THE CITY MAGAZINE OF
March 2011 Year 9. Issue 92 â‚Ź4.50 ISSN 1790-3114
ATHENS
The Travel issue Heritage holidays / Cruising the high seas / Luxury on the Navarino Dunes / Vamos: Return to roots / Maya Tsoclis: A new journey / Wine Bars / Freeday - a new movement Retro Athens / Plus: Special education supplement PLUS: ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT, FOOD & WINE, NIGHTLIFE, SHOPPING, NOVELTIES, MORE insiderMAPS athens |AND March 2011 1
Greek ruins on Failaka Island - Kuwait / The Passage of Alexander the Great - 4th Century BC
This year marks the 50th anniversary of Independence, the 20th anniversary of the Liberation of the State of Kuwait and the 5th anniversary of the accession of H.H. the Emir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. The people of Kuwait won’t forget the principled stance that the government and the people of Greece took in those dark days during our nation’s occupation, as well as the consistent support extended to Kuwait by the successive Greek governments. We thank them for their support and participation in the International Coalition Forces in 1990-1991. The people of Kuwait look forward to building on the strong relations and the feelings of goodwill that exist between the two friendly countries.
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Sudha Nair-Iliades
While everyone in Greece sat glued to their TV sets watching inspirational stories across the Middle East and North Africa unfurl with a mixture of awe, trepidation and hope, Greek shipping companies were caught in a flurry of activity, evacuating foreigners from Libya. Another immediate fallout of the unrest in the Maghreb has been that tourists who had set their sights on vacationing in Egypt and Tunisia, have now opted for Greece. Considering that UK still accounts for a bulk of incoming tourists and the fact that Britons will have two consecutive four-day weekends augurs well for Greek tourism. Most hoteliers have got their acts together by proposing special Easter and Royal Wedding packages.
publisher’s note Cruises, the fastest selling sector in the leisure industry, have also got a new lease of life with longneeded amendments to cabotage laws finally in place. Industry experts agree that more needs to be done to propel Greece into a position of strength as the hub of the Eastern Mediterranean, with better port infrastructure and more conducive maritime policies. Yet, they are buoyed by the fact that cruises are finally been regarded as great value-for-money options in a penny-conscious economy. Both Maya Tsoclis and Mike Sweet in his essay on Vamos insist that a return to one’s roots and to rediscovering our identities lies at the core of sustainable tourism. As usual, this year too, Insider will be participating in the annual Education fair. Please read our Special Education Supplement for an insight into international education in Greece. In this period of festivities in the lead up to Lent, let your hair down, pretend to be a deposed dictator for a day and get inspired by the revelers our photographer Angelos Giotopoulos shot in Kaleidoscope (p 80). Kales apokries! Kali sarakosti!
Sudha Nair-Iliades
Publisher - Editor Sudha Nair-Iliades Art Director Michel Devanakis
Contributors in this Issue Anelia Fikiina, Eleni Kefalopolou, Nick Malkoutzis, Kevin Muratore, Marq Riley, Mike Sweet, Caitlin Swindell
Sales Antonis Tsirikos
Web Coordinator Ranti Bambgala
Client Relations Patricia Graire, Anelia Fikiina
Intern Cicily Collazo, Ashton Weiss
Art Editor Stephanie Bailey
Founder Steve Pantazopoulos
Photos Angelos Giotopoulos
Legal Counsel Christos Christopoulos
Web Design www.studiozip.com
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Athens Insider: Monthly Publication ISSN 1790-3114 Code: 6548
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Mike Sweet
A documentary producer for the BBC Television in the 1990s, Mike worked in broadcasting in South Asia before relocating to Australia in 2002, where he established his TV production business. A correspondent for the English language edition of Australia’s largest circulation Greek newspaper Neos Kosmos, Mike combines his writing with producing independent documentary films. Having lived in Athens since 2007, Mike returned to Australia in December but continues writing for Insider
Stephanie is a freelance writer, artist and teacher. Born in Hong Kong, she studied Classical Civilization and English Literature before completing a foundation diploma in Art & Design in London. She has contributed to Adbusters, ArtPapers, Athens News and Odyssey, and is a music correspondent for Spinearth.tv.
Michel Devanakis
Award-winning graphic designer, fluent in English French and Greek, Michel moved to Athens in 1997 to create Studio ZIP, after a long and interesting career in France and Canada. His background in Marketing (Paris 1983), is a major asset in his creative approach. He provides his services both in Greece and abroad. Art director of Insider and Bonjour Athènes, Michel is passionate about art and paints in his ‘rare’ spare time. www.studiozip.com
Born in Australia, Angelos is currently based in Europe working as a freelance photographer. His photographs and texts have been published in magazines such as Italy’s Travel Panorama, Australian Traveller and Florida International Magazine in America, as well as in various Greek publications.
Ashton Weis
Caitlin Swindell
Kevin studies Philosophy at the University of Notre Dame. He is an aspiring writer and recently had his first publication - a short story in The Foliate Oak, the literary magazine of University of Arkansas at Monticello.
Cicily Collazo is completing her undergraduate degree in Art History at Fairfield University. She is currently studying in Athens where she will fulfil a portion of her undergraduate requirements. Cicily has also worked for non-profit organizations, enjoys being outdoors and is an amateur photographer.
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Angelos Giotopoulos
Ashton is a Magazine/English double major at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. She is finishing up her sophomore year studying for four months in Athens. Her interests span a wide range of topics including: cultural affairs, literature, and swimming.
Caitlin attends Tulane University in New Orleans, LA where she majors in Art History and Anthropology. She is most passionate about the visual arts, especially Ancient Greek sculpture. Additionally, she enjoys photography and painting in her spare time.
Kevin Muratore
Stephanie Bailey
Cicily Collazo
contents Features
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Departments
Ancient tragedy, modern spin 10 Theatro Allou’s new production in English Wasted Youth 12 A review of the thoughtprovoking film that opened the Rotterdam Film Festival Building cultural bridges 16 Dr. Marina Caratzas on promoting Latin American culture
18 26
Thank God its Freeday 18 A new weekly obsession that has taken hold of Athenians - cycling Revolution in the air 22 Nick Malkoutzis comments on the unrest in Northern Africa and the Middle East and its impact on Greece Heritage Hotels 24 History and Easter traditions at Yades’ heritage properties across Greece Between the Ionian and a warm place 26 Stephanie Bailey in conversation with Ian Ciappara of Starwood on the Westin and Romanos properties in Costa Navarino Back to the village A very human travel essay by Mike Sweet on Vamos
30
The Itinerant Politician 34 Maya Tsoclis, on her new role as head of the Parliamentary Working Committee on Tourism
Arts and Events Society
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Going full throttle 38 Experts from the cruise industry review the prospects and challenges for the cruise industry in Greece in 2011
My Athens
16
Fast Lane
22
Education
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Agora
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Lessons in teaching 42 Marq Riley speaks to principals of international schools and colleges Classes amid the ruins 44 Kaitlin Swindell on ‘Study Abroad’ programmes for international students From School to Campus 46 Educational consultants on the importance of preparing students for graduate study abroad
4
Restaurant reviews 54 Restaurant lndex 58 Area-wise listings 60 Kaleidoscope
80
Retro Athens 50 Angelos Giotopoulos captures the innocence of another era Through the grapevine 54 Two wine bars that offer terrific wines and great atmosphere Nothing dirty about it 56 11 year old Dirty Ginger in Gazi combines culinary excellence with chutzpah
34 38 44 54 80 Cover illustration by: Harry Grant Dart (1869 – 1938) American cartoonist and illustrator known for his futuristic and often aviation-oriented cartoons and comic strips. His first jobs were brochures for the National Crayon Company and illustrations for the Boston Herald.
His career took off when the New York World arranged to send him to Cuba. He became a sketch artist for important events, his sketches being published in the newspaper in the days before photographs were used. He rose to become the art editor for The World. It was at this time that he started perhaps his most famous comic strip, The Explorigator.
Intended as a rival for Winsor McCay’s Little Nemo, The Explorigator concerned the flight of the eponymous airship, headed by a crew of children ages 9-10.The strip only ran for 14 weeks in 1908, yet its detailed drawings of airships and various other aircraft would later find some fame in the steampunk movement.
Dart went on to become a very prolific cartoonist, continuing with Boys Will Be Boys in 1909 and Life and Judge in the 1920s. Although he is one of the more obscure cartoonists of his era, a few of his works survive in the Library of Congress.
