, wild, and soul-stirring.

Chora - Astypalaia

This butterfly-shaped island belongs to the Dodecanese, but its Chora is pure Cycladic fairytale: white houses cascading below a Venetian castle, blue domes popping out above rooftops, and windmills watching over the main square.

Top vibe: Romantic, peaceful, and unbelievably photogenic. The view of the Kastro (castle) at night is hauntingly beautiful.

Ano Syros – Syros


@i.tsimi

While Ermoupoli is the grand neoclassical capital of the Cyclades, Ano Syros is its medieval crown. Winding uphill streets lead you past Catholic monasteries, domed churches, and arched doorways.

Bonus points: It's the birthplace of Markos Vamvakaris, father of rebetiko music, and the view over Ermoupoli’s harbor is dreamy.

Chora - Serifos 


@elena_dim_

Built amphitheatrically up a rocky hill, Chora of Serifos offers dramatic views and classic island architecture. It’s quiet, rugged, and ideal for slow travelers. Once you hike up through its wind-swept alleys, you’ll be rewarded with some of the most panoramic sunset views in the Aegean.

Vibe: A little wild, a little romantic, and totally unforgettable.

Apeiranthos – Naxos

@kidsareatrip

While Naxos’ main Chora is also stunning, Apeiranthos is a marble village that feels like a Cycladic secret. Tower houses, Venetian architecture, and artisan shops nestled in stone-paved alleys offer a refreshing alternative to the classic white-and-blue palette.

Pro tip: Stay for lunch in one of the traditional kafeneia, it’s like eating inside a time capsule.

Chora – Kythira


@Teog79

Technically closer to the Peloponnese than the Aegean, Kythira’s Chora blends Ionian elegance with Cycladic charm. Topped by a Venetian castle, it overlooks the sea and the island’s wild cliffs, dotted with Byzantine chapels and hidden coves.

Best for: Romantics, road-trippers, and fans of moody beauty.

September 13-20 - Join Meditation is my Medication for 8 magical days of deep nourishment, inner balance, and total relaxation in the tranquil beauty of Kissamos, Crete.

This immersive retreat is an invitation to reset your mind and body through the healing powers of daily yoga, meditation, and conscious living. You’ll enjoy gentle, grounding yoga practices each morning and evening, breathwork, mindful walking, and moments of self-reflection to foster clarity and calm. Each day is nourished with wholesome, plant-based meals prepared from seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.

Let the serenity of Crete’s natural surroundings - from olive groves to turquoise beaches - hold you, while meaningful connections unfold in a safe, intimate group setting. Accommodation is nestled in nature, offering simple yet cozy shared or private rooms designed to support rest and restoration.

This retreat is ideal for anyone seeking to pause, breathe, and realign with themselves - whether you're a beginner or an experienced yoga or meditation practitioner. It’s for those craving calm, clarity, and mindful restoration, and for lovers of nature, simplicity, and soulful connection.

October 14-18 - Sink into the gentle rhythm of the Aegean on this 5‑day immersive retreat in Hydra, where the pace of life slows and the soul can breathe.

 

Inspired by the graceful qualities of water - resilient, expansive, and fluid - this experience is designed to help you soften, reconnect, and rediscover your natural flow amidst the island’s serene, car-free charm.

 

Each day unfolds with a balanced program of Vinyasa Flow and Yin Yoga, reflecting the water element’s depth and adaptability, while breathwork and meditation practices support emotional clarity and inner calm.

 

A unique aspect of this retreat is the integration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, featuring auricular acupuncture and personalized acupuncture sessions with Theresa, offering gentle and grounding support for your nervous system.

 

You’ll stay at the peaceful Mandraki Beach Resort, where simplicity meets comfort just steps from the sea—an ideal setting for restoration and reconnection.

With impressive turnout and an atmosphere of excitement, the largest FIBA 3X3 Stoiximan AegeanBall Festival 2025 concluded successfully. For the 7th year, it filled the capital of the Cyclades with energy, passion, and basketball stars, transforming it — from June 27 to 29 — into a global point of reference. The historic Miaouli Square, with the iconic Ermoupolis Town Hall in the background, was once again transformed into a unique open-air basketball venue, gathering athletes of all ages — professionals and amateurs — and a large audience from all over Greece and abroad.

The festival, once again, served as a vibrant hub of sports, entertainment, and inspiration, offering to the visitors unique moments and promoting the values of sports and participation. Basketball returned to neighborhoods, to open courts, and to the hoops of childhood — where the love for the game is born. Parallel activities and surprises accompanied the games, enhancing the experience for young and old, reminding everyone of the magic of playing outside, with passion, spontaneity, and smiles.

The iconic Miaouli Square was once again transformed into the center of Greek 3X3, hosting the biggest basketball event of the year.

