Greece’s landmark coastal Astir Palace resort, located in the southern Athens suburb of Vouliagmeni, is expected to re-open in early 2018, following a redevelopment plan that includes the renovation of both Arion and Nafsika hotels, the development of 13 residences, the creation of a new park and a significant upgrade of the marina.

According to the owners, the plan will carefully consider Astir Palace’s cultural heritage and endeavor to protect and enrich the property’s natural environment whilst safeguarding Astir Palace’s legacy. Furthermore, the plan is expected to reinforce Athens and Greece as international destinations for high-end tourism.

The total project value, including the redevelopment, is expected to be over 600 million euros and the project is expected to be completed in 18 months.

To read this article in full, please visit: Greek Travel Pages

Oiio Studio, founded by Ioannis Oikonomou, is a Greek architecture firm based in both New York and Athens. It has sparked global interest with their state-of-the-art design of the Big Bend, the world’s first U-shaped skyscraper.

 

If and when it will be built, it will span over 4,000 feet long which is almost twice as long as Burj Khalifa, standing at 2,722 feet tall.The Big Bend could be the world’s longest continual building and would forever change the architectural landscape of New York.

Oiio Studio also noted the challenges with the proposed project, one of the biggest being the curvature of the building and how an elevator would function to allow people transportation to the top floors.

To read this article in full, please visit: Greek Reporter

 

Photo Credit: Oiio Studio

The international golf tournament will return for the second year on 21-24 February 2018 with 50,000EUR prize fund

Monday, 7 August 2017 – Costa Navarino, the award-winning golf destination in Greece will host the second Messinia ProAm on 21-24 February 2018.

The event follows the inaugural ProAm in February 2017, which saw participants from 14 countries.

2018’s tournament is expected to attract 50 teams of golf professionals and aficionados from all over the world. The total prize fund on offer to the winning team will be 50,000EUR, making it the second highest to be offered in a European tournament.

The destination’s multi-awarded signature golf courses ‘The Dunes Course’ and the ‘The Bay Course’ will offer an unparalleled golf experience with views of the seaside Messinian landscape. Alongside a thrilling golf spectacle, the event will also provide a rich programme of events and entertainment for attendees, including thematic gastronomy nights.

The ProAm is sanctioned by the PGAs of Europe and is held under the auspices of the PGAs of Greece, the Hellenic Golf Federation and the Hellenic Olympic Academy. Professionals and amateurs alike will join together to compete at Costa Navarino, selected by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) as ‘European Golf Resort of the Year 2017’.

Aegean Airlines, a member of Star Alliance, is the official airline partner of the event. The company was awarded for the seventh consecutive year and for the eighth time in nine years, as "Best Regional Airline in Europe" at the Skytrax World Airline Awards.

Kyvernitis Travel is the official travel partner of the second Messinia Pro-Am. With over 40 years of experience in the travel industry, the agency will coordinate and ensure a smooth registration process.

Registration is now open via the website: messiniaproam.costanavarino.com.

Those registered by 30 September will receive a 10% ‘early bird’ discount.

Special accommodation packages are available at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino.

Click to view the Messinia Pro-Am Video HERE!

Organizer: Costa Navarino

Official Airline Partner: Aegean Airlines

Official Travel Partner: Kyvernitis Travel Website: messiniaproam.costanavarino.com

Hashtag: #messiniaproam

A reader from the USA wrote to Jessica, who blogs for Athens Coast, and asked how she should plan an upcoming 7-day trip to Greece with her girlfriends. Jessica plans the week-long holiday making it the ultimate girl's trip, including seeing an island or two and staying in the great city of Athens!

 

Dear Jessica,

One of my best friends lives in the Netherlands and is meeting me in Greece in June, and we’re looking for some advice about what to do & where to spend our time!

This is is roughly what I had in mind:

• See Athens on Sunday afternoon (the Acropolis & Parthenon, maybe a hop on/off bus tour?)
• Ferry to an island on Monday (Paros?)
• Ferry to Santorini on Wednesday
• Fly from Santorini back to Athens on Saturday

Just having a Sunday afternoon/evening to do the whole historic Athens thing is a bit tight. It can be done and what better way to stay active and resist napping (don’t nap! fight the urge)?

For the center of Athens with the time you have, visit the Acropolis, Acropolis Museum, Panathenaic Stadium with walks through National Gardens, Plaka & Monastiraki. 

---

For Paros I’d recommend staying in Parikia (hotels) which is where the port is OR Naousa (hotels).  With Parikia, you have the convenience of the port and it is the largest town on the island.  Naousa is more picturesque with a bit more of an upscale feel.  There are buses that run regularly from the port to Naousa.

Another popular island to combine with the Athens -> Santorini route is Naxos.  I like Naxos because you can stay (hotels) in the traditional village of Chora and walk to a nice beach, Agios Georgios.  I’ve been to Naxos twice and never rented a car.  We did take the bus twice from Chora to Plaka beach (which is a really nice beach!).

To read the full 7-day itinerary for a girl's trip, please visit: Athens Coast

Sticking to your new year's resolutions is tough! So if you want to make 2019 your year, we invite you to join a fantastic 12-week online coaching program tailored especially for women. Also, if one of your resolutions is to visit Santorini then you're in luck! Registrations for the Santorini Experience in October are now open and if you looking for a great place to stay, Perivolas Hotel was voted one of the best in the world!

Elpida weather storm will be bringing low temperatures and snow in Athens! Stay safe and cozy! 

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

Crafted by skilled artisans hailing from Epirus and Macedonia, the Old Town of Xanthi invites explorers to lose themselves amidst its intricate cobblestone lanes, where every twist and turn whispers tales of days gone by.

Regarded as the beating heart of the wider region, Xanthi's Old Town instills a sense of pride in its residents, who bear the sacred duty of safeguarding its rich heritage. Here, traditional Balkan dwellings, quaint shops, and venerable churches from the twilight of the Ottoman era intermingle harmoniously with grand neoclassical mansions, many owned by the city's storied tobacco merchants.

Standing sentinel over the city's northern expanse, Xanthi's Old Town serves as its historical nucleus, a testament to resilience and renewal following the seismic upheavals of 1829.

Beyond its storied past, what lends an air of enchantment to the Old Town's ambiance? Perhaps it's the captivating tale of Greece's beloved maestro.

Manos Hatzidakis, the legendary composer, found his muse amidst the winding streets of what he affectionately called "Xanthi the Preserved," a moniker that resonates with the Old Town's timeless charm. Xanthi's Old Town: The "Little Paris" of Thrace.

As legend has it, during the 18th and 19th centuries, Xanthi's Old Town earned the moniker "Little Paris," a nod to its cosmopolitan allure and cultural vibrancy.

Built upon the remnants of antiquity, its core is graced by historic churches, some tracing their origins back to the Byzantine era when Xanthi was known as "Xantheia."

A visit to Xanthi's Old Town is akin to embarking on a journey through time, a treasure trove of history and culture that beckons travelers from far and wide.

Notably, in 1976, the Old Town was designated a protected enclave, preserving its architectural splendor for generations to come. 

With over 1,200 meticulously preserved buildings, each with its own story to tell, the Old Town stands as a living testament to Xanthi's illustrious past. From majestic landmarks to hidden gems waiting to be discovered, every corner exudes an irresistible charm, captivating all who wander its timeless streets.

Indeed, Xanthi's Old Town is not merely a destination; it's an experience—a vibrant tapestry of history, culture, and unparalleled beauty that leaves an indelible mark on all who have the privilege to explore its hallowed grounds.



Originally published in Greek on: reader.gr

Translated by: Codico Lab

Athens is a city where every corner holds a story. Its suburbs, each with its own unique charm, carry names that reflect their historical, geographical, or cultural significance. From ancient worship to modern developments, the names of these areas reveal fascinating details about their origins. Let’s explore how some of Athens' most well-known suburbs got their names!



1. Marousi: In Honor of Artemis

Marousi, historically known as Amarousio, owes its name to the goddess Amarysia Artemis, a local deity revered in the area. In ancient times, a grand temple dedicated to Artemis stood here, drawing worshippers from across Attica. The name has endured through centuries, and the modern suburb continues to honor its ancient heritage, blending it with a bustling urban atmosphere.

