XpatAthens

XpatAthens

We are excited to honor the 44th anniversary of this beloved celebration right here in Athens and to support three meaningful community causes:

🎁 Christmas gifts for the children at Chatzikiriakio
🛒 Food donations for the Agios Spyridonas Food Bank in Pagrati
🍽️ Christmas Dinner for St. Therapontas Senior Citizen’s Home in Zografou

Join us for an elegant afternoon of fine dining, warm fellowship, and giving back. Enjoy a full buffet luncheon, vibrant community spirit, and lively DJ entertainment, all while supporting those in need this holiday season.

We look forward to celebrating together and making a meaningful impact in our community!

📅 Date: Sunday, November 30, 2025 — 2:00 p.m.
👉 RSVP / Info: hesperus359@yahoo.com 
Beach Club from France & Sunrise Beach Sports Academy from Ukraine are the champions of CEV Beach Volley European Cup Final 2025
           
CEV Beach Volley European Cup Final 2025 was completed with great success and was hosted at TUI Magic Life Candia Maris of Metaxa Hospitality Group, in Heraklion, Crete, from November 6 to 9. The event attracted the interest of beach volleyball fans from all over Greece and Europe, offering unique spectacle and high-level matches.

CEV Beach Volley European Cup Final 2025, held during the second week of November in Heraklion, was a true celebration of European beach volleyball, bringing together top athletes and raising the bar of competition and entertainment to the highest level. The good weather, the five beach volleyball courts that were created, the excellent facilities of TUI Magic Life Candia Maris, and the exceptional Cretan hospitality of the Metaxa Hospitality Group offered ideal conditions for matches in the sand, creating a unique atmosphere for athletes and spectators. At the same time, the event once again highlighted Crete as an emerging international sports tourism destination, confirming its dynamic potential in hosting high-level sporting events.

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Four days filled with beach volley

This year’s event, which significantly contributed to the promotion of the sport at an international level, featured national teams from 12 countries. Spectators had the opportunity to watch the matches free of charge, filling the bleachers. With top clubs from France, Spain, Serbia, the Netherlands, Hungary, Slovenia, Austria, Czechia, Lithuania, Ukraine, Romania, and Greece, the tournament brought some of the most important representatives of European beach volleyball to Crete. It was an impressive gathering of elite athletes who turned every set into a unique experience, offering the audience thrilling matches, intense emotions, and unforgettable spectacle.

Golden sets, golden moments in the final

In the women’s category, the Ukrainian club Sunrise Beach Sports Academy, led by European champion Tetiana Lazarenko, claimed the European title with two wins over the Hungarian club EDRA Tata, one of which came after a dramatic tie-break. The Ukrainian team showed excellent teamwork and composure, rising to the top of Europe, while the Lithuanian club KBC Oxyklinika won the bronze medal, needing a golden set to overcome Spain’s CV Majadahonda.

In the men’s category, the French club Re Beach Club, from the small island of Île de Ré in western France, was crowned European champion after defeating the Dutch team ZVH Zevenhuizen in a thrilling final that was decided in a golden set, concluding a high-level event in an impressive way.

See the full results HERE & HERE
 
Crete on the global map of sports tourism

The hosting of CEV Beach Volley European Cup Final 2025 in Heraklion once again highlighted Crete as a leading international sports tourism destination. The flawless organization, warm hospitality, and strong interest it attracted from beach volleyball fans across Europe significantly enhanced the image of the island — and of Greece as a whole — as an ideal host for major sporting events. Crete hosted a demanding Olympic sport, reaffirming its position on the global map of sports tourism. An event is truly successful when it turns the destination into a backdrop of experiences, attracts travelers from different markets, and tells a story that travels far beyond the boundaries of the competition — exactly what happened with CEV Beach Volley European Cup Final 2025 in Heraklion, which established Crete as a hub for European and international beach volleyball.

CEO of Metaxa Hospitality Group, Mr. Andreas Metaxas, stated:

“It was our pleasure and honor to host at TUI Magic Life Candia Maris, a member of the Metaxa Hospitality Group, one of the biggest beach volleyball events in the world, the CEV Beach Volley European Cup Final 2025. The hotel’s modern facilities, along with the professionalism, experience, and dedication of all our people, fully met the high demands of a top-tier sporting event. This year, we celebrated the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Metaxa Hospitality Group, and in this important year, we are especially pleased to have strengthened the foundation for Crete to emerge as an international, high-standard sports tourism destination. We would like to express our warm thanks to the co-organizers — the Region of Crete, the Hellenic Volleyball Federation, and the Municipality of Malevizi — for their excellent collaboration and trust. The success of this institution demonstrates what we can achieve when we join forces to promote Greece as an international destination for sporting experiences.”

