XpatAthens

Thursday, 08 September 2016 16:53

The Artistic Attraction Of Athens

It’s a strange paradox: while many Athenians are leaving the city to emigrate, more and more foreigners are choosing Athens as their new home. They are cultured, educated and often come from the arts scene. Athens has become a magnet for creative souls – artists have a tendency to be attracted to disaster, abandonment and dissolution. Truth be told, the capital has acquired a certain character because of the crisis.

And, as we know, when artists open their studios in an area, it instantly becomes fashionable. While Athens may not be set to become the next Berlin, foreigners seem to be impressed by the energy of the city, its chaotic architecture, the low prices and the feeling of freedom (or lawlessness, you could say) that prevails in Greek society.

Catriona Gallagher - Artist

The 24 year-old British graduate of the Edinburgh College of Arts moved to Greece last summer, following an invitation to participate in a group exhibition. She lives in an apartment in Kypseli, with an American musician for a roommate, who also decided to live in Athens.

She showed me her new series of drawings on the parietaria, a common plant belonging to the nettle family. As is often the case, outsiders end up observing and shedding new light on things that locals take for granted. “Athens inspires me. Walking around the city, I feel like I’m working.”

Becky Campbell - Artist

During her final year at Edinburgh College of Art, she was approached by a fellow student, Augustus Veinoglou from Greece, who told her that he was thinking of organizing a residency program in Athens and asked if she was interested in taking part. She agreed, and in 2012 she found herself in the Greek capital as the first guest of the Snehta Residency program.

“When I finished the two-month stay, I returned to Edinburgh, but I was unable to adapt to my old life again,” recalls the 30-year-old Scottish artist, “so, after two weeks I booked a one-way flight to Athens. Something keeps me here.”

“I found a place that makes me feel alive. There is a strange energy here. The Athenian art scene is small, but it is active. At first I did not understand the works of the Greeks, but after learning more about Athens and studying Greek history, I could better interpret the meaning of the exhibitions.”

Lee Wells - Artist & Art Dealer

Lee Wells grew up on a horse farm in Ohio. After studying psychology and fine arts in Chicago, in 2000 he moved to New York where he worked as a curator, gallerist and art dealer. A few months ago he opened a showroom in the central Athens district of Neos Kosmos, and continues to be in charge of an art gallery in Manhattan.

“Athens reminds me a bit of New York in the 1970s and 80s. Crude and at the same time refined. It is very difficult for an artist to live in large urban centers such as New York, Paris or London. You have no free time to produce art, because you have to work to survive. Or, if you manage, usually what you do is connected with how you can make money.”

“The world of art is too commercialized, and it shows in the products sold in galleries. I think that Athens is a very welcoming city for artists and has become a place of transit for important personalities from the international art scene. Now it is imperative for Greek artists to develop speed. I want to build a bridge between the American and Greek art scenes.”

Cathryn Drake - Art Critic & Curator

Cathryn Drake lives in an old house near Varnava Square, in the central Athens district of Pangrati. Her beautiful apartment is decorated with the works of young Greek artists. We took her dog for a walk in the neighborhood and after a while we stopped for coffee at the Chelsea Hotel.

The art critic lived for many years in Italy before deciding to moving to Greece in 2013. How did she end up here? “It is the result of a series of opportunities and coincidences. But I often visited Greece to cover artistic events.” What does she like here? “Athens is the only Western capital which is still human and provides quality of life. Despite the lack of resources, Athenian cultural life continues, mainly through the desire of some people who appreciate the importance of culture.

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

Published in People

Tagged under

Tuesday, 23 May 2017 23:21

May 22 - Art + Culture = Athens

In this edition, a BBC article features Athens and the arts, a Greek cellist whose goal is to make you 'Smile' with his new music video, and one man's journey through Athens to experience first-hand the revival of the arts scene.

Please click HERE to view this issue of our newsletter!

Remember to stay connected with us through our weekly newsletter, Facebook, and Twitter!

