We've mentioned before how ideal Greece is as a holiday destination and we can not stress this enough! From ranking among the safest countries in the world to offering uniques experiences, such as the Santorini Experience, a Greek sports tourism brand taking place in October on the beautiful island!

Every year Condé Nast Traveler magazine, one of the most prestigious and reliable travel publications in the world, calls on their readers to take part in a survey to discover the best of the best in the travel industry. The best hotels, resorts, travel agents, cruise lines, trains, airlines, airports, islands, and of course, the best countries in the world are published every year! For the 32nd annual Readers' Choice Awards survey, a record 600,000 registered voters weighed in, and their responses formed this years' list. 

The Agorá, meaning an open place of assembly in Greek, was the center of the social, political, spiritual, artistic, and athletic life in every Greek city-state. In ancient times, citizens would gather to discuss politics, merchants would sell their products, and philosophers would pass on their teachings. Today, Athens' ancient agorá is located just below the Acropolis, and it is a prime example of an agorá and a major symbol of democracy. 

In addition to being the civic center of Athens, the agorá was also a very sacred place - its architecture was brim with religious purpose. Centered around the Panathenaic Way, which was a sacred way serving as a route for the Panathenaic festival, the agorá was also famously known for housing the Temple of Hephaestus, and many other temples dedicated to Zeus, Athena, Apollo, and Ares. 

 

Much of Athens city center will be closed to traffic for up to 10 hours on Thursday, September 9th, for the start of the Acropolis Rally, which for the first time will include a special run through Syntagma Square.

To facilitate the event, all traffic around Syntagma and the Acropolis will be prohibited from 11 a.m. The prohibition on the parking and stopping of vehicles in the area will commence earlier at 6 a.m.

Also known as the Rally of Gods, the Acropolis Rally is the ninth stage of the 2021 World Rally Championship. The rally was first held in 1951 and has appeared in the WRC 38 times. This year marks the rally’s return to the WRC fold after leaving it in 2013.

The rally concludes on 12 September.

Meanwhile, police have announced that Mitropoleos Street and some surrounding roads will be closed to traffic from 10 a.m. on Wednesday for the funeral of Mikis Theodorakis at Athens Cathedral.

Originally published on: ekathimerini.com

To thrive in today's dynamic business world, it's crucial to know how to adapt quickly and embrace change. Excellent planning and organizational skills are fundamental to navigating the business world smoothly. While it's easy to assume that success will come quickly by simply working hard, the reality of starting and growing a business is far more complex.

No matter what type of business you're running or planning to start, here are some helpful tips for your journey to success!

1. Get Organized



One of the best ways to succeed in business is to stay organized. Being organized helps you complete tasks efficiently and stay on top of your responsibilities. A practical approach is to create a daily checklist. As you complete each task, cross it off your list. This not only ensures you don't overlook any crucial tasks but also gives you a sense of accomplishment as you see your list of completed tasks grow.

2. Know Your Competitors



Gaining insights from your competition is invaluable. Don't hesitate to study and learn from them. They might be implementing strategies that could inspire you to differentiate your business. By understanding what works for them, you can adapt and improve your approach, staying competitive in your industry.

3. Understand Risk



Taking sensible risks is a golden key to business growth. Always ask yourself, "What's the possible downside?" Understanding the worst-case scenario allows you to take calculated risks that can lead to significant rewards. This approach helps you make informed decisions that can propel your business forward.

4. Maintain Consistency



Consistency is crucial for maintaining long-term success in business. Always strive to provide top-notch service and high-quality products. Staying true to your core values and differentiators will help you build a reputation for reliability. This consistent performance fosters trust and loyalty among your customers, leading to sustained positive results.

5. Think Outside The Box



Always be on the lookout for ways to innovate and improve your business. Embrace the motto: "Think like there is no box." Keeping an open mind to fresh ideas and new methods can set your business apart from the competition. Continual innovation is essential for staying relevant and ahead in the market.

6. Focus on Customer Experience



A satisfied customer is the best business strategy of all. Prioritize exceptional customer service and create memorable experiences for your clients. Listen to their feedback, address their concerns promptly, and go the extra mile to exceed their expectations. Happy customers are more likely to return and recommend your business to others, driving growth through positive word-of-mouth.

7. Invest in Continuous Learning



The business world is constantly evolving, and staying updated with the latest trends and technologies is essential. Invest in continuous learning for yourself and your team. Attend workshops, enroll in courses, and participate in industry conferences. This commitment to ongoing education will help you stay competitive and innovative, ensuring your business remains at the forefront of your industry.

