XpatAthens
Thursday, 19 November 2015 07:00
Archaeologists Unearth “Greek Pompeii” In Sicily
As reported by London's Independent Newspaper, archaeologists unearthing the lost ancient city of Selinunte on Sicily's southwest coast have found a city frozen in time, little different from the day 2,500 years ago when it was suddenly attacked and its residents massacred and enslaved.
The allure of Sicily's beauty is nothing new. Around 650 B.C. the Mediterranean island seduced a band of colonists from the port of Megara in ancient Greece who settled near the mouth of a small river on the southwest coast. The colony - names for the wild celery ("selinon" in Greek) that grew in the surrounding hills overlooking the sea - grew into a prosperous trading port. Ships from across the ancient world sailed into its harbor. Residents of the city of 30,000 at the far western edge of anceint Greece purchased good from Egypt, Tirkey and France with coins imprinted with images of celery leaves. With its commercial wealth, the city erected mighty temples to a pantheon of Greek deities.
Approximately 2,500 years ago, however, the glory days of the city the Greeks called Selinus came to an abrupt end, In 409 B.C., an estimated force of 100,000 troops from Carthage traveled across the sea from modern-day Tunisia and laid siege to the city. After Selinunte held out for 10 day, the Carthaginian invaders breached the city's walls and massacred approximately 16,000 residents and soldiers who tried to defend the city. Another 5,000 residents, mostly women and children, were taken as slaves, The once-thriving city became a ghost town after the attack. Carthage's attempts to repopulate Selinunte never took hold, and it finally razed the city around 250 B.C. during the First Punic War.
To read more, please visit: History.com
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Greece In The News
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Monday, 01 February 2016 07:00
Greek Olive Oil Finally Gains Recognition
The local reputation of this premium product is travelling beyond the country's borders.
Slowly but surely, thanks to the great efforts of passionate people to overcome numerous obstacles, Greek olive oil is at last getting the recognition it deserves. While locals have long claimed that Greece produces the best olive oil in the world, it’s now being recognized as a premium product beyond the country’s borders. For a number of years now, Greek olive oil has been venturing out into the world in artfully designed packaging that almost makes you regret opening it, and presented as a precious elixir, all the time winning new fans.
Gaea is a champion in exporting packaged olive oil, which constitutes 50 percent of its sales. This year the company launched its latest product in the US, an extra-virgin olive oil from the Koroneiki variety that does not come into contact with light or air from the time of pressing to the moment the bottle is opened, which has met with great success. The neck of the bottle is filled with nitrogen “to ensure that the product retains all its excellent characteristics until the moment of consumption,” says Gaea CEO Aris Kefalogiannis.
The Greek capital controls briefly held up the Japanese launch of George Koropoulis’s Maleas olive oil, made with organically grown olives from Laconia, cold pressed with very low acidity and a distinctive taste, also stocked by Harrods. But this was his year and he reaped the rewards: a gold medal in the Olive Japan 2015 competition, gold for taste and silver for packaging in the Los Angeles International Extra Virgin Olive Oil Competition, and a Gold Medal in the Premio Biol 2015 in Apulia, Italy. In Greece, Maleas also received the olive oil production award for 2015 from Gastronomos magazine.
To read more, please visit: Greece Is
To read more, please visit: Greece Is
by
Tania Georgiopoulou
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Greece In The News
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Thursday, 26 January 2017 07:00
Emirates Launches Daily Year-Round Service From Athens To New York
Emirates is expected to successfully fill a gap and undertake an important role in the Greek market. On Monday, the airline announced that it will launch a new daily service from Dubai to Newark Liberty International Airport, via Athens, starting on March 12, 2017.
Emirates’ new Dubai-Athens-Newark flight will provide a year-round non-stop daily service between the United States and Greece.
Emirates flight EK209 will depart Dubai at 10:50 local time, arriving in Athens at 14:25 before departing again at 16:40 and arriving into Newark at 22:00 on the same day. The return flight EK210 will depart Newark at 23:45 local time, arriving in Athens the next day at 15:05. EK210 will depart once again from Athens at 17:10 bound for Dubai where it will arrive at 23:50.
