Fresh, edgy and arty, Keramikos is reinventing itself as the new gallery and gourmet quarter of Athens. Art influencer Rebecca Camhi paints a picture.

Rebecca Camhi moved to Keramikos in 2008, long before the gentrification of this gritty, graffiti-lined neighbourhood kicked in. She lives in a sky-blue townhouse that doubles as a gallery and design shop, selling one-of-a-kind ceramics, jewellery, kaftans and cushions. “The area is changing rapidly,” says Camhi. “It’s full of incredible abandoned buildings that are ripe for restoration.” Slowly, these derelict houses and mid-century apartments are being converted into galleries, workshops, bars and restaurants, popping up among the Egyptian hookah bars, no-frills Cretan meze joints, and Chinese grocers. “Visiting artists love the area,” says Camhi. “It’s fresh and different, edgy, scruffy, and even a little seedy in parts, not so exposed to tourists. It’s also one of the most diverse neighbourhoods in Athens, opening up an exciting new chapter in the city’s history.”

Galleries

Take a day to wander around the galleries in Keramikos. A couple of blocks from my gallery, The Breeder is a beautiful space designed by the architect Aris Zambikos and the shows are just as cool. Atopos CVC is a multi-disciplinary space in a neoclassical building and there’s always lots going on there. The Municipal Art Gallery, once a silk factory, is home the city’s modern art collection. Most galleries are closed Sunday and Monday and some spaces are only open by appointment, so check before you go.

Seychelles

I always take visitors to this restaurant and they always love it. In the summer, you can sit outside on Platia Avdi, a huge square that’s the heart of the neighbourhood. Be patient; you may have a long wait for your food, but it will be worth it. They serve Greek dishes with a twist, including an amazing selection of Greek cheeses. Seychelles is open for lunch or dinner but do book ahead—it’s packed even on a Monday night. You can always have a drink at Ble Papagalos, a café-bar across the square, while you’re waiting for a table.

Address: 49 Keramikou, Keramikos, 104 36
Telephone: 211 1834789

Tamarind

After a week of feta and grilled fish, you might be in the mood for something spicier. This cosy, unpretentious Thai place, run by the lovely Angela, has great atmosphere and service. The green curries are divine.

Address: 51 Keramikou, Keramikos, 104 36
Telephone: 210 5225945

Chorologie

This fantastic dance school is run by professional dancers and choreographers with international careers. You can take ballet, jazz and contemporary dance lessons with incredible views of the Parthenon from the studio. If you’re into dance, also check out the Arroyo Nuevo flamenco school nearby, a beautiful loft space in an old car-repair shop.

Address: 76 Peiraios, Keramikos, 104 35
Telephone: 210 5231060

Sto Vathos Kipos

If you’re renting a place with a kitchen, stock up on organic produce at this cute, bright orange store run by two brothers, Loukas and Stefanos Skoulikaris. I do all my grocery shopping here. Look out for the organic loaves from Betty’s Bread. The name of the shop means 'garden at the rear', and there really is a secret garden behind the shop. If you’re into fresh, local produce, do check out the farmer’s market every Tuesday.

Address: 99 Keramikou, Keramikos, 104 35
Telephone: 213 0235776

Latraac Skate Park

This skate bowl has a little café in the yard that does a really good Sunday brunch. You can eat poached eggs and pancakes while you watch the skaters showing off. This unique spot in Athens is the brainchild of architect Zachos Varfis, who designed Athens' first skate bowl using floor wood from an old building and site debris. Latraac frequently hosts DJ sets and you never know which famous skateboarder you'll find whirling on its track.

Address: 63-64 Leonidou, Keramikos, 104 35
Telephone: 213 0453377

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This content was originally published on This is Athens

Whether you’ve just arrived in town – or have been here for years – Athens always has new secrets to share! This is Athens is the official guide to this captivating city of ancient energies and booming urban culture. Compiled by a team of specialist local writers, This is Athens brings you an authentic and intimate portrait of a living Athens beyond the guidebooks – along with daily curated listings of all the best events and great weekend inspiration all-year round. From must-know neighbourhoods and emerging art hubs, to gourmet hotspots, cool shopping and the buzziest bars, This is Athens will help you to get the most out of living in Athens!

Thank you This is Athens for your contribution as an XpatAthens Partner.

Up until recently, first-time visitors to Athens could have been forgiven for assuming that Athenians existed solely on souvlaki, freddo iced coffees (in single-use cups) and exhaust fumes.

 

True, Athens still has some catching up to do with its more environmentally-conscious European cousins. But as entrepreneurs, activists and local government join forces to develop big and small ways of becoming more sustainable, the Greek capital is making great strides towards its goal of evolving into a green and global metropolis.

