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XpatAthens

XpatAthens

By The Glass first opened its doors in 2012 following the uprisings and destruction of Athens in 2011. This superb Wine Bistrot was the answer of its proprietor, Fotini Pantzia, to the inactivity and abandonment of the Greek capital in the wake of the Greek crisis.
 
By The Glass is located Ralli Gallery (arcade) just a few steps away from the entrance of the National Gardens of Athens.
 
"A refuge to hide, to isolate oneself from the city's buzz, to take a breath and then dive again in the everyday reality of Athens" in the words of the owner, the arcade magically transfers guests to the Old Athens.
 
Their wine list is one of the most concise and exciting in Greece; it holds a selection of 500+ wines including Greek Vintages, Premium Fine Wines, tried and true international classics, rare collector's bottles, and one-of-a-kind Magnums. Additionally, expect to find a great list of Champagnes and Sparkling Wines, Distillates (Eau-de-Vie), and Dessert Wines.

As its name implies, By The Glass serves more than 200 wines by the glass–using Coravin wine preservation systems and a 36 module wine dispenser. The carefully curated wine list primarily comprises Greek wines but at the same time includes many imported "jewels," such as a French Corton or a legendary Romanée-Conti!

Here you will be able to pair the exquisite wines with a few delicious yet unpretentious dishes prepared by talented chef, Antonis Pechlivanakis! Some of our favorites include the Greek traditional pressed lamb with celeriac puree, baby potatoes, and Porto sauce, the focaccia with mushrooms, cream cheese, and truffle oil and the poached salmon with avocado cream and carob powder.

By The Glass
ranks no 41 out of 100 best restaurants in Athens at the Restaurant 100 Awards and has been voted as the best Bar Restaurant in Athens in 2017, 2018, and 2019 by the same organization.

A secret garden in the quaint Rallou Manou square welcomes guests from spring until the end of October with a backdrop of a stone-built church on one side and the statue honoring the unknown artist on the other!

Address: G.Souri 3 & Filellinon, Syntagma, Athens
Telephone: 210 3232560 & 210 3249988

Price Point: $$-$$$
Dress Code: Casual Chic

 

Photo: By The Glass


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The wonderful weather, the unique Messinian landscape, the 2 signature golf courses and the 17 maritime teams, composed the impressive scenery of the Greek Maritime Golf Event 2021. The top maritime golf tournament was held with utmost safety for the 7 th year on September 3 - 5 2021, at Costa Navarino , Messinia.

Golfing action with the Messinian background scenery
The golf action started on Saturday, September 4, with the shotgun scramble that was held at The Dunes Course, in a stunning natural landscape full of centuries-old olive trees. Moreover, non-golfers had the opportunity to attend the golf clinic and take part in the putting competition.

The event was completed on Sunday, September 5, as golfers had the option of participating in the two (2) ball better ball (3/4 hcp), at The Bay Course, with a magnificent view of the historic Bay of Navarino, and the picturesque port of Pylos.

The shipping community supported KARKINAKI
On Saturday night, the awards ceremony was glamorous and full of surprises and gifts for the tournament’s participants. The event was be presented by the Euroleague legend, Joe Arlauckas and Ioanna Papadimitriou.

A silent auction was held for the first time and auctioned 32 items of golf legends such as Gary Player, Tiger Woods, Roy Mcllroy and world-class athletes, including NBA Finals Champion & MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, NFL player Tom Brady and tennis player Serena Williams. The activity was implemented in collaboration with the unique agency in Europe, dealing with trading cards and memorabilia, Trace ‘n Chase and the assistance of Ideas Print.

The shipping community “embraced” and actively supported the event’s good cause, as during the ceremony participants contributed with their desired amount, bidding on their favorite items. The total amount collected exceeded the 5,000 euros and was given to the Non-Profit Organization KARKINAKI, which claims intervention in the effort of stopping Childhood and adolescent cancer being a taboo issue, but also finding as many allies as possible so that every child who suffers from cancer has equal access to high- quality hospitalization, effective treatment and, ultimately, the right to life.