2. Kifisia: A Connection to the Kifisos River

The lush northern suburb of Kifisia owes its name to the Kifisos River, which flows through the region and historically played a vital role in the life of ancient Attica. The river, referenced in texts by ancient historians like Philochorus, served as a key water source and influenced the development of the surrounding area. Kifisia’s name reflects this geographical and cultural connection, emphasizing its historical ties to the natural landscape of Attica. Today, Kifisia is renowned for its verdant streets, elegant homes, and vibrant shopping districts, blending its natural heritage with modern sophistication.

3. Nea Smyrni: A Refugee’s Tribute

The name Nea Smyrni means "New Smyrna," a homage to the city of Smyrna (modern İzmir, Turkey) that was the homeland of Greek refugees who settled here in the 1920s following the Greco-Turkish War and the Asia Minor Catastrophe. The suburb preserves their rich cultural traditions through festivals, cuisine, and architecture, making it a lively and historical area.

4. Piraeus: The Ancient Port

Although often seen as a city in its own right, Piraeus is deeply intertwined with Athens’ identity. Its name comes from the word "Peiraeus," meaning "the place beyond the passage." This refers to the narrow land bridge that once separated the port from the mainland. Piraeus has been Athens’ gateway to the sea since antiquity, serving as a vital hub for trade, travel, and naval power.

5. Petralona: Stones & History

Petralona gets its name from the Greek words "petra" (stone) and "aloni" (threshing floor), a nod to the agricultural heritage of the area. It was once a rural region where threshing floors were a common sight. Today, its cobblestone streets, neoclassical houses, and proximity to the Acropolis make it a favorite for locals and visitors seeking a taste of old Athens.

6. Glyfada: From Salty Waters to Cosmopolitan Charm



Glyfada, a prominent suburb along the Athens Riviera, derives its name from the Greek word "glyfo," meaning "salty" or "brackish." This nomenclature reflects the area's historical association with brackish water sources, particularly wells that produced saline water. YOUR ATHENS GUIDE In the 19th century, these brackish wells were notable landmarks in the region, influencing the naming of the area. YOUR ATHENS GUIDE Today, Glyfada has transformed from its humble beginnings into a vibrant, cosmopolitan suburb. Often referred to as the "Miami of Athens," it boasts upscale cafes, renowned restaurants, boutiques, and lively summer clubs, making it a central hub of the city's southern suburbs.

7. Zografou: The Artist’s Suburb

The suburb of Zografou owes its name to the Zografos family, whose name means "painter" or "iconographer" in Greek. The family owned much of the land in the area during the Ottoman and early modern periods. Today, Zografou is a lively area, home to major university campuses and a youthful population that contributes to its vibrant energy.

8. Kalithea: A Beautiful View

The name Kalithea means "beautiful view" in Greek, and it is believed to refer to the suburb’s panoramic vistas of the Saronic Gulf. Founded in the late 19th century, Kalithea quickly developed into a bustling urban area while retaining its picturesque charm.

---

To discover the stories behind even more suburb names, CLICK HERE!

---

Since Saturday, September 13, Athens has officially operated a permanent 24-hour public transport service every Saturday.

OASA will now run Metro Lines 2 and 3, Tram Lines T6 and T7, as well as selected bus routes on a continuous, round-the-clock schedule, ensuring key areas of the city are always connected.

This initiative improves the overall travel experience in Athens, offering safe and reliable mobility at all hours, while also supporting tourism, nightlife, and the city’s economy. It represents a major step in upgrading Athens’ urban transport services and enhancing its profile as a vibrant European metropolis.

The move from pilot testing to permanent service was made possible thanks to the professionalism and dedication of transport staff across all networks.

• Metro Line 2 (Anthoupoli–Elliniko) and Line 3 (Airport–Piraeus) will operate 24/7 on Saturdays, with adjusted overnight frequencies ranging from 9 to 15 minutes.

• Tram Lines T6 (Pikrodafni–Syntagma) and T7 (Asklipieio Voulas–Agia Triada) will also run continuously, with intervals between 12 and 25 minutes depending on the time.

Bus Service

In addition to existing 24-hour and night routes, ten more bus lines will now operate overnight every Saturday, ensuring seamless travel across Athens and Piraeus. Key routes include: