XpatAthens

Friday, 13 October 2023 07:00

Best Greek Islands To Visit In October

Most people tend to think that Greece is mainly a summer destination, thanks to its numerous wonderful islands and sun-drenched beaches. Indeed, summer in Greece is an awesome experience, however, the country is a year-round destination, and, not only that, but it's especially beautiful during the shoulder seasons, spring and autumn.

October, in particular, seems to be a rather popular month for people to visit Greece, as the weather is much warmer than most other places in Europe and it can be a great off-season break. Here's a list of our favorite Greek islands to visit this October!

Hydra

Hydra

@greeceintrips

The cosmopolitan island of Hydra is the perfect weekend getaway, thanks to its close proximity to Athens. Upon visiting the island, it's like taking a journey back in time because there are no cars there, and people get around by donkeys! Among others, you will certainly admire nature, the neoclassical architecture, and the island's sincere authenticity. Hydra is also considered an ideal hiking destination, with a network of trails expanding over 80kms all around the island.

Corfu

@katsinis.photo

Corfu may be a very popular summer destination (and rightly so!), however, it's much more atmospheric in autumn. Imagine strolling around the Old Town, admiring the fortress, marveling at the charming Venetian and Italianate buildings, and sipping hot cappuccino while you are people-watching in the Spiniada square. Of course, don't forget to visit the Archaeological Museum!

Syros

@syroszen

Famed for its neo-classical architecture, Syros, the capital of the Greek Cyclades islands is a very charming place and it can be quite intriguing in October. With a lively student population, you can find bars and tavernas, live music venues, and gatherings that have more of a local touch at this time of the year. You can also combine your trip to Syros with a visit to the nearby cosmopolitan island of Mykonos!

Rhodes

Rhodes

@rhodes.rodos

If you are interested in history and culture, then Rhodes is definitely the place to be! Spend the day wandering around the old town of Rhodes, a UNESCO-protected site and the oldest continually inhabited town in Europe! Make sure to visit the Acropolis of Lindos as well as the Anthony Quinn Bay for a breath of wondrous natural beauty.

Published in Travel Greece

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Monday, 28 March 2022 07:00

How To Help Your Child Grow A Sense Of Security

With all the challenges we are facing in the last couple of years children have an increased need to feel safe and secure. I’m not referring to material safety. In her book “Understanding Childrens’ Emotions,” Isabelle Filliozat talks about children’s need to have a sense of security.

How do you cultivate that? Children want and need to trust their parents. In order to feel this trust, they need to be certain of their parents’ personal power. Unlike what some may believe, however, being a strong parent has absolutely nothing to do with being dominating. On the contrary, strong is the parent who expresses their feelings and gives space to their child to do the same. I bet that’s a definition of the word “strong” you hadn’t thought of.

Whether pleasant or not, our emotions have names and it’s significant to recognize them. By doing so we accept ourselves just as we are. That’s how we start to trust ourselves and how we become trustworthy.

When we acknowledge our emotions, when we are able to name them, and learn to tolerate them without criticism or fear we strengthen our personality. We also understand that our emotions alone cannot destroy a relationship or a person and that makes us feel more secure.

More than often though we adults tend to hide our emotions and don’t talk about them. As a result, without realizing it, that’s exactly what we teach our children to do. And when our children misbehave we take it personally and punish them.

What I would recommend doing instead is to take a step back and think about what may be the reasons for that behavior. They may be fighting about a toy or screaming about ice cream but the question is what lies behind the surface. What may be the possible emotions they are suppressing – unknowingly sometimes – and why?

We, adults, need to learn to decode the language children use – something “grownups” forget easily – and allow them to feel what they feel. “I understand you” is a very useful phrase. For example, “I understand you’re angry but I love you the same.” This is how we can help them to avoid feeling guilty and to start calming down. Knowing it’s ok to express their righteous anger allows them to have a sense of their limits and at the same time helps to strengthen their identity.

Expressing their feelings, even by crying, is a therapeutic process. We must allow them to “talk” and give them the space to live emotionally. Because the contrary, suppressing their emotions, may alter their personality. And this doesn’t make us strong parents.

Originally published on: itsmylife.gr

If there’s a topic you’re interested in and would like to learn more about you may contact me via email. For more information about me and my work check the XpatAthens Directory or visit my website. Because this is your life!

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Monday, 16 December 2024 14:07

Kalanda: The Greek Tradition Of Christmas Carols

Kalanda, the Greek tradition of singing Christmas carols, holds a unique place in Greece's festive customs. This age-old practice, celebrated on Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, and Epiphany, brings communities together through music, blessings, and cultural pride.