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Arts & events
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12 march
Café Merlin- B & M Theocharakis Foundation The Stitch N’ Bitch 1 Where can you combine knitting, embroidery, relaxation, conversation and art history? Visit the Theocharakis Foundation exhibition Obsessions and intimacy:The body in contemporary Austrian drawings - From Alfred Kubin to Birgit Jürgenssen at a reduced fare and join afterwards for an unusual but original gathering for knitting and discussion on Austrian artists and thinkers in Café Merlin.
www.thf.gr
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3
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Zoumboulakis Galleris
Kappatos Gallery
Benaki Museum, Pireos
Nikos Lagos: Toy- Toy- Toy The search for identity through a complex urban fabric, the memories of childhood fears haunting adults and an artist’s inner need for freedom in a sophisticated innocent way. Fascinated by Pop Art, Street Art, graffiti, and the works of Jean-Michel Basquiat and A. R. Penk, Nikos Lagos creates pieces resembling confused words - symbols and created language games combined with intense images. The exhibition contains projects in large and small scale and mixed media on canvas. www.zoumboulakis.gr
Hommage à Galérie ARTIO The Kappatos Gallery pays tribute to the Artio Gallery in Paris, founded by the spirited Frenchwoman Martine Chardon, who for over fifty years supported and presented young Greek artists at her gallery. Completely ignoring commercial interests, Chardon nurtured some of the greatest talents in the contemporary art scene in Greece including George Lappas, Pavlos (Pavlos Dionysopoulos) Marie-Francoise Poiteyes, Dimitris Sakellion and Marios Spiliopoulos amongst others.
Cause of Death: Euthanasia: Works from the Prinzhorn Collection Hans Prinzhorn (1886-1933), doctor and art historian sought to get a grip on the “schizophrenic sense of existence” as was recorded in expressionist art during his lifetime. He gathered works from various psychiatric clinics and created a unique collection at Heidelberg. His greatest contribution lies in offering a positive re-evaluation of marginalized “mad” art and its creators and a re-examination of such patients by society.
www.kappatos.gr
www.benaki.gr
On the town For location details see listings p76
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20 march
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24 2326 march
march
Fizz Gallery
Benaki Museum
Gallery 24
Onassis Cultural Centre
Manolis Anastasakos: Personhood 2 Fizz Gallery launches the third solo exhibition of Manolis Anastasakos. The series “Personhood” represents the relationship of the individual to society. The symbols and meanings, which form a brutal, yet fantastic world, are reflected in the works. The multi- layer reading of the pictorial elements of the works resemble collages. These are human works commenting on contemporary society and, by extension, on modern man and his individuality in an unreasonably reasonable way.
Tassos and Dimitris Biris 3 This exhibition was first held two years ago at the Centre for Mediterranean Architecture in Chania. Today, it is in Athens in a considerably enriched and shared form, interconnecting two modules simultaneously presented in two different locations – the Benaki Museum and the at the historical building of the Rector of the National Technical University of Athens.
Gloria Rozakis: The Other Landscape 4 In the dizzying pace of today’s world where we are overwhelmed with information, pictures and messages, perhaps a thought-provoking picture provides a necessary pause, a moment of concentration, meditation, and silence.Gloria Rozakis was born in Athens and graduated from the school of Classical Philology and History at the Universities of Athens and Geneva. The exhibition represents photographs taken by the artist in the last 10 years.
Mandafounis/ Mazliah/ Zarhy: Cover up Forever testing the limits of contemporary dance, Ioannis Mandafounis, Fabrice Mazliah and May Zarhy, focus on the meaning and essence of their art. Working together since their time in William Forsythe’s extraordinary dance company, they share a passion for dance and have embraced the challenge of collaborating creatively on stage. In this performance the trio approaches the creative process by posing questions related to the role of the performer in contemporary choreography.
www.fizzgallery.gr
www.benaki.gr
www.sgt.gr, www.onassis.gr
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Arts & events
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Benaki Museum Kalliopi Lemos: Navigating in the Dark Kalliopi Lemos’ first solo exhibition shows her new group of sculptures, including largescale steel works. The event constitutes the first stop of a trilogy entitled Navigating in the Dark. All three exhibitions will be held in both indoor and outdoor spaces. The other stops will be the Museum of Contemporary Art in Crete, the Ibrahim Khan Mosque in Rethymno (May to August 2011) and at the crypt of the church of St. Pancras in London. (October to November 2011). www.benaki.gr
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Michael Cacoyannis Foundation Katalogia by Thodoris Ekonomidis 5 Three classic folk tales reproduced as songs centering around the themes of sacrifice and ancient norms. Puppets, performers and musicians combine to create a world of multiple and parallel images and actions, giving a different point of view to performance aesthetics. www.mcf.gr
2903 02 until
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april
Badminton Theatre Forever Tango 6 Badminton Theatre presents the creation of award-winning choreographer/director Luis Bravo which first premiered in 1990 in San Diego and triumphantly danced its way to Broadway. This is a performance about overwhelming feeling while dancing tango – its passion and melancholy. Because tango is much more than a dance – it is music, drama, a way of life. To date, Forever Tango is the longest-running tango production in the history of Broadway.
www.badmintontheater.gr
apri l
Astrolavos Dexameni Gallery Elli Griva: 11 +-./... a love story in the intermediate time 7 Ellie Griva, known in the visual arts circle of Greece for her expressionist paintings and her special love for installations and performances, presents her new solo report. Using mixed media and materials (drawing, painting, sculptures and installations), she explores different interpretations of the number 11.
www.astrolavos.gr
On the town
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02 a pr il
Astrolavos Dexameni Gallery George Prassas 8 In his new solo exhibition, Prassas captures landscapes and interiors in a minimalist style and geometry that characterises the composition of his works. This is a collection of images using simple motifs and colours. Interior and exterior spaces, objects and forms, are just the opportunity to speak of the artist’s painterly language.
www.astrolavos.gr
until
02 a p ri l
Gagosian Gallery Alberto di Fabio Di Fabio’s work merges the worlds of art and science with themes of biology, ecology and nature. The images are microscopic in their focus, implying biological diagrams, cellular structures, flora, eco systems, and pharmacological research. Di Fabio observes how the human mind’s capacity for information is amplified due to the increasing means of communication that saturate our daily lives. He invites us to reconsider the body in its most essential functions - posing questions about science and aesthetics, life and art.
www.gagosian.gr
until
03 apri l
B & M Theocharakis Foundation for the Fine Arts & Music Obsessions and intimacy: The body in contemporary austrian drawings - From Alfred Kubin to Birgit Jürgenssen Presenting 13 contemporary Austrian avant-garde artists and the extraordinary wealth of their journey in the empire of obsessions, destructions, intimacy and intercourses. The narration includes psychoanalytic approaches, evidence of a spiritual post-symbolism, linguistic deconstruction strategies, aesthetic utopias and a kind of neo-romanticism. Resonances emerge with important Austrian intellectuals, among them Sigmund Freud, relating to the cultural field of contemporary society. www.thf.gr
until
09 apri l
Bernier-Eliades Gallery Stephane Calais The gallery presents the first solo exhibition of artist Stephane Calais who uses mixed media – sculptures, drawings and paintings – characterised by instantaneous, ephemeral and unorganised forms that embody the energy and flow of the universe. He creates a dynamic and rhythmic universe where fantasy and reality overlap. In Calais’ work there are passages of everyday life, presented as absurd fantasies, an atmosphere of dancing, and a world in which transience and corruptibility dominate.
www.bernier-eliades.com
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Arts & events
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a p ri l
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A-M-P
Efkrasi Gallery
Benaki Museum
Benaki Museum
Aaron King: 5965 Starling A-M-P shows Aaron King’s first solo exhibition of sculptures presenting a model of thinking that is analogous to how we wander through the world trying to figure out if we are looking at an eternal sunrise or sunset. Much like ideas that come to us in all different shapes and sizes, at all times of the day, his work bounces from material to material, from content to content. The undertones of metamorphosis are fulfilled in these works by taking a material like concrete and giving it a new identity.
Giuliano Kagilis 9 Efkrasi Gallery shows the new works of Giuliano Kaglis: featuring footage of the past, stories that were imagined, and ones embedded in memory. Combining the expressionistic gesture with a contemporary observer’s distance and focus to process in the act of painting, Kagilis creates images for the chaotic experience of life, seemingly nostalgic, but disrupting in a subtle way. The exhibition opens on March 22.
Yannis Moralis: Architectural Compositions Yannis Moralis, one of the most distinguished twentiethcentury Greek artists, best known for his geometric, minimalist paintings was also an experimenter in set design, micro sculpture, and architecture. The exhibition at Benaki Museum of Moralis’s architectural structures constitutes an archive that provides testimony to the exceptional importance of the artist’s work. It can be considered to be the first complete presentation of the artist’s architectural creations.
Kostas Balafas : The resistance movement in Epirus, 1941-1944 Kostas Balafas is one of the leading Greek exponents of humanist photography in the post-war period. The exhibition presents a photographic series depicting the struggle of the people of Epirus against the occupation. Much of this material had remained hidden for 31 years under the wooden floor of a house in Ioannina. In 1991, the photographer himself edited and paid for the publication of the book Kostas Balafas. Antartiko – Guerrilla Warfare in Epirus, Black-and-white photographs 1940-1944.
www.a-m-p.gr
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www.ekfrasi-art.gr
www.benaki.gr
www.benaki.gr
On the town
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a pr il
EMST National Museum of Contemporary Art Politics of Art 10 The political uses of public space, the states and experiences of oppression, the violent socio-political conflicts, the violation of human rights and discrimination, financial globalization, the reconstruction of collective memory and the reestablishment of a collective social space are some of the issues critically investigated by the works in this exhibition, opening a dialogue with society and everyday life, seeking alternative policies for collective action and artistic activism and a new interactive relationship between the artist and the community, both local and global.
www.emst.gr
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01 may
29
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j une
Museum of Cycladic Art
The Eynardou Mansion
Herakleidon Museum
The Art of Book at the Athens School of Fine Arts 11 In cooperation with the Department of Graphic Arts - Printmaking & Book Art Department of the Athens School of Fine Arts, the Museum of Cycladic Art presents books of emerging artists together with those created by established ones such as Chronis Botsoglou,Yiannis Bouteas,Vasso Katraki and Nella Golanta. The exhibition showcases ‘livres d’artistes’ of young artists and older ones – created during their youth. The exhibition is curated by students and graduates of the Department of the Athens School of Fine Arts.
