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Athens once more is preparing to host the Athens Pride Festival, which will take place at central Syntagma Square this year. The 2017 festival will take place on June 10 under the motto “It’s Education”, aiming to raise awareness on the issues that concern the LGBTQI community in Greece, mainly the legal recognition of gender identity.

The first Athens Pride took place in June 2005 and marked the first Pride Parade through the city center and past the Hellenic Parliament during daylight hours. Since then, the Athens Pride festival has grown and in June 2014 included 20,000 people of all ages.

By delivering the message, “It’s Education”, the organizers wish to focus on the Greek word “Παιδεία” (education) and its broad meaning, which encompasses the concepts of schooling, upbringing, learning and culture cultivation.

To read this article in full, please visit: Greek Travel Pages
Doing research on how economic inequality threatens democracy and if America was really at risk of becoming an oligarchy, a journalist for The Guardian opened a book about Classical Greek Oligarchy. While reading, he learns about the ancient Greek world, the division of oligarchs, and the development of institutions.

“One of the primary threats to oligarchy was that the oligarchs would become divided, and that one from their number would defect, take leadership of the people, and overthrow the oligarchy.”

“To prevent this occurrence, ancient Greek elites developed institutions and practices to keep themselves united. Among other things, they passed sumptuary laws, preventing extravagant displays of their wealth that might spark jealousy, and they used the secret ballot and consensus building practices to ensure that decisions didn’t lead to greater conflict within their cadre."

To read this article in full, please visit: The Guardian
Dear Ladies living with chronic diseases every day,

I need your help with a huge favour. For the EuHIC Congress I have planned a unique and informative session titled: "Women living with a chronic disease and the economic disadvantages

Living with a chronic disease is like having a second job and I am convinced we are all aware of that. There are lots of discussions and decisions to make. It is also important for us to live independently.But what is with us women living with a chronic disease?

I have spoken and chatted with women across Europe who live with chronic diseases. In my experience it is difficult for most of these women to live with the daily burden of their disease, to find a good job, have a good life and also be well insured

Living with a disease requires more money.

Alternative therapy options are not always reimbursed by health insurances, for example special foods, clothes and lots of other things are often more expensive than their “normal life” equivalents.With a lower budget, there is a higher risk of social isolation, depression or the disease progressing and symptoms increasing.

In order to show real results and create awareness I want to carry out this session and I need answers. Please take part in my survey and motivate other women to answer.

For changing the perspective and create a shift.

Thank you very much for your support and help.

Every voice is highly appreciated! 

Birgit Bauer
Once again hotels King George and Grande Bretagne have brought the Christmas spirit in the most central part of Athens!

With a magnificent Christmas tree and festive decorations, we invite you to visit our renovated concept store ''GB Corner Gifts & Flavors'' at the Grande Bretagne, to discover amazing gift ideas and world famous sweets from our award winning pastry chef, Arnaud Lahrer.

Next door, at the entrance of King George, check out our ''KG Perfumery''. You will find top quality perfumes, ideal your friends and family.

At the ''Winter Garden'', the best lounge in town, a magnificent buffet of festive sweets will be waiting for you to enjoy them with your coffee, hot chocolate or our great variety of tea.

And of course, on Christmas and New Year's Eve visit our restaurants ''GB Roof Garden'' and ''Tudor Hall''. Our Executive Chef Asterios Koustoudis has created a special menu for you and your loved ones to enjoy, all while admiring the view of a festive Athens.

Read our Christmas Festivities brochure HERE!

And don't forget to check out our Christmas package deals for an unforgetable stay at our hotels!
Tuesday, 18 June 2019 13:49

Eleonas Holiday Houses In Messinia

Eleonas is an exceptional example of an authentic Greek holiday accommodation and offers villas, cottages, apartments and studios clustered on the hillside overlooking the beach of Gialova in the Messinia region of the Peloponnese. It is a family run property that affords its guests with the famous open-handed hospitality of the Greek countryside.

The accommodations are well spread out on extensive grounds, surrounded by olive trees and all built with privacy in mind. A wonderful place for a holiday experience that combines the best in hospitality, unspoilt nature, magnificent landscape, a unique ecosystem, the ultimate climate, and some of the most beautiful beaches of the Mediterranean Sea!

Five years have passed since the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC) in 2017 changed the lives of the residents of Athens and visitors to the Greek capital for the better. From then until today it is a favorite destination for cultural and sports activities but also an ideal entertainment destination for the young and old.

About the SNFCC

The SNFCC is an international, environmentally sustainable public space for expression, culture, and recreation. The creation of the SNFCC was initiated by SNF and executed with an exclusive grant from the Foundation and the cornerstone of the more than $750 million in support SNF has allocated to the project in total. It includes the facilities of the National Library of Greece (NLG) and the Greek National Opera (GNO), as well as the 40-acre Stavros Niarchos Park.