At the same time, a lottery was held with rich prizes that were drawn to the participants and offered by the following donors: Qatar Airways, The Westin Resort Costa Navarino, Santo Maris Oia Luxury Suites & Spa, The Margi, Arifakis, Domotel Kastri, Dinner in the Sky and Blue Shades of Greece.

In the context of this year’s event, the recognized Greek PGA golfer and organizer of the Greek Maritime Golf Event, Mr. Thanos Karantzias highlighted: “I feel very proud that the Greek Maritime Golf Event exceeded all expectations for the 7th year. We managed to 2 showcase the golf tourism of Messinia while organizing a highly demanding tournament with utmost safety and with a strict health protocol. I would like to thank the sponsors and all members of the maritime community who participated and supported the top maritime golf tournament with their presence. We are now renewing our appointment for December 4, at the Golf Course of Glyfada”.

During the tournament, participants and visitors had the opportunity to drive and meet the new Porsche models and admire, the impressive Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo.

The event was held under the auspices of the Hellenic Golf Federation. Greek Maritime Golf Event, was organized by Birdie Events, through an initiative of the recognized Greek PGA golfer, Mr. Thanos Karantzias. The tournament was addressed exclusively to distinguished executives of the Greek shipping community.

In the overall team standings, the team of Papadopoulos, Harvey, Hutton, Ventouris won the 1 st place. Second place went to the team of Oikonomou, Karabatsos, Patiniotis, Sorotos, while the team of Syomin, Boetius, Garulin, Androulidakis took the third place. In the other categories, William Karnazes won “Closest to the Pin” award and Frank Monteiro claimed the “Longest Drive”.

Dynamic support of the sponsors
Greek Maritime Golf Event was attended by some of the leading shipping companies
from Greece and Cyprus as well as great Greek companies that supported the event.
Maritime Sponsors:
The Marshall Islands Registry IRI was the event’s Platinum Sponsor.
Mainline Shipping Company, Onego Shipping Company, Jotun Hellas and Swift
Marine were Golden Sponsors.
Arrow Hellas, DNV and Drew Marine were Silver Sponsors.
Marine Tours was the event’s Official Travel Partner.
IYC was the Official Sponsor.
Tototheo Maritime and Standard Club were the Official Supporters.
Non-Maritime Sponsors:
MOTODYNAMICS SA was the Signature Sponsor.
Qatar Airways was the Official Airline.
Poseidonia was the Official Supporter.
Avance was the Official Rental Partner.
Messinian Spa was the Official Beauty Partner
Under Armour was the Official Clothing Partner.
Pilia Express was the Official Carrier.
Minoa Water was the Official Water.
Trace ‘n Chase was the Silent Auction Partner.
Pylos Poems, Santo Maris Oia Luxury Suites & Spa, The Margi, Arifakis, Domotel
Kastri, Karalis Beach Hotel, ΜΕΤΑΧΑ, UWC SAMOS, Luc Belaire, Veroni, Kayak,
Lakonia, Ideas Print, Dinner in the Sky, Blue Shades of Greece, Athi Rodi and
Unique Flowers Creations are the event’s Partners.
Boo Productions was the Audio Visual Partner.
The award-winning sports marketing agency of ActiveMedia Group undertook the event’s
Golf Production.
Tournament with safety
The Greek Maritime Golf Event brought together distinguished executives of the Greek
shipping community who competed in the completely safe destination of Costa
Navarino, under a strict health and safety protocol established by the event’s production staff and approved by the Health Scientific Committee of the General Secretariat of Sports.

Photo Credit: Mike Tsolis
Thursday, 17 February 2022 15:21

Must Go: Bike Seat For Sale

Moving Sale: Lightly used children's bike seat in good condition.

Red and grey with belt and foot straps.

Pick up in Neo Irakleio, Attiki.

View on Facebook Marketplace 
Wednesday, 18 December 2024 07:00

Eggnog With A Greek Twist

Bring a Mediterranean twist to the classic holiday eggnog with flavors inspired by Greece! This creamy and aromatic drink combines traditional eggnog ingredients with the distinct taste of Greek honey and mastiha.




