XpatAthens

Tuesday, 12 January 2021 16:41

Winter Sea Swimming In Athens

For 92-year-old Manolis and his fellow aqua-addicts of the Poseidon Winter Swimmers Club, the sea is life. Take the plunge, experience the endorphin rush, and get all the amazing health benefits of winter swimming in Athens.

Housed in an old German coastal fortification from 1942, the Poseidon Winter Swimmers Club has been open every day throughout the winter (except religious days) since 1982 and boasts a stable 160 members.** Their ages range from 20 to 92. But why do the members chose to put themselves through this pain? “The sea is life,” explains Manolis, when I return to the clubhouse. Manolis is the joint oldest regular at the club—alongside two other 92-year-olds. He comes at least twice a week throughout the winter—only staying out of the water when he’s ill or his wife tells him: ‘No’.

Manolis and the club’s president, Giorgos Argirakis, explain that winter swimming has all manner of benefits for physical and mental well-being. It’s great for a healthy heart, boosts circulation, keeps joints flexible and provides a much-needed winter dose of vitamin D. Manolis is a great advert for its supposed life-prolonging benefits, too. Looking at his lively face, bright eyes and lightly-olive skin, you wouldn’t guess he was much past 65.

Poseidon’s members are just a small cross-section section of the hundreds—perhaps thousands—who regularly take to the water throughout winter, all along the Athenian Riviera. While elsewhere in Europe, winter swimming means wetsuits or plunging into frozen lakes for just a few seconds at a time, the climate in Athens means temperatures permit (relatively) pleasurable swimming all year round.

**Note from XpatAthens: Before you head out swimming or to the swimmers club, be sure you’ve considered any Covid-19 related restrictions.

To read this article in full and see what beaches are easily accessible along the riviera visit: thisisathens.org
Photo by: Georgios Makkas

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.

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Wednesday, 10 November 2021 07:00

Greece Wins RCA Silver Award In Europe Category

Greece emerged as the second-best (Silver) tourist destination in Europe after Italy, during the 25th edition of the annual American Readers’ Choice Awards (RCA 2021).

The RCA award is organised by Worth Publications and the bi-monthly travel magazine “Recommend”.

Greece shared second place with Ireland.

The poll was conducted online between July 8 and August 31.

More than 135,000 readers of the magazine made their choices in various categories, such as best destination, hotels, and resorts, travel agents, cruise companies, car rental companies, airlines companies, etc.

The Readers’ Choice Awards are handed out each year to countries and travel/tourism agencies and companies around the world that have established themselves in terms of excellence while attracting the strong interest of the global tourism industry.

Originally published on: greekcitytimes.com

Published in Greece In The News

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Wednesday, 06 April 2022 13:13

10 Years Navarino Challenge

The best wellness event in Europe and second in the world, Navarino Challenge, returns with its key message “sports unites people”, bringing all people together, without discrimination while celebrating with them its 10 years of presence through sports, tourism and the history of Messinia.

Amateur and professional athletes from Greece and abroad will participate in the celebration of sports tourism that will be held on October 21-23, 2022, at Costa Navarino and Pylos.

More than 30 sports activities, with the presence of Olympic athletes alongside amateur athletes of all ages and abilities, compose this year’s Navarino Challenge, which now bears its new, 10-year anniversary logo.

Enjoy here the teaser video of Navarino Challenge 2022.

Running in the magical Voidokilia - Register now

The participants will have the opportunity to run again this year crossing the dreamy beach of Voidokilia, with the Greek-American ultramarathon runner Konstantinos Dean Karnazes. The remarkable athlete will visit our country this year with his entire family and as a leading ambassador will strengthen for another year the participation of the Greek-American community that began 10 years ago.

Runners can secure their participation from now on and take advantage of the early bird prices, by completing the available form through the following link.

Honored guests from 2013 until today

Since 2013, the year that Navarino Challenge started, the event has honored great sports personalities who will be present again this year such as Panagiotis Giannakis, Konstantinos Dean Karnazes, Periklis Iakovakis, Alexandros Nikolaidis, Michalis Triantafyllidis and Dimitris Theodorakakos.

One of this year’s honorees will be the European champion and 11-time triathlon champion in Greece Grigoris Souvatzoglou.