From the inception of the idea for the creation of the SNFCC through the cultural institution’s fifth anniversary, SNF gave a total of $739 million toward the project through several grants. This amount primarily went to the construction of the SNFCC but also supported operational and programming costs for its first five years, following the commitment SNF made during the delivery of the SNFCC to the Greek state. In addition, SNF’s support has gone to programs for the development of the SNFCC and to infrastructure projects beyond the original design.

The idea for the SNFCC originated in 1998, with SNF’s decision to support the construction of new facilities for the NLG and the GNO. From these disparate plans and with the opportunities offered by the site allocated for the project in the Municipality of Kallithea came an exciting opportunity for a cultural, educational, and environmental “Triple Project.” This would include the new NLG and GNO facilities, as well as the creation of a major urban green space, Stavros Niarchos Park.

Stavros Spyrou Niarchos (Greek: Σταύρος Σπύρου Νιάρχος, 3 July 1909 – 15 April 1996) was a Greek billionaire shipping tycoon. Starting in 1952, he had the world’s biggest supertankers built for his fleet. Propelled by both the Suez Crisis and increasing demand for oil, he and rival Aristotle Onassis became giants in global petroleum shipping.

The video to celebrate its 5th anniversary 

On the occasion of this anniversary, a video was created, “My Face” written by Giannis Asteris, directed by Andreas Loukakos, and voiced by Harry Frangoulis. The video also stars Angel Martinez Sanchez, a dancer of the National Opera Ballet. The video was created in collaboration with the National Opera and the National Library of Greece and is in Greek

To read this article in full, please visit: greekcitytimes.com

 
The Hotel Grande Bretagne has been included, one more time, on the top of the World’s Best List of the well-known Travel + Leisure magazine. The King George Hotel is also an honoree for the first time. 
 
Every year, Travel + Leisure asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe and share their opinions on the top hotels, destinations, cruise ships, airlines and more. Hotels were rated on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value and as a result, Hotel Grande Bretagne was ranked as the best hotel in Athens while King George was placed third.  
Readers praised the hotels’ beauty, location and restaurants while T+L specifically mentions, “to stay at the Hotel Grande Bretagne is to sleep inside a small piece of Athens's history”.
 
Having received these important distinctions, Hotels Grande Bretagne and King George are committed to continue delivering exceptional, indigenous experiences for their guests. Both Hotels have the best location in the heart of Athens with spectacular views to the Acropolis and set a significant example in the international hotel industry, offering exceptional services and memorable experiences.
Friday, 15 November 2024 14:01

Always Grand | 150 Years of Flavors

New anniversary menu from the Hotel Grande Bretagne

A culinary journey through 150 years of history awaits gastronomy lovers
at the Winter Garden City Lounge, until December 31st 

Celebrating 150 years of culinary excellence, the Hotel Grande Bretagne marks this milestone with the new anniversary menu "Always Grand|150 Years of Flavors", signed by the twice Michelin-starred Executive Chef Asterios Koustoudis. 

GB AlwaysGrand150yrsFlavors Fish Salad Athinaiki

From November 6th until December 31st, 2024, guests have the opportunity to enjoy a special gastronomic journey at the Winter Garden City Lounge of the historic Hotel, inspired by the urban culture of old Athens.

Reviving recipes from the mid-20th century, the menu highlights the culinary heritage of the iconic Hotel, with dishes that starred in historic events during its 150 Years of continuous operation. From the authentic “Athinaiki” salad, a symbol of the urban cuisine of the 1970s and the impressive Shrimp fountain to the renowned 'Vol-au-Vent', emanating the elegance of French cuisine, the dishes evoke memories of another era. Paying tribute to the Greek tradition, the menu includes ‘lahanodolmades’ (cabbage rolls), while desserts such as nougatine, which traveled from the great European courtyards to the Athenian salons, complete the unparalleled journey from the past to the present, captivating even the most discerning palates. 

GB AlwaysGrand150yrsFlavors Shrimp Fountain

Guests can also enjoy the anniversary afternoon tea, masterfully curated by Pastry Chef Alexandros Koufas, adding a nostalgic touch of authentic Athenian glamour.

Discover the anniversary menu "Always Grand|150 Years of Flavors", an exciting culinary journey that uniquely connects the past with the present, through unique dishes that remain classic and beloved.

GB AlwaysGrand150yrsFlavors Nougatine

There’s something otherwordly beautiful about summer in Greece—the light, the sea, the warmth of the people, and the timeless beauty of its landscapes. But beyond the travel brochures and Instagram reels lies another layer of allure: the Greece we’ve fallen in love with through cinema.
 
Over the years, filmmakers from around the world have chosen Greece as the backdrop for unforgettable scenes—turning real locations into cultural touchstones and cinematic daydreams. Whether you’re planning your next getaway or simply daydreaming from afar, here’s a look at some iconic films set in Greece that just might inspire your summer in a new way.

Mamma Mia! (2008) – Skopelos & Skiathos

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No list would be complete without this feel-good musical. Set on the fictional island of Kalokairi, the real filming locations were the lush Sporades islands of Skopelos and Skiathos. Think whitewashed chapels perched on dramatic cliffs (remember the wedding scene?), sun-drenched beaches, and winding cobblestone paths that invite spontaneous singing. Even if ABBA isn’t your thing, the scenery alone is enough to book a ferry.

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@loucosporviagem

The Big Blue (1988) – Amorgos

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This cult classic by Luc Besson isn't just a story about free diving—it's a deep, meditative ode to the Aegean Sea. Filmed in Amorgos, especially around the iconic Monastery of Hozoviotissa, the film captures the surreal tranquility and mysticism of the Greek islands like no other. The island’s raw, untouched beauty and azure waters have gained a loyal following thanks to the film.

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@turigaltravels

Before Midnight (2013) – Messinia, Peloponnese

before midnight

The third film in Richard Linklater’s beloved trilogy brings Jesse and Celine to the sun-drenched olive groves and ancient stone houses of Messinia, in the southern Peloponnese. It's a quieter, more grounded look at Greece—one steeped in history, conversation, and golden hour light. If you're craving a trip that’s more about connection and less about crowds, this one's your aesthetic.

kardamyli
@nikos.tsiak

The Two Faces of January (2014) – Athens, Crete

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A psychological thriller set in 1960s Greece, this film takes you from the majestic ruins of the Acropolis to the sun-bleached alleys of Chania, Crete. If you're fascinated by old-world intrigue and neoclassical elegance, this film paints a rich visual portrait of Greece beyond the islands.

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@simytravelphotos

Mediterraneo (1991) – Kastellorizo

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This Italian Oscar-winning film is a hidden gem set on the tiny Dodecanese island of Kastellorizo (also known as Megisti). It tells the story of a group of Italian soldiers stranded on a Greek island during WWII, where they slowly fall under the island’s peaceful spell. The film beautifully captures the laid-back pace of Greek island life, with pastel-colored houses, quiet harbors, and a sense of suspended time. A perfect watch if you're looking for something slow, sun-soaked, and soulful.

kastelorizo
@nikospar1969

Films do more than entertain—they shape the way we dream about places. They give us moodboards for our own adventures. Whether you're hopping on a ferry to Skopelos, sipping wine in the Peloponnese, or simply rewatching these classics from your sofa, each of these films offers a unique lens on Greece in summer.

This season, let cinema inspire your compass for exploration!

 

Wednesday, 01 April 2026 15:48

The Best Easter Getaways Around Athens

This year, Greece’s biggest Orthodox celebration, the beloved family gathering awaited by everyone, falls on 12 April, and it’s the perfect excuse to experience the magic from the inside. From one end of the country to the other, every region brings its own flair.

We’ve rounded up the most charming Easter escapes close to Athens, so you can soak up this truly special atmosphere while discovering the beautiful surroundings too.


Hydra 

hydra
@travelgreece

Hydra, the ever‑charming island just a whisker from Athens, is a sweet escape thanks to its bucolic scenery, where donkeys still take the place of cars, and its beautifully choreographed Easter weekend.

Good Friday sets the tone, with the blessing of the epitaph from the Kamini area and its solemn immersion in the sea, a tradition dating back to 1923 and believed to protect sailors on their journeys. After a long island‑wide procession and the careful decoration of the churches by locals and visitors alike, the spiritual atmosphere settles in. Holy Week naturally culminates on Easter Sunday afternoon at Hydra’s port, right in front of the Merchant Marine School, with the spectacular burning of Judas, a life‑sized straw‑stuffed effigy prepared well before the celebrations begin, its left hand clenched except for one pointed finger holding a purse filled with the infamous thirty silver coins.


Nafplio

nafplio
@dionisisphotography

Another favourite Easter escape for Athenians is the delightful little city of Nafplio, just a two‑hour drive away. Arriving in springtime feels like stepping into a postcard: endless fields of orange trees line the way, filling the air with that fresh, citrusy scent, while the town itself bursts into bloom with cascades of pink bougainvillea; the sweetest welcome to the new season.

On Lazarus Saturday, women and children knead the traditional lazaraki breads while singing, and from that moment the aroma of freshly baked tsoureki mingles beautifully with the fragrance of blossoming trees. Good Friday brings a moving procession of psalms, choirs and lanterns, as the epitaphs from the city’s four churches weave through the streets before gathering together in Syntagma Square. And to crown the celebrations, make sure you catch the fireworks lighting up the sky on Resurrection night.


