Everyone knows that we Greeks love music; in joy and in sadness, we sing! And truth be told there’s a great number of music genres to accompany all moods and mind states. There’s folk songs, rebetika, laika, entexna (sophisticated music), as well as mainsteam music like pop & rock.

 

 

 

A full moon illuminated the waters at Greece's Koroni castle on August 15.

The moon was celebrated with cultural events around the country, with local media reporting that museums and archaeological sites would stay open late.

The Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority on Sunday issued an aviation directive regarding domestic and international flights during Greece's nationwide lockdown, namely from November 9 to November 30.

From 6 am on Monday, November 9, domestic flights and commercial and general/business aviation to all airports in Greece are allowed only for necessary travel, such as medical reasons, business trips, the reunification of families, and returning to a person's permanent residence.

From Tuesday, November 10 onwards, all passengers of international flights departing from Greece must fill in a Passenger Locator Form.

From 6 am on Wednesday, November 11, travelers to Greece must manifest a negative COVID-19 test no older than 72 hours. Incoming passengers will also be required to fill in a Passenger Locator Form (PLF) at least one day before arrival, providing detailed information, such as their departure airport, the address where they will be staying, and the expected duration of their stay in Greece.

A total of 545 beaches in Greece were awarded the prestigious Blue Flag award for 2021, putting the country in second place among 49 countries, according to data released by the Greek section of the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE).

The Halkidiki peninsula in northern Greece, renowned for its golden sand and turquoise waters, swept most of the 545 awards, earning 155 flags. Crete, with more than 120 green flags, follows and Rhodes, which is in third place with 63. In Attica, the popular beaches of Varkiza, Voula, and Vouliagmeni all passed muster as well.

The iconic Blue Flag is one of the world’s most recognized voluntary eco-labels awarded to beaches, marinas, and sustainable boating tourism operators. In order to qualify for the blue flag, a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility criteria must be met and maintained.

The Blue Flag was created in France in 1985, as a pilot scheme from the Office of the Foundation for Environmental Education in Europe where French coastal municipalities were awarded the Blue Flag on the basis of criteria covering sewage treatment and bathing water quality.

According to a 2020 report by the EU environment agency, Greece is among the top five European nations in terms of the cleanliness of its swimming waters, while Cyprus is at the very top of the list. More specifically, a total of 97.6 percent of reported swimming areas are in line with the minimum quality standards and are thus classified as “sufficient” or better. 95.7 percent are classified as “excellent.” No swimming area in the entire country was classified as “poor”.

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

For most people, the summer holidays mean beaches, exotic cocktails, relaxation, sunshine-filled carefree moments, and, of course, food; lots of food!

There are many reasons why we tend to get weight during the summer holidays, from swimming, which is known to whet one’s appetite, to parties and social gatherings where we get more reckless regarding what we eat. Not to mention all these delicious summer foods, with ice cream, our all-time favorite summertime treat, being on top of the list.

If you feel like you have let yourself go a little bit and want to get your fitness back on track, here’s a list of some Greek foods, both healthy and tasty, to help you jumpstart your healthy eating habits!

Garlic



Garlic possesses a number of properties that are super good for our body, including antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. Garlic has been used as a natural detoxifier for thousands of years because it helps the body produce more glutathione, an important antioxidant that ensures healthy liver and kidney function and detoxification.

Almonds



Almonds are a valuable healthy ally that we should definitely include in our diet. Just a serving of almonds (about 30 grams) provides 35% of recommended daily intake of vitamin E, and is also a great source of omega-3 fatty acids (the good type of fat!). Not to mention that almonds benefit the regulation of bad cholesterol, boost brain activity, help bone density, and improve skin and hair health.

Capers



The caper shrub mainly flourishes in the Aegean Islands (especially the Cyclades), and capers are a great addition to the Greek salad and every other salad, actually! Quercetin, their main flavonoid compound, possesses antibacterial properties and significantly improves immune system performance. Moreover, capers contain vitamins, antioxidants, and anti-histamine properties.

