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XpatAthens
International Travel Bloggers Share Best Places In Greece
"With a question like this, I have to stay true to my heritage – and with good reason. My family is from the island of Chios -- the fifth largest Greek island, located in the Aegean sea, a mere 30-minute ferry ride from mainland Turkey and a 30-minute flight from Athens airport. From the tulip blooms in March, to the mastic tree orchards in the South; from the black- pebbled beach of Mavra Volia, to the crystal clear waters of Nagos; from the stunning medieval village of Mesta, to the haunting ghost town of Anavatos, there is so much to see in Chios. With its rich history (Christopher Columbus is rumoured to have come from here), unique beaches, mouth-watering food, breathtaking mountain and sea views, Chios has so much more to offer than your typical Greek island getaway. Rarely making the list of ‘must-see Greek islands’ Chios truly is one of Greece’s many hidden gems." Maria Carras, Greece, Sun and Shine blog
"The best place (s) for me in Greece are the Greek islands. They are all so wonderful to visit and to get to know. One of the most memorable island destinations is Santorini. It is so unique compared to all of the islands. As for one of my favourite islands in general I’d say Ithaca. It’s small, green, less touristic and has a wonderful energy about it. I also discovered Naxos last year and that was great too. There are so many…. This is a problematic question… LOL." Marissa Tejada, USA living in Greece, My Greece, My Travels and Chasing Athens
"Leros Island in the Dodecanese. Oh, and Rhodes Old Town. Oops, that’s two places! I don’t think it’s possible to name just one." Rebecca Hall, British living in Greece, Life Beyond Borders blog
To read more, please visit: Passion for Greece
Auto Registration Fee Hikes Based On Emissions And Age Of Vehicle
Free Entrance To The Acropolis Museum On The Greek National Holiday
Participation: For registration, please refer to the Information Desk at the Museum entrance on the same day.
On the same day the Museum restaurant will serve Greek traditional dishes.
Click HERE for valuable information about the Acropolis Museum in Athens.
July 30 - Happy Summer Issue
World Health Organization To Establish A New Office Ιn Athens
- The emergence of Greece as a protagonist for its resilience to the health challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The vital knowledge and experience gained by Greece in quality of patient care and safety, with the legislation and establishment of the National Organization for Quality Assurance in Health. These practices can be adapted to the needs of other countries in the WHO European Region.
- Successful management in implementing the anti-smoking law, which has improved the level of public health and safety of patients.
- The unique features of Greece that can protect health and improve the quality of life have not been taken into account in the quality of care models. Greece, for example, with its record of longevity and the Mediterranean diet, can be the perfect example for improving the quality of life in Europe.
- The experience of the Organization's Office in Greece in the transformation of health systems, which provides a strong base and an extensive network, on which future work will be based, even beyond the national level.
To read this article in full, please visit: greekreporter.com
How To Build A Better Relationship With Yourself
Emotional Intelligence: Illuminating The Path To Deeper Connections
Originally published in Greek on: loveyourselfmagazine.com
Love Yourself is a comprehensive Greek media platform dedicated to embracing mindstyle as its fundamental essence. It advocates for a wholesome lifestyle that nurtures not only our soul, mind, and body but also promotes a positive and sustainable attitude towards the planet we call home. For more information, visit Love Yourself's website!
Survey Reveals Record Number Of US Students Choosing Greece
Originally published on: ekathimerini.com
Athens Pools: Where Summer Meets the City
Athens might be known for its ancient ruins and buzzing streets, but when summer hits, the city hides some seriously cool secrets; its rooftop and poolside escapes. From rooftop beach clubs to hidden suburban gems, these refreshing spots bring a touch of island life right to the capital. Whether you're looking to relax, work remotely with a view, or enjoy a stylish swim, here’s where to dive in.
1. Mavili Beach – A Rooftop Island in the Sky
Credit: mavilibeach.gr
Perched atop the Alexandros Hotel, Mavili Beach offers a stunning twist on urban luxury. This creative rooftop space blends city style with Cycladic charm, think bougainvillea-covered corners, cobblestone textures, and even real sand underfoot. Overlooking Lycabettus Hill, it's a pocket of island serenity in the heart of Athens.
Mavili Beach is a multi-functional space ideal for work, play, or pure relaxation. Visitors can reserve sunbeds equipped with USB ports and Wi-Fi, or upgrade to beachside cabins complete with minibars and flat screens.
Day packages start from €90 and include loungers, a towel, and refreshments. Reservation required.
Location: Timoleontos Vassou 8, Athina
Telephone: 216 2007699
2. Ace Hotel & Swim Club – Cool, Casual, and Sun-Kissed
Credit: acehotel.com
At the Ace Hotel in Athens, the pool deck is all about laid-back elegance. Think cabanas, waterbeds, and a rooftop with city views made for golden hour lounging. Whether you're perfecting your backstroke or just after a sun-soaked lunch, the vibe here is effortlessly stylish.
Day passes start at €40 and include your choice of seating, towels, water, umbrella (where applicable), Wi-Fi, and access to the pool bar and food service. Reservations are required.
