Hundreds of hotel owners have recently resorted to trying to sell their units, research by Kathimerini has found, with at least 5 percent of Greek hoteliers having placed ads in popular specialized websites over the last 40 days to sell their assets.

The number of sellers is far greater when taking into account ads published earlier last year, while many other hoteliers are choosing different means to promote their hotels for sale.

This trend highlights the flip side of Greek tourism: While there was an all-time record in arrivals from abroad last year – benefitting specific tourism destinations and hotels – there is also a great number of mainly small and medium-sized hotels that face serious sustainability issues.

To read more, please visit: ekathimerini

Greece’s busy season is quickly approaching and the word ‘holiday’ comes to a lot minds. The Greek Islands are perfect for a summer holiday, but if you rather not break the bank, here’s a list of the best low budget destinations!

Great for nature lovers with amazing beaches and it’s not too crowded! These islands have something for everyone with crystal clear water, caves, and even an old pirate haven! The small cyclades include Pano and Kato Koufonissi, Donoussa, Iraklia, and Schinoussa. All have regular ferry connections with Naxos, Amorgos, and Piraeus.

Tourism has not reached its peak just yet on this island so its still quiet. Visitors can walk through traditional villages, the medieval castle of Hora, and then enjoy the pristine beaches. No plan is necessary here and it’s best to just explore.

With only 1,400 people living on the island, there’s still plenty to do here! The main attractions are the white Hora and the white chapels among the Venetian castle. The sites to see are the small swimming bays for a swim, the Taxiarches Monastery, the Byzantine Church of the Panagia, the Cyclops cave, and more!

Yet another island with beautiful beaches and clear waters. Also worth a visit here is to see the Venetian castle and the Monastery of Agios Ioannis.

Not as quiet as some of the other islands mentioned, but picturesque nonetheless. The most popular beaches are Platys Gialos tou Valtou and Necromandeio at Acheroussia.

To read this article in full and to see more of the best low budget destinations, please visit: Hip Greece

For many of us, it’s back to the city after some time in the sun. Back to ‘normal’, whatever that is for each of us. Back to our old routines – and hopefully a few new ones. And certainly back to our favourite Athens haunts…

 

Out with some friends the other night, we were wandering through Psirri, a favourite hangout for a lot of Athenians. Maybe it’s the time of year, maybe it was the weekend, but I’ve never seen Psirri so alive – apart from the usual spots, every square meter of the neighbourhood was full of people.

Something is bubbling in Psirri… There is a sense of renewal, of creativity, of buzzy energy. Of course, Psirri has always been full of creativity and buzzy energy, of that there’s no doubt. But in the past few months I’ve noticed more – more activity, more buzz, and some cool new spaces.

Psirri has lately become a hotspot of AirBnb-style room rentals, and on the must-see list for all the in-the-know visitors to the city. Despite what looks like a ‘resurgence’ of sorts, it seems that Psirri has somehow managed to retain its authenticity – it’s still real and raw, covered in graffiti, a mix of crumbling walls and cool spaces. Hopefully that part will never change…

iFeel is one of those places: part of the new fabric of Psirri, a bistro/tapas ‘all day’ wine bar, great for a coffee, great for a meal, and great for a drink. We popped in on Friday night, after walking by and agreeing that ‘we must check it out…’ This is a cozy, warm space, with a small and carefully prepared menu, offering tasty Greek tapas-sized plates with yummy choices like octopus fava and melted Metsovone cheese, and an impressive and eclectic Greek and international wine list. Their Facebook page tells the truth in describing “fresh ingredients and culinary imagination.” The music soundtrack was equally inspiring, the service warmly professional, and the whole evening was perfect.

Upstairs, the group also runs the new Andronis boutique hotel. Part of the high-end Adronis family of hotels in Santorini, this is the group’s new Athens presence – smack in the middle of the city’s graffiti-painted heart. With 4 rooms, modern interiors and a price tag to match, this is a special spot, like a secret mix of hipster cool and Greek design, with quality built in to every detail. Hotel guests disappear into their private upstairs spaces, and come down to enjoy their gourmet breakfast and delicious all-day menu. The overall effect is high end, but still edgy enough and definitely not in-your-face – tucked away and combining the best elements of Psirri’s energy with an updated, cleaned up attitude.