Published in Newsletters

Tagged under

Thursday, 17 August 2017 21:58

Where New Meets Old In Athens

“Athens isn’t a place to just pass through on your way to the islands,” explains CNN Travel. The popular news network embarks on a cultural and gastronomical discovery to the vibrant city of Athens and goes on to describe the Greek capital as having a “long, rich history, built on traditions of innovation, creativity and culinary ingenuity.”

With lots of old and new restaurants, sights to see, souvenirs to find, and places to stay, CNN takes us to all the spots one shouldn’t miss whilst in Athens!

To read this full article, please visit: CNN

Published in Local News

Tagged under

Tuesday, 17 September 2019 07:00

The Story Of The Most Iconic Doorman In Athens

Dimitris Taktikos is the tall doorman in the green suit who greets guests at the Grande Bretagne hotel in Syntagma Square. Having stood in front of the iconic hotel for the past 35 years, Taktikos is as integral to the Syntagma landscape as the Parliament, the National Guard, and the fountain square.

"I've become an attraction. Japanese tourists come and ask for selfies and there are even stuffed toys in my image," he says. And it is true; there is a souvenir teddy bear dressed in the Grande Bretagne livery sold at the hotel's gift shop!

Taktikos has welcomed hundreds of famous guests over the years. "Names?! Alain Delon, Sophia Loren, Catherine Deneuve, Roger Moore, Sean Connery ... oh, and Elizabeth Taylor ... What a star! She wasn't in the best of health when she came, but she was a real star in my book!" In 2007, he greeted US President Bill Clinton, who was staying at the hotel during a visit to Athens. "He could have been an actor. He has that star quality."

A few months ago, Taktikos was ranked by Marriott International among the "best of the best," receiving the J. Willard Marriott Award of Excellence. This annual award honors the company's most exceptional associates who represent the characteristics of the award: achievement, integrity, dedication, effort, and perseverance.

To read this article in full, please visit: ekathimerini.com

Published in Local News

Tagged under

Monday, 30 December 2019 17:48

Tom Hanks Receives Honorary Greek Citizenship

Tom Hanks has been awarded Greek citizenship as Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos signed an honorary naturalization order allowing the actor to claim citizenship, his office told The Associated Press on Friday.

Tom Hanks and his wife, actress and producer Rita Wilson, often spend their summer vacations in the house they own on the Greek island of Antiparos. The couple have also produced several films in Greece; In 2002 they produced the hit "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" and its sequel that was released in 2016. Hanks was also the executive producer of the 2008 musical "Mamma Mia!" and the 2009 comedy "My Life in Ruins."

In Greece, honorary naturalization is granted to people “who have provided exceptional services to the country or whose naturalization serves the public interest.”

To read this article in full, please visit: nbcnews.com

Published in Greece In The News

Tagged under

Wednesday, 26 May 2021 21:21

Santorini Walking Tours

Santorini Walking Tours offer a fun, educative and active way to experience the island with all your senses. We have designed small group and private tours, allowing you to enjoy Santorini in an authentic, meaningful, safe and pleasurable way.

Our philosophy is to support ecological and economic sustainability by using environmentally and socially responsible practices, working together with local businesses and communities. Our desire is to share with you the beauties of the island, with outmost respect and care for its fragile ecosystem, engaging your body, soul and mind. In an effort to minimize our impact, we only accommodate a maximum amount of 6 guests on each tour.

All of our tours are designed by Nikos Boutsinis, an established hospitality and travel professional, with international education and work experience. He is a keen traveler and outdoor enthusiast, who fell in love with this unique and multifaceted island. Santorini Walking Tours was sparked by his passion to offer a sustainable touring experience, immersing visitors in the true Santorini.

Explore Santorini, walking, breathing and tasting it just like a local. Join us, and take a walk on the wild side!

Published in Travel & Experiences

Tagged under

Monday, 11 October 2021 07:00

Philoxenia: The Ancient Roots Of Greek Hospitality

The Greek word Philoxenia, literally translated as a “friend to a stranger,” is widely perceived to be synonymous with hospitality.

