To celebrate World Environment Day, which is observed every year on the 5th of June, the Athens International Airport (AIA) had a recycling competition for all airport employees. Their aim was to raise awareness and encourage recycling throughout the airport.

AIA has repeatedly been awarded for its efforts to promote environmentally friendly practices including winning the Ecopolis Environmental Awareness Award for its work in monitoring ecosystems in the area of airport and protection of biodiversity and wildlife. AIA has also been recognized for its practices in waste management, recycling, and CO2 emissions reduction as well as for its overall contribution to environmental protection and sustainable development.

AIA’s initiatives include holding a one-day workshop on Biodiversity and Climate Change in Eastern Attica, bringing together representatives from ministries, local government, universities and NGOs. AIA has provided educational materials and themed excursions to schools, started an educational program at local elementary schools to raise awareness about water management, and provided scholarship funding for two postgraduate students at the University of the Aegean.

To read this article in full, please visit: Greek Travel Pages

Tourist flows to the Greek capital are on the rise with professionals saying this is the best December 2016 performance in a long time demonstrated by increased demand for rooms and high passenger traffic at Athens International Airport (AIA).

Managing Director of Hotel Grande Bretagne and Hotel King George, Tim Ananiadis, told Euro2day that bookings at the two award-winning hotels have risen this month by 15 percent compared to last year, bringing 2016 to a healthy close for both five-star units.

Alexandros Vassilikos, president of the Athens – Attica & Argosaronic Hotel Association backs Ananiadis’ claims of boosted December performance, adding that many Cypriot travelers also chose to visit the Greek capital this year. The number of holidaymakers from Cyprus had dropped by as much as 60 percent in the previous years, according to hotel industry professionals.

To read this article in full, please visit: Greek Travel Pages

Greece is beginning the 2018 new year with winter sales starting on January 8 and going through February 28. On January 14, the first Sunday of the sales period, shops will stay open from 11:00-18:00.

Store owners, particularly in Athens, have announced a mere 2.5% hike in their profits in the holiday season and are now anxious to capitalize on it with the almost two-month long winter sales.

If there is a discount on more than 60% of a store’s goods on sale, it is mandatory to show the percentage discount given, which must be displayed in the shop window and all other commercial communication, such as online stores and public advertisements.

For a few ideas on where to shop, read: Athens' Newest Cool Neighborhoods - Koukaki & Makriyianni and Top 5 Places To Go In Kifissia

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

Madame Phu Man Chu is an exciting new entry to the Athenian gastronomy and nightlife scene. The brain child of a peculiar trio, a Vietnamese chef, a French architect and a Greek musician/entrepreneur, Madame Phu Man Chu is the funkiest tiny Vietnamese restaurant in town.

 

The service at Madame Phu Man Chu is warm, friendly and welcoming, making it the sort of place you’d like to pop in after work for quick drink and a little bite. Essentially, it’s a great addition to the re-vitalizing of the Athenian night scene.

Address: Skouleniou 4 & Praxitelous, Athens
Telephone: 210 3231366

The Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport has issued a new directive regarding towing and trailers which affects all passengers with private and commercial vehicles.

All trailers will be considered to be separate vehicles from now on, and will require their own separate registration document. The new registration documents must be issued by December 12, 2020. Old tow notes will no longer be valid. The owner must also keep both registration documents (can and trailer) in the car.

Regarding tow-bars, these must all be retractable or detachable and should not protrude when a trailer is not towed. Cars with old tow-bars are required to replace them with removable or retractable ones. When not used, the tow-bar must either be detached or folded so that it does not protrude from the bumper.

It is also clarified that in KTEO tests (MOT), a vehicle with a fixed, non-removable or non-retractable tow-bar will be flagged, and the owner will have to go for a re-inspection within a month.

This content was originally posted on Insurance-Greece.com.

XpatAthens is grateful to Insurance-Greece for being a Silver Partner and supporting our efforts to connect and inform the international community in Greece.

