Living Postcards from Greece is a series of short videos that give life to traditional postcards, depicting the country’s mountains, urban landscapes, ancient monuments and sea. Led by photographer Emmanouil Papadopoulos, the project reveals and shares the beauty of Greece, signaling the transition of traditional tourism campaigns to a digital age.

Below are Living Postcards from Karydi Beach in Halkidiki and the White Tower in Thessaloniki!






To view more Living Postcards, please visit: The Greek Foundation

Photo Credit: The Greek Foundation

If your New Year's resolution is to start eating better, then look no further than these places Greece Is recommends for healthy eating. Whether you're a vegetarian, vegan, or you simply want to add more nutrition to your meals, these restaurants in Athens will have you covered.

Jars filled with spices, herbs, superfruits, oats and seeds line the walls in this health store, which doubles as a juice bar.

Address: Ermou & 17 Aiolou

Hours: Mon-Sat 8:00-23:00, Sun 9:30-23:00

Holy Greens, located in an office building in the northeastern suburb of Marousi, follows a Swedish concept of healthy but filling salads to give you energy throughout the day; perfect for a quick bite in between meetings.

Address: 3A Fragoklisias, Marousi

Hours: Mon-Fri 8:00-19.00, Sat 10:00-16:00

Juices you could live on as well as raw soups and smoothies made with homemade almond milk.

Address: 6 Athanasiou Diakou & Porinou

Hours: Mon-Fri 8:00-20:00, Sat-Sun 10:00-18:00

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

Sunday, the last day before Lent, according to the Christian Orthodox calendar, saw the conclusion of Carnival celebrations in Greece. Helped by the sunny weather, many thousands took part in the parades and other Carnival celebrations all around Greece.

 

The best-known Carnival in Greece takes place in Patras, the country’s 3rd largest city. This year the Patras Carvival attracted some 40,000 visitors and included a Chinese troupe, “Flying Dragons and Dancing Lions - Team of Cuigezhuang Township”.

 

The Patras Carnival is most likely the most flamboyant and crowded, while places such as Naoussa in northern Greece and the island of Corfu base their celebrations on old traditions and retain a more authentic character.


To read this article in full, please visit: ekathimerini

The Greek rebellion against the Ottoman Empire, 200 years ago, marked the end of slavery, reclaiming the most valuable asset for Greeks, their freedom. Historical battles of the national liberation efforts took place in the Messinian land and decisive naval battles effectively sealed the end of the Revolution and led to the freedom of Greece, resulting in the national rebirth and the establishment of the modern Greek state.

Run Messinia is an ultramarathon race of a total distance of approximately 421 kilometers, a tribute to the important events and unforgettable battles of the heroes of 1821. On June 5-14, 2021, during the “Run for Freedom” edition, 10 athletes per route will attempt to run 10 marathons in total, in 10 consecutive days, crossing historical places and monuments of Messinia, Laconia and Arcadia, which are related to the Greek revolution.

Run Messinia is committed to never forgetting all those sacrificed during the Revolution of 1821 and promises to spread the stories of heroes who honored and defended the right of all people to live with dignity in a fair and peaceful world.

The 10 Historical Routes of Run for Freedom
The Messinian land constitutes a special and historic place for the Greek Revolution of 1821. For this reason, the event aims to highlight the history of all the areas associated with the Greek Revolution in Messinia both culturally and touristically.