Ingredients:

  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 4 large eggs (separated)
  • 3/4 cup Greek honey (or to taste)
  • 1/4 cup mastiha liqueur (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (plus more for garnish)
  • Lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

  1. Heat the Base:
    In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, heavy cream, Greek honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon zest. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it is just about to simmer (do not boil). Remove from heat.
  2. Whisk the Yolks:
    In a mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks until they become pale and creamy. Gradually add a ladle of the warm milk mixture to the yolks while whisking continuously to temper them. Slowly add the yolk mixture back into the saucepan, whisking constantly.
  3. Cook the Eggnog:
    Return the saucepan to medium-low heat and cook until the mixture thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in the mastiha liqueur (if using) and vanilla extract.
  4. Beat the Whites:
    In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gently fold the egg whites into the cooled eggnog mixture for a frothy texture.
Chill and Serve:
Refrigerate the eggnog for at least 2 hours. Before serving, give it a gentle stir. Pour into glasses and garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg or a drizzle of Greek honey.
 
Rooted in the oral tradition of ancient Greece, proverbs served as concise expressions of moral, social, and practical wisdom. Passed down through generations, these proverbs encapsulate the values, beliefs, and experiences of ancient Greek society, offering invaluable guidance for navigating life's complexities.

"Σπεῦδε βραδέως." (Speûde bradéōs.)
Meaning: "Hasten slowly."
Origin: This proverb, attributed to the ancient Greek philosopher and playwright Euripides, embodies the principle of cautious deliberation and prudent action. It advises against rash decisions and impulsive behavior, urging individuals to proceed with careful consideration and patience in order to achieve success.

"Ἀνάγκᾳ δ' οὐδὲ θεοὶ μάχονται." (Anánkāi d' oudè theoì mákhontai.)
Meaning: "Even the gods cannot fight necessity."
Origin: This proverb, derived from the works of the ancient Greek tragedian Simonides, acknowledges the immutable power of fate and destiny. It underscores the inevitability of certain events and the futility of resistance against forces beyond human control, emphasizing the importance of acceptance and resilience in the face of adversity.

"Γνῶθι σεαυτόν." (Gnōthi seautón.)
Meaning: "Know thyself."
Origin: Inscribed in the Temple of Apollo at Delphi, this famous aphorism has been attributed to various ancient Greek sages, including the philosopher Thales of Miletus and the oracle of Delphi. It emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, introspection, and understanding one's own strengths, weaknesses, and limitations in the pursuit of wisdom and self-improvement.

"Μηδένα πρὸ τοῦ τέλους μακαρίζε." (Mēdéna prò toû télous makaríze.)
Meaning: "Do not call anyone happy before the end."
Origin: According to Herodotus, Kroisos, the king of Lydia, impressed by his own wealth and achievements, asked Solon who the happiest man in the world was. Solon, instead of praising Kroisos, famously responded with the proverb "μηδένα πρὸ τοῦ τέλους μακαρίζε" (mēdena pro tou telous makarize), advising Kroisos not to consider anyone truly happy until their life had ended. This encounter served as a cautionary tale about the uncertainty of fortune and the fleeting nature of happiness, despite Kroisos' immense wealth and power.
On Thursday, October 31 at 7:15 PM, celebrate Halloween with a screening of the classic horror-comedy Young Frankenstein (1974)! The Hellenic American Union’s HAU Movie Club, in collaboration with Mooviereel, kicks off the season with this unforgettable Mel Brooks parody starring Gene Wilder, Mel Brooks, Peter Boyle, and Teri Garr. The film will be shown with Greek subtitles, and admission is free!

Co-written by Mel Brooks and Gene Wilder, the film draws inspiration from Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and Universal Pictures’ original Frankenstein trilogy. The result? One of the greatest comedies of all time.

In the hilarious plot, the grandson of the infamous Dr. Frankenstein, determined to prove his grandfather wasn’t as mad as everyone believes, travels to Transylvania. There, he uncovers the secret to reanimating a dead body—with uproarious results.