Insurance-Greece is an online insurance advisory portal focused entirely on ex-pat insurance matters in Greece. They do not have call centers and never send automated email replies. An actual person deals with your insurance needs at all times. Whatever your insurance plan, an Insurance Advisor is there for personal advice! You will have an experienced insurance advisor assigned to you so you'll always have someone to talk to regarding your insurance needs. Find out more here.

11 major investments in cruise, marina, and airport infrastructure are expected to take Greek tourism to the next level after Covid-19, according to a report released this week by Axia Ventures.

Titled “Greece: Post-Covid Perspective”, the report’s analysts forecast better and faster-than-expected tourism recovery after the pandemic subsides.

“For Greece, we believe that recovery will come sooner rather than later, given that demand for destinations with ‘sea & sun’ will be high on the list of those who will travel after the pandemic,” said the report.

It goes on to add that strong demand in 2022 may reach 2019 levels, provided the tourist season is extended to include spring and autumn. Axia analysts expect the robust demand for Greek destinations to continue in the coming years as well as increased spending, which will be a direct result of upgraded tourism services and products.

Greece is set to benefit from people’s desire to go on vacation, particularly in view of key infrastructure projects that will help upgrade Greece’s brand name, the report notes.

More specifically, listed in the report are the following projects, investments and privatizations:

– Hellinikon on the Athenian Riviera, which includes an integrated casino resort;
– a new cruise terminal at Piraeus port expected to be operational by 2023;
– a new marina at Alimos;
– the new Heraklion airport in Kastelli, Crete;
– the expansion of the Naxos and Chios regional airports;
– the new marina in Monolithos, Santorini;
– the privatization of a number of ports countrywide;
– the privatization of Athens International Airport;
– the upgrade and increased connectivity of the country’s train/rail network;
– modernized road networks including Crete’s North Road Axis;
– and finally, the framework for the operation of some 150 waterways.

To read this article in full, please visit: news.gtp.gr
Photo credit: thehellinikon.com

Who does not love the exhilaration of theme parks? From your 7-year-old nephew to your 35-year-old co-worker at work, there is just something about theme parks that endears them to a multitude of visitors of all ages.

If you ask us, there isn't anything better than a family enjoying a theme park together. Luckily, Greece is home to some beautiful theme parks you can explore, try interesting activities, and spend quality time together.  

Here is a small list of some great theme parks, perfect if you want to take a break from your daily routine and escape to nature for a while!

Mia fora ki enan kairo 

  

Donkeysland


A donkey sanctuary in Koropi, about 40 minutes southeast of Athens, Donkeysland aims to inform kids, adults, and animal lovers, in general, about donkeys. Donkeys are part and parcel of Greek village life and culture. You will learn information about these beautiful equines and have the opportunity to pet and feed them, always under the instructions of well-trained and experienced staff. Donkeys are extremely caring, communicative, and playful animals, able to develop a very tender relationship with any person, especially a child!

 

 

Located in Malakasa, just outside Athens, Adventure Park is the perfect place to be if you seek a way of life that embraces thrilling leisure along with nature, environmental education, and action. The park provides a wide range of fun and exciting activities, each with a different level of difficulty, so anyone can participate. Depending on their age, kids can opt for several nature-associated activities, test their strengths, and explore their abilities. Of course, training is mandatory, even for the easiest of games, because safety comes first!

 

The Ranch

 

Nestled amidst the mountains of Karpenisi, Saloon Park promises to offer a memorable Western experience! People of all ages are welcome to ride on the train through the fiery nature, try horseback riding, jump on the trampoline, have a picnic under the blue sky, and see a deer or two if they are lucky enough. Or, you can relax with a coffee by the fireplace in the wooden retreat, enjoying the beauty of Greek nature combined with the ambiance of the American South.
 

 

 

Once again, Santorini captivates the attention of the global sports community as it prepares for the 7th Santorini Experience, which will take place on October 3-6, 2024. Both professional and amateur athletes will have the opportunity to enjoy sports activities in breathtaking locations on the island, such as the Volcano and the trail connecting Oia with Fira, featuring the impressive Caldera and stunning views of the Aegean Sea.

