Wellness Hub Top Banner
XpatAthens

XpatAthens

If you own a property in Athens but live outside Greece then you will likely ask yourself at least one variation of the same question; Who can be responsible and look after my home while I am away?

Most foreign property owners create an informal arrangement; a family member willing to help, a neighbor who has a spare key, a friend who checks on your home from time to time. The informal arrangement usually works until it doesn’t. And when something goes wrong many miles away (i.e., when you cannot be there to handle the issue), checking on your home from time to time may not be sufficient.

Home Watch Athens is a specific and dedicated property management service designed exclusively for overseas owners of homes in Athens - for Greeks living abroad, for all international property owners, and for Golden Visa holders requiring a local representative rather than simply a telephone number.

A Trusted Person To Manage Your Home in Athens

The services provided by Home Watch Athens were created and will be run by Giannis - thus providing an owner with a single contact person, a single key holder, and a single accountable individual. Therefore, there are no telephone centers, no rotating personnel, and no handover of your keys to someone you do not know.

Giannis represents the consistency and reliability that overseas owners require. He knows your property, its idiosyncrasies, and what is considered normal - therefore, if something is amiss prior to becoming a costly issue, he is aware of it.

What Will a Property Management Company in Athens Actually Do?

More than you would think. Your property is inspected each month, and a record is made of its condition. Following each inspection, you receive a photograph report detailing what took place during the inspection - wherever in the world you are located.

Each property inspection includes:
  • Leak detection and moisture test of all walls

  • Doors, windows, balcony and patio inspection

  • Flush tap test and toilet flush test

  • Electrical panel visual inspection

  • Collection of mail and forwarding of same
Who Can Help Me Manage My Home in Athens?

That is the exact space Home Watch Athens was established to fill. Not a large agency managing hundreds of properties. Not a neighbour who is helping you out as a favor. An individually managed, founder-led service providing consistent and documented monthly inspections of your property.

Therefore, for Greeks residing in countries such as Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, and USA - and for international property owners who visit Athens only once or twice a year - it is the difference between hoping everything is fine versus actually knowing.

How About Emergency Situations?

In cases of urgency - i.e., a ruptured water pipe, a burglary, a neighbor's complaint against you, a utility failure - having someone who is familiar with your property and able to respond quickly in the event of an emergency is of great value. 

In case of an emergency, Giannis coordinates emergency response, supervises contractors, and informs you of any developments regarding the emergency so that you are not forced to deal with a remote emergency situation using a series of untrustworthy contacts.

Members also have access to:
  • Payment and monitoring of utility bills

  • Representation at meetings of condominium associations and building boards

  • Supervision of contractor work and maintenance activities

  • Cleaning and preparation of your home prior to your arrival
The Property Management Solution in Athens That Overseas Owners Have Been Searching For

Regardless of whether you are searching for a person to take care of your home in Athens, a property management service for your Greek property while you are abroad, or a trusted contact for emergency assistance - Home Watch Athens was developed to fulfill these needs.

Thursday, 05 February 2015 15:21

Saturday Was A Real ‘Athens’ Kind Of Day

I’m taking a photography course and met up with my classmates outside the Athens Academy for our 3hour class. This week’s lesson was on architectural photography, and we set about our lesson and practice in the vicinity around the Academy, National Library and University of Athens. Later we wandered through the many old stoas of the neighbourhood, to catch a glimpse into a very much Athenian past.

For me, taking a ‘creative’ class – photography, art, cooking– is as much about improving my skills as it is about seeing the city in a different way…  Even many of the walking tours available in Athens (art walks, graffiti walks, nature walks) are well worth the cost, in terms of seeing the city and being re-inspired by the new corners and new stories you get to hear. It’s as easy as Googling “Athens walking tours” – there are tons of interesting options! And if you have some extra cash to burn, why not hop on a Segway or an e-bike and see Athens from a different perspective – literally. I try not to miss a chance to have one of these experiences whenever the opportunity (and the time and the money) allows.

After the fun photo shoots of the morning, I walked over to the Hip Café near Syntagma for a bite of brunch. Where I come from, brunch is a required weekend ritual. In Athens, it is definitely a growing phenomenon.

