Participations from Europe, Asia, Africa, Oceania, North & South America and international promotion around the whole world through FOX Sports! The curtain for the special sports tourism event Santorini Experience 2016 fell in the best possible way, giving away unprecedented times and creating great memories for each participant and every visitor who found himself in the magical volcanic island on 7-9 October 2016!

Santorini Experience, at its 2nd consecutive year of materialization exceeded all expectations in the number of participations and the occupancy of hotels in the island by attracting the global interest of athletes, participants and visitors! In particular, 3 Olympic Champions, 2 World Champions, 1 European Champion, 1 Greek Champion and hundreds of professional and amateur athletes of all ages (75 years old was the oldest athlete) took part in the activities of the sports weekend while thousands of visitors swarmed the island to attend this unique event!

The global nature of the event was reflected in the entries recorded from 28 countries and more particularly from USA, Canada, Colombia, Chile, New Zealand, England, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Spain, Russia, Netherlands, Finland, Sweden, Switzerland, Romania, Scotland, Slovakia, Ukraine, South Africa, Morocco, Tahiti, Taiwan, Turkey, Albania, Cyprus and of course Greece.

Actually many of the participants didn’t hesitate to even travel 8,286 miles (South Africa) and 11,000 miles (New Zealand) in order to swim in the magical Caldera.

The extroversion of sports tourism was the first and basic target of this year’s event. Santorini Experience will have an outstanding international promotion, as FOX Sports of FOX Networks Group, as the Official Broadcaster of Santorini Experience will display the event’s sports documentary, to millions of homes in Europe, Asia and Africa, creating a unique television product.

Athletes and visitors of the event flew with the official airline partner of Santorini Experience Ryanair, which in response to the huge demand for the sport event, embraced it by adding 5 additional flights (beyond its 2 daily scheduled) in the Athens-Santorini route, carrying out a total of 25 flights in 10 days, with an occupancy reaching 100%, contributing to the overall promotion of the destination.

For the ferry access to the island, Blue Star Ferries took care of the immediate and safe service of participants, the convenience of attendants and Santorini Experience spectators by offering 50% discount on ferry tickets to everyone who visited the island, recording a significant increase in its bookings, within the days of the event.

Santorini Experience 2016 schedule was even richer this year compared to the first year, having for the first time the kind support and auspices of the Greek National Tourism Organization.

More than 1.400 children participated in all children's activities of the event. Specifically on Wednesday, 5th and Thursday, October 6th, 2016, the activity of Kids’ Athletics was presented for the first time in Thira Stadium (Panthiraikos) at Fira by the Olympic and World Champion in 400m. hurdles Periklis Iakovakis. The activity aimed at getting children acquainted with the track and field sports, as it has been developed and established by a special panel of scientists from IAAF (International Association of Athletics Federation) and is officially implemented in Greece by the Hellenic Athletics Federation (SEGAS) in cooperation with the Ministry of Education.

On Friday, October 7, 2016, students ran the 1km running route that was held at the Indoor Hall of DAPPOS, at Fira.

Respectively at noon, the twice Silver Olympic Medalist, Alexandros Nikolaidis undertook to introduce the secrets of TaeKwonDo martial art to beginners and advanced athletes, at the Indoor Hall of DAPPOS, at Fira.

On Friday, a Meet & Greet was held with the great Silver Olympic Medalists Spyros Gianniotis and Alexandros Nikolaidis and top athletes such as the World Champions Kelly Araouzou and Antonis Fokaidis, the European Champion Giorgos Arniakos and the Greek Champion Dimitris Negris, at Alafouzos Sport store (official sponsor of the event) at Fira that supported for the second consecutive year the organization and helped its implementation from the beginning.

On Saturday October 8th 2016, catching the limit of 500 participants (under the safety limit of the paths set by the former marathon runner, holder of national best performance on the classical route, running coach and director of All About Running, Nikos Polias who designed and edited the routes) runners of all abilities had the opportunity to run at the exceptional routes of 5km (running and dynamic walking), 10 km and 15 km (total positive altitude: 834 m.) overlooking the unique images of the volcano, the Caldera and the sites Imerovigli, Firostefani and Oia. All routes had as start and finish point the desalination plant in Oia.

