XpatAthens
Thursday, 14 December 2017 09:12
Chestnuts - A Greek Winter Delicacy
Chestnuts and the Greek winter are almost synonymous and roasted chestnut street carts are a common sight this time of year!
Chestnuts grow everywhere in Greece in Macedonian forests in the north and all the way down to the Cretan mountains in the south; the new harvest, usually in October, is cause for celebration in many parts of the country.
Although they are the perfect accompaniment to pork and poultry, the Greek traditional confectionery is where they are mostly used in. Enjoy them as a spoon sweet, in jams and spreads and you will certainly love it in cakes such as tsoureki, vasilopita and sweet breads.
To read this article in full, please visit: Greek Reporter
Published in
Greek Food & Diet
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Tuesday, 20 March 2018 07:00
Faliro Delta Is Set For Phase 2 Of Revamp Project
The Faliro Delta is moving onto the next phase of the revamp project after the Attica Region council said it would be allocating 90 million euros for the project.
The second phase of the project will only focus on the landscaping needs while the sports facilities, port upgrades, and cultural/commercial areas will be the focus during the third phase of the project. The construction will continue to 2021 when the park is set to open to the public.
The project was designed by Italian architect and engineer Renzo Piano and funded by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation.
To read this article in full, please visit: Greek Travel Pages
Published in
Local News
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Monday, 11 June 2018 18:37
May 23rd - Summertime News
While most Greek islands are famous for their magical beaches or crazy nightlife, discover how one island hit the spotlight by winning an alternative award. Also learn about which Athens University became the first one to offer undergraduate courses fully taught in English and don't forget to take part in the Navarino Challenge, an exciting event full of sports and acivities for the whole family!
Please click HERE to view this issue of our newsletter!
Published in
Newsletters
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Thursday, 20 February 2020 10:16
Greek Entrepreneur Cycles Around The World Against Climate Change
Paul Evmorfidis, the founder of COCO-MAT, a highly successful Greek company, has challenged himself to cycle 7.500 kilometers from Athens to Nepal. At the age of 61, Evmorfidis has taken up a difficult task. Once he reaches Nepal, he will climb 8.848m to Mount Everest, the highest peak of the world.
As a proud ambassador for the WWF's “Move for Nature” campaign, Evmorfidis aims to raise awareness about climate change and about restoring the relationship between people and nature.
Published in
Local Environment
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Thursday, 01 August 2024 07:00
How To Prepare For A Wildfire
A wildfire is an uncontrolled fire that burns in the wildland vegetation, often in rural areas. Wildfires can burn in forests, grasslands, savannas, and other ecosystems, they are not restricted to a particular continent or environment, and they are responsible for vast catastrophic events.
Every year, Greece faces a great number of forest fires and according to statistics, at least twenty percent of them are a direct result of deliberate arson. During the summer of 2007, Greece experienced more wildfire activity than other European country has over the last decade; according to the European Space Agency (ESA), the Attica fires in 2018 were the second-deadliest wildfire event in the 21st century.
Future projections show that forest fire danger, length of the fire season, and fire frequency are very likely to increase in the Mediterranean, mainly as a result of the dry weather, increased climate variability, and damaged ecosystem.
With this in mind, the General Secretariat for Civil Protection of Greece has issued the following guidelines on how to prepare in case of a wildfire.
If you are in the countryside:
- Don’t burn litter or dry vegetation and small branches (twigs) during the summer.
- Don’t use open-air barbecues in forests or places close to dry vegetation during the summer.
- Avoid open-air activities that may cause a fire (i.e. torch weld, wheel, or other instruments that create sparks).
- Never throw cigarette buts on the ground.
- Properly dispose of rubbish and never in forest areas.
If your house is located in a forest area:
- Create a firebreak around your home by clearing dry leaves and vegetation, pine needles, branches, etc at least within a 10-meter radius of your house.
- Remove all dry branches from trees and bushes.