For Greeks, it is much deeper than that. It is an unspoken cultural law that shows generosity and courtesy to strangers.

Greeks are enormously generous when inviting others to their home, or being invited themselves. In villages, it is not uncommon for villagers to show up at the door of a resident foreigner (or even a temporary visitor renting a room) with a sack full of fresh tomatoes, or even a bottle of local olive oil.

Philoxenia today can be as simple as a smile, helping a stranded motorist, buying a meal for a homeless person, or opening your home to friends and family.

Zeus Xenios

This cultural law has its origins in Ancient Greece. The ancient Greek god Zeus is sometimes called Zeus Xenios — as he was also a protector of travelers. He thus embodied the religious obligation to be hospitable to travelers.

The beautiful story written by the Roman poet Ovid in 8 A.D of Zeus and Hermes disguised as poor travelers, narrates the sacred relation between host and guest, embodying the ancient Greek tradition.

The two ancient Greek Gods, the story goes, visited many villages in search of refuge for the night. A poor elderly couple — Baucis and Philemon welcomed them as guests in their home and generously served them food and wine.

After refilling her guests’ cups many times over, Baucis noticed that the wine jug was still full. Philemon then realized the visitors were actually gods and she offered to kill their only goose to feed them. Touched by this gesture, Zeus rewarded their generosity by transforming the humble cottage into a beautiful stone temple.

Zeus also granted the couple their ultimate wish: to be the guardians of the temple, die at the same time, and stay together for eternity as they were turned into trees, guarding each side of the temple’s door.

Trojan War

According to legend, even an event as momentous as the Trojan War began because of a guest’s violation of xenia. The Trojan prince Paris was a guest of King Menelaus of Sparta when he abducted Menelaus’ wife, Helen.

Both the Odyssey and the Iliad are filled with episodes in which xenia is either honored or ignored and the subsequent consequences are notable. For instance, when Odysseus sails to the island of the cyclops, the monster’s treatment of Odysseus and his sailors is a violation of the custom of xenia. The cyclops are punished for the transgression. Odysseus blinds his “host” and escapes. The cyclops episode depicts an abuse of xenia.

In another story, Odysseus’ wife Penelope is forced by custom to entertain an entire household of suitors. The guests not only make unreasonable, burdensome requests that were impolite for guests but they do so with the assumption the host himself is no longer alive. The conclusion of the poem involves Odysseus’s slaughter of the suitors. This violent ending can be seen as retribution for egregious abuse of xenia, or conversely, a violation of its very precepts.

To read this article in full, please visit: greekreporter.com

Published in Greek Language & Culture

Tagged under

Thursday, 27 March 2025 07:00

Some Of The Best Neighborhoods To Live In Athens

Athens is one of the main metropolises of the world, both historically and socially. It is a living museum so vibrantly full of people and life. If you're thinking about moving to Athens, it's a magical place that has something to offer to everyone!

Here are some of our favorite neighborhoods to live in Athens, from the ones close to the city center to the northern and southern suburbs. This amazing city has so many options to choose from.

Nea Smyrni

@tenarinsthlm

Included on The Guardian’s list of 10 of the best city neighborhoods in Europe, Nea Smyrni deserves to be on this list. Its convenient location between the center of Athens and the southern coastal suburbs is just one of its key highlights. It’s also up high on the list of the most family-friendly neighborhoods of Athens. The heart of Nea Smyrni beats at the car-free central square packed with fountains, shops, restaurants, trendy cafes, and bars to suit all ages. Another thing we love about it it’s the Nea Smyrni Grove, a green oasis featuring a jogging track, an outdoor gym, and a café.

Petralona

Credit: @yiannisassiouras_photography

Set at the foot of the Philopappou Hill, between Thissio and Koukaki, Petralona is a neighborhood with a strong bohemian vibe, truly Athenian at heart. Split between Ano Petralona and Kato Petralona, the area has been enjoying a boost in popularity in recent years, especially among young people, who have invested all their creativity into making the neighborhood one of the coolest ones in Athens. This resulted in various alternative businesses popping up here and there, from old-style tsipouradika with a modern twist to socially conscious cafes, all adding to the distinctiveness of the area.