I hadn’t been to Hip Café for a long time, but having spent the morning in ‘classical’ Athens, it was great to slide into a comfortable chair in a decidedly modern side of the city. Music in the background, busy and buzzing with locals and expats, friendly service, good food, clean bathrooms (!), ‘chilled out’ interior – this is a place that is easy to be in, a really relaxed way to spend a weekend morning…

Their delicious menu has expanded a lot since I was there last – but thankfully they’ve still got Saturday morning’s best medicine (pancakes!), delicious yoghurt inventions, plus a lot of super healthy options (quinoa/lentil salad). I sat with my classmate in the window seat, watching the afternoon shoppers walking by.

Even on a rainy Saturday, Athens is full of surprises and full of inspiration – and very often full of honey and carbs. Sunday was spent at the gym.

Hip Café
26 Mitropoleos St., Syntagma
+30 213 015 4698
http://hipcafe.gr/

 

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 11:21

Top Beaches In Kythira

Kythira is an island part of the Ionian Islands group. It is an isolated island situated at the foot of the Peloponnese, between the Ionian and the Aegean Seas. Because tourism is still quite undeveloped, the Greek island looks like a calm refuge, with astonishing deserted beaches and traditional life. Even if part of the Ionian group, the island’s architecture reminds more the Ionian. This list of beaches we present here could go on for pages and pages. To write about the numerous, picturesque, quiet or busy, sandy or pebbly beaches of the island is a pleasure. To limit oneself to mentioning just a few of them is a challenge. Off we go...

Kaládi: A beach that should not to be missed when visiting the island: with crystal clear turquoise waters and greyish pebbles, the beach of Kaladi is one of the most beautiful ones. It is located in the eastern part of the island, close to Paleópolis. A dirt road and 120 steps will take you down to it. Don’t expect to find a beach bar so be well-prepared in the event of hunger or thirst.

Melidoni: Clear waters and sand with small pebbles, in combination with a spectacular view overlooking Chytra. Visitors will find a canteen in which beach parties are organized day and night. This small creek is located in the southwestern part of the island and it is accessible by car through the dirt road for Drymona.

Chalkós: With pebbles and fine turquoise waters, this popular beach lies a few kilometers away from Kálamos. It is well organised, with canteens and a spacious car park.

Fyrí Ámmos: There are two beaches with this name on the island. If you must choose which one to visit, we would suggest the one located just outside the village of Kálamos. Awarded for its natural beauty and crystal clear waters, the beach is a popular attraction. Its being well organised contributes to that.

Kakiá Lagáda: Another Blue Flag (=the international symbol for quality) award winner, this very well organised beach is also know for the “Barbarossa Days” (pirate games) i.e. a beach volley tournament. This is the place for relaxed swimming with a view towards the coast of the Peloponnese.

Fournoi: Clear waters and greyish pebbles form an idyllic landscape that offers peace and relaxation. Indulge in the deep blue of the sea and the beautiful music coming from the nearby canteen (jazz, soul etc.) and let your mind travel along.

Diakófti: As if it came out of a fairy tale featuring pirates and heroes, the beach seems to be made in heaven. White sand and shallow waters make it ideal for children of all ages. Visitors will find many tavernas with fresh fish and traditional Greek dishes. The shipwreck "Navagio"; a popular tourist attraction, is not far from here either.

Taste:

Kýthera’s honey is probably the best in Greece. Tourists leave the thyme-clad island with jars of honey in their luggage. It is believed that it had been the Minoans who taught bee-keeping to the Kytherians. Apart from the prevailing type of thyme tea, erica (white heath) tea is made here too.

Kythera's Melba toast is produced from cereals and is one of the island's best-known products throughout Greece. The unique taste of the local olive oil gives the toast a touch of divine.

Getting there:

By plane: flights every day from and to Athens.

By boat: The island is connected to the ports of Neápolis and Gýtheio in the Peloponnese, to the port of Kíssamos in Crete, and directly to the port of Piraeus too.

To read more, please go to visitgreece.gr

 

 

Greeks who are currently moving to Australia may face some economic difficulties after the recent increase in permanent partner and spouse travel visa costs that was announced by the Australian government.

The cost increase was part of the government’s measures to reduce budget deficits. In some cases the prices rose by up to 50%. The new measure will be implemented from January 1, 2015 and it is expected to bring 373 million dollars in revenue over the next four years.

Under the new measures, a visa for people who intend to migrate to Australia to marry their partner will cost $4627, instead of its current price which is $3085. Meanwhile, the cost of permanent partner visas increased from $4575 to $6865.