- All trees within a 5-meter radius from your house should be pruned so that their branches don’t lean on the walls, on the roof, or on the balconies.
- The branches of one tree should be at least 3 meters apart from another.
- Protect the windows and the glass doors by installing shutters made from non-flammable materials.
- Cover the chimneys and the ventilation pipes with non-flammable materials.
If you notice fire IMMEDIATELY call 199 for the Fire Service call center (or 112 for the central emergency center) and give clear information about where you are, the location and the direction of fire, and the kind of vegetation that is burning.
If the fire is approaching your home:
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Stay calm.
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Relocate all flammable materials around the building to closed and protected areas.
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Close all the passages (chimneys, windows, doors, etc) to prevent sparks from entering the building.
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Shut off all the gas and liquid-fuel supplies.
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Open the gate of the garden to facilitate fire-fighting vehicle access.
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Put a ladder outside the building so that someone is able to climb immediately on the roof.
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Switch on the interior and exterior lights to increase visibility
If the fire has reached your home:
- Do not abandon the building unless your escape is completely secured.
- Do not take shelter in a car. The possibility of survival in a building constructed by non-flammable materials is greater than that inside a vehicle close to smoke and fire.
- If you stay indoors:
- Close firmly all the doors and windows.
- Block up all the cracks with wet clothes, in order to prevent smoke penetration.
- Remove the curtains from the windows.
- Move any furniture into the center of the residence away from windows and exterior doors.
- Fill up the bathtub, wash basins, and buckets so that you have spare water.
After the fire is extinguished
- Get out of the house and at once put out the remaining hot spots.
- Inspect for at least 48 hours, at regular intervals, the perimeter and the exterior of the building for possible re-ignitions.
Published in
Everyday Tips & How To’s
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Monday, 13 December 2021 07:00
Arachova - The Perfect Winter Escape In Greece
White landscapes, cozy corners, hot chocolate, and moments by the fireplace. Yes, this time of the year has come! So, what if there is a place that combines all of the above, it’s cosmopolitan, and at the same time, you can find peaceful escapes that will set your mind and soul free?
Arachova is the one and during winter is transformed into a bustling little city. This beautiful mountainous village that is known for its breathtaking nature and historical background is situated at the foot of Mount Parnassos in Viotia (the highest mountain in Greece after Mount Olympus), Southern Greece.
The tourism facilities of Arachova, which are fully developed, make it an ideal destination for ski lovers or the ones who are seeking other outdoor facilities, such as snowboard, hiking, and mountain bike or just walking through the cobblestone streets. Furthermore, even if you don’t belong to the adventurous visitor category and you just want to relax in cute cafes and cozy guesthouses, again, Arachova is perfect for you.
At the same time, though, we should not forget that this picturesque village carries interesting history and cultural heritage. Byzantine churches and monasteries hold their own place in Arachova, whilst in really close proximity you will find Delphi, the ancient sanctuary that is recognized by Unesco as a World Heritage Site. In ancient times, Delphi was considered to be by the Greeks the center of the world, the ‘navel of the world’, ‘Omphalos’. Questions were asked to the Oracle Pythia (modern-day Google!) in a will for consultation on crucial decisions. Delphi was also the center of worship of the God Apollo. Delphi is undoubtedly a must-visit while in Arahova.
Arachova also offers traditional Greek food, namely presenting ‘trahana’, a traditional Greek and Cypriot dish, usually found in the villages and is made with either semolina, wheat flour, or cracked wheat and ‘hilopites’, Greek egg pasta. Moreover, it stands out for spoon sweets, yogurt with honey, olives, dry wines, the ‘formaela’ cheese, and grilled meat. You can taste all these in restaurants and taverns, but you can also buy many of the above from local shops.
Last but not least, you may as well pay a visit to Eptalofos or Agoriani, a charming mountain village that lies at the southern slopes of Mount Parnassus. Its central square is a beauty and there are many options for dining, coffee, and dessert all around. Agoriani is only 11 km far from Parnassus ski center and it's a quiet escape from the bustling Arachova.
