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Athens Welcomes the Vanda Pharmaceuticals Hellenic Championship ATP 250

This year, the heart of world tennis beats in Athens. From November 1 to 8, 2025, the Greek capital will host, for the first time, the Vanda Pharmaceuticals Hellenic Championship ATP 250, bringing the ATP Tour back to Greece after three decades. At the TELEKOM CENTER Athens, more than 70 top athletes from around the world will compete for the title — including major names such as Novak Djokovic, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Stan Wawrinka, Karen Khachanov, and Jiří Lehečka. The event brings to Athens the passion, sportsmanship, and brilliance of world tennis, turning the city into a meeting point for athletes, spectators, and sports lovers from every corner of the globe. More than 130 countries will broadcast the matches live, showcasing Athens as a rising sports tourism destination that blends tradition, hospitality, and modern infrastructure with its unique light and cultural heritage. Visitors will experience an authentic sports festival in the heart of the Mediterranean, discovering the city through its historic landmarks, gastronomy, and the vibrancy of its people. The opening day (November 1) will be open to the public with free admission, available through online ticket distribution. Ticket pre-sales have already begun via the official website www.hellenicchampionship.com. All tennis and sports enthusiasts are invited to be part of this unique event that brings Athens to the global stage. Each daily ticket offers all-day access to all matches on the Center Court, as well as to the Fan Zone — an interactive area featuring entertainment, food & drinks, sponsor booths, and official tournament merchandise. *Special offer for SEGAS runners: a 10% discount on tournament tickets! How to claim it: Visit www.hellenicchampionship.com, select your preferred day and seats, and use the code SEGAS10 during checkout. The offer is valid for 48 hours only, from 11:00 on October 28 to 11:00 on October 30, exclusively for SEGAS Marathon participants. Don’t miss the chance to experience one of the greatest sporting events of the year — one that places Athens at the center of the global tennis scene.

29/10/2025
Main Course

Bianco Fish

Rinse the fish and let it drain. Peel the potatoes, rinse them, and if they are small, cut them into quarters. Pour the olive oil into a wide pot, enough to hold all the ingredients, and brown the potatoes. Add the garlic and the fish, cut into pieces, placing it in the gaps between the potatoes. Add water and let the dish cook. Season with salt and pepper, then turn off the heat. Add as much lemon juice as you like, shake the pot to distribute it evenly, boil briefly to thicken the sauce, and your dish is ready to serve.

06/08/2025
Bianco Fish
Travel Tips

Eastern Halkidiki, Greece: the place where the Persian King Xerxes passed

Leisure on the seas of the Persian King Xerxes! Summer. The two seas of Athos are the very same seas of Persian King Xerxes. Thousands of years ago, he crossed from one to the other. Coastline. Sandy beaches. Light-blue Flags. Beach bars. Music. Vibrance. Cheerful people on sunbeds. The sea at their feet, endless Mediterranean blue. The Aegean all around. Relaxation. Holidays. Mediterranean light. Afternoons at dusk. Romance. Dining at seafood restaurants. Strong tsipouro and ouzo meze: a classic Greek ritual. Visitors embrace it. Local wines. Rosé – the perfect pairing with fish. Shopping. Market streets full of souvenirs and monastic products. Mount Athos, casting its shadow over everyone and everything. Summer by the seas once sailed by Persian King Xerxes. Summer in Greece! © Municipality Aristotle

30/07/2025
Eastern Halkidiki, Greece: the place where the Persian King Xerxes passed
Travel Tips

Discover Macrozoe: Greece’s Path to Longevity Wellbeing Festival at Euphoria Retreat