Maps of the Aegean Sea – Cartography and History 15th-17th century In a charming building that now houses the National Bank’s Cultural Foundation, part of a larger collection of maps will be on display from the Greek Cartography Archives. The rare collection comprises approximately 200 printed maps dating from the early sixteenth to the eighteenth century, old atlases, such as those created by M. Boschini (1651) and V.M. Coronelli (1708), geographical handbooks, among which Meletios’ Geography (1728) and the Introduction to Geographics and Sphericals by Chrysanthos Notaras (1716), as well as an original copy of the Carta of Rigas Pherraios in pristine condition.
Carol Wax: «Dance of shadows» 12 This exhibition includes 100 tabletop creations of contemporary New Yorker artist Carol Wax. The source of inspiration for these works are old sewing machines, typewriters, electric fans, toys, instruments, cameras, projectors, textile products and other pieces collected by the artist. The coexistence of these items at home and studio and their continued study from different angles, leads to new, creative ways of reading old issues. Usual items seem unusual and common objects reveal magical and symbolic associations, reflecting and affecting the soul.
www.cycladic.gr
www.herakleidon-art.gr insider athens | March
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Theatre
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Topos Allou Theatre brings back to life ancient Greek pathos, characters and heroes from the House of Atrides to present them to culture-avid foreign visitors in English Did you know: Athens is the European city with the most number of theatres per resident.Yet, foreigners rarely get the opportunity to get acquainted with Greek theatre and even less so with the beauty and complexity of ancient tragedies.
The venue: Topos Allou Theatre, a beautifully renovated neo-classical theatre in Kypseli
The play: Ruins of Passion, under the direction of Nikolas Kamtsis, based on ancient Greek tragedy texts
Language: English Ancient epic, Modern spin: The play combines modern elements and brings the characters close to today’s reality.The acting is framed by video projections and music.The ancient and the traditional coexist with the contemporary, making this theatre experience unique.
The narrative: The performance commences with the sacrifice of Iphigenia by her father Agamemnon, despite her mother’s (Clytemnestra) objections. After the sacrifice, the Greek army departs to Troy. (Euripides: Iphigenia at Aulis) The narration then moves to the fall of Troy. Clytemnestra receives the news and prepares to welcome her husband accordingly.When Agamemnon arrives Clytemnestra murders him along with Cassandra, Priamus’ daughter. (Aeschylus: Agamemnon).The next scene takes us to Agamemnon’s grave where Electra mourns the loss of
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her father. Electra confronts her mother at the grave.When Clytemnestra departs, Orestes comes along. (Sophocles: Electra). Enraged, Orestes commits matricide. His hubris awakens the old matriarchal goddesses, Erynies, who from then on, haunt him (Euripides: Orestes) until he flees to Athena’s temple. In Arios Pagos court, the votes are halved, so Athena votes for Orestes, thus saving his life. (Aeschylus: Eumenides).
Curtains: The play ends and an Aristotelian catharsis prevails, for both the characters and the audience. The course of the show is fast-paced and full of life. The costumes, the stage design, the video projections, the music and the brilliant acting contribute to the final breathtaking result.
Post theatre stops: Culture is great but one needs to feed the body too. Insider suggests a walk in the charming neighbourhood of Foikinos Negri and Kypseli. For a bite, try one of the live music tavernas, To Koutouki tis Eugenias (Skysou 31 & Spetson) or To Ampelofyllo (L. Karagianni & Samothrakis 3), for mageirefta opt for O Mpakalogatos (Fokionos negri 72) and for rustic grilled fare, try S’anammena Karvouna (Fokionos negri 74) or simply soak in the ambience at ouzeri To Petalo (Ksanthis 10).
Tickets: The theatre performs on group arrangements, so there are no fixed dates. The theatre can host up to 200 guests. Tickets are at 20 euros. Ideal for students, families and theatre lovers. For more details, contact 694 225 2777 or email ruinsofpassion@gmail.com. i
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W
hen the International Film Festival Rotterdam selected independent Greek film Wasted Youth to open its 40th edition, no one was more surprised than the film’s production team.Ahead of its Greek release, Stephanie Bailey talks to co-writer and director Argyris Papadimitropoulos about a film described by festival director Rutger Wolfson as one that “convinces from the very first moment until the very last second”. Co-written and directed by Argyris Papadimitropoulos and Jan Vogel, Wasted Youth is a production that packs a subtle punch – so subtle you might miss the point if you’re not careful, though the end – which will not be revealed for the sake of the film - will no doubt affect everyone who watches it, for better or for worse. Shot in a fragmented, almost voyeuristic documentary-style, the film follows the lives of two central
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characters on a hot summer’s day in Athens;Vassilis, a middle-aged man stuck in a dead-end job played with impeccable compassion by Ieronimos Kaletsanos, and Harris, a 16-year-old skater with a devil-may-care attitude and a penchant for skateboarding and hip hop played by newcomer and real-life skater Harris Markou. The two characters – along with a strong supporting cast - form a spectrum by which to observe two abstracted lives in an even more abstracted city muffled out by the sound of their mundane routines. “Vassilis’s character reflects Athens.We are going through a period where everything is kind of changing and people don’t know what is going on. But I think this goes for the rest of the world too,” Papadimitropoulos states. Yet he sees hope in Harris’ generation. “I like the fact that they
Films are looking for influences from everywhere instead of being stuck in this nationalist Greek identity.They are freer; they open their minds and eyes and look at things in a different way.” A cinematic ode to the work of Gus Van Sant’s Elephant (2002), and Larry Clark’s generation-defining Kids (1995), WastedYouth was produced without a script, and completed in the space of nine months on a shoestring budget of roughly €200,000 raised with the help of producer George Karnavas. There is something poetic about this; it takes nine months to give a life, but in the end, it only requires a fraction to end one. Making a movie can also feel the same way; after months of laboriously bringing to life a reality on film, it takes 94 minutes for it to be watched and inevitably judged, which made recognition from Rotterdam all the more exhilarating for the team. “Rotterdam was our first target…It supports independent film-making,” Papadimitropoulos recalls. In the beginning they were chosen for the Bright Futures selection, for upcoming young filmmakers. But when the entire selection committee had seen the film Wasted Youth was swiftly upgraded to the Tiger Awards competition, raising the film to a whole new level of prestige. A week later, they were told that their film would be the opening film of the entire event. “This was encouraging because when you make a film the only people who have seen it are your best friends and your girlfriend,” Papadimitropoulos chuckles. “You don’t really know what other people think of the film!” But given the film’s content, how could 94 minutes ever sum up the realities of an entire city and all the complexities it contains and how does Papadimitropoulos feel about Wasted Youth’s Greek release? “Some people are going to find it disturbing because they don’t want to face the mirror. [The movie] reflects the reality of people’s everyday routine, but usually when you go to the movies you want to go for the fairytale, you want to go for the story - and this film lacks a story. It is not a 3-act drama.The classical narrative is deconstructed and destroyed completely. It is not an achievement, but that’s what everyday life looks like. Life is not scripted,” he says, elaborating on the fact that the film was driven mostly by improvisation, a technique that did not prove easy at the best of times. “It was very hard,” Papadimitropoulos says.“In the beginning it was kind of scary for the professionals but for the kids it was cool.They could do whatever they wanted. I mean we would tell them things and sometimes wrote in a line because we wanted something to be said, but I don’t think you could get such natural performance from amateur kids on a written script.” One such repeated line is “We’ve got nothing to lose,” which the teenager Harris notes when he decides to leave the comfort of his friend’s rooftop to rescue another friend ‘trapped’ by boredom at a family wedding. What unfolds from there is a night in which nothing is the same again, and the point where the film begins to precariously blur fiction with troubling reality. In many ways Wasted Youth is a film about choice. “The idea was not to make any iconography or to give any excuses to anybody or anything,” Papadimitropoulos explains when discussing the deeper issues within Greece that influenced the development of the story.“I’m not interested in excuses or being nice; a fact is a fact; what happens and what you do in one second will follow you for the rest of your life. It is not a call for action, but for discussion,” he insists. Let’s see what discussion emerges amongst those who have seen it once the film is released this month. i For more information, see www.wastedyouth.gr.