Origins of Kalanda

The term "kalanda" originates from the Latin word “calendae,” meaning “the first day of the month.” This Latin term itself derives from the verb “calo,” which shares its root with the Greek verb “kaló” (καλώ), meaning “to call.” In Roman times, calendae marked the beginning of each month, and celebratory songs were performed to announce and honor the new lunar cycle. Over time, this tradition blended with local Greek customs, particularly those associated with the Dionysian festivals.

In ancient Greece, the tradition of “Eiresione” played a similar role. During harvest festivals, children would carry olive or laurel branches decorated with wool, fruits, and nuts. These branches symbolized prosperity and fertility. As they paraded through villages singing hymns, they received small gifts or treats. The Eiresione custom, with its themes of blessings and good fortune, is considered a precursor to kalanda.

With the spread of Christianity, these pagan practices were adapted to celebrate the nativity of Christ and the new calendar year. The kalanda we know today reflect this blending of ancient and Christian influences, becoming an integral part of Greek festive culture.

How Kalanda Are Performed

On the eves of Christmas, New Year’s, and on Epiphany day, children gather in small groups, often accompanied by simple instruments like triangles, drums, or lyres. They visit homes in their neighborhoods, singing carols that offer blessings and good wishes. In return, they are rewarded with small tokens such as sweets, coins, or fruit.

The lyrics of kalanda vary depending on the occasion:

Christmas Eve Kalanda celebrate the birth of Christ and often include references to the Virgin Mary and the nativity scene.
New Year’s Eve Kalanda honor Saint Basil (Agios Vasilis), wishing health, prosperity, and happiness for the coming year.
Epiphany Kalanda commemorate the baptism of Christ and the blessings associated with the holy waters.

Regional Variations of Kalanda

Greece’s diverse regions have given rise to unique versions of kalanda, each with its own melodies, instruments, and lyrical themes. Here are a few examples:

1. Thrace

In Thrace, kalanda are accompanied by bagpipes and traditional drums. The carols often include references to local legends and folk tales, creating a rich tapestry of sound and storytelling.

2. Epirus

Epirus kalanda are characterized by slow, melodic tunes performed with a “klarino” (clarinet). The carols here have a reflective, almost solemn tone, emphasizing the spiritual aspects of the season.

3. Crete

Cretan kalanda are lively and upbeat, often featuring the lyra and lute. The lyrics reflect the island’s proud traditions, with frequent mentions of hospitality and the importance of family.

4. The Dodecanese

In the Dodecanese islands, kalanda incorporate influences from Asia Minor, with intricate rhythms and poetic lyrics. Traditional dances sometimes accompany the singing.

5. Pontus

Pontic kalanda are performed with the lyra, a stringed instrument central to the region’s musical identity. The lyrics often recount historical events or local folklore, blending nostalgia with festive joy.

6. The Cyclades

In the Cycladic islands, kalanda are simple yet heartfelt. The carolers’ voices take center stage, often harmonizing beautifully without the accompaniment of instruments.

Published in Greek Traditions

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Wednesday, 18 February 2015 12:57

Pertouli – A Quaint Mountain Village

Pertouli, built above the mountain slope, used to be a gathering place for farmers in the region. What makes the village special is its picturesque stone houses with red or stone roofs. The area is less tourist-oriented than Elati, with lesser but of a higher quality and style accommodation. It has a ski center which operates at the "Pertouli Meadows" with a relatively small track, which is suitable for less experienced skiers and it is equipped with ski-lifts.

Throughout the year you can also go horse riding, do archery, cycling and other mountain-related sports.

The forest near Pertouli is one of the most beautiful and well preserved fir forests in Greece. It is a refuge for wild animals, like deers, wolfs, bears and rare species of birds. The Aristotelio University of Thessaloniki has undertaken the tourist utilization and promotion of this forest.

Eighteen kilometers from Trikala to Arta, lies the beautiful town of Pili (Gate). The village lies at the entrance to the plains of Thessaly on the mountains of Pindos. The two opposite mountains, Koziakas and Itanos, separated by the Portaikos River are forming a magnificent natural gate, hence the name of the village. At the village, Pili, you can visit a Byzantine church which lies at a nearby village, Porta-Madonna built in 1283 AD. The main characteristic of this church is that it has placed on either side of the main gate to the sanctuary, the images of Mary and Christ. The images are unique, full-length, and made of colorful pebbles. The gate was throughout history a battlefield because of its position. Repeatedly destroyed by the conquerors, the last time it was burnt was on June 8, 1943, by the Italian troops during World War II.