Euphoria Retreat, the multi-award-winning wellness sanctuary in the Peloponnese, has announced its first Wellbeing Festival: Macrozoe The Greek Path to Longevity, taking place July 3-13, 2025. The ten-day immersion, which is set to be the summer’s must-attend wellness event, explores “macrozoe”–the ancient Greek philosophy of living well for longer–through a blend of ancient wisdom and modern science. The Euphoria Wellbeing Festival blends ancient Greek healing traditions, modern science, and meaningful human connection in a setting unlike any other, at the foot of mystical Mount Taygetus in a UNESCO heritage site. Bringing together global experts in the field of longevity, medicine, mindfulness, yoga, and movement, the festival offers a fully integrative approach. “The Greeks never separated body from soul. For us, true longevity practices require a 360-degree approach–balancing physical health with mental clarity, emotional resilience, spiritual depth, a sense of purpose, and good relationships. Our mission is to empower people to embrace their fullest potential, age gracefully, live healthier and thrive with purpose, joy, and boundless energy” explains Marina Efraimoglou, founder of Euphoria Retreat. Guests can attend for as little as two nights, making the experience flexible, accessible, and adaptable to busy schedules. At the heart of the festival are seven core pillars: movement, science-led workshops, biohacking, mindfulness, nutrition, human connection, and extraordinary experiences. From nutrition and movement to neuroscience and emotional wellbeing, the programme features thought-provoking sessions led by specialists at the forefront of their fields. This 360-approach offers a multi-dimensional path to living – and ageing healthy – with energy, purpose and joy. What truly sets the Euphoria Wellbeing Festival apart is its unique fusion of science and soul. The workshops span a wide spectrum of disciplines—from Pythagorean nutritional philosophy and ancient Greek and Chinese teachings on longevity, to the latest breakthroughs in cellular health, mitochondrial research, and cutting-edge biohacking technologies. Participants will also explore neurofascial maneuvers for organ reset and other transformative tools designed to nourish both body and spirit. The Festival’s Core Pillars Movement, an integral element of the every-day schedule, will be manifested in many forms: energy through Yoga, Pilates, and Qigong, embodiment through somatic sessions, and passion through dynamic sequencing and cathartic dance. As the Mediterranean sun sets meditation, breathwork, and sound healing anchor the day. Workshops will translate the latest science into tangible lifestyle tools. Led by experts in longevity, metabolic health, medicine and more, these sessions will explore the regulation of sleep, hormones, stress and cells – making complex topics accessible and actionable. Biohacking will also take centre stage – from personalised diagnostics to real-time tracking tools and expert-led talks from experts including Rowena Gates, Jeff Lioon and others – giving participants the chance to try the latest equipment daily, at an affordable price. These interventions include NanoVi®, a cutting-edge technology using bio-identical signaling to enhance protein function, reduce inflammation and support cellular repair and performance. OligoScan, another advanced tool, uses light waves to measure the body’s absorption of minerals and heavy metals – offering rapid, in-depth insights into nutritional health and potential toxic exposures. Respiratory Equilibrium PNOE Testing is a non-invasive breath test that analyses 23 fitness biomarkers, including lung and cardiac health, to create custom fitness plans. Mindfulness helps guests quiet the noise and come back to themselves. Through guided practices and reflective techniques, they’ll learn how to relax the nervous system, reset their perspective, and become more present in the moment – creating space for clarity, renewal and manifestation. Nutrition plays a crucial role, too. Guests will walk through the retreat’s herb gardens with Euphoria’s chefs, picking ingredients for the day’s meals “They learn which herbs help digestion, which boost energy. Then we send them home with recipes that make healthy eating feel like a pleasure, not punishment” explains Efraimoglou. Human connection will be at the center. “We’ve watched what happens when people put down their phones and look each other in the eye,” says Efraimoglou. “They laugh more. They connect. They remember they’re human.” Evening gatherings without digital distractions will allow participants to share stories, music, and meaningful conversation around the fire – elements as vital to longevity as diet and exercise. Three unique night-time events will bring an extra sense of magic to the festival. These include a full moon hike* along ancient forest trails up the sacred peak of Mount Taygetus where guests will get to experience the remarkable natural phenomenon of the pyramid shadow cast upon the Messinian Gulf; an open-air concert* in the ancient theatre of Messini featuring a rare concertante style performance of Vincenzo Bellini’s Norma; a candlelit concert at Euphoria’s outdoor theatre celebrating the retreat’s seventh birthday. The festival draws impressive names from around the globe. Among others, Taryn Toomey, creator of The Class – an intense workout combining movement, breathwork, sound, strength training and emotional release – will guide participants to experience the alchemy of body, mind and spirit. Emily Fletcher, founder of Ziva Meditation, will teach simple, proven formulas, blending ancient wisdom and modern science, to help participants meditate and manifest their dreams. Human Garage founders Jason Van Blerk and Aisha Rodrigue will introduce their pioneering fascia-focused methodology, designed to help the body unwind tension patterns and return to its natural alignment. Renowned yoga teacher, wellness coach, and spiritual guide Janet Stone, will lead sessions on Yoga and Chanting, guiding participants on a journey inward to connect with their deeper purpose. Marina Efraimoglou and Mary Vandorou will host special sessions on the Euphoria Methodos, drawing from the wisdom of the Five Elements applicable tools for every-day longevity practices. Participants will also explore nutrition for macrozoe through interactive cooking lessons with Michelin award-winning Greek chef Lefteris Lazarou. Joining them are internationally recognised medical experts and Euphoria Retreat medical partners Dr. Ioannis Harizanis, Chief of Medical at IMON MED, and Dr George Leon, founder of EUCRASIA, who will share the latest breakthroughs in precision medicine, and the longevity practices. Importantly, the Wellbeing Festival has been thoughtfully created so that everyone feels welcome – with flexible booking options, inclusive pricing, and an open spirit that reflects Euphoria’s belief that wellbeing should belong to all. The Euphoria Longevity Festival aims to establish itself as Greece’s definitive destination for authentic longevity wisdom – one that guests return to, year after year. It’s the event everyone will be talking about this summer. Don’t miss it! For more information or to book, email reservations@euphoriaretreat.com or call +30 2731 306 111 / +30 695 661 2049‬.‬