On the morning of Friday, October 4, participants will swim from the Volcano to the old port of Fira, with the imposing view of the island in front of them, in the thrilling 1.5-miles (2.4 km) open water swimming race. Santorini’s volcano is the most famous among the volcanoes that make up the volcanic arc of the Aegean. It is one of the largest underwater volcanoes that remains active, with its famous caldera being the only inhabited one in the world. The swimming route will take place, as always, with absolute safety in the enchanting waters of Santorini (average water temperature of 22-23 degrees Celsius). The race’s safety will be ensured by specialized lifeguards and rescue boats, while the organizers will provide all athletes with safety buoys, offering extra security to each participant. The use of individual floats is mandatory for everyone. The Technical Director of the swimming race is Nikos Gemelos, an accomplished swimming coach with Olympic and world accolades, who once again had an athlete competing in their sixth Olympic Games.

Santorini will once again be in the spotlight this year, with athletes from the global elite of open water swimming, who participated in Paris Olympics, expected to attend the event. Specifically, the swimming race will feature Italian world and European champion Barbara Pozzobon, Italian world and European champion and Olympic fourth-place finisher Domenico Acerenza, and Hungarian silver medalist and Olympic fourth-place finisher Anna Olasz. They will compete on the challenging and fast course of Santorini Experience, showcasing their strength and skill. The event will also be attended by the Italian coach of top Olympic and world championship successes, Fabrizio Antonelli. 

hoper, the company that brings scheduled helicopter flights to Greece, will be the Official Helicopter Partner of Santorini Experience for the first time. hoper is rewriting the rules of transportation in Greece, bringing destinations closer than ever. As part of this year’s event, the innovative company will offer the winner of the 15 km running race and the winner of the open water swimming race a helicopter tour, with the safety provided by its fleet.

Great names are expected to participate in the running events as well, such as HOKA athlete Alexandros Karykas, who has competed in the 116 km Trail Alsace Grand Est by UTMB in France, the 100 km Julian Alps Ultra Sky Trail in Slovenia, and the 73 km Chianti Ultra Trail 2023 in Italy. HOKA, one of the top brands in running, is participating for the first time as the Official Footwear Sponsor of the event. As part of its participation, the company will offer a unique pair of HOKA shoes as a gift to both the first male and female finishers in the 15 km race powered by HOKA. More names will be announced in the coming weeks.

In addition to swimming, participants can register for the 5km “Aristides Alafouzos” powered by Miele, the 10km powered by SIXT, a member of MOTODYNAMICS Group, or the 15km powered by HOKA. 

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To register, please CLICK HERE!

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For more information on the terms of participation, click here: https://www.santorini-experience.com/en/event-info/terms.html  

The Legendary Georgios Printezis in Santorini with Joe Arlauckas! 

Santorini Experience enriches this year’s schedule with the addition of the Olympic sport of basketball. For the first time in the event, two prominent sports figures, the two-time champion and EuroLeague record holder Georgios Printezis and the EuroLeague legend and European champion with Real Madrid Joe Arlauckas, join forces to teach the island’s kids the basic principles of basketball. On Sunday, October 6, children from Santorini’s basketball clubs will have the opportunity to meet these international basketball stars and learn the “secrets” of basketball at the Indoor Gymnasium Basketball Court of the Municipality of Thira.

Free Participation for Thira Municipality Citizens

The citizens of Thira Municipality can participate for free. Thira residents can register for free exclusively at Alafouzos Sport, the event’s Official Sports Store, at Fira in Santorini.

 

Travel to Santorini with a 30% Discount on Ferry Tickets

Those visiting Santorini by ferry for Santorini Experience can travel with the safety and comfort of Blue Star Ferries, the event’s Official Sponsor. The top Greek shipping company offers a 30% discount on ferry tickets (all seats except cabins) from Piraeus, Cyclades, and Dodecanese to Santorini on round-trip tickets and 30% on vehicles for those participating in the event and visiting the island from October 1 to 8, 2024. Each person who has completed their registration is entitled to the same discount for 3 additional people (if they are their escorts).