Young Frankenstein was nominated for two Oscars: Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Sound. Expect fun, with confetti to toss during the opening and closing credits! Extra points for dressing up as one of Universal’s iconic monsters. Don’t miss out!
Wednesday, 09 July 2025 17:27

Hiking & Yoga Escape In Pelion

September 7-13 - Leave behind the noise and pace of city life and embark on a truly memorable escape in the breathtaking Pelion region of Greece.

Uncover the hidden treasures of Pelion—secluded coastlines, charming villages, forested mountains, and secret beaches where the sea feels like a dream. Disconnect completely and soak in the serenity of this enchanting destination.
 
Your home for the retreat is a beautiful villa tucked into the green slopes of the mountain, embraced by nature. Wake up to sweeping views, savor wholesome, locally sourced meals prepared fresh each day, and recharge your mind and body in a setting alive with vibrant plant and animal life.
 
Steeped in myth, Mount Pelion takes its name from King Peleus, father of Achilles. It was said to be the land of the Centaurs—legendary creatures that were half-human, half-horse—and the beloved summer retreat of the Olympian gods themselves.


Retreat Info

When: September 7-13, 2025

Where: Pelion

Price: From 2,550€

Email: steph@nefelinine.com

Organizer: Nefeli Nine

INSIDE Hiking Yoga Escape

Identity, gendered violence, the relationship between politics and writing, the future of reading. From 27 to 29 March, AILF at Technopolis City of Athens will present a diverse program of discussions between some of the greatest Greek and international writers, journalists, and critics on the most urgent topics in the world of literature today.

The 1st Athens International Literature Festival (AILF) is happy to present its core program, an exciting lineup packed with conversations focusing on literature and its relation to major issues of our times. The first edition of AILF will take place at Technopolis City of Athens from 27 to 29 March 2026 with free entry. For three days, Athens will welcome leading writers, journalists, activists, academics, artists and curious readers from Greece and abroad, all coming together in a creative hub of dialogue and inspiration.

The discussions will focus on literature as a fertile field for creativity, artistic exploration, deep reflection and social intervention, touching on issues such as identity, gender, violence, inequality, the relationship between politics and literature, and the future of reading. By bringing together different voices and experiences, AILF aims to encourage a meaningful and nuanced conversation between writers and readers, establishing a new, dynamic institution in the city’s cultural life and elevating the festival to a modern celebration of literature where stories, ideas and people are in constant dialogue. 

As the Mayor of Athens, Haris Doukas, states: “The Athens International Literature Festival pulls together distinct and disparate voices, experiences and concerns to highlight literature as a powerful tool for empathy and social transformation. For three days, great writers, journalists, activists, academics, artists and active readers from Greece and abroad will meet at Technopolis City of Athens. We are proud to bring you a rich schedule packed with conversations and events covering a variety of urgent topics, from the state of contemporary fiction and the relationship between politics and literature, to gender, violence and social inequality, the future of reading and the dialogue between cinema and literature, all available to you for free, along with masterclasses and open discussions with writers and artists. Let’s get literature off the shelf and into society.

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Centering Writers & Their Work 

The core program of the festival revolves around conversations that illuminate the entire body of work of prominent international writers and the themes that permeate their writing. 2025 Nobel Prize winner László Krasznahorkai will meet The New Yorker critic Merve Emre for an intimate conversation about violence, decay, political anxiety and the power of his writing to awaken consciences, posing questions about literature as an act of resistance and vigilance in a crisis-stricken world. 2025 Booker Prize winner David Szalay talks with writer Sofia Nikolaidou about the relationship between writing and gender, drawing on his novel Flesh and the entire span of his work to discuss issues of identity, power and social experience. 2023 Booker Prize winner Paul Lynch meets writer Nikos Mandis to talk about the creative process, literature’s “Irish boom”, contemporary fiction and the challenges ahead in an age of Artificial Intelligence and global upheaval. Irish writer Kevin Barry is joined by writer and translator Christos Asteriou for a conversation about his unconventional heroes and his stylistic and narrative choices, focusing on his books Night Boat to Tangier and The Heart in Winter. 

