Set against the breathtaking shores of Godai Beach, Otro Mundo is more than just a festival; it’s a soulful invitation to awaken your senses, deepen your connections, and celebrate life.

From June 6–8, immerse yourself in a transformative experience that blends electronic music, holistic workshops, captivating performances, and a conscious marketplace, all just a short drive from Athens.

At the heart of Otro Mundo is its electronic music experience. This year, expect a curated line-up that takes you on a sonic voyage through Electronica, Organic Downtempo, Deep Melodic House, Tribal, Afro, Progressive, and Tech. Music is the universal language that unites us all, and at Otro Mundo, it serves as the thread that weaves together every element of the festival. With sounds that resonate deep within your soul, this is a space where dance and rhythm become the language of connection.

One of the highlights of this year’s festival is the appearance of Mira, one of the most influential artists in Berlin’s underground scene! Mira performs across the globe – from Berlin’s legendary clubs to the desert of Burning Man – and through her “Mira Invites” events in cities like New York, Lisbon, London, Mexico City, and Los Cabos.

The second highlight is the showcase by Athenian label Revolt, one of the most respected collectives in the underground electronic music scene in Athens. Revolt has built its reputation by pushing the boundaries of electronic music – with talented artists and explosive gigs in Athens and abroad.

2. Mind, Body, & Soul Workshops: Reconnect Within

Take a pause from the dance floor and dive into your mind, body, and soul through workshops and rituals designed to open your senses and provoke deep thinking. Led by a carefully selected group of facilitators, these sessions offer the opportunity to reconnect with yourself and the world around you. Whether it’s through meditation, yoga, or spiritual healing practices, these workshops provide a sanctuary for personal growth and transformation. 



There is a wide variety of activities such as: Sound Healing, Breathwork, Kundalini Activation Process, Shiatsu/Kali Prana Massage, Reiki, Cacao Ceremony & Ecstatic Dance, Music & Yoga, 5Rhythms, Tarot & Astrology Readings, Live Drawing Workshops etc. 

3. Immersive Performances: The Magic of Surprise

Otro Mundo is all about being part of something magical. Expect performances that will take you by surprise, transporting you into a world of wonder and blurring the line between artist and audience. One moment you’re dancing under the stars, the next you're swept into a surreal piece of theatre or a mesmerizing movement ritual. These moments are unscripted, raw, and unforgettable, each one a reminder that magic lives in the unexpected.


@otromundogathering

4. Artisanal Bazaar: A Marketplace of Conscious Creations

If you want to take home more than just memories from Otro Mundo, the artisanal bazaar is a vibrant market showcasing unique, handmade creations from small producers and local artisans. This is a space to shop consciously, support independent makers, and discover beautiful, one-of-a-kind items, whether it’s jewelry, clothes, gifts, or natural products. Everything in the bazaar is crafted with care and intention, embodying the festival’s commitment to sustainability and community.

A Beach Festival Like No Other

One thing that sets Otro Mundo apart is its location, Godai Beach, Ermioni, just a short drive from Athens. Not only does it offer stunning views of the sea, but it also creates the perfect environment to unwind, swim, and dance under the sun. The Holy Spirit weekend is the ideal time to escape the city while enjoying the natural beauty of Greece’s coastline. You can even camp within the festival grounds for a fully immersive experience or choose from a variety of accommodations nearby, from budget-friendly options to luxury stays in Porto Heli and Ermioni.

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CLICK HERE to grab your tickets for the 2025 Otro Mundo Gathering — and be part of something unforgettable!

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Born from Friendship, Grown From Purpose

Otro Mundo has its roots in humble beginnings. What started in 2018 as small beach gatherings among close friends on the Greek Islands quickly evolved into a full-fledged festival. These informal gatherings were where musicians, spiritual seekers, and artists would come together to celebrate life, nature, and music. The sunsets were the backdrop for deep connection, as friends would gather around bonfires, chant, dance, and play music in tribute to Pacha Mama.

As time passed, this “tribe” grew, and with it, the vision for Otro Mundo. The festival is a manifestation of a shared dream to create a harmonious and diverse community where people can connect, celebrate life, and enhance peace and oneness. It’s a space where everyone can come together, exchange vibrations, and celebrate the things that matter most.


@otromundogathering

A Festival Name with a Deeper Meaning

Otro Mundo is more than a name; it’s a vision. Rooted in the philosophical concept of eterotropia, it represents a space that operates outside dominant systems, inviting us to reimagine how we live, connect, and celebrate. Eterotropia describes places that exist beyond the norms of everyday life; zones of freedom, play, and deeper meaning. At Otro Mundo, this idea comes to life. The festival becomes a living, breathing “other world,” where time slows, values shift, and participants co-create a more conscious, harmonious way of being, if only for a few magical days. It’s a temporary utopia that stays with you long after you leave.


