XpatAthens

Thursday, 25 March 2021 22:40

Authentic Marathon Swim

100 days for the Authentic Marathon Swim

On July 2-4, 2021, the legend meets history

The Authentic Marathon Swim returns, after its historical revival, for the 2nd consecutive year, on July 2-4, 2021, at Artemision. Amateur and professional swimmers from Greece and abroad will have the opportunity to enjoy the great sports event, at Pefki, Evia of the Municipality of Istiaia – Edipsos, with absolute safety.

The Authentic Route
Further to last year’s participation of world-class names, after 2,500 years, the authentic 10km route revives once again allowing swimmers from around the world to swim over the shipwrecks of the naval battle of Artemision that took place in 480 B.C. Athletes will follow the example of Skyllias and his daughter Hydna, the very first “marathon swimmers”, according to The Father of History, Herodotus, who helped the Greek forces in the historic naval battle of Artemision against the Persian fleet. The demanding route will be held at the straits of Artemision, connecting Central Greece with Thessaly and the regional units of Evia, Magnesia and Fthiotida

Early Bird Registrations – A new 5km route is added
Participants can now register and take part in the impressive 10km, 3km, 1.5km routes, as well as in the new 5km route that will be held this year for the first time, taking advantage of the early bird prices. Offers are valid until 30/04/2021, reaching up to a 33% discount. Registration for the 800m children’s race is free. The routes of 5km, 3km, 1.5km and 800m. have Pefki beach as their starting and finishing point.

Get ready for another exciting experience!
Watch the Authentic Marathon Swim’s teaser video HERE!

Safety In All Races

Last year’s absolutely successful adherence of the safety measures and the historical revival of the authentic marathon swimming route, set an example and composed a guide for the safe implementation of all races, again this year. The event will be held in accordance with FINA regulations and the health protocol to be established by the experienced team of ActiveMedia Group, based on the instructions of the special scientists-collaborators of the Hellenic Swimming Federation and the recommendations of the Greek General Secretariat of Sports’ Health Scientific Committee, in order to ensure the health of athletes and attendees.

All routes of The Authentic Marathon Swim have been designed by the Greek national swimming coach with distinctions in Olympic Games & world open water swimming championships, Nikos Gemelos. The event prioritizing the absolute safety of its athletes, will provide once again everyone with a safety lifeguard buoy since its use by professional and amateur athletes is mandatory. 2

The event is organized by the Municipality of Istiaia-Edipsos, while ActiveMedia Group is responsible for its sports production. The event’s official hashtag #authenticmarathonswim is again this year, the way of communicating on social media, for the use of unique images and videos from the exciting moments and memories of the participants in the Municipality of Istiaia-Edipsos.

Register for the Authentic Marathon Swim HERE!

Photo Credit: Elias Lefas

Published in Local News

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Monday, 26 July 2021 07:00

Kyniska Of Sparta - The First Female Olympian

Kyniska (or Cyniska), a Spartan princess, was the daughter of King Archidamus II and sister to King Agesilaus. She owned a sizable estate where she bred, raised, and trained horses, and in 396 BC, when she was probably between 40 and 50 years old, she became the first woman to participate in the Olympic Games.

Unlike Athens and the other Greek city-states where girls were hidden from the public and learned only domestic skills, Sparta held races and trials of strength for girls as well as boys.

Kyniska’s childhood would have been full of athletic training: running, jumping, throwing the discus, and javelin, perhaps even wrestling. She had wealth and status but her ambition made her a legend and drove her to compete in the four-horse chariot race, or tethrippon, at the Olympics in 396 and 392 BC. She won both times.

This feat was especially impressive because women could not even step foot on the sacred grounds of the Olympic Sanctuary during the festival. Married women were forbidden on penalty of death from even attending as spectators, so, in order to compete Kyniska cleverly exploited loopholes.

In sports like wrestling or javelin, the victors competed individually on the field. In the chariot race, the winners were the horse owners, not the drivers – who were almost always slaves. Much like with the modern Kentucky Derby or Melbourne Cup, the victors are the horse and its owner, not the rider. Kyniska didn’t have to drive the chariot to win. In fact, chariot team owners did not even have to be physically present at Olympia during the games. Kyniska could enter her chariot team in the race without ever setting foot on the forbidden sacred grounds.