With continuous flow of games on 4 open courts, Stoiximan AegeanBall Festival set a new participation record, with 590 male and female athletes and 168 teams (70 adult and 98 youth teams, as well as many women’s teams) taking part — numbers that surpass every previous similar event in Greece. Within 3 days, 340 games were held across different categories, offering non-stop action and strong emotions for all ages. Each day, more than 2,500 spectators filled the square, while professional and amateur athletes — aged from 9 to 58 — gave their best, filling Syros with basketball energy. The participants came from Greece, Europe, and America, confirming the international character of the festival.

At the same time, hundreds of children engaged with the sport in a festive and family-friendly atmosphere, promoting amateur sports.

The importance of the event as a basketball institution was underlined by the presence of Greek Deputy Minister of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports, Mr. Giannis Vroutsis, in Syros, reinforcing the significance of Stoiximan AegeanBall Festival both for sports and the local community. In the context of strengthening collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports, the festival proceeded with the renaming of the U11 children’s category to U11 Dimitrios Vikelas, paying tribute to the Syros-born author Dimitrios Vikelas, who played a pivotal role in the revival of the Olympic Games in Athens in 1896.

With this initiative, under the auspices and support of the National Organizing Committee for Athletic, Olympic, and Paralympic Education, History & Values, the aim was to highlight the timeless values of sport and bring children closer to the values of sports and education through inspiring role models.

During his presence on the island, Deputy Minister Giannis Vroutsis announced that he is fulfilling the request of both the festival’s visionary Georgios Printezis and all the residents of Syros, following the proposal and study by the Municipality of Syros–Ermoupolis for the construction of an indoor basketball court on the island.

Stoiximan AegeanBall Festival 2025 was not only a top-level sports event but also once again highlighted its important social role for the island of Syros. The festival practically supported sports tourism, contributing to the full occupancy of accommodations and offering visitors the chance to experience the beauty and hospitality of Syros through the lens of a modern sports institution. For the 7th year, the vision of Georgios Printezis proved that sports can act as a driver for social contribution, returning to squares and neighborhood courts. As part of its corporate responsibility actions, Stoiximan, which participated for the fourth consecutive year as title sponsor, delivered a project of substantial value to the local community: the fully renovated outdoor basketball court at the Municipal Sports Center of Ermoupolis "Dimitrios Vikelas" giving new life to a public sports space and making it accessible to young and old alike.

Sports came even closer to the new generation, through a basketball clinic held on Thursday, June 26, by EuroLeague legend and European champion with Real Madrid Joe Arlauckas, who passed on his love and values of the sport to the children of Syros. The clinic was also honored by the presence of international player Dimitris Mavroeidis. Stoiximan AegeanBall Festival once again supported and highlighted amateur sports, while bringing global stars from the NBA and Europe closer to the Syros audience, proving that the event has become an institution that goes beyond sports and leaves a meaningful social impact. On the same evening, Miaouli Square hosted a special moment of the festival, with journalist and presenter Maria Mpekatorou conducting an exclusive interview with Georgios Printezis. In a warm and heartfelt conversation before the audience, the festival’s founder shared moments, memories, and his vision for the island and the event.

At this year’s Stoiximan AegeanBall Festival, eleven spectacular teams – the Stoiximan Falcons, COSMOTE TELEKOM Rockets, Intersport Raiders, adidas Titans, Blue Star Sharks, L'Oréal Paris Men Expert Nets, Nespresso Vikings, Seiko Hawks, Seneca Pacers, Trident Long Lasters, and Snappi Raptors – “turned up the heat” on the court at Miaouli Square. Their rosters included some of the biggest names in European and Greek basketball: Alongside Georgios Printezis, were two-time EuroLeague champion and best defender Bryant Dunston, EuroLeague champion Luca Vildoza, assist wizard Marcelo Huertas, and European basketball legends Dimitris Diamantidis, Theodoros Papaloukas, and Giannis Bourousis. On the court also appeared EuroLeague champions Kostas Papanikolaou and Vangelis Mantzaris, internationals Giannoulis Larentzakis, Dimitris Mavroeidis, and Nikos Gkikas, former Cyprus national team captain Panagiotis Trisokkas, and top athletes Nikos Rogkavopoulos, Omiros Netzipoglou, Nikolas Plotas, Giorgos Fillios.

Women’s presence was stronger than ever, with top female athletes proving that basketball knows no gender. Among them were EuroCup and Greek champion Eleanna Christinaki, Greek Cup and league champion Dionysia Alexandri, international champions Mariella Fasoula and Ioanna Diela, international players Penelope Pavlopoulou, Renia Karlafti, and outstanding athletes Athanasia Panagiotopoulou, Ismini Prapa, Chrysa Kilazidou, Vasiliki Louka, Georgia Veloudou, and Nelly Bibiri, strengthening the festival with energy, talent, and sportsmanship.