Tomatoes



A staple of the Greek diet, used in hundreds of recipes, tomatoes are great for reducing oxidative stress in the body and are a major source of vitamin C. This hugely variable ingredient has a high lycopene concentration when cooked protecting us against heart disease and various cancers.

Beetroot



Another Greek staple - everyone has heard about pantzarosalata, after all - beetroot is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Beetroots are a great source of fiber, folate (vitamin B9), potassium, iron, and vitamin C and have been associated with numerous health benefits, including improved blood flow, lower blood pressure, and increased exercise performance

Never one to pass up a deal, I am a sucker for all the ‘special deal’ websites that are really taking over – at least, they have taken over my inbox. I have a daily stream of special offers, discounts, coupons, for everything from restaurants and hotels, to theatre tickets, kids toys and ‘hot oil Thai massage’. Even my local supermarket has a discount card and I get their weekly (daily?) stream of offers and discounts. One wonders how we get any work done anymore – it could take an entire morning just to read through the endless stream of deals…

 

Prior to moving to Greece, I was an avid user of Groupon. I believe this is the ‘grand-daddy’ of the discount sites – you register, receive their daily list of offers, and purchase any that you like. I started using Groupon for restaurants – and still do. The usual deal is a set-menu selection, for +/- 50% off the regular price. You buy the ‘coupon’ online, book your table by phone, and show up with coupon in-hand. A great way to try a place you’ve never been to, without breaking the bank.

 

This past week I went a bit overboard and bought two Groupon deals for city-centre restaurants that I wanted to try. One was Nakama – a new(ish) sushi place in Kolonaki. With my growing addiction for raw fish, I couldn’t resist. Nakama is great, and affordable even without a coupon. Totally fresh food, lots of choice on the menu, cool, relaxed design, friendly service. And they deliver. Yes I will go back.

 

The other one was an Indian place in Psirri called Indian Tandoori Masala.  With a Groupon deal of 10.90 for 2 people, I was prepared to love it regardless. And I did – no disappointments here.  

 

There are of course a ton of these ‘special deal’ sites - I’ve listed some below, and I’m sure there are more. Not a bad way to try something new and save some euros at the same time!

 

Groupon.gr

Goldendeals.gr

Specialdeal.gr

Price4all.gr

Oladeals.gr

Xtipiseto.gr

 

 

P.S. I’m told that XpatAthens has something similar cooking… Looking forward! ;)

 

Until next week,

 

Jack

 

 

Massalias 5, Kolonaki

 

 

Kairaiskaki 15 & Aisopou, Psirri

 

Everything is ready for the top sports tourism event ‘Navarino Challenge’ that returns for the 4th consecutive year in Messinia and Costa Navarino on September 9-11, 2016.

‘Navarino Challenge’ will attract the interest of the sports fans from all over the world who will have the opportunity to do sports and entertain themselves without competition through more than 15 activities (for the whole family), in Pylos and Costa Navarino.

For the third consecutive year, athletes and organizers will move with the safety and efficient engines of the cars of Ford Motor Hellas, the official supporter of ‘Navarino Challenge.’ One of the activities that are expected with great interest this year is golf, which will be held for the first time as an official exclusive activity of ‘Navarino Challenge!’

The activity of golf will have the support of Navarino Golf Academy and participants will have the opportunity to play and test their skills on Friday, September 9th at 17:30 and Sunday, September 11th at 18:30 at ‘The Dunes Course,’ the first signature golf field with 18 holes in Greece.

The twice Silver Olympic Medalist, Alexandros Nikolaidis, will introduce us, this year again, to the secrets of the most popular Korean martial art TaeKwonDo. The schedule of ‘Navarino Challenge’ includes TaeKwonDo lessons for children and adults on Friday, September 9th and Saturday, September 10th at 17:00 at the indoor basketball field within the facilities of Costa Navarino. Children from Kalamata, Kyparissia and the region of Messinia are expected to zealously join the courses. The detailed schedule and timetable of all activities is included in the following link: http://navarinochallenge.com/event_schedule_2016.html

Another innovation follows these great activities!

