XpatAthens

XpatAthens

Monday, 11 October 2021 07:00

5 Family-Friendly Museums In Athens

Athens is one of the world’s great cultural capitals. But even mythology-mad kids can tire of all the marble monuments. When it’s too hot for exploring the antiquities, or your kids are crying out for some 21st-century entertainment, check out these family-friendly museums in Athens. From child-pleasing activities to educational trails, here’s where to keep boredom at bay for kids of all ages and interests.

The Acropolis Museum

Acropolis Museum
Courtesy: The Acropolis Museum 

The brilliantly curated and conceived Acropolis Museum knows that the best way to hold a child’s attention is to make learning fun. Everyday life in ancient Greece is brought alive for children here in exciting ways. The freestanding statues of the Archaic Period are far more gripping for young minds than two-dimensional paintings. They can explore all sides of these marble gods and goddesses, lions and snakes. Grab hold of one of the family backpacks (available at the information desk on a first-come, first-served basis) and follow the educational activities geared at kids aged between six and 12 years old (even younger children will enjoy getting involved, with a little help from you). Families work together to solve challenges, aided by colorful children’s exhibit labels in the museum galleries. The backpacks have games with cards, stickers or magnets, puzzles, memory games, and more. Smaller kids are better suited to do one of the less intensive Family Trails: theme-based activities based on specific exhibits. Hit the museum shop on your way out for a great selection of activity books, games, and children’s titles, many of them inspired by ancient Greek mythology, archaeology, and culture.

Location: 15 Dionysiou Areopagitou, Acropolis
Telephone: 210 900 0900

The Museum of Illusions

Museum Of Illusions
Credit: Amalia Kovaiou

Turn your world upside down at this quirky museum where nothing is what it seems. Calling it a “museum” might be a bit of a stretch, but your kids will love getting hands-on at this well-located attraction that has a range of optical illusions to make them (and you!) think twice about how they perceive the world around them. They can swap noses, put each other’s heads on a platter, experience the absence of gravity, and reflect on infinity in the hall of mirrors. They can also put themselves against brain teasers designed to stimulate and challenge young minds in the Playroom (many of them are on sale at the museum’s Smart Shop, if you’re looking for educational souvenirs). The Museum of Illusions is just by Monastiraki Flea Market and the Ancient Agora, so you can combine shopping and sightseeing with a little mind-bending fun.

Location: 119 Ermou, Monastiraki
Telephone: 210 323 8065

Goulandris Natural History Museum

National History Museum
Courtesy: Goulandris National History Museum

Are your kids into dinosaurs? Underwater life? Insects? Fossils? You’ll find them all at this peaceful private museum in the suburb of Kifissia. There are lots of life-size animal replicas (including a triceratops and a giraffe), thousands of botanical specimens, and all kinds of shells, rocks, and minerals from all over Greece. The museum provides educational games for children aged between 4 and 8 related to the permanent and temporary exhibitions — from real live reptiles to storytelling events. The Gaia Centre for environmental research and education, housed in the same premises, educates young visitors about humanity’s impact on our planet, using interactive displays such as touchscreens and video walls. After exploring the exhibits, have an ice cream or juice in the garden café, where young kids can usually be found tearing around on their scooters or playing hide and seek among the trees.

Location: 13 Levidou, Kifisia
Telephone: 210 801 5870

To read this article in full, please visit: thisisathens.org

Whether you've just arrived in town – or have been here for years – Athens always has new secrets to share! 

This is Athens is the official guide to this captivating city of ancient energies and booming urban culture. Compiled by a team of specialist local writers, This is Athens brings you an authentic and intimate portrait of a living Athens beyond the guidebooks – along with daily curated listings of all the best events and great weekend inspiration all-year round. From must-know neighbourhoods and emerging art hubs, to gourmet hotspots, cool shopping and the buzziest bars, This is Athens will help you to get the most out of living in Athens!
 