- Run for Freedom will start its 1st route from Areopoli of the East Mani Municipality, pass through Stoupa of the West Mani Municipality and end in Kardamyli.
- The 2nd route, starting from Kardamyli, will pass through Verga of the Kalamata Municipality and end in the city of Kalamata.
- In the 3rd route, the athletes starting from Kalamata will cross Nedousa and finish in Alagonia.
- During the 4 th route of Run Messinia, the runners starting from Alagonia will pass through Dyrachio and Neochori of the Megalopoli Municipality and complete their effort in Poliani of the Kalamata Municipality.
- From Poliani, during the 5th route, participants will cross Skala and end up in Paloukorahi of the Oichalia Municipality.
- The 6th route will highlight historical places of the Oichalia Municipality, as the athletes starting from Paloukorahi will cross Katsarou, Solaki, Meropi, Loutro, Diavolitsi, Ano Psari, Dorio and end up at the statue of Kolokotronis in Ramovouni.
- In the 7th route starting from Ramovouni, the runners will pass through Zerbisia of the Messini Municipality, Kalogeresi, Saint Nikitas Sellas and Tripyla of the Trifylia Municipality, in order to reach Maniaki of the Pylos-Nestor Municipality.
- In the 8th route the participants will start from Maniaki, pass through Agios Andreas of the Messini Municipality and Kato Minagia and finish in Koroni.
- The 9th route will move exclusively within the Pylos-Nestor Municipality from Koroni, to Methoni and then to 2 Pylos.
- The 10th and final route of Run for Freedom starting from Pylos, will provide runners with the opportunity of passing through Neokastro, observing Sphacteria and Paleokastro, while crossing Kremmidia and Schinolakka.

Safety First
The event is planned and will be implemented based on the strict health and safety protocol and the approval of the Health Scientific Committee of the General Secretariat of Sports, with respect to the Covid-19 pandemic conditions. In order to avoid any excess interactions and overcrowding, up to 10 runners will compete in each route, while a Covid-19 test being mandatory for all. In case the epidemiological data improve, an increase in the number of participating runners will be considered. In case of a deteriorating health environment, the event will be transferred to the end of June.

The valuable support of the Municipalities
The partnered Municipalities supporting Run Messinia and contributing to the event’s smooth implementation are the following, in Greek alphabetical order: East Mani Municipality, West Mani Municipality, Kalamata Municipality, Megalopoli Municipality, Messini Municipality, Oichalia Municipality, Pylos-Nestor Municipality, Trifylia Municipality.

Run Messinia will leave a legacy for the future of the place, as it has already started highlighting and promoting through its social media, the historical places, the battles and all the monuments, which are located in the three regions and through which runners will pass.

The event will be held under the auspices of the Greek National Tourism Organization. The difficult task of the event’s planning and implementation has been 3 undertaken by the award-winning ActiveMedia Group through its Sports Production department.

More information on the schedule, routes, and details of Run Messinia will be announced in the upcoming weeks.

---

XpatAthens is proud to be a Media Sponsor of Run Messinia 2021

---

 

Attica, the peninsula surrounded by the Aegean Sea where Athens stands, is a region of many surprises. Look around if you’re landing at Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport and you’ll notice some of the 29,000 acres of vineyards, where 32 wineries produce world-class labels.

Fascinatingly enough, the culture of winemaking in Greece has existed in the region for around three and a half thousand years and in mythology, the God Dionysus traveled across Attica offering wine. Wine has always been an important gastronomic and cultural staple of the Greek diet and lifestyle, as proven by archaeological finds of amphorae and kylixes (cups) that wine was transported and consumed in.

The dry, warm climate and abundant sunshine in Attica through most of the year certainly help – both in the production of wine and in providing the perfect opportunity to visit wineries to taste and shop local varieties in 30 to 60 minutes of travel from the centre of town. Attica also produces honey, pistachio nuts, and prized black figs in season.

The areas of Kapandriti, Koropi, Pikermi, Spata, Pallini, and Stamata are where you’ll find the wineries of Attica, where the famous Savvatiano and Roditis, as well as Retsina, made from Savvatiano wine with added pine resins. “Savatiano is like drinking the Greek summer,” said global wine expert Tara Thomas to Wine & Spirit magazine, “fruity, complete in taste, easy to drink, with the scents of citrus and green apple popping out of the glass; a world-class grape.”

More modern varieties include Malagouzia, Assyrtiko, Fileri, Cabernet Sauvignon, Agiorgitiko, Athiri, Vilana, Merlot, Robola, White Muscat, Muscat of Hamburg and Muscat of Alexandria. GCT spoke with leading oenologist Nico Manessis to get some top tips on the most highly recommended Attica wineries to visit. Manessis is a leading expert on the wines of his native Greece. He authored the pioneering ‘The Greek Wine Guide’ and the’ Illustrated Greek Wine book. His travels on the wine routes continue chronicling developments which are published in his excellent and informative website Greek Wine World.

