Turkey’s transport ministry said on Monday it was banning travel to Greece on yachts, sailboats and ferries after Greek authorities seized 11 vessels among them four yachts headed for Kos and Rhodes, as well as a freighter off the port of Kalamaki for violating maritime regulation.

All Turkish-flagged commercial yachts (starting September 25) and passenger ships (as of October 12) are banned from traveling to Greek destinations, the Turkish transport ministry said in a September 25 statement citing the Paris Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control (Paris MoU) inspections.

“As of today we have stopped the sailing of commercial yachts to Greece. The fact that Greece started to inspect and seize such small commercial vessels, shorter than 24 meters, by claiming they did not comply with the rules, has put at risk Turkey’s status as a ‘white flag’ country. This is unacceptable,” Turkey’s transport minister, Ahmet Arslan, said as reported by Turkish daily Hurriyet.

“We have also warned our correspondents and sent our experts there. If Greece changes this exception, our commercial yachts will travel to Greek islands and contribute to trade. But we will not allow those vessels to sail as long as Greece maintains its attitude regarding this rule,” he said, adding that he would discuss the issue with his Greek counterpart on October 12 while on an official visit to Athens.

In the meantime, companies offering Greek island tours have said they would stop operations as of October 12 while the head of the Bodrum Sailors Association, Mustafa Demiröz, said the issue should be resolved through dialogue.

Continue reading reading this article on Greek Travel Pages.

The 5^th Petit Paris d' Athènes once again is going to host musical performances, art and photo galleries, street art, theater, street performances, colloquiums, “tables rondes” and “rendez vous sociaux”, educational activities, petanque and chess. This year, the festival is co-organized by the Athens ArtNetwork, the City of Athens Organization of Culture, Sports and Youth and the Region of Attica, under the auspices and support of the Ministry of Culture and Sports as well as with the support of the French embassy, the French Institute of Greece and the Hellenic Railways Organisation.

This year’s central axis is «Women in Europe» («La femme en Europe»).

One of the most troubling issues of our time is the role of women in Europe’s present and future society. The turbulent climate nurtured by the economic and social crisis is threatening to derail a previously well-established course in which women have been taking agency in all aspects of public life. Once again, the duty befalls on art to light the way being the mean for freedom of thought and speech through the ages. Any woman born in, or arriving at Europe has the right to create and express herself, perhaps more in here than anywhere else. We invite men and women alike to «defend» that right by producing art centered around our year’s theme.

The festival will take place from the 5^th to the 15^th of October 2017, in the area included inside Omonoia Square, Vathis Square, Karaiskaki Square, Larissa station and Peloponissos station. Most roads in this region have French names due to a long history of foreign traditions merging with Greek ones through visiting travelers and immigrants. Since its conception it was meant to fill one of the most badly treated regions of Athens with culture and art, by which process it quickly became a widely celebrated multi-festival. Over 500 artists from all over the world participate in 40 carefully selected spots (theaters, consevatoires, schools,galleries,bistro,hotels,parks,squares,buildings of historical import).

The first Petit Paris in 2013 was dedicated to Albert Camus and the 100^th anniversary of his birth. In 2014, it was dedicated to the Belle époque and the start of World War I. In 2015 the theme was “The culture of Café and Bistros” («Bistrot et Café Culture») with a special tribute to rive gauche. Last year our theme was «Team Spirit and Arts» («L' esprit d' Équipe et les Arts»). For the year 2017 the theme for Petit Paris d' Athènes  is going to be “Women in Europe”.

The season of Autumn is the perfect time of year to visit vineyards in Greece and taste the unique and flavourful wine selections. Why Athens takes us around Athens and Attica to some of the best wineries in the area!

“Many may not know that Athens is surrounded by small historical vineyards that are dotted around the city’s landscape, which you can see from an aeroplane as close to the airport itself. Dionysus god of wine and fertility was worshipped and celebrated in ancient times and is said to have given the knowledge of viticulture to Icarius of Athens, more than 3,000 years ago. The Attica region has been cultivated ever since and flourished during Byzantine times and through the reign of the Ottomans.”

“Today, Attica is the largest wine region in Greece with 16,000 acres of vineyards. Many of the wineries can be reached within a 30 minute drive from the centre of Athens.”

“Two years ago, Wines of Athens was established in an effort for wineries in the region to collectively promote the vineyards and merits of wines in Attica. A dynamic and diverse team of wineries make up the initiative, including Papagiannakos, Mylonas, Anastasia Frangos, Markou Vineyards and Kokotou Estate. They all produce top quality savatiano wines along with other varieties.”

To read this article in full, please visit: Why Athens

Archaeologists unearthed one of the largest carved tombs ever found in Greece, in Orchomenos, about 100 km northwest of Greek capital of Athens.

Dated back to the middle of the 14th century B.C., it is the ninth-largest chamber tomb out of roughly 4,000 excavated in the last 150 years.