‘Navarino Challenge’ innovates once again with ‘Navarino Challenge’ Chatbot!

The new service provided for the first time at a sports tourism event, is launched in cooperation with the MPASS to serve, directly and reliably via Facebook Messenger, all the participants of the event who need to have all the necessary information… on a plate!

Chatbot allows you to find, through your personal Messenger, the news and information that interest you, via a brief automated conversation. By typing the specific keywords or by selecting the appropriate category from the menu, the application will directly send information and a brief preview of each theme.

Through ‘Navarino Challenge’ Chatbot, participants, when writing their bib number will be able to receive a message with their time, at the time of their finishing, be informed on offers that will be active during the event, and on individual activities which will take place in Costa Navarino. Similarly, they will be able to evaluate the event!

‘Navarino Challenge’ has also secured, for those participants who will be staying at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino, some very exclusive extra benefits offered by the brands supporting the event.

More specifically, on Friday, September 9th, 2016 at 17:00 a bike ride in Voidokilia will be organized in collaboration with Navarino Outdoors. Participants will enjoy the magical pictures of Voidokilia, which has been declared one of the best beaches in the world, and the beautiful scenery around the premises of Costa Navarino. Navarino Outdoors continues to support the event by offering a 30% discount on your tour packages (with bike) during your stay in ‘Navarino Challenge.’ To get information and book your preferential tour packages, send your email before your arrival at: outdoors@costanarino.com

Offers do not end here!

Nargile restaurant supports the event, by offering a 20% discount to the participants and guests of “Navarino Challenge” at its a la carte menu.

Do not forget Inbi restaurant that proudly showcases a new standard of Japanese dining, offering the finest quality cuisine and impeccable service. Experience traditional sushi artistry in a contemporary setting endowed with a spectacular view of the Ionian Sea.

You may find more information about the offers which are valid during your stay at ‘Navarino Challenge’ at the following link: http://navarinochallenge.com/event_offers_2016.html

Privileged prices at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino are available for a few more days for those wishing to enjoy the full schedule of ‘Navarino Challenge.’ For further information please contact the event’s official travel agent Vita N Travel. Telephone: +30 210 3249070 or visit: http://navarinochallenge.com/event_accommodation_in_2016_en.html

The event will be held under the Auspices of the Greek National Tourism Organization and the Department of Nutrition and-Dietetics of Harokopio University of Athens with the support of Costa Navarino and The Westin Resort Costa Navarino, as well as the Municipalities of Pylos-Nestor and Trifilia.

For more information about the event, you may contact us through the following special form: http://www.navarinochallenge.com/contact.html

Official Sponsors: Allianz Greece, “Vikos” Natural Mineral Water
Official Airline Partner: Qatar Airways
Official Supporters: Ford Motor Hellas, BIC®, BIC® Sport, Navarino Icons, Village Cinemas, Poseidonia Restaurant, Inbi, New Hotel, Surf Salad
Assisted by: Health Runners Club of Messinia, Pylos Association of Enterprises for Tourism Development, Maritime Athletic Pylos Association “Nestor”, Explore Messinia, Navarino Outdoors, Swim Academy, Aqua Divers Club, Scuba Hellas, Navarino Golf Academy, ThaMa Restaurant, Alpha (Athlima SA), Department of Sports Organization & Management from University of Peloponnese, Anazoe Spa Costa Navarino, 1morekm, Hellenic Athletics Federation (SEGAS), IAAF Kids Athletics, Apia, Diana “exoplizein”, Nargile
Official Travel Agent: Vita N Travel
Official Broadcaster: OTE TV

TV Communication Partner: National Geographic Channel

Under the Auspices of the Greek National Tourism Organization

Under the Auspices of the Department of Nutrition and-Dietetics of Harokopio University of Athens

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Photo Credit: Vladimir Rys