XpatAthens
Thursday, 30 July 2020 14:08
Smartphone App Sheds Light On The City's Most Historic Buildings
No matter where you live must have gone by a beautiful building and wondered about its history. Athens is a hub of neoclassical, eclectic, and modernist edifices from the inter- and post-war periods, standing among newer buildings like memories of a bygone era.
Since 2013, the MONUMENTA team, with the help of a group of volunteers and the exclusive support of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF), has led a meticulous project that aims to protect Athens' architectural heritage, documenting more than 10,600 buildings that date between 1830 and 1940.
As a part of its project, MONUMENTA recently launched a smartphone application (for Android and Apple devices) to help users locate and learn about countless historic buildings on a digital map of Athens. So next time you come across an intriguing edifice in Athens, you'll finally be able to uncover its history!
To read more about the project, please visit: snf.org
To read more about the project, please visit: snf.org
Published in
Local News
Tagged under
Wednesday, 15 December 2021 14:32
New Ice Rink Opens In Central Athens
A new 400-square meter ice rink opened on Tuesday, December 14th, in Kotzia Square in Athens, as part of the festive events organized by the City of Athens. Skating at the rink, which will be open until January 6th, will be free of charge, though electronic pre-booking is required, through here (beware, link only in Greek).
Several more ice rinks have already opened around the city. Worth visiting for example is the rink set up in the middle of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center canal, which will be open until February 6 this year (skating there is also free, with obligatory pre-registration here), and the rink at Village Shopping & More, in Renti, which will also stay open until February (skating here costs €10 including skate rental, and you can skate for as long as you want). You’ll also find rinks at many malls, at the Megaron Music Hall, and at the some of city’s Christmas markets.
To read this article in full, please visit: greece-is.com
Several more ice rinks have already opened around the city. Worth visiting for example is the rink set up in the middle of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center canal, which will be open until February 6 this year (skating there is also free, with obligatory pre-registration here), and the rink at Village Shopping & More, in Renti, which will also stay open until February (skating here costs €10 including skate rental, and you can skate for as long as you want). You’ll also find rinks at many malls, at the Megaron Music Hall, and at the some of city’s Christmas markets.
To read this article in full, please visit: greece-is.com
Published in
Local News
Tagged under
Thursday, 26 May 2022 12:42
Six Greek Cities To Become EU Climate-Neutral & Smart Cities
Six Greek cities, Athens, Ioannina, Kalamata, Kozani, Thessaloniki, and Trikala have been selected by the European Commission among 377 cities to participate in the EU Mission for 100 climate-neutral and smart cities by 2030 in the domains of energy, transportation, and urban planning.
The Mission for Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities is a novelty of the Horizon Europe research and innovation program for 2021-2027. It aims to bring concrete solutions to the enormous challenge of climate change and digital transformation. The selection of the Greek cities is a great success for the country and it is the result of hard work and cooperation between the 6 cities and the Greek Environment Ministry in the last two years.
Kozani: The energy producing area of Greece
Kozani is a city in northern Greece, the capital of the Kozani region of West Macedonia. The city is known for its large lignite power plants making it, so far, the leading energy-producing area of Greece. After the Greek government’s decision though about the closure of all coal-fired plants by 2028 (the deadline for Kozani being in 2023), local authorities have been preparing a new Strategic Plan for the city aiming to contribute to a smoother transition toward a clean energy regime. The new plan includes policies that will be innovative in energy efficiency through the development of Renewable Energy Sources enhancing at the same time the digital transformation of the local economy and governance.
Trikala: The first digital city of Greece
Trikala sits at the heart of the Greek mainland, located in the region of Thessaly and it has the reputation of being a frontrunner as a smart city, being labeled in 2004 as Greece’s “first digital city”. Today under the name “Smart Trikala”, public authorities have developed a wide range of digital solutions to help improve the lives of citizens and the city has performed highly in terms of innovation results. Trikala is one of the most dynamic medium-sized cities in Europe, being a pioneer in designing innovative ICT solutions in electromobility, energy, e-health, and open governance for the benefit of its citizens.