Thank you This is Athens for your contribution as an XpatAthens Partner.
The first-ever L'Etape Greece by Tour de France is set to take place on April 23, 2023, in Ancient Olympia. This exciting event will bring together cycling enthusiasts from all over the world for a challenging race that will take them through some of Greece's most stunning landscapes.

L'Etape is a series of amateur cycling races that are held in various locations around the world, and the event in Greece will be the first of its kind in the country. The route for the race has been carefully designed to showcase the beauty of Greece, with riders passing through ancient ruins, coastal villages, and breathtaking mountain ranges.

The event is expected to attract a large number of participants, including both experienced cyclists and those new to the sport. The organizers have made sure to include different levels of difficulty, with routes ranging from 30km to 150km, to ensure that there is something for everyone.

In addition to the race, there will also be a number of other activities taking place throughout the weekend, including a cycling expo, live music, and local food and drink stalls. The aim of the event is to promote cycling in Greece and to showcase the country's rich cultural heritage and natural beauty to a global audience.

the L'Etape Greece by Tour de France promises to be an unforgettable experience for anyone who loves cycling or who simply wants to explore the beauty of Greece in a unique and exciting way. With stunning scenery, challenging routes, and a vibrant atmosphere, this event is sure to be a highlight of the 2023 cycling calendar.
In the bustling heart of Athens, a new beacon of cultural vibrancy has emerged: Theatre of the NO. Breaking ground as the city's first English-speaking theater, this innovative venue promises to redefine the theatrical landscape of the Greek capital.

For years, Athens has been celebrated as a global hub for arts and culture. From its ancient roots in drama to its modern-day celebration of performance art, the city has always embraced the transformative power of theater. However, until now, there has been a notable absence of English-language theater experiences catering to a diverse audience.

Enter the Theatre of the NO, located in the Plateia Vathis area of Metaxourgio. This dynamic new venue boasts a diverse ensemble of Greek and international actors, united by a shared passion for the theater of the absurd. Here, audiences can expect a captivating repertoire that spans the spectrum from classic to contemporary, with a dash of experimental flair thrown into the mix.

Kicking off its inaugural season with Samuel Beckett's iconic "Waiting for Godot," Theatre of the NO sets the stage for an unforgettable journey through the realms of existential musings, profound character studies, and biting satire. From the whimsical to the thought-provoking, each production promises to challenge, inspire, and captivate audiences of all ages.

"We promise that our performances will inspire you, challenge you, and change you. See the world in new ways, question old ideas, and be part of the most important conversations of our time."

But Theatre of the NO is more than just a venue for entertainment—it's a cultural movement. With a firm commitment to rejecting conventions and embracing the avant-garde, this theater stands as a testament to the transformative power of art. From its rejection of political correctness to its celebration of diversity and creativity, Theatre of the NO invites audiences to embark on a journey of self-discovery and exploration.

"At Theatre of the NO, we say NO to duplicity, NO to political correctness, and NO to filters. We do it our way, we will try, and we will see what happens."

Central to the theatre's mission is its dedication to fostering community and connection. Audience members are invited to arrive an hour before curtain time to mingle with fellow theatergoers and engage in lively discussions with actors, directors, and other guests following each performance. Here, the boundaries between stage and audience blur, creating an immersive and interactive theater experience unlike any other.

Founded by playwright Yoel Wulfhart and supported by a diverse team of artists and volunteers from around the world, Theatre of the NO represents a bold new chapter in Athens' cultural narrative. From its eclectic repertoire to its commitment to innovation and inclusivity, this theater is poised to become a cornerstone of the city's artistic landscape for years to come.

So, if you're ready to embark on a journey of discovery and transformation, look no further than Theatre of the NO. Join us as we challenge conventions, defy expectations, and celebrate the boundless possibilities of the human imagination. The stage is set, the lights are dimmed—let the show begin!