Voula

Part of our beloved Athenian Riviera, tucked between its more famous neighbors, Glyfada and Vouliagmeni, Voula is a coastal suburb that has it all. Apart from the pleasures of seaside living, such as enjoying scenic walks along the coast and visiting the beach, Voula also provides a feeling of rural peace, even though it’s bustling with activity, especially in the summer. All the action is centered around Voula’s high street, Vasileos Pavlou, where you will find the main square. Sprawled across the square and on the surrounding side streets, you will find numerous restaurants, bistros, bars, and cafes.

Kifisia

Credit: @katerinafakinou87

The queen of Athens' northern suburbs and one of the capital’s oldest neighborhoods, Kifisia conveys an aura of elegance, old-world charm, and sophisticated splendor. A 30-minute train ride from downtown Kifisia with its tree-lined streets, picturesque parks, and groves, provides a refreshing alternative to the hustle and bustle of the center. One of the things that make Kifisia unique is its architecture. Neoclassical mansions standing along the quiet streets, horse-drawn carriages, upmarket boutiques, everything contributes to creating a sense of nostalgic romanticism.

Pangrati

Credit: @wabitop

Located a stroll through the National Gardens away from Athens’ iconic Syntagma Square, Pangrati is a middle-class neighborhood turned into one of Athens’ hippest areas due to an influx of young residents, still holding on to its family-friendly reputation, though. Pangrati is a flourishing hub of arts and culture teeming with museums, small boutiques, cafes, and cutting-edge restaurants scattered throughout the neighborhood’s many vibrant squares. Pangrati is also home to the spectacular Panathenaic Stadium, one of the capital’s main historic attractions and the only stadium in the world made entirely of marble!

Chalandri

📍Credit: @varasovas

A 20-minute metro ride from central Athens, the up-and-coming northern suburb of Chalandri is the perfect place to spend your Sundays with your friends or family. Its buzzing bar and café scene and the fact that it is one of the hottest shopping suburbs are only a few of all the things that make Chalandri stand out. Around the main square and the church of Aghios Nikolaos leafy pedestrian streets invite you to casually stroll through the neighborhood. Another plus is that Chalandri is located just beneath mount Penteli, allowing you to get your dose of fresh air in a jiffy!

Koukaki

📍Credit: @frederieklommen

Lying comfortably beneath the Acropolis, Koukaki is arguably considered one of the most eclectic and charming areas of Athens. It has plenty to offer, from art galleries to themed coffee shops and international eateries. In the pedestrian zone from Koukaki Square along Georgaki Olympiou Street, you will certainly feel a laidback atmosphere and an undeniable village feel hugging you. It’s probably the overhanging trees that hid the concrete buildings, making you feel like you are in the countryside for a little while. Koukaki is also home to a variety of great museums, the most popular of them being the National Museum of Contemporary Art.

Published in City Discovery

Tagged under

Friday, 13 December 2024 13:29

How To Start A Private Limited Company (IKE) In Greece: A Step-By-Step Guide

One of the most popular types of privately owned limited liability companies in Greece is the IKE – Idiotiki Kefalaiouxiki Etaireia. It requires a minimum of one euro in capital to start and is highly flexible, making it suitable for both small SMEs and larger businesses.

What Are The Main Features Of An IKE Company?

The main features of an IKE (Private Limited Company) in Greece are outlined below, highlighting why it is an attractive company structure businesses:

Separate Legal Entity:
An IKE company is a completely separate legal entity, distinct from its owners. This separation is critical from a legal and liability perspective, as it allows the company to incur debts and conduct business in its own name, offering significant protection to its members.
Scope of Members:
An IKE company can have one or more members. A single-member IKE company is known as an SMPC (Single-Member Private Company).
Company Duration:
The default duration of an IKE company is 12 years. However, this can be modified through amendments to the company’s articles. Members can also vote to extend the duration beyond 12 years.
Capital Requirements:
Only 1 euro is required to establish an IKE company, making it accessible. Contributions can be made in various forms, including non-cash assets.
Limited Liability:
Members have no financial risk beyond their contribution, except in very limited cases where administrators may be personally liable for tax or social security debts.