Ioannina: The lake city of Epirus
Ioannina is the capital of Epirus, a north-western region of Greece, and a beautiful lake city with long history built on Egnatia Odos, an ancient route that connects Europe with Asia. The economy of Ioannina has purely urban characteristics determined by the fact that the city is the commercial and administrative center of the region. Sustainable urban development, with respect and protection of the natural environment, is among the key elements and major strategic goals of all policy strategies and plans of the Municipality.
Kalamata: The Mediterranean city of the southwestern Peloponnese
Kalamata is a Mediterranean city of the southwestern Peloponnese and the capital of Messinia, being faced occasionally with extreme weather events. To deal with the effects of climate change, local authorities in Kalamata have been implementing national and EU projects of more than 120 million Euros for the last 5 years, while at the same time through their participation in these programs local authorities have gained important knowledge and they have participated in beneficial synergies and networks.
To read this article in full, please visit: greeknewsagenda.com
The Mission for Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities is a novelty of the Horizon Europe research and innovation program for 2021-2027. It aims to bring concrete solutions to the enormous challenge of climate change and digital transformation. The selection of the Greek cities is a great success for the country and it is the result of hard work and cooperation between the 6 cities and the Greek Environment Ministry in the last two years.
Kozani: The energy producing area of Greece
Kozani is a city in northern Greece, the capital of the Kozani region of West Macedonia. The city is known for its large lignite power plants making it, so far, the leading energy-producing area of Greece. After the Greek government’s decision though about the closure of all coal-fired plants by 2028 (the deadline for Kozani being in 2023), local authorities have been preparing a new Strategic Plan for the city aiming to contribute to a smoother transition toward a clean energy regime. The new plan includes policies that will be innovative in energy efficiency through the development of Renewable Energy Sources enhancing at the same time the digital transformation of the local economy and governance.
Trikala: The first digital city of Greece
Trikala sits at the heart of the Greek mainland, located in the region of Thessaly and it has the reputation of being a frontrunner as a smart city, being labeled in 2004 as Greece’s “first digital city”. Today under the name “Smart Trikala”, public authorities have developed a wide range of digital solutions to help improve the lives of citizens and the city has performed highly in terms of innovation results. Trikala is one of the most dynamic medium-sized cities in Europe, being a pioneer in designing innovative ICT solutions in electromobility, energy, e-health, and open governance for the benefit of its citizens.
Ioannina: The lake city of Epirus
Ioannina is the capital of Epirus, a north-western region of Greece, and a beautiful lake city with long history built on Egnatia Odos, an ancient route that connects Europe with Asia. The economy of Ioannina has purely urban characteristics determined by the fact that the city is the commercial and administrative center of the region. Sustainable urban development, with respect and protection of the natural environment, is among the key elements and major strategic goals of all policy strategies and plans of the Municipality.
Kalamata: The Mediterranean city of the southwestern Peloponnese
Kalamata is a Mediterranean city of the southwestern Peloponnese and the capital of Messinia, being faced occasionally with extreme weather events. To deal with the effects of climate change, local authorities in Kalamata have been implementing national and EU projects of more than 120 million Euros for the last 5 years, while at the same time through their participation in these programs local authorities have gained important knowledge and they have participated in beneficial synergies and networks.
To read this article in full, please visit: greeknewsagenda.com
Main image: @dimos.kozanis
Published in
Local Environment
Tagged under
Monday, 31 October 2022 07:00
What Did The Ancient Greeks Look Like?
More than most other populations from the ancient past, the physical appearance of the Greeks, especially those of the Classical period of the 5th and 4th centuries BC, has been a source of fascination for scholars, poets, artists, and political leaders (oftentimes nefariously), for centuries.
To put everyone at ease from the start, evidence strongly suggests that modern Greeks are genetically similar to those who inhabited these lands 2,500 years ago. Thanks to recent DNA studies of ancient human remains, we now know that today’s Greeks share a “genetic overlap” with even earlier populations in the region, being closely related to the Bronze Age Mycenaeans (ca. 1600-1200 BC) and, even further back in time, to the migrant Neolithic farmers who first ventured across the Aegean from Anatolia in the 7th and 6th millennia BC.
It’s safe to say that when we think of the descendants of the ancient Greeks, we needn’t go any further than the modern population. But beyond the typical Mediterranean stereotype of dark hair, brown eyes, and olive skin that we often associate with people of Greek descent, we also know that modern Greeks are quite diverse in appearance, including those with much fairer coloring (blue and green eyes, blond hair and even the occasional redhead), and others who are much darker in complexion.