Upcoming Program at Theatre of the NO:
 
  • April 18 - May 13: "Waiting for Godot" by Samuel Beckett
  • May 17 - June 24: "Lust Lunch" by Yoel Wulfhart
  • June 28 - August 5: "Venus in Fur" by David Ives
  • August 9 - September 16: "Focus Group / Resistance in the Time of Peace" by Marco Di Stefano / Jibbe Willems
  • September 20 - October 28: "Bachelors and Bachelorettes" by Hanoch Levin
  • November 1 - December 9: "I am the Labyrinth" by DarkplayTheatre Theatre for thinking people
If you are living in Greece as a non-Greek resident or a Greek resident on a Digital Nomad, FIP, or other visa, obtaining an AFM (Tax Identification Number) is essential.

This nine-digit number, pronounced "AFIMI" in Greek, is something you’ll use regularly for tasks such as:
  • Getting a Greek phone number in your name.
  • Leasing a home or property.
  • Logging into TAXISnet to interact with government systems.
  • Filing taxes and generating tax certificates.
  • Purchasing property or a car.
  • Completing many other daily tasks.
What Documents Do You Need To Get An AFM?

The Greek tax office or consulate typically requires:
  • A copy of your passport.
  • First and last names of your parents.
  • Your home address (outside Greece) and temporary address in Greece (if applicable).
  • Your foreign tax number.
  • Your mobile phone number.
  • An authorization form if you are appointing a tax representative to apply on your behalf.
Making An Appointment To Obtain An AFM

You can apply for an AFM by visiting your local tax office (Eforia). Offices are usually open in the mornings, and while walk-ins are possible, it’s better to call ahead and arrange an appointment. If you’re applying through a Greek consulate, appointments are mandatory.

While you can handle the process yourself, it often becomes challenging due to unclear document requirements or language barriers. Many individuals appoint a tax representative to streamline the process.

Appointing A Tax Representative

If you’re unable to make an appointment or prefer assistance, you can appoint Tsaks Consulting as your tax representative. Services include:
  • Liaising with the tax office and government departments, especially for those on spouse visas, Digital Nomad Visas, and Golden Visas.
  • Receiving notifications from the tax office and keeping you updated.
  • Opening a TAXISnet account for you.
  • Assisting with property or car purchases, leasing, and other related tasks.
How Long Does It Take?

The process typically takes 2-3 days if all your documents are in order. Including scheduling and completing the application, it may take about a week. Ensuring your documents are organized and ready will help expedite the process.

Special Considerations for Spouse Visas
 
If you’re here on a spouse visa, you’ll need your wedding certificate, apostilled and translated, to register for your AFM. In most cases, the registration process will already be underway, requiring only a copy of your Greek visa card.

Contact Us for Additional Support
 
If you have any other needs or questions, feel free to reach out to us! Whether it’s navigating daily life in Greece or managing other administrative tasks, we’re here to help make your experience as smooth and stress-free as possible.

This content has been created in collaboration with our trusted partner Tsaks Consulting.


250m from the Greek-Albanian borders and 15 km from the town of Konitsa, next to the quiet Aoos river, the monastery of Molivdoskepasti imposes its lively presence. Molivdoskepasti is a peaceful and beautiful border village. The history of the monastery goes back in the Byzantine era. Its founder was the Byzantine emperor Constantine Pogonatos.

 

Molivdoskepasti monastery (active even today) owes its name to the lead roof once had (molivdos means lead in Greek, molivdoskepasti means “with a roof of lead”). The lead was stolen by invaders and it was then replaced by slates.

The construction of the nave itself uncovers at least 3 phases: the small three-cornered space with the dome (11th century) the cross-roofed hall from the 14th century, and finally the open narthex which is separated from the main church by a wooden door carved with representations from the Bible, an exquisite symbol of Byzantine art. The stone remnants come from the 14th centrury onwards. The hagiographies are from the 16th century.

