Greece is the ultimate summer holiday destination, with stunning beaches, Mediterranean cuisine, unique shopping, and incredible experiences. No matter what type of holiday you dream of, the perfect island awaits, be it the iconic Mykonos for endless partying or the hippie island of Ikaria for ultimate relaxation. 

But what happens when you're traveling with kids? Is Greece a family-friendly destination? The answer is YES! Greece is a fantastic destination for a family holiday. And, since Greece's unbelievable coastline may make it a bit hard to choose where to go, here's a list of our top 5 islands for the perfect family vacation!

Sifnos


@anna_sarika

This is an island where you can look forward to lazy days watching your kids play on sheltered, shallow-water beaches followed by leisurely strolls along labyrinthine streets or remote pathways overlooking the sea. To eat you’ll find simple, traditional Mediterranean cooking at its finest: crisp chickpea patties, juicy tomato salads, and fresh seafood in familial village squares. 

Indeed, a classic way to holiday here is to rent a small boat and spend days swanning around, stopping off anywhere and everywhere to plunge into the cool depths, getting your land legs back just long enough for a spot of lunch before returning to aquatic adventuring. That’s not to say that there aren’t plenty of child-friendly beaches to kick back on, with sun loungers and umbrellas for rent.

Naxos


@victor_manolito

Naxos, the largest island of the Cyclades, is definitely an ideal destination for families. It majestically combines long, sandy beaches with fertile valleys, stunning gorges, and a bit of history. Not to mention its delicious cuisine based on local products. Last but not least, Naxos incorporates the communities of four additional smaller isles, Donousa, Schoinousa, Iraklia, and Koufonisia, so you’ll get to enjoy a trip to an unspoiled paradise!

Alonnisos


@elaki26

On the edge of the Sporades archipelago lies the island of Alonissos, ready to captivate you with its green landscape and pristine beaches. The ideal destination for a relaxing holiday, there, you’ll find yourselves leisurely walking along scenic paths surrounded by pine forests, olive groves, and orchards. The island’s highlight is definitely its marine park, a refuge for rare seabirds, dolphins, and the Mediterranean monk seal, Monachus Monachus.

 

So close to Athens yet so far away, Andros, the second-largest and the greenest island of the Cyclades, has everything you need for the ultimate vacation. With lush vegetation, deep blue waters, and rushing rivers, Andros’ breathtaking natural beauty makes it the perfect island for a tranquil holiday. If you love spending time as a family, there are numerous experiences awaiting from hiking along the well-marked trails to visiting world-class modern art museums!

 

FokiaNou Art Space is an artist-run project space in the intimacy of a small apartment in an old building in the center of Athens. The apartment has been transformed into an open space that encourages collaborative creative efforts between Greek and foreign artists and promotes and supports the local art community.

Founded in the spring of 2014 by the artist Blanka Amezkua with the name Fo Kia Nou 24/7, the space hosts exhibitions, workshops and projects under the current direction of two artists, Mary Cox and Panagiotis Voulgaris, who took over in the fall of 2016.

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It's that time of the year again when friends and family gather around and give thanks and good tidings and cheer. It's a magical season; a season of joy, love, and happiness! If you find yourself in Athens this Christmas, make sure to visit the following cafes that go all-out for Christmas and are sure to get you into the holiday spirit. 



Little Kook 


@littlekook_

Located in the heart of Athens, in the area of Psyrri, Little Kook is perfect for fairytale enthusiasts and dessert lovers. Little Kook serves a variety of delicious sweets and features dreamy decor. This well-known cafe is busy all year, but it shines even brighter during the holidays!

Location: Karaiskaki 17, Athina
Telephone: 210 3214144

Noel 


@thenoelbar

Christmas is celebrated all year round in Noel! The cafe is tastefully adorned in a retro-vintage style, the music is delightful (mainly swing and jazz), and the food is outstanding. Noel is ideal for everything from early coffee and breakfast to late wining and dining. The atmosphere is as festive as it comes, and it is, without a doubt, one of the best places to be during the holiday season.