The President of the Hellenic Volleyball Federation, Mr. George Karampetsos, emphasized: “CEV Beach Volley European Cup Final 2025 in Heraklion was a significant moment for European and Greek beach volleyball and marked a major highlight in the 2025 calendar. The event took place in early November, in front of full bleachers, with the island’s tourists demonstrating through their presence the genuine interest and momentum that beach volleyball holds. Our administration’s goal is for beach volley and snow volley events to be held throughout the year, provided that conditions allow it. The high level of competition and the warm response from the public prove that Greece is capable of hosting prestigious international events with absolute success. The selection of Crete and TUI Magic Life Candia Maris confirms the island’s dynamic potential, combining sports with the development of Greek tourism, while also reinforcing our vision to promote the sport in every corner of the country. I would like to express my sincere thanks to the Metaxa Hospitality Group, the Region of Crete, the Municipality of Malevizi, and all contributors who worked with consistency and professionalism to deliver this impeccably organized, high-standard event.”

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Sports & sustainable development: Beach Volley Goes “Green”

The collaboration of ReHORECA with the Metaxa Hospitality Group and the CEV Beach Volley European Cup Final provided an excellent opportunity to highlight the connection between sports and environmental responsibility, giving the event a modern, green dimension. The tournament aligned with international “Green Events” trends, making it a major sporting event in Crete with the implementation of an Environmental Management System (EMS). At the same time, it positioned Metaxa Hospitality Group as a leader in linking hospitality, sports, and sustainable development, reaffirming its commitment to a more responsible and sustainable future.

Beach Volley from Crete to all of Greece

The experience was completed with live and free broadcasting of the matches, giving the audience the opportunity to enjoy the spectacle from every corner of the world. The matches were streamed live across Greece and Europe, ensuring wide coverage and immediate access for all beach volleyball fans.

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Support, Safety, & Art at This Year’s Event

The sponsors of CEV Beach Volley European Cup Final 2025 played a decisive role in the success of the event. ANEK LINES facilitated the teams’ ferry transfers, ensuring a comfortable and safe journey to and from Crete, while SIXT, a member of MOTODYNAMICS group, took care of the safe transportation of athletes and organizers within the island. KORRES provided sun protection during the sunny days of the finals, while VIKOS Natural Mineral Water supported participants’ hydration throughout the event. The high-quality DANDALIS coffee set the pace of the tournament, giving participants the energy and focus they needed throughout.

At the end of the matches, the winners were awarded specially designed marble trophies, created by Spira Marble Art Gallery and marble sculptor Grigoris Kouskouris, inspired by the sea of Crete and beach volleyball. These trophies offered a unique artistic touch, combining local tradition with the spirit of the sport and linking Ancient Greece with the present.

Additionally, honorary awards were presented to individuals who played a decisive role in the success of the event:
  • Mr. Stavros Arnaoutakis, Regional Governor of Crete, was honored by Mr. Andreas Metaxas, Chief Executive Officer of Metaxa Hospitality Group.
  • Mr. Menelaos Bokeas, Mayor of Malevizi, was honored by Mr. Serafeim Karouzakis, General Manager of TUI Magic Life Candia Maris.
  • Mr. George Gkagkalis, Head of Beach Volleyball at the European Volleyball Confederation, received an award from Ms. Maria Papadaki, Board Member of the Hellenic Volleyball Federation and member of the Beach Volley Committee.
  • Mr. George Karampetsos, President of the Hellenic Volleyball Federation, was honored by Mr. Nikolaos Syrigonakis, Deputy Regional Governor of Crete in the Heraklion Regional Unit.
  • Finally, Mr. Alekos Paraskevopoulos, Beach Volleyball Coordinator of the Hellenic Volleyball Federation, received an award from Ms. Faye Papaioannou, Senior Marketing & PR Manager of Metaxa Hospitality Group.
Official Hospitality Sponsor was TUI Magic Life Candia Maris, member of Metaxa Hospitality Group.
Silver Sponsor was ANEK LINES.
Official Mobility Partner was SIXT, member of MOTODYNAMICS group.
Partners were ECOLAB, KRIVEK Group of Companies, SPORTADORE, KORRES.
Official Water was VIKOS Natural Mineral Water.
Official Coffee Sponsor was DANDALI.
Educational Partner was Metropolitan College.
Health Partner was Cretan Medicare Medical Care in Crete.
Supporters were Anatomic Line, Assos Food Solutions, 3F Fasouletos Fresco Fruit, Spira Marble Art Gallery – Grigoris Kouskouris, ReHORECA, Agricultural Cooperative of Lassithi Plateau and Kalimera Frouta.