 

From where to enjoy the best vegan souvlaki in town to eco-friendly hotels and up-cycled shopping, here’s our guide to making your stay in Athens as green as can be. 

Where to go for green bites
In short, everywhere. Greeks will always love their meat, but sticking to a plant-based diet in Athens is surprisingly simple. Most tavernas serve hearty vegetarian staples such as pites (pies with fillings like spinach, horta wild greens or mushroom, and ladera (veggies cooked in fresh tomato sauce and olive oil).

Go for delicious classics like fasolakia (green beans and potatoes) or yemista (stuffed tomatoes and green peppers) and throw in a horiatiki (Greek salad), along with zucchini fritters (kolokithokeftedes), and some traditional dips. Melitzanosalata (eggplant); tirokafteri (spicy whipped feta); and tzatziki (cucumber, garlic and yoghurt) are popular picks.

Menus are greening up all over Athens with an ever-increasing number of terrific vegan and vegetarian options, for all budgets (click on the links to read our drilled-down guides). Worth an extra shout out for their excellent mushroom souvlaki wraps and sustainable ethos (i.e. ecological suppliers and biodegradable/recyclable packaging) is Cookoomela Grill in Gizi, Athens’ first vegan steakhouse.

For a light and healthy feed, Peas Vegan cafe in Koukaki has a tasty range of pretty vegan dishes, accompanied by locally-sourced ingredients and a zero-waste policy. Are you a vegan sweet tooth? Run (don’t walk) to Cats & Monsters in Exarchia for next-level homemade vegan ice cream with soy, oat or rice milk.

Great news for the self-catering crowd. Most Athenian supermarkets now stock plant-based milks, vegan cheeses and meat substitutes like tofu. Shopping for more than just the basics? Stock up at Bamboo Vegan in Exarchia, a pioneering mini-market and café with a wide range of locally-sourced and imported vegan produce. There’s everything from meat substitutes such as tofu, seitan and tempeh to organic cereals, pulses and other health foods, as well as vegan cosmetics, detergents and cleaners (and a handy café to get your fair trade brew).

To source ingredients for a plant-based meal with zero compromise on flavour, the impressive Varvakios Agora (Athens Central Market) in the historic centre is your one-stop shop for the freshest of seasonal produce. Fruit and veggies sorted? Now walk around the corner to the aromatic spice markets of Evripidou Street, and choose from some of Greece’s finest herbs and spices to ramp up your cooking.

Unlike many European cities, where overpriced farmer’s markets attempt to roll back the dominance of supermarkets, Greeks have never lost their connection with where their food comes from. The laiki agora (people’s market) remains the best place to pick up fruits, vegetables and herbs, usually sourced from farms around Athens or across Greece, at incredibly reasonable prices (though you’ll need to push back against the tendency of stall owners to put everything into plastic bags).

Every Athenian neighbourhood has a weekly laiki, so just ask a local when and where. For a buzzy atmosphere with street musicians, venture to the Kallidromiou Street laiki (every Saturday morning in Exarchia).

Naturally, cycling is another top eco-friendly way to experience Athens—especially if you’re not afraid of a few hills. Cycling infrastructure still lags behind other major European cities but new bikeways are popping up everywhere and there some great traffic-free cycling routes where you can sightsee on the fly. To stay on message, start from the historic neighbourhood of Thissio and glide down the coastline to check out Renzo Piano’s cutting-edge beacon to sustainability, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre, in Faliro. Check out our in-depth guide to cycling in Athens for more suggested scenic routes and tips on your best bike rental options in Athens.

Want to amp up the challenge? Embark on a thrilling two-wheel conquest of the spectacular Mount Parnitha National Park—the closest national park to a capital city anywhere in Europe—with GR Cycling, who offer kick-ass road, mountain and e-bike rentals and experiences.

But, of course, the most sustainable mode of transport will always be your own two feet. Central Athens is compact, easily-walkable and much has been done in recent years to make the city more appealing to walkers. Large areas have been pedestrianised, such as the Commercial Triangle and the Great Athens Walk, while the ‘pocket parks’ initiative is reclaiming formerly neglected corners of the city to create new green spaces. Overall, Athens is gunning for a less car-centric future with more greenery and plant life, to improve the air quality and city experience for all.

The Greek Tourism Ministry announced that direct flights from Canada to Athens will begin on April 2.

The announcement followed a meeting between Greek Tourism Minister Vassilis Kikilias and Canada’s Ambassador to Greece Mark Allen at the ministry in Athens.

According to the tourism ministry, Canada’s direct flights to the Greek capital will be carried out for the first time until the end of November, as opposed to previous years when they usually stopped in October.

Minister Kikilias welcomed the development, which he said, combined with the recent lifting of the Covid-19 test requirement for fully vaccinated travelers from Canada, is expected to attract more visitors from the Canadian market.