Greece’s Culture Ministry says the 3,350-year-old chamber belonged to a man who was between 40 to 50 years old when he died.

The nobleman’s tomb contained pottery vessels sheathed in tin, bronze horse bits, jewellery, bow fittings and arrowheads.

To read this article in full, please visit: Greek Reporter

While wine will always be popular in Greece, recent market trends suggests specialty beer from Greek microbreweries is making its presence known and more and more people are opting for a beer. Ekathimerini reports how Greek microbreweries and beer have gained popularity locally and abroad.

Greece’s microbrewing industry has grown markedly in recent years. In 2009 there were six microbrewers in the country. Now that number has risen to 35. Despite this increase, Greece is still considered an underdeveloped market in terms of microbreweries, with plenty of room for growth. According to the Hellenic Association of Brewers, there are now 1,000 microbreweries in Italy, 300 in Belgium, 500 in the Netherlands and more than 2,000 in the UK.

“There has been an increase in beers from Greek microbreweries due to higher demand from consumers. As a result, more Greek ales can be found on the market these days,” says Sofoklis Panagiotou, vice president of the Hellenic Association of Brewers. “There’s higher demand for flavors from Greece from foreign tourists while Greek consumers are always on the lookout for better beer made in the country and want to help small domestic producers,” he adds.

To read this article in full, please visit: Ekathimerini

During this season, the weather in Greece is ideal for holidays. The countryside takes on an autumnal glow, the sea stays warm enough for swimming, the resorts become a bit quieter, and the earth delivers its bounty of olives and grapes, oil and wine.

Autumn will give you countless opportunities to try something really different. Towards the end of September and early October - for a more rustic and intoxicating experience, try to find out who’s making raki out of the skins and stalks in Crete.

Autumn holidays in Greece mean quiet cosmopolitan islands, exploring the Argosaronic islands close to Athens and visiting the lush, green Sporades for a weekend sojourn. Hop over to Evia’s long beaches and thick forests or go up to Pelion, where you can combine beach and mountain pleasures. Autumn is perfect too for sailing in the Aegean or Ionian seas, since August’s north winds have calmed down.

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

Consumers in Greece will be required as of January 1^st, 2018 to pay 4 cents per plastic bag as the country prepares to harmonize its relevant law with EU guidelines, according to a draft bill being drawn up by the environment ministry and set to be tabled in parliament.

The aim is to reduce the number of bags per consumer to 90 per year per person in the next two years, and to 40 by 2025. According to Research Institute of Retail Consumer Goods (IELKA) findings, consumers in Greece use a total of 4.3 billion plastic bags per year of which only 1 percent is recycled.

Greece holds the top spot in Europe in terms of per capita use of plastic bag exceeding the EU average of 175 per person.

It  has also been announced that from January 1^st, 2019 the cost per plastic bag will increase to 9 cents!

Located near the old Fix brewery in Neos Kosmos at 43 Frantzi, 43 Sarantatrio was recommended by a friend of Culinary Backstreets and so they went to see what the restaurant is all about. What they found was a pleasant surprise of, “brightly painted tables and posters that created such a cheerful atmosphere, while the courtyard made us gasp with surprise – it looked more like an island farmhouse than an urban outdoor space.”

“The various design choices, both big and small, made it feel as though we had stepped into a parallel universe: The two tall trees that provide shade in the center, complemented by bushes and even a fig tree leaning over a white-washed wall; the gray wooden chairs with rush seats; the benches covered by rag rugs; and white gravel underfoot.”

“We decided to go for a mix of the unfamiliar and the familiar: The aforementioned Pontic Carrot, a shredded carrot salad that came shaped like a fez and seasoned with coriander and something to give it a touch of heat; the aliada, a garlic dipping sauce made with crushed pistachios (instead of the more traditional mashed potatoes, bread or even walnuts); green fava (puree of green peas); saganaki, fried cheese from Ios topped with two cherry tomatoes preserved in syrup…”

To read this article in full, please visit: Culinary Backstreets

Thousands of spectators gathered near the Tanagra air base, north of Athens, to watch spectacular aerobatic displays during the 6th Athens Flying Week aviation event.

Top aviation teams from around the world demonstrated their flight skills, leaving crowds opened mouthed with awe.

One of the highlights of the show, was Britain’s famous Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows.

Watch the video below!


Video uploaded by: geophoto93

To read this article in full, please visit: Greek Reporter

 

Running takes place on Saturday 7/10 & swimming on Sunday 8/10!

The top sports tourism event “Santorini Experience” organized for the 3rd consecutive year in the enchanting Santorini on October 6-8, 2017 is ready to excite all professional and amateur swimmers and runners from around the world!

This year’s schedule begins on Friday, October 6th 2017 with a focus on children. More specifically at 10:00am in the morning the 1km kids running race will be held at the Indoor Hall DAPPOS, in Fira.

