XpatAthens

Tuesday, 06 October 2020 10:22

A Local’s Guide To Thissio

Hills dotted with ancient ruins, sun-soaked brunches – and a front row seat to the Parthenon. Local resident Alex King explains why Thissio is hard to beat.

Every neighbourhood in Athens lucky enough to have a view of the Acropolis thinks that theirs is the best in the city. But you really can’t beat Thissio to appreciate the majesty of the Parthenon. My favourite thing about living here is walking up the footpath behind the Church of St. Marina and past the National Observatory of Athens up to Pnyx Hill (just the birthplace of democracy, you know…), where you’re greeted with a spectacular perspective on the entire ancient city.

While most views of Athens reveal a sun-bleached concrete jungle, from this tree-lined summit you see how the historical centre is really a green island. After a long day exploring the city, venturing up at sunset is a great way to unwind. If you ever grow tired of staring down on the Propylaea, the main entrance to the Acropolis, and the temple of Athena Nike, you can always turn around and look out towards the sea, Piraeus harbour, the ships coming to and fro, and the islands that dot the horizon.

The Underdog

This is one of the best brunch spots in Athens. It has the wide range of painstakingly-sourced coffee options you would expect from the best third wave coffee shops, from single origin blends to ethically-sourced brews. In a beautiful restored neoclassical building, it’s the perfect start to a day exploring the neighbourhood on foot. Pedestrianised Iraklidon Street leads to the city’s ancient fortifications and is lined with restaurants, bars and greenery.

Address: 8 Iraklidon, Thissio, 118 51
Telephone: 213 0365393

Mikra Asia

A personal favourite, this cute little taverna serves meze (small sharing plates) inspired by Greek cuisine from Asia Minor (Mikra Asia in Greek). Occupying a tranquil spot on pedestrianised Iraklidon Street, this laid back and great value eatery really is a community hub. Highlights include the roasted peppers and flogeres, pastry cigars filled with cheese and covered in honey.

Address: 23 Iraklidon, Thissio, 118 51
Telephone: 211 1847609

To Steki Tou Ilia

One of Thissio’s best kept secrets is the pedestrianised Thessalonikis Street, which begins at Agios Athanasios church. With stellar meat dishes, To Steki tou Ilia appeals to committed carnivores—and is famous for its lamb chops by the kilo. Tables are set in the church yard and stretch along the pavement in summer. Cafe Loux just along the street is great if you’re just looking for drinks or a nightcap to wash down all your overindulgences.

Address: 5 Eptachalkou, Thissio, 118 51
Telephone: 210 3458052

Gevomai Kai Magevomai

This charming family-run taverna is another pillar of the neighbourhood—the place where locals celebrate anything from birthdays to christenings. The ever-changing menu is personally sourced by the family and the spirits are always free flowing. It’s also one of the few good indoor options in Thissio; so if it’s a rare rainy day or you need to escape the heat for some air-conditioned cool, this is a solid choice.

Address: 11 Nileos, Thissio, 118 51
Telephone: 210 3452802

Skales Kafeneio

The heart of Thissio is the little square where Nileos, Iraklidon, Akamantos and Apostolou Pavlou Streets come together. You’ll find tourists and Athenians rubbing shoulders long into the night at the restaurants and kafeneia (cafés) that surround the square. Slightly hidden down some steps, this is a typical local kafeneio that serves up great coffee and spirits, with tasty snacks—like tirokafteri (spicy cheese dip), fava or dakos. Just be careful about making plans afterwards, because sitting down for a quick drink here often turns into hours of boozy discussion with friends and locals.

Address: 2 Akamantos,Thissio, 118 513
Telephone: 210 3465647

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.

Published in City Discovery

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Thursday, 22 April 2021 18:40

Alexandria Institute Athens - Greek Language & Culture

Study Greek in Athens and join us in a unique educational and cultural adventure offered by the Alexandria Institute

Located in Athens, Alexandria Institute organizes Modern and Ancient Greek language and culture courses. Our seminars are held in Athens, Chios, Paros and in various other places in Greece as well as Greek online courses. We also offer teacher training courses, and we organize lectures and cultural walks. If you live in Athens and you want to communicate with locals in daily life situations, the courses we offer are ideal for you.