20/06/2025
Discover Macrozoe: Greece’s Path to Longevity Wellbeing Festival at Euphoria Retreat
Travel Tips

The Xerxes Project: Eastern Halkidiki, the place where the Persian King Xerxes passed

Fishing in the seas of the Persian King Xerxes! Seascapes. The two seas of Athos are also the seas of the Persian king Xerxes. Fishing in pristine, unpolluted and clean waters. The Aegean Sea. The Mediterranean. The smell of iodine. The morning air. The afternoon breeze. The fishing boats. As if from a painting. And you, a touch of carefreeness somewhere on a red boat in the Gulf of Athos. Fishing under the summit of Mount Athos. Where Xerxes was towing his fleet. Around you, green hills, small islands and a blessed peace. And Mount Athos is high, towering - the view of it is riveting. It captivates you. Everywhere you look, you end up drawn to its summit. And then you dive in. Lots of octopuses. Seashells. And then you start fishing again. Dusky groupers. Greater amberjacks. Fish big and small. All around you the locals are casting nets. Others are occupied with the fishing line. And you, a touch of carefreeness in their midst - in the sea of Xerxes and Athos. Come on! Experience it!

16/06/2025
The Xerxes Project: Eastern Halkidiki, the place where the Persian King Xerxes passed
Visit Greece

Blue Flags 2025

The Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature has announced that, out of a long list of 52 countries, Greece ranked second this year in the Blue Flag programme awards, as 623 beaches, 17 marinas and 17 eco-friendly boats have earned the world’s most recognised eco-label. Greece received 15% of beach awards worldwide, the country’s top names on that list being the Region of Crete (153 flags) and Halkidiki Regional Unit (93 flags). The International Committee presented the label to 4.302 beaches, 736 marinas and 158 eco-friendly boats across the globe. For more information, click here. What is the Blue Flag Programme? The Blue Flag is a large-scale programme of environmental awareness and protection, which is implemented every year, in European countries and in other parts of the world by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). The Blue Flag label is an international symbol of quality and is one of the best-known environmental labels worldwide. It has been awarded since 1987 to beaches and marinas, and since 2017 to eco-friendly boats that meet the strict requirements of the programme for sustainable boating tourism operators. It is aimed at making beaches, marinas and boats better and safer, while at the same time protecting the natural environment. The Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature is the programme coordinator for Greece. It is the oldest conservation organisation in the country and it has been active in environmental education and the protection of nature since 1951. Did you know that... In order to receive a Blue Flag eco-label, a beach must not only be found to have an excellent water quality, it must comply with 33 criteria (38 for marinas and 51 for boat operators), concerning cleanliness, environmental management and awareness, various amenities and services, information, visitor safety and protection of the coastal area.

10/06/2025
Blue Flags 2025
Visit Greece

Explore the Greek Countryside: Sustainable Trekking & Biking Trips

Greece, with its diverse geography, is a nature lover's paradise. The country offers outdoor enthusiasts many opportunities to explore its natural beauty while embracing green tourism practices. Follow us as we explore the world of eco-friendly hiking and biking tours, while highlighting must-visit destinations, and offering practical tips. National Parks and Island Adventures Greece is home to several national parks, each boasting its own unique characteristics and breathtaking scenery. The Parnassos National Park, located on the slopes of Mount Parnassos, Central Greece, is a haven for hikers, cyclists, and nature lovers. While you’re at the foot of the mountain, make sure you visit the Archaeological Site of Delphi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The mountain’s highest peak reaches 2457 m., so, if you climb to the top, you will be well into the alpine zone! The Ainos National Park, situated on Mt. Ainos, Kefalonia island, in the Ionian Sea, features stunning vistas, pristine beaches, and a diverse range of wildlife, such as the local fir species called Abies Cephalonica, and the small semi-wild horses, which you’ll see mostly on the SE side of the mountain. The Vikos-Aoos National Park in Epirus (northwest Greece) is characterised by its dramatic gorges, sparkling lakes – some of them alpine - and picturesque villages. You will enjoy exploring Vikos Gorge, a must-visit landmark, which is included in the Guiness World Records as the deepest canyon in relation to its width. In the Greek south, on the island of Crete, Samaria Gorge is a hiker's paradise, featuring stunning scenery, ancient ruins, and an incredible array of flora and fauna. The island of Evia, located east, off the coast of mainland Greece, is the second biggest Greek island. Its highest peak is on Mount Dirfys, a popular hiking and mountain biking destination, offering breathtaking views of the sea below. Steni Village (made up of Upper Steni and Lower Steni), and Pyrgos Village are must-visit destinations on the mountainside. Explore the nature reserve of Steni, with forests of plane trees, chestnut, fir, and oak, beautiful gorges, rivers and streams. The island's well-marked trails will take you through beautiful landscapes and traditional villages, ideal for your eco-friendly hiking and biking tours. Practical Tips for Eco-Friendly Travellers When embarking on our next adventure in Greece, make sure: * you always follow marked trails and respect protected areas to avoid damaging sensitive ecosystems; * you bring reusable water bottles and coffee cups to reduce waste and minimize your carbon footprint; * you support local communities by choosing family-run accommodation and dining at traditional tavernas. Greece's great natural beauty, rich history, and warm hospitality make it an ideal destination for a memorable holiday. By embracing sustainable tourism practices and respecting the environment, you can enjoy the country's breathtaking landscapes while leaving a positive impact on the local communities. Start planning your next adventure today!

26/05/2025
Explore the Greek Countryside: Sustainable Trekking & Biking Trips
Travel Tips