Ancient Greeks In Art
Minoan frescoes (the art of painting on plastered walls) from the mid-second millennium BC, notably from Crete and Santorini – the famous wall paintings of Thera, for example – make clear distinctions between male and female figures. Tall and slender, with narrow waists and long, dark hair, men are often depicted with reddish-brown skin, while women appear as porcelain white, with piercing kohl-rimmed eyes, and with fuller figures. This artistic convention is similar to the depiction of men and women in ancient Egyptian frescoes. In reality, Minoan women likely applied a foundation of toxic white lead or carbonate to lighten their complexion, a practice that was widely used by aristocratic women in late 16th through 18th century Europe (e.g., Queen Elizabeth I of England).
Finely painted ceramic vessels from the mid-first millennium BC, especially during the later Archaic and Classical periods (ca. 600-323 BC), provide key insight into aspects of everyday life, offering some interesting clues about the physical characteristics of everyday people. Both men and women are usually depicted with low foreheads, thick curly hair, almost always black or dark brown, straight noses, large eyes, and ovoid faces. The bi-chromatic nature of the art (both in black-figure and the later red-figure traditions) makes it difficult to determine skin coloring, but the white-ground technique, developed in Attica ca. 500 BC, gave artists more freedom to express colors. In a similar fashion to earlier Bronze Age art, women often appear as fair-skinned while men often appear in darker hues or completely black.
Human Remains
A recent Harvard University study analyzed the ancient DNA extracted from the teeth of 19 people, including 10 Minoans from Crete (dating from 2900-1700 BC), four Mycenaeans from the Greek mainland (1700-1200 BC), and five individuals from other Bronze Age or early farming (Early Neolithic) communities (5400-1340 BC). It was found that the Minoans and Mycenaeans were closely related to each other, inheriting three-quarters of their DNA from the earlier farmers who had migrated across from Anatolia (modern-day Turkey). Crucially, the Mycenaeans were found to have as much as 16 percent of their DNA from the Eurasian Steppe and/or Armenia, indicating a genetic divergence from their Minoan cousins. It appears that these northern ancestors didn’t make it as far south as Crete.
When compared to the DNA of modern Greeks, it was found there is a close “genetic overlap” with the ancient Mycenaeans, sharing many of the same ancestral roots but with some additional dilution of the earlier Neolithic ancestry. Remarking on the continuity of the modern population with their Late Bronze Age forebears, co-author George Stamatoyannopoulos of the University of Washington in Seattle, said it’s “particularly striking given that the Aegean has been a crossroads of civilizations for thousands of years.” While modern Greeks have acquired further genetic traits from later migrations, it’s no surprise that the genes for dark hair and brown eyes, carried over from the Minoans and Mycenaeans, remain so dominant today.
To read this article in full, please visit: greece-is.com
To put everyone at ease from the start, evidence strongly suggests that modern Greeks are genetically similar to those who inhabited these lands 2,500 years ago. Thanks to recent DNA studies of ancient human remains, we now know that today’s Greeks share a “genetic overlap” with even earlier populations in the region, being closely related to the Bronze Age Mycenaeans (ca. 1600-1200 BC) and, even further back in time, to the migrant Neolithic farmers who first ventured across the Aegean from Anatolia in the 7th and 6th millennia BC.
It’s safe to say that when we think of the descendants of the ancient Greeks, we needn’t go any further than the modern population. But beyond the typical Mediterranean stereotype of dark hair, brown eyes, and olive skin that we often associate with people of Greek descent, we also know that modern Greeks are quite diverse in appearance, including those with much fairer coloring (blue and green eyes, blond hair and even the occasional redhead), and others who are much darker in complexion.
Ancient Greeks In Art
Minoan frescoes (the art of painting on plastered walls) from the mid-second millennium BC, notably from Crete and Santorini – the famous wall paintings of Thera, for example – make clear distinctions between male and female figures. Tall and slender, with narrow waists and long, dark hair, men are often depicted with reddish-brown skin, while women appear as porcelain white, with piercing kohl-rimmed eyes, and with fuller figures. This artistic convention is similar to the depiction of men and women in ancient Egyptian frescoes. In reality, Minoan women likely applied a foundation of toxic white lead or carbonate to lighten their complexion, a practice that was widely used by aristocratic women in late 16th through 18th century Europe (e.g., Queen Elizabeth I of England).