 

Participants who have completed their registration can contact the following port offices for seat reservations and ticket issuance:

-Piraeus, GIOVANTI TRAVEL, Tel. +30 210-4119171

-Santorini, DAKOUTROS TRAVEL, Tel. +30 22860 22201

Premium Mobility Partner of the event is SIXT, a member of the MOTODYNAMICS Group. 

Athina Luxury Suites is the Silver Sponsor.

GoPro is the event’s Official Action Camera.

HOKA is the Official Footwear Sponsor.

Vikos Natural Mineral Water is the Official Water. 

hoper is the Official Helicopter Partner.

Miele is the event’s Bronze Sponsor.

Alafouzos Sport is the event’s Official Sports Store.

Blue Star Ferries is the Official Sponsor.

Luanvi is the Official Technical T-shirt.

Kois Optics are the Official Optics Partner.

Nobu Hotel Santorini, Santorini’s Best Driver, and Messinian Spa are the event’s Partners.

π³= Plastic Pollution Prevention is the Sustainability Partner.

The event will be implemented with the invaluable support of our Hospitality Sponsors, who promote the island with special prices and offer enormous support to the event. The confirmed hotels so far are the following: Athina Luxury Suites, Nobu Hotel Santorini, NOUS Santorini, Katikies Garden Santorini, Vedema, A Luxury Collection Resort Santorini (Empiria Group), Santo Pure Oia Suites & Villas, Santo Mine Oia Suites, Apeiron Blue, 270 Oia’s View, West East Suites, Lydia’s House, Santorini Folia Bianca, Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Santorini, Coco-Mat Hotel Santorini, De Sol Hotel & Spa, The Majestic Hotel Santorini (Kord Hotels), Meltemi Suites, Meltemi Village, Atlantis Beach, Neoklassiko Koukouli, Noni Studios, Santoriviera House, Ifestau4, En Plo Boutique Suites, Epavlis Grace, Fanouris Condo, MONOLiTHIA, Epavlis Hotel (Meraki Collection), Eteoro Suites Santorini, K & K Unique Holiday Homes, Blue Dolphins, Loizos Stylish Residences, Venus Sunrise Suites & Villas, Sienna Eco Resort. 

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Check HERE for the available special offers from the hospitality sponsors for the participants of Santorini Experience, which are only valid during the event’s days.

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Santorini Experience is organized by the Municipality of Thira and ActiveMedia Group. The event is held under the auspices of the Greek Ministry of Tourism and the Greek National Tourism Organization.

For more information visit: www.santorini-experience.com  

#SantoriniExperience

Website: www.santorini-experience.com

Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/santoriniexperience/

Twitter Account: https://twitter.com/Sant_Experience

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGconq7q45TYim8qFg71XlA

TikTok Account: https://www.tiktok.com/@santorini_experience 

Greece remains a natural home for anyone drawn to mythology, a place where ancient stories still echo through real landscapes. Past and present, legend and reality, meet constantly here, giving every site a quiet sense of wonder. This selection highlights ten places where those old tales still feel close to the surface.




Delphi – The Oracle’s Sacred Sanctuary


@dermaierhofer

No place could open this list more fittingly than Delphi, perhaps the most iconic mythological site in Greece. Set against the slopes of Mount Parnassus, the sanctuary once drew kings and travellers seeking guidance from the Oracle of Apollo. Even now, the ruins hold a quiet intensity, as if the echoes of those ancient prophecies still linger in the air.

Mount Olympus – Home of the Twelve Gods


@denis_du

Mount Olympus follows naturally, the legendary home of the twelve Olympian gods and the highest peak in Greece. Rising sharply above the northern plains, it has long been imagined as the place where Zeus ruled and the gods debated the fate of mortals. Walking its trails today, the mountain still carries a sense of grandeur, as if the old divine presence has never entirely faded from its slopes.