Athens’ Top Tables for Sipping Greece’s Finest Wines

In recent years, Greek wines have emerged as standout Mediterranean contenders alongside Italian, French, and Spanish vintages. Hellenic winemakers have honed their craft, and today, their bottles grace fine dining tables around the world. Collectors and connoisseurs are taking note. With some of the world’s oldest terroirs and a remarkable array of indigenous grape varieties, Greece offers wine lovers much to discover. Here are The MICHELIN Guide’s top picks in Athens—restaurants where diners can sip outstanding Greek wines while savoring local dishes at their best. Pharaoh: Discovering the New Guard of Greek Winemakers Opened by a globe-trotting journalist, this trendy restaurant and bar in the Exarchia neighborhood is the perfect spot to sample wines from Greece’s new generation of producers. As a DJ spins funk or bossa nova vinyl, diners enjoy excellent wood-fired Mediterranean cuisine paired with a curated selection of natural and biodynamic wines. With over a hundred Greek labels—including rare finds—alongside a thoughtful mix of European vintages (mainly from France and Italy), the list is both original and full of surprises. Many are available by the glass, encouraging a spirit of discovery. All regions of Greece are represented, from the Cyclades to Thrace, passing through the Peloponnese. Don’t miss the wines from the island of Tinos, produced by Domaine de Kalathas on granite soils cultivated for nearly 6,000 years, using indigenous grape varieties such as white potamisi and red koumariano. The sommelier might suggest an old-vine malagouzia from Tatsis in Macedonia, with bright notes of white flowers and chamomile. These wines embody the renaissance of the Greek vineyard, where a new guard of winemakers is reimagining tradition and radically transforming their methods. Botrini’s: A Delicate Balancing Act A visit to One-Starred Botrini’s means venturing beyond central Athens and its famed monuments—a detour well worth making. Led by charismatic Corfiot chef Ettore Botrini, meals unfold as culinary odysseys through Greece in 10 to 13 courses. For the sommelier Alexandros Gkaraflis, it’s a balancing act to find wines that can pair with two or three dishes at a time—an art executed with finesse. The 100% Greek food-and-wine pairing alternates between established labels and hidden gems, offering a fantastic opportunity to discover the country’s diverse wine regions and wealth of indigenous grape varieties. With more than 350 Greek wines in the cellar, there’s much to explore. A recent meal opened with a surprising and delightful sparkling wine from the north, made using traditional methods. Then came a Santorini Assyrtiko from Argyros, which was aromatic and minerally, slightly reminiscent of a great Riesling, and paired beautifully with swordfish and bonito. The Syros rosé "Ousyra," an extremely rare production vinified with the Fokiano grape variety, made a daring yet successful match with carabinero shrimp in bisque. Foundi's classic Xinomavro de Naousa, often compared to Piedmont’s Barolo, was the perfect companion to local milk-fed lamb with eggplant. The symphony concluded with a Muscat from Cephalonia by Petrakopoulos. CTC Urban Gastronomy: Exploring Lesser-Known Wines At CTC, chef-owner Alex Tsiotinis’ elegant restaurant, set in a villa in the Keramikos neighborhood, wine is much more than an afterthought. The focus here is on celebrating the expertise of Greek winemakers and the diversity of the country’s vineyards, whether on the islands or mainland. The cellar features nearly 300 Hellenic wines, offered in two distinct pairings: one exclusively Greek and another that includes select bottles from across Europe. Sommelier Kanellos Triantafillopoulos favors small producers with whom he has cultivated relationships over the years. Take the Sclavos estate, a biodynamic pioneer on the Ionian island of Cephalonia, known for its remarkably fresh whites. Triantafillopoulos isn’t afraid to serve the once-controversial retsina—an ancient white wine infused with pine resin. Long associated with poor quality, it’s now being reclaimed by a new generation of producers, such as Kechris in Thessaloniki, who are reviving its noble heritage. Likewise, the aged muscat from Samos, matured for at least six years in barrels, is, in the sommelier’s opinion, an underrated gem for dessert. His ultimate dream? To one day cultivate his own vineyard and introduce his personal wines to CTC’s guests. Delta: Rare Wines for a Memorable Culinary Journey Located at the Stavros Niarchos Cultural Center, this Two MICHELIN Star restaurant offers a truly unique experience. Its technically impeccable culinary performance—rooted in the excellence of Greek terroir—calls for wines that are anything but ordinary. Here, the wine must adapt to the cuisine, not the other way around. "Wine should never dominate," says the young sommelier Dimitris Zannikos, who frequently visits vineyards to meet producers, sometimes bringing the Delta team along. As a result, the selection has been finely tuned to offer precise pairings. Special attention has also been given to vintages, ensuring that guests are often offered multiple expressions of the same wine. This long-term approach has built a cellar rich in rare and distinctive bottles. The wine list is particularly comprehensive, with many biodynamic labels and a variety of vinification styles. Indigenous grape varieties are celebrated, offering Greek wines that reflect the character of the local terroir. You won’t find Greek Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc here, but rather standout Assyrtiko or Xinomavro—like the 2013 Diaporos from Ktima Kir-Yianni in Naousa, the homeland of the latter variety, served alongside picanha of beef. Wines that transcend prejudices are also invited onto the menu, such as the Verdea from the Ionian island of Zante produced by Domaine Grampsas, known for its freshness and saline notes. Dessert wines are not overlooked either, like this Malvasia from Monemvasia (in the Peloponnese) from Tsibidis, with its sweet notes of candied fruit.

23/05/2025
Athens’ Top Tables for Sipping Greece’s Finest Wines
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It takes a lifetime to discover Greece,

but it only takes an instant to fall in love with her.

—Henry Miller

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