On Saturday night, Municipality of Santorini and the Municipal Sports Cultural Environmental Organization of Santorini (D.A.P.P.O.S.) honored at a glittering event held at the conference center Petros M. Nomikos in Fira, the silver Olympic medalist and World Champion in open water swimming Spyros Gianniotis, the Federal Technical Coach of Swimming, Nikos Gemelos, the World Champion in open water swimming, Kelly Araouzou, the President of the Hellenic Swimming Federation, Mr. Dimitrios Diathesopoulos and the twice silver Olympic medalist in TaeKwonDo, Alexandros Nikolaidis.

On Sunday, October 9, 2016 participants of the sport of swimming (with the presence of the elite of the Greek national open water swimming team) had the opportunity to swim in the unique swimming route of 1.5 mile (2.4 km) of Santorini Experience, from the volcano to the old port in Fira.

The route was designed by the Federal Technical Coach of Swimming, with Olympic and World distinctions in open water swimming and Technical Director of the event in swimming, Nikos Gemelos. The event was held under the auspices of the Hellenic Swimming Federation (KOE), something that happened for the first time in open water swimming, at a sports tourism event, marking the explosive participation achieved from swimmers and swimming clubs from all over Greece and abroad.

The swimming day was supported and respectively implemented with the safety of Santorini Boatmen Union, Santorini Yachting Club, National Lifeguards of Santorini, Aegean Divers and the Lifeguard Schools from Athens, Piraeus (European Lifeguard School) and Katerini (Lifeguard Patrol). More than 25 vessels and more than 70 people in the water helped in the smooth running and safety of the race.

For the second consecutive year, athletes and organizers moved with the safety and efficient engines of the cars of Ford Motor Hellas, the official supporter of Santorini Experience. The athletes who took part in the event had also the opportunity to quench their thirst with the Natural Mineral Water “Vikos” that contributes to the good functioning of the body during sports.

Santorini Experience stood alongside Iron Samba!

Part of the Santorini Experience revenues will be given to the Give & Fund created to support Maria Sampanidou or “Iron Samba” rehabilitation race who gives the most crucial fight of her life. Anyone can support Maria Sampanidou through the following page: http://www.giveandfund.com/giveandfund/project/Ironsamba

The event received very significant support by Avance Rent A Car, which covered with its fleet and its exemplary service, the event’s and all visitors’ needs in car rentals.

Accordingly, Saucony company offered beautiful gifts to participants who finished in the top positions in running and swimming.

The event was also supported by Aqua Vista Hotels, Santorini Hoteliers Association, Meltemi Hotels & Resorts, Aegean Plaza Hotel, Arena, Village Cinemas, Demilmar Restaurant Beach Bar and Passagio Santorini Oia.

Santorini Experience could not have been successfully completed without the valuable support of nineteen hospitality sponsors that hosted the people of the event and offered special prices and discounts on their accommodation, raising the total occupancy of accommodation in all parts of the island, the days of the event. Specifically these are: Aqua Vista Hotels, Santorini Hoteliers Association, Meltemi Hotels & Resorts, Aegean Plaza Hotel, Athina Luxury Suites, Santorini Secret Suites & Spa, Vedema A Luxury Collection Resort Santorini, Sunday Suites Santorini, Caldera Collection, West East Suites, 270 Oia's View, White Pearl Villas, Suites of the Gods Spa Hotel Santorini, Central Fira Hotel, Memories Hotel, Loizos Stylish Residencies, Esperas Santorini, Maistros Village Hotel, Sienna Residencies

Respectively the President of D.A.P.P.O.S., Mr. Eleftherios Tzouros noted: “The beautiful, magical, unique and endless journey of Santorini Experience continued in 2016 even more dynamically and reminded us that the original idea to borrow the caldera of Santorini so that the participants will test their limits was and remains unique. Santorini Experience 2016 opened the sails and already showed us from its second year its dynamics fully satisfying the objectives we set in the beginning. The joy, the smile and satisfaction on the face of the participants is the energy that we got so that this sports journey will never end. Activities such as the kids’ athletics, the students running and the TaeKwonDo training of students highly demonstrated how interested we are in the sports education and the progress of children of Santorini. I would like to also say a big thank you to all our sponsors and volunteers.”