One of the most prominent American writers today, Nicole Krauss, will be in conversation with writer and translator Lefteris Kalospyros to analyze her complex narrative mechanisms, her approach to the issue of identity, and the diverse influences that shape her work. Starting off from a conversation about his book Le lacrime degli eroi [Tears of the heroes], Italian writer Matteo Nucci will be joined by writer and archaeology professor Dimitris Plantzos to talk about the modern uses of the “classical” and how antiquity is mobilized today as a cultural and political tool. 

German writer Katharina Volckmer will meet poet, publisher and translator Danai Sioziou to talk about her provocative body of work and writing as a space ripe for risk and exposure. Argentinian writer Selva Almada is joined by journalist Tina Mandilara in a conversation about the relationship between writing and community, memory, gendered violence and social despair, exploring how the local and the specific can be transformed into a global literary experience. Lilian Thuram, former football player and now leading activist against racism, will have a discussion with Demis Nikolaidis and Lauretta Macauley, moderated by Panagiotis Menegos, about his recent book White Thinking: Behind the mask of racial identity and racial stereotypes on and off the field. 

Literature, Politics & Contemporary Challenges

Discussions on racism and social inequality become a springboard for the festival to broaden its scope and examine the political and ideological context that allows such phenomena to emerge and proliferate: the rise of authoritarianism and the far-right in today’s Europe. In the festival’s main panel discussion titled Is hope a mistake? Literature and politics in Dark Europe, Nobel prize winner László Krasznahorkai, German intellectual and war correspondent Caroline Emcke, historian and writer Kostis Karpozilos, and the President of Technopolis City of Athens, educator and director of anti-far right collective “Simeio”, Kostis Papaioannou, will examine how barbarism and hate become normalized, how the standards of acceptability in public speech have shifted, and the limits of literature and political thought at a time of uncertainty.  

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Gendered Identities, Violence & Modern Writing

Another thematic axis of the festival is the dialogue between gender and literature. In a panel titled Don’t call it murder. It’s femicide, moderated by Anastasia Grigoriadou, writers Selva Almada, Katharina Volckmer and Vicky Tselepidou will use their own books as a starting point to talk about how language obscures gendered violence, how this violence is depicted in literature, and what it means for a writer to create in a deeply patriarchal society. The issue of gender is approached from a different angle in the discussion “Male”, “female” and the concept of the literary character, which will bring together Nicole Krauss, David Szalay and Greek writer Kostas Kaltsas. The panel will use Szalay’s Booker Prize winning Flesh and the diverse array of narrators in Krauss’ work as reference points to talk about how male and female voices are constituted in modern literature, how masculinity and vulnerability are depicted, and what the concept of the literary character means today.

The Current State Of Literature

The festival will attempt to view the present and future of literature through a fresh lens. For the panel The past is in the past: a discussion on the present and the future of literature, influential literary critics Merve Emre (The New Yorker) and Thomas Meaney (editor of literary magazine Granta) are joined by journalist Athos Dimoulas (K magazine) to talk about the role of literature at a time when attention deficits and digital traps are setting new challenges for reading, upending the traditional relationship between books and readers.  

This is also a time when the written word is called to constantly compete against the image. In the panel 1000 images, 1000 words, writers for the page and the screen, Nikos Panagiotopoulos, Kallia Papadaki, and Panagiotis Evangelidis, get together with director and screenwriter Yannis Economides to explore where the heart of storytelling beats today. Is the written word still the main tool for artists trying to understand the world or has it been relegated to a source of inspiration for film and TV writers?