According to Athens International Airport studies and surveys, the substantial indirect traffic flows between Athens and US exceed 570,000 passengers annually, while only last summer (2016) the direct passenger volumes to NYC (seasonal services) grew by 52 percent, reaching 156,000 passengers. Thus, the ATH-NYC market size represents a unique opportunity within Europe for year round services development to US.
The United States is also home to the largest overseas Greek community in the world, numbering approximately 1.3 million, and the New York City metropolitan area has the largest community of Greek Americans in the country.
To read this article in full, please visit: Greek Travel Pages
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International Travel
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Monday, 03 April 2017 07:00
New Pedestrian-Friendly Streets In Athens
In an effort to improve the quality of life in the city center, the City of Athens is proceeding with its scheme to revamp Athens commercial district. Two new pedestrianized streets, Vyssis and Kairi in the area of Psyrri will be accessible to Athens’ residents and visitors.
According to an announcement by the City of Athens, traffic will be diverted and drivers will be able to reach Athinas street through Mitropoleos and Karagiorgi Servias streets. Xrysospiliotissis street is now banned to cars from the junction of Praksitelous street to Vyssis street.
To read this article in full, please visit: Greek Travel Pages
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Local News
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Tuesday, 31 October 2017 09:33
Mikres Kyklades - From Island To Table
Born and raised on Schinoussa island, Antonis Kovaios came to Athens when he was 12 years old, returning to Schinoussa every year for holidays. After opening a successful beach bar in 1995 on Schinoussa, Antonis expanded his culinary dreams into Athens, and in 2005 opened Mikres Kyklades (Small Cyclades) in Ilioupoli. Culinary Backstreets tells Antonis’ story of how he incorporated his island upbringing to his Small Cyclades-inspired taverna in the city.
“Just like the seafood tavernas on the islands, Mikres Kyklades is small, warm and simple. Besides the white tablecloths (you’ll find disposable table covers at most island tavernas), the only other sign that you’re not on an island is the restaurant’s location on a quiet, residential street – nowhere near the sea.”
“Antonis is almost always there, with an islander’s smile on his face and a permanent suntan, making sure everything runs smoothly. In the kitchen, you’ll find Stavros Spanelis in charge; another inspired islander (this time from Lesvos), Stavros shares Antonis’s obsession with high-quality and fresh ingredients.”
To read this article in full, please visit: Culinary Backstreets
Photo Credit: Culinary Backstreets
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Restaurants In Athens
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Tuesday, 25 September 2018 12:51
Santorini's Experience Schedule 2018
“Santorini Experience” is approaching, as in October 5-7, the thrilling running and swimming races will take place for the 4th consecutive year in Santorini, the world-famous tourist destination of unparalleled beauty.
Santorini Experience will attract once again the public interest, where both professional and amateur athletes will participate in running and open water swimming races. The running races will take place on Saturday October 6, 2018 and the open water swimming with the breathtaking view of the island on Sunday October 7, 2018.
In particular, on Saturday 06/10, the races of 15 km and 10 km will start at 08:15 am, while the 5 km “Aristides Alafouzos” race will start at 11:00 am. All races have as a starting point the desalination plant located in Oia.
On Sunday 07/10, action will be transferred in the old port of Fira. The swimmers will feel the intense atmosphere of the volcano with the imposing view of the island in front of them. The starting point of the unique Open Water Swimming by Vikos will be the volcano and the race will finish in the old port of Fira. The race will start at 10:00 am and the route is 1.5 miles (2.4 km).
The swimming race is always implemented with absolute safety, with the approval of the Hellenic Swimming Federation and following the FINA regulations. Attila Manyoki, the prestigious Hungarian swimmer, who excels in open water races and is a member of the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame (IMSHOF) is going to take part in the swimming race once again. The British two times silver Olympic medalist, Jazz Carlin, will also join Attila Manyoki in the swimming race, providing extra value in the event. In addition, it is worth to highlight the participation of the twin Greek expatriates racing with the colors of the national team of Netherlands, George and Timos Skotadis.