The event had the honor of the presence of the Greek National Tourism Organization General Secretary, Mr. Dimitrios Tryfonopoulos and the President of the Hellenic Swimming Federation, Mr. Dimitrios Diathesopoulos.

The event was assisted by Diana “exoplizein”, Kassimatis Cycling, Science In Sport, Hellenic Athletics Federation (SEGAS), IAAF Kids Athletics, Grafistes, Aeromotion Aerial Video Photography, Rivios Thanos Photography, Aegean Divers, National Lifeguards of Santorini, University of Peloponnese – Department of Sports Management Implementation and Lifeguard Patrol.

Santorini Experience in cooperation with the MPASS innovated by presenting the Santorini Experience chatbot!

The event served, directly and reliably via Facebook Messenger, all the participants of the event who needed to have all the necessary information for the top sports tourism event!

Through Santorini Experience Chatbot, participants, when writing their bib number in running were able to receive a message with their time, at the time of their finishing, and were informed on offers that were active during the event, and on individual activities which took place.

Santorini Experience was held with the collaboration between the Municipality of Santorini, the Municipal Sports Cultural Environmental Organization of Santorini (D.A.P.P.O.S.) and Active Media Group.

Official Broadcaster: FOX Sports
Official Sponsors: Alafouzos Sport, Blue Star Ferries, With the Kind Support of the Greek National Tourism Organization, Santorini Boatmen Union
Official Airline Partner: Ryanair
Official Supporters: Ford Motor Hellas, “Vikos” Natural Mineral Water, Avance Rent A Car, Aqua Vista Hotels, Santorini Hoteliers Association, Meltemi Hotels & Resorts, Aegean Plaza Hotel, Saucony, Arena, Village Cinemas, Santorini Yachting Club, Demilmar Restaurant Beach Bar, Passagio Santorini Oia
Hospitality Sponsors: Aqua Vista Hotels, Santorini Hoteliers Association, Meltemi Hotels & Resorts, Aegean Plaza Hotel, Athina Luxury Suites, Santorini Secret Suites & Spa, Vedema A Luxury Collection Resort Santorini, Sunday Suites Santorini, Caldera Collection, West East Suites, 270 Oia's View, White Pearl Villas, Suites of the Gods Spa Hotel Santorini, Central Fira Hotel, Memories Hotel, Loizos Stylish Residencies, Esperas Santorini, Maistros Village Hotel, Sienna Residencies
Assisted by: Diana “exoplizein”, Kassimatis Cycling, Science In Sport, Hellenic Athletics Federation (SEGAS), IAAF Kids Athletics, Grafistes, Aeromotion Aerial Video Photography, Rivios Thanos Photography, Aegean Divers, National Lifeguards of Santorini, University of Peloponnese – Department of Sports Management Implementation, Lifeguard Patrol, European Lifeguard School

With the Kind Support & Under the Auspices of the Greek National Tourism Organization

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Image Credit: Vangelis Patsialos

A mini-guide to the city's latest openings, from upmarket hotels to restaurants and cafes!

New Hotel Ancient Views - Electra Metropolis Athens

In the hands of interior designer – architect Maria Katsarou-Vafiadis, of the London-based MKV firm, a 1960s office building, formerly home to the Ministry of Education, has been transformed into a stylish five-star hotel, oozing Athenian retro-chic coolness. Highlights start right from the entrance canopy, where you will see the refurbished post-Byzantine Church of Aghia Dynami, to the impressive lobby atrium, featuring a gigantic artwork by famous Greek artist Alekos Fassianos, all the way up to the roof garden and pool, which offers the most breathtaking 360-degree view to enjoy while sipping a cocktail or dining. Check out the cute ground-level bistro as well, where remnants of the ancient city can be seen through glass floors, proving that, wherever you dig in Athens, there is always something ancient to be found.

Address: 15 Mitropoleos
Telephone: 214 100 6200
Website

Drupes & Drips - Takis Bakery

Fans of Takis Bakery near the Acropolis just got a whole new range of options, with a new Italian espresseria and a juice bar. Pick up a freshly made fruit juice, or choose a “pedigree” coffee prepared by expert baristas. At lunchtime, the small space becomes a cicchetteria, so you can try hams and cheeses from abroad or from small-scale Greek producers. There are no tables, so sit at the bar and have a glass of wine, spritz, prosecco or potent Greek tsikoudia with your nibbles.

Address: 20 Zitrou
Telephone: 210 923 0052
Facebook

Yoleni’s Grocery

If you think that this country is only about olive oil and honey, try visiting this unique five-story temple of Greek gastronomy to find local goods and produce. From local soda pops to nuts and kale flakes, and even local gin, you’ll find it all here. An amazing selection of over 50 brands of extra virgin olive oil, a wide assortment of cheeses, and dozens upon dozens of different kinds of canned goods line the shelves.

Address: 9 Solonos
Telephone: 212 222 3600
Website

To read this article in full, please visit: Greece Is

ZARO’S natural mineral bottled water won the Golden Prize Award in the ‘Bottled Water’ category in the framework of the 27th Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting, a competition which brought together more than 600 bottled waters from around the world.

ZARO’S water, which is bottled from water sources located at the foot of the mountain Psiloritis in Crete, was evaluated by 12 judges — among them internationally famous water conoisseurs — who examined criteria such as smell, view, taste and texture.

It is the second successive distinction for ZARO’S water, after it won the ‘iTQi’ Superior Taste Award in 2016.

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

Beginning March 27, 2018, Qatar Airways will launch four weekly flights connecting Doha to Thessaloniki.

 

Flights between Doha and Thessaloniki will be conducted on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. The Qatar aircraft will depart from Doha at 07:40 to arrive in Thessaloniki at 12:50. The return flight will depart from Thessaloniki at 13:50 to arrive in Doha at 18:40.

The new service between Doha and Thessaloniki will be operated by an Airbus A320 aircraft, featuring 12 seats in Business Class and 132 seats in Economy Class.

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

 

 

Plato was the founder of the world-famous Academy in Athens, the first higher learning institution in the western world. The philosophical school he developed at the Academy was known as Platonism, while its later branch is Neo-Platonism.

To learn more about Plato and his teachings, please visit: history.com

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A short walk through the National Garden, in the heart of Athens, is enough to convince anyone that a whole colony of exotic green parrots has found refuge in the capital.

The presence of the impressive, and slightly “noisy” parrots is very intense all around Athens’ parks, as they fly from tree to tree and make passers-by wonder how it is possible that exotic parrots – that we are used to seeing in documentaries for jungles and rainforests – live in the centre of Athens.

According to a research by the Hellenic Ornithological Society (HOS), more than 1,500 parrots live in Athens at the moment, and have conquered almost all the parks of the city and their surrounding areas. In fact, Athenians reported that they have witnessed the parrots in many places in Athens from Tritsi Park to Pedion of Areos, the park of Evelpidon and the Archaeological Museum in Patision Street, as well as the town of Glyfada and the residential neighbourhood of Goudi.

The HOS reported that the green parrots in Athens are a species that normally lives in the foothills of the Himalayan mountain range in Asia or in tropical forests south of the Sahara desert in Africa.

According to experts, just one pair of these parrots is enough to multiply into an entire colony of parrots on foreign soil, and increase their population very rapidly.

To read this article in full, please visit: greekcitytimes.com
Photo credit: agonaskritis.gr

 

Relocating to a new country brings both excitement and uncertainty. Having the right information from the start can make a big difference. A thoughtfully assembled Welcome Package helps newcomers settle-in by offering both practical tools and local insight into daily life in Greece.

Whether adjusting to a new city or getting to know the local culture, this resource makes the transition feel more familiar and less overwhelming.

 

Designed to ease the first steps of relocation to Greece, the package includes a range of helpful materials, including:

• Local city map and neighborhood guide.

• Public transport information and main routes.

• Emergency contact numbers and useful hotlines.

• Local magazines, publications, and media guides.

• Insider recommendations on shopping, dining, and local living.

• Tips on navigating services, social customs, and everyday routines.

From understanding the basics to exploring the best local spots, the package serves as a trusted companion during the early days of settling-in.

 

A simple, useful resource can go a long way toward making a new place feel like home. To learn more about adjusting to life in Greece, get in touch with us today!