The locals, in their effort to keep up morale, organize cultural events and traditional feasts all year around. The most famous is the annually organized “Andamoma ton Sarakatsanon”, on the last Sunday of May. This feast is a revival of old customs with traditional songs and dances.

Source: Greek Holiday Destinations

Published in Travel Greece

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Thursday, 19 February 2015 14:10

Hard Negotiations In Brussels Over The Bridge Program

The Minister of Finances Yanis Varoufakis has persisted upon the adoption of 70% of structural reforms contained in the existing bailout agreements, with the remaining 30% considered “toxic”.

In accepting such a possibility though, the European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker has demanded that the toxic 30% be replaced by equal, alternative measures.

Sources suggest that the Greek government is willing to adopt the following structural reforms of the existing bailout agreement:

New Ethics Code for banks
Changes in the Judicial Code
OECD report on administrative burden
Taxation of collective investment vehicles
Broadening the definition of tax evasion and tax fraud
Changes in personal and company insolvency
Reforms in wages
Changes to legislation on the budget
Addressing legal hurdles in competitiveness, as noted in OECD report
Changes to investment permits
Changes to the government’s Accounting Plan

Additionally, the Greek government is said to have declared that it will not accept the following prerequisites for the completion of the troika’s final review:

VAT reform
Reduction of non-wage benefits
Changes to collective dismissal legislation
Changes to union actions legislation
Reform of pension system

To read more, please visit tovima.gr/en

Published in Local News

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Thursday, 07 May 2015 20:26

ParkAround: The Innovative Solution To The Problem Of Parking In Athens

It’s a nightmare… for drivers in many areas. Finding parking in Athens is a difficult feat. However, things can become are lot easier with ParkAround. An innovative Greek Startup that gives you real time information about the availability and prices of car parks in the area you’re interested in. In fact, if you book a spot through ParkAround, you get major discounts. One of it’s Co-Founders, John Katsiotis, speaks to HuffPost Greece.

Finding parking is one of the biggest problems for drivers in Athens. How does your innovative app solve this issue?
Through ParkAround, drivers are able to book a parking spot in the nearest and cheapest car park in the area they want and to have total control of the price because they know beforehand the exact amount, which in many cases is reduced up to 80% through our exclusive discounts. In fact, 30% percent of traffic in the city is caused by drivers looking for parking. With ParkAround, drivers know in advance where they are going to park which means that they save valuable time for themselves but also for the other drivers moving around in the city.

How does ParkAround work?

ParkAround is available for web users as well as for iPhone and Android Smartphones. The driver fills in the address or the place (eg. restaurant, cinema etc) he would like to park and the app displays all the available car parks with information such as cost, distance, opening hours etc. Finally, the driver is able make a booking through the app and therefore guarantees exclusive discounts as well as a parking spot. ParkAround then informs the car park immediately so that when the driver arrives at the car park there’s a spot waiting for him!

Based on the information you have, do you think that the price of parking in the capital is high or low? And with that I mean, the initial pricing, independent of the discounts that you offer. I ask this because a lot of drivers think that the cost is quite high, especially for daily use.

The cost of parking is directly correlated with the area. What this means is that, in areas such as Syntagma and Kolonaki parking costs around15 euros for 3 hours and in areas such as Omonoia you can park with 10 euros for the whole day. Of course through ParkAround, drivers can park with one 1 euro per hour in Omonoia, 2 euros for 3 hours at Chalandri and 5 euros at Syntagma.

You recently got major funding of 185.000 euros. How easy is it for a Greek startup to receive funding?

As time goes by, the ecosystem of startups gets bigger which makes funding more attainable.

If I’m not mistaken, ParkAround has expanded to London. What differences have you noticed between Athens and London in terms of developing your startup?

One difference is that drivers in London book parking hours or even days before, while in Athens most of the bookings happen just a few minutes prior. In addition, the phenomenon of illegal parking is not present in London.

As you’ve stated in previous interviews, you intend on expanding to other European cities. What are your immediate plans in terms of your global expansion?

For the time being, we are focusing on the Athens market seeing that we recently launched a new service for parking at the airport and at Piraeus port and there are still more opportunities for expansion in the Attiki area and the rest of Greece. More specifically, in just a few months the new service for parking at the airport has been met favourably by drivers - especially as the Christmas holidays approach - as it offers parking at much cheaper rates than taxis and sometimes even public transport.

What problems or obstacles have you faced in your business venture so far?