To read more, please visit greekreporter.com

By Ioanna Zikakou

Here are another 3 spectacular places to visit, for something new, something different, something festive! Happy New Year!

1. Winter garden stories
If you are going to sit down for a nice coffee or a fragrant tea with Christmas dark chocolate cake, English Christmas cake with ginger and honey, vanilla moons, cinnamon stars and macarons, let it be at the wonderful luxury patio on the ground floor of the Grande Bretagne, among the carved pillars, the elegant marble floors and the gorgeous gold tables. (Syntagma Square, 2103330000)

2. A touch of truffle
If you are fond of the precious mushroom, there is no festive gastronomy without fresh truffle. Danil Petrini's agnolotti at Luna Rossa, with foie gras pate and Norcia black truffle, with a very nice balance of textures (soft paste, super al dente pasta), it is really worth a try. Or, see how it transforms a perfectly scented risotto with a touch of Alba white truffle - the result is both bold and fine. (Socratous 213, Kallithea, 2109423777)

3. Festive Italian aperitivo
The Italians who pair their casual afternoon drink with snacks called aperitivo are definitely on to something. Guess what, to enjoy it, you dont have to go to Rome (not that it would be bad). Just go to Collage. Paying for your drink, say a Negroni, try whatever you like from the layed-out buffet on the great designer bar: cold pasta, bruschetta, focaccia, etc. You can get a taste of their festive cocktails like Santa's grape (rum , grapefruit , pineapple and gingerbread foam) or the Red Bliss, with Spumante, lychee and fresh pomegranate. (Kapnikareas 3 and Ermou, 2103232060)

By Angela Stamatiadou - translated by Eleni Georgiou

athinorama.gr

Greece is one of the 28 award winners of the 2015 European Union Prize for Cultural Heritage/Europa Nostra Awards. The winners of the award, considered Europe’s most prestigious prize in the heritage field, were recently announced by the European Commission and Europa Nostra.

The 28 award winners, selected from 263 applications submitted by organizations and individuals from 29 countries, are honored for outstanding achievements in four categories: 1) Conservation, 2) Research and Digitization, 3) Dedicated Service to Heritage, and 4) Education, Training and Awareness-raising.

“This year’s winners are powerful examples of creativity and innovation at work for Europe’s cultural heritage”, said Plácido Domingo, President of Europa Nostra.

“They also demonstrate that heritage matters to Europe and its citizens. We trust that, under the leadership of President Juncker and Commissioner Navracsics, the European Union’s strategy for an integrated approach to cultural heritage will be further developed and implemented.”

Award for Conservation
Antouaniko Mansion in Chios

Award for Research and Digitization
HERMES: Hermoupolis Digital Heritage Management, Syros

Award for Research and Digitization
Restoration of Lasithi Plateau’s Windmills with Perforated Sails

“Cultural heritage is one of Europe’s biggest assets. It brings countless cultural, economic, social and environmental benefits to all of us”, said Tibor Navracsics, European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport.

“We all need to keep working together to help communities and citizens take ownership of our heritage, make it part of our daily lives and preserve it for the generations to come”.


To read the complete article please visit: GreekTravelPages

Wednesday, 27 January 2016 07:00

Chaplain Of Greater Athens To Be Awarded MBE

The Anglican Church Of Greece is thrilled to announce that Canon Malcom Bradshaw, Chaplain of Greater Athens who has worked tirelessly for the Anglican Church of Greece, has been awarded the MBE (Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) in the Queen's New Year's Honours list, published on 31st December 2015.

Malcolm has worked tirelessly to establish close cooperation with other faiths and religions in Greece.  In 2009 the 'Church in the Steet' programme was jointly established by the Orthodox Archdiocese of Athens and the Anglican Church in Athens.  Since then, some 800 meals are distributed daily to refugees, irregular migrants and impoverished Greeks.  The distribution occurs within the courtyard of the offices of the Athens Municipality, Malcolm has also been an inspirational leader in working with the flow of migrants through Greece, providing practical aid and organisation to assist them,  he has encouraged a joint response to the needs of refugees by the Churches in partnership with the UNHCR.

During this past year, the Anglican Church in Greece has found itself at the centre of the refugee crisis that has engulfed Greece and the rest of Europe and amongst other things Fr Malcolm has hosted three church delegations from the UK which has led to a major appeal being launched in Britain to raise donations focused on the refugfees' needs.

We send him our heartiest congratulations!