Finely painted ceramic vessels from the mid-first millennium BC, especially during the later Archaic and Classical periods (ca. 600-323 BC), provide key insight into aspects of everyday life, offering some interesting clues about the physical characteristics of everyday people. Both men and women are usually depicted with low foreheads, thick curly hair, almost always black or dark brown, straight noses, large eyes, and ovoid faces. The bi-chromatic nature of the art (both in black-figure and the later red-figure traditions) makes it difficult to determine skin coloring, but the white-ground technique, developed in Attica ca. 500 BC, gave artists more freedom to express colors. In a similar fashion to earlier Bronze Age art, women often appear as fair-skinned while men often appear in darker hues or completely black.
Human Remains
A recent Harvard University study analyzed the ancient DNA extracted from the teeth of 19 people, including 10 Minoans from Crete (dating from 2900-1700 BC), four Mycenaeans from the Greek mainland (1700-1200 BC), and five individuals from other Bronze Age or early farming (Early Neolithic) communities (5400-1340 BC). It was found that the Minoans and Mycenaeans were closely related to each other, inheriting three-quarters of their DNA from the earlier farmers who had migrated across from Anatolia (modern-day Turkey). Crucially, the Mycenaeans were found to have as much as 16 percent of their DNA from the Eurasian Steppe and/or Armenia, indicating a genetic divergence from their Minoan cousins. It appears that these northern ancestors didn’t make it as far south as Crete.
When compared to the DNA of modern Greeks, it was found there is a close “genetic overlap” with the ancient Mycenaeans, sharing many of the same ancestral roots but with some additional dilution of the earlier Neolithic ancestry. Remarking on the continuity of the modern population with their Late Bronze Age forebears, co-author George Stamatoyannopoulos of the University of Washington in Seattle, said it’s “particularly striking given that the Aegean has been a crossroads of civilizations for thousands of years.” While modern Greeks have acquired further genetic traits from later migrations, it’s no surprise that the genes for dark hair and brown eyes, carried over from the Minoans and Mycenaeans, remain so dominant today.
To read this article in full, please visit: greece-is.com
Published in
Greek Philosophy & History
Tagged under
Sunday, 17 September 2023 20:37
The Golf and Maritime Industries Shined During The 9th Year Of The Top Greek Maritime Golf Event
The event supported the Parents Association of Children with Cancer “Floga”
The top golf and maritime institution, the Greek Maritime Golf Event, which has emerged in recent years as the best golf event in Greece and Cyprus, returned on September 7-10, 2023, at Costa Navarino, Messinia bringing together once again top executives of the global and Greek maritime industry.
Two days full of golf
For the 9th year, the Greek Maritime Golf Event offered unique moments and experiences at the two signature 18-hole courses The Dunes Course and The Bay Course, in an idyllic landscape full of centuries-old olive trees with a stunning view of the Ionian Sea, the historic bay of Navarino and the picturesque port of Pylos.
With amazing weather, on Friday, September 8, participants took part in a shotgun scramble at The Bay Course, while on Saturday, September 9, the golfing action moved to The Dunes Course for another shotgun scramble.
In addition, the event took care of non-golfers who had the opportunity to attend the Golf Clinic and learn the basics of the Olympic sport at The Dunes Course.
All together for a good cause
The Greek Maritime Golf Event is a tournament with great social work every year. This year, the top golf event supported Parents Association of Children with Cancer “Floga”. More specifically, during this year’s award ceremony to the winners, on Saturday, September 9, attendees had the opportunity to directly contribute the amount they wished by taking part in raffles for significant lottery prizes. The total amount collected was given to Floga, which stands by children suffering from cancer and their families, fights for better medical, mental, and social care for them, shares their fears and concerns, supports their struggle in any way possible, and vindicates substantial presence in issues relevant to the medical, mental, and social care of these children. The Auction Partners who contributed with rich gifts to the implementation of the lottery were Miele, Costa Navarino, The Margi, Tsikeli Boutique Hotel Meteora, Iliada Sunset Suites, Namaste Boutique Apartments, Marmari Bay Hotel, Semeli Estate, Ogarden Suites, Grand Meteora Hotel, Platanos Steakhouse.