The biggest challenge that we have faced is trying to educate the parking market on new technologies. ParκAround is a purely technological solution as it gives car parks a platform for smartly billing their customers. Nothing similar has happened before and therefore it has taken us a bit more time to educate the car parks on the advantages of using our service.

Let’s talk numbers, how many drivers in Athens use your app?

In Athens, we have 20.000 drivers that have downloaded ParkAround and we serve hundreds of drivers everyday through 90+ affiliated car parks.

To learn more about ParkAround, please visit their website HERE.

This is a translation of the article originally published on HuffingtonPost.gr
By: Yiannis Belegrinis

Published in People

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Monday, 15 February 2016 07:00

Athens Mayor Signs Greece's First Same Gender Civil Partnership

In an historic day for the gay and lesbian community in Greece, Athens Mayor Kaminis has signed the country’s first same gender civil partnership.

“As the first day that the law is being implemented, today is very important for civil rights in Greece and the country’s compliance to international reality,” the mayor said during the signing ceremony at Athens City Hall on a Monday in late January.

While Greece is one of the last European countries to legalize gay civil union, the Greek Orthodox Church still opposed the policy.

To read more, please visit: Greek Reporter
by
C.J. Polychroniou

Published in Local News

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Saturday, 02 April 2016 11:05

Navarino Challenge Press Event On Cinema Screen

The Navarino Challenge was awarded the Grand Ermis & Ermis Gold at the Event Production at Ermis Awards 2015 held on 31 March 2016 in Athens. This year “Navarino Challenge 2016” onsets in the most brilliant way, greatly boosting the event to offer its leading sports tourism activities!

On the occasion of its recent distinction at Ermis Awards 2015, “Navarino Challenge” press event was held on Tuesday, March 29, 2016, at the Gold Class halls of Village Cinemas at The Mall Athens. The event's program included two parallel screenings of last year’s event video – documentary, deriving from the previous year (as it was shown in more than 1.6 million households in Greece and abroad), to reporters and senior executives, as well as greetings by the event’s ambassadors and representatives.

Navarino Challenge returns for a 4th consecutive year in Messinia and Costa Navarino on 9-11 September 2016.

Click HERE for this year's event info and registration details.

For more information about Navarino Challenge 2016, please visit: Navarino Challenge.

For the first time, the event presented the recently awards won. In its first participation at Ermis Awards, “Navarino Challenge” won the highest distinction in the annual event that was held in honor of the best advertising and communication companies in Greece, by winning the Grand Ermis award for the entire Event Production category and the Gold Award in the category of the sports events!

The Greek journalists Christina Vrachali and Dora Tsampazi presented the event, while after the two screenings, greetings were held from Marina Papatsoni, Marketing and Business Development Director of TEMES SA; Akis Tsolis, CEO of Active Media Group; Vassilis Vrettakos, President of Pylos Association of Enterprises for Tourism Development, the twice Silver Olympic medalist in Tae Kwon Do; Alexandros Nikolaidis, the Olympic and World Champion in 400m. hurdles, Periklis Iakovakis and pilates instructor, Mandy Persaki.

At the same time, this year's activities and the respective ambassadors were presented. In the activity of running, the Greek-American ultramarathon runner Dean Karnazes will be back for a consecutive year in Greece, while for the first time, the multiple marathon winner Nikos Polias will be the technical director of all running routes. In swimming, the federal swimming coach Nikos Gemelos, has undertaken the technical management of the activity, while with the assistance of the Swim Academy, managed by Nikos Gemelos and the Olympic and World Champion in open water swimming Spyros Gianniotis, the activities of baby swimming & aqua aerobic will be presented for the first time. Moreover, the World Champion in the open water swimming, Kelly Araouzou will swim for one more year in “Navarino Challenge”.

Tae Kwon Do lessons will be held by the twice Silver Olympic medalist Alexandros Nikolaidis, while for the first time the Olympic and World Champion in 400m. hurdles Periklis Iakovakis will support the event, through teaching and training the participating children. Gold Paralympic athlete Grigoris Polychronidis will teach the secrets of boccia (from the city of Rio, as he will be participating at the Paralympic Games) and pilates lessons will be held for another year by the instructor Mandy Persaki. Alexandros Nikolaidis, the kick boxing champion, will provide kick boxing lessons, while the cycling activity will be held with the support of Navarino Outdoors and indoor climbing will be supervised by certified climbing instructor George Malamas. The program will also include other activities such as basketball, SUP, golf which will be held with the support of Navarino Golf Academy; scuba diving will be supported by the Aqua Divers Club and Scuba Hellas, while for the first time a live cooking event will be presented with the assistance of the food blogger Gogo Papadionysiou also known as Mamatsita!