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The filmmakers behind the Greek film sensation, Dogtooth, were honoured at a reception in Los Angeles attended by top members of the Hollywood Entertainment and Greek communities, hosted by the Greek Consul General, Elisabeth Fotiadou, at her residence. The filmmakers were in LA to attend the Academy Awards, for which their film was nominated as Best Foreign Language Film. Among those attending were 1. Richard Lorber co-president of Kino International (distributor of Dogtooth) with Jim Gianopulos, Co-Chairman and CEO of Fox and Yorgos Lanthimos, director of Dogtooth. 2.Richard Lorber,Yorgos Lanthimos with Peter Caranicas managing editor of Variety (top Hollywood trade paper) Also present was Mary Zophres, nominated for Costume Design for True Grit, attended the Reception for Dogtooth. Other films on which she has been Costume Designer include Iron Man 2, A Serious Man, No
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Country For Old Men and the upcoming Cowboys and Aliens and 3. Hannah, Nicholas and actress Tatiana Kaufman. The Digalakis Group, sole distributors for Loewe and Longchamp in Greece and the Balkans have acquired a new brand in their fashion stable Sequoia. 4.At the launch of the French brand at Cecile boutique in Kolonaki were Maria Patrikou, Antonis Digalakis and Chrissiana Andriopoulou. On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of independence and the 20th anniversary of the liberation of the state of Kuwait, the Ambassador of the State of Kuwait, Raed Al-Rifai threw a grand reception at the Hilton on February 23. The diplomatic community was present in full force as were leading members of Parliament. 5. German Ambassador Roland Wegener with
Ambassador Raed Al-Rifai and Nazar Al-Baghli of the Kuwaiti Embassy. 6. US Ambassador Daniel B. Smith and his wife Diane with the Kuwaiti Ambassador. 7. A giant cake was especially created for the occasion. In picture from left to right, the Palestinian Ambassador, Samir Abu Ghazaleh, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Saleh Al-Ghamdi, the Ambassador of the UAE, Abdelhadi Alkhajah, Mr Said Khoury, President of the construction conglomerate CCC, the Kuwaiti Ambassador, the US Ambassador with his wife and Magadi Halawani, Sr. PR officer of CCC. Louka Katseli, Minister of Labour and Social Security looks on from behind. 8. The Vice-President of the Government, Theodoros Pangalos, flanked by the Ambassadors of the UAE and Kuwait and Said Khoury of CCC and Constantin Georgiou, Secretary General of the Presidency of the Republic in the background. i
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What do you do? I am the founder and director of the Al Andar Institute, which for 33 years now has been promoting the culture, literature and language of Latin America and the Spanish Caribbean. It was the pioneer of a widespread dissemination about those countries in Greece. Which area of Athens do you live in? Lycabettus hill in the Neapolis area. What do you see from your balcony? I’m lucky to look out at tree-lined slope of the hill on one side and to the other the Athenian cityscape framed by the Parnitha mountain range in the distance.
Dr. Marina Catzara shares her passion for Latin American culture and her love for quiet Athenian moments with Insider
Your all-time favourite restaurant? A very special seaside taverna that has been a family secret for 3 generations. Where do you unwind after work? I am not in the habit of unwinding after work, but if I lived closer to the sea I would frequently walk along the shore. It is an absolute necessity for me. Describe your perfect Sunday in Athens. Relaxing at home or escaping to the sea depending on the weather and my mood.
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My Athens
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Can you describe a quintessentially Athenian sound, smell, taste and sight? A sound can be any kind of music that corresponds to a particular way I feel in a specific moment, be it Hatzidakis, Cuban son, or Jazz. As for smell and taste, the preparation of any traditional food in a Greek home. Finally my favourite sight is walking around the footpaths of Lycabettus, seeing the Acropolis rise above the buildings and having a sensation of being the sole human being facing that view. Which Greek personality, historic or current, do you admire? Of course all the classic philosophers and ancient playwrights and modern Greeks minds like Christos Giannaras, Stelios Ramfos, Mikis Theodorakis and other valuable thinkers, poets and providers of knowledge. What is the ideal souvenir from Greece? The long and carefree summer vacations as a child and adolescent. Any favourite shops or boutiques? I like the warm atmosphere of the Carousel home decoration shop in Kolonaki, the old, non-touristic copper shops of Monastiraki and any shop that catches my eye. What is your fondest or funniest Athens-related memory? Some 25 years ago, while walking down the Spanish Embassy stairs
in high heels, which I’m not used to, losing my balance I had to hold on to something. That just happened to be the tie of Jules Dassin. I almost took him down with me. He became quite red. Best place to get away from it all? The sea. Most positive change in Athens over the last ten years? The wonderful pedestrianisation of Aeropagitou street at the foot of the Acropolis. Do you think the crisis will in the long term have a positive impact? At this point, like many Greeks, I think that the horizon is not clear at all. Let’s hope that this period of paroxysm will eventually have a positive outcome. Right now everything is extremely critical. If you were mayor for a day, what would you change? Everything: mentality of the citizens, public servants, somehow a revolution of smiles, politeness and flowers, all that with my mayoral magic wand. I wish I was for one day. 1. Marina Floisvos 2. Monastiraki square 3. Monastiraki flea market 4. Mikis Theodorakis 5.View of the Acropolis from Lycabettus hill 6. Latin moments at the Al Andar Institute
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City life
Kevin Muratore reports on a new weekly obsession in the city - intrepid cyclists braving lethal Athenian streets to make a point and have fun.
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thens is not a biker-friendly city. Drivers tend to range from reckless to borderline malicious. Yet, in this place where crossing the street can mean having your life flash before your eyes, one thousand plus cyclists meet in Thissio every Friday night for Freeday: a massive communal bike ride and all around good time. Starting two and a half years ago as a group of five friends taking a relaxing ride together, Freeday has exploded as a result of about one hundred committed organizers using facebook and twitter, as well seven to eight hundred who attend every week and spread the word by mouth. “It’s as simple as it sounds,” says Konstantinos Papamichelakis, one of the five original ‘Freedayers’. “Freeday is just a ride with friends.” The destinations vary from week to week and from cyclyst to cyclist. Many ride all night on the ‘volta’(crazy ride), usually stopping somewhere with a scenic view for sunrise. The participants come from every corner of Athens and even the world. There are different ages, races, genders, and classes. “Freedayers are everyday people,” says Konstantinos.“Athletes and beginners. Rich and Poor. Simply anyone.” You name it and you’ll see it at Freeday. The uniformity lies only in a positive attitude and the communal, carefree, and fun-loving
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spirit shared by all freedayers. The beauty of the event lies in this simplicity. With no hierarchical structure, no officially named leaders, and no roots in political agenda, Freeday is a time for Athenians to put all tension aside and enjoy good company. And the company grows. Athens Freeday’s facebook page currently has over eleven thousand likes. Police escorts are now necessary to assure the cyclists have proper room to ride. But for most it seems, the more the merrier. While Freeday has changed over the years, that change is simply in number. Whether there’s five or five million, Freeday will always be about the riders and their relationships. “Maybe it’s harder now to ride with your friends on Freeday,” says Konstantinos, “but it’s so much easier to make new ones!” i
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Of Peoples and Places Artists travel, crossing borders and cultures, stroll, observe human behaviour. They discover the anonymous faces in the crowd, realising the rapid expansion of cities, comment on the impact of technology on society. Discover the observations, impressions and views on the subject of twelve artists from around the world at the photo exhibition entitled Of Peoples and Places curated by Els Hanappe and Lazaros Siakos at the lobby of the Hilton until April 10.
The secrets of Greek cuisine Evi Voutsina is determined to show that Greek cuisine goes far beyond moussaka, stuffed vegetables or horiatiki salad. The book Authentic Greek Cooking presents the results of her extensive research spread across 14 years all around Greece, unravelling its most delicious and authentic recipes. Her aim is to bring the real identity of Greek cuisine to a broader audience by choosing recipes for their quality of taste as well as for what she considers to be representative of the authenticity of Greek food. Authentic Greek Cooking, Evie Voutsina www.fagottobooks.gr
Spread positive energy! Greece of the ‘50s and ‘60s in London The Hellenic Centre in London together with the Museum of Cycladic Art presented Robert McCabe’s Greece: Images of an Enchanted Land, 1954-1965. Robert McCabe first visited Greece in 1954 and captured a way of life that that has now all but vanished. During what he describes as an “enchanted” time, McCabe recorded the landscape, villages and traditions of a country that was recovering from civil war, and where tourists were few and far between. The islands and villages still maintained their ancient and distinctive traditions in music, architecture, poetry, embroidery, cooking and ship building. The exhibition presents sixty iconic images from his travels around the country. After important exhibitions in the USA and Europe, this is the first UK showing of McCabe’s work.
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Amita Motion once again gives us a gripping musical experience full of optimism, creativity and positive energy! Amita Motion presents It’s my Live and invites the young at heart to live the ultimate positive experience.Through a unique interactive web game at www.thetikienergeia.gr aspiring rock stars can, together with their friends, create their own live concert, actively participating in a life-time musical experience. The project gives the opportunity for people to create their own live events, feel the intensity of production and backstage work, meet the artists and adopt a positive attitude. It’s my Live will also give young amateur bands the chance to prove their talent by being warm-up bands.