Side activities
On Friday, September 8, the event greeted its participants at the Welcome Cocktail by Marine Tours, under lounge saxophone music. The people were welcomed by Mr. Konstantinos Oikonomou, CEO of Marine Tours Group, the leading travel organization in Southeastern Europe, with a long tradition of covering the professional travel needs of the maritime community (Marine & Offshore Travel). Marine Tours company traditionally supports the event and embraces its actions every year, as well as its charitable purpose.
During this event, guests had the opportunity to enjoy the unique cocktails of Grey Goose and the wide selection of wines, from the whole variety of Oreinos Helios, of the top Greek winery from Nemea Semeli Estate, by chilled in the wine cooler of Miele, which keeps the wines at the ideal temperature.
A Unique Golf Experience
The Greek Maritime Golf Event’s production team made sure to provide a rich golfing experience throughout the tournament. The specially trained team of Miele Hellas was present at the golf courses offering freshly ground coffee, from beans of its own production and coffee machines with the ability to identify the user, for the best result, as well as tasty creations such as pizzas, German-style toast with syglino from Mani and sfela from Messinia, cheese pies and chicken pies with handmade phyllo, with the signature of Miele’s Chef. At the same time, all participants began their day with a breakfast starting kit containing nuts, dried fruits, breadsticks, and pasteli from Miele as well as unique sugar-free cereal bars from Daily Deli. At the food and beverage stations, all players enjoyed the authentic Greek cuisine with unique Greek souvlaki and fresh fruits from Messinia from Poseidonia Restaurant, exquisite products such as turkey, and authentic pastourma from Miran, they were hydrated with Minoa Water, the first Greek bottled water in environmentally friendly recyclable paper packaging, they drank ready-made refreshing Bombay Sapphire Gin & Tonic cocktails and the unique Messinian beer NEMA Beer, and tasted the Messinian juice made from natural ingredients Athi Rodi. The golfers used Messinian Spa sunscreens rich in natural ingredients, based on Kalamata olive oil, for their protection from the sun and had the opportunity to try the excellent selection of Habanos cigars at the cigar station that had been set up. Finally, Miele sponsored the event’s Hole-In-One award with a gift of great value.
In the context of this year’s event, the recognized Greek PGA golfer and organizer of the Greek Maritime Golf Event, Mr. Thanos Karantzias, stated: “It is my great pleasure and honor to see the maritime community growing every year, always standing by us all these nine years and continue to support our actions and work. It gives us the strength to continue and leads this top institution even higher. The players showed their enthusiasm through golf for another year, lived unique moments at the Costa Navarino signature golf courses, and practically contributed to the important social work carried out by ‘Floga’. I would like to sincerely thank all the sponsors and partners who helped make this tournament possible. We are renewing our appointment for the 10th anniversary year, a milestone in the history of the event, with even more experiences and surprises for everyone”.
The winners
In the overall team standings, the team of Heard, Papadopoulou, and John Gallagher won the 1st place. The first-place team was awarded by Mr. Theo Xenakoudis Chief Commercial Officer / Managing Director, Piraeus-Greece of IRI/The Marshall Islands Registry, internationally recognized for its outstanding customer service and high-quality fleet. Second place went to the team of Oikonomou, Angelakis, Tziotis, Sorotos, while the team of Chiotopoulos, Kanellakis, Dalakouras, Vezlihvtsev took the third place. In the other categories, two more special awards were given. Specifically, George Manouilidis won the “Closest to the Pin” award and Taxiarchis Vezlihvtsev the “Longest Drive” award. The winning teams were given premium bottles of Grey Goose, magnum delear bottles of Semeli Estate, and Bombay bottles, while all the winners were given rich Messinian Spa gifts. The “Closest to the Pin” winner received the collectible Miele Riedel glassware collection and the “Longest Drive” winner a club from Handy Chart.
Significant companies embraced the event
Greek Maritime Golf Event was attended by some of the most significant maritime companies from Greece and Cyprus, and many other important Greek companies that supported the event.
IRI/The Marshall Islands Registry was the event’s Platinum Sponsor.