A greeting from Akis Tsolis, CEO of Active Media Group stated, among others things that: “Our distinction in this unique annual event of Ermis Awards that highlights our country’s creativity, is the reward of our hard work and discipline to undertake this significant event. We are equally excited and committed to continue even more dynamically and set up even higher the level of our event, which will also be a result of our sponsors’ and supporters’ confidence shown for all these years”.

Vassilis Vrettakos, the President of Pylos Association of Enterprises for Tourism Development said: “Tourism has its own rising course and vacations that actually offer the experience of new places, which is equally linked to the history of each place and the communication with different cultures and people, provide an exciting gateway. For everyone who decides to travel and any professional who loves what he does, Pylos and Messinia as a destination, is a one-in-a- lifetime experience. Its history, natural beauty, our friendly people and qualitative choices, are all inextricably linked with our philosophy, strongly creating to our visitors, the need to revisit us, while continuing on our end to hold on our promise: “With the guiding principle of mutual trust and goodwill, holidays become unforgettable”.

The twice Silver Olympic medalist in Tae Kwon Do Alexandros Nikolaidis also highlighted: “I am proud to participate in “Navarino Challenge” for the fourth year. Since its initiation, I have observed an event that has grown to become a great event, having attracted more people by the year that wish to learn about sports, the proper diet and good life”.

Olympic and World Champion in 400m. hurdles Periklis Iakovakis said: “We are looking forward to seeing you all at the unique sport tourism event “Navarino Challenge” for a weekend full of sports activities for the whole family. I'll be there too, to teach the children the various disciplines of track, and to take part in as many activities as I can, following the example of Alexandros Nikolaidis”.

Finally, pilates instructor Mandy Persaki added: “I wish for 2016, the family of “Navarino Challenge” to grow and for all of us together to try to learn a better way of living through participating in an ultimate fun weekend next to some great people!”.

Published in Local News

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Monday, 12 February 2018 07:00

Shopping In Athens - Bazaars, Kiosks, Malls, & More

When it comes to shopping in Athens, there's something for everyone. Whether you are looking for big name brands, Greek names, or second-hand shops, Discover Greece tells us where to go, what to look for, and much more!

Amongst the great high streets of the city pedestrianized Ermou is definitely the one that stands out with an abundance of shops belonging to well-known clothes franchises, as well as historic Greek businesses. The bottom end of Ermou is Monastiraki. Don’t miss out on a walk in its flee market. There you will find clothes, shoes, accessories, leather goods and the world famous Greek leather sandals. On Sundays, there’s a bazaar with collector’s items such as books, old coins, vinyl records and antique furniture. Also, take the opportunity to walk around the gorgeous picturesque antique shops of the street.

Walk in the opposite direction away from Ermou and you’ll find Kolonaki, one of the most salubrious neighbourhoods of Athens. No wonder the biggest fashion designer studios have gravitated there, specifically on Voukourestiou street.

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

Published in City Discovery

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Thursday, 10 May 2018 08:31

Greece Ranks 2nd Internationally For Number Of Blue Flag Beaches

Out of 47 countries, Greece came in 2nd with a total of 519 Blue Flag beaches, which equates to about 12 percent of the total awards. The area in Greece with the most Blue Flags is Halkidiki. Spain came in 1st with 590 Blue Flag beaches.

This year, the international committee awarded 3,687 beaches, 679 marinas and 55 tourist boats across the planet.

The Blue Flag is a voluntary eco-label awarded to beaches across the world and is run by the independent and non-profit organization Foundation for Environmental Education. The Blue Flags are awarded to beaches that follow requirements that include Environmental Education and Information, Water Quality, Environmental Management and Safety and Services.

Source: Tornos News and Greek Travel Pages

Published in Greece In The News

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LOGIN

Best Greek Islands To Visit In October

How To Help Your Child Grow A Sense Of Security

Kalanda: The Greek Tradition Of Christmas Carols

Regional Variations of Kalanda

Pertouli – A Quaint Mountain Village

Hard Negotiations In Brussels Over The Bridge Program

ParkAround: The Innovative Solution To The Problem Of Parking In Athens

Athens Mayor Signs Greece's First Same Gender Civil Partnership

Navarino Challenge Press Event On Cinema Screen

Shopping In Athens - Bazaars, Kiosks, Malls, & More

Greece Ranks 2nd Internationally For Number Of Blue Flag Beaches

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