Location: Artemisiou 1, Glyfada
Telephone: 210 0220188
3. Vertigo Pool Bar – Luxe Views, Light Sips
Credit: sgl.gr
Located at the St. George Lycabettus Hotel, Vertigo Pool Bar combines stunning panoramic views with cool, refreshing swims. Perfect for an afternoon escape or a coffee-fueled dip, this rooftop pool is open to non-guests for €70, which includes a drink of your choice.
Children between ages 3 and 10 enjoy a 50% discount, but keep in mind: loungers are available on a first-come, first-served basis—reservations aren't accepted.
Location: Kleomenous 2, Athens
Telephone: 210 7416000
4. Ribas Riviera – Casual Pool Days, No Fuss
Credit: Trip Advisor
Looking for a simple, affordable pool day? Ribas Riviera, open Wednesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 20:00, offers one of the most budget-friendly urban swims in Athens. Entry starts at just €10 and no reservation is required, making it an easy choice for spontaneous sun-seekers.
Location: 32 Km. Leof. Athinon Souniou, Varkiza
Telephone: 210 9656150
5. Pisina Piraeus – Coffee, Brunch, & Poolside Bliss
Credit: pisinacafe.gr
Located in Piraeus, Pisina is more than just a pool, it’s a full experience. You can start your day with expertly crafted coffee (complete with latte art), enjoy handmade desserts or a hearty brunch, and lounge by the pool in a calm, stylish setting.
Baristas here are trained to tailor your coffee exactly the way you like it, and if you're not into caffeine, they’ll whip up a fresh juice or a seasonal smoothie. It's a welcoming space where quality and comfort go hand-in-hand.
Location: Akti Themistokleous 25, Piraeus
Telephone: 210 4511324
Make a Splash in the City
Athens may be known for its history, but its pool scene proves the city knows how to do summer in style. From luxury rooftops to relaxed local favorites, these swimming spots offer the perfect way to cool off and enjoy a different side of the capital.
Syros: An Excellent Cultural Destination
Syros is located in the centre of the Cyclades in the Aegean Sea. The largest town, Ermoupolis, is the capital of Syros and the Cyclades. It has always been a significant port town and during the 19th century it was even more significant than the port of Piraeus. Ermoupolis stands on a naturally amphitheatrical site with neo-classical buildings cascading down to the harbor. The “City of Hermes” has numerous interesting churches, the Archaeological Museum and the Municipal Library. The Apollo Municipal Theatre of Ermoupolis was built in 1864 by the French architect Chabeau and it constitutes a miniature replica of ‘‘La Scala di Milan’’.
The quarter of the town known as Vaporia, where the sea captains lived, is of special interest and exceptional beauty.
Ano Syros was built by the Venetians at the beginning of the 13th century on the hill of San Giorgio, north-west of Ermoupolis. The Catholic basilica of San Giorgio church dominates Ano Syros. From there visitors enjoy a panoramic view of the neighbouring islands of Tinos, Delos, Mykonos, Paros, Andros and Naxos. Ano Syros is the birthplace of Markos Vamvakaris, the most important Greek singer and composer of “Rebetiko” music.
Syros is known for the International Festival of the Aegean which takes place annually on the island and it attracts world-class musicians, dancers, and actors. There is also the festival of Ano Syros and many other cultural events like art exhibitions, theater plays and concerts.
Syros has some excellent local products, of which most known are the “loukoumia” (gummy squares flavoured with roses, pistachio and other) and ”chalvadopita”, a cake filled with almonds and nougat, a traditional, very tasteful sweet. One of the most famous local chesses is “Saint Michali”.
Some of the most innovative products for Greece are produced by a small company MuMu organic.
MuMu organic is an ethical fashion company producing high-quality women’s clothes. Created in the beautiful Cycladic island of Syros in 2009 by designer Athena Bentila and artist Roland Wakker, MuMu organic is dedicated to creating stylish and timeless handmade womenswear, produced locally in Greece.
MuMu organic uses certified organic cotton and sustainable fabrics and through responsible sourcing supports Fairtrade producers in developing countries, while providing local employment for people in Greece.
MuMu organic’s beautiful designs are inspired by the breathtaking and versatile natural environment of the Greek islands. The collections feature fitted dresses, skirts and tops, which are carefully designed and tailored. The colours are bright and intense and the forms are simple and flattering. The water-based prints, designed by artist Roland Wakker, have been inspired by his original ecological paintings, giving a fresh and modern approach to the clothes.
As MuMu organic’s designer Athena Bentila says, “Our aim is to provide high fashion from sustainable materials and to inform consumers about the benefits of organic cotton. By supporting Fairtrade producers and organic farmers, we are helping make the fashion industry more sustainable, moving from throwaway fashion to beautiful, and producing timeless and long-lasting pieces. At the same time we are providing employment for people in Greece ensuring a safe and healthy, non-abusive, non-discriminatory environment with living wages. In this difficult period Greece is going through, it is very important to invest in innovation and bloom through our environmental initiatives.”
The MuMu organic ethical garments are sold through the e-shop www.mumusyros.gr.
MuMu organic is offering 25% discount to all the readers of this article, simply by entering the coupon code VisitGreece25.
http://blog.visitgreece.gr/syros-not-just-a-beautiful-greek-island-but-also-an-excellent-cultural-destination
