XpatAthens

Friday, 12 April 2024 12:03

Introducing Athens' New Cultural Hub: Theatre Of The NO

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

Published in City Discovery

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Friday, 13 December 2024 13:51

How To Obtain A Greek Tax ID (AFM) As An Expat Or Non-Resident In Greece

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.

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 Tsaks Consulting.

Published in Accounting & Taxes

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Thursday, 04 September 2025 16:56

WHEN: Towards A Future Of Equality & Opportunity

WHEN, formerly Women On Top, is a pioneering organisation working to advance women’s professional and financial empowerment while promoting gender equality and inclusion in the workplace.

WHEN’s vision is clear: a society where every woman and girl has the opportunity to explore her potential and shape her own future.

With a mission to remove barriers and create equal opportunities for women in education, work, and social life, the organization is guided by values of trust, openness, and collaboration, working alongside beneficiaries, volunteers, and partners to drive meaningful and lasting change.

What Drives WHEN

Curiosity & Openness
They continuously seek out new knowledge, embrace diverse perspectives, and are unafraid of moving beyond familiar boundaries.
Empathy & Cooperation
They believe lasting change comes through caring relationships and collective action. That’s why they've cultivate safe, supportive spaces where collaboration flourishes.
Focus & Impact
Careful planning and attention to detail ensure that every initiative maximises its positive effect.

From a Small Network to a Nationwide Movement

WHEN’s story began in 2012, when it was launched as Women On Top, a mentoring initiative designed to connect women with experienced professionals who could support them through the challenges of working life.

What started as a grassroots network quickly grew into a dynamic community. Soon, training programs, networking opportunities, and skills-building workshops were introduced, reaching thousands of women across different industries and stages of life.

As the conversation around gender equality deepened, so did their role. They moved beyond individual empowerment and began addressing the systems and environments that shape women’s opportunities. Today, WHEN works hand-in-hand with companies, institutions, and communities to create workplaces—and a society—that are fairer, more inclusive, and more sustainable for everyone.

WHEN’s Work in Action

Empowering Women

WHEN helps women strengthen their professional and financial independence through programs designed to unlock skills, confidence, and networks.

Mentoring: One-on-one guidance that opens doors and expands horizons.
Training: Courses on employability, entrepreneurship, leadership, and financial well-being.
Communities: Safe and inspiring spaces that encourage peer support, resilience, and collective growth.

Partnering with Companies & Organisations

WHEN collaborates with employers to embed gender equality and inclusion in the workplace.

Diversity & Inclusion Strategies: Designing and implementing fair and effective policies.
Capacity Building: Training employees and managers to foster inclusive environments.
Impact Measurement: Assessing initiatives to ensure they deliver real results.

Engaging Society

WHEN's work extends beyond individuals and organisations to influence broader cultural and institutional change.

Research: Mapping the realities of women’s professional and public lives in Greece.
Educational Programs: Supporting teachers in promoting equality in schools.
Awareness Campaigns: Inspiring public dialogue and mobilising communities toward inclusion.

The WHEN Hub: A Space for Growth and Connection

WHEN Hub is a welcoming home for women, femininities, and anyone passionate about gender equality. More than just a workspace, it’s a community where people come together to learn, grow, and collaborate in an environment that fosters empowerment and belonging.

The Hub offers:

Co-working areas with flexible and dedicated desks.
Private offices and meeting rooms for small teams or collaborations.
An event space for workshops, gatherings, and talks.
A podcast studio for storytelling and creative projects.
The Mini Hub, a playful and creative space for children aged 0–12, allowing parents to balance professional and family life.

Fully accessible and designed for inclusivity, the Hub is both the physical heart of WHEN’s activities and a vibrant platform for advancing equality in Greece.

See more about the WHEN Hub here.

Meet WHEN's Founders

At the core of WHEN’s success is a dedicated team of women who combine expertise, creativity, and a deep commitment to social change.

Stella Kasdagli – Co-founder, Head of Research & Strategic Partnerships
A writer, translator, and trainer, Stella leads WHEN’s research programs and partnerships. She has authored several books and designed impactful initiatives to remove barriers women face in the workplace.
Read our interview with co-founder Stella Kasdagli HERE!
Pinelopi Theodorakakou – Co-founder, Head of Empowerment & Training
With a background in communications and PR, Pinelopi now designs and oversees training and empowerment initiatives, helping individuals and organisations embrace equality and inclusion.

Shaping Tomorrow

At WHEN, empowerment is a long-term commitment to change. Through mentoring, training, consulting, and advocacy, they are building a society where women’s voices, talents, and ambitions are not limited but celebrated.

Because when women thrive, everyone benefits.

Learn more and visit WHEN's website here.

Published in Local Voices

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Wednesday, 18 February 2015 12:51

Visiting The Monastery Of Molivdoskepasti At Konitsa

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

Published in Travel Greece

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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

Published in Local News

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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.

Published in Kids Life

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Monday, 22 June 2015 16:00

Art Links 2015 - 3 Exhibiting Artists Share Their Creative Inner-Worlds

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

Published in Greek Language & Culture

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Monday, 12 February 2018 07:00

Greek Hoteliers Expect Higher Occupancy Rates For 2018

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

Published in Local News

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Thursday, 02 January 2020 16:42

European Emergency Number Has Become Fully Operational In Greece

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

Published in Local News

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Thursday, 07 May 2020 07:00

Greece Aims To Open-Up For Tourists By July 1

Greece is undoubtedly one of the most appealing travel destinations, but amidst the Covid-19 crisis, the idea of a summer vacation in Greece sounds like an unlikely scenario! Or maybe not, according to Greek officials.

And that is because Greece appears to be a rare coronavirus success story. The safety measures and a strict lockdown was enforced very early, keeping the death rate extremely low compared to European countries.

This week, some small businesses–such as hairdressers and bookstores–were allowed to re-open for the first time after the long closure. This gradual lifting of the lockdown measures may be a model for welcoming back some travelers this summer, thinks Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

"The tourism experience this summer may be slightly different from what you've had in previous years," Mitsotakis told CNN's, Nic Robertson. "Maybe no bars may be open, or no tight crowds, but you can still get a fantastic experience in Greece – provided that the global epidemic is on a downward path."

However, opening up to tourism unavoidably means opening up to travelers possibly carrying the virus. Currently, every international traveler is screened for Covid-19 upon arriving in Athens; however, the Prime Minister is hoping for something more comprehensive such as global, or at least European standards that set the same travel protocols for all countries. "I would assume that people will be tested before they get on a plane, not after they arrive here. They can only get on the plane with a negative test, or with a positive antibody test," he said.

All going well, Greece will probably be able to start welcoming tourists by July 1.

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

Published in Greece In The News

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