But Kyniska’s role was not secret. News of an Olympic victory was carried by fleet messengers to the victor’s home city, where preparations to celebrate their return were begun at once. News that a woman had won an Olympic contest would have spread quickly.

Many ancient Greek women won Olympic victories after Kyniska, but none were as famous as she was. She erected at least two life-size bronze statues of herself at Olympia. The inscription on a remaining fragment of her marble statue base reads: “Kings of Sparta were my fathers and brothers. I, Kyniska, victorious at the chariot race with her swift-footed horses, erected this statue. I claim that I am the only woman in all Greece who won this crown.”

To read this article in full, please visit: greekreporter.com

Published in Greek Philosophy & History

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Monday, 13 June 2022 07:00

Akadimia Platonos Revamp Set To Go Through

Greek authorities announced that actions would soon be taken to redevelop the archaeological site of Akadimia Platonos (Plato’s Academy), an underdeveloped archaeological site of 135,000-square meters in western Athens that was the site of Plato’s Academy.

The announcement came after the Municipality of Athens, the Greek Culture Ministry, and the Academy of Athens, Greece’s oldest research institution, signed a memorandum of cooperation for the redevelopment of the archaeological site at Akadimia Platonos.

Describing the project as a “very important step towards the revival of Akadimia Platonos”, Athens Mayor Kostas Bakoyannis went on to note that it will focus on three key areas: “the necessary archaeological excavations, the creation of a new park, and of the City of Athens Museum”.

Excavations are scheduled to begin in the coming weeks, while work on the park, which includes the reconstruction of the playground, landscaping, signage, and lighting, will follow shortly after. Funding has been secured through the municipality’s “Adopt Your City” program from sponsors.

City authorities also announced that an architectural competition for the City of Athens Museum would be announced in the coming period.

To read this article in full, please visit: news.gtp.gr

Published in Local News

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Sunday, 13 November 2022 12:39

Athina Luxury Suites At The Top Of The World Travel Awards & World Luxury Hotel Awards

From the center of Fira and the unique Caldera of Santorini to the top of the world. The exclusive hotel Athina Luxury Suites once again made history by confirming its position as “Leading Boutique Hotel in Greece 2022” at the World Travel Awards.

Athina Luxury Suites wins at World Travel Awards 2022

The boutique hotel distinguished for the world-class services it offers, with breathtaking views of the Volcano, received the most important award in its history to date as “Leading Boutique Hotel in Greece 2022” at the 29th annual World Travel Awards, presented in Mallorca, Spain. World Travel Awards™ was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all key sectors of the travel, tourism, and hospitality industries. Today, the World Travel Awards™ brand is recognized globally as the ultimate hallmark of industry excellence.

International recognition at World Luxury Hotel Awards 2022

At the same time, Athina Luxury Suites also excelled and has been recognized among the finest establishments in the world, at the 16th annual World Luxury Hotel Awards by winning the “Best Luxury Boutique Hotel in Southern Europe” award, as part of the annual awards ceremony held in Antalya, Turkey. World Luxury Hotel Awards is the pinnacle of achievement in the luxury hotel industry offering international recognition as voted by guests, travelers and industry players alike. Over 300,000 international travelers vote each year, during a four-week period to select the winners.

In the context of this year’s awards, Mr. Panagiotis Iglesis and Ms. Artemis Argyrou, owners and general managers of Athina Luxury Suites, stated: “We are very proud. These awards indicate the fruition of our efforts throughout the year, to be able to offer high quality services to our customers, in this beautiful and unique destination of Santorini. Our total of 25 luxurious accommodations are designed for discerning guests looking for a perfect combination of serenity and adventure. This is the highest honor we have received so far and fills us with joy and strength to continue reaching even higher”.

The successive awards of Athina Luxury Suites prove the commitment of the hotel and its management to further development, its continued consistency, hard work and level of service. Just a few meters away from vibrant town center, Athina Luxury Suites immerses guests in tranquility. Breathtaking views, world-class services and exquisite accommodations all combine to create a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Each suite at Athina Luxury Suites offers its own unique set of luxury amenities. Moreover, an unforgettable dining experience awaits guests at the Esperisma bar-restaurant, where guests can find Mediterranean and Greek cuisine inspired by the freshest local ingredients, at a place where luxury meets gastronomy.

Published in Greece In The News

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Monday, 15 May 2017 07:00

The Little Things - What I Love About Living In Greece

My dear friend, who came to Greece on a whim that has turned into a passion, posted this the other day – I share it with her permission...

The Top Ten Things I Love About Living in Greece

When I buy vegetables from the market, they have still have dirt on them.
When I take a cab home at night, 9 times out of 10 the cab driver waits until I’m in the door to drive away.
7:00 pm is still considered afternoon.
At least once a day, I see a motorcycle or scooter driving the wrong way down the street. And no one seems at all concerned.
Something about the way the sunlight hits the landscape here makes the whole place seem magical.
My neighbors have become my friends and know and care about the details of my daily life.
Coffee with a friend lasts two or three hours, and I have never once talked about stock options or liquidity events.
When I walk down the street, I’m greeted with γεια σου κουκλα μου, γεια σου αγαπη, γεια σου ομορφη (hello darling, hello love, hello beautiful) by old men and women.
Shortly after meeting someone, I am invited to their home or apartment.
Greek summer.

Thanks for this!

Until next week,

Jack

Published in My Week In Athens

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Monday, 16 February 2015 12:11

Elaia Restaurant

Where mythic Melina mesmerized Dassin in “Never on Sunday”…today, Elaia offers up a journey through time and tradition. In one of Plaka’s most central and beautiful spots, Vlassis Stathokostopoulos’ Group has something new: housed in a three-storey mansion, Elaia offers you a wonderful dining experience in carefully appointed space in which attention has been paid to the most minute aesthetic detail for it to be in harmony with the heritage and culture of the area. Particularly during the summer months, our guests can enjoy a breathtaking view stretching from the Acropolis to Lycabettus hill from Elaia’s atmospheric rooftop.

Elaia - 16 Erechtheos & Erotokritou, Plaka | Athens | Greece
Telephone reservations:
+30 210-3249512

Do you have a recommendation or recipe to share? Send it to us at ideas@xpatathens.com!

Published in Restaurants In Athens

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Thursday, 19 February 2015 11:44

Fewer Greek Companies Went Out Of Business In 2014

Both good and bad news for the Greek business world emerged from the official data of the General Commercial Registry (GEMI) for 2014. During the previous year, a positive balance between companies forced to shut down and newly established ones was recorded.

In 2014, 33,954 new companies were established, while 30,427 companies went out of business. According to Greek daily newspaper “Kathimerini,” what essentially happened is that market shrinking possibly reached its limits, while at the same time it becomes clear there was a further limitation of sources (bank lending and equity) that could fund even a small business.

Compared to the previous years, newly established companies may exceed those forced to shut down, but they are also significantly fewer than those established in 2012 and 2013. Specifically, in 2012 and 2013, 43,541 and 42,790 new companies were established, respectively. Similarly, 34,279 companies went out of business in 2012 and 33,770 in 2013.

To read more, please visit greekreporter.com

By Aggelos Skordas

Published in Local News

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Saturday, 21 February 2015 15:08

Oregano And Honey Glazed Lamb

Believe it or not I was never a great fan of lamb. I always found that the animal’s particular smell is a little bit too much for me. I would only eat lamb once or twice a year and only my mother’s particular recipe. This has changed over the last couple of years when I discovered that good quality lamb doesn’t smell, especially when cooked correctly, so for the first time this summer I actually ordered lamb as my main dish in a restaurant.

We were in Kini, Syros, eating in a lovely seaside nouvelle-Greek-taverna called Allou Gialou (tel. 2281071196) and I saw a thyme and honey glazed lamb on the menu. I was reluctant to eat it all myself, as it was possible I wouldn’t like it, so we shared with my mother. Big mistake. The meat was soft and falling off the bone, the taste of honey and thyme such a strong characteristic of the Cycladic island we were in (Syros is famous for its thyme honey), there was nothing I didn’t love about it. I made a mental not to re-create the dish when we would get back and here we are!

To read more, please visit foodjunkie.eu

Published in Greek Food & Diet

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Friday, 29 May 2015 11:32

First Greek Beer And Brewing Museum Opens In Athens

ATHINEO, the first Creative Brewery and Beer Museum in Greece, opened its doors to the public recently and aims to become a reference point for beer history and tradition in the country. It is located in the exact place where the Athenian Brewery opened its first plant fifty years ago.

Through the museum exhibition and a training center, ATHINEO will host interactive workshops, while the micro-brewery will also test innovative recipes for unpasteurized beer that will be released to the market four times a year at selected distribution places.

The exhibition mainly includes objects found at three Athenian Brewery plants, which were identified and archived by Greek historian and curator Iris Kritikou. ATHINEO will feature a permanent exhibition of original ceramic beer cups, following its history through the centuries.

To read more, please visit: Greek Reporter

Location: Athenian Brewery ~ 102 Kifissou, Aigaleo 12241
Visitor Hours: Every Saturday during the month of June from 13:00 - 20:00. Regular operation will begin in September 2015.

Published in City Discovery

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Thursday, 08 May 2025 15:00

Laiki Agora: Local Greek Farmer's Market

Greece is famous for its fresh fruit and vegetables and whether you live here or are just visiting, it is well worth your time (and pocket) to visit a market in your area.

The farmers markets or as it is locally known, ‘laiki agora’ (λαϊκή αγορά), which literally means ‘the people's market.’ These markets are very common all over Greece, including Athens and its suburbs!

Laiki markets happen weekly in most neighbourhoods and sell mostly fruits, vegetables, fish, flowers and plants, as well as some household items and prepared foods. The laiki agora is considered an important social custom and tradition throughout Greece.

The products sold in the people's market are typically those comprising a Mediterranean diet, known for its healthy qualities, and are key ingredients in Greek cuisine. The produce sold is almost always local, or in Greek known as ‘dopio’ (ντόπιο), such as fresh fruits (depending on the season, oranges, apples, watermelons, melons, strawberries, and others), vegetables and leaf vegetables (like cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, potatoes, broccoli, carrots, and lettuce), chicken, eggs from suburban farms, and fish.

Here are some tips for shopping at laiki:

1. You'll only find in season fruits and vegetables, so plan accordingly!

2. Take small euro notes and change with you.

3. It’s said that producers change their prices frequently within the same day, especially for sensitive products such as fish. The price is usually higher early in the morning (8-9h00) and is lowered later in the day, especially if the product does not sell well that particular day. Prices are always written on paper cards and said verbally. The lowest possible prices can be found after midday (particularly by 1-2pm); in many cases less than half the original starting price!

Below we've compiled a list of all the farmer's markets accordingly to the day of the week. Laiki markets usually start first thing in the morning by 8 am and run until products run out (typically until 2 pm).

We’ve done our best to provide accurate information, but this information can change every few months. However, you should be able to spot the farmer's market on the designated day by driving around the area and spotting the traffic!

If you'd like to tell us about a market not on the list below or an update

please send an email to ideas@xpatathens.com

MONDAY

Cholargos	Aetidon Street (From 03/03/2025)
Gerakas	Iroon Politechniou Street
Goudi	Georgiou Papandreou Street
Kifissia	1st May Street
Nea Erithraia	Sevidikiou Street (From 07/04/2025 - 09/06/2025)
Rafina	Prousis Street
Zografou	Agios Ioannis Theologos Street (From 26/05/2025 - 20/11/2025)
Saronida	Kefallinias Street
Neo Psichiko	Xanthou Street (From 03/02/2025 - 02/06/2025)

TUESDAY

Ameplokipoi	Lamprou Katsoni Street
Ano Glyfada	Palamidiou Street
Alimos	Chimaras Street (From 06/05/2025 to 26/08/2025)
Galatsi	Karaiskaki Street (From 17/09/2024)
Kaisariani	Vrioulon Street (From 14/01/2025 to 30/06/2025)
Kerameikos	Kerameikou Street
Kifisia	Erimanthou Street
Kipseli	Sikinou Street (From 04/03/2025)
Koropi	Nikolaou Konsta Street (From 04/02/2025 to 31/05/2025)
Melissia	Palaion Patron Germanou Street
Moschato	Solomou Street (From 20/05/2025)
Nea Filadelfia	Fleming Street (From 7/7/2015 to 31/12/2015)
Paiania	Othonos Xounta Street (From 14/01/2025 to 30/08/2025)
Pagkrati	Laertou, Laskou, Telamonos & Timotheou Street
Tavros	Eleftheriou Venizelou
Terpsithea	Konstantinou Athanatou Street

WEDNESDAY

Anavissos	Kiprianou Street
Dafni	Eleftheriou Venizelou Street (From 12/02/2025)
Kato Petralona	Pandorou Street
Kifissia	Pavlou Bakogianni Street
Nea Smirni	Ellispontou Street
Peristeri	Eleftheriou Venizelou Street
Vari Dilofo	Folegandrou Street

THURSDAY

Ano Ilisia	Galinis Street
Elliniko	Chrysanthou Trapezountos (From 16/01/2025)
Galatsi	Galatsiou Street (From 19/09/2024)
Glyfada	Alsous, Zevra, Kyprou & Lazaraki Street
Grammatiko	Agiou Athanasiou
Kipseli	Tinou & Sporadon Street (From 2/7/2015)
Nea Makri	Dimitriadi Street
Papagou	Pindou Street (From 03/04/2025 to 26/06/2025)
Voula	Stratarxou Alexandrou Papagou Street (From 06/02/2025)
Pallini	Eleftheriou Venizelou Street

FRIDAY

Agia Paraskeui	Makedonias Street (From 17/01/2025 to 30/06/2025)
Kolonaki	Ksenokratous Street
Palaio Faliro	Niriidon Street (From 25/10/2024)
Palaio Psychiko	Dimokratias Street
Petralona	Kallisthenous Street
Peristeri	Pelopida Street
Vari	Parking Varkiza Beach (From 20/09/2024 - 14/06/2025)
Neo Irakleio	Kountouriotou Street (From 12/07/2024)

SATURDAY

Exarcheia	Kallidromiou Street
Glyka Nera	Grigoriou Afxentiou
Maroussi	Megalou Alexandrou Street (From 08/02/2025 - 07/06/2025)
Palaia Fokaia	Karapiperi Street
Polidrosso	Akakion Street (From 08/02/2025 - 07/06/2025)
Rafina	Tsakonos Street
Vouliagmeni	Thiseos Street

Athens Central Market

Located on Athinas street between Monastiraki and Omonia, Athens’ central market is open daily, except Sunday.

Organic Food Markets

There are a growing number of markets where organic producers can sell their certified produce. Organic certification is regulated by the relevant law in force. At these markets, consumers can purchase fresh and manufactured organic products such as fruits, vegetables, edible olives, olive oil, wine, etc. Below is a list of organice markets around Athens.

Monday	Kifissia, Kokkinara 80 Nea Smyrni, Syngrou Avenue 221
Tuesday	Palaio Psychiko, Stratigou Kallari 48
Wednesday	Filothei, Str. Ventiri Street Piraeus, Klisovis & Chatzikyriakou Avenue Halandri Chalandri, Ioanninon & Timfristou
Thursday	Gerakas, Mavrovouniotou 29
Friday	Cholargos, Sirou Street
Saturday	Voula, Nireos 29

If you'd like to give us an update or tell us about a market not on the list above, please send an email to ideas@xpatathens.com

Published in City Discovery

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WELLNESS HUB

Authentic Marathon Swim

Kyniska Of Sparta - The First Female Olympian

Akadimia Platonos Revamp Set To Go Through

Athina Luxury Suites At The Top Of The World Travel Awards & World Luxury Hotel Awards

The Little Things - What I Love About Living In Greece

Elaia Restaurant

Fewer Greek Companies Went Out Of Business In 2014

Oregano And Honey Glazed Lamb

First Greek Beer And Brewing Museum Opens In Athens

Laiki Agora: Local Greek Farmer's Market

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