Greece took one more step towards making destinations accessible to people with disabilities following a recent agreement between Tourism Minister Vassilis Kikilias and the National Confederation of Persons with Disabilities (ESAmeA).
Under the protocol of cooperation, the ministry and ESAmeA commit to a series of initiatives including the provision of comprehensive accessibility information, the inclusion of relevant curriculum at tourism schools on all levels, the development of education and training programs for people with disabilities in tourism professions and support actions for their employment and inclusion in the labor market.
Speaking in February during a special committee, ESAmeA President Ioannis Vardakastanis had said efforts were being made to host the Annual General Assembly (AGA) of the European Disability Forum (EDF) in Athens in June. However, Vardakastanis said the confederation, which this year presides over the assembly, was finding it difficult to find 20 accessible rooms “despite the plethora of expensive 5-star hotels”.
Vardakastanis went on to stress that an agreement with tourism stakeholders was crucial in order to make accessible tourism a priority with specific results-oriented time-frames and targets that will ensure accessibility onboard ships, tourist buses, at hotels, on mass transport, on beaches, and at archeological sites, “and to ensure these works are reliable consistent,” he said.
Earlier this year, Kikilias said establishing Greece as an accessible tourism destination was a ministry priority, adding that the focus was now on turning words into actions and “giving people with disability the chance to participate wholly and equally in the tourism chain”.
To read this article in full, please visit:news.gtp.gr
Greece may be known as a summer destination, boasting a unique coastline with numerous islands and drop-dead gorgeous sun-kissed beaches. Its natural beauty, though, goes far beyond just that.
Let's take a look at 5 beautiful destinations for a winter escape in Greece!
Mountainous Nafpaktia
Credit: @georgia_damaskou
Nature lovers and adventure seekers will fall in love with mountainous Nafpaktia. Nafpaktos town features many attractions, with the well-preserved castle standing out from the rest. What will totally blow your mind, though, are the mountain villages in the area, especially Elatou and Ano Chora, hidden away in dense forests with chestnut trees. It's been on our travel list for years, but it still manages to stay off the beaten path and retain its traditional character.
Make sure to:Pay a visit to a localtsipouradiko and try an adventurous sport like rafting or mountain biking!
Trikala
If winter destinations near Attica had a king, it would undoubtedly be Trikala in Corinth, located just 2 hours away from the capital. Blessed with imposing mountains, beautiful lakes, and extraordinary natural beauty, Trikala combines modern comforts, like hotels and luxurious chalets, with the most scenic landscapes. It’s a family-friendly destination that's also popular among skiers and snowboarders, with the Ziria Ski Resort just a breath away.
Make sure to: Try the special grilled ribs at a local tavern and go skiing at Ziria Ski Resort!
Plastira Lake
Credit: @antonios_papagiannopoulos
Perhaps the most beautiful sunset in mountainous Greece—regardless of the 340 kilometers one must travel to enjoy this magical moment when the sun disappears behind the Agrafos peaks, the fjords darken, and the lake waters turn an eerie blue color. The lake is surrounded by a whopping 18 picturesque villages, each with unique beauty. The most famous of them is probably Neochori and the views from there are simply breathtaking.
Make sure to: Visit Agnanti Restaurant, the perfect spot to watch the sunset, and go canoe-kayaking!
Metsovo
Credit: @alkis_dimos
Amphitheatrically built on one of the mountain peaks of the mighty Pindus, Metsovo is the perfect blend of mountainous beauty and traditional Greek character. Folklore and living traditions coexist harmoniously; they support each other and somehow create an authentic whole. Among the must-visit places are the art gallery, the park of Agios Georgios, a grove with all kinds of trees found in Pindos, the cheese factory, and the winery of Averof.
Make sure to: Visit the historic monastery of Agios Nikolaos, which has frescoes from the 17th century!