Location: Kolokotroni 59B, Athina
Telephone: 211 2159534

Fairytale 


@fairytale_athens

Do you believe in Christmas magic and fairytales? Then you must pay a visit to this location! The decorations are incredible; it's as if you've walked inside Hansel and Gretel's home! Desserts, on the other hand, are delightful. It's tough not to indulge in inventive and delectable treats.

Location: Leokoriou 16, Athina & Tripia 48, Nea Philadelphia
Telephone: 210 2582341

Cap Cap 


@capcapgr

Cap Cap, one of the best themed coffee shops in Athens and, actually the first one to open in the city, in Egaleo, is well hidden in the neighborhood's alleys but it is loved by the locals and widely renowned for its exquisite themed menu, especially the desserts, and magical décor. Harry Potter, Stranger Things, Christmas, Fantastic Beasts, Alladin and 90's are only few of the themes Cap Cap has hosted!

Location: Panormou 26, Egaleo
Telephone: 210 590 4116

The Authentic Marathon Swim returns for the 3rd consecutive year, on July 1-3, 2022, at Artemision. Amateur and professional swimmers from all over the world will have the opportunity to swim in unique open water swimming routes at Pefki, Evia of the Municipality of Istiea - Edipsos.

The Authentic Marathon Swim was distinguished with 3 awards and reached the top of the Tourism Awards 2022, the most important institution that highlights the innovative and best practices of Greek tourism. More specifically the event received 2 Silver Awards in the “Event Organization / Press Trips / Special Events / Major Tourism Event” category for the perfect production of last year’s event and the “Storytelling Excellence” category for the successful dissemination of the event’s history throughout the world. In addition, the event received 1 Bronze Award in the “Integrated Marketing Campaign” category for the enormous publicity that was accomplished and the integrated sports tourism promotion of the Municipality of Istiea-Edipsos.

On Saturday, July 2, 2022, the authentic 14.5km route “Skylias & Hydna” will be held allowing swimmers from around the world to swim over the shipwrecks of the naval battle of Artemision that took place in 480 B.C., for the first time. Athletes will follow the example of Skyllias and his daughter Hydna, the very first “marathon swimmers”, according to the Father of History Herodotus (8.8) and other historians, who helped the Greek forces in the historic naval battle of Artemision against the Persian fleet. The swimmers will cover 80 stadia or 14.5km. On the same day, the 5km and 3km routes will also be carried out. On Sunday, July 3, 2022, the 10km marathon, the 1.5km race, as well as the children’s 500m race will take place. The routes of 5km, 3km, 1.5km and 500m. have Pefki beach as their starting and finishing point.

 

The open water masters’ world champion, Vicky Kouveli, the three-time Greek champion and two-time English Channel marathon swimmer, Sofia Psilolignou and the English Channel marathon swimmer, Giannis Kotsiopoulos are just some of the first names that participants will have the opportunity to meet in this year’s event.

Enjoy the Authentic Marathon Swim’s 2021 highlights video HERE! 

 

Participants can now register and take part in the impressive open water swimming routes of 14.5km, 10km, 5km, 3km, 1.5km. All citizens of Istiea-Edipsos and people with disabilities can take part in the 5km, 3km and 1.5km routes, completely free of charge. Registration for the 500m children’s race is free. Register now HERE!

The certified and experienced South Evian Gulf team that was born in the Southern Gulf of Evia from its deep love for the sea and nautical travel, will not only accompany swimmers in the 14.5km and 10km races but will also offer lessons on the basic techniques of open water kayaking, acquaintance with the boats on land and then puddle at the straits of Artemision. More information on the opening of registrations will be announced in the coming days.

As part of the Authentic Marathon Swim, an exhibition of local food products and tasting will also be held in collaboration with Evia’s Federation of Trade and Entrepreneurship “Evia Epichirin”.

Accommodation packages at the Municipality of Istiea-Edipsos

The Authentic Marathon Swim already collaborates with hotels in the region, with the aim of revitalizing North Evia and strengthening the Greek tourism product. Up to this point, this year’s event is enormously supported with special prices starting from 40 euros, by the following hospitality sponsors: Maria Louiza Apartments, Island, Mirtia Hotel, Hydna Studios, Sunset Pefki, Villa Anastasia, Artemis Rooms Pefki, Arethousa Hotel, Viki Studios.

Participants and visitors can take advantage of the special offers, providing reduced accommodation prices and late check out while discovering beautiful hotels in the areas of Pefki, Loutra Edipsos, Artemision, Istiea, Kanatadika, Neos Pyrgos, Orei and Agiokampos.

Visit the event’s specially designed page and discover the hospitality solutions and the special offers that apply to the participants.

Just an hour and a half from Athens, participants can take a ferry boat with itineraries that serve from 07:00 am in the morning to 23:00 pm in the evening. Learn how to get directly and quickly to Pefki and take advantage of the ferry boat offers that will be valid during the races. 

  

For the safety of all races, the event will be held in accordance with FINA regulations, in order to ensure the health of athletes and attendees. The event will provide once again everyone with a safety lifeguard buoy since its use by professional and amateur athletes is mandatory. For each participant in the 14.5km and 10km routes there will be an escort-boat and its cost is included in the registration price.

                                                                                                                

Luanvi is the event’s Official Clothing Partner.

South Evian Gulf Team is the event’s Athletic Partner. 

The event is organized by the Municipality of Istiea-Edipsos and the entire Local Government with the Region of Central Greece, the Organization of Cultural Development for Central Greece (O.P.A.S.T.E.) and the Regional Union of Municipalities of Central Greece. The Authentic Marathon Swim is held under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism. ActiveMedia Group is responsible for the event’s Sports Production.

 

Use the event’s official hashtag #authenticmarathonswim and upload on social media the unique images and exciting moments you experienced in the previous years in the Municipality of Istiaia-Edipsos as you prepare for the 3rd and most exciting year.

Photo Credit: Elias Lefas

Greek tragedy is a cornerstone of Western literature, offering timeless stories of human struggle, fate, and the gods.

Here are five essential Greek tragedies that everyone should watch to appreciate the depth and beauty of this ancient art form!

1. Oedipus Rex (Oedipus the King) by Sophocles

"Oedipus Rex" is perhaps the most famous of all Greek tragedies. It tells the story of Oedipus, the king of Thebes, who is determined to rid his city of a plague. In his quest, he uncovers his tragic destiny: he has unwittingly killed his father and married his mother. The play explores themes of fate, free will, and the limits of human knowledge.

Why Watch It? The intricate plot and the intense emotional journey of Oedipus make this a must-see. Its exploration of fate and identity continues to resonate with modern audiences.

2. Antigone by Sophocles

"Antigone" is the sequel to "Oedipus Rex" and centers on Oedipus's daughter, Antigone. The play begins with the aftermath of a civil war in which Antigone's brothers have killed each other. King Creon, the new ruler, decrees that one brother will be honored while the other is left unburied. Antigone defies Creon’s orders to give her brother a proper burial, leading to tragic consequences.

Why Watch It? "Antigone" is a powerful examination of civil disobedience, the conflict between state and family loyalty, and the individual's moral duty versus societal laws.

3. Medea by Euripides

"Medea" is the harrowing story of Medea, a sorceress who takes revenge on her unfaithful husband, Jason. After Jason leaves her for another woman, Medea enacts a horrific vengeance, killing their children and Jason's new bride. Euripides' portrayal of Medea as a complex, multifaceted character challenges the audience's sympathies and preconceptions.

Why Watch It? The intense emotional drama and the radical portrayal of a woman's rage and agency make "Medea" a compelling and thought-provoking play.

4. The Oresteia by Aeschylus

"The Oresteia" is a trilogy consisting of three plays: "Agamemnon," "The Libation Bearers," and "The Eumenides." It follows the story of the House of Atreus, beginning with King Agamemnon’s return from the Trojan War and his murder by his wife, Clytemnestra. The cycle continues with their son Orestes avenging his father's death and concludes with Orestes being pursued by the Furies and seeking justice.

Why Watch It? This trilogy offers a profound exploration of justice, revenge, and the evolution of societal law. The transition from personal vengeance to institutionalized justice reflects themes still relevant today.

5. The Bacchae by Euripides

"The Bacchae" depicts the story of King Pentheus of Thebes and his resistance to the god Dionysus, who seeks to establish his cult in the city. Pentheus' refusal and subsequent attempts to suppress Dionysian worship lead to his own tragic downfall. The play highlights the struggle between reason and instinct, order and chaos.