The new ambassadors of Navarino Challenge

Navarino Challenge brings new personalities to its 10th anniversary. The Navarino Challenge team is strengthened with:

Christina Flampouri, the only Greek woman who has conquered the 7 highest peaks in the world, who will be responsible for the indoor climbing activity
and Georgia Kaltsi, the great wheelchair, basketball and fencing athlete

Navarino Challenge at the top of the 2022 Sports Marketing Awards

The award-winning sports tourism event Navarino Challenge excelled for another year at the Sports Marketing Awards, the institution that highlights the “champions” of Sports Marketing in Greece, receiving a total of 7 awards. More specifically, the event received 3 Gold Awards in the “Most Innovative Use of Content Creators & Influencers”, “Running & Live Well” and “Best Native Advertising Campaign” categories, 3 Silver Awards in the “Sports Tourism”, “Best Strategy for Branding” and “Kids / Youth / Grassroots” categories, as well as 1 Bronze Award in the “Best New Sponsorship” category for the sponsorship of Nestle Fitness, proving its steady upward trend, credibility and innovation as an event in the field of sports and tourism.

Accolade in the #BeactiveHellas program among 700 events

Navarino Challenge, which highlights the authentic values of the sports ideal, with activities that promote the Olympic spirit and participation of people of all ages, while educating young people alongside model athletes and Olympians, was distinguished among more than 700 events from the #BeactiveHellas program of the European Commission which is held under the auspices of the General Secretariat of Sports.

Costa Navarino and The Westin Resort Costa Navarino are the Official Hospitality Sponsors.

Navarino Challenge will take place under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, whose mission is the formulation of the tourism policy and the executive planning of the tourist development of Greece.

The event is organized by ActiveMedia Group which is also responsible for the event’s Sports Production.

Photo credit: Navarino Challenge

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Tuesday, 21 January 2025 22:04

All You Need To Know About ENFIA Property Tax In Greece

ENFIA, introduced in 2014 through Law 4223/2013, is a Uniform Real Estate Property Tax applied annually to all real estate located in Greece. It applies to individuals, legal entities, and other entities, and is assessed as of January 1 each year.

The tax covers various real estate rights, including full ownership, bare ownership, surface rights, and exclusive use rights for parking spaces and other areas such as swimming pools.

When purchasing property in Greece, an E9 form is required. This form lists all real estate owned and is used to calculate the ENFIA assessment, which determines the taxable amount. The tax consists of two components: the main tax and the supplementary tax.

What Is the Main ENFIA Tax?

This tax is calculated based on factors such as the property’s location, size, use, age, floor level, and other criteria. It typically ranges from €2.5 to €16.25 per square meter. When buying property in Greece, it’s important to consider the ENFIA tax payable to avoid unexpected financial surprises. For instance, a penthouse and a first-floor apartment in the same building may have vastly different tax amounts, even if they share the same location.

What Is the Supplementary Tax?

The supplementary tax applies to legal entities only and is 5.5% of the property’s value—a significant amount. However, this is reduced to 1% if the property is used for business purposes, such as a warehouse for a plumbing company storing supplies and serving clients.

In addition to ENFIA, there is also a property transfer tax of 3.09% when purchasing property. Some exemptions or deductions may apply depending on age and income.

You will be notified about your ENFIA tax assessment through the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE). It’s important to include ENFIA and other taxes in your budget and decision-making process when purchasing property. For example, a property valued at €250,000 could cost €275,000 after accounting for taxes, including the property transfer tax.

When Do I Have to Pay the ENFIA Tax?

Once you receive your ENFIA tax bill, you have two options:

Pay it in full by the end of the month in which you received the tax assessment.
Pay it in 10 monthly installments.

To transfer a property as part of a sale, the owner must provide an ENFIA certificate confirming that all ENFIA taxes for the past years have been paid and there are no outstanding debts. This ensures the property is free of any financial liabilities before transferring ownership. A Notary Public will verify this information.

How Can I Get an ENFIA Assessment?

Follow these steps to receive your ENFIA assessment:

Own property in Greece: Whether you purchase, inherit, or already own real estate in Greece, you must file the necessary paperwork.
Submit your E9 form: This form is submitted when you acquire property. You can complete it online through the AADE portal, but you must first register your details if you haven’t already.
Complete the E9 form: Provide accurate details about the property, such as its location, size, age, and floor level. This information determines your ENFIA tax calculation.
Receive your tax assessment notification: Once the E9 form is submitted, the system calculates your tax. You’ll receive a notification via email or through the AADE portal, detailing both the main and supplementary taxes.
Pay the ENFIA tax: As noted, you can pay the tax in full or in installments.