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Whether you’re starting a new business, strategizing a website build, expanding your products and services, or figuring out what’s next for your business, we love helping businesses and their leaders gain clarity and thrive!

 

Learn more here about how our business professionals can help you.

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Discover the captivating world of Maria Callas at the first-ever museum dedicated to the iconic soprano, a true benchmark for 20th-century opera. This February, the Maria Callas Museum of the Municipality of Athens is inviting enthusiasts of all ages to get acquainted with the life and artistry of this legendary diva.

• Every Thursday in February and March at 11:00 a.m.
• A unique opportunity for visitors aged 65 and above to explore the museum's treasures with complimentary guided tours included in the ticket price.
• Plan your visit: Duration: 50 minutes; Entrance: 7 euros for 65+; Tour: free. Limited seats; early arrival is recommended.

• Sunday, February 18 at 18:00.
• In collaboration with the Italian Educational Institute, enjoy the film directed by Franco Zeffirelli, with Italian dialogue and Greek subtitles.
• General Admission: €10/person. Duration: 1h 45m. Combine your museum visit with the film for a comprehensive experience.

• "Sets and Stories" on February 17, ages 8 to 12, from 10:30 to 11:30 am.
• Children and chaperones get creative with a workshop inspired by museum exhibits and opera stories, becoming set designers and bringing their imaginative worlds to life.
• Theatrical workshop. Limited to 20 children. Participation: 8 euros per child with a museum ticket or companion. A phone reservation is required.

• Saturday, February 17, for ages 3-5, from 3:00 to 4:00 pm.
• A storytelling session with theatrical, musical-motor games, and visual activities for children accompanied by their guardians.
• Participation: 7 euros per child with museum entrance or companion. A phone reservation is needed up to 10 days before the workshop.

• To plan your visit and reserve your spot, call 210-44-04 204.
• For online bookings, please click here!

 

A new digitization project undertaken by the Ministry of Digital Governance and the Ministry of Health, will enable interoperability among Greek hospitals, allowing doctors – regardless of their location, city, or region – to access the national electronic health records of patients without requiring them to present their medical files each time.

“Our aim is for all hospitals in the country to communicate with one another, as well as with the national medical record, the electronic prescription system, and any other structures of the Health Ministry,” Digital Governance Minister Dimitris Papastergiou told the Athens-Macedonian News Agency.

“This initiative has significant implications beyond merely improving organizational efficiency. Consider how much easier it will be for citizens if all health-related information is immediately available on their mobile devices, eliminating the need to carry physical folders of medical tests. Additionally, think of the reduction in bureaucracy if the attending physician has direct access to this information.”

All data related to a patient’s medical history – including diagnostic tests, laboratory results, and radiological images – will be available in the myHealth App.

Originally published on: ekathimerini.com

AMKA is Greece’s Social Security Number. It is a unique identification number that is needed in order to access healthcare services like visiting a doctor, an optometrist or the dentist.

AMKA is essential for anyone living, working, or retiring in Greece. Without it, your access to most public services in Greece will be limited. With an AMKA number you can:

• Access public healthcare
• Pay social insurance contributions
• Receive pension benefits
• Book medical appointments
• Renew or issue your health booklet

If you’re planning to live, work, run a business, freelance, or retire in Greece long-term, you’ll need an AMKA. Here’s why:

• Medical care: Required for booking hospital or GP visits.
• Employees: Employers use your AMKA to register you for social insurance.
• Pensioners: It’s necessary for pension applications. 
• Self-Employed & Freelancers: You need AMKA to contribute to EFKA, the main national insurance fund.
  
  

To apply for an AMKA, you'll need:

• A valid AFM (Greek tax number): 
• Proof of address in Greece (e.g. rental agreement, E9 document, or hospitality declaration)

For EU Citizens:

You can apply without a residence permit or additional legal documents.

For Non-EU Citizens:

You’ll need a valid residence permit before applying.

You can apply for an AMKA free of charge at:

• Any KEP (Citizens Service Center)
• A KEM (Center for Migrant Integration)
• An EFKA/IKA office

• Passport or national ID
• Residence permit (for non-EU nationals)
• Birth certificate (for minors, translated into Greek)
• AFM number
• Proof of Greek address

An appointment is not required, but be sure to check the operating hours of the specific service location you plan to visit. 

Contact us here if you have questions or would like additional support, our team of experts are here to help make your experience in Greece a smooth one!