Mid-season sales in Greece are here just in time for summer! Sales begin May 1 and will last until May 15, 2018.

Shops will be open on Sunday, May 6, from 11:00 to 20:00.

Christmas in Athens means 31 fun days, 76 city spots, 60 family activities, 50 concerts, 3 open-air movie projections, 1 pop-up museum, 1 dreamlike village, 1 illuminated route, impressive projection mappings, and countless surprises. From December 7 and for a whole month, the City Of Athens invites us to celebrate in the most sparkling Athens we have ever seen, with numerous festivities organized by OPANDA (The City of Athens' organization for Culture, Sport, and Youth) and the Athens Technopolis.

 

Athens will really be showered in light on Tuesday, December 10, at 19:30 when the mayor of Athens Kostas Bakogiannis, will start the illumination of the city and the impressive tree on Syntagma Square in a fantasmagorical event presented by Zeta Makrypoulia. Helena Paparizou, Idra Kayne, and Ian Stratis alongside the Athens Big Band will set the festive mood, while the percussion band Batala Athens will set the rhythm.

 

Hold on tight for the evening's highlight–the spectacular 3D projection mapping on the Greek Parliament building will be presented for the first time in Greece. Bright colors, bold set, and impressive architectural transformations will uniquely drape the historic building filling us with feelings and striking images!

Originally posted on Christmas in Athens, translated by Xpat Athens

Fountains are an oasis of coolness for Athens and a pole of attraction both for locals and visitors who want to enjoy some moments of relaxation in the capital's central neighborhoods. Inextricably linked to its history and culture, fountains are part and parcel of the city's life.

In recent years, Athen's fountains were in a state of complete abandonment as many of them stopped operating or were in a very bad condition.

In recent weeks, a major project is underway to restore the city's fountains and turn them into stunning decorative elements that will enhance and improve the city's urban landscape. 

The first step was made with the construction of the fountain in Omonia Square, which regained its former glory and gave life to Athen's center. Now, dozens of fountains located in the capital's historic neighborhoods are being renovated, repaired, and maintained in order to significantly improve the residents' quality of life. 

The municipality's specialized crews, under the coordination of Deputy Mayor of Green and Electricity, Sakis Kollatos, carry out cleaning and restoration work for the city's 34 fountains, such as repairing the sewerage and lighting systems, construction works, waterproofing, and marble restorations. The first 15 fountains have already been put into operation and in the next few days, five more are expected to be completed. 

Tan lines and good times are what a Greek summer is all about! 

Remember to stay connected with us through our weekly newsletter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Photo credit: @nikosportokalogou

Mountains, caves, lakes, rivers, small island chains, and gorges all wait to reward intrepid explorers with unforgettable experiences.

Here are some of the best outdoor activities to try if you want to see the untamed beauty of Greece unfolding before your eyes! 





1. Walk Samaria Gorge In Crete


@agata.krupa.9

Running a length of 15 kilometers from the Omalos Plateau in the White Mountains to the Libyan Sea, the Samaria Gorge is one of the best-known and most impressive natural landscapes in Greece.

It is located in the region of Hania, and traversing it takes the visitor through the rich, wild nature of the White Mountains National Park, past cypress and olive trees, pine forests, and countless springs. The gorge is 140 meters wide, narrowing to three meters at the location known as Portes (or Sideroportes). The sight of the soaring rock faces that flank the path is truly unforgettable.

2. Hike Through The Forests Of Rodopi 


@travel_life_experience_

The Rodopi mountain range was named after the mythical Rhodope, Queen of Thrace who, together with her husband Haemus, angered Zeus with their arrogance and were punished by being turned into mountains.

Far from the nearest large city, the mountains offer visitors the opportunity to wander through virgin landscapes with dense forests of conifers, diverse vegetation, and numerous waterfalls. At the ends of the days out in nature, welcoming refugees, remote mountain villages, and traditional guesthouses await. 