Main image: @arachova_greece
To read this article in full, please visit: greekcitytimes.com
Arachova is the one and during winter is transformed into a bustling little city. This beautiful mountainous village that is known for its breathtaking nature and historical background is situated at the foot of Mount Parnassos in Viotia (the highest mountain in Greece after Mount Olympus), Southern Greece.
The tourism facilities of Arachova, which are fully developed, make it an ideal destination for ski lovers or the ones who are seeking other outdoor facilities, such as snowboard, hiking, and mountain bike or just walking through the cobblestone streets. Furthermore, even if you don’t belong to the adventurous visitor category and you just want to relax in cute cafes and cozy guesthouses, again, Arachova is perfect for you.
At the same time, though, we should not forget that this picturesque village carries interesting history and cultural heritage. Byzantine churches and monasteries hold their own place in Arachova, whilst in really close proximity you will find Delphi, the ancient sanctuary that is recognized by Unesco as a World Heritage Site. In ancient times, Delphi was considered to be by the Greeks the center of the world, the ‘navel of the world’, ‘Omphalos’. Questions were asked to the Oracle Pythia (modern-day Google!) in a will for consultation on crucial decisions. Delphi was also the center of worship of the God Apollo. Delphi is undoubtedly a must-visit while in Arahova.
Arachova also offers traditional Greek food, namely presenting ‘trahana’, a traditional Greek and Cypriot dish, usually found in the villages and is made with either semolina, wheat flour, or cracked wheat and ‘hilopites’, Greek egg pasta. Moreover, it stands out for spoon sweets, yogurt with honey, olives, dry wines, the ‘formaela’ cheese, and grilled meat. You can taste all these in restaurants and taverns, but you can also buy many of the above from local shops.
Last but not least, you may as well pay a visit to Eptalofos or Agoriani, a charming mountain village that lies at the southern slopes of Mount Parnassus. Its central square is a beauty and there are many options for dining, coffee, and dessert all around. Agoriani is only 11 km far from Parnassus ski center and it's a quiet escape from the bustling Arachova.
Main image: @arachova_greece
To read this article in full, please visit: greekcitytimes.com
Published in
Travel Greece
Tagged under
Monday, 25 March 2024 17:27
Verve Juices
Verve Juices is the first cold press juicery and juice cleansing company in Greece. Verve is about living well, treating your body right, and getting back to your roots by consuming raw, organic, fresh, and unprocessed food.
Their mission is to bring nutritious premium juices and complete cleansing programs to anyone who wishes to live life at its best. They aim to offer convenient healthy programs that fit easily into our busy lifestyle.
Their bespoke detoxification programs have been carefully studied and designed by the Nutritional Therapist & Metabolic Balance coach of London Nutrition Clinic, Lisa Blair. Their programs help the body cleanse, release toxins and shape up in a healthy and natural way.
Along with Christina Kostara who offers support and nutritional advice to all their customers, Verve Juices has created a team to aid their customers and set nutritional programs which incorporate Verve Juices combined with a well-balanced diet to reach several goals, such as weight control, immunity boost, etc.
Their mission is to bring nutritious premium juices and complete cleansing programs to anyone who wishes to live life at its best. They aim to offer convenient healthy programs that fit easily into our busy lifestyle.
Their bespoke detoxification programs have been carefully studied and designed by the Nutritional Therapist & Metabolic Balance coach of London Nutrition Clinic, Lisa Blair. Their programs help the body cleanse, release toxins and shape up in a healthy and natural way.
Along with Christina Kostara who offers support and nutritional advice to all their customers, Verve Juices has created a team to aid their customers and set nutritional programs which incorporate Verve Juices combined with a well-balanced diet to reach several goals, such as weight control, immunity boost, etc.