The tournament was held under the auspices of the European Volleyball Confederation (C.E.V.) and Ministry of Tourism and was co-organized by the Region of Crete, the Hellenic Volleyball Federation, the Municipality of Malevizi, and Metaxa Hospitality Group.
Hundreds of children take part in Chargers Youth Camp in Santorini as Greece embraces the future of flag football
 
The Los Angeles Chargers successfully completed the first-ever inaugural series of NFL Flag Football events in Greece, marking a historic milestone for the sport’s development in the country. The activities took place in Santorini, engaging hundreds of children and families in a dynamic celebration of sport, education, and culture.

Building Bridges Through Sport and Culture

The Chargers hosted two flag football camps, an exhibition game, and youth activities, giving local boys and girls the opportunity to learn and play the game in a fun and inclusive environment.
The initiative aimed to promote flag football ahead of its debut as an official sport at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, celebrate the Greek heritage of the Spanos family – whose roots trace back to the island of Symi – and continue to expand the NFL’s global presence.

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Key Events in the Los Angeles Chargers Schedule Included:

Greece’s First-Ever Flag Football Camps
  • Youth ages 11–13 had the opportunity to participate in a flag football camp hosted by the Los Angeles Chargers, learning the fundamentals of the sport in a fun and safe environment.
  • Teen participants aged 13 and older took part in a second flag football camp, where they developed their skills and deepened their understanding of the game under the guidance of Chargers ambassadors.
Flag Football Exhibition Game
  • An exhibition game featuring Chargers legend Melvin Gordon, Greek-American former NFL linebacker and two-time Super Bowl XLII participant Niko Koutouvides, Greek-Swedish football player and coach Melina Malaxos, members of Aegean Elite, Greece’s premier American football team, as well as official staff from the Los Angeles Chargers, showcasing the energy, excitement, and teamwork that defines flag football.
Honoring Excellence & Contribution

As part of the celebrations, special awards crafted from marble—a material deeply linked to ancient Greece and prominent in the Olympic Games—symbolized tradition and perfection, bridging historical heritage with the modern era, were presented to individuals who contributed to the growth of sports and international cooperation, including: The Spanos Family Chargers, legend Melvin Gordon and the winning team of the exhibition game, who received the MVP Stoiximan Award.

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Watch Party: Chargers vs. Dolphins
  • On Sunday, October 12, Greek media representatives, VIP guests and NFL fans gathered for a special watch party as the Chargers beat the Miami Dolphins 29-27 live on COSMOTE TV
On the occasion of the Los Angeles Chargers delegation visit to Santorini, Mr. Fred Maas, Chief of Staff and Counselor for Los Angeles Chargers highlighted: “From the beginning, our goal has been to bring the sport of football to the country of Greece. In the initial infancy stages, we wanted to achieve that goal by offering flag football opportunities to the local youth helping them understand, enjoy, and learn what an incredible sport football truly is. In addition to the youth camps and exhibition game in Santorini, we also hosted a watch party to bring people together, share the excitement of the game, and help more fans experience its energy firsthand. Having a true Chargers presence in the country of Greece means a lot to us and the Spanos Family. We’re excited about what’s ahead and look forward to our next visit.”

Τhe events were organized with the support of the Municipality of Thira, reinforcing a shared commitment to youth empowerment and community engagement through sport.

The introduction of American football to Greece was made possible through the active support of Stoiximan, which enhanced both the event and the island through its social initiatives. 

