At the end of the summer season, the books will be donated to schools in the area, under the hotel’s corporate social responsibility program.
By Ioanna Zikakou
XpatAthens
Tuesday, 14 September 2021 07:00
Astypalea: The First Smart & Sustainable Mediterranean Island
Greece’s pioneering smart mobility project on the island of Astypalea has moved into high gear, with the first Volkswagen electric vehicles undergoing test drives, a special subsidy program being in place, and leading Greek banks rolling out special lending programs to support the project.
The Smart Astypalea Project, announced late last year, is a groundbreaking joint initiative of the Greek state and Volkswagen Group. Serving as a model of sustainable development for other islands, the project aims to replace the existing 1,500 conventionally fueled vehicles on Astypalea with e-vehicles, introduce innovative on-demand mobility services, and promote the use of renewable energy sources.
The first electric vehicles arrived on the island in early June, which also marked the official inauguration of the project, for use by the police, coastguard and at the local airport. More recently, island residents were invited to test drive Volkswagen’s e-up!, ID.3 and ID.4 models of electric vehicles during a three-day event, which drew enthusiastic participation.
The Hellenic Republic has developed “e astypalea” – a special subsidy program for locals, promoting the purchase of electric cars, bicycles, motorcycles, vans and private charging points. In addition to this, two of Greece’s leading banks – National Bank of Greece and Piraeus Bank – announced that they would make loans available for Astypalea residents transitioning to e-vehicles. The loans are part of a broader lending initiative by Greek banks to provide financing for Greece’s ambitious Green Deal program.
Originally published on EnterpriseGreece
Originally published on EnterpriseGreece
Published in
Local Environment
Tagged under
Monday, 19 December 2022 08:46
Christmas Villages To Open Across Athens
Ten Christmas villages with free concerts and activities for children are to open in neighborhoods across Athens on Friday, December 23rd, and remain open until January 6th, when the Greek Christmas period ends with the celebration of the Epiphany.
Santa and his elves will take their stands daily at: Missologhi Square in Pagkrati, Heldreich Square in Neos Kosmos, Jacqueline-de-Romilly Square in Thiseion, Agia Ekaterini Square in Kato Petralona, Athanasiou Diakou Square in Thimarakia, Nathaniel Square in Agios Eleftherios, Agios Andreas Square in Lambrini, Agios Panteleimon Square, Agios Dimitrios Square on Panormou Street in Ampelokipi, and Gika Square in Ellinoroson.
There will be no entrance fee for the Christmas villages, which will be free and open daily from 11:30 am to 2 pm and from 3 pm to 8 pm. On New Year’s Eve, they will be open from 11 pm to 5 pm.
A Christmas band will perform at the official launch event in Gika Square starting at 5:30 pm on Friday.
Following the path through the Athens Christmas villages, visitors will end up at Santa’s house.
Children will be able to enjoy crafts-making, treats, face and body painting, puppet shows, and have fun with stilt walkers, jugglers, Christmas mascots, animators, and magicians. Storytelling and bubble shows will be among the interactive experiences for kids.
New Year’s Eve celebrations in Athens
For New Year’s Eve, the city of Athens will celebrate with a spectacular free concert at Syntagma Square starting at 10:30 pm.
Mario Frangoulis and Giorgos Perris will perform, joined by a ten-member symphonic orchestra and soloists. The concert will open with a performance by the Athens Philharmonic Orchestra.
After midnight, the band Bejeezus will be passed the baton to continue the entertainment performing pop, swing, Latin, and rock and roll hits.
Athenians will later be able to carry on their celebrations at the Central Athens “Varvakios” Markets on Athinas Street, located between Monastiraki and Omonoia Squares, where famous local deejays will keep the New Year party going.
Originally published on: greekreporter.com
Santa and his elves will take their stands daily at: Missologhi Square in Pagkrati, Heldreich Square in Neos Kosmos, Jacqueline-de-Romilly Square in Thiseion, Agia Ekaterini Square in Kato Petralona, Athanasiou Diakou Square in Thimarakia, Nathaniel Square in Agios Eleftherios, Agios Andreas Square in Lambrini, Agios Panteleimon Square, Agios Dimitrios Square on Panormou Street in Ampelokipi, and Gika Square in Ellinoroson.