Published in
Greek Brand Stories
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Wednesday, 10 July 2024 13:42
Golf & Maritime For A Good Cause At The 10th Greek Maritime Golf Event
Support for the “Floga” - Parents’ Association of Children with Cancer
Golf and maritime have been “sailing” together for the past 10 years at the top golf tournament, Greek Maritime Golf Event, which will take place from September 5-8, 2024, at Costa Navarino in Messinia. This significant event, established as an institution in the golf world, supports society and its vulnerable members through its annual actions.
Playing Golf for a Good Cause
Greek Maritime Golf Event continues its social initiatives this year. The event will once again support the Parents’ Association of Children with Cancer “Floga” through its actions. Specifically, during the awards night for this year’s winning teams on Saturday, September 7, participants will have the opportunity to contribute directly by participating in the raffles for rich prizes at the lottery that will be held. The total amount raised will be donated to the “Floga” association, which supports children suffering from cancer and their families, fights for their better medical, psychological, and social care, shares their fears and anxieties, supports their struggle in every way, and advocates for substantial presence and intervention in matters of medical, psychological, and social care for these children.
For more information, please visit: www.floga.org.gr
As part of this year’s event, the president of the Parents’ Association of Children with Cancer “Floga”, Ms. Maria Trifonidis, stated: "On behalf of the parents and children of Floga, the Panhellenic Association of Parents of Children with Cancer, I would like to express our gratitude for the invitation to attend the top maritime golf tournament for the 2nd consecutive year. For us, supporting our effort is not only a joy and honor but also special recognition of our work, which we have been carrying out for 42 years alongside children with cancer. The chain of friends of Floga, which continues to grow, is for us parents the strength that gives us the courage and the will to continue our efforts to improve the medical, psychological, and social care of our children. Together we convey the most essential message: ‘Childhood cancer CAN be cured’”.
This Year’s Competition
Greek Maritime Golf Event will gather more than 80 senior maritime executives this year, forming teams of four. Participants will compete on a team level on Friday, September 6, in the shotgun scramble game at the International Olympic Academy Golf Course. Similarly, on Saturday, September 7, they will participate in a shotgun scramble game at The Hills Course. Golfers will enjoy a unique landscape playing golf among centuries-old olive trees with stunning views of the Ionian Sea, the historic Navarino Bay, and the picturesque port of Pylos.
Significant companies embrace the event
Greek Maritime Golf Event is attended by some of the most significant maritime companies from Greece and Cyprus, and many other important Greek companies that support the event.
IRI/The Marshall Islands Registry is the event’s Platinum Sponsor.
Mainline Shipping Company and Marine Logistics are the event’s Gold Sponsors.
Arrow Hellas, DNV, and Marine Tours are the event’s Silver Sponsors.
Teddy’s Speakeasy is the Official Sponsor.
Poseidonia Restaurant and Bombay Sapphire are the Official Supporters.
Under Armour is the Official Clothing Partner.
Vikos Natural Mineral Water is the Official Water.
Messinian Spa is the Official Beauty Partner.
Messinian Nest, Mind the Ad, Karalis Beach Hotel, La Cucina Italiana and Athi Rodi are the event’s Partners.
Athina Luxury Suites, Messinian Nest, Costa Navarino, The Margi, Tsikeli Boutique Hotel Meteora, Iliada Sunset Suites Naxos, Kois Accommodation, Petra & Fos Boutique Hotel & Spa, Marmari Bay Hotel, Quattro Suites, Namaste Boutique Apartments, Anama Restaurant and Kookoonari Beach Bar Restaurant are the Auction Partners.
Boo Productions is the Audio Visual Partner.
The event is held under the auspices of the Greek Ministry of Tourism and the Greek National Tourism Organization.
Greek Maritime Golf Event, organized by Birdie Events, is an initiative of the recognized Greek PGA golfer, Thanos Karantzias. The sports marketing agency of the year, ActiveMedia Group is responsible for the event’s Golf Production. The tournament is exclusively addressed to distinguished members of the Greek maritime industry.