We recommend reaching out early in your property purchase process to ensure everything is handled smoothly and efficiently. If you need assistance with your ENFIA tax payment, the team of experts at Tsaks Consulting is here to help.

General Comments about ENFIA

If you’re from abroad, you may already be familiar with property taxes similar to ENFIA. However, ENFIA is a sensitive topic for many Greeks, as it was introduced during the financial crisis. Some property owners have been forced to sell their homes due to an inability to pay the tax. While ENFIA may not seem substantial compared to a property’s value, it’s an expense all buyers should account for.

For those purchasing high-end properties, particularly in desirable locations, the ENFIA tax can be significant. This is especially true for houses compared to apartments. Understanding and budgeting for ENFIA is essential for a seamless property purchase experience.

If you need help with your ENFIA tax obligations or any other aspect of property and living in Greece, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us!

This content has been created in collaboration with our trusted partner Tsaks Consulting.

Published in Accounting & Taxes

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Wednesday, 18 February 2015 13:30

Kythera

Wonderful for its exciting contrasts, the island of Kýthera has been home to hosts of peoples and civilizations: from the Neolithic Age to the Minoan times (20th century AC) and to the Mycenaens, the Dorians and the Spartans, still in the ancient times; from the Byzantine middle ages to the Venetian rule; from the Ottoman to the English occupation; from the State of the Ionian Islands to the modern Greek State which it joined in 1864.

The ancient myth that referred the island as Aphrodite’s birthplace has been the inspiration for the paintings of celebrated artists such as Sandro Botticelli and Jean-Antoine Watteau. Now, a trip to Kýthera is the symbol of a burning desire, of hankering for beauty; and not unjustly so.

Chóra, the capital of the island, stretches out around the Venetian castle of the 13th century - renovated by the Venetians in 1503 - to share with it an overwhelming view to the Cretan Sea. On the cliffs around the castle a small yellow jewel of a flower grows; sempreviva is peculiar to the island. White little houses squeeze each other to fit in the narrow cobbled streets that go whirling uphill and past tiny little churches and Venetian mansions with beautiful gardens. Your need for a rest will be met at the cafés of the two scenic squares of the village. But if you feel like having a delicious meal or a drink, walk downhill to Kapsáli.

Kapsáli could be said to be the busiest spot for tourists. Full of cafés, tavernas, bars and boasting a marina too, Kapsáli is where the night of the island turns energetic and eager for a meeting and romance. The number of the aficionados of the island is a multi-digit one. Most of them agree that Avlémonas is the most beautiful village of it. Crystal blue-azul waters bathe the frisky morphology of little bays to match with the cycladic architecture of the houses and the cobblestone paths around them into an attractive ambience of recreation and wellness.

To read more, please see visitgreece.gr

Published in Travel Greece

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Monday, 13 April 2020 06:00

Fassolakia Lathera - Green Bean Casserole

Vegetable dishes that are cooked with olive oil and tomatoes are referred to as lathera (lah-the-RAH) in Greek, because the key ingredient is flavorful olive oil, or “lathi.” The most popular vegetable to make "lathera style" is the green bean, but you can try this dish with small zucchini, okra, or peppers as well. This version includes some potatoes and baby carrots (I find the carrots sweeten the sauce a bit) and can be a delicious vegetarian entrée or a tasty side dish.

Try serving it with some crumbled feta on top and some great bread for dipping in the savory sauce.

Serves: 8
Difficulty: Easy

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooks in: 1 hour

Ingredients

• 1 kl. green beans, cleaned and trimmed
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2-3 medium potatoes, cut in large wedges
• A large handful of baby carrots
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tbsp. tomato paste
• 4-5 ripe tomatoes, skinned and crushed (substitute 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes)
• 1½ cups warm water
• 1 tsp. sugar
• 1 tbsp. chopped fresh dill
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Method

In a large Dutch oven or pot, heat the olive oil over medium high heat. Add the onion and saute until translucent. Add the garlic and saute until fragrant, about one minute.

Add the green beans, potatoes, and carrots to the pot. Dissolve the tomato paste in the water and add, along with the crushed tomatoes, parsley, and sugar. Lower the heat to medium low and simmer covered for about an hour or until the green beans are tender but not mushy.