Tinos

 tinos
@idiscover.gr

Tinos is a unique Easter destination, home to a significant community of Greek Catholics who live in perfect harmony with their Orthodox neighbours, and often blend their celebrations as a beautiful sign of unity, even when their Easter dates don’t quite align. The whole island is steeped in a deeply spiritual atmosphere, centred around the famed Church of Our Lady of Tinos, which houses the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary discovered during the Greek War of Independence in 1821.

Yet there’s so much more to explore: six museums and galleries, including the Archaeological Museum of Tinos, the iconic Venetian‑era dovecotes scattered across the landscape, and a constellation of charming little villages perfect for wandering. On Tuesday, treat yourself to the island’s flower‑shaped Easter cheese pies, made with soft unsalted cheese. Good Friday brings one of Tinos’ most touching traditions, when the island’s single women bless the Epitaph of Agios Nikolaos before it is carried to the sea in a candlelit, flower‑strewn procession. In Chora Square, surrounded by sung prayers, the Epitaph glows dramatically as torches ignite around it. And the next morning, with shops closed until noon in mourning of Christ’s death, you’ve got the perfect excuse to slow down and savour the island’s peaceful rhythm!

Prefer to celebrate Easter in the capital this year?
We’ve found the spots that offer a truly authentic city experience!

Leonidio


@okiem_turystki

Leonidio might just hold one of Greece’s most heart‑melting Easter traditions. On the night of the Resurrection, the sky shimmers with hundreds of handmade hot‑air balloons and lanterns crafted from bitter‑orange peels, all rising to the sound of “Christ is risen”.

The magic begins weeks earlier, when groups of women gather each afternoon to hollow out thousands of oranges, storing the peels in freezers until the celebrations. By Good Friday, families decorate their homes and shopfronts with these glowing lanterns, ready for the Epitaphios procession. As candlelight fills the streets, the air turns deliciously sweet as the orange peels scorch and caramelise, adding an almost fairytale touch to the evening. Against the backdrop of Leonidio’s elegant 19th‑century stone mansions, the whole scene feels utterly enchanting.


Livadia


@katerina_ourgi

Less than two hours from Athens lies the perfect little escape, hidden among lush greenery and running waters: the Springs of Krya in Livadia. Once you reach the town, wander through the centre towards the main square, then continue on foot along pathways lined with trees, streams and waterfalls. It feels like stepping into a cool, leafy oasis. Beyond its natural charm, Livadia also offers plenty to explore, from the medieval fortress and the ancient Oracle of Trophonius to the church of Agia Jerusalem.

And as if that weren’t tempting enough, the town is renowned for its delicious local dishes, quality meat products and traditional tavernas, making it an ideal spot to savour both nature and flavour in one easy getaway.


Kalamata

kalamata
@giorgos_petakos

If, on Easter Sunday night, you happen to cross paths with groups of people dressed in traditional costumes and carrying handmade cylindrical rockets filled with gunpowder and oil, don’t panic: you’ve simply encountered the bouloukia, on their way to celebrate the saitopolemos, a historic custom dating back to the Ottoman era. According to local legend, these rockets were once used by the Messinians during the Greek Revolution to fend off Turkish cavalry. There’s no solid historical proof for this, but the tale certainly adds a heroic flair to the tradition, which culminates in a dazzling spectacle of light and sound, complete with the dramatic “zeibekiko fire dance”.
 

Spetses

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@island_wanders_by_kostopoulos

On the beautiful island of Spetses, Good Thursday is devoted to the Epitaph, which winds its way through the town’s narrow alleyways before reaching the central square. Here, the four main parishes join the procession, their followers singing hymns and carrying glowing candles. Later that night, while fireworks crackle across the island, the church of Analipsi makes its presence known by dramatically blowing up a wooden boat, adding its own thunder to the celebrations. For those who prefer something gentler, the monastery offers a far more solemn yet truly magical Resurrection service held in the quiet of the graveyard.

Beyond the festivities, Spetses is a joy to explore: wander through its fragrant pine forests and admire the sweeping views over the beaches. With cars banned on the island, you can roam by moped, quad bike, electric bicycle or even horse‑drawn carriage, taking in the neoclassical architecture inspired by the grand resort hotels of the French Riviera. Follow one of the island’s 19 hiking routes covering an impressive 65 km through pine woods or along the coastal path north of the Old Harbour, where you’ll find Natalia Mela’s striking animal sculptures. Art is everywhere in Spetses: from the metallic goats nibbling olives to the mermaid with chain‑like hair waving sailors off to sea. Back at the port, stop by the Roumani Hotel and the Kafenion complex to admire the artworks and retro signs created decades ago by the renowned ceramist Panos Valsamakis, a rare example of public art that still brightens the island. And don’t miss the beautiful pebble mosaics depicting fish, dolphins, octopi and mermaids, crafted not by a single artist but by generations of local artisans, giving Spetses its unmistakable charm.
 
 
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