Beyond Psirri, other parts of the city are also waking up to a renewed sense of self. Just opposite the newly restored square of the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens, you’ll find The Zillers – a boutique hotel with a fantastic rooftop patio, another of the ‘all day bar/bistros’ that are becoming the signature of Athens. In a building dating from 1895, this space has been totally renovated and re-designed with great attention to detail. A delicious menu, great cocktails, another great wine list, atmospheric music and a decidedly hip vibe – with a view of the acropolis that is tough to beat.

If this is what the autumn has in store for nights out in the city, I just might be able to forget the beach… at least temporarily…

Until next week,

Jack

iFeel

Where: Karaiskakis 33
Telephone: 210 323 2244
Facebook

The Zillers

Where: Mitropoleos 54
Telephone: 210 322 2277
Website
Facebook

Photo Credit: iFeel Facebook

In this post on Travel Passionate, top travel bloggers from around the world share their favourite Christmas destinations in Europe!

The city’s Christmas Market is located in the quaint and charming Old Town Hauptmarkt (market square) where 180 stalls await visitors. The Christmas Market typically runs from the last week in November up to Christmas Eve. Visitors to the market can enjoy all sorts of things, such as horse carriage rides; regional foods (be sure to try the Nuremberg sausages – 3 on a bun); libations such as Gluhwein (mulled wine); handmade local products; souvenir and gift shopping; the children’s Christmas market where the Christkind visits with kids.

Nothing beats having a cup of hot gluhwein as you wander the streets of Prague. The weather is chilly but very pleasant, we have visited in the summer heat, and we much prefer the cooler temperatures. Stop in the local restaurants and shops to warm with some local treats or do a bit of Christmas shopping. Prague really is the perfect Christmas destination.

Brussels organises one of the biggest Christmas markets in Europe. Besides the impressive spruce tree in the middle of the Grand Place, the main attractions are the Sound & light show, the Ferris wheel and the numerous Christmas stalls around the Fish Market.

To read this article in full, please visit: Travel Passionate

The high summer season has officially begun in Greece! The Greek Culture Ministry announced recently that state-run museums and archaeological sites will have extended operating hours, beginning April 1, 2018.

See below for the extended summer hours for some of the most popoular sites in Athens:


The Acropolis

April 1 – October 31, 2018
Monday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (Last admission: 3:30 p.m.)
Tuesday to Sunday: 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. (Last admission: 7:30 p.m.)
Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. (Last admission: 9:30 p.m.)

National Archaeological Museum

April 1 - May 31, 2018
Monday: 13:00 – 20:00
Tuesday – Friday: 08:00 - 20:00
Saturday – Sunday: 09:00 - 16:00

Theatre of Herodes Atticus

Daily 8:00 to 20:00

Ancient Cemetery of Kerameikos

Daily 8:00 to 19:00

Ancient Agora

Daily 8:00 to 15:00

Roman Agora

Monday through Friday - 8:00 to 15:00
Saturday and Sunday - 8:00 to 17:00

Temple of Olympian Zeus

Daily 8:00 to 19:30

Temple of Sounion

Daily 9:00 to sunset

Library of Hadrian

Daily 8:00 to 15:00

Theatre of Dionysus

Daily 8:00 to 19:30

For more information regarding operating hours of the archaeological sites, museums, and monuments, please visit: Culture.gr

A country of azure seas, idyllic sun-bleached villages, and sandy shores, Greece is undeniably one of the top Instagrammable places on Earth. The only problem is that, with so many breathtaking places, you may don’t know where to start!

To make your lives easier, we compiled a selection of the most beautiful spots in Greece to snap the most envy-inducing photographs!

Navagio, Zakynthos


@queencess_m

On the western coast of Zakynthos lies the most famous beach on the Ionian islands. Navagio or Shipwreck beach is located close to the Anafotiria village and was initially called Agios Georgios. It owes its new name to the shipwreck of a boat called “Panagiotis” that was washed ashore in the 80s. Crystal clear turquoise waters surrounded by vertical cliffs of white rocks and a ship emerging from the sand, it’s no wonder Shipwreck is one of the most photographed sights in Greece!