Mainline Shipping Company was the event’s Gold Sponsor.
Aegean Baltic Bank, Arrow Hellas, DNV, Marine Tours, and Swift Marine were the event’s Silver Sponsors.
Miele was the Official Sponsor.
All transportation was carried out with absolute safety by the event’s Logistics Partner DHL.
Poseidonia Restaurant and Grey Goose were the Official Supporters.
The pioneer in technical sportswear Under Armour, was the Official Clothing Partner, which dressed all participants and the production team in the event’s official t-shirt.
Messinian Spa was the event’s Official Beauty Partner.
Minoa Water was the event’s Official Water.
Karalis Beach Hotel, which offers luxury and comfort overlooking the historic Navarino Bay, as well as Miran, Athi Rodi, Daily Deli, NEMA Beer, and Semeli Estate were the event’s Partners.
The award-winning production company Boo Productions was the Audio Visual Partner.
The event was held under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism.
Greek Maritime Golf Event was organized by Birdie Events, through an initiative of the recognized Greek PGA golfer, Mr. Thanos Karantzias. The Sports Marketing Agency of the Year ActiveMedia Group undertook the event’s Golf Production.
The golf tournament was exclusively addressed to distinguished executives of the maritime industry.
Photo by Zagas Photography / Greek Maritime Golf Event)
#greekmaritimegolfevent #costavarino
Published in
Local News
Tagged under
Friday, 12 July 2024 10:54
Discover Hidden Gems: 7 Beaches In Greece Worth Visiting
Greece is famous for its stunning beaches, from the iconic shores of Mykonos to the breathtaking vistas of Santorini. However, beyond these well-known destinations lie hidden gems that offer tranquility, beauty, and a touch of the unexplored. Here are ten lesser-known Greek beaches that deserve your attention.
1. Voidokilia Beach, Messinia
@hi_i_am_drone
Tucked away in the Peloponnese, Voidokilia Beach is a natural wonder shaped like the Greek letter omega. Its crystal-clear waters and soft sandy shores are framed by sand dunes and an ancient castle. It’s perfect for a serene escape.
2. Elafonisos, Lakonia
@diokaminaris
Elafonisos is a tiny island located off the coast of the Peloponnese. Simos Beach, with its twin bays, offers turquoise waters and fine white sand. It’s an idyllic spot for those seeking a picturesque and less crowded beach experience.
3. Ammoudi Beach, Crete
@lordperpis
Nestled on the southern coast of Crete near the village of Plakias, Ammoudi Beach is a secluded haven with clear waters and dramatic cliffs. It’s ideal for snorkeling and enjoying a peaceful day by the sea.
4. Kastani Beach, Skopelos
@nikoslunar
Famed for its role in the movie "Mamma Mia!", Kastani Beach remains a hidden gem. Its lush green surroundings, pebbly shore, and crystal-clear waters make it a scenic and relaxing retreat on the island of Skopelos.
5. Seychelles Beach, Ikaria
@giannistsou.1
Ikaria is known for its laid-back lifestyle and longevity of its residents. Seychelles Beach, located in a secluded cove, offers azure waters, smooth pebbles, and dramatic rock formations, creating an otherworldly atmosphere.
6. Kolona Beach, Kythnos
@veronikaprs
Kolona Beach is unique for its double coastline, connecting the main island of Kythnos to the islet of Agios Loukas. With its golden sands and clear blue waters on either side, it’s a must-visit for beach lovers seeking a unique landscape.
7. Voutoumi Beach, Antipaxos
@nick.haji
Antipaxos is a tiny island south of Paxos, known for its stunning beaches. Voutoumi Beach features fine white sand and crystal-clear waters that reflect shades of blue and green. It’s a perfect spot for a day trip and a swim in paradise.
These lesser-known beaches in Greece offer a perfect blend of natural beauty, tranquility, and a touch of adventure. Whether you’re seeking a serene escape, a unique landscape, or a hidden paradise, these destinations are sure to provide an unforgettable experience. Pack your bags, bring your sense of exploration, and discover the hidden gems of Greece’s coastline.
@hi_i_am_drone
Tucked away in the Peloponnese, Voidokilia Beach is a natural wonder shaped like the Greek letter omega. Its crystal-clear waters and soft sandy shores are framed by sand dunes and an ancient castle. It’s perfect for a serene escape.