The monks there were very busy cleaning and preparing the Monastery for the big day – the 15th of August which is a Great Religious Day for all Christians. Many women from the village, but also from other places were busy also, helping the monks there.

We were offered (lukumia) delights and cold water. A plastic bag full of freshly cut tomatos were given to the driver of the coach by a monk, for any one of us who wished to have one.

Author: Greekcypriot; excerpts, edited by Greece Travel Blog
Source: Greecetravelblog.com

 

Thursday, 19 February 2015 14:09

Greece, Lenders Appear To Edge Closer To Deal

There were hopes on Thursday that Greece and the eurozone might be edging toward a deal after Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, attending his first European Union summit, agreed for government officials and representatives of the country’s lenders to find common ground ahead of Monday’s Eurogroup.

Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis and his eurozone counterparts failed to issue a common statement at a Eurogroup that ended early on Thursday morning. However, Tsipras met on Thursday in Brussels with Eurogroup chief Jeroen Dijsselbloem and agreed that representatives of the European Commission, the European Central Bank and the International Monetary Fund should work on the details of a possible deal in the buildup to the Eurogroup on Monday.

“[We] agreed today to ask the institutions to engage with the Greek authorities to start work on a technical assessment of the common ground between the current program and the Greek government’s plans,” Dijsselbloem tweeted. This, he said, would pave the way for crucial talks between eurozone finance ministers next Monday.

"We leave today having made some significant steps," said Tsipras at a late night press conference following the summit. "The technical teams will work over the next few days to prepare the ground for Monday's Eurogroup."

Tsipras insisted that he did not feel "isolated" at the EU Council and said that he explained to his counterparts that the government wants to combine the mandate it has received with Greece's obligations as an EU member. But he insisted that Athens would not accept the continuation of the Memorandum of Understanding or the troika in its existing role.

"The memorandum as we knew it is over," he said. "The same goes for the troika."

To read more, please visit ekathimerini.com

 

Wednesday, 29 April 2015 16:03

Advice On Traveling To Santorini With Kids

You've been dreaming about visiting Santorini, but have heard it's not ideal for children? Here is some great advice to help you experience the beauty of Santorini together as a family!

Avoid Caldera and that part of the island. Instead, consider Kamari or Perissa. It will take you less than 30 minutes to get from these places to Caldera or Oia, where you can enjoy the gorgeous view. Although Kamari and Perissa are a little less scenic, they have more hotels with bigger pools and easier access to the beach – and, most importantly, their prices tend to be lower. Your kids will be able to find other kids to play with more easily, too.

Be careful of the hotel you choose, as many of the hotels, especially in Caldera and Oia, are tailored to couples and newlyweds and simply do not take children because of noise problems and safety issues (cliffs and staircases).

Take day trips into the towns in the early morning (before it gets hot and the cruise ships arrive) or in the late afternoon when the cruise ships depart (around 3-4pm).

Find a hotel with a pool. Most beaches in Santorini have black volcanic sand which can be scorching hot under the midday sun.

Combine your stay with a trip to another island; there is a direct connection to Crete, Naxos and Mykonos.

There is a small water park in Perissa, Santorini Water Park, inside the Meltemi Hotel (free for guests). The water park has 3 pools, 3 water slides, and a kids’ play area. Other interesting activities would be the archeological site in Akrotiri and a visit to the Industrial Tomato Museum. 

Tour the volcano by boat, but don’t expect craters or lava flows. Younger children might find the trip boring, and it will be pretty hot without much shade. The half-day tour might be a better choice for kids.

Check out Monolithos beach – it’s probably the most kid friendly beach in Santorini, with lots of sand and shallow water. Perissa and Kamari also have pretty beaches, but the water drops off very steeply in some sections.

To read more, please visit Kids Love Greece.
Art. It’s one of the most joyful and enduring connections between our childhood and adult selves. As children, we paint, draw and shape in order to express our desires, pre-occupations, dreams and fears. Even as adults, we cannot help but echo our truest inner worlds through the art we create.