More information about this year’s event schedule will be announced in the coming weeks.
#greekmaritimegolfevent #costavarino
Published in
Local News
Tagged under
Tuesday, 06 May 2025 13:12
Wellness Retreats Greece
Founded by two passionate and experienced women, Wellness Retreats Greece is born from a shared vision of promoting healthy, conscious living for locals and travelers alike.
Wellness Retreats Greece is a growing wellness community connecting individuals, professionals, and companies with curated wellness experiences and expert consulting. Expanding beyond the traditional retreat platform, WRG comes as a transformative space for growth, healing, connection, and community. Whether you seek personal renewal, want to enhance workplace well-being, are eager to participate in inspiring wellness events, or need expert guidance to bring your own vision to life, we’re here to support you.
Our mission is to connect like-minded individuals and businesses, foster meaningful experiences, support local communities and establish Greece as a leading destination for wellness and holistic well-being.
Wellness Retreats Greece is a growing wellness community connecting individuals, professionals, and companies with curated wellness experiences and expert consulting. Expanding beyond the traditional retreat platform, WRG comes as a transformative space for growth, healing, connection, and community. Whether you seek personal renewal, want to enhance workplace well-being, are eager to participate in inspiring wellness events, or need expert guidance to bring your own vision to life, we’re here to support you.
Our mission is to connect like-minded individuals and businesses, foster meaningful experiences, support local communities and establish Greece as a leading destination for wellness and holistic well-being.
Our Services Include:
🌸 Curated retreats, workshops & gatherings happening around Greece designed to rejuvenate the whole self.
🧘♀️ Signature wellness experiences designed to inspire personal growth, healing & renewal.
🌿 Tailored corporate wellness programs crafted to enhance employee well-being, productivity & team cohesion.
🤝 Guidance and support helping you effortlessly create and host your own wellness events in Greece.
🌸 Curated retreats, workshops & gatherings happening around Greece designed to rejuvenate the whole self.
🧘♀️ Signature wellness experiences designed to inspire personal growth, healing & renewal.
🌿 Tailored corporate wellness programs crafted to enhance employee well-being, productivity & team cohesion.
🤝 Guidance and support helping you effortlessly create and host your own wellness events in Greece.
✨ Expert consulting services help businesses design and refine their wellness offerings, ensuring they deliver the right services to attract and engage their target audience.
Whether you're seeking personal transformation, looking to enhance corporate well-being, or need expert guidance in organizing wellness activities, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Let us help you connect with like-minded individuals and businesses, while fostering meaningful experiences that uplift local communities.
Published in
Wellness Professionals
Tagged under
Thursday, 05 February 2015 13:29
My Week in Athens… Dec 6
Having recently completed (and enjoyed!) the photography course offered via XpatAthens, I decided to check out the Helmut Newton photo exhibit at the Onassis Cultural Centre...
Helmut Newton is one of the world’s famous photographers, working before the ‘age of photoshop’… The exhibit was simple and striking – his provocative style is well-known.
Opened in 2010 after an international architecture competition, the Onassis Cultural Centre is a modern building on Syngrou Avenue, near the Intercontinental Hotel. As Athens’ newest major cultural space, it plays host to a great variety of events and performances from the worlds of theatre, dance, music and the visual arts to the written word.
I must say, the building is impressive: different levels, different layers offering interesting spaces to explore. Ticket prices seem quite reasonable. A quick scan through their website (in English!) reveals a rich program, with something for everyone interested in contemporary culture. It gets a bookmark on my browser. ;)
And on-site parking too.
Until next week,
Jack
Onassis Cultural Centre
107-109 Syngrou Avenue
Information/Tickets: 210 900 5800
www.sgt.gr/en
In this weekly space, keep up with ‘Jack’ as he navigates daily life in Athens… Anecdotes, stories, hits & misses, the good, the bad and, well, the rest…
Published in
My Week In Athens
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