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High-Level Meetings Strengthening Collaboration

During their visit, the Chargers also held a series of important meetings with key Greek officials and institutional representatives, including:
  • Christos Dimas, Minister of Infrastructure and Transport of Greece
  • Vasiliki Koutsoukou, Secretary General for Tourism Policy (on behalf of Minister Olga Kefalogianni)
  • Isidoros Kouvelos, President of the Hellenic Olympic Commit  tee
  • Nikos Zorzos, Mayor of Thira
  • Representatives from Deree – The American College of Greece
These meetings underscored the shared vision of expanding international sports collaborations, promoting Greece as a hub for athletic and cultural exchange, and fostering youth participation through sports development.

For more information about upcoming initiatives in Greece, visit www.chargers.com or follow the Chargers on social media:

Monday, 10 November 2025 16:05

Cinedoc Presents: Lo

A journey through the history of modern Greece, through the personal experience of director Thanasis Vasileiou
 
In the Epirus dialect, “Lo” means “be quiet.”

When director Thanasis Vasileiou returns to his childhood apartment after his mother’s death, he confronts secrets that weigh not only on his family’s history but also on the history of modern Greece. Thus begins a journey—a personal diary—through the invisible traces connecting the city and its people to their past.

A deeply personal film, cinematographically minimalist and emotionally profound, exploring the ways emotional memory intersects with collective memory, addressing trauma, the silence felt as guilt, love, and ultimately acceptance.

The documentary premiered at the 27th Thessaloniki Documentary Festival, winning the EKKOMED Award for Best Debut Director (Greek Program), as well as the Grand Prix “Golden Wreath of Megisti” and the “Odysseas” Award for Best Documentary by a Greek Diaspora Director at the 10th Beyond Borders – International Documentary Festival of Kastellorizo.

From November 13Lo will be released in Athens, screening daily at Danaos Cinema. Screenings will include Q&A sessions with the creators and guest experts, including historians and members of the academic community. Screenings will also take place in Larissa (Nov 21), Volos (Nov 22), Thessaloniki (Dec 10), and Rethymno (Dec 13), with the presence of director Thanasis Vasileiou. Additional screenings across Greece will be announced soon through the CineDoc network.

The film is nominated for the Audience Award in Athens, Volos, and Rethymno.

Director’s Note

When I returned from France to my empty childhood apartment in Athens after my mother’s death, I felt like an intruder. Everything that had remained in the shadows for decades was now mine. I discovered debts I hadn’t known about. I uncovered lies that shook me. How do we inherit our parents’ mistakes? How do we empty their home?

Amid the fear of losing a space that held my last memories with my mother—and an entire childhood—I began filming the now-empty surfaces with my phone. I was essentially rediscovering forgotten gestures from the past, as I had worked as a cameraman for over ten years before leaving Greece for France. Putting myself behind a lens again stirred time and reconnected me with the heritage of the past. For me, “filming” became synonymous with “remembering.”

Fragments of family memory, silenced for years, began to cautiously surface. Some led me to the dark years of the dictatorship. How can cinema give shape to a past that resists through silence?

Screening Program

Screenings are supported by the French Institute and Unifrance, while the distribution of the documentary in Greek cinemas is supported by the Hellenic Film Center, Audiovisual Media & Creation (E.K.K.O.M.E.D.) – Creative Greece.

ATHENS – French Institute (Sina 31, Athens)
Tuesday, November 11, 2025 (avant-première)
Doors: 19:00 | Start: 19:30
Tickets
Opening remarks by Athena Kartalou, Director General of Cinema, EKKOMED. Presence of director Thanasis Vasileiou and the team, followed by Q&A. Wine reception at the French Institute bistro.

ATHENS – Danaos Cinema (Kifisias 109, Ampelokipoi)
Daily from Thursday, November 13, 2025, at 18:20
Tickets

Special Q&A sessions at Danaos Cinema:

  • Nov 13: with the filmmakers, hosted by Depy Vrettou (ERT radio producer)

  • Nov 14: with the filmmakers, hosted by Thodoris Chondrogiannos (Reporters United)

  • Nov 15: with the filmmakers and Tasos Sakellaropoulos, historian, Benaki Museum Archives

  • Nov 16: with the filmmakers, hosted by Kostas Kostakos (Old Boy), film critic (elculture.gr)

  • Nov 17: with the filmmakers and historian Tasoula Vervenioti

  • Nov 18: with the filmmakers and Christos Dermentzopoulos, Professor, Dept. of Communication, Media & Culture, Panteion University

  • Nov 19: with the filmmakers and Vangelis Karamanolakis, Professor of Modern & Contemporary History (NKUA)

LARISSA – Chatzigiannio Cultural Center
Friday, Nov 21, 20:00 – Presence of director Thanasis Vasileiou

VOLOS – New Ionia Cultural Center
Saturday, Nov 22, 20:00 – Presence of director Thanasis Vasileiou
Tickets: ENTEKA – Digital Prints | Info: https://www.facebook.com/CineDocVolos

THESSALONIKI – Limani, “Stavros Tornes” Hall
Wednesday, Dec 10, 19:00 – Presence of director Thanasis Vasileiou
Tickets

RETHYMNO – “Simeio” Cultural Space
Saturday, Dec 13, 20:00 – Presence of director Thanasis Vasileiou
Tickets: Box office | Info: https://bleproductions.gr/simeio/

Parallel Activities

Masterclass with director Thanasis Vasileiou in Athens and Volos
and VR screening at Danaos Cinema

As part of Lo screenings, audiences in Athens and Volos can participate in parallel events. During Danaos Cinema screenings, CineDoc attendees can access the VR documentary 548 Days Without My Name by Yolanda Markopoulou (2024, 14’) with ticket purchase. The director will also conduct two masterclasses in Athens and Volos.

VR Screening at Danaos Cinema Foyer

548 Days Without My Name by Yolanda Markopoulou (2024, 14’)

The screening is part of a new CineDoc VR series, inaugurated this year with 548 Days Without My Name (Nov ‘25) and The Exploding Girl by Caroline Poggi & Jonathan Vinel, co-produced with Greek company Byrd (Feb ‘26).

With a Lo ticket, festival-goers can watch the VR film. Reservation required HERE!
Screening dates: Nov 13, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23 | 18:00–21:00

Synopsis:

In 1943, 10-year-old Rozina writes her diary from hiding in a small apartment in central Thessaloniki, using the false name Roula Karakotsou. This was her only way to escape the Nazis, spending 548 days of anonymous life in silence. Viewers experience her story through her child’s perspective while she remains in hiding.

Based on the book 548 Days Under Another Name: Thessaloniki 1943 / Memories of War by Rozina Asser Pardo.
Produced by the Jewish Museum of Greece in collaboration with Wonder Immersive.
Implemented under the Operational Program “Competitiveness, Entrepreneurship and Innovation” (ESPA 2014–2020), co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), EU.

Official participation: FIPADOC 2025, TiDF27

Masterclasses in Athens & Volos

Heritage, Rupture, Self-Portrait. Stages of Creating the Documentary LO (2025)

Thanasis Vasileiou, director and Professor of Film Studies at Université de Poitiers, gives masterclasses in Athens and Volos, exploring the making of Lo, a personal and reflective documentary on memory, the inheritance of silence, and recent political history. Through the management and concealment of personal narratives, the film examines heritage as both rupture and material for a cinematic self-portrait.

Schedule:

  • Athens | Wed, Nov 19, 13:30–15:30 | Lycurgos Stavrakos School, 28th October 65, Athens 10433 | Free entry, first-come-first-served

  • Volos | Fri, Nov 21, 9:30 | a) University of Thessaly – Dept. of Culture + Creative Media & Industries b) 2nd Model Gymnasium of Volos

Audience Awards – E.K.K.O.M.E.D.

CineDoc introduces local Audience Awards in Athens, Volos, and Rethymno through the Votemo platform. Lo is nominated in Athens and Volos. Audience members vote online via QR code during screenings; voting remains open 24 hours after the screening. Awards sponsored by Hellenic Film Center, E.K.K.O.M.E.D. – Creative Greece. Ceremony in April 2026.

Director Biography

Thanasis Vasileiou is a director and screenwriter based in Poitiers, France, where he teaches film theory and practice as Associate Professor of Film Studies (Université de Poitiers). His short films Traces (2017) and Our Last Week (2016) were screened and awarded at international film festivals. Lo is his first feature-length film.