New look, new departure On February 18 vamiali’s gallery inaugurated its new art space with three different exhibitions: of young German artist Christof Mascher (his first solo exhibition in Athens), entitled “drift wood chris”, a group display of Miltos Manetas, Jonathan Monk and Richard Woods and Dimitra Vamiali’s new installation with music compilation by Voyager & Alfonso.This new space is also a new beginning for vamiali’s gallery. A traditional 70’s building was renovated and expanded with the idea of creating a multifunctional building, combining the gallery with living spaces surrounded by art, 24 hours.The works were undertaken as a creative project, a challenge to explore different parameters and approaches. It gives creative and fresh options to think about the way we work and live nowadays.
Log in! Following the recent successful exhibition Intake presented at the Hellenic American Union in Athens, Elika gallery presents the new solo exhibition of the Greek visual artist Theodoros Zafeiropoulos: Log In. The current exhibition follows the same artistic rationale as the previous one - of re-approaching art through the factor of failure, as can be found in modern technology and science. Zafeiropoulos’ exhibition at Elika Gallery is composed of laser carved images on poplar wood, digital UV printings, videos and floor-standing sculptures. Until March 19. www.elikagallery.com
DIY sushi! Would you like to recreate Matsuhisa Nobu’s sushi rolls, its succulent Chilean sea bass with jalapeno miso sauce, scallops with truffle giouzou and a whole range of delectable signature dishes? The prayers to your culinary questions will be answered and the secrets of the famous Japanese chef will be revealed at cooking classes organised at Matsuhisa in Vouliagmeni. The classes are for eight fortunate, participants who get to don aprons and play chefs for an afternoon (!) in the kitchen of the legendary restaurant. The culinary experience culminates with lunch, where you can enjoy your own creation or take it home to share it with your family and friends. Classes are on alternate Fridays March 4, March 18 and April 4; for those who are already privy to the secrets of sushi – advanced classes on Friday March11, March 24 and April 11. Reserve early to avoid disappointment. www.arionresortathens.com
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hen Prime Minister George Papandreou addressed an audience at Humboldt University in Berlin on February 21, his speech was interrupted by a group of Greek students who objected to his government’s policies. One of the banners the protestors held up drew parallels with the way that the corrupt regime of Tunisian President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali was forced out after 23 years in power and what fate might have in store for the current crop of Greek politicians, who never seem to be too far away from the next financial or political scandal. As democracy’s domino effect swept through parts of North Africa and the Middle East over the last couple of months, there have been repeated attempts to compare the civil unrest to Greece’s south with what might happen here should the economy fail to recover and if
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Talking point
frustration with the political system reaches breaking point. Some have let their fantasies run wild in trying to envision links between these two seemingly disparate worlds, such as the suggestion of former leftist leader Alekos Alavanos that protestors should transform Syntagma Square into Cairo’s Tahrir Square and remain camped there until the government packs its bags. However, there are signs in Greece that things are bubbling away under the surface. The “I won’t pay” movement, for instance, has proved incredibly resistant and well-drilled. Protests against rises in road tolls and increases in public transport tickets have gained considerable support and have wrongfooted authorities. More importantly, though, the demonstrations have established the belief in the mind of many Greeks that they are victims of an unfair system. They have begun to question why they are paying hefty prices to use roads, trains or buses that they already pay for through their taxes, especially at a time when the amounts being withheld by the state from their wage packets – if they are lucky enough to still have them – are also rising rapidly. One of the things that is clear from the recent revolts in the Maghreb is that a key factor in pushing people from frustrated acquiescence with a system they don’t agree with to popular rebellion against it is the growing feeling that they are being taken for a ride. It’s still a long way from what we’ve witnessed on the streets of Tunisia, Egypt and Libya over the past few weeks but the potential for mass resistance in Greece seems to exist. Keratea, a small community some 40 kilometers southeast of Athens, has given us a foretaste of what this might look like. Since December, residents of this village have been resisting attempts to begin the construction of a waste management centre a short distance from their homes. They have held rallies, formed barricades, clashed with police and grabbed every media opportunity they could. Some three months after the protests began, no construction work has taken place, the courts are reviewing the government’s decision to build the facility and the Citizens’ Protection Ministry is reportedly considering withdrawing about 500 extra policemen that have been stationed in Keratea to deal with the unrest. The citizens’ movement in this little corner of Attica has also been impressively organised and stubbornly persistent. The staying power of the Keratea protests has much to do with the fact that people there feel the government is abusing its power, foisting a glorified landfill on their community without any consultation. We have seen in North Africa that when people’s patience with regimes that dismiss or ignore their opinions snaps, their determination to confront decision makers is uncompromising. The “I Won’t Pay” movement and the Keratea resistance, however, are the exceptions rather than the rule. Under the current circumstances, it still remains highly unlikely that we will see mass protests on the streets of Athens or other cities that will force the government out. It is much more likely that these smaller movements in combination with worsening conditions will act as a form of Chinese water torture for the existing political system. The two main parties, PASOK and New Democracy, which have run the country since the fall of the military dictatorship in the 1970s, will be the ones to suffer most. We have already seen the flowering of smaller political parties such as Democratic
LZC
Left and Democratic Alliance, which are likely to gain support in the months to come. But their leaders and many of their members come from the political system that has served Greece so poorly over the last few decades, so most voters are unwilling to trust them. For a genuine revolution to take place, political movements led by figures who are not tainted with the failure and corruption of the past will have to blossom. Greece does not yet quite feel ripe for such a development. A much more immediate by-product of the Arab revolts will be immigration becoming a much more pressing issue. Due to its geographical proximity and political connections with the Maghreb countries, Greece has been one of the most popular European destinations for North Africans seeking a better life. However, conditions are such in Greece now that the prospects of a brighter future are diminishing rapidly. As jobs dry up, so these immigrants’ grasp on a future in Greece becomes weaker. It is estimated that some 80,000 migrants who were living and working in the country legally until recently have lost the right to renew their residence permits because they have not amassed enough social security credits. Another 80,000 immigrants are expected to face this problem in the next few months. Many of those caught in this bureaucratic and economic limbo are from North Africa. Their plight was highlighted by the hunger strike that 237 North African migrants launched in January at Athens University’s Law School. After delicate negotiations, they decamped to a listed building near the city centre, where the protest continued.The migrants, many of whom were in a frail state by the end of February, found themselves at the centre of a political row over the abuse of the university asylum law, which prevents police from entering institutions’ grounds. But this simply clouded the real issue, which is that Greece effectively has a humanitarian crisis on its hands.There are thousands of people living in the country who have no prospect of finding work and who face equally bleak prospects in homelands that are in turmoil or at the beginning of a long transition phase from dictatorship to some semblance of democracy. The Greek government has said it is reviewing residence permit requirements and may reduce the number of social security credits needed. But this is only one of the tracks being followed.The other is to brace for a possible spike in the number of people from North Africa and the Middle East seeking to enter Greece illegally. Greece is already negotiating with the European Union’s border protection agency, Frontex, for its officers to extend their stay here. It has also been involved in discussions at an EU-level about how to tackle any influx from the south. The travails of the hunger strikers has brought a lot of things into sharp focus and although various people have tried to hijack the protest for political purposes, at its heart it is about persevering when the odds are against you, which matches the message coming out recently from the countries where these protestors began their journeys. It is a tale of people struggling for jobs, a respectable standard of living, prospects and the right to live free of fear – be it of persecution or of their residence rights disappearing. These are sentiments that we have all become familiar with since the beginning of the year and are proof that although Greece is not Egypt,Tunisia or Libya, it exists in a world that is not too far removed from its southern neighbours. i
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Travel
Four unique options to soak in history and discover colourful Easter traditions at Yades’ heritage properties across Greece while watching the Royal wedding in the UK.
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ades Heritage Hotels that manages some of the most charming boutique hotels steeped in history and local culture will be offering special packages and discounts especially for the Royal Wedding bank holiday weekend as well as for Easter. Here’s a foretaste of what to expect.