Why Watch It? "The Bacchae" is a masterful exploration of the dualities within human nature and the dangers of denying one’s own instincts and the divine.

These five Greek tragedies offer a window into ancient Greek culture and universal themes that continue to resonate today. Watching these plays not only provides entertainment but also deepens our understanding of human nature, societal structures, and the complexities of fate and free will. Whether you are a newcomer to Greek drama or a seasoned enthusiast, these tragedies are essential viewing for anyone interested in the enduring power of storytelling.

The Los Angeles Chargers proudly announce the NFL has awarded the team with international marketing rights to Greece, marking the first time the sport is introduced in an organized and strategic manner to the Greek market. As part of the NFL’s Global Markets Program, this milestone represents a bold step in expanding the game’s global reach—bringing the excitement and tradition of American football to a nation renowned as the birthplace of the Olympic Games and for its deep athletic heritage.

To celebrate this momentous occasion, the Chargers hosted an exclusive press conference on Friday, April 25, at the iconic Hotel Grande Bretagne, a Luxury Collection Hotel, in Athens. The event welcomed prominent members of the Greek media and distinguished representatives from the Chargers organization, including Mr. Fred Maas, Chief of Staff and Counselor for the Los Angeles Chargers. During his stay in Athens, Mr. Maas also met with several key government officials, including ministers and deputy ministers and sports facilities to discuss the potential of American football in Greece and the broader impact of the sport on local communities.

This initiative holds special meaning for the organization, as Greece is also the ancestral homeland of Dean Spanos, Controlling Owner and Chairman of the Board for the Los Angeles Chargers. His family roots add a personal dimension to this launch, making the expansion to Greece not only strategic, but deeply symbolic.

On the occasion of his visit to Greece, Mr. Fred Maas stated: “It’s an honor to be here in Greece. This is really a special time and place for us. Ever since I met our Owner Dean Spanos, it’s always been a dream of his to bring the NFL and the Chargers to Greece. This year, it was made possible through the expansion of the NFL’s Global Markets Program. This is truly an opportunity for the Spanos Family to come to Greece and expose the game they love to the country they love.”

Greece, with its longstanding legacy as the home of the Olympic Games and its vibrant sports community, offers a unique opportunity for the NFL and the Chargers to foster a meaningful cultural and athletic exchange. Through grassroots development, youth engagement, and local fan outreach, the Chargers aim to introduce the values of American football—teamwork, discipline, resilience, and strategic thinking—to Greek audiences.

Interestingly, the roots of American football trace back to ancient times. In Ancient Greece, athletes played a sport known as Episkyros, involving scrimmage lines and ball-handling strategies that echo the foundational elements of the modern game. Forms of traditional football may have been played throughout Europe and beyond since antiquity, many of which involved handling of the ball and scrummage-like formations. This cultural bridge provides a unique narrative connecting the past with the present.

The initiative represents a bold commitment to the long-term development of the sport across Europe, positioning Greece as a dynamic new entry point for the NFL’s global growth. The Chargers plan to collaborate with local institutions and sports communities to build awareness, offer training experiences, and cultivate a passionate fanbase.

The introduction of American football in Greece is more than just a game—it’s a symbol of expanding possibilities, shared values, and the universal language of sport. With the support of the local community and the vision of the Los Angeles Chargers, this launch marks the beginning of an exciting new journey.

For the first time ever, the NFL Draft was live from the heart of Greece, marking a historic moment as the birthplace of democracy welcomed the future of American football. Against the stunning backdrop of Athens, with over 5 million global viewers, fans witnessed the electric atmosphere as the Chargers and Chargé d'Affaires at the US Embassy in Athens, Maria Olson, announced their fifth-round pick (158th overall) live from the balcony of Hotel Grand Bretagne, blending the ancient spirit of Greek culture with the modern pulse of the NFL. It was more than just a show — it was a celebration of sport, global connection, and the Chargers’ bold commitment to growing football on new soil. Greece became a part of NFL history, and the energy was unforgettable.

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Check out this video showcasing how the Los Angeles Chargers set the scene as they prepare for the NFL Draft!

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