Knossos – Palace of the Minotaur


@tdaniel.henson

Knossos, the legendary palace on Crete long linked to the myth of the Minotaur and the labyrinth, remains one of the most evocative sites in Greek mythology. Once the heart of the Minoan civilisation, its sprawling ruins and vivid frescoes still hint at a world rich in ritual and symbolism. Walking through its corridors today, it’s easy to see why this place inspired one of the most enduring stories of Greek myth.

Ithaca – Homeland of Odysseus


@themisdk

Ithaca carries a special resonance, long celebrated as the homeland of Odysseus and the symbolic destination of his arduous journey. Quiet, green, and rugged, the island still feels shaped by the spirit of return and perseverance that defines his story. Standing on its hills or along its coves, one quickly senses why this small place has held such a powerful place in the imagination for centuries. A visit to the Cave of the Nymphs, traditionally linked to Odysseus’ return, offers a particularly atmospheric glimpse into the island’s mythic past.

Ikaria – Island of the Icarus Legend


@nick.halj

Ikaria carries the quiet allure of the myth of Icarus, whose fall is traditionally linked to the waters surrounding this rugged Aegean island. Known today for its slow rhythm of life and striking landscapes, it feels like a place where time stretches differently. A walk to the dramatic cliffs near Nas, overlooking the sea where the legend places Icarus’ descent, offers a particularly evocative way to connect the island’s natural beauty with its long‑lived myth.

Cape Sounion – The Cliff of Aegeus


@valentina_ronchi_

Just an hour from Athens, Cape Sounion offers one of the most striking mythological settings in Greece, crowned by the Temple of Poseidon overlooking the Aegean. According to tradition, this is where Aegeus leapt into the sea, believing his son Theseus had died on his return from Crete. The headland’s sweeping views and the temple’s gleaming columns make it an ideal place to reflect on the blend of beauty and tragedy that runs through Greek myth.

Mount Parnassus – Realm of Apollo & the Muses


@letsgohiking5280

Mount Parnassus holds a special place in Greek mythology, long regarded as the sacred domain of Apollo, the Muses, and the arts they inspired. Its slopes, covered in forests and threaded with ancient paths, have been associated for centuries with poetry, music, and divine inspiration. Walking here today, the landscape still carries a quiet creative energy, especially around the springs and viewpoints traditionally linked to the Muses’ presence.

Psychro Cave – Birthplace of Zeus


@ninatraveljournal

The Psychro Cave on Crete holds a special place in Greek mythology, often identified as the birthplace of Zeus. According to certain traditions, the infant god was hidden here to escape Cronus, who feared being overthrown by his own children. The cave’s cool chambers and dramatic stalactites create an atmosphere that feels naturally steeped in myth, especially for visitors who make the short hike up from the Lassithi Plateau to explore this storied site.

Necromanteion of Ephyra – Gateway to the Underworld


@camerawork.at

The Necromanteion of Ephyra stands as one of the most atmospheric sites in Greek mythology, long regarded as a gateway to the Underworld and dedicated to Hades and Persephone. This ancient sanctuary was believed to be a place where mortals could communicate with the dead, guided through dark corridors and ritual chambers meant to evoke the journey beyond. Exploring the site today, with its subterranean passages and stark stone walls, offers a vivid sense of why this location became so closely tied to the boundary between the living and the world below.

Lake Stymphalia – The Sixth Labour of Heracles


@lenaparis

Lake Stymphalia, set in the mountains of the Peloponnese, is forever tied to the sixth labour of Heracles, where he confronted the man‑eating Stymphalian birds. Surrounded by reeds, wetlands, and quiet hills, the area still carries an air of mystery that suits the tale of those fearsome creatures. A walk around the lake or a visit to the nearby environmental museum offers a vivid way to connect the landscape with one of the hero’s most memorable challenges.

All that remains now is to set off and let these legendary places work their magic on you, just as they have for generations of travellers, writers, painters, and even filmmakers who still draw inspiration from Greek myth today. Whether you feel the strength of Heracles awakening or the cunning of Odysseus whispering in your ear, these landscapes have a way of stirring something unexpected. Somewhere out there, a myth‑soaked corner of Greece is simply waiting for your footsteps to awaken your own inner hero!