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

A unique event with a piano player floating in the air over the Tempi Valley to promote the natural heritage in the area of Central Greece.

Sunday afternoon, hikers and other visitors were stunned, when a woman appeared in the air with her piano that was floating in the air with the help of big balloons, creating an unreal scenery.

This unique event and promotion video was an idea of director Paschalis Mantis and the pianist of the Acropolis museum Elena Xydia who followed a call by the mayor of Tempi Municipality, Giorgos Manolis, in order to create a special video promoting the natural heritage of the area.

A volunteer team worked for some time planning the venture, which is unique as no one has attempted it before in a natural landscape, at such a great height.

With impeccable technical planning by Vassilis Badavis, all safety measures were foreseen, in this venture which was completely safe both in the preparation phase and in the final implementation phase.

It should be noted that the help offered by the Larissa Fire Brigade, the Police, and the Larissa Chamber of Commerce was very important and essential, the organizers said.

Originally published on: keeptalkinggreece.com

The Meet Market is back in the lush green oasis of Zappeion, hosting the most summery celebration of entrepreneurship in the city. In a vibrant setting under the jacarandas trees, we await you on Saturday the 5th and Sunday the 6th of July, at the coolest spot in Athens for two days full of meeting, greeting, browsing, shopping, tasting, and grooving.  Expect to find great food, beers from microbreweries, wine from local producers, plus refreshing cocktails and spritzes to elevate the mood in a summer-perfect meet-up bursting with good energy.

Plenty of new makers!

This July’s Meet Market will showcase over 80 creators – many of whom are making their debut – offering locally-designed clothing, unique accessories, handmade jewelry, stylish home decor, beauty and wellness products made from natural ingredients, packaged foods directly from the Greek land, carefully selected kids’ items, vintage treasures, and much more.

All-Day Music

Staying true to our motto “First a Meet, then a Market,” our program features continuous sets from beloved DJs, starting with laid-back afternoon tunes and peaking with dance beats by night. The music never stops!

Fun for All Ages

Coming with the kids?  No problem.  We’ll have free activities for kids, including creative games, juggling performances, bubble shows, face painting, and plenty of surprises. And there's no shortage of food and drink: mouthwatering street food, pizza, burgers, and ice cream… and for the adults, we’ve got beers, wine, refreshing cocktails, and summer spirits.

Extra tip: Stop by the Info Point / Central Cash Desk and... you might walk away with a gift basket! Enter the raffle and win one of three baskets filled with authentic, handmade gifts from our amazing exhibitors!

The Coolest Summer Stop

Join us in an open, summer setting for strolls under the trees, relaxing on the grass, catching up with friends, doing some summer shopping, snacking, drinking and just enjoying the positive vibes. The Meet Market at Zappeion is the coolest stop of the summer – where the city comes to life just before it empties out for the holidays.

#TheMeetMarket: A nomadic market of innovation and creativity. Clothes, jewelry, accessories, wellness & self-care products, art & decor, kids' goods, delicious treats, collectible vintage finds, street food, interactive games, DJ sets & positive vibes – all in celebration of the local entrepreneurial spirit.


 

Hand-Designer Clothes:
Aelia.You, Adelie Pengu, Anemuku, Bakayaro, circle of karma, DRU, Greek Sayings in English, Hazelnut Streetwear, Kadó Handmade, Ovary Gang, Nik’s, Sevi Waves, Siel, Xana, ΖΕΦΥR

Accessories:
Anakata handmade, INO Design, Favlos Kyklos, FORE, LePlou, Mavrosandals, Molkano, MoMo HandCrafted, Rimadi & Kardoulezen, The Mpini Project, Théla, Think Bricks, Trapeze

 

Kids & Toys:
Aeikiniton, Happy Button store, Mamuka, I Love Bows

Jewelry:
ANV Handmade Jewerly, Argiro Handmade Projects, BSOD, Diesblon, Freyja Jewelry, Illimite Jewerly, Irini Kutiva Ceramics, Kilimi, Loveisall., LUSSU MARSO, MGeometric Designs, Mikrama, Mosaic Beadwork, Matharia, North & South Jewelry, NOXPIRIA, Pretty Little Things, Red Fox Stories, Sisyphus

Mind, Body & Soul:
Bee Naturalles, Christies, Hazel Natural Skincare, The Soaphouse, The Salve Project

Vintage & Retro:
King Kong Vintage, Lilian in Love, Memorabilia Lovers, MUNDA

Art & HomeDeco
Aethereal Ceramics, Blue Studio Ceramics, EleniPal Ceramics, Little Stone Studio, Meli Ceramics, Paperlocs., Redy., Sava Handmade Creations, Sporos.Wrapped in Art, Signature Project, STONED Design, Urban Muses

Tasting Corner:
‘Αγρια Νομή, Αpo Kardias Olive Oil, Aithra Premium Spirits, Οικογένεια Δασκαλάκη, Kakau Worship, ΣάΟΣ

Street Food & Drinks:
ALU.beer, Django Gelato, Grape Store, Falafeladiko, Fysika, Kykao Handcrafted, Neropistolo, Pizza Dough, Tarantino Burgers, The Meet Market Bar, Toul’s Brew

Saturday 05.07
15:00 - 17:00: Rrose Sélavy
17:00 - 19:00: Pipidee
19:00 - 21:00: DJ Kiten
21:00 - 23:00: George Garavellos

Sunday 06.07
15:00 - 17:00: djk_aka_zegas
17:00 - 19:00: mR GEE
19:00 - 21:00: dj kotétrataté
21:00 - 23:00: Zervas_Giorgos_tsxls

 

(Participation is FREE!)

 

Saturday 05.07

18:00 - 21:00 | Outdoor interactivities from Paizontas
19:30 - 21:00 | Juggling and Bubble Show from Fundastick Performing Arts

18:00 - 21:00 | Outdoor interactivities from Paizontas
18:00 - 20:00 | Face-painting by Moutzoures
20:00 - 21:00 | Magic Show by Magic Tolto

 

Paizontas - Let the fun begin!  Join us for outdoor recreational and educational activities like mega jenga, slackline, crate climbing, and rock climbing for kids that harmoniously combine fun play with hands-on learning!

Juggling and Bubble Show from Fundastick Performing Arts - Panagiotis Argyrakis from Fundastick Performing Arts will entertain both young and old alike with his amazing juggling skills and giant soap bubbles!

Face-painting with Moutzoures - Brushes are dancing with sponges, eager for colors to roll, glitter to be sprinkled, and admire the children’s faces filled with Spring as the Μoutzoures team heads over to the Meet Market #SummerEdition! 

Magic Show by Magic Tolto - The pinnacle of children's entertainment Magic Tolto presents an interactive magic show full of moments of laughter, excitement and real fun this Christmas at the Meet Market! For ages: 4+

Parallel Activities

Wine Tasting by Grape Store

Saturday | 19:00 - 20:00

Sunday | 19:00 - 20:00

Join us for an delightful wine tasting session featuring exquisite Greek wines in the serene Zappeion Garden, beneath the trees' shade. Savor a curated selection of Greece's finest vintages, including the most known but also rare local varieties, each telling a unique story of the sun-kissed vineyards and rich heritage. Enjoy the harmonious blend of nature's tranquility and the vibrant notes of the wines. Discover the unique flavors in every glass, surrounded by natural splendor in the festive vibe of the Meet Market.

Cost: 20€ /  person

Duration: 45 - 60 λεπτά

Capacity: 20 people

Reservations: grapestore.gr or on the spot based on availability

Every year, more professionals, families, and digital nomads make the decision to relocate to Greece.