On his part, Ambassador Allen informed the Greek minister of Tourism that Canada was adjusting its Travel Health Notice from a Level 3 to a Level 2, meaning that the government will no longer recommend that Canadians avoid travel for non-essential purposes.

According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, the Government of Canada will begin a phased easing of travel restrictions as of February 28.

Originally published on: news.gtp.gr

Greece once again tops the list of Mediterranean countries for overall tourist satisfaction, according to the latest data indices.

The so-called general satisfaction index (GRI), based entirely on customer feedback, is especially encouraging for Greek tourism, as it continues to recover from two years of disruption due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Calculated by ReviewPro and processed by the Institute of the Greek Tourism Confederation (INSETE), the GRI for Greece in 2022 was 87%, with Cyprus in second place at 85.6%. The index, which gathers its data from hundreds of social media platforms, hotel review websites and online travel agents, analyzes a range of comparative indicators, inlcuding hotels, service, food and drink, entertainment, hotel cleanliness, location, and value-for-money. A score above 80% indicates a positive experience.

While Greece continues to top the general satisfaction index, it is facing stiff competition in other categories from some of its closest neighbours, including Cyprus, Italy, Croatia, and Turkey.

As of November this year, while Greece ranks first in general satisfaction for hotels (86.8%) and service (89.1%), for example, Cyprus snatched first place for hotel cleanliness (91.8%), and Turkey topped the food and drink category (84.3%). Greece achieved third place in both categories, with scores of 90.6% and 82.7% respectively.

Turkey also topped this year’s list for location (90.4%) and value-for-money (86.8%), with Cyprus in second place in both. As other countries continue to narrow the gap, it’s clear that those working in the Greek tourist industry will need be at the top of their game as we head into 2023.

Originally published on: greece-is.com

LAMDA DEVELOPMENT, in fulfillment of the agreement inked in May 2023 with POLKEOA (Cultural Center Of Olympic Aviation Employees), has immortalized the Boeing 747 once belonging to Aristotle Onassis, etching its place beside the Saarinen building—a testament to a new era dawning upon Hellinikon. Witness the awe-inspiring footage capturing the ascent of this iconic aircraft, symbolizing a glorious chapter in the history of Elliniko.

On Wednesday, February 21, LAMDA DEVELOPMENT, honoring the accord with POLKEOA, gracefully orchestrated the relocation of the revered aircraft to its new home beside the Saarinen building, marking the beginning of its journey in Hellinikon's unfolding narrative.

As the Saarinen building, inaugurated in 1969—the same year Aristotle Onassis commissioned this aircraft—stands tall, it echoes the timeless legacy of "The aircraft of Aristotle Onassis," forever intertwined with the rich tapestry of Hellinikon's history.



Originally published in Greek, on: skai.gr

When most people think of summer in Greece, the images are predictable: sunbathing on white-sand beaches, sipping ouzo at seaside tavernas, watching the sun melt into the sea. And while those are undeniably part of the magic, there’s another Greece waiting to be discovered.

 

This is a Greece of hidden waterfalls, sea caves, open-air cinemas, and ancient paths under starry skies. Ready to go off-script?

 

Here are 10 unique summer experiences in Greece that will transform your idea of what summer can be.

Milos is volcanic, wild, and full of hidden coves and surreal sea caves, and the best way to explore them? By kayak. Paddle through tunnels of white rock, swim in translucent water, and land on beaches that are inaccessible by road.

🛶 Best Spot: The caves around Kleftiko and Sykia on the southern coast.

2. Chase Waterfalls in Northern Evia or Pelion

 
@analytis.mp3

Greece is more than islands; it’s full of lush gorges and waterfalls. Cool off in natural rock pools shaded by plane trees, just a few hours from Athens.

Try: The waterfalls of Drymonas in Evia or Tsagarada’s Fakistra Waterfall in Pelion. Ideal for a day trip with a picnic.

3. Watch a Film Under the Stars at a Greek Open-Air Cinema


@yuksel_pecenek

It’s not just a movie; it’s a ritual. With a breeze in your hair, jasmine scent in the air, and a cold drink in hand, Greece’s θερινά σινεμά (summer cinemas) are pure nostalgia.

Where to go: Cine Thisio in Athens, with the Acropolis glowing behind the screen, or Cine Kalisperitis in Kimolos.

4. Learn Pottery in Sifnos, the Island of Clay


@mrchrissharples

Sifnos is a hub of ceramic art. Sign up for a pottery workshop with a local artist, and get your hands into the same clay that’s been shaped for centuries.

🏺 Best studios: Atsonios or Peristeriona in Kamares.

5. Spend the Night in a Treehouse in Evritania


@dimvsd

Karpenisi in summer, transforms into a green paradise, filled with rivers, forests, and cool mountain air. One of the most magical ways to experience it? Sleeping in a treehouse nestled among fir trees.