About StudioBauhaus

StudioBauhaus, founded in Athens in 2014 by producer Konstantinos Vasilaros and director Orfeas Peretzis, specializes in production and co-production of feature films and documentaries, emphasizing original storytelling and international collaborations. Award-winning films include Agia Emy (Special Mention, Locarno Film Festival; 2 Independent Spirit Award nominations) and Milk Teeth (Venice Film Festival world premiere). Recently completed Riviera by Orfeas Peretzis (São Paulo Festival world premiere; awards at Thessaloniki and Cottbus Festivals). The company continues developing film and TV projects and participates as co-producer in international productions.

The air is getting crisp, the city smells like rain on warm pavement, and Athens has officially entered its coziest season. While it's tempting to pull up a blanket, light a candle, and let Netflix automatically play the next episode, autumn in Athens has a better alternative: the city’s charming, small-scale cinemas.

These theaters are more than places to watch a film — they’re community hangouts, cultural landmarks, and secret escapes from the fast pace of the city. Grab a warm drink, your favorite sweater, and explore the Top 5 Cinemas in Athens that prove movie nights are better outside the living room.

1. Astor


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📍 Stoa Korai, Panepistimio

A legendary underground cinema, operating since the 30s, with a cult following, Astor is known for its curated selection of indie films, retrospectives, and classic screenings. The vibe is warm, nostalgic, and slightly retro — the kind of place where you can watch Casablanca on a Tuesday and a silent film accompanied by live music on a Thursday.

✨ Best for: cinephiles, date nights with an “old-school romantic” twist.

2. Trianon Cinema


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📍 Patission / Victoria Square

A true Athenian classic and one of the few cinemas focusing on international film festivals, documentaries, and art films. Occasionally, Trianon doubles as a live performance venue or a cultural space for talks and special screenings. The façade alone screams vintage cinema magic.

✨ Best for: film festivals, premieres, artsy crowd energy.

3. Danaos Cinema

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📍 Amphitheas Avenue, Fix

A modern but charming independent cinema known for showing the best European cinema releases. Danaos regularly participates in Athens’ film festivals and hosts Q&As and special events with filmmakers. The seating is comfortable, the sound is great, and the atmosphere still feels personal.

✨ Best for: those who want the film quality of a big-chain cinema without the mall energy.

4. Foivos


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📍 Ethnikis Antistaseos 3, Peristeri

Built in 1953, Foivos is a true neighborhood treasure. Foivos feels like cinema therapy — intimate hall, relaxed atmosphere, affordable tickets, and an audience that genuinely cares about movies. If you want to feel like a local, this is your spot.

✨ Best for: heartfelt indie experiences & cozy autumn walks afterward.

5. Studio New Star Art Cinema


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📍 Stavropoulou 33, Athens

A historic arthouse venue that champions world cinema, independent productions, rare films, and retrospectives you won’t find anywhere else. If you love the kind of movies that don’t hit mainstream theaters, Studio will feel like home.

✨ Best for: discovering films you didn’t know you needed.




Friday, 07 November 2025 10:32

November At Technopolis

Technopolis of the City of Athens welcomes November with events, activities, and experiences designed for all ages. From major international exhibitions to festive holiday attractions and creative spaces for families, Technopolis continues to be one of the city’s most vibrant cultural destinations. Explore what’s happening this month and discover new reasons to visit!
 

05–06.11 || Athens Bar Show 2025

As every year, since 2010 when it first began, the Athens Bar Show will once again be a “celebration” of the bartending industry, hospitality, dining, and distillates. Dozens of exhibitors and thousands of professionals from around the world, talks, events, tastings, as well as appearances by famous names from the Greek and international bartending “industry” await the visitors of the two-day exhibition. Try products, find solutions for your own bar, attend seminars and talks by distinguished professionals, and get inspired by what’s happening right now in the best bars in the world.

From 22.11 || DEI Christmas Factory

This year, for the 12th time, the Christmas Factory opens its gates again, bringing the magic of Christmas to the heart of the city! The new Christmas town—named by the children themselves, “Bright City”—invites young and old to experience the magic of the game “Find Your Star.” Ten missions, ten stars, and a bright path filled with smiles, light, and love. Santa Claus and the elves light up the world differently this year—not only the city, but also all our hearts. Because the light wins… and Christmas begins from within us!

 
Find unique gifts at the renewed Gift Shop for both children and adults. Discover unique items and jewelry designed by Greek designers, publications related to museums, industrial heritage, architecture, design, art, philosophy, and much more.