Grevena
Credit: Thanos Stoupas
Dense forests, with mainly beech but also black pine and robola, cover the slopes of the mountains. The most beautiful of the surrounding settlements is Spilaio, where, just a few kilometers outside the village, you will also find the bridge of Portitsa guarding the narrow passage of a gorge. The village of Kalloni is a well-kept secret of jaw-dropping beauty (Angelopoulos had previously used it as a setting in one of his films), but the road network is not good.
Make sure to: Visit the ski resort and, if you make it that far, why not pay a visit to Ioannina close by!
Greek cinema has witnessed a renaissance in recent years, offering audiences a diverse array of captivating stories that reflect the complexities of modern Greek society.
From historical dramas to contemporary romances, here are some Greek films from the past decade that are definitely worth your time!
1. Little England" (2013)
Director:Pantelis Voulgaris Starring:Penelope Tsilika, Sofia Kokkali, Aneza Papadopoulou, Maximos Moumouris
This captivating period drama is set on the picturesque island of Andros in the 1930s. The film intricately explores the lives of the inhabitants of a small island community, delving into themes of love, betrayal, and familial duty. Penelope Tsilika delivers a mesmerizing performance as Orsa, a young woman torn between tradition and desire in a society dictated by societal norms.
2. Worlds Apart (2015)
Director:Christoforos Papakaliatis Starring:J.K. Simmons, Christophoros Papakaliatis, Andrea Osvárt, Maria Kavoyianni, Minas Hatzisavvas
Directed by Christoforos Papakaliatis, "Worlds Apart" interweaves three distinct narratives that explore love, connection, and cultural differences in contemporary Greece. Through its ensemble cast and thought-provoking storyline, the film offers a reflection on the complexities of human relationships in an increasingly globalized world.
Spanning across time and space, "Roza of Smyrna" narrates a captivating tale that intertwines the lives of characters in Izmir in 1922 and Athens in 1987. Director George Kordellas skillfully navigates between these timelines, unraveling a story of secrets, love, and the enduring power of the past. Lida Protopsalti delivers a mesmerizing performance as Roza, a woman with a hidden past that resurfaces through the pursuit of an old love.
4. The Other Me (2016)
Director: Sotiris Tsafoulias
Starring: Pigmalion Dadakaridis, Dimitris Katalifos, François Cluzet, Kora Karvouni, Giorgos Chrysostomou
"The Other Me" is a gripping psychological thriller about the dark recesses of the human mind. The film follows the journey of a man grappling with identity and reality after a traumatic event leaves him questioning his own existence and a criminology professor who attempts to solve several murders, with only a series of Pythagoras quotes providing the elusive link between them.
Directed by Yannis Smaragdis, "Kazantzakis" offers a captivating exploration of the life and legacy of the renowned Greek writer Nikos Kazantzakis. Through brilliant performances and breathtaking cinematography, the film delves into the complex psyche of Kazantzakis, portraying his struggles, passions, and literary genius.
Following the journey of Eftyhia Papagiannopoulou, a young woman who flees the burning of Smyrna and rises to prominence as a celebrated lyricist in Athens, this film celebrates her resilience and artistic legacy.
Set during the occupation of Smyrna in 1922, this gripping film chronicles the experiences of the wealthy Greek Baltatzis family amidst the turmoil of the Greco-Turkish War. As the Turkish army inflicts atrocities upon the local Greek and Armenian populations, the Baltatzis family grapples with the harsh realities of war and the subsequent exodus of Smyrna's ethnic Greeks.
Set on the remote island of Skiathos circa 1900, "Murderess" is a gripping adaptation of the classic work by Alexandros Papadiamantis. The tragic story revolves around Hadoula, a woman ensnared in the suffocating grip of her mother's rejection and the oppressive constraints of a patriarchal society.
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We are a group of volunteers whose mission is the care and the protection of stray animals that are living within the region of the Municipality of Nea Filadelphia in Athens, Greece. We desperately need donations for the shelter - our operational costs are 3,000-5,000 euros per month. We are able to raise about 1,000 euros per month from private donations and the remainder is gathered from the volunteers. Even as little as 5 euros can make a difference! (5 euros will feed a puppy for 3 days or a kitten for 8 days).