Book clubs and reading groups have come to represent a large, dedicated and commercially consolidated community of readers, highlighting the power of active, collective reading. Book club pioneer Vivi Georgantopoulou will be leading the discussion The present and future of book clubs and collective reading with representatives from the most active Greek book clubs, moderated by Mikela Chartoulari

Athens, A City For Writers

The festival would not be complete without some connection to the city that hosts it. The special section Athens, a city for writers will hopefully become a yearly staple for the Athens International Literature Festival, illuminating the ways in which the city shapes and inspires writers and their characters. For this first edition, the section will be dedicated to one of the most distinct postwar voices in Greek literature and a formidable chronicler of Athens, Menis Koumandareas (1931-2014). For Koumandareas, Athens is more than a mere backdrop, but a living organism that molds and traps his characters. The event “Time is just a toy. And Athens is everywhere”: Menis Koumandareas and the city will bring together writers Theodoros Grigoriadis, Eliana Hourmouziadou, Christos Chrysopoulos and Maria Fakinou to reintroduce the audience to Koumandareas, shedding light on the unfulfilled desires of his characters and the atmosphere of the city that permeates his entire body of work.     

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Masterclasses: In conversation With Contemporary International Literature

Booker Prize winner Paul Lynch and celebrated American novelist Nicole Krauss will be leading two masterclasses as part of the 1st AILF. Participants will have the opportunity to get an inside view of the creative process, explore how narratives are born, and discover the role of language in shaping memory and experience. The masterclasses are designed for readers, writers and literature lovers alike and will be available to a limited number of participants on a first-come, first-served basis. More information on booking and participation fees on ailf.gr. 

The AILF Experience

All panel discussions will be hosted at two of the most iconic Technopolis venues, the Gasholder 1 – Auditorium “Miltiadis Evert” and the Purifier Hall. Entrance will be free with entry passes and more information on the booking process will be available soon. For those not able to secure a seat, all discussions will be shown on screens around the venue with live translation in Greek, English and Greek sign language.  

Beyond the panels, AILF will focus on the direct interaction between the creators and the audience. After every discussion, visitors will be able to meet the participating writers for book signings, which will take place in the specially modified Old Retorts venue. Greek editions of the writers’ books and festival merchandise will be available to buy both at the Technopolis shop and the festival book café, which will take over the INNOVATHENS space. 

But the festival does not end here. A rich slate of workshops, screenings, tours, concerts and other side events will be announced soon. For three days in the heart of Athens, AILF will create a welcoming and inspiring space where writers, readers and visitors can meet, not just to talk about books, but to share experiences, debate ideas and exchange stories. Our goal is for AILF to become a landmark event in the city’s cultural life and a celebration of literature open to all.    

Schedule Of Discussions

Friday, March 27, 202618:00 A wind that lays waste | Selva Almada, Tina Mandilara | Purifier Hall

19:45 Longing - anguish - melancholy: the emotional spectrum of resistance | László Krasznahorkai, Merve Emre | Gasholder 1 – Auditorium “Miltiadis Evert”

Saturday, March 28, 2026

12:00 The present and future of book clubs and collective reading | Moderator: Mikela Chartoulari | Gasholder 1 – Auditorium “Miltiadis Evert”
13:00 Contemporary uses and misuses of the “classical” | Matteo Nucci, Dimitris Plantzos | Purifier Hal
14:30 “Time is just a toy. And Athens is everywhere”: Menis Koumandareas and the city | Theodoros Grigoriadis, Eliana Hourmouziadou, Christos Chryssopoulos, Maria Fakinou, Alexandra Tranta | Gasholder 1 – Auditorium “Miltiadis Evert”
15:00 An Andalusian dog in Montana | Kevin Barry, Christos Asteriou | Purifier Hall
16:30 The past is in the past: a discussion on the present and the future of literature | Merve Emre, Thomas Meaney, Athos Dimoulas | Gasholder 1 – Auditorium “Miltiadis Evert”
17:00 Don’t call it murder. It’s femicide | Selva Almada, Katharina Volckmer, Vicky Tselepidou. Moderator: Anastasia Grigoriadou | Purifier Hall
18:30 Is hope a mistake? Literature and politics in Dark Europe | László Krasznahorkai, Caroline Emcke, Kostis Karpozilos, Kostis Papaioannou | Gasholder 1 – Auditorium “Miltiadis Evert”
19:00 “Male”, “female” and the concept of the literary character | Nicole Krauss, David Szalay, Kostas Kaltsas | Purifier Hall