Stoiximan AegeanBall Festival in Syros welcomed once again beloved and well-known figures from sports and entertainment, adding color and uniqueness to the event. Among them were "lord of the rings" Lefteris Petrounias, Olympic gold and double bronze medalist and eight-time European champion, who impressed with his presence. Also present were Greek football legend Giorgos Karagounis, world parkour champion Dimitris Kyrsanidis, charismatic Giorgos Lentzas, and dynamic sports journalist Christina Vrachali, who all brought pulse, positivity, and true love for sports to the audience.

The VIP 4on4 games held for the first time on Saturday and the VIP League 3x3 on Sunday were broadcasted live by COSMOTE TV, offering millions of viewers the chance to watch the excitement and passion of these thrilling matchups, with presenter Fanis Lampropoulos bringing humor and liveliness to the broadcast.

The spectacular Dunking Devils by Stoiximan fired up the crowd with their incredible dunks, providing countless moments of awe and enthusiasm for the fans who filled the venue and stayed in their seats until the end.

During this year’s Stoiximan AegeanBall Festival, Miaouli Square became a lively, colorful entertainment hub, full of energy and interactive experiences for young and old. At the specially designed sponsor booths — Stoiximan, COSMOTE TELEKOM, L'Oréal Paris Men Expert, Seneca, Trident, and Snappi — visitors had the chance to participate in interactive games and competitions, win gifts and surprises, enjoy music, and share unique moments with their favorite athletes.

As part of the event, on Saturday and Sunday, spectacular contests were held that highlighted the talent, precision, and imagination of the participants, offering unforgettable moments to the audience of Syros.

On Saturday, at the Adidas 3 Point Contest, the winner was Pinelopi Pavlopoulou, while in the L’Oréal Paris Men Expert Shoot All Around, Eleanna Christinaki stood out. Dionysia Alexandri won the KOIS Long Shoot, while the SEIKO Hangman was conquered by Nikos Plotas, and in the Blue Star Ferries Free Throw, Nelly Bibiri distinguished herself.

Vangelis Mantzaris impressed and won the Stoiximan Shooting Star, while in the Intersport Knock Out, the winner was Dimitris Mavroeidis, who also claimed the Stoiximan Shooting Star on Sunday. Sunday’s contests continued with the COSMOTE TELEKOM Skill Challenge, which was won by the event’s visionary, Georgios Printezis. In the Trident Looong Shoot, Theodoros Papaloukas made the decisive shot that gave him the win. Ismini Prapa emerged victorious in the Seneca 3 Point Contest, while Giannoulis Larentzakis stood out in the Nespresso Shoot All Around, and the Snappi Hangman was won by Giorgos Fillios. Among other things, what truly sets the event apart is that many players offered the valuable prizes they won to the crowd, further enhancing the purpose of the event and reinforcing the message of giving and generosity.

In the VIP 3X3 League, the trophy was lifted by the Intersport Raiders, consisting of Theodoros Papaloukas, Kostas Papanikolaou, Georgia Veloudou, Nikos Plotas, and Ioanna Diela. In the VIP 4on4 of the Stoiximan AegeanBall Festival 2025, the champions were the Nespresso Vikings, with Marcelo Huertas, Nikos Rogkavopoulos, Dionysia Alexandri, Dimitris Kyrsanidis, Christina Vrachali, and Panagiotis Trisokkas raising the trophy and delivering unforgettable moments.

Title Sponsor: STOIXIMAN

Major Sponsors: COSMOTE TELEKOM, INTERSPORT

Official Broadcaster: COSMOTE TV

Sponsors: ADIDAS, BLUE STAR FERRIES, L’ORÉAL PARIS MEN EXPERT, NESPRESSO, SEIKO, SENECA, TRIDENT

Supporters: ARGINI HOTEL – SYROS, FOOT LOCKER, HOLLAND & BARRETT, POWERADE, SNAPPI, ZAGORI, KOTSOVOLOS

Partners: HUMAN TECAR, PMS SECURITY, SPALDING, TESLA, TGI, TRIPO.GR, TUSKS DIGITAL MEDIA, ATHENS MEDICAL GROUP

Local Partners: ARMENAKI, CIEL, DR DRAKOTOS, GRAND GELATO, ISLAND PACKAGING, KOIS OPTICS, LIAKO, ONO, ORA BARESTO, SAINT, WINDOOR, THEOFILOS, PROZYMI, TO ARCHONTARIKI

Official Hospitality Partner: HOTEL AEGEAN PARADISO
Strategic Media Sponsors: EUROHOOPS, SPORT24

Organizers of the Stoiximan AegeanBall Festival 2025 were Progame, the Municipality of Syros – Ermoupolis, and the Region of South Aegean.

The event was held under the auspices of the Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports, the Cyclades Basketball Clubs Union, and the Cyclades Amateur Basketball Referees Association, as well as with the kind support of the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO).

#StoiximanAegeanBallFestival #ΓιαΤηΣύρο #WeAreSyros

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