3. Go Water Rafting On The Arachthos River 


@alpine_zone

A unique experience awaits those who take to the waterways of the rich natural environment of Epirus, with its imposing gorges and deep canyons, proud mountains, and green forests.

The Arachthos River is one of the most beautiful rivers in Greece and ideal for rafting, as it combines exciting rapids with calmer sections. As you travel with the current you will pass through the wild, imposing Arachthos Gorge and stop to see the Glafki Waterfall. 

4. Go Sea Kayaking In Lichadonissia


@lichadonisia.greece

A kayaking trip in the “Caribbean of Greece” isn’t an experience you’ll soon forget. This densely forested island group just off the coast of northern Evia is an exotic location, a paradise of azure water and white sand. A trip here can include a visit to a shallow wreck, which can be appreciated without scuba equipment.

Another pleasant surprise is the seal colony that lives on these small islands, offering spectacular photo opportunities. Nearby is the island of Strongyli, featuring a lighthouse built on the ruins of an 11th C. monastery.

To read this article in full, please visit: greece-is.com

Ιnsured citizens from the age of 16 will be able to register with their “personal doctor” as of Monday, August 1st when the platform opens.

The Personal Doctor program entails that a single doctor will constantly monitor a patient, record and update his/her medical history, direct them to other specialists, prescribe medicines and suggest appropriate treatments.

The platform will open in all regions except for Attica and the South Aegean, where the required number of doctors to cover the population has not been met. Registration can be done either through the personal doctor registration platform, using one’s Taxisnet and AMKA codes, in person at a primary healthcare facility, or through a personal doctor.

In the latter case, citizens should have their AMKA number and an identification document, or a photocopy of it. For the two remaining regions of Attica and the South Aegean, registrations will begin on September 1, while doctors’ registrations are extended until August 31.

Originally published on: ekathimerini.com

Athens, Rhodes and Milos are the three Greek destinations competing with popular cities in Europe for the title of “European Best Destination 2023”.

The competition is being held for the 14th consecutive year by the Brussels-based organization European Best Destinations (EBD), in collaboration with Europe’s leading tourist agencies, which aims to promote culture and tourism.

A total of 21 cities in Europe have been shortlisted and are competing for the title this year including London, UK; Vienna, Austria; Toledo, Spain; Essen, Germany; Warsaw, Poland; and Copenhagen, Denmark.

Athens: A contemporary metropolis with an urban personality

EBD: “Birthplace of philosophy, democracy and drama, the city of Athens is not only an open-air museum of world-class cultural heritage attractions but also a contemporary metropolis with an urban personality.”

Athens in 2022 was announced the 15th Best European Destination, with Ljubljana in Slovenia, winning the title. In 2016, the Greek capital was considered the 2nd Best European Destination after Zadar in Croatia.

EBD: “One of the world’s oldest cities with a recorded history of 3,500 years, the Greek capital is constantly undergoing urban renewals to keep up with the evolution of time. Athens lives up to all the hype!”

Rhodes: A perfect destination for lovers of heritage

EBD: “The island of Rhodes is a perfect destination for lovers of old stones, heritage, fortresses and castles. When visiting Rhodes do not miss The Ancient Acropolis of Lindos, the historic Rhodes Old Town, explore the Palace of the Grand Master or just relax in Agios Pavlos beach.”

Milos: One of the best places for a dream holiday

EBD: “Milos Island is one of the best places for a dream holiday in Greece that you classified among the best natural pools in Europe, Best beaches in Europe (Sarakiniko Beach and its famous volcanic rocks which offer sunbathers a lunar scenery). It is also classified among the Best Sculptures in Europe with the Venus of Milo now exhibited in Paris and discovered by a peasant on the island of Milos in Greece by pure chance. Finally Milos is obviously ranked among your best islands in Greece.”

The voting for the prestigious label takes place online until February 10.

To cast your vote, please click HERE.

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

Parenthood is an extraordinary journey, filled with moments of joy, challenges, and an unwavering desire to provide the best for our children. Naturally, as parents, we yearn for our children's success and happiness. Yet, it's vital to tread carefully and resist projecting our unrealized dreams onto them.

Rather than imposing our unfulfilled aspirations onto our children, let's pause and consider the importance of allowing them to forge their own unique paths, pursue their passions, and find fulfillment on their terms.

In psychology, projection is a defense mechanism where we attribute our thoughts, feelings, or desires to others, often unconsciously. In the context of parenting, projection occurs when we inadvertently burden our children with our unresolved issues, unmet needs, or desires, shaping how we perceive their abilities, goals, and life choices.

To avoid projecting onto our children, we must first acknowledge and understand our dreams and unmet needs. Reflecting on our experiences, aspirations, and disappointments fosters self-awareness, preventing us from inadvertently imposing our unfulfilled desires onto our children.

Every child is a unique individual with their own talents, interests, and dreams. Our role as parents is not to mold them into replicas of ourselves but to provide a nurturing environment where they can explore their passions and develop their identities freely.

Creating an environment of open communication allows our children to express their thoughts, feelings, and aspirations without fear of judgment. By actively listening to them, we gain insight into their goals and can offer guidance that aligns with their true selves.

While it's natural to feel pride in our children's accomplishments, we must refrain from using their successes to validate our worth. Our focus should be solely on their growth and development, not on fulfilling our personal desires through them.

Instead of dictating their future, we offer unwavering support and guidance as they explore various opportunities. Empowering them to make choices based on their interests and values cultivates a sense of ownership and responsibility.

Failure is an inevitable part of life, and our children's journey may not always align with our expectations. Embracing their failures, forgiving their mistakes, and accepting them unconditionally builds resilience and fosters growth.

Raising children is undoubtedly challenging, requiring a delicate balance between guiding them and granting them the freedom to discover themselves. Ultimately, the most fulfilling journey is the one they choose for themselves.

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!

As late November settles in, the first chills of winter are finally here. Temperatures drop, scarves and coats come out, and the air carries that crisp, refreshing bite that reminds us the season is changing. Yet in Greece, even in the depths of winter, the cold never quite reaches the extremes we see in other parts of the world. We might glance longingly at images of snow-covered streets or white Christmas scenes in other countries, but let’s take a moment to appreciate the unique blessings of the Greek climate.

Greece’s Mediterranean climate is one of its greatest treasures. Characterized by mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers, this climate is the reason why Greece enjoys some of the most enviable weather in Europe. While northern countries brace for freezing temperatures, snowstorms, and icy commutes, Greek winters remain relatively gentle.

Even in colder regions, like the mountainous areas of northern Greece, winter is more about cozying up by the fire than battling extreme weather. In cities like Athens or coastal areas such as Crete and the Cyclades, temperatures rarely dip below freezing. Instead, winters are punctuated by periods of bright, sunny days where outdoor coffee with friends remains a possibility—even in December.

While snow-covered landscapes may look magical, the mild Greek winters come with their own unique advantages:

Greece’s geographical location plays a crucial role in its temperate winters. The country’s position at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa ensures that cold air masses from the north are tempered by the surrounding seas, which act as a natural regulator. The Mediterranean Sea, in particular, stores heat from the long summer months, releasing it slowly as temperatures drop.

Additionally, Greece’s mountainous terrain creates microclimates that protect certain areas from the worst of winter’s chill. Coastal regions, in particular, benefit from the sea’s moderating influence, while inland areas experience cooler but still manageable conditions.

It’s easy to envy the postcard-perfect snowscapes of northern Europe or the excitement of a snow day. But Greek winters offer something equally valuable: a balanced climate that lets us enjoy the season without enduring its harsher extremes. From cozy evenings enjoying hearty meals to sunny strolls along the coastline, Greece’s winter is a gentle reminder that each season has its own charm.

So, as we pull on our sweaters and enjoy the first whispers of winter, let’s focus on the beauty of what we have. It may not be a white winter wonderland, but it’s uniquely Greek—and that’s something to celebrate.