On Friday, at 12:00pm the established Meet & Greet will be held with the presence of silver Olympic medalist Alexandros Nikolaidis, the Olympic & World Champion in 400m. with hurdles Periklis Iakovakis, the World Champion in open water swimming Kelly Araouzou as well as top athletes from the Greek open water national team, at Alafouzos Sport store (official sponsor of the event supporting “Santorini Experience” for a third year in a row) at Fira.

Respectively, the twice Silver Olympic Medalist, Alexandros Nikolaidis will undertake for one more year to introduce the secrets of TaeKwonDo martial art to beginners (at 15:00pm) and advanced athletes (at 16:00pm) at the Indoor Hall of DAPPOS, at Fira.

Running and swimming are the dominant activities in “Santorini Experience” for another year!

On Saturday, October 7, 2017, professional and amateur runners will have the chance to run and live the adrenaline of the Caldera with the starting of the 10km and 15km running routes taking place at 08:15am in the morning, and the starting of the 5km “Aristides Alafouzos” route at 11:00am.

All routes start from the desalination plant in Oia.

On Sunday October 8, 2017, professional and amateur swimmers will be able to feel their energy erupt and the atmosphere of the volcano with the imposing view of the island in front of them! The 1.5 mile (2.4km) unique swimming race of “Santorini Experience”, will start at 11:00am from the volcano and finish at the old port in Fira. The swimming route will be carried out with absolute safety in the magical waters of Santorini, under the auspices of the Hellenic Swimming Federation and under the technical direction of the Federal Technical Coach, Nikos Gemelos who has designed this unique route. The race will be held with the participation of the World Champion in open water swimming, Kelly Araouzou as well as athletes from the Greek open water swimming national team.

You may find the detailed schedule HERE!


Registrations in swimming and running continue with an undiminished pace until September 28th through the official page of the event HERE or at the official sponsor Alafouzos Sport store at Fira (in Santorini).

From ThursdRegistrations in swimming and running continue with an undiminished pace until September 28th through the official page of the event HERE or at the official sponsor Alafouzos Sport store at Fira (in Santorini).

From Thursday, October 5 to Saturday, October 7, 2017, all participants will be able to receive their numbers from Alafouzos Sport store (hours: 09:00-21:00).

Alternatively the running participants may also receive their numbers one hour before the start of their route on Saturday October 7, 2017, from the desalination plant in Oia while the swimming participants may also receive their numbers one hour before their start on Sunday October 8, 2017, from the old port in Fira.

Samsung will stand by the event’s side for the first time as the official technology partner, with the eco-system of Samsung Galaxy devices. Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+, combined with the camera Gear 360 and Gear VR, will enrich the experience of the participants and the spectators of the event with unique 360 degrees content.

VitaNTravel, as the official travel agent of the event, will take care and assist all athletes and escorts with information about the ferry routes, ferry tickets, car rentals and accommodation in the island. For more information click here!

The hospitality sponsors supporting the event are: Aqua Vista Hotels, Athina Luxury Suites, Santo Maris Oia Luxury Suites & Spa, Vedema A Luxury Collection Resort Santorini, Canaves Oia, West East Suites, Desiterra Luxury Suites & Villas, 270 Oia's View, Central Fira Hotel, Memories Hotel, Loizos Stylish Residencies, Fanouris Condo, Monolithia Hotel, Esperas Santorini, Sienna Residencies, Hotel Rivari Santorini, White Pearl Villas.

“Santorini Experience” will take place under the auspices of the Greek National Tourism Organization and the Hellenic Swimming Federation with the co-organization of the Municipality of Santorini, DAPPOS and Active Media Group.

Website
Facebook Page
Twitter Account
YouTube Channel 
Instagram

Official Hashtag: #SantoriniExperience
Official Airline Partner: Ryanair
Official Sponsors: Blue Star Ferries, Alafouzos Sport, Athina Luxury Suites
Official Technology Partner: Samsung
Official Supporters: Ford Motor Hellas, “Vikos” Natural Mineral Water, Avance Rent A Car, Aqua Vista Hotels, Santo Maris Oia Luxury Suites & Spa, Wyndham Grand Athens, Santorini Boatmen Union
Hospitality Sponsors: Aqua Vista Hotels, Athina Luxury Suites, Santo Maris Oia Luxury Suites & Spa, Vedema A Luxury Collection Resort Santorini, Canaves Oia, West East Suites, Desiterra Luxury Suites & Villas, 270 Oia's View, Central Fira Hotel, Memories Hotel, Loizos Stylish Residencies, Fanouris Condo, Monolithia Hotel, Esperas Santorini, Sienna Residencies, Hotel Rivari Santorini, White Pearl Villas
Assisted by: Sunset Oia Sailing Cruises, Alios Ilios, Lifeguard Patrol, National Lifeguards of Santorini, Aegean Divers
Official Travel Agent: VitaNTravel

Under the Auspices of the Greek National Tourism Organization