@otromundogathering 

Join In for Otro Mundo 2025: Embrace the Light

Otro Mundo is more than just a festival; it’s an invitation to come together. Guided by the spirit of "A World Together," people gather from across the globe to share in a powerful experience of music, movement, and meaning. There, borders dissolve, and what unites us speaks louder than what divides us.

Join us under the sun and stars to celebrate the beauty of connection — where cultures blend, friendships spark, and souls align on the dancefloor. This is your invitation to be part of something greater: a shared journey into joy, unity, and transformation.

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CLICK HERE to watch the Teaser Video of this year's gathering!

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Christmas in Athens blends modern sparkle with timeless tradition, filling the city with warmth and cheer. What could be better than rediscovering its streets through dazzling Christmas lights and melting into the magic of the season?

 

Come along as we guide you to our favorite illuminated spots - all of which are best experienced on foot!



Syntagma’s lights, the most iconic


@ranniabcreative

On November 27, not even the rain could stop the crowd from gathering at Syntagma Square for the official start of Athens’ holiday season! Mayor Haris Doukas lit up a spectacular 19‑meter Christmas tree, sparkling with no less than 5 km of lights and 60,000 bulbs! The celebration also switched on the festive glow across central Athens, from Panepistimiou and Stadiou to Ermou and Vassilissis Sofias Avenue. 

Since that joyful kickoff, you can wander through Syntagma Square, the beating heart of Christmas in Athens, and soak up the festive vibe as local musicians keep the spirit alive all December long. 

Christmas Factory’s lights, the most family-friendly

@georgespanosphotography

Once again, the Christmas Factory lights up Technopolis in Athens! The old factory turns into a festive funfair as Santa and his elves open up their magical universe to us. 

This year’s theme, Find Your Star, invites kids of all ages to join unique missions across 10 interactive workshops, from fairy‑tale storytelling and painting to music, not to forget the famous little train and ice rink. Thousands of sparkling lights paint scenes in the sky… and who knows, while strolling through the wonderland, you might just bump into Santa himself!

Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center Christmas World, the most artsy 

@karanikolas

The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center kicks off a month of artsy, festive events, peaking on New Year’s Eve. Glide across the canal ice rink or wander through the Festival of Lights in the park, with dancing fountains and sparkling trees. This fairytale world, created by international and local artists under the theme BioLumina, hosts a rich program of concerts, performances, DJ sets, workshops, and screenings. From butterflies emerging on the green roof to dandelions floating around the dome, the Light Installations Festival stages a poetic dialogue between nature and festive season.

Pedion Tou Aeros, the most immersive


@athensfrow

Pedion tou Areos, one of Athens’ most frequented parks of the city, has transformed into a glowing Christmas Village with its own illuminated tree and a month‑long celebration of holiday cheer. After the success of 2024, concerts, ice rink and lively shows return to brighten the festive season. Wooden chalets overflow with handmade creations, gift ideas, and Christmas treats but the star attraction is an impressive illuminated trail inspired by the park’s design, inviting you to wander along the glowing river or beneath trees alive with vivid beams of light. Rediscover your favorite park by night, shimmering under the magic of Christmas illuminations!

Little Kook, the most delicious


@karmaclaudia

In the heart of Psyrri, a café goes all‑out with jaw‑dropping seasonal décor that changes every time of year, turning into a daily attraction for both locals and tourists. This Christmas, the theme is Circus, with dazzling festive touches everywhere. And don’t forget to snack while you’re there… after all, it’s still a café!

Karavaki, the most traditional

Before the Christmas tree became a universal symbol, Greeks celebrated with the karavaki, a small wooden boat adorned with lights, a meaning far beyond decoration. They symbolized hope, protection, and the wish for a safe return, for sailors far from their families, especially during this season of gathering with loved ones.

The tradition usually begins on December 6, in honor of Saint Nicholas, protector of seafarers, and fills the season with prayers for safety and togetherness. Stroll through Athens in December and you will surely come across this motif scattered throughout the city, shimmering among the Christmas decorations, for instance, you can spot a large illuminated one in the Gazi district, right across the Christmas Factory!

And if you can’t decide between all these dazzling spots (why choose, really?), head up to Mount Lycabettus for a sweeping view of it all! It’s the perfect spot to catch Athens dressed in Christmas lights or the New Year’s fireworks, while savoring Melomakarona and Kourabiedes.

Keeping in the tradition of ‘staying local’ this August, I’ve been reminded that Athens can be both blistering hot and blissfully quiet. If you can manage to stay cool, this is a great time to see the city. If you’re a fan of photography, an early morning walk around the neighbourhoods of the city in August can be magical… You may even get a sunset seat on a rooftop terrace…!

 

With some out-of-town friends visiting Athens for the first time (it really never ends…) I decided to forego my usual ‘Jack’s Low-Budget City Tour’ and actually pay for a professional guide.