Surrounded by nature, you can swing in a hammock, wake up to birdsong, and fall asleep under the stars. It’s the kind of stay that makes you feel like a kid again, whether you're with family, your partner, or on a solo recharge.

6. Spend the Night in a Monastery on a Remote Island


@jcamatsos

If you're craving silence, introspection, or just a break from modern chaos, spend a night (or two) in a working Greek monastery. Many are open to respectful visitors in the summer months, offering basic lodging, shared meals, and early-morning liturgies.

It’s not about religion but about stillness, starlit courtyards, stone cells cooled by mountain air, and waking to the sound of chanting echoing through the hills.

 

You paid for home insurance on your Greek property and believe that you have coverage.

There is a little-known provision in many home insurance policies (the vacant clause) that could have invalidated your coverage while your property is empty. It usually states that if your property remains vacant for 30 to 60 days consecutively, the insurance company will either reduce coverage or eliminate it completely. 

• Greek diaspora property owners based in Australia, Canada, the U.K., the U.S.A. and elsewhere
  
  
• Property owners with a Golden Visa who are away from Greece frequently
  
  
• Seasonal owners with homes in Greece that sit empty for extended periods of time
  
  
• Any owner that relies upon a neighbor or family member to “check” on the property when they are away.
  
  

This last point is particularly relevant. Informally making arrangements with a family member does not constitute documentation of oversight. In the event that you file a claim and your insurance provider requests evidence that the property was being monitored during the time of the loss, a text message from your neighbour will not suffice.

• Vacant Clause - Exceeding the 30 to 60 day threshold will allow the insurance company to either reduce or invalidate coverage.
  
  
• Theft/Vandalism - These are often the first items that insurance companies drop once a vacancy limit is exceeded.
  
  
• Water Damage - Undetected leaks caused by burst pipes and boilers can turn a minor leak into a totally gutted apartment.
  
  
• Wildfire/Storm Damage - Greece’s vulnerability to wildfires and storms makes unmonitored properties extremely susceptible to damage.
  
  
• Claims Notification Deadlines - Depending on the type of claim filed, some Greek insurance policies have a requirement that claims be notified to the insurance provider within eight (8) days of the insured discovering the damage; whereas, in cases involving theft, the police must be notified within twenty-four (24) hours. In cases where no one is checking the property, it is likely that the opportunity to file a timely claim will pass.

• Option 1 - Notify your insurance provider and ask them to issue a vacancy endorsement. This is going to cost you more money than simply having a standard insurance policy. However, this option still requires that you document reasonable efforts to monitor the property.
  
  
• Option 2 - Utilize a property oversight service. By utilizing a third party to conduct regular inspections of your property, you will create a paper trail documenting that your property is being actively monitored and is not abandoned. This provides you with an insurer-approved method to demonstrate that your property is being maintained while you are away and allows you to file a claim should something occur.

Founded by Giannis Zisis, Home Watch Athens is a dedicated property management service for overseas owners in Athens - built around the specific challenges faced by Greeks abroad, international property owners, and Golden Visa investors who can't be there in person.

Monthly Property Inspection - The core service provided by Home Watch Athens includes monthly property inspections. Each visit includes:

• Leak inspection and moisture check of doors, windows, balcony and terrace
  
  
• Flush all faucets and toilets
  
  
• Check electric panel visually
  
  
• Collect mail and forward
  
  
• Send photo report to client via WhatsApp immediately after completing the inspection

Members of Home Watch Athens may also take advantage of additional services including:

• Payment and tracking of utility bills
  
  
• Coordination with insurance provider for renewals and claims
  
  
• Supervision of contractors and maintenance
  
  
• Cleaning and preparation prior to arrival
  
  
• Representation at building meeting

All of these options are made possible through a single, trusted keyholder providing full accountability and eliminating the need for clients to coordinate with relatives or chase down contractors from another part of the world.

 

How long before my insurance is invalid?
Insurance policies typically contain a 30-60 day consecutive day vacancy clause. Please review your policy documents to confirm the applicable time frame.

Will my insurance cover me even if my property is furnished?
Partially. Furnished properties can assist with insurance coverage but will not supersede a vacancy clause once the specified time has passed.

Can a home watch service keep my insurance coverage valid?
Yes. Documented property inspections establish the proof of active oversight expected by insurance providers. Additionally, a documented property oversight service will ensure that any necessary notifications are fulfilled in the event that something happens to your property while you are away.

What is the best way for Golden Visa holders to manage their property?
Combining a compliant insurance policy with a documented property oversight arrangement will protect your investment and satisfy compliance requirements associated with your residency program.

Your Greek property is currently vacant between visits; it is time to take action – before you need to file a claim and discover that your coverage did not apply.

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