Sunday, March 29, 2026

14:00 1000 images, 1000 words | Nikos Panagiotopoulos, Kallia Papadaki, Panagiotis Evangelidis, Yannis Economides | Gasholder 1 – Auditorium “Miltiadis Evert”
14:30 Telling the stories we leave untold: a how-to guide | Katharina Volckmer, Danai Sioziou | Purifier Hall
16:00 Literature in turbulent times: the writer as creator and preserver of memory | Paul Lynch, Nikos Mandis | Gasholder 1 – Auditorium “Miltiadis Evert”
16:30 Man, Woman, Other: Does writing have a gender? | David Szalay, Sofia Nikolaidou | Purifier Hall
18:30 Navigating collapse: how to find our way through a forest dark | Nicole Krauss, Lefteris Kalospyros | Purifier Hall
19:00 Deconstructing “white thinking” on its own turf | Lilian Thuram, Demis Nikolaidis, Lauretta Macauley. Moderator: Panagiotis Menegos | Gasholder 1 – Auditorium “Miltiadis Evert”

Book Signings

Friday 27.03.2026 | Old Retorts

19:45 - 20:30 Selva Almada
21:15 - 22:00 László Krasznahorkai

Saturday 28.03.2026 | Old Retorts

14:45 - 15:30 Matteo Nucci, Dimitris Plantzos
16:15 - 16:45 Theodoros Grigoriadis, Eliana Hourmouziadou, Christos Chryssopoulos, Maria Fakinou
16:45 - 17:30 Kevin Barry
18:45 - 19:30 Selva Almada, Katharina Volckmer, Vicky Tselepidou
20:15 - 21:00 Caroline Emcke, Kostis Karpozilos, Kostis Papaioannou
20:45 - 21:30 Nicole Krauss, David Szalay, Kostas Kaltsas

Sunday 29.03.2026 | Old Retorts

15:45 - 16:30 Nikos Panagiotopoulos, Kallia Papadaki, Panagiotis Evangelidis
16:15 - 17:00 Katharina Volckmer, Danai Sioziou
17:45 - 18:30 Paul Lynch, Nikos Mandis
18:15 - 19:00 David Szalay, Sofia Nikolaidou
20:15 - 21:00 Nicole Krauss
20:45 - 21:30 Lilian Thuram

Festival participants: Selva Almada, Kevin Barry, Caroline Emcke, Merve Emre, Nicole Krauss, László Krasznahorkai, Paul Lynch, Thomas Meaney, Matteo Nucci, David Szalay, Lilian Thuram, Katharina Volckmer and Christos Asteriou, Mikela Chartoulari, Vivi Georgantopoulou, Theodoros Grigoriadis, Anastasia Grigoriadou, Athos Dimoulas, Panagiotis Evangelidis, Kostas Kaltsas, Kostis Karpozilos, Lauretta Macauley, Tina Mandilara, Nikos Mandis, Panagiots Menegos, Nikos Bakounakis, Lefteris Kalospyros, Demis Nikolaidis, Sofia Nikolaidou, Yannis Economides, Nikos Panagiotopoulos, Kallia Papadaki, Kostis Papaioannou, Dimitris Plantzos, Danai Sioziou, Alexandra Tranta, Vicky Tselepidou, Maria Fakinou, Eliana Hourmouziadou, Christos Chryssopoulos.

Artistic directors: Christos Asteriou, Lefteris Kalospyros, Mikela Chartoulari

Organized by: Technopolis City of Athens 

The 1st Athens International Literature Festival is brought to you by COSMOTE TELEKOM (Technopolis City of Athens Major Sponsor), Athenaeum Eridanus Luxury Hotel (Official Hospitality Sponsor), Welcome Pickups (Official transport sponsor) and is supported by the Embassy of Ireland, the Goethe Institute of Athens (Goethe-Institut Athen), the French Institute of Greece (Institut français de Grèce), and the Italian Cultural Institute in Athens (Istituto Italiano di Cultura in Atene). 