The Friends of Animals - NF rescue shelter accepts cash donations, PayPal, money order or direct deposit into our bank account. You can also adopt a pet, or virtually adopt (sponsor) one! For more details, please see the website.
CONTACT: Kiki Karathanassi
DONATIONS: We are a registered charity (#25700) and will issue a tax receipt for all donations made in Greece and internationally upon request.
Find Filozoikos Friends of Animals Nea Filadelfia on Social Media:
Stemnitsa is one of the most beautiful towns in southern Greece, wondrously perched 1050 meters above sea level amid a forest of fir and chestnut trees. It is built on the archaeological site of ancient Ypsous and was under the rule of the town of Gortynia. In later years (7th-10th century AD) the name of Ypsous has changed to Stemnitsa due to the installation of a Slavic population in the general area.
For centuries the stone village was one of the Balkans' best-known metalworking centers, and today a minuscule school is still staffed by local artisans.
Above the lively square rises the bell tower of the church of Ayios Giorgios and at the top of a nearby hill is the monument to fighters in the 1821 War of Independence against the Turks. Stemnitsa, in fact, claims to have been the capital of Greece for a few weeks in 1821, when it was the center for rebels who successfully routed the Turks. The views throughout the town are phenomenal, especially at night when the village lies beneath of canopy of bright stars.
Folklore Museum of Stemnitsa
The unusual Folklore Museum of Stemnitsa devotes one floor to models of workshops for indigenous crafts such as candle making and bell casting; the other two floors house re-created traditional rooms and a charmingly haphazard collection of costumes, weapons, icons, and plates.
Contact Information:
Address: Off main road, Stemnitsa, 22024 Phone: 27950/81252 Cost: Free Hours: Daily 8:30-3 Moni Ayiou Ioannitou
From the north side of town, a well-marked path leads through the mountains to the isolated monastery of Moni Ayiou Ioannitou, with a little chapel, covered in frescoes, that is generally open. From the monastery other paths lead through a beautiful, wooded valley to the banks of the river Lousios. Several other monasteries, closed to visitors, are nestled alongside the riverbank.
With less than two weeks to go until critical snap elections, political parties are to ratchet up their rhetoric following a weekend of vehement campaigning that included Prime Minister Antonis Samaras pledging a series of tax cuts as part of a “roadmap for a post-bailout Greece.” Samaras pledged tax cuts in a speech before New Democracy cadres on Saturday in Athens, adding that there will be no further reductions to pensions and salaries.
He promised to scale back a unified property tax (ENFIA) as of this year, to introduce a flat corporate tax rate of 15 percent and to revoke pension and benefit cuts for ethnic Greeks from the Soviet Union and Black Sea region. He envisaged the creation of 770,000 jobs by boosting growth in a number of sectors, adding that primary residences would be protected and heralding incentives for the repatriation of funds removed from Greece during the crisis years.
“Now we are entering a growth period and it is time for increases,” Samaras said, noting that any boosts will be properly priced and will not unbalance the budget. He added that Greece could “exit the memorandum a year before schedule.”
Athens was never famed for its beaches, but in recent years its becoming more and more popular to stay 'close to home' for fun in the sun. And why not? You can experience a small piece of island magic without ever having to set foot on a ferry. Here is a list of great beaches in Athens and within a 60 minute drive of the city.
Alimos beach – 11km away
Alimos beach is most famous for its fine sandy beachfront, located in close proximity to the city centre. It is very well connected with the local transportation and can be found 11 km south of Syntagma Square in the center of Greece’s capital. This means, of course, that Alimos beach is crowded most summer days – Athens is a city of more than six million, and all those people desperately want to cool off during the hottest summer days. Yet thanks to its size, there will always be enough space to set up an umbrella and do some sunbathing!
Vouliagmeni lake – 23km away
The Lake of Vouliagmeni is a natural lake 12 m deep, and a perfect gem along the Athenian Riviera. It is located a few meters from the sea: many people prefer to take a dive in its crystal-clear and extremely cool waters instead of the Aegean Sea's salty ones.