One thing to keep in mind with an IKE company is the cost of compliance and maintenance. In some cases, the process is more complex than for other company types, leading to higher monthly and yearly costs for tax and accounting services. It’s essential to have sufficient income or revenue to justify these expenses.

The Process For Creating An IKE Company

To create an IKE company, you need to draft a private document and register it through the General Commercial Registry (GEMI) “One-Stop Shop.” A notarial act is required only if a partner contributes real estate or in cases of specific legal requirements.

If all the documentation is correct, the process can be completed on the same day. Note that a website must be registered within one month of the company’s formation.

Any changes to the company’s regulations, address, purpose, or articles of incorporation are generally completed through the GEMI portal.

Does An IKE Company Headquarters Have To Be In Greece?

When establishing an IKE company, you must list its headquarters in the Statute. While the company can conduct business overseas, it can maintain an administrative office in Greece. The Statute, which is the foundational document of the company, outlines all the rules, regulations, and structures. A standard template is often used, but this can be amended to suit specific agreements or requirements when forming an IKE with other shareholders or personnel.

What Is GEMI & How Do You Use It?

The GEMI (Geniko Emboriko Mitroo) is a 12-digit business number used for government record-keeping and streamlining business processes. It grants access to “One-Stop Shops,” making it easier to manage business registration and compliance.

Is An IKE The Best Company Structure In Greece For Expats Or Overseas Companies?

There is no definitive answer to this question and we highly recommend considering other company types too. The suitability of an IKE depends on various factors, including the nature and structure of your business, expected turnover, liability concerns, and plans for listing or raising funds.

It’s essential to carefully evaluate these factors and consider the costs of maintaining the company and its accounts before making a decision. Of course, we’re here to help you and support you with whatever you need throughout the process - feel free to reach out to us with your questions!

This content has been created in collaboration with Tsaks Consulting.

Published in Tips & Advice

Tagged under

Wednesday, 18 February 2015 12:50

Eastern Pelion

According to Greek mythology Pelion was the mountain of the Centaurs and also the summer resort of the 12 Olympian Gods. It is one of the most beautiful places in Greece, with wonderful forests and green slopes. This mountain is also associated with myths about Hercules, Achilles and Jason, as well as with the myth of Paris, who gave the ‘Apple of Discord’ to the most beautiful goddess and this brought about the Trojan War.

Pelion today is a perfect tourist destination for all seasons and tastes, as it combines mountain and sea beauties in a unique way. Its tourist infrastructure is constantly growing whereas there’s marvelous nature and picturesque villages.

Eastern Pelion is the part of Pelion facing the Aegean Sea, a place where nature is ‘wild’, rough and the vegetation is so lush that it slopes down to the sea

Information:

• Eastern Pelion embraces villages both on the mountain, like Zagora or Tsangarada, and near the sea like Horefto or Agios Giannis.
• Visitors can access the area through Western Pelion, and, depending on where they want to go they have to pass by Chania, Milies, Argalasti or Lafkos.
• The climate is influenced by the Aegean Sea, so it is cooler in summer and colder in winter than the one in Western Pelion.

Infrastructure:

• There are lots of big and small hotels, guesthouses and let rooms. There are also tourist camps.
• There are small marinas for sailboats and yachts to dock
• There is a bus service connecting the area with the rest of Magnisia prefecture.

Eastern Pelion offers:

• A unique combination of mountain and sea settings, in a most beautiful landscape all year round.
• A wide network of marked trails, ideal for all those who love hiking, at any age.
• Exceptional beaches in the waters of the Aegean Sea, organized ones for the many, and secluded for the few.
• Possibilities for alternative tourism activities.
• A variety of choices regarding accommodation, dining and entertainment.
• Lots of traditional villages built in the traditional architectural style of Pelion.