2. Elafonisos, Lakonia
@diokaminaris
Elafonisos is a tiny island located off the coast of the Peloponnese. Simos Beach, with its twin bays, offers turquoise waters and fine white sand. It’s an idyllic spot for those seeking a picturesque and less crowded beach experience.
3. Ammoudi Beach, Crete
@lordperpis
Nestled on the southern coast of Crete near the village of Plakias, Ammoudi Beach is a secluded haven with clear waters and dramatic cliffs. It’s ideal for snorkeling and enjoying a peaceful day by the sea.
4. Kastani Beach, Skopelos
@nikoslunar
Famed for its role in the movie "Mamma Mia!", Kastani Beach remains a hidden gem. Its lush green surroundings, pebbly shore, and crystal-clear waters make it a scenic and relaxing retreat on the island of Skopelos.
5. Seychelles Beach, Ikaria
@giannistsou.1
Ikaria is known for its laid-back lifestyle and longevity of its residents. Seychelles Beach, located in a secluded cove, offers azure waters, smooth pebbles, and dramatic rock formations, creating an otherworldly atmosphere.
6. Kolona Beach, Kythnos
@veronikaprs
Kolona Beach is unique for its double coastline, connecting the main island of Kythnos to the islet of Agios Loukas. With its golden sands and clear blue waters on either side, it’s a must-visit for beach lovers seeking a unique landscape.
7. Voutoumi Beach, Antipaxos
@nick.haji
Antipaxos is a tiny island south of Paxos, known for its stunning beaches. Voutoumi Beach features fine white sand and crystal-clear waters that reflect shades of blue and green. It’s a perfect spot for a day trip and a swim in paradise.
These lesser-known beaches in Greece offer a perfect blend of natural beauty, tranquility, and a touch of adventure. Whether you’re seeking a serene escape, a unique landscape, or a hidden paradise, these destinations are sure to provide an unforgettable experience. Pack your bags, bring your sense of exploration, and discover the hidden gems of Greece’s coastline.
Published in
Travel Greece
Tagged under
Thursday, 05 February 2015 13:57
My Week in Athens… Dec 27
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays and Xronia Polla to all those who celebrate the season!
I’ve just returned from a great few days with friends, celebrating Christmas in a village near Ancient Olympia. 12 of us jumped into our cars and drove the 3 hours across the Peloponnese towards Pyrgos. Our overnight bags crammed with pillows and wrapped presents, we spent 2 days in front of the fire, eating, drinking, laughing and enjoying a relaxed time together. It was really great, and a reminder of the things that really matter.
Even with the distinctly Greek blue skies and sunshine of December, it still felt like Christmas. In the end, that ‘Christmas feeling’ we remember from childhood - the anticipation, the opening of boxes big and small, the delicious meals and stories around the table – these have less to do with climate and location, and everything to do with those with whom we share these days. And a few well-timed Skype calls to loved ones in faraway places brought everyone together in a very ‘modern’ way.
The drive back home included a stop in the picturesque town of Vytina, a perfectly wintery locale, with beautiful stone houses, great tavernas, lots of local wares – the perfect end to a great holiday.
Until next week…
With warm wishes to all,
Jack
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
Tagged under
Monday, 16 February 2015 11:33
Restaurant: Fuga Secret Garden
It's summer in Athens and the chic Italian restaurant Fuga puts you in the summer mood by changing its motif to ‘no jackets required’. This year, Fuga restaurant – at the top of the beautiful gardens behind the Athens Concert Hall – "takes it outdoors" with this outdoor restaurant-Espresso Bar, called Fuga Secret Garden. The new cool Fuga Secret Garden is surrounded by aromatic plants, offering you the choice of chill-out, hipster, casual or fine dining. In the city center but away from the congestion, surrounded by trees, shrubs and natural vegetation, Fuga Secret Garden stands out - like the restaurant’s new concept that allows shorts, flip flops, a picnic, and sweet, delicious summer evenings under the stars.
New chef is George Venier, who will soon make its premiere at Fuga, “al fresco”. With his travels as well as his Venetian-Cycladic roots serving as his inspiration and guide, he will present a ‘suitcase’ of culinary trends that he has "collected" along the way.