Vouliagmeni lake is a wonderfully relaxing place to visit during a hot summer day. You can enjoy a swim in its beautiful cool waters before getting a drink from the nice cafe right at the edge of the lake. You can even have your wedding there, and rent the whole place out if you can afford it!
Vouliagmeni beach – 23km away Close to Vouliagmeni Lake and Limanakia lies the sandy beach of Vouliagmeni, one of the best-organized beaches which offers all types of beach facilities. Tennis and volleyball courts, a play area for children, a water slide, individual cabins and a restaurant are some of the features that make the area famous among Athenians. Nightclubs can also be found there, and on weekends there are plenty of chances to come across an open beach party so you can have a beer, dance with laid-back locals and experience a summer night in Athens.
Limanakia – 23km away
Vouliagmeni lake and the beach of Limanakia, meaning “small ports” in Greek, are separated by the seaside road that connects the city of Athens with Cape Sounion, mentioned above. And by the way, this route makes for the best possible seaside road-trip in the Attika region. A visit to the Lake means that you can also take a dive in the Aegean Sea simply by crossing that road. Limanakia is not an actual beach: rather, it is the rocky edge of the land on which Athens is built. However, as it is easily accessible, many Athenians head there to cool off simply by jumping off the small rocks to the cool waters of the Aegean and then climbing back up. Please remember that you can only do that when the waters are calm, as a heavy sea will make climbing up very dangerous.
Cape Sounion beach – 65 km away
Let’s go a little bit further this time: 56 kilometers away from Athens city center, to Cape Sounion, as it is truly an amazing site that should not be missed during your vacation in Athens. The sight of this splendid rocky promontory rising out of the Aegean is one of the best in Athens. At its highest point one can see the Temple of Poseidon, which was originally constructed in around 600 BCE, and rebuilt by Pericles in 440 BCE following its destruction by the Persians in 480 BCE. The Temple of Poseidon at Sounion is a must-see for travelers to Athens, and luckily for them there is a really nice beach located a few hundred meters away from the Temple’s entrance. If you want to spend the night, there are also numerous luxury and budget hotels nearby!
Legrena beach – 64 km away
Legrena is the last beach before reaching Sounion, and the Templae of Poseidon lies a few meters further down the road. The beach is located 60 km southeast of Athens and 3km west of Sounion, and for many meters surrounded by a protected cove. This beach is totally disorganized, but one of the cleanest in Athens and quite unspoilt. There are many taverns and cafeterias in the wider region, where you can enjoy a coffee or a delicious meal by the sea. It can get a bit crowded on weekends but it’s perfect during the week days.
Porto Germeno – 60km away Porto Germeno, whose real name comes from the ancient settlement of Aigosthena, in antiquity used to be the port of Megara at Corinthiakos Bay. Porto Germeto is also a long beach, located 60 kilometers west of Athens' city center. The beach is not very organized, but it is pretty popular and often busy. This is especially true on weekends, when local residents come to enjoy the sea. The waters on this side of Athens are spectacular and island-like, making Porto Germeno one of the best beaches for anyone who loves crystal-clear, cool waters. It is also one of the most family-friendly beaches in Attika.
To read this article in full, please visit: GBTimes
It has often been said, that you can’t dig a hole in Athens without finding something of archaeological value. This was certainly the case when they created the underground Metro system. Thousands of artefacts dating back millennia were uncovered, all adding to the overall knowledge of Athens in the past. Some of these finds were transferred to already existing museums. At Syntagma Station though, they went one step further.
Syntagma Metro Station is the central station where all lines connect. The Syntagma Metro Station Archaeological Collection can be found at the top floor of the station complex.
There are cases exhibiting artefacts such as weaving loomes and clay amphorae from all the periods of settlement in Athens. You can find neolithic, classical Greek, Roman and Byzantine exhibits all within one metro station.
The Archeological Collection is free to look around. Theoretically, if you have passed the barriers for access to the metro, you should have a validated metro ticket (tickets cost €1.20).