If you want to learn more about life in Athens and in Greece in general, understand Greek culture and the locals, the way they think, their lifestyle, traditions, and customs, then join our Greek language courses! Choose what works best for you and your needs:

Intensive courses start in Athens every Monday. You can choose between private and group courses and you can focus the courses on your interests and needs.
Greek online courses (private, group regular, conversation, etc.).

Focusing specifically on the students’ special needs, preferences and interests, our courses can be arranged in a way that meets those requirements. In addition to teaching the language, we offer cultural activities. The courses are part of a wide range of training and cultural activities aimed at presenting you with a complete educational and cultural experience in Athens.

If you already speak some Greek, find out your level though our placement tests and sign up for the most suitable course for you!

Whether you have limited free time (one or two weeks) or you can make more, Alexandria Institute can come up with the schedule that is suitable to your needs and capabilities.

Our purpose is to help you learn Greek and be able to communicate from the very beginning!

Do you live in Athens and you are facing everyday challenges?

At Alexandria Institute, we can provide you not only Greek courses, but also, we help you overcome challenges in communication of the everyday life of the city.

Our goal is to make our way through learning Greek in a modern, creative, and fun way! We are using contemporary tools, equipment, and educational material to help you learn the language though an exclusive and entertaining educational experience.

Location of the School: 5 minutes walking distance from the metro station NEA IONIA.

Learn more about the school at www.alexandria-institute.com

Published in Language Schools

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Wednesday, 11 January 2023 07:00

Greek Music & Festivals Recognized As UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage

Cultural heritage does not end at monuments and collections of objects. It also includes traditions or living expressions inherited from our ancestors and passed on to our descendants, such as oral traditions, performing arts, social practices, rituals, festive events, knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe or the knowledge and skills to produce traditional crafts.

UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, has been pivotal in changing and expanding the term ‘cultural heritage’: in it’s 2003 General Conference, the organization adopted the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. Since then, 180 States have become party to this text, which is now considered a key instrument – not only for the safeguarding of heritage in all its diversity, but also for peace. According to the 2003 Convention, ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage’ means the practices, representations, expressions, knowledge, skills – as well as the instruments, objects, artefacts and cultural spaces associated therewith – that communities, groups and, in some cases, individuals recognize as part of their cultural heritage. This ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage’ , is according to UNESCO manifested in the following domains: (a) oral traditions and expressions, including language; (b) performing arts; (c) social practices, rituals and festive events; (d) knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe;(e) traditional craftsmanship.

While fragile, intangible cultural heritage is an important factor in maintaining cultural diversity in the face of growing globalization. An understanding of the intangible cultural heritage of different communities helps with intercultural dialogue, and encourages mutual respect for other ways of life. As UNESCO notes, the importance of intangible cultural heritage is not the cultural manifestation itself but rather the wealth of knowledge and skills that is transmitted through it from one generation to the next. Intangible cultural heritage is: traditional, contemporary and living at the same time, inclusive, representative and community-based.

Greece, which has been a party to the Convention since 2007, has 10 inscriptions on UNESCO's representative list of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity, half of which are related to music, dance and folk festivals. The list includes collective practices transmitted from older to younger generations in an informal way that reinforces the cultural identity of the community and contributes to facilitating social integration. These collective practices often offer the opportunity to make the collective memory last, through song, dance and the telling of old tales and stories. The most recent inscription from Greece was made in 2022 and it relates August 15th (Dekapentavgoustos) festivities in two Highland Communities of Northern Greece: Tranos Choros (Grand Dance) in Vlasti village in Western Macedonia and the Festival of Syrráko, a small stone village perched in Epirus.