The property: Esperas Traditional Houses, Santorini What’s so special: The Esperas Collection is one of the most alluring hideaways on Santorini, an island famous for its stunning beauty. Perched high on the rocky cliffs of Oia, each traditional island house in the collection is carved into the rock and preserved to accentuate the unique characteristics of island architecture and décor, complete with private terrace to bask in the magnificent views of the volcanic sea below. The Royal Wedding Package: includes a 3 night stay in a studio for 2 with private terrace and a unique view of the caldera, with daily buffet breakfast, welcome basket with fruits & local wine, a bottle of sparkling wine with a cheese platter while watching the Royal Wedding on TV, a romantic candlelit dinner with 2 starters, 1 salad, 2 main courses, 2 desserts on the day of your choice, as well as complimentary transfers from and to the airport or port of Santorini. Prices per person from 350€
Esperas Traditional Houses, Santorini
Easter at the Esperas: includes a 3 night stay in a studio for 2 with private terrace and a unique view of the caldera, with daily buffet breakfast, welcome basket with Easter Greek delicacies, candles, eggs and local wine in your room, Easter Sunday lunch or dinner, including traditional Easter mezedes, Greek Easter soup, main course, dessert and house wine, as well as a wine tour of Santorini with pick up & drop off at hotel, trip around the island & visit to vineyards, 3 traditional wineries and opportunity to meet the wine producers, wine tasting, all fees included. Prices per person from 412,50€ including complimentary transfers from and to the airport or port of Santorini
The property: Avli Lounge Apartments in Rethymnon
Avli Lounge Apartments in Rethymnon
What’s so special: Avli is an expression of Crete’s layered past. Once the location of a Venetian lord’s home, an olive press, a soap factory and tannery, it is nestled in a cluster of three Venetian houses including the first building erected in the area dating back to 1660, located in the heart of Rethymnon’s old city. History is communicated through Cretan,Venetian and Turkish architectural elements that whisper the heritage of an island that knows occupation and resistance well. Seven distinctive suites combine domes,Venetian arches, fountains, cool cellars, antique furniture, and works of art with Cretan influences that narrate the story of the island. Set in a vine and blossom covered courtyard, the award-winning Avli restaurant offers creative cuisine based on traditional Cretan recipes and boasts of more than 460 different vintage wines in its cellar. Royal Wedding Package: Benefit for an exclusive offer to stay for 7 days and pay only for 6 and enjoy the Royal Wedding with a glass of sparkling wine at the Avli Lounge.
Kinsterna Hotel and Spa in Monemvasia
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Carnival and Easter Package: The Rethymnian Easter custom festivities are known for the creativity and inspiration that reflect the long history and tradition of the city. Enjoy more than 3 luxurious overnights in a junior suite or penthouse and earn one extra night for free.The offer is valid from April 16 to April 30.
The Captain’s House in Preveza
The property: Kinsterna Hotel and Spa in Monemvasia What’s so special? Folded into the Peloponnesian hillside lies a restored rural mansion, architecturally evidencing its rich Byzantine, Ottoman, Venetian and Greek history. Now known as Kinsterna Hotel & Spa founded on the principles of authenticity, wellness, privacy and romance, the hotel owes its name to the Byzantine word for the age-old cistern around which it is built and which, for centuries, has breathed life into the surrounding fertile land, towering trees, and olive groves.The cantilevered platforms hanging over the cistern, provide the setting for dinner and cocktails overlooking Monemvasia and the Aegean sea. Easter Package: Easter at Monemvasia is truly a spiritual journey. Captured in the beauty of Kostis Palama’s writing, Easter here is magical with the sight of the faithful weaving their way home with candles from the old kastro to the main city, a truly moving experience. Easter midnight dinner for 2, Easter Day menu for 2, olive tasting accompanied with bread freshly baked in the old stone oven and culinary surprises from the hotel’s chef, a 20% discount on all treatments at the Spa and à la carte champagne breakfast for 2. Prices from 280€ per classic double room per night for minimum 3 nights stay, including the above services and all legal taxes. No extra charge for children up to 12 years old. The offer is valid for the period from 18 to 26 April.
The property: The Captain’s House in Preveza What’s so special? Dating back to 1896, the year of the first modern Olympic Games, the Captain’s House is the legacy of Preveza’s more prominent families. Repurchased and restored in 1973 by Tasos Potamianos, it has since come to represent a bygone era. Located in the mountainous Epirus region known for rich culture, Preveza is no stranger to distinguished guests including early 19th century traveller Lord Byron, who arrived in 1809 before continuing north to the court of Ali Pasha in Tepelene. After the town was liberated from Turkish occupation in 1912, Princess Marie Bonaparte visited the Captain’s House, a photograph of which is proudly displayed at the hotel reception. Located at the mouth of the Ambracian Gulf in an area known for natural splendour, far-reaching history, exceptional wetlands, beaches, and a boating marina all within easy reach of the hotel, Preveza was founded towards the end of the 13th century near the ruins of Berenikia, close to where Augustus defeated Marc Anthony and Cleopatra’s army in the Battle of Actium, the final war of the Roman republic. The nearby ruins of Nikopolis, built in honour of the Roman victory, are found 5km north of the town. Easter Package: Stay 5 nights and pay only for 4 for the period of April 21 to April 26. Book your stay until March 30th and benefit from an extra 20€ discount Voucher. Contact sales@yadeshotels.gr or call at +302103640441 to Book Now! i
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Travel
Stephanie Bailey talks to Ian Ciappara, Director of Sales and Marketing at Starwood Hotels & Resorts Costa Navarino, about Messenia and how his experiences at Costa Navarino constantly have him re-visiting the Italian coast.
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eeting Ian Ciappara in his downtown Athenian office, I am quickly swept away into a world where the sun is warm as the first flushes of summer love. Maybe it’s because Ciappara is, by his own definition, “a Mediterranean guy; a sea person.” Originally from Malta, he arrived in Athens in September 2009 after seventeen years in Italy, apparently within 48 hours of receiving a phone call; impulsiveness most foreigners in Greece know all too well. Perhaps the love Ciappara has for Greece can be attributed to his fresh, newcomer eyes. Or maybe it’s his connection to the Costa Navarino project in the Peloponnesian region of Messenia, which he represents through The Westin Resort Costa Navarino and The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort, that has him all fired up. Anyone familiar with the Peloponnese knows that the entire region bathes in a distinctive, golden sunlight, and so it is no surprise Costa Navarino is close to the ancient temple of sun god Apollo Epicurean at Bassae, one of the oldest and most unusual temples in the world.The archaeological site fits with the Costa Navarino ethos about enjoying the day and relaxing at night. Carpe Diem, as the saying goes, and Ciappara could not agree more. Describing his ‘commute’ to Costa Navarino from Athens, he beams; “Every time I cross the Corinth Canal and go from dryness to the lush vegetation of the Peloponnese, I enter a completely different world. And I discover something different every time.We are close to Olympia, Sparta, Koroni, Methoni and of course the coast of Mani, which is absolutely stunning. The first time I saw the Mani coast I had a flash of the Amalfi coast. Or if you go towards ancient Messenia and pass the byzantine monasteries and churches, I look at the topography of the landscape and ask myself if I am in Tuscany or Florence. Let’s not forget how close the southern Peloponnese is to Italy. The Peloponnese is rather an extension of the Southern Puglia part of Italy. Geographically, there is a connection.” Ciappara is clearly impressed by the standard of produce available in the region, from wines, cheeses, olive oil, vinegar, and a wide array of vegetables and fruits he believes rival those of Italy. “On my drive to Costa Navarino I discover new wineries every time – obviously I have to make sure I have someone who doesn’t drink in the car with me! But I’m discovering the world of Greek wines.You know I come from a world of hotels, I come from a world of Italian luxury properties, and when you think of the French and the Italian wines, I keep on looking at Greek wines and find they are on par. One of the many secrets that Greece has to offer.” The story of Costa Navarino itself is a romantic one.Years in the making and still a work in progress, Costa Navarino is an entire area within Messenia that has been turned into a real-life paradise set to host a number of resorts, hotels and properties along the Navarino coast, with a distinct sensitivity and awareness to ecology of the area. It does sound too good to be true, but it’s all very real, and it started in 1982 with the vision of one man. After 21 years at sea, and a further eight developing a successful shipping business, Captain Vassilis Costantakopoulos began quietly purchasing pieces of land along the Navarino coast in his native Messenia. Word has it that he always paid more than the going price.
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Travel
A keen environmentalist (he joined the Hellenic Marine Environmental Protection Association in 1985, which later established a junior version), Costantakopoulos’s intentions were clear. He wanted to create a sustainable development where international visitors could discover his beloved Messenia, at the same time providing his fellow Messenians with the opportunity to work and share the beauty of their home with those who came to become part of it. And very little has changed from this original desire, with the Costantakopoulos family continuing the vision of the Captain since his passing. And that vision finally became reality when The Westin Resort Costa Navarino and The Romanos Resort opened their doors on the Navarino Dunes site, which Ciappara proudly mentions constitutes only 10% of developed land. “We believe in the luxury behind nature and what the world in its natural form has to give you,” he insists. “Yes there has been development but we have taken complete care in understanding the impact on the environment. Navarino Environmental Observatory and Natura Hall are all designed to link back to the eco-culture and the eco-systems within the area. The design of our hotels are linked to the eco-systems and linked to energy saving.” Continuing the strong dedication to environmental balance, the nearby Navarino Bay will soon open the world’s first earth-sheltered mixed use resort. And the connection to the environment does not only extend to the design and scope of the development. Ciappara talks about the educational component behind The Westin Resort Costa Navarino, which offers a fully interactive learning environment for young guests. “It’s a completely different philosophy. It’s not about throwing toys or games at kids. It’s interactive. Children actually come to one of these daily to weekly events and study things related to nature, history and culture of the area in a fun, intelligent way.They learn about the turtles, which lay eggs on parts of the beach, about olives, produce, oil, nature and come out excited. And as the children learn, there is no reason why adults should not partake, either. “When it comes to olive groves, olive oil productions, oranges and production of sweets, and also the local products used in recipes for food and spa treatments, everything is integrated here.” Food is prepared using local ingredients based on ancient and not so ancient recipes, while spa products and therapies designed with the same philosophy.“Recipes with stories behind them are what Costa Navarino is all about; we are bringing back a lot of nice, good, warm memories. That’s the luxury.” But as good as it all sounds, should we not aim to protect these regions and their natural wealth from tourism? According to Ciappara, it’s about ensuring that development is done sensibly.“People have learned their lessons when it comes to over-development.What we offer is an experience that is clean, with a good price-quality ratio and natural. I don’t think there is any need to overstate anything. In moments of recession people like to go back to basics, where strawberries come out fresh from the ground looking at the sun and not looking through the plastic of a greenhouse. Of course, they are not as good-looking, but they are real.” Real is good. Real is what makes Greece beautiful. i For more information, visit www.costanavarino.com, www.westincostanavarino.com or www.romanoscostanavarino.com.