That’s why Art Links Wishes 2015 (opening on Tuesday June 23 at 8pm at Gallery 7 in Kolonaki until July 3) is such a special collaboration. Art Links Wishes is a group art exhibition that showcases drawing, painting, photography and sculpture, donated by dozens of remarkable Greek and international artists, for the cause of Make-A-Wish Greece (Κάνε-Μια-Ευχή Ελλάδος). Proceeds from the sale of the diverse artworks will help illuminate the lives of seriously-ill children here in Greece through a precious moment of happiness.

‘As with all previous Art Links events, Art Links Wishes 2015 aspires to unite our community through creativity and art,’ says Art Links general manager Sia Corrina Durocher.

Here, three of the event’s exhibiting Greek artists share their own creative inner-worlds with Xpat Athens readers:

MARIA HAJIANDREOU
Hajiandreou was born in Rethymnon, Crete, and studied at the Athens School of Fine Art, where she graduated with first-class Honors. She has participated in many group exhibitions in Greece and abroad, and has given solo exhibitions at Gallery Ora, Gallery Apopsi, Gallery Dimito, Gallery Mylogianni Chania, Gallery 7 and the Cretan Museum of Modern Art, among others.

What is the most enjoyable part of the artistic process for you?
MH: That single moment when you discover that your painting shall produce something of true beauty; something that will keep your energy at full tilt right until its completion.

Which theme or themes do you most often return to in your work? (And why?)
MH:I find myself returning to the human figure, and more specifically, the female figure. Over the years, I’ve worked in still life. My last exhibition consisted entirely of still life drawings. Before that I was fascinated by the gardens and enormous green houses of Scotland. But I always come home to the human figure. My current project has the female figure as its main theme.

What do you wish you had known when you were first starting out?
MH: I wish I’d known how to present myself to the people in the art world better back then.

What is your own personal definition of “success” as an artist?
MH: Success means having evoked emotion in the viewer. The deeper they are moved, the greater you have succeeded.

Which gallery or curator would you most love to come knocking at your door?
MH: If someone from a private gallery in Barcelona or London specialising infigurative painting came knocking, well, that would be very nice.

Finally, what does living a creative life mean to you?
MH:It’s the alpha and omega! If I’m not creating, I’m not living.

ANGELIKI MAKRIS
Piraeus-born Makris studied graphic arts at the Athenian Doxiadis Institute and later continued her studies in the United States and Scotland. She has worked as a cartoonist and illustrator for various newspapers and children's books and has also written books
for children. Her sculptures and paintings have been exhibited in group exhibitions in Greece and abroad. She has held twelve personal exhibitions.

What is the most enjoyable part of the artistic process for you?
AM: I often get angry at what is happening around me and so practicing my art becomes my personal "harbor", my safe haven. In order to create, I first have to empty myself of all the negative emotions and to become a child again, hopeful and carefree. If you cannot change the world, then change yourself. That is my motto.

Which theme or themes do you most often return to in your work? (And why?)
AM: A clearly recurring theme in my work is that of women who exercise, women who flirt, women who get angry. Like an actor, I go through emotional states, through my sculptures, without even realizing it. Moreover, I like cats and seals and other animals as well. There is, however, a common denominator across all these forms: the curve.

What do you wish you had known when you were first starting out?
AM: Self-knowledge. One cannot have too much of it, and the earlier the better. I also wish I were more daring in proposing ideas.

What is your own personal definition of “success” as an artist?
AM: Success, to me, is twofold. Firstly, you have to keep faith in your creative activity and, secondly, you have to be able to convince significant art venues to feature your artworks.

What has been the biggest “highpoint” so far in your art journey?
AM: A milestone in my career-path has been my solo exhibition at the "Zalokosta 7" gallery space, the first time I exhibited my work. 