 

Big Olive City Walks is a start-up provider of ‘alternative’ city walks. This young team of ‘actual’ Athenians loves to share their knowledge and passion for the city – this is more than ‘just a job’ for them, and it makes all the difference. Our friendly guide Nikos narrated the walk, with insights and stories and anecdotes that made the city (even the parts I know well) come alive.

 

Big Olive offers a really interesting range of themed walks – including 19th century Athens, Gastrononomy, Photography, LGBT Athens and ‘Anatolian’ Athens. We did their ‘Athens Grand Tour’, as a broad introduction to the city. My guests loved it – and so did I. Big Olive offers organized group walks, as well as bespoke/custom walks, private themed tours and custom corporate/educational programs.

 

For dinner, I had noticed a new taverna on the Herakleidon pedestrian strip in Thiseio. The newly re-opened Abibayio takes the place of the previous café on this popular strip that (in my humble view) is over-due for an update. Abibayio was worth the wait. This is a modern taverna, with a lovely outdoor patio and familiar, friendly service that makes you feel at home. The menu is a delicious twist on classic taverna fare – our group gave unanimous rave reviews. I’ve already been back within the past week – that says it all…

 

Cheers to a continuing August staycation!

 

Until next week,

 

Jack

 

+30 215 540 2986

 

Herakleidon 3, Thiseio

+30 210 342 6794

With Christmas around the corner and the end of the year in sight, many of us pause from shopping and cooking to look back at 2015. Some of us have reactions like ‘what was that??!’, while some others of us still prefer to count our many blessings…  No matter what side of the proverbial fence you sit on – nor if you wobble back and forth like me – we can all reflect on a year that was defined by challenges, struggles, confusion…

This was a year that I often needed reminding of the reasons why I moved to Greece… Surrounded by so much that reminds of the contrary, revisiting those reasons, for me, told me that not so many of them have changed. In fact, all the things that brought me here still apply. So here I remain.

I came across two interesting articles that I want to share – one in English and one in Greek.

The first one is a piece by David Constable in the UK’s Daily Mail. He speaks about Athens as the ultimate open-air university – and reminds us of some of the things we all know and love about this city that – he says - has ‘its greatest years still ahead…’ Check it out HERE.

The second piece is a list of ‘interesting facts’ about Athens and Greece, which are quite familiar – but interesting nonetheless. At the very least, these are useful to pull out for Christmas dinner conversation. The original Greek piece is HERE and below are a few facts translated:

 

1.    On average, around 16.5million tourists visit Greece each year.

2.    7% of the world’s marble comes from Greece.

3.    Greece is the world’s 3rd largest producer of olives – with some olive trees dating back to the 13th century!

4.    Greece is the world’s largest producer of natural sponges.

5.    80% of the country’s land is mountainous, without a single ‘navigable’ river

6.    12 million people speak Greek around the world.

7.    In the 1950’s, literacy was around 30%. Today, it’s around 95%

8.    Although there are 2,000 islands in Greece, only 170 of them are populated.

9.    The population of Athens in 1834 was 10,000 people.

10. Athens has been continuously inhabited for more than 7,000 years, making it one of the oldest cities in Europe.

11. Greece enjoys 250 sunny days each year – that means more than 3,000 hours of sunlight!

12. In ancient Greece, life expectancy was 36 for women and 45 for men – with more than half of all babies not living past infancy. Today, life expectancy is 77 (men) and 82 (women).

13. 70% of Europe’s merchant marine fleet fly Greek flags. Those ships must have 75% of their crew with Greek nationality.

14. Greece has more archaeological museums than any other country in the world.

15. Around 100,000 birds from northern Europe and Asia spend winters in Greece.

16. Slaves in ancient Greece made up 40-80% of the population of the city-states. These slaves were usually prisoners of war, abandoned children, or children of slaves.

17. Greece has 116 species of mammals, 18 species of amphibians, 59 species of reptiles, 240 species of bird and 107 species of fish. Around half of the mammal species are in danger of extinction.

18. No point in Greece is more than 137 kilometres from the sea. Greece has the 10th longest coastline in the world.

With this, I wish for everyone a happy and healthy 2016, full of sunny days and many smiles!

Until next week,

Jack

Join in on our love for Greece by exploring the best old towns and villages, learn about how a family traded a life in Canada for a new one in Crete, and more!

 

 

Archaeologists unearthed one of the largest carved tombs ever found in Greece, in Orchomenos, about 100 km northwest of Greek capital of Athens.

Dated back to the middle of the 14th century B.C., it is the ninth-largest chamber tomb out of roughly 4,000 excavated in the last 150 years.

Greece’s Culture Ministry says the 3,350-year-old chamber belonged to a man who was between 40 to 50 years old when he died.

The nobleman’s tomb contained pottery vessels sheathed in tin, bronze horse bits, jewellery, bow fittings and arrowheads.

To read this article in full, please visit: Greek Reporter