In the last ten minutes of cooking, add the chopped fresh dill and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Note: Make sure to monitor your liquid levels while the beans are cooking. You can add a little bit of water if needed.

Recipe Source: The Spruce Eats

Published in Greek Food & Diet

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Friday, 06 March 2015 12:51

Greeks In Germany Organize Rally To Support Greek Gov’t

Greeks in Germany are calling on all the Diaspora members and European citizens to support the Greek government’s struggle against international creditors.

Using the slogan “Europe with Democracy and Solidarity” they have organized a campaign through social media, in support of their homeland.

They urged citizens of Italy, Spain, Portugal, as well as other European countries to participate in the rally to show support towards the Greek government in this time of need.

To read more, please visit greekreporter.com

By Ioanna Zikakou

Published in Greece In The News

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Friday, 08 May 2015 08:00

35 Greek Olive Oils Awarded 'Best In The World' For 2015

Thirty-five extra virgin olive oils from Greece have achieved the distinction “Best in the World” for 2015 at the New York International Olive Oil Competition (NYIOOC), a much stronger showing than in 2014 and a clear sign that the determination of olive oil producers in Greece is paying off.

Twenty-one percent of Greek entries in the world’s largest and most prestigious olive oil quality contest were awarded this time, a lower success rate than rival producer countries Spain and Italy, but a marked improvement over last year’s tally. Nineteen Gold Awards and 16 Silver Awards went to Greek oils. To see a list of the best Greek olive oils for 2015, please click HERE.

Greece submitted more entries (168) in the annual competition than any other country, an indication that producers are striving for quality and to distinguish their brands in the marketplace.

“Winning at the NYIOOC was a big honor for our family,” said Diamantis Pierrakos, who was in New York with his brother Dino to accept the award for the Gold Award-winning brand, Laconiko. “Being recognized at this very prestigious competition has proven to us that our hard work and sacrifices we have made are finally paying off. This distinct recognition is a message that our family, from the small region of Lakonia, Greece, produce one of the world’s best extra virgin olive oils.”

Greek producers have long sold their olive oils in bulk to foreign producers who used the robust kick of the mostly Koroneiki varietals to lift the taste of inferior blends. In recent years, even in the midst of a wrenching economic crisis, Greek olive oil companies have unveiled new, innovative brands while stepping up the quality of their products.

“Greek olive oil quality is trending higher,” said Curtis Cord, NYIOOC president. “What we are seeing now is the rise of Greek olive oil brands to the world stage, a stage on which they rightfully belong.”

To read more, please visit Olive Oil Times

Published in Local News

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Sunday, 02 July 2017 01:08

The Meaning Of Philotimo

The word 'philotimo' only exists in the Greek language. Its direct translation means 'to honour your friend', but its actual meaning in day-to-day life delves much deeper. This video is an incredible description and understanding of this uniquely Greek word.

Read more about philotimo in an excellent article from the BBC.

Published in Videos

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Thursday, 15 October 2015 07:00

Athens Ranks 1st Among 25 Most Influential Cities In The World

Two Greek cities, that have always been a magnet for art and culture, were included on the list of the 25 cities with the greatest impact on the world.

More specifically, the capital of Greece, Athens, ranked in first place in the list that was compiled by List25, the website that gathers and presents lesser-known intriguing information on a variety of subjects, while at #22 one can find Olympia, in western Peloponnese.

“Birthplace of Western civilization, Athens is the most influential city ever in the fields of philosophy, architecture, politics, science, and free thinking, as well as the original home of what is considered the most ideal system of government: democracy,” the website reads while it continues, referring: “Athens also became the first city to organize the first modern Olympics back in 1896. Some of its most famous citizens include giants such as Socrates, Plato, Solon, and Pericles.”

To read more and see the full list of the 25 cities, please visit: Greek Reporter

Published in Greece In The News

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Winter Sea Swimming In Athens

Greece Wins RCA Silver Award In Europe Category

10 Years Navarino Challenge

All You Need To Know About ENFIA Property Tax In Greece

Kythera

Fassolakia Lathera - Green Bean Casserole

Greeks In Germany Organize Rally To Support Greek Gov’t

35 Greek Olive Oils Awarded 'Best In The World' For 2015

The Meaning Of Philotimo

Athens Ranks 1st Among 25 Most Influential Cities In The World

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