The outside summer bar will have its own menu and of course a wide selection of original cocktails and juices.
Find the secret ... Fuga garden, one of the most beautiful "secrets" of the city.
Fuga Secret Garden
www.fugarestaurant.com,
Megaro Moussikis Gardens
Kokkali 1; Tel. 210.724.2979
Do you have a recommendation or recipe to share? Send it to us at ideas@xpatathens.com!
Published in
Restaurants In Athens
Tagged under
Thursday, 19 February 2015 11:04
Aegean Air Adds 10 More Countries To Its Routes
Aegean Airlines announced on Tuesday it is adding 16 new destinations in 10 new countries to its network next summer, reaching a total of 134 destinations, 34 domestic and 100 abroad in 42 countries.
The airline’s network will as of next year add Helsinki in Finland, Toulouse, Deauville and Metz in France, Naples and Pisa in Italy, Malta, Kuwait, Amsterdam in the Netherlands, Paphos in Cyprus, Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, Tallinn in Estonia, Oslo in Norway, Tehran in Iran, Dubrovnik in Croatia and Yerevan in Armenia.
Aegean will also increase its flights from major markets for Greek tourism such as Britain, Germany, Switzerland, France and Italy, and to popular island destinations such as Naxos, Milos and Paros.
The 2015 schedule of Greece’s main carrier will offer 15 million seats, up 2 million from 2014, as its summer schedule has evolved into a stronger one than initially planned, with more new destinations, given that the growth prospects of the company appear particularly positive.
To read more, please visit ekathimerini.com
By Alexandra Kassimi
Published in
Local News
Tagged under
Friday, 20 February 2015 20:54
Kataifi Yanniotiko - Nut-Stuffed Shredded Wheat Rolls
Most people who are familiar with kataifi, the thin-strand pastry, think it is actually shredded wheat or shredded phyllo. In fact, it’s made with a batter that is poured through a tiny-holed spout onto a large, hot, circle griddle that spins slowly, thus creating the vermicell-like effect. There are still a few places that still make this by hand here in Athens, if you’re willing to do some research and looking around...
8-12 servings
¾ pound/340 g. unsalted butter
½ pound/225 g. blanched almonds or walnuts, coarsely chopped
½ cup ground rusks
1 tsp. grated orange rind
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
2-3 Tbsp. granulated sugar
1 pound/450 g. kataifi/shredded wheat pastry
½ pound/225 g. thin commercial phyllo pastry
For the Syrup
4 cups sugar
5 cups/1.2 litters water
2 tsp. strained fresh lemon juice
1. Clarify butter: Place butter in a small saucepan and heat slowly over low heat. Remove pan from heat and cool for 2 to 3 minutes. With a spoon, skim the milky foam from the top of the butter and discard foam. Pour the remaining clarified butter in a bowl and set aside until ready to use.
2. Preheat oven to 180˚C. Lightly butter a 22x30x8 cm baking pan.
3. In a medium-size bowl. Stir together nuts, ground rusks, orange rind, cinnamon, and sugar and set aside until ready to use.
4. Unwrap the kataifi pastry and the phyllo and divide each in half. Keep both covered so they will not dry out. Layer half the phyllo pastry, 1 sheet at a time, on bottom of prepared baking pan, brushing each sheet generously with clarified butter. Spread half the kataifi pastry over the phyllo and brush with butter. Spread the nut mixture over the kataifi and dot with butter. Cover nuts with remaining kataifi and brush again with butter. Layer remaining phyllo over kataifi, brushing each layer generously with butter. Tuck the phyllo neatly into the sides of the pan. Pour remaining butter over phyllo. Score lightly –1.8 to 2.5 cm deep – at first vertically, then horizontally, to form diamonds. Bake for about 1 hour 10 minutes, or until phyllo is golden brown.
5. To prepare syrup: While the pastry is baking, in a medium-size saucepan, combine sugar and water and bring to a boil. Simmer, uncovered, over low to medium heat for 15 minutes. Add lemon juice and remove pan from heat.
6. When pastry is done, remove baking pan from oven and spoon warm syrup over the pastry. Cool pastry in pan before serving.
By Diane Kochilas
Published in
Greek Food & Diet
Tagged under