XpatAthens
Ancient Greece's Restored 'Tower Of Winds' Is Now Open To Public
To read this article in full, please visit: Ekathimerini
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Great Family-Friendly Hotels & Villas In Greece
1. Eumelia, Laconia, Peloponesse
Surrounded by more than a thousand olive trees, Eumelia is a sustainably minded, beautifully designed, biodynamic farm. Here you will find five guest cottages with beamed ceiling and geothermal heating. Activities change with the seasons: grape pressing, olive harvesting, or cooking lessons using organic produce from the farm. Kids can help the owners feed the animals, plant vegetables, and forage for the herbs used in various homemade delicacies.
How To Get There: Daily flights (45 minutes) from Athens to Ioannina, then one hour by car to Megalo Papigo.
3. Candili Estate, Prokopi, Evia
Located on the underrated island of Evia, this 10,000-acre estate is part has been in the Noel-Baker family since 1832. Nowadays, the granary has been converted into ten bedrooms that overlook a glistening pool. Philip Noel-Baker, the mischievous lord of the manor, encourages kids to pile into his vintage Land Rover for off-road adventures. Meals are great fun at the estate, as everyone gathers around communal tables to exchange stories over Stavroula’s delightful Greek food. The estate can host up to 25 people, making it an excellent option for large family vacations.
4. Verina Suites, Sifnos, Cyclades
It's not easy to find a hotel that appeals to children of all ages; however, Verina Suites on Sifnos island wins the bet and also offers plenty of perks for adults too. Parents can sip homemade lemonade or coctails at the pool while kids can fool around on giant inflatables or play table tennis. Shallow Platis Gialos beach is right across the road, with pedal boats, paddleboards and a lively strip of beachfront tavernas and bars to choose from.
How To Get There: Five hours by ferry or three hours by catamaran from Athens.
5. Little Bird, Lesvos, North Aegean
Every single soothingly simple villa at Little Bird on Lesvos offers unobstructed sea views. Little Bird is a relaxing retreat with shady gardens, cobbled terraces, and an infinity from which you might see monk seals or flamingos. Kids will love the fruit smoothies and home-made custard pies and parents can while away the afternoon tasting Lesvos' most famous products: sardines, olive oil, and ouzo.
How To Get There: Daily flights from Athens (50 minutes) or it’s 11 hours by ferry. Car hire is recommended.
To read the full list of family friendly Greek villas and hotels, please visit: The Guardian
July 2 - Athens: A City Of Many Faces
Where To Taste Great Asian Food In Athens
Mr. Dim
@mrdimathens
Mr. Dim invites you to try the most refined flavors of Asian cuisine. This small friendly restaurant takes its name from Dim Sum, the bite-sized portions of food served in small steamer baskets or plates usually accompanied by tea. Mr. Dim is a tiny restaurant, a few tables outside, and even fewer inside. Don't let its small size put you off; this little treasure serves delicious bao buns, yummy dim sum, and imaginative noodle dishes! What's best is that if you live near Nea Smyrni, Mr. Dim will deliver to your doorstep!
Address: 9 Kratitos & 59 Evridamantos, 117 45, Athens
Telephone: 210 9356041
E&O
@eandoathens
Located on the panoramic rooftop of the Athens Marriott hotel, E&O serves top-quality, delicious pan-Asian food in a stylish but casual setting with exceptional views to the SNFCC. Only the best ingredients are used to create an enticing fusion of flavors from Japan, China, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Malaysia. The food here is innovative, fresh, and beautifully presented. The tasty Thai Beef Salad, the delicious Kimchi Butter Edamame, and the Pork San Choi Bao are only a few of our favorite dishes!
Address: 385 Syngrou Avenue, 175 64, Athens
Telephone: 210 9471234
East Pearl
@eastpearl.gr
Address: 2 Apollonos 2, 105 57, Athens
Telephone: 210 3211218
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Are you a great restaurant? Get in touch so our tasters can visit!
Seven-Year Old Greek Pianist Composes 'Isolation Waltz'
To read this article in full,please visit: greekreporter.com
Cafes & Restaurants Reopen In Greece For Outdoor Service
To read this article in full please visit: ekathimerini.com
3 Greek Beaches Among The Best In Europe
Porto Katsiki Beach, Lefkada. Credit: @anna.vvagner
Lefkada’s Porto Katsiki beach is the first of three Greek entries on the list. As the article points out, it is a postcard-perfect beach on the south coast of the island, famous for its intense turquoise waters and sweeping views of the Ionian islands.
The second Greek beach on the list is Kleftiko, the most popular beach on Milos island. It's only accessible by boat or on foot. through a hiking path, but it's definitely worth visiting to marvel at its dramatic coastline. Not to mention its iconic volcanic rock formations, ideal for cliff-jumping.
Kleftiko Beach, Milos. Credit: @thetantraveler.
Seitan Limania, Chania, Crete. Credit: @soulrepresentations
Main image: @lefkadaslowguide
Unique Carnival Customs Around Greece
Let's explore some weird and wonderful traditions that have been passed down through generations.