The formal citation reads: Rev Can Malcolm McNeille Bradshaw.  Senior chaplain, Anglican church (Greece). For services to interfaith understanding and community charities.

Written by: The Anglican Church Of Greece









Friday, 20 May 2016 16:50

Terms of Payment

Some of the services offered by XpatAthens have a fee associated. The services that require payment are as outlined below. Prices for these services can be found here.

  • a) Listing a business or service in our Directory.
  • b) Listing a property in Accommodation.
  • c) Listing events, courses, workshops, or tour experiences in What’s On.
  • d) Listing items in our Classifieds.
  • e) Listing products in our eshop (not yet available).

For your convenience, in order to pay for the above services, XpatAthens has partnered with Viva Payments for secure online payment.

Viva Payments Services SA is a licensed e-money institution for operations in the EEA-31 region by the Bank of Greece. Viva Payments ensures speed, quality and security for every transaction. The modes of payment available on XpatAthens via Viva Payments are as outlined below. Note, you are not required to have an account with Viva Payments in order to complete a transaction on XpatAthens.

The following methods of payment are available:

  • Credit Card. Having requested to make payment by credit card, once redirected to Viva Payments’ secure payment page insert the necessary data. Once you have submitted the payment, you will receive an email from Viva Payments confirming the transaction.
  • Bank Transfer. Having requested to make payment by bank transfer, once redirected to Viva Payments’ secure payment page insert the necessary data. Once you have submitted the payment, you will receive an email from Viva Payments confirming the transaction.
  • Viva Wallet. This payment method requires that you have an active Viva Wallet account. Having requested to make payment via Viva Wallet, the funds will be transferred from wallet to wallet.

If you prefer to make payment directly to XpatAthens (you do not want to use the secure online payment provided by Viva Payments) please send us an email to admin@xpatathens.com outlining the services you are interested in paying for and we will provide you with an alternative payment method.

Important Additional Information:

  • All of the Euro amounts outlined on the applicable submission pages of each service (directory listing, event post, etc) include the applicable 24% VAT.
  • The requested service (directory listing, event post, etc) will be available online at www.xpatathens.com only once full payment has been confirmed. You will receive an email from XpatAthens once your submission is online.
  • In accordance with Law 2251/1994 on Consumer Protection, as amended and currently in force, the customer has the right of withdrawal from the transaction without justification within 14 days. We ask that you inform us of your request for refund by email at admin@xpatathens.com.
  • XpatAthens is registered in Greece. For complete company details, please email the request to info@xpatathens.com.
After chartering through an Olympic course that avoids Brazil’s most controversial waters, Greek swimming legend Spiros Gianniotis proved that he had the endurance required, winning the Silver medal for Greece. Gianniotis was just shy of winning Gold, coming in behind Dutch Ferry Weertman by just a few milliseconds. Weertman swam the event in 1 hour 52 minutes and 59.8 seconds. Gianniotis came within a hair’s breadth of winning at 1:52:59.8.

About Gianniotis

Born in Corfu and half-English, Gianniotis is 35 years old and is a senior veteran of the Greek Swimming Federation. He enjoys a track record of success on the international stage after having won two FINA World Championships in the 10km marathon swim while also being a strong contender in every international competition he has participated in. Having participated in the Olympics for 2000, 2004, 2008 and 2016, he was armed with extra motivation in what was his final opportunity to win an Olympic medal.

To read this article in full, please visit: Greek Reporter
Greece is getting ready to host its first ever Ironman 70.3 triathlon race in April 2019! Scheduled to take place at Costa Navarino in the Peloponnese on April 14, 2019, the event will welcome athletes from all around the world, who will travel to Greece to experience the renowned Greek 'philoxenia' (hospitality) and test their limits and strength in one of the most demanding sporting events in the world.
 
Ironman events are held in 55 countries around the world, while the community numbers about 1 million athletes and 5.5 million sports fans. Organized by the World Triathlon Corporation (WTC), the one-day event consists of a 4km swimming race; a 180km bicycle ride and a 42.2km marathon run.
 
Thanassis Papadimitriou, CEO & Founder of EY ZHN Greece DMC, the official travel partner of IRONMAN 70.3 Greece, said: “IRONMAN is not just a race! Ιt is an idea, a global move, a passionate crowd, an event that promotes the motto ‘Anything is possible’…” 
 
 
To read this article in full, please visit: Greek Travel Pages
Page 230 of 461