Oia, Santorini


@p_chara

Santorini, the most romantic destination in Greece, is teaming with picturesque villages. The most scenic of them all? Oia! Situated on an impressive cliff, overlooking the volcano and the island of Thirassia, Oia is known for its traditional whitewashed houses, labyrinthine alleyways, and amazing hotels, but more impressive than these are its magical sunsets. If you find yourself in Oia, you won’t be able to put your camera down; every little corner is worth taking a photo of, and you’ll get to capture the most beautiful sunset in Greece!

Sarakiniko, Milos


@lavoyachieuse

Have you ever wondered what it’d be like to walk on the moon? Well, Sarakiniko beach in Milos, one of the most impressive natural locations, with its unique geological profile, is as close as it gets to the moonscape. Long, white rocks surround the sea. With the passage of time, the erosion created small and big hollows all over the rocks, shaping a lunar landscape that offers an otherworldly experience to visitors.

Windmills, Mykonos


@photosophy___

Mykonos, the Queen of the Greek islands, a cosmopolitan paradise packed with international jet setters, VIPs, and celebrities, has much more to offer than its second-to-none party atmosphere. Like all the Cycladic islands, white and blue hues dominate Mykonos. You’ll find yourself wandering the cobblestone streets lined with sun-drenched whitewashed houses. The most quintessential Mykonian feature, though, is the old windmills. They can be seen from every point of Mykonos Chora, reminiscent of the island’s rich virile past.

Balos, Crete


@allincrete_guide

About 60km northwest of Chania, you will find one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece, Balos. As seen from the above, it looks like a lagoon. It’s a long beach with crystalline waters and soft white sand that in many places turns into a lovely pinkish color because of the millions of crushed shells. Opposite the beach, there is Gramvoussa, a rocky island with a steep Venetian castle on top of it. Its exotic setting makes it the most photographed beach in Crete and a favorite subject of all tourist guides for Greece. It’s no coincidence that Prince Charles and Princess Diana visited Balos on their private yacht many years ago!

“Poor Things,"  the dark comedy film by Greek director Yorgos Lanthimos, won 4 Oscars at the ceremony of the 96th Academy Awards on Sunday, March 10.

Along with protagonist Emma Stone, who won the award for Best Actress, the film also won the Oscars for Makeup and Hairstyling, Production Design, and Costume Design.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis posted on social media a congratulations message to Lanthimos.

“A thousand congratulations to Yorgos Lanthimos for winning four awards at this year’s Oscars with his film ‘Poor Things.’ His unique perspective and narrative skill have not only captivated film enthusiasts but also filled all of us with pride,” Mitsotakis said, among others.

Originally published on: keeptalkingreece.com

August 30-Sept 5 - Join us for the 12th annual Wellness Week in Paros—a rejuvenating retreat designed to reset your body, mind, and spirit.

This immersive experience features twice-daily yoga, Enneagram-based self-discovery sessions, nutrient-rich meals, wellness talks, and ample free time to rest, reflect, and explore the stunning island of Paros.

No prior experience with yoga or the Enneagram is necessary—all levels and backgrounds are warmly welcomed. Think of this as summer camp for adults—a joyful, supportive community where you can reboot your health, build new friendships, and return home renewed.

 

 


Begin your day with a 60-minute, all-levels Vinyasa yoga session to energize and ground you.


Wholesome Breakfast
Refuel with a delicious, nutrient-dense breakfast crafted to support wellness and vitality.


 

Enjoy a quick 7-minute resistance band session before diving into engaging, accessible discussions about the Enneagram system of personality—a powerful tool for self-awareness and growth.


 

The afternoon is yours to enjoy. Whether you're drawn to swimming, windsurfing, napping, journaling, exploring local villages, or simply lounging by the sea, this is your time to unwind. A nourishing take-away lunch is provided daily.


 

As the sun sets, gather for a 90-minute Kundalini Yoga session to unwind and elevate your energy. Followed by a beautifully prepared plant-based dinner shared in community.


 

Who Comes to Wellness Week? Our retreats attract a diverse, international group of open-hearted people from all walks of life. Whether you're seeking inspiration, relaxation, personal growth, or simply a break from routine, you'll find your place here. Come as you are—and leave feeling more like yourself than ever.