Tranos Choros (Grand Dance) in Vlasti and Syrrako Festival (2022)

The Tranos Choros (Grand Dance) and Syrrako festival are celebrated in Greece to commemorate the Dormition of the Virgin Mary. Historically, these Orthodox festivities originating in Vlasti and Syrrako marked the annual reunion of pastoral communities before the sheep or cattle farmers moved to their winter pastures. Although the population of most highland communities has greatly diminished, today the festivals are associated with the reunion of the communities whose inhabitants have migrated to cities. The main feature of both festivals are the ritualistic dances.

For the Tranos Choros in Vlasti, dancers of all ages form a large open circle, holding hands and dancing to a slow and imposing rhythm while singing a cappella. In the Syrrako Festival, a band and singers accompany the dance. In the communities, youth learn the customs by watching the participants and preparations from an early age. Today, cultural organizations also play a key role in transmitting the dances and cultural context. The festivities are viewed as a celebration of both villages’ identities, providing an opportunity for younger generations to connect with their cultural heritage.

To read this article in full, please visit: greeknewsagenda.gr

Published in Greece In The News

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Monday, 26 February 2024 07:00

5 Untranslatable Greek Words & Their Meaning

Language is a window into the culture and soul of a nation, and Greek, with its ancient roots and rich heritage, is no exception. Within the Greek lexicon lie words that defy easy translation, encapsulating nuanced concepts and emotions that resonate deeply within the Greek psyche.

Join us as we explore 5 untranslatable Greek words, each offering a glimpse into the unique spirit of Greece.

1. Philotimo

At the heart of Greek culture lies the concept of philotimo, a word that embodies a complex blend of virtues, including honor, integrity, and a sense of duty towards others. It encompasses a deep-seated respect for oneself and others, as well as a commitment to living with honor and dignity. Philotimo is not easily defined in English, as it encompasses a unique set of values that are deeply ingrained in the Greek way of life.

2. Meraki

Meraki is a word that speaks to the soul of creativity and passion. It conveys the essence of putting one's heart and soul into everything one does, whether it be a work of art, a meal prepared with love, or a heartfelt conversation. It is the spark that ignites the creative process and infuses life with meaning and purpose.

3. Arete

Similar to philotimo but distinct in its own right, arete embodies the concepts of excellence and virtue. It is the pursuit of excellence in all aspects of life, from personal conduct to professional endeavors. Arete is a driving force that inspires individuals to strive for greatness and to fulfill their potential.

4. Kefi

Kefi is a word that captures the joy of living in the moment and embracing the simple pleasures of life. It is the feeling of euphoria and exhilaration that arises from music, dance, and communal celebration. Kefi is a reminder to savor life's fleeting moments and find joy in the present.

5. Eudaimonia

Eudaimonia encapsulates the concept of human flourishing and fulfillment. It goes beyond mere happiness and encompasses a deeper sense of well-being and contentment derived from living a virtuous and meaningful life. Eudaimonia emphasizes the pursuit of excellence, personal growth, and the cultivation of moral and intellectual virtues. It is a state of flourishing where individuals experience a profound sense of purpose, satisfaction, and harmony with themselves and the world around them.

Published in Greek Language & Culture

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Thursday, 05 February 2015 15:28

The Holy Goat Of Petralona

Petralona is a popular city-centre neighbourhood that has enjoyed a soft resurgence in recent months, with new bar and restaurant openings and a 'breath of fresh air' feeling on its well-trodden streets. Located in the city-centre, between Thiseio and Kalithea, Petralona is young and hip, but also manages to remain a real neighbourhood, where locals knows each other and people still say 'kalimera!' on the street.

Petralona has an abundance of well-known, lesser-known and always easy-to-like places for food and fun. From French cuisine at Chez Lucien (Troon 32), to Thai at Andaman (Peiraios 187 & Alopis 65), to drinks at the industrial-chic Lola (Kiriadon 11), Petralona does not disappoint.

On Saturday night I went for dinner to 'The Holy Goat' (Το Θείο Τραγί). I had heard of this place, both through a friend and through a couple of different online reviews. The feedback was so great that I had to see for myself. I can happily add my confirmation that this self-styled 'punk bistro' is a truly refreshing addition to the Athens food scene.

We arrived at 9:00pm, without a reservation, to a packed house - so we took a seat at one of the bar tables. There was a great vibe, friendly banter, eclectic music (alt/rock, but really not too loud). The space is divided into a dining room and a bar area. For space in the dining room, book ahead. The design is modern, wooden and warm, and the vibe is casual and energized. It's a feel-good place.

But the food. Easily some of the most interesting gourmet creations I've had in Athens. Seriously. Carefully crafted dishes that bring out a 'wow.' at every bite. Add to that a great wine list with interesting Greek selections, and super cocktail inventions - the entire menu feels 'curated' for a discerning, eclectic palate.

The price point is also a nice surprise, given the high-minded nature of the menu. Starters around €6-7, mains around €12-14. Various wines on the list - with a single glass at €3. Imagine: orzo with sea urchin eggs, bacon, seaweed. I dare you not to like it.

Granted, you will not go here after a 3-day fast to gorge on kebabs. This is no taverna; this is decidedly gourmet. You will go here when your palate is demanding something more refined, more under-stated, more civilized. Living in Athens, those three things have become quite important to me. And as high-minded as the food is, the place itself is so very Athenian - zero attitude, relaxed and fun.

So yes, you are still in Athens. Smoking is allowed at the bar, and if you stay well past 1:00am as we did, you will enjoy an eclectic variety of second-hand smoke... So be warned. And they do not accept credit cards. But on every other count, this could easily be a cool night out in San Francisco or Toronto.

Will definitely go back.

The Holy Goat / To Theio Tragi
Kidantidon 36, Athens (Ano Petralona)
(+30) 210 341 0296
www.facebook.com/totheiotragi.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…

Published in My Week In Athens

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Wednesday, 18 February 2015 11:37

The Lost World of Olymbos

The village of Olymbos looks precarious at best, perched high on a mountaintop above the plunging rocky shoreline of the Aegean Sea. However, this tiny hamlet on the island of Karpathos is the bastion of a distinct culture, protected for centuries from the outside world by its isolation and strategic location. Situated on the western fringe of Greece’s Dodecanese islands, Karpathos itself feels rather remote.

Olymbos, in the mountainous, inaccessible north, feels worlds away from anywhere. The village’s first residents were refugees from the island’s seaside towns who fled into the mountains in the 6th century to escape marauding Arab and Syrian pirates.

While their prospects for life on top of a desolate mountain might not have seemed all that promising, they found plenty of fresh spring water; steep, lush valleys for terraced farming; and a superb vantage point that allowed them to see approaching enemies.

Years passed and although the pirates faded into history, a steady stream of subsequent invaders to the island made Olymbos a continued safe haven. There was no road to Olymbos – the rest of the island remained a long, steep hike down to the shore and a boat ride away. Yet, clinging to the side of Mount Profitis Elias, the community not only thrived as an agricultural centre but at times supported the entire island. The residents herded goats, farmed wheat, barley, olives and grapes and built more than 75 windmills. At its height, the population reached nearly 1500.

Not surprisingly, Olymbos’ seclusion from the rest of the world has engendered a unique culture, and in recent times it’s been labelled a living museum. Ethnographers are entranced by a distinct dialect that continues to contain words from ancient Dorian Greek. Foodies are intrigued by the local cuisine – the bread, cheese and sweets found only here. Anthropologists are fascinated by the women’s traditional dress, with its bright embroidering and goatskin boots, and by the one-room homes that line the winding streets. And musicians come to hear the age-old songs with fifteen-syllable lines and themes of migration and survival.

To read more, please visit lonelyplanet.com

By Korina Miller

Published in Travel Greece

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Thursday, 19 February 2015 12:59

GreekTV Launches New Website

GreekTV launches new website and encourages a progressive and open exchange of news and community building for Greeks worldwide. Here are the human stories.

The global media landscape changes with the debut of a website and community that offers a fresh, progressive perspective of Hellenism today. GreekTV creates a platform where Greeks and Philhellenes from around the world can present progressive viewpoints, positive efforts, and interesting subjects often ignored by traditional media. This active window into contemporary Greek reality and the world of Greek diaspora is without stereotypes and exclusions, offering the world a more nuanced perspective of modern Greek social, economic, political and cultural life.

The origins of the GreekTV project date to a radio show produced in San Francisco by Louis Vitalis in 1940. From those beginnings, GreekTV was born and went on to become one of the longest running ethnic television shows in the Unites States.

Now, GreekTV.com serves the world online. Here viewers will find the best regularly updated original and curated content by, for, and about Greeks—from Athens to Australia, from Santorini to Silicon Valley, and everywhere in between. Through regularly updated original videos, mini docs, interviews, profiles and presentations, GreekTV shares human stories, unique images and contemporary portraits.

In addition to the team of resident journalists and video producers based in cities like Athens and New York, GreekTV welcomes contributors from around the world to share their own stories and ideas with the global community, making the site a truly communal space and fostering an open exchange of information and viewpoints.

GreekTV will launch for public viewing and interaction on Tuesday, February 3 2015. For access to GreekTV content and global contributions plus more information about the project, visit www.GreekTV.com. You can watch the GreekTV teaser video here: vimeo.com/105680548.

www.facebook.com/GlobalGreekTV - twitter.com/GrTV_World - www.GreekTV.com

Published in Greece In The News

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Monday, 23 May 2016 07:00

Athens - A Time Lapse Video

The great city of Athens is captured in this spectacular time lapse video by artist Stian Rekdal. Rekdal is a landscape and travel photographer based in Norway and also specializes in UHD stock and time lapse photography. He creates high resolution time lapse videos by compiling still photographs.

Rekdal's work has been used by popular brands and media outlets such as BBC, National Geographic, NBC, Sony, Rolls Royce, and Icelandair.

'Athens' was made in 2015 on behalf of VisitGreece and the Greek National Tourism Organisation.

To view more of Stian Rekdal's videos, please visit: Vimeo

Published in Videos

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Monday, 31 October 2016 07:00

Graffiti By Local Artist In Athens Goes Viral

A dilapidated, abandoned building in the dreary streets on the corner of 52 Konstantinou Paleologou, and Samou St. in Athens, Attica presented the perfect canvas for a street artist to express his creativity. The graffiti, inspired by Jimmy Hendrix’s “Knowledge Speaks-Wisdom Listens”, was created by famous street artist ‘WD’ in the framework of the Athens Municipality’s Petit Paris d’ Athènes festival and has drawn the admiration of the internet community and Reddit.

The owl symbolizes wisdom and the goddess Athena. The artist said on his Facebook page, ‘Knowledge speaks – Wisdom listens.’

To read this article in full, please visit: Tornos News

Published in Local News

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Monday, 27 March 2017 07:00

Stunning Photos By Athens-Based Photographer Showcase Greece Under The Sun

Alexandros Maragos, an Athens-based filmmaker and photographer captures stunning photos of nature around Greece and this month he is showcasing landscape photography of the natural light in Greece under the sun!

Alexandros tends to take photos for landscape photography in the 'Golden Hour' and with certain weather conditions to use the powerful impact of the sun’s golden tones to create dramatic and contrasting light.

This latest collection is of spectacular dramatic sunsets with the shadows of clouds creating images from the sunlight over the skies of Greece!

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A Local’s Guide To Thissio

Alexandria Institute Athens - Greek Language & Culture

Greek Music & Festivals Recognized As UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage

5 Untranslatable Greek Words & Their Meaning

The Holy Goat Of Petralona

The Lost World of Olymbos

GreekTV Launches New Website

Athens - A Time Lapse Video

Graffiti By Local Artist In Athens Goes Viral

Stunning Photos By Athens-Based Photographer Showcase Greece Under The Sun

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