Some people move to Greece for work, others for lifestyle and many simply because they fell in love with the sun, the sea, and the feeling that life here moves a little more slowly.

If you’re planning a move to Athens, you’re probably picturing island weekends, outdoor cafés, late dinners with friends, and long walks under blue skies.

Truthfully? That part is real, and Athens does offer an incredible quality of life.

But after years of assisting expats settle into their new homes the team at Especially Relocation Agency, knows that although the dream is real, the logistics are not always as simple as people expect. Behind every smooth relocation plan, there’s usually a lot of paperwork, planning, and local know-how which is inevitable.

Here’s a practical look at one of the most common myths about expat life in Athens, and the reality behind it.

Reality: Daily life still requires planning and plenty of paperwork

Before you can fully relax into the Mediterranean lifestyle, there are a few essentials to sort out. New arrivals quickly discover they need to obtain a tax number (AFM), open  a Greek bank account, arrange utilities, sign rental contracts and register for healthcare. Also enrolling children in schools and navigating various other government procedures might seem simple on paper but less simple in practice, especially when all happen in Greek.

Many processes require in-person appointments, multiple documents and waiting times or complex online procedures.

Choosing to work with local relocation professionals is not because life here is difficult, but because having someone who understands the system saves time, avoids costly mistakes, and allows them to start enjoying their new life sooner.

 Myth #2: “Housing in Athens is cheap and easy to find”

Reality: The best homes move fast and many are off market.

Compared to other European capitals, Athens may still be affordable, but housing in Athens for expats has become highly competitive. Especially in areas like Kolonaki the southern and northern suburbs quality properties are often rented within days and sometimes before even listed online.

Finding the right home today isn’t just about browsing listings, it’s about knowing the neighborhoods, market prices, and having local contacts. 

Reality: English will help you navigate daily life but speaking Greek makes every process faster and far more efficient.

At first glance, relocating to Greece can seem effortless for English speakers. In major cities and popular areas, English is widely spoken, and socially, you can navigate daily life without much difficulty. However, settling in goes far beyond ordering coffee or making casual conversations. 

When it comes to essential matters, such as dealing with public services, signing leases, coordinating with notaries, arranging technicians, communicating with landlords, or visiting government offices — Greek is often necessary. While some professionals may speak English, official documentation, legal terminology, and administrative procedures are typically conducted in Greek. Even minor misunderstandings can lead to unexpected delays, sometimes setting your move back by weeks.

This is where local guidance becomes invaluable. Having someone on the ground who understands both the language and the system can make everyday tasks significantly smoother, from setting up electricity and utilities to reviewing contracts and navigating paperwork.

Reality: Lifestyle choices matter

The cost of living in Athens varies greatly depending on how you live. and personal choices. While Greece is often perceived as an affordable destination, expenses can rise quickly in premium neighborhoods where rental prices continue to increase. Families opting for private education should also factor in the substantial investment required for international or bilingual schools. Access to international-standard healthcare, though excellent, comes at a higher cost, and modern new-build apartments are often priced at levels comparable to other European capitals. Athens can certainly be affordable, but thoughtful planning and informed decisions make all the difference in managing your relocation budget successfully.

Reality: Things get done — just differently

Greece runs less on systems and more on relationships. Once you know who to call, which office to visit, what documents to bring, and when to follow up, things tend to move far more efficiently than expected. It’s not that the process is slower, it’s simply more personal. 

Living in Greece can truly be incredible,  the food, the climate, the sense of community, the lifestyle. But the difference between a stressful move and a smooth transition usually comes down to one key factor: local knowledge. Relocating isn’t just about finding an apartment; it’s about feeling at home quickly. Having someone on the ground who understands both the Greek way of doing things and international expectations can make all the difference.

Especially Concierge & Relocation supports individuals, families, and companies moving to Athens and across Greece with personalized relocation services. From home search and school placement to neighborhood orientation and comprehensive settling-in support, Especially helps expats transition smoothly and confidently from day one.

To explore how we can support your move, contact us at info@especially.gr to arrange a 30-minute consultation and discuss your next chapter in Greece.