Thursday, 05 February 2015 15:19

Outdoor Autumn Nights

The past weeks have been more like my weeks ‘not’ in Athens! I’ve been away with work quite a bit – which is nice when you think about it, but less nice when you actually do it… I love to get away from time to time – and I do love to come home!

Returning late Friday night meant I was ready for a fun night out on Saturday… A few phone calls later, plans were hatched. Well, one small plan at least. We would meet at Riza, our sure-bet tsipouradiko in Thiseio, for a lite bite. But this being Athens, and the post-summer city nightlife positively buzzing, this plan quickly expanded.

Having satisfied our stomachs, and with the warm night still young, we decided to move on. We walked over to six d.o.g.s. in Monastiraki and had a quick drink in the energized, ‘standing room only’ vibe in the cool garden space… This is a very popular place, day or night – and with good reason.

Next stop: TAF in Monastiraki. This is for those who love unmarked doorways in empty alleyways, that open onto unexpectedly cool interior courtyards... Cool music, friendly vibe, graffiti-chic art spaces and a refreshingly adult crowd. Highly recommend.

On our way to TAF, we noticed a sign for a roof-top space called Couleur Locale. It’s literally next door to TAF, through a small stoa, past the tiny taverna, and up to the roof via the elevator. This place opened just over a month ago, and is a wide-open, casual bar space – up-beat dance music, great drinks list and some delicious chef-made food choices. It’s also quite a large space, and doesn’t yet get too busy. Anyone else tired of not finding a table at 360 or A for Athens?

One thing is for sure: Athens in autumn doesn’t force anyone indoors. While many of my Canadian friends are waking up to near-zero temperatures, I will ‘have another round, please!’, and might even leave my jacket at home…

Until next week,

Jack

In this weekly space, keep up with ‘Jack’ as he navigates daily life in Athens… Anecdotes, stories, hits & misses, the good, the bad and, well, the rest…

Wednesday, 18 February 2015 11:12

The Third Largest City In Greece - Visit Patras

Welcome to Patras, a bustling student city, a place where entertainment, history and culture mingle together to create a destination filled with wonderful discoveries. Start your exploration around the city from Aghiou Nikolaou (Ayiou Nikoláou), the most famous pedestrian street. There, 192 steps await to lead you to the Old City. A romantic stroll around its cobbled streets will reveal grand colourful neoclassic mansions, reminders of the city’s glorious past.

 

Visit the city’s Medieval Castle, built in the second half of the 6th century A.D. on the ruins of the ancient Acropolis. Its walls enclose an area of about 22 sq.m.; it consists of a triangular external compound enhanced with towers and ramparts.

Walk past the remaining buildings, and take in breathtaking views of the city.

West of the Acropolis, in the “Áno Póli” (upper city), you will find Patras Roman Odeum, which was actually built earlier than the Athens Odeum (Herodion 160 AD). The geographer Pausanias, who visited Patras in 170 AD, wrote: “It has the most beautiful decoration I have ever seen, excluding of course that of Athens". The surrounding space is turned into an archaeological area where mosaics, sarcophagi and other ancient findings are displayed. The romantic souls should seek for the city’s landmark, the Lighthouse, in order to enjoy a breathtaking panorama of the port.

A visit to Spinney, the pine-tree-covered hill, the so-called “Veránda” of Patras will certainly uplift your senses. Its specially formed paths and the shade offered by the tall trees make it an ideal place for you to enjoy leisurely walks, or even go jogging. There you can also find a Municipal tourist kiosk from where you can admire a breathtaking view of the city, the port and the Patras Gulf.

In the centre of the city, two historical monuments will certainly draw your attention: Saint Andrew Church, one of the biggest churches in the Balkans, and “APOLLON" Municipal Theatre, one of the first opera houses in Europe. It was designed in 1972 by the German architect Ernest Ziller. Since 1988 it permanently houses the Patras Municipal Regional Theatre.


To read more, please see visitgreece.gr

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