Watch an impressive video of the Open Water Swimming by Vikos HERE!
In terms of the social events, Municipal Sports Cultural Environmental Organization of Santorini (DAPPOS) will host an open concert with C:Real, in the surrounding area of the Indoor Hall DAPPOS, on Saturday October 6, at 20:00 pm. At 19:15 pm the International Dancing Group of Santorini “Stamatina Xiarchou” & Association of Pontians Eptamyloi Serres “Akrites” will open the concert.
The swimming race is always implemented with absolute safety, with the approval of the Hellenic Swimming Federation and following the FINA regulations. Attila Manyoki, the prestigious Hungarian swimmer, who excels in open water races and is a member of the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame (IMSHOF) is going to take part in the swimming race once again. The British two times silver Olympic medalist, Jazz Carlin, will also join Attila Manyoki in the swimming race, providing extra value in the event. In addition, it is worth to highlight the participation of the twin Greek expatriates racing with the colors of the national team of Netherlands, George and Timos Skotadis.
Watch an impressive video of the Open Water Swimming by Vikos HERE!
In terms of the social events, Municipal Sports Cultural Environmental Organization of Santorini (DAPPOS) will host an open concert with C:Real, in the surrounding area of the Indoor Hall DAPPOS, on Saturday October 6, at 20:00 pm. At 19:15 pm the International Dancing Group of Santorini “Stamatina Xiarchou” & Association of Pontians Eptamyloi Serres “Akrites” will open the concert.
On Friday, October 5, at 12.00 pm on the occasion of Santorini Experience, Samsung (as the official technology partner), in cooperation with the local Kotsovolos store, will organize the event “Kotsovolos and Samsung present the Hotel of the Future” at the conference hall of DAPPOS informing the island’s hoteliers of all the latest developments and the benefits of technology in their industry.
From now on, registrations can only be made at the store of events’ official sponsor, Alafouzos Sport, in Fira. Particularly, from Thursday 4/10 to Saturday 6/10, participants can receive their racing kits and registration numbers from Alafouzos Sport store (open hours: 09:00 – 21:00). Otherwise, runners and swimmers can receive their registration numbers one hour before the start of their race from the starting point of their races, on Saturday 6 October and on Sunday 7 October respectively.
Innovation is part of our event and this is proven by our new promising partnership.
Luanvi, the leading company in the sportswear industry in Spain, with more than 35 years of history and a great number of partnerships with professional teams from all team sports, is also the official sponsor of the Spanish Paralympic team and Spanish Tennis Federation.
Luanvi excels in the area of running, providing technical shirts and high quality sportswear at almost 40 competitions per year (indicative of this is the company’s exclusive partnership with Valencia Marathon). The Spanish sportswear manufacturer will cooperate for the first time with Santorini Experience. As the event’s official sports supplier, Luanvi will offer an extremely innovative sports T-shirt to all participants.
DNA Travel, as the official transport partner of the event, with a view to facilitate the transportation of all athletes and running participants to Oia and swimming participants to the old port of Fira, will implement the routes below:
On Saturday, October 6, two routes will be put into practice. The boarding point of the first route will be the Church of Timios Stavros, in Perissa, at 05:45 am with one stop in Fira (opposite to the old health center) at 06:30 am and final destination the desalination plant (Oia). The second route will start at 07:45 from Perissa (Church of Timios Stavros), with one stop in Fira (opposite to the old health center) at 08:30 am and the same final destination. When it comes to the participants return, another route has been scheduled at 12:30 pm from Oia to Fira and Perissa.
In addition, on Sunday, October 7, the participants of the open water swimming race will be transferred from the Church of Timios Stavros, Perissa at 08:00 am to the starting point of the race in the old port of Fira. The transportation of swimmers from the old port of Fira to the volcano will start at 09:30 am. DNA Travel has arranged another route at 14:00 pm from Fira (opposite to the old health center) to Athinios port (the main port of Thira).