Alevromoutzouroma, Galaxidi
Credit: George Tzafos Courtesy: alevromoutzouroma.grIn the town of Galaxidi, Apokries takes on a uniquely messy tradition known as Alevromoutzouroma, or Flour Wars. This custom likely traces back to the Byzantine era, when chariot racers would paint their faces. However, it wasn't until the maritime era, starting around 1840, that it gained widespread popularity, particularly among sailors bidding farewell to their families before embarking on their journeys.
During this festive occasion, the port of Galaxidi transforms into a battleground as participants armed with bags of flour engage in friendly battles, covering each other in powdery white. For visitors who prefer to stay flour-free, there is a simple solution: they have to sport a "moutzoura," or a cross on their forehead made of shoe polish, ensuring they remain unscathed amidst the floury madness.
Genitsaroi & Boules, Naousa
Credit: Xydas YiannisIn Naousa, during the festive season of Apokries, the town bursts into a vibrant celebration filled with laughter and colorful traditions. One such tradition involves the Genitsaroi and Boules, who bring history alive amidst a whirlwind of excitement. Months of preparation lead up to this uproarious affair, with participants scouring for the perfect attire and borrowing shiny baubles from family and friends.
The Genitsaroi proudly don their fustanellas, traditional skirts adorned with sparkling silver, and brandish their long swords, known as "palas." Their faces are covered with wax masks. On the other hand, the Boules, men dressed as women, are gracefully draped in flowing dresses. Their faces, too, hidden behind wax masks embellished with ribbons and flowers, exude an air of mystery. As the procession begins, led by excited children, the air fills with the lively melodies of the zurna and the rhythmic beats of the daouli drum. It's a spectacle of joy and merriment, marking the climax of this enchanting celebration.
The Stealing of the Bride, Rethymno
In the municipality of Mylopotamos in Rethymno, a unique tradition is revived during Clean Monday. This custom dates back to the Turkish occupation era. Participants reenact the scene with figures representing the bride, her six brothers, and characters like the Turkish judge. For about four centuries, locals have kept this tradition alive through playful acts, dancing, and enjoying traditional treats.
Before the wedding, the bride is "examined" by the Turkish judge to test her purity. The scene unfolds with the bride's siblings dancing in the square, while spectators pretend to be Turks trying to "steal" her. Despite attempts by the pretend Turks, the siblings protect the bride by playfully "hitting" them with screws. Eventually, the bride is "stolen" by people known to her brothers, only to return later, often pretending to be pregnant. The event is filled with laughter, music, and treats, creating a vibrant atmosphere that celebrates local culture and heritage.
Babougera, Serres
Credit: Geo Selalm The Tapoutzides, pivotal figures in the performance, safeguard the group, especially the bride, from potential "kidnappers" among the audience. Their tapus sticks, derived from the Turkish word for "ball," are used forcefully, instilling fear and respect. Additionally, characters like the bear and the monkey add to the spectacle, each symbolizing different aspects of village life and traditions. The event begins with church services and progresses through the village with accompanying bagpipes and bells, culminating in lively celebrations in the central square, including feasting and dancing.
Kodonofoi, Thessaloniki
Credit: Motion TeamEmbracing their heritage, villagers don sheepskin, animal hides, and masks, joining in the joyous Dionysian festivities. Amidst the clangor of bells and the spectacle of painted faces, the Kodonoforoi breathe life into tradition, embodying the enduring spirit of community and the resilience of cultural heritage in Thessaloniki.
Geroi & Koreles, Skyros
Apokries in Skyros, offers a glimpse into a colorful festival where tradition meets celebration. Among its key players are three central characters: the Old Man, Korela, and the Frank. The Old Man is dressed in traditional shepherd attire and a goatskin mask and carries on the legacy of generations past. His outfit, complete with heavy bells around his waist, creates a rhythmic melody as he moves.Korela, often embodied by women in traditional dress, adds to the spectacle with graceful dance moves and waving scarves. Meanwhile, the Frank's attire satirizes those who embraced Western fashion, adding a touch of humor to the festivities.
Throughout the carnival, participants engage in friendly competitions and perform satirical verses, reflecting on both island life and current events. The celebrations culminate in a lively gathering at the Castle, where the community comes together to revel in Skyros's rich cultural heritage.
Paxi: A Sanctuary Of Love For Gods
Cultural village of Europe for the year 2004, Paxi (or Paxoi) is the ideal island for a peaceful holiday. Fjord-shaped beaches, underwater caves, small bays and green hills welcome the lucky visitors. According to the legend, the island would be the southernmost tip of Corfu, if the God of the Sea, Poseidon, had not broken it off with his trident when he needed a god-deserving place to live his love with the Nereid Amphitrite.
Its capital and main port, Gaios (Gáios), is separated from its natural breakwater, the tiny island of Agios Nikolaos (Saint Nicholas), by a narrow channel, displaying one of the most beautiful port sceneries in Greece.
Not to be missed:
• the Venetian fortress of Agios Nikolaos
• the English Governor’s House
• the Paxi Museum and the churches and chapels of the area.
Visit the picturesque villages of Lóggos, Lákka and Oziás, tucked away in pine and olive trees. In the areas of Oziás, Yaná and Glyfáda, sulphur thermal springs offer an alternative treatment for rheumatics and other health conditions. Innumerable ravishing beaches await the fitter ones as a starting point for scuba diving into underwater caves and shipwrecks, and for top-notch windsurfing.
To read more, please see visitgreece.gr