Tel: 210 3460981 | Wednesday, Thursday, Friday & Sunday 10:00–18:00 | Email: shop@athens-technopolis.gr
** Make the most of your free time in the most creative way! Explore the renovated and fully safe playground, the outdoor Gym Park, the Skywalk—an ultramodern play and interaction area for children of all ages—as well as the iconic Observatory offering a 360° view of Athens. And of course, don’t forget to enjoy your coffee or drink, along with a light snack or a hearty meal, in a space with a unique atmosphere and industrial aesthetic: Technopolis Café.
Top European teams gather at TUI Magic Life Candia Maris, with free admission!
 
 Once again, Crete takes center stage in European sports, hosting CEV Beach Volley European Cup Final 2025, which will take place from November 6 to 9 at the modern facilities of TUI Magic Life Candia Maris, member of Metaxa Hospitality Group, in Heraklion. This major event promises spectacular matches and top-level competition, bringing together Europe’s finest teams on the sand of Crete. At the same time, it represents an important initiative that strengthens sports tourism and highlights Crete as a destination of international appeal, offering spectators the chance to enjoy the No. 1 European beach volleyball club event with free admission.

The tournament is held under the auspices of the European Volleyball Confederation (C.E.V.) and Ministry of Tourism and is co-organized by the Region of Crete, the Hellenic Volleyball Federation, the Municipality of Malevizi, and Metaxa Hospitality Group.

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Participating Teams

The final phase of CEV Beach Volley European Cup Final 2025 features top teams from twelve European countries, including France, Spain, Serbia, the Netherlands, Hungary, Slovenia, Austria, the Czech Republic, Lithuania, Ukraine, Romania, and Greece

In the men’s category, the competing clubs are Montpellier Beach Volley (France), Ré Beach Club (France), ZVH Zevenhuizen (Netherlands), Aloha Beachvolleyball Club (Austria), BC Strahov (Czech Republic), Sunrise Beach Sports Academy (Ukraine), C.S.U. Resita (Romania), and 4 Sports Club Athens (Greece). 

In the women’s category, the tournament will bring together Beograd Beach Volley (Serbia), KBC Oxyklinika (Lithuania), CV Majadahonda (Spain), Ré Beach Club (France), Edra Tata (Hungary), Sunrise Beach Sports Academy (Ukraine), BVC Ludus Ljubljana (Slovenia), and 4 Sports Club Athens (Greece).

The top European teams will deliver four days full of action, passion, and high-level beach volleyball, showcasing the dynamism and hospitality of Crete on an international stage.

Greek Participants

Greece will be represented by 4 Sports Club with two teams per gender. In the men’s category, Stavros Dallas will compete alongside Vangelis Sideris and Christos Tsigaridas with Panagiotis Semitekolos. In the women’s category, Maria Polonifi will play together with Zina Sotiropoulou and Anais Angelopoulou with Vivi Souli.

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Event Schedule

CEV Beach Volley European Cup Final 2025 brings exciting matches and top-level European action to Heraklion, Crete, at TUI Magic Life Candia Maris. The tournament kicks off on Thursday, November 6, and Friday, November 7, with Pool Play matches across three courts, featuring men’s and women’s games throughout the first two days. On Saturday, November 8, the Play Offs and Semifinals take place. Sunday, November 9 marks the final day of the event, with all eyes on the Men’s and Women’s Grand Finals, as well as the Third-Place Matches, delivering thrilling sports action for the audience.

Read the detailed schedule here.

Beach Volleyball Full of Passion and Spectacle in Crete

CEV Beach Volley European Cup Final 2025 invites you to experience the athletic action up close at the impressive TUI Magic Life Candia Maris in Heraklion. Admission is free, offering the chance to enjoy European beach volleyball at its very best.


Watch the official teaser video of the event HERE!

Official Hospitality Sponsor is TUI Magic Life Candia Maris.
Silver Sponsor is ANEK LINES.
Official Mobility Partner is SIXT, member of MOTODYNAMICS Group.
Official Water is VIKOS Natural Mineral Water.
Official Coffee Sponsor is DANDALI.
Partners are ECOLAB, KRIVEK Group of Companies, SPORTADORE, KORRES.
Educational Partner is Metropolitan College.  
Health Partner is Cretan Medicare Medical Care in Crete.
Supporters are Anatomic Line, Assos Food Solutions, 3F Fasouletos Fresco Fruit, Spira Marble Art Gallery – Grigoris Kouskouris, ReHORECA, Agricultural Cooperative of Lassithi Plateau and Kalimera Frouta.
…yet Greeks use them every day.