Which gallery or curator would you most love to come knocking at your door?
AM: I am really fond of large-scale exhibitions, public spaces, and, also, art publications. In essence, I am looking to communicate via my work and I am keen to establish a connection with all those who become moved by my art.

Finally, what does living a creative life mean to you?
AM: It takes dedication, isolation, persistence, and self-organization in order to express yourself through art. Art provides me with self-confidence and with the opportunity to become a better person through strengthening elements that give me joy and through avoiding elements that do not.

KONSTANTINOS MASSOS
Massos was born in Athens where he still lives and works as a primary school teacher. In 2014, he graduated from the Athens School of Fine Arts (painting) and his works can be found in private collections across Greece.
What is the most enjoyable part of the artistic process for you?
KM: When after a lot of effort and investigation, the artwork gathers shape and form in terms of the “place” of action, the “heroes” and their feelings.

Which theme or themes do you most often return to in your work? (And why?)
KM: The central theme of my work is the man and the “place” both within him and outside of himself.

What do you wish you had known when you were first starting out?
KM: I have learned to trust and believe in the value of the route that helps me to locate the “new thing or theme” – but which results from a prior knowledge.

What is your own personal definition of “success” as an artist?
KM: I consider successful the artist who manages via his artwork to communicate his feelings and is willing to express everything which takes place around him.

Which gallery or curator would you most love to come knocking at your door?
KM: The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and curators like Hans Urlich Obrist and Klaus Biesenbach.

Finally, what does living a creative life mean to you?
KM: Joy, communication, constant searching.

Participating artists are:
Chloe Akrithaki, Daphhne Angelidou, Marie Baha, Maria Chrysohoidou, Evi Feofanidou, Maria Filippakopoulou, George Hadoulis, Vassiliki Haloridi, Maria Hatziandreou, Anastasia Karvela, Nikos Kaskouras, Theophilos Katsipanos, Aggeliki Kokonaki, Mersa Konstopoulou, Giannis Kontaratos, Athina Latinopoulou, Kostas Lavdas, Aggeliki Makri, Konstantinos Mantzaris, Alexia Marouli, Konstantinos Massos, Eleni Mihailou, Tassos Missouras, Kleopatra Moursela, Afrodite Papadouli, Marina Papalabridi, ZachariasPapantoniou,Charikleia Papapostolou, Eleni Pehlivani, Elianna Prokopiou, Miltos Psaros, Chrys Roboras, Peter C. Seibit, Vasilis Skopelitis, Pigi Spyratou, Matina Stavropoulou, Fotini Stefanidi, Nota Tsitoura, Angelika Vaxevanidou

Gallery 7 is at Solonos 20 and Boukourestiou, Kolonaki.)

Story and interviews by: Amanda Dardanis
According to a survey released by GBR Consulting, occupancy rates for hotels in Greece are expected to rise at least 2 percent and 70 percent of Greek hoteliers estimate that room rates will improve by 2 percent.

Resort proprietors are expressing even greater optimism with 71 percent estimating occupancy levels will increase by more than two percent and 78 percent foreseeing price improvement of two percent and more.

According to the study, the positive momentum in terms of revenue will continue into 2018. Athens recorded improved figures compared to Rome, which marked a 0.6 percent rise over the year but behind Madrid, which saw an 18.4 percent increase in 2017.

To read this article in full, please visit: Greek Reporter
The European emergency number (112) has become fully operational in Greece according to a statement of the General Secretariat for Civil Protection. The control center for 112 in Greece is located at the fire brigade operations center in Chalandri and employs 100 people.

Each shift includes an OTE telecoms operator–who responds in Greek, English, or French–and liaison officers from the Hellenic Army, Greek Police, the Coast Guard, and the ambulance service.

The European emergency number is free and can be reached 24/7 from Greece, Switzerland, and any EU country.

Other Greek emergency numbers are:

  • 100 - police
  • 199 - fire brigade
  • 166 - emergency medical service
  • 108 - coast guard
  • 197 - emergency social assistance
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