Samsung is the official technology partner of the event. Ryanair is the official airline partner. Official sponsors are for one more year, Ford Motor Hellas, Natural Mineral Water “Vikos”, Blue Star Ferries, Alafouzos Sport, Athina Luxury Suites and Santo Maris Oia Luxury Suites & Spa. Official Supporters are Santorini Hoteliers Association, Meltemi Hotels & Resorts, Aqua Vista Hotels, Boatmen Union Santorini and Avance Rent A Car. DNA Travel is the official transport partner and National Geographic the Strategic Partner.
“Santorini Experience” is a co-organization of Municipality of Santorini, Municipal Sports Cultural Environmental Organization of Santorini (DAPPOS) and Active Media Group. The event is held under the auspices of the Greek National Tourism Organization and approved by the Hellenic Swimming Federation.
More info at www.santorini-experience.com
More info at www.santorini-experience.com
Official Technology Partner: Samsung
Official Airline Partner: Ryanair
Official Sports Supplier: Luanvi
Official Sponsors: Ford Motor Hellas, Natural Mineral Water “Vikos”, Blue Star Ferries, Alafouzos Sport, Athina Luxury Suites, Santo Maris Oia Luxury Suites & Spa
Official Supporters: Santorini Hoteliers Association, Meltemi Hotels & Resorts, Aqua Vista Hotels, Boatmen Union Santorini, Avance Rent A Car
Official Transport Partner: DNA Travel
Strategic Partner: National Geographic
Assisted by: Lifeguard Patrol, Assyrtico Wine Restaurant Café, Hellenic Recovery Recycling Corporation, Voluntary Lifeguards of Santorini, Mediterranean Dive Club, Santorini Nautical Club, Department of Sports Organization & Management from University of Peloponnese
Hospitality Sponsors: Santorini Hoteliers Association, Meltemi Hotels & Resorts, Aqua Vista Hotels, Athina Luxury Suites, Santo Maris Oia Luxury Suites & Spa, Canaves Oia, Santo Houses, West East Suites, Desiterra Luxury Suites & Villas, 270 Oia’s View, Fanouris Condo, Monolithia, Casa Iphigenia, Sienna Resort, Esperas Santorini, Casa Iphigenia, Loizos Stylish Residencies
Official travel agent: VitaNTravel
Official Hashtag: #SantoriniExperience
Photo credit: Elias Lefas
Photo credit: Elias Lefas
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Local News
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Thursday, 03 December 2020 07:00
Interesting Facts About Greek Olive Oil
Greek olive oil is famous all over the world for its quality, rounded flavor, and unique health benefits. Many Greek olive oils have won awards at highly acclaimed international olive oil competitions.
Olive oil is an essential ingredient in Greek cuisine and an integral part of the Mediterranean diet – which is considered the healthiest in the world!
Olive oil is an essential ingredient in Greek cuisine and an integral part of the Mediterranean diet – which is considered the healthiest in the world!
A few interesting facts about olive oil, to help you fully appreciate Greece's 'liquid gold.'
1. Greece is the 3rd largest olive oil producer in the world and the biggest exporter of extra virgin olive oil. Greek extra virgin olive oil is even exported to other oil producing countries such as Italy and Spain.
3. Each Greek person consumes an average of 26 liters of olive oil a year!
4. A mature olive tree will produce 15- 20 kilos of olives each year. It takes about 5 kilos of olives to make a liter of oil; therefore, an olive tree yields 3-4 liters of oil each year.
5. Extra virgin olive oil has a delicious, clean flavor and is produced from the first pressing of the olives without any use of solvents, and in specific temperatures that will not degrade the oil.
6. The fresher the olive oil is, the better it tastes. After about a year, it's best to use the oil for cooking, while keeping the fresher oil for dressing salads and other cold uses.
7. Olive oil has a high content of monounsaturated fats; studies have shown that replacing saturated fats with monounsaturated fats, can lower the risk of coronary heart disease.