Every language has expressions that don’t translate well. Greek, however, takes this to another level with phrases that look grammatically impossible or logically contradictory when turned into English.

Here are some of the most iconic examples.

1«Άκου να δεις»

Literal translation: “Listen so you can see.”
What it really means: “Let me tell you something surprising.”

Greeks instruct people to listen… in order to see. The phrase mixes senses (hearing and sight) into one idiomatic expression that means: “Wait till you hear what happened.” To a non-Greek speaker, it sounds like a glitch in human anatomy.

2. «Δεν έχω ξαναπάει ποτέ»

Literal translation: “I have never been again, ever.”
What it really means: “I have never been before.”

Grammatically, it's a paradox. The combination of “ξανα–” (again) and “ποτέ” (never/ever) suggests the speaker has never been somewhere again, which implies they were there once, but also that they've never been at all.

In reality, Greeks use it to strongly emphasize that they have never visited a place before.

3. «Δεν τρέχει τίποτα»

Literal: “Nothing is running.”
Meaning: “It’s fine / no problem / no big deal.”

In English, the phrase sounds like we’re reporting the status of a piece of software: “Nothing is running.” In Greek, it's emotional reassurance.

4. «Καλά κρασιά»

Literal translation: “Good wines.”
Meaning: “Yeah, sure… as if.” / “Let’s not kid ourselves.”

It has nothing to do with actual wine. It’s used when someone is being unrealistic or when a situation is going nowhere. Imagine replying to someone’s complex plan with “Good wines.” It’s the Greek “dream on.”

5. «Ό,τι να ’ναι»

Literal translation: “Whatever it may be.”
Meaning: “This is nonsense / chaotic / makes no sense.”

Used to evaluate situations, behavior, or decisions that are totally irrational. The tone usually implies dramatic disappointment, a very Greek thing if you ask us.

6. «Πάμε καλά;»

Literal translation: “Are we going well?”
Meaning: “Are you serious?” or “Is this for real?”

A polite-ish way to express disbelief… usually accompanied by a raised eyebrow and slight exasperation. 

7. «Τέλος πάντων»

Literal translation: “The end of everything.”
Meaning: “Anyway / never mind / let’s move on.”

Greek drama in two words. Perfect for dismissing minor annoyances or just adding flair to any conversation.

Friday, 31 October 2025 13:21

Piano Lessons By Experienced Professional

Experienced professional offering private lessons – €45 per lesson.

Lessons are tailored to each student’s level and goals, with a focus on steady progress and practical results. Sessions take place at the studio on Astydamantos 22 in Pagrati.

More information: davidjohnsonpianist.blogspot.gr
Friday, 31 October 2025 13:11

Children First

In a world where no child should have to choose between a meal, a doctor’s visit, or an education, Children First (Πρώτα το Παιδί) stands as a bridge of hope for families living at risk of poverty in Greece.

Through its three core pillars — Nutrition, Education, and Medical Care — the organization ensures that every child receives the essentials they need to grow strong, healthy, and confident. Daily meals are tailored to each child’s needs in collaboration with a nutritionist, while educational support, language lessons, and sports activities help nurture both body and mind. At the same time, pediatric and dental care guarantee that no child’s health is left to chance.

But Children First doesn’t stop there. Recognizing that empowered families raise empowered children, the organization also offers parental counseling from psychologists, helping parents take an active role in their children’s wellbeing.

In partnership with the Municipality of Egaleo, Children First currently supports 19 children between the ages of 3 and 17, providing them with nutritious meals, medical monitoring, English lessons, and extracurricular opportunities. An additional 21 children receive ongoing nutritional assistance. Initiatives such as “Girls Empowering Girls”, designed for single-mother families, further highlight the organization’s commitment to building confidence and independence in young lives.

At its heart, Children First envisions a community built on kindness, solidarity, and trust, where everyone can play a part in creating change, whether by offering time, skills, or financial support.
 

Donate here
 and help more children thrive.

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