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Travel
e g a l l i v e h t o t n r u t Re Sustainable and eco tourism have become watchwords for the industry in Greece. Mike Sweet reports from Vamos in Crete, where a community has been revitalised by the vision of a generation who turned their grandparents’ homes into refuges for discerning visitors.
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estled between the coast and the national highway connecting Chania with Rethymno, the Apokoronas is a region often overlooked by the scores of tourist buses and hire cars running the gauntlet of the E75 national road, the frantic highway connecting west and eastern Crete. Apokoronas is a wide fertile plain extending from the foothills of the Lefka Ori, north to the coast, with rolling hills where Cypress trees, olive groves, vineyards and orchards thrive.This is the Crete of a simpler age. A place where Arab pirates dwelt, where the Venetians ruled for more than three hundred years, where Ottoman forts still survey a land fought over for centuries.The ancient indigenous economy of Crete, based on agriculture, only began to change significantly as recently as the 1970s.
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Mass tourism, like an irreversible chemical reaction, transformed the island physically and culturally forever. Today around fifteen per cent of all arrivals in Greece come through Heraklion and more than two million tourists visit Crete annually. But despite the adverse effects of this invasion, those who seek a quieter and more authentic experience in Crete can still find it, in a place like Apokoronas. At the heart of the Apokoronas district is the village of Vamos. With a history reaching back into pre-history, it would be the mid 20th Century that saw Vamos, like so many villages in Greece, face a challenge for its very survival. Decimated by the exodus of a generation, which began in the 1950s, Vamos was in total neglect by the seventies. Many of its
houses had become ruins and half the resident population, which had dwindled to 650, were elderly. Vamos’ saving grace was that it was the administrative heart of the region, and its public services kept it from extinction. As the age of Cretan mass tourism dawned,Vamos went into a kind of quiet hibernation, waiting for a new age; a time when it’s simple, traditional ways would be sustainable once more. The catalyst for the butterfly to emerge would be artistic expression and particularly music. Between 1982 and 1988, the children of the generation who had left Vamos returned, creating a series of summer music festivals that brought Greece’s most prominent contemporary musical performers to the village. George Dalaras came to Vamos, along with Maria Farandouri,Yannis Markopoulos, Haris Alexiou, Dimos Moutsis and a host of other leading Greek artists; it was a commercial venture but also a celebration of the village’s culture and very being. Later, it would be a group of like-minded
friends who had been involved in organising the festivals, who would go on in the 1990s to practice a kind of alchemy that reversed the downturn in the village’s fortunes, turning ruins back into simple, authentic Cretan residences for travellers who share a concept of ‘soft’ tourism. George Hadjidakis was one of those friends, and a founding member of Vamos Traditional Village established as a co-operative in 1995. Brought up in Athens, George recollects childhood holidays at his grandparents’ home. “We were here every summer and what I remember most is the feeling of freedom I had, and the chance to explore nature.” Hadjidakis went on to study mathematics in the University of Athens, but the pull of Vamos was always there. “We thought the cultural events held in the summertime were not enough. We wanted to do something to expand the whole thing, to give a financial perspective to the area the whole year round.” The co-operative began by renovating the ancient homes of their grandparents; buildings originally constructed between the
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18th and early 20th century were turned into guesthouses; an art café, performance space, a crafts shop and a taverna. Today Vamos Traditional Village comprises twenty-five cottages and another ten in outlying villages. Some of the more luxurious villas sleep up to eight people and come with outdoor pools. All have been re-built in traditional Cretan style using local materials. Accommodation can be booked by the night, though most visitors book weekly blocks. Part of the co-operative’s vision was to help revitalise the village’s economy by creating other businesses beside the accommodation.The traditional taverna I Sterna tou Bloumosifis run by Spiros Frantzeskatis serves some of the best value cuisine in western Crete using local ingredients. Their mouthwatering menu features mezedes like stuffed zuchinni flowers, freshly made taramosalata, and creamy fava. From the wood-fired oven, treat yourself to lamb with artichokes, slow roasted pork, or rooster with red wine and pasta. Topped off with a drop of Tsikoudia (the fiery Cretan Raki) on the house, every meal here is one to remember. To Liakoto, the art café nearby puts on regular exhibitions and live music featuring an eclectic mix of contemporary styles from Rembetika to
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modern jazz. Beyond the enterprises set up by the co-operative itself, the village’s other businesses have benefited greatly from increased visitors; the grocer, the baker, the single supermarket, and the traditional cafés in the sleepy main square. It’s that sense of a real, living, breathing community, which you become part of when staying in Vamos that lies at the heart of this venture’s success. The co-operative’s plans for the future are modest; an organic market garden to supply the guests and a hostel-style villa suited for the budgets of young people. The early summer of 2011 sees Vamos Traditional Village host hands-on classes on cooking Cretan cuisine, and in a return to its roots, a series of week long celebrations of drama, poetry and visual arts. Although George Hadjidakis wouldn’t say no to more properties, the co-founder of this Cretan experiment in soft tourism is happy to keep things on a modest scale, avoiding over commercialisation of the concept. “I don’t want to make it that big. There’s a danger in that. We don’t want to be Coca Cola!” i For more information on Vamos Traditional Village go to: www.vamosvillage.gr
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Maya Tsoclis talks to Sudha Iliades about a lifetime of global exploration and discovery that led her to the most unusual destination of all: Greek politics. And so a new journey begins.
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aya Tsoclis breezes in to her neoclassical office on Apostolou Pavlou wearing a stylish black Chinese jacket, a chunky bead necklace acquired on one of her trips to Zanzibar, ballooning pants that resemble salwars from Pakistan, and a pair of sturdy walking shoes. A formidable presence on Greek television for over 15 years, Tsoclis’ passion for traveling radiates not only in her sartorial tributes to the cultures of the world, but in the humanist travel documentaries she has produced. In 2009,Tsoclis embarked on a different journey altogether as deputy in charge of the Parliamentary Working Group on Tourism, a role she hopes will put her many years of experience as a travel journalist and film-maker to good use. For Tscolis, it’s all about introducing policy changes that will take tourism back to its roots. You seem to have followed a childhood passion for travel into television and then politics. Was it by design or default? I was born in Paris and split time between France, Germany and Greece following my father’s career as an artist before we moved to Athens permanently. As a child, my only real roots were in Hydra where we had our summer-house – my only steady reference point. The rest of my childhood was just a blur of constant movement. I knew that growing up, I’d travel, work with an NGO or at least try to do some good. I took up medicine for two years, hoping to work for Medecins sans Frontieres only to give it up for sociology. My passion for travel however, remained. Television was a natural progression but it didn’t happen immediately. I dabbled in fashion working for well-known designer Yiannis Tseclenis and later set up my own atelier and fashion line. What inspired me were the fluid, flowing robes of Greek priests and I remember my first collection was a flurry of colourful fabric flying around! It was a fun period – I designed for theatre and wrote on fashion until one day in 1997 I was offered to present a slot on ERT’s cultural magazine - portraits of people in art, architecture, theatre and fashion. Your programmes, Syn kai Plyn and later Travelling with Maya Tsoclis captured the imagination of the Greek public and won critical acclaim from the entertainment industry. How was your travel show different from other shows on Greek TV? Syn kai Plyn was hugely successful and before long, with film director Chronis Pehlivanidis, we started filming our weekend excursions and presenting them as ideas for getaways in Travelling in Greece, which later morphed into the documentary series Travelling with Maya Tsoclis. The show took us all over Greece to little known corners and forgotten villages.When we had covered most of Greece we took the show abroad and filmed in around 50 countries. It was interesting to meet the Greek Diaspora in these countries and to share in their experiences. But to answer your question, the reason I believe our shows were successful is because they touched a human chord. They were travel shows, but they centred on the people we met along the journey not just the places we went to - their lives and their passions. News is always depressing and often the only contact one has with foreign lands is when there is a disaster. We showed both sides of the story, focusing on inspiring role models who had made a difference. I consider myself lucky to have created a need for these stories and to have had the possibility to share them.