There will be no entrance fee for the Christmas villages, which will be free and open daily from 11:30 am to 2 pm and from 3 pm to 8 pm. On New Year’s Eve, they will be open from 11 pm to 5 pm.
A Christmas band will perform at the official launch event in Gika Square starting at 5:30 pm on Friday.
Following the path through the Athens Christmas villages, visitors will end up at Santa’s house.
Children will be able to enjoy crafts-making, treats, face and body painting, puppet shows, and have fun with stilt walkers, jugglers, Christmas mascots, animators, and magicians. Storytelling and bubble shows will be among the interactive experiences for kids.
New Year’s Eve celebrations in Athens
For New Year’s Eve, the city of Athens will celebrate with a spectacular free concert at Syntagma Square starting at 10:30 pm.
Mario Frangoulis and Giorgos Perris will perform, joined by a ten-member symphonic orchestra and soloists. The concert will open with a performance by the Athens Philharmonic Orchestra.
After midnight, the band Bejeezus will be passed the baton to continue the entertainment performing pop, swing, Latin, and rock and roll hits.
Athenians will later be able to carry on their celebrations at the Central Athens “Varvakios” Markets on Athinas Street, located between Monastiraki and Omonoia Squares, where famous local deejays will keep the New Year party going.
Originally published on: greekreporter.com
Published in
Local News
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Thursday, 24 October 2024 23:55
Celebrating One Year Of The Maria Callas Museum
The Maria Callas Museum, the first in the world dedicated to the great opera artist, celebrates its first year of operation. To mark the occasion, on Saturday, October 26th, general admission to its exhibition spaces will be at a reduced rate.
Athens Mayor Haris Doukas stated: "In just one year, the Maria Callas Museum has welcomed over 40,000 visitors from at least 35 countries. Thanks to the public's love and the support of our sponsors, donors, and partners, the vision to highlight and share the unique legacy of this legendary opera diva is becoming a reality. We celebrate the museum's first year by offering reduced ticket prices to the public."
With a unique collection now comprising over 1,200 artifacts, the Maria Callas Museum has become a hub for donations and rare memorabilia. Among the most significant contributions are those from the Greek Maria Callas Society, the Konstantinos and Victoria Pylarinos couple, the Athenaeum Conservatory, and individuals who knew her personally, whose testimonies continue to enrich the museum's oral history collection. Over the past year, the museum has received more than 40 new donations, which will soon be added to its collection. From Callas' autographs and rare LP records to correspondence and bootleg recordings, visitors will have the chance to explore even more aspects of her personal and professional life, with each item telling its own unique story.
Collaborations with prestigious cultural institutions, such as Teatro alla Scala and the Ministry of Culture, have brought unique costumes from historical performances like "Iphigenia in Tauris," "Lady Macbeth," and "Norma" to the museum. Additionally, through a partnership with the Greek National Opera, sheet music from the museum's collection was displayed in the exhibition "UNBOXING CALLAS," while digital replicas were exhibited at the National Library of Greece. The museum also participated in the international conference "Maria Callas at 100: Opera, Celebrity, Myth" in Turin, where it presented its work and formed new collaborations with researchers and institutions abroad.
Another key focus of the museum this year has been the development of educational programs for children, families, and schools. More than 45 school tours and 40 school-based educational programs filled the museum with laughter and children's voices, as students of all ages learned about Callas' life through creative activities incorporating various art forms (music, theater, dance, and visual arts). On Sundays, infants, children, and parents participated in family programs, exploring the world of opera in an inspiring and interactive journey full of creativity and joy.
The Maria Callas Museum has also established itself as a vibrant hub for artistic events and activities. Throughout its first year, the museum organized numerous cultural events, including theatrical performances, musical evenings, lectures, workshops, film screenings, masterclasses, and book presentations. Partnerships with organizations such as the Athens State Orchestra, the Italian Cultural Institute of Athens, the Athens Conservatory, and the Athens Symphony Orchestra enriched the events, bringing art closer to the public and proving that Callas continues to inspire new artists and creators.
Moreover, the museum's social initiatives, aimed at promoting equal accessibility, inclusion, and outreach to the community, have proven essential. Through specially designed tours, events, and programs, the museum has, from the beginning, offered access and participation in cultural activities for all. Over the past year, it has collaborated with the Ministry of Migration and Asylum, the Panhellenic Union for Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Professional Reintegration (PEPSAEE), SCHEDIA magazine, Special Schools, and Friendship Clubs of the Municipality of Athens. Plans are also underway for collaborations with organizations, disability associations, and cultural venues across various art forms. In this way, the museum aims to establish lasting connections with the city and its people.
Additionally, the museum's core activities include internship and volunteer programs. Interns and volunteers brought a special energy to the museum this past year. From customer service to supporting events and educational programs, their active involvement has enhanced every activity. The Maria Callas Museum is proud to offer a dynamic platform where people of all ages and backgrounds can contribute, creating a community of solidarity and cooperation.
Finally, the museum's achievements would not have been possible without the invaluable help of its partners and sponsors, whose contributions were crucial to its smooth operation and the realization of events and programs, bringing Callas' world closer to the wider public.
For 2025, the Maria Callas Museum is preparing an even richer and more outward-looking program. Through new collaborations with artists, groups, and cultural and social organizations, the museum is opening new horizons, expanding its collection, educational programs, activities, and events. Every initiative remains dedicated to highlighting the unique legacy of Maria Callas, a woman who remains a timeless symbol of the power of art to connect, inspire, and create.
With a unique collection now comprising over 1,200 artifacts, the Maria Callas Museum has become a hub for donations and rare memorabilia. Among the most significant contributions are those from the Greek Maria Callas Society, the Konstantinos and Victoria Pylarinos couple, the Athenaeum Conservatory, and individuals who knew her personally, whose testimonies continue to enrich the museum's oral history collection. Over the past year, the museum has received more than 40 new donations, which will soon be added to its collection. From Callas' autographs and rare LP records to correspondence and bootleg recordings, visitors will have the chance to explore even more aspects of her personal and professional life, with each item telling its own unique story.
Collaborations with prestigious cultural institutions, such as Teatro alla Scala and the Ministry of Culture, have brought unique costumes from historical performances like "Iphigenia in Tauris," "Lady Macbeth," and "Norma" to the museum. Additionally, through a partnership with the Greek National Opera, sheet music from the museum's collection was displayed in the exhibition "UNBOXING CALLAS," while digital replicas were exhibited at the National Library of Greece. The museum also participated in the international conference "Maria Callas at 100: Opera, Celebrity, Myth" in Turin, where it presented its work and formed new collaborations with researchers and institutions abroad.
Another key focus of the museum this year has been the development of educational programs for children, families, and schools. More than 45 school tours and 40 school-based educational programs filled the museum with laughter and children's voices, as students of all ages learned about Callas' life through creative activities incorporating various art forms (music, theater, dance, and visual arts). On Sundays, infants, children, and parents participated in family programs, exploring the world of opera in an inspiring and interactive journey full of creativity and joy.
The Maria Callas Museum has also established itself as a vibrant hub for artistic events and activities. Throughout its first year, the museum organized numerous cultural events, including theatrical performances, musical evenings, lectures, workshops, film screenings, masterclasses, and book presentations. Partnerships with organizations such as the Athens State Orchestra, the Italian Cultural Institute of Athens, the Athens Conservatory, and the Athens Symphony Orchestra enriched the events, bringing art closer to the public and proving that Callas continues to inspire new artists and creators.
Moreover, the museum's social initiatives, aimed at promoting equal accessibility, inclusion, and outreach to the community, have proven essential. Through specially designed tours, events, and programs, the museum has, from the beginning, offered access and participation in cultural activities for all. Over the past year, it has collaborated with the Ministry of Migration and Asylum, the Panhellenic Union for Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Professional Reintegration (PEPSAEE), SCHEDIA magazine, Special Schools, and Friendship Clubs of the Municipality of Athens. Plans are also underway for collaborations with organizations, disability associations, and cultural venues across various art forms. In this way, the museum aims to establish lasting connections with the city and its people.
Additionally, the museum's core activities include internship and volunteer programs. Interns and volunteers brought a special energy to the museum this past year. From customer service to supporting events and educational programs, their active involvement has enhanced every activity. The Maria Callas Museum is proud to offer a dynamic platform where people of all ages and backgrounds can contribute, creating a community of solidarity and cooperation.
Finally, the museum's achievements would not have been possible without the invaluable help of its partners and sponsors, whose contributions were crucial to its smooth operation and the realization of events and programs, bringing Callas' world closer to the wider public.
For 2025, the Maria Callas Museum is preparing an even richer and more outward-looking program. Through new collaborations with artists, groups, and cultural and social organizations, the museum is opening new horizons, expanding its collection, educational programs, activities, and events. Every initiative remains dedicated to highlighting the unique legacy of Maria Callas, a woman who remains a timeless symbol of the power of art to connect, inspire, and create.
Published in
Local News
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Thursday, 05 February 2015 15:16
Apollo’s Lyre
With ‘kalo xeimona’ having re-evolved into ‘let’s go to the beach’, I am still very much in shorts & flip-flop mode. Even with a couple days of rain, the warm weather is not budging – a fact I love to share with my northern European friends and colleagues. This also means that I still have a trickle of visitors, thankfully not the kind that stay over ;) But certainly the kind who want to go to ‘the Plaka’ and takes some photos…
Everybody has been in Plaka, and everybody has their views – it’s beautiful; it’s touristic; the heart of Athens; the worst tavernas in Athens. I might agree with some or all of these views (and there are plenty more!), but I still love to spend an afternoon wandering, or sitting at a little table and watching the world go by… I like to imagine that Athenians have been doing exactly that – maybe even right where I was sitting – for countless centuries before… Someone once told me I’m just a ‘romantic xeno’! Perhaps.
My own favourite part of Plaka is the stairway of Mnisikleous Street. This is a magical place, crammed full of little chairs and tables, flowers overhanging all the way up, with the great energy of chattering voices. If you’re not sure which stairway I mean: it’s the one where the tourists stop to snap a photo as they walk by.
My favourite café on this little street is ‘Yasemi’. It’s the first one on the left as you go up the stairs. I’ve gotten to know the staff over the times I’ve been there, so it feels a little bit like hanging out at a friend’s place…
The other night, with visitors in tow, we walked by again and the whole scene was positively buzzing. I stopped to say hello to my ‘friends’ at Yasemi, and they told me that I must sit and eat at the little place on the opposite side of the stairs – ‘Apollonia Lyra’. This is parallel to the stairway, sort of the ‘back door’ of Yasemi. She told me ‘just trust me’. So I did.
As it turns out, we had what my friends called ‘the best Greek night ever’. Imagine a narrow alley with tables and chairs, surrounded by the painted walls of old homes, live (good) Greek music, food that was surprisingly better than a ‘Plaka taverna’, and a price that wasn’t so bad… The whole thing could have been a total kitschy disaster; instead, it was magical.
Some call Plaka authentic, some call it touristic. In a city like Athens, I’m not sure where that line gets drawn. For me, Mnisikleous Street is as authentic as it gets. Yes, tourists find their way here – but each time that I’ve been there, it is a decidedly Greek clientele sipping their freddo cappuccinos or their wine.
I often wander into Plaka, even on my own, especially early in the morning when I have the chance. Tourist shops aside, there is an undeniable magic in the air there – these centuries-old streets where, I imagine, not much has changed. The stairways, the alleys, the homes, the narrow streets; this is the Athens I imagined before moving here, and it has remained one of the parts of Athens that I love most.
Until next week,
Jack
Yiasemi Café
Mnisikleous 23, Plaka
www.yiasemi.gr
Apollonia Lyra
Lysiou 12, Plaka
www.facebook.com/apollonia.lyra
In this weekly space, keep up with ‘Jack’ as he navigates daily life in Athens… Anecdotes, stories, hits & misses, the good, the bad and, well, the rest…
Published in
My Week In Athens
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Wednesday, 18 February 2015 11:10
Free Things To Do In Thessaloniki
When travelling on a rather strict budget, it’s always nice to be able to visit some interesting places which don’t cost a thing. Thessaloniki is a very interesting city, with plenty of places to check out. If you are passionate about culture, you can visit museums, art galleries and churches for free. And, of course, walking doesn’t cost anything (except your energy).
1. A walk in the Old Town
A walk in the Old Town of Thessaloniki is a history lesson at its best. Formerly surrounded by the Byzantine walls and mainly inhabited by Turks, the Old Town comprised narrow streets, interesting houses, lush gardens and court yards. Although some of the buildings are in ruin now, walking here is an incredible experience.
Walking is, by far, the best way to explore the rest of Thessaloniki as well. Just pack a good pair of walking shoes, make sure to have a map available and have fun!
2. Ataturk Museum
Address: 75, Apostolou Pavlou St.
Opening hours: daily 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
The founder of modern Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, was born in Thessaloniki. The house was given to the Turkish state which decided to turn it into a museum. Most of the furniture found inside is authentic. While the ground floor is not of much interest to the public, the most impressive room is located at the 2nd floor and is the room where Ataturk was born.
3. Church of Agios Dimitrios
Address: 83, Aghiou Dimitriou St.
The Church of Agios Dimitrios is dedicated to Saint Demetrios, the patron of the city. It is the largest church in Greece and a unique experience especially for those not used to the Orthodox Churches.
The first church was build on the very same spot in 313 A.D. but the church we can visit today was completely rebuild in 1948 (true to the original plans).
To read more, please visit www.greecelogue.com
By Christina
Published in
Travel Greece
Tagged under
Thursday, 19 February 2015 12:48
Hotel Opens First Beach Library In Greece
The Thalatta Seaside Hotel in Agia Anna, Euboea, Greece found a clever way to nudge its guests to read books during their holidays. The hotel built a library on the beach. What looks like a simple wall at the edge of the beach actually consists of diamond-shaped shelves, full of books awaiting visiting readers.
For the time being the library holds around three hundred books in four different languages but is able to hold at least one thousand volumes. The hotel urges visitors to bring their own books to add to the collection.
Published in
Greece In The News
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Tuesday, 08 March 2022 07:00
Beautiful Routes For Bike Riding In Athens
With temperatures rising and the sun starting to shine, spring is in the air. It's the perfect time of year to enjoy a bike ride in Athens!
Here are our favorite bike routes in and around Athens that will get you exploring the city on two wheels.
Here are our favorite bike routes in and around Athens that will get you exploring the city on two wheels.
SEF Stadium - Glyfada
Distance: 13.5 km
📍 Peace and Friendship Stadium (SEF), Piraeus. @metalvein_gr
Along the coast on Poseidonos Avenue and the tram lines, next to the sea, the wide sidewalks are ideal for a bike ride under the shade of palm trees - a route especially perfect in the evening when the sea is magnificent. Park your car at Karaiskaki Stadium Parking or take the train to SEF Stadium (Ilektrikos - green line) and start your bike ride from this point.
Papagou - OAKA
Distance: 18 km
📍 Olympic Athletic Center of Athens (OAKA), Maroussi. @oaka.official
Distance: 18 km
📍 Olympic Athletic Center of Athens (OAKA), Maroussi. @oaka.official
Plenty of greenery and beautiful scenery along this comfortable route that starts from Papagou passes through Psychiko, Filothei, Kalogreza, and Maroussi. Along this route, there are a few hills and plenty of straightaways, which makes it an ideal route for amateur cyclists.
Neo Faliro - Pireus - Monastiraki
Distance: 7.55 km
📍 Piraiki, Piraeus. @danis_p_gr
Although it may sound scary to many, this is actually a very safe route. You'll travel along tree-planted streets with little traffic. The route mainly consists of straight paths that go through the picturesque neighborhoods of Petralona before arriving at Monastiraki Square.
Lake Marathon
Distance: 32 km
📍 Piraiki, Piraeus. @danis_p_gr
Although it may sound scary to many, this is actually a very safe route. You'll travel along tree-planted streets with little traffic. The route mainly consists of straight paths that go through the picturesque neighborhoods of Petralona before arriving at Monastiraki Square.
Lake Marathon
Distance: 32 km
📍 Lake Marathon. @dimitrakopoulou_eleni
No matter what is said about the landscape around Marathon Lake, there's nothing like seeing it for yourself, and what better way than along a lovely bike ride. This route starts off at Stamata Square and continues in the Vredou area, then reaches the lake and continues until you reach the water dam.
Antonis Tritsis Park
Distance: From 5 to 20 km
📍 Antonis Tritsis Metropolitan Park, Ilion. @qarachalios_photography
A bike ride in one of the most beautiful parks of Athens is an experience that you're sure to enjoy. Some of the routes are particularly difficult, but there are several excellent options for all types of cyclists. Of course, depending on your energy levels you can try different paths and enjoy the various landscapes that the park has to offer.
Published in
City Discovery
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Monday, 08 May 2017 07:00
Olympia Odos Patra-Bound Highway Opens to Motorists
One of the most tedious journeys – from Athens to Patra – will now take an hour and 40 minutes following the opening of the new Olympia Odos motorway.
As a continuation of the Athens-Corinth highway, the 120km two-lane (total of four lanes) Olympia Odos was officially launched by Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras.
There are 12 new tunnels across the Corinth-Patra motorway. The PM also added that the overhaul of the Athens-Patra suburban railway was in the pipeline.
To read this article in full, please visit: Greek Travel Pages
Photo Credit: Olympia Odos
Published in
Local News
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Tuesday, 18 July 2017 22:09
Greece Featured In Travel + Leisure's Picks For World's Best Islands
Summer is just another reason to travel, especially to places with plenty of sea, sun, and sand! Recently, Travel + Leisure published their list of Top 10 Islands in Europe and the 10 World’s Best Islands and not surprisingly, a few of Greece’s islands made the list!
Coming in at number 4, 5 and 6, on the Top 10 Islands in Europe were Crete, Paros, and Rhodes and the Dodecanese. Listed among some of the most beautiful islands in the world, the popular travel site featured Santorini as number 5.
Please visit Travel + Leisure to read both articles in full:
Published in
Greece In The News
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Thursday, 12 July 2018 07:00
Our Picks For The Best Events In Athens This July
This summer, Athens is jam-packed with all kinds of events! You can join a SUP yoga class at the beach, admire photos from the Athens Photo Festival, or watch a film (or two...or three) under the stars. Check out our list of cool things to do this July in Athens!
Athens & Epidaurus Festival 2018
It is Greece’s foremost cultural festival and one of the oldest performing arts festivals in Europe (1955). Each year, the Athens & Epidaurus Festival presents performances from acclaimed artists in theatre, dance, and music and attracts large audiences from around the world. The festival will run through August.
Click here for more info and this year's festival program.
Athens Open Air Film Festival - July Screenings
The beloved film-loving summer festival returns with its 8th edition of magical screenings from June to August. Special city corners, archaeological monuments, parks, squares, beaches and some of the most beautiful museums and sites in Athens transform into an open-air cinema with free entrance to the audience.
Click here for July screenings!
Athens Photo Festival Main Exhibition at the Benaki Museum
The main exhibition of the Athens Photo Festival will go through the month of July at the Benaki Museum. At the core of this festival is a range of events, including portfolio reviews, screenings, talks and discussions, workshops, and various community and participatory projects.
The main exhibition of the Athens Photo Festival will go through the month of July at the Benaki Museum. At the core of this festival is a range of events, including portfolio reviews, screenings, talks and discussions, workshops, and various community and participatory projects.
Click here for more info!
George Condo at the Museum of Cycladic Art
The Museum of Cycladic Art in Athens has the special honour of hosting the exhibition of George Condo from June to October. Condo is an artist who was vital in reviving the movement of figuration in America in the 1980s and he is also considered one of the most important American figurative sculptors and painters to this very day.
Click here for more info!
The Meet Market - The Association of Greek Archaeologists
Keeping with tradition, before we all head off on our vacations and much needed city breaks, we are getting together for one last Meet Market of the summer season at the Association of Greek Archaeologists. Set in an ever-so-enchanting garden in the city center, this is one of our all time favorite venues… surrounded by flowers and shade… right next to the Thisio Metro… and with a direct view to the Acropolis.
Click here to see what's on the schedule!
SUP Yoga In Athens
Lynn Roulo is bringing her Kundalini yoga skills to the sea this month. And what better way to practice yoga during the summer than on a stand-up paddle board! As Lynn says, "I can’t think of a better place than Greece for SUP Yoga! The water is warm, clean and clear, and the conditions are ideal since the sea is usually pretty flat. If there are waves, they are really gentle."
Be sure to click here for the SUP yoga schedule!
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