8. It is a proven fact that olive oil helps reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) and increases the level of good cholesterol (HDL).
9. Olive oil is very high in oleic acid, which helps reduce blood pressure and contains several antioxidants such as vitamin E, carotenoids, and oleuropein.
This content has been sourced and prepared by Codico Lab
Published in
Greek Food & Diet
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Tuesday, 16 July 2019 02:17
e-Fresh Sponsored Newsletter 3 - Summer 2019
Summer in Greece is beautiful, but it's not a piece of cake! Here are some useful tips on how to protect yourself from the scorching Greek sun and of course... mosquitoes!
Please click HERE to view this issue of our newsletter!
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Newsletters
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Thursday, 05 December 2019 02:18
International Team Of Scientists Explore Undewater Santorini Volcano
A team of international scientists researching the submerged Kolumbo volcano off the island of Santorini discovered unknown hydrothermal fountains around which bacterial communities are flourishing.
The oceanographic research mission consists of 30 scientists from the United States, Greece, Australia, and Germany and is funded and supported by NASA.
The scientists tested new 'intelligent' technologies with Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs). AUVs can be used in the future to explore alien oceans on satellites of Jupiter and Saturn, such as Europe and Enceladus, where submarine traces of life will be investigated in extreme and possibly dangerous circumstances. The researchers were satisfied with the ability of the AUVs to receive and successfully execute orders in an unknown environment such as that of the Kolumbo volcano.
To read this article in full, please visit: Greek Reporter
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Greece In The News
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Friday, 16 October 2020 08:46
31 Greek Museums Receive International Recognition
Even though many Greek museums previously received negative reviews for lack of innovation and modernism, it seems that a lot has changed.
Lately, 31 of the country’s public museums have earned TripAdvisor’s 2020 Traveler’s Choice badge, in recognition of consistently great user reviews.
Indeed, in the past few years, both public and privately owned museums have been striving to improve their communication skills, offer more activities and adapt to new technologies. Now, Greek public museums great excellent reviews from visitors and rank among the top 10% of recommended places to visit this year.
The Association of Greek Archaeologists published the list of the 31 museums that were awarded the “Traveler’s Choice 2020” badge on their website:
Lately, 31 of the country’s public museums have earned TripAdvisor’s 2020 Traveler’s Choice badge, in recognition of consistently great user reviews.
Indeed, in the past few years, both public and privately owned museums have been striving to improve their communication skills, offer more activities and adapt to new technologies. Now, Greek public museums great excellent reviews from visitors and rank among the top 10% of recommended places to visit this year.
The Association of Greek Archaeologists published the list of the 31 museums that were awarded the “Traveler’s Choice 2020” badge on their website:
- National Archaeological Museum (Athens)
- Byzantine and Christian Museum (Athens)
- Museum of Byzantine Culture (Thessaloniki)
- Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki
- Heraklion Archaeological Museum
- Numismatic Museum of Athens
- Museum of Asian Art of Corfu
- Archaeological Museum of Volos
- Archaeological Museum of Delphi
- Archaeological Museum of Thassos
- Archaeological Museum of Thebes
- Archaeological Museum of Ancient Corinth
- Archaeological Museum of Lemnos
- Archaeological Museum of Messenia
- Archaeological Museum of Naxos
- Archaeological Museum of Nafplion
- Archaeological Museum of Olympia
- Archaeological Museum of Patras
- Archaeological Museum of Piraeus
- Archaeological Museum of Pellas
- Archaeological Museum of Pythagorion (Samos)
- Archaeological Museum of Rethymnon
- Archaeological Museum of Rhodes (Hospital of the Knights)
- Archaeological Museum of Chania
- Byzantine Museum of Veria
- Diachronic Museum of Larissa
- Museum of the Ancient Agora (Athens)
- Museum of the Royal Tombs of Agai (Vergina)
- White Tower Museum (Thessaloniki)
- Museum of the History of the Olympic Games of Antiquity (Olympia)
- Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes
To read this article in full, please visit: greece-is.com
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Local News
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