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Tell us about your venture into politics. Is it the logical next step for a journalist? It wasn’t a planned career move at all. I received a phone call in 2009 asking if I’d be interested in joining the list for state deputies. I never thought I’d be appointed and I agreed believing that as a journalist and outsider to political life it was easy to be critical. I saw it as a challenge to see what one could achieve from the inside. The main areas I believed I could contribute to were culture and tourism, and luckily for me I’m on the Parliamentary Working Group on Tourism. What major changes are you pushing for at the policy level? My approach to tourism is that it has to be intrinsically tied to culture. What differentiates one country from the other is culture. In that sense, the fact that the Ministries of Culture and Tourism are now under a single entity for the first time is a positive step. We now have a situation where funds are scarce but the positive fallout is that it has forced us to become more creative and productive in our approach. Along with culture, the other driver in tourism is agriculture. Farming has long been ignored and somewhere down the line, the pride in farming has been lost.The new trends in tourism are towards returning to authenticity, to our real roots, and rediscovering our true identity – be it through food or local customs. We’re currently working on a bill on rural tourism where we hope to incorporate local produce and local culture. You were recently named Ambassador of Greek Wines – are you an oenophile? Do you think Greek wines are among the untold stories of Greece? I always traveled across Greece and saw it with the eyes of an outsider and that gave me perspective but also helped me find hidden gems – one that Greeks had not even noticed or had taken for granted. Greek wines fall into that category. Greece has been a land of wines since antiquity – we now need to modernize the approach to make Greek wines more consistent, more marketable. I’m not a wine expert but I identify with the passion with which Greek wine growers and producers nurture their land. I’m passionate about passionate people and hope I’ll do a decent job of promoting Greek wines here and abroad. What, according to you, is Greece’s unique selling proposition? Greece is a miniature of the world offering myriad, magical experiences in a very human environment. For its size, the sheer range of possibilities Greece proffers is mind-boggling. i
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Cruises jlk
Despite some rough sailing, cruise operators have a lot to be optimistic about in 2011. The projections for the year suggest that the cruising industry will grow by a robust 6.6% and with new cabotage laws in place, Greece is set to experience a healthy cruising season ahead.
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he good news is that despite chartering through some turbulent waters, more cruise ships will be docking at Piraeus this year. The Maritime Affairs Ministry announced that around 939 vessels are expected to call at Piraeus this year as against 883 in 2010. Contributing to the rise in cruise ship arrivals is the general growing popularity of holiday cruises internationally; and the new law which allows cruise ships without a European Union flag to perform circular cruises with Piraeus as their starting point! Globally, Cruise Lines International Association data suggests that the cruise industry is hoping for 16 million passengers to embark on its ships in 2011, thus expecting an increase of 6.6 % on last year. The optimism is shared amongst the leading representatives of other industries too, with the difference being the cruise industry placing its hopes on a fleet of new ships and masses of new customers. Europe, the Caribbean and Alaska are the biggest markets at the moment, with emerging nations such as China and Russia providing not only passengers but also venues and exciting places to visit for current cruise ship fans. The cruise sector is a significant part of the European marine industry and has made an important contribution to the European economy: 21.7 million passengers called in the European ports during 2008, with the industry bringing in 311,512 jobs, a 66% increase compared with 2005.The entire value of goods and services generated has increased by an astounding 69% in the last three years to more than €32bn. Andreas Stylianopoulos, CEO of Navigator Travel - who represent Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises in Greece, Bulgaria, Macedonia and Cyprus - describes the cruises industry as one of the fastest growing products in the travel industry. He continues,‘In 2009, over 4,9 million European residents booked cruises, a 12,1% increase over 2008, representing nearly 29% of all cruise passengers worldwide. As a result we realize that the cruise industry represents exceptional value for what it offers.’
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That sentiment is shared by George Paliouras, Managing Director of Cruisexpert Hellas and representative for Companie de Ponant and Costa Cruises who explains,‘There are two things happening in the Greek cruise industry – there has been a boost in traffic of incoming travellers from abroad who wish to cruise in Greece.The other is outgoing holidaymakers from here. Despite the fact that Greece has lagged behind compared to other countries, with more cruise ships embarking in Piraeus we are optimistic of the trend picking up. Our company, Cruisexperts has grown by 30% in the past year and that is a fair indication of the strength in this sector.’‘ Kostas Zalokostas of Majestic International Cruises concurs,‘In Europe, the cruise industry more than held its own despite the downturn. The biggest markets in Europe – the UK and Germany grew by 8% and 7% respectively.’ According to Tourism-Review.com, cruise industry representatives hope that the new ships around the globe will tempt more people on board. Walt Disney Co’s new creation was launched in Florida just recently.The vessel is capable of holding up to 4,000 passengers and came at a cost of $900 million. The company is clearly expecting a return on such a massive investment in the near future. Currently the world’s largest cruise vessel, the Allure of the Seas, is capable of holding 6,000 passengers yet is not being used to its potential. In total, 2011 should see around half a dozen new ships on the water. Kostas Zalokostas, concurs. ‘Cruising is growing and there is still a lot of potential for growth. The American market is the driver in the industry and for every vessel, the growth in the number of passengers and revenues is exponential.’ Worldwide, cruising was considered the fastest growing sector in leisure in 2010. It is in difficult times, that holidaymakers seek value-for-money. Cruising offers affordable luxury and an intense cultural experience in a short span of time.
Entertainment on board the Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas
Destinations such as Santorini and Mykonos are a draw
“We sell destinations - the ship is just part of the journey but by offering a better product, we attract younger people who want to see more and experience more”
Aerial view of Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas
Celebrity Cruises- sports onboard
Louis Hellenic Cruises’ Louis Majesty
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Destinations such as Santorini and Mykonos are a draw
Dominating the Greek cruise industry is Louis Hellenic Cruises whose newest and grandest addition to its fleet, Louis Majesty will be sailing in Greek waters starting April 2011. Mr Pythagoras Nagos, Commercial Director of Louis Cruises hopes to attract newer businesses and newer markets with their upgraded fleet with 1840 beds operating three and four day cruises in the Aegean. ‘We are concentrating on the incentive business which is a real cash generator and focusing on clientele who are ready to pay a premium for better food and better services on board.’ Cruising has also shunned its image of catering to eager honeymooners and senior citizens. The industry has seen a revival since its Love Boat days and has broadened its appeal to a wide spectrum of guests. Nagos continues, ‘We sell destinations - the ship is just part of the journey but by offering a better product, we attract younger people who want to see more and experience more.’ The good news is that despite a lack of proper port infrastructure, Greece is still one of the most attractive cruise destinations. More and more cruise operators have opted for the Mediterranean, especially the eastern Mediterranean. Cruise operators including MSC, Carnival, Costa and Royal Caribbean have expressed an interest in including Greece in their schedules, according to the Minister of Maritime Affairs. However, Stylianopoulos warns, ‘For Greece to become the hub of the Eastern Mediterranean we need to correct some of the inherent flaws in our maritime policies.The measures adopted by the Government, including the cabotage laws, are at best half-hearted attempts designed more to mollify trade unions than to find a lasting solution to the issue. Most cruise companies expect a more serious response and are not willing to risk signing a binding contract.’ Echoing Stylianopoulos’ concerns is Michel Benakis, VicePresident of Cruisexperts, ‘One of the common laments in the cruise industry here is that the Greek Government has never really understood the contribution of cruises to Greek coffers.believes, ‘Cruises are not just about the excursions – there is a constant stream of revenue being generated through transfers, hotel bookings, shopping… Yet there are antiquated laws in place and while some attempt has been made to amend them, it is still not clear how effective the implementation will be.’ The fragility of the sector is also exposed when strikes and civic unrest can overnight cripple the industry.The strikes in Greece struck a severe blow to the image of the country. The recent turmoil in Northern Africa and the Middle East has led to cruise companies amending their itineraries. Louis Hellenic Cruises’ ‘Three Continents in Seven Days’ cruise that departs from Piraeus once a fortnight and calls on Istanbul, Myconos, Holy Land, Alexandria, Ag.Nikolaos (Crete) and back to Piraeus has altered its circuit by substituting a stop in Alexandria with stops in Cyprus and Santorini. Nagos reassures, ‘We are monitoring the
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Azamara Club Cruises
situation in Egypt closely and will revert to the original itinerary when conditions are safe for our passengers.’ However, despite the challenges this is a sector with the most promise in the travel industry. There is a real demand for qualified personnel aboard cruise ships. Cristina Butler, who has had experience in the industry for over 25 years, says, ‘Working onboard cruise ships is not for everyone.You live and work at sea for six months a year and there is constant interface with the passengers 24/7 – so whatever personal or professional problems you might have, you still have to deliver without compromising on standards.’ Responding to the demand for trained staff on cruise ships, educational institutions in the tourism sector have adapted their curricula accordingly. Alpine Center, for example, is launching a new course to equip students with skills and knowledge needed to work on international cruise ships. Katy Taveira, who has had eight years of work experience with one of the leading cruise companies of the world, says ‘Working onboard cruise ships has challenged me in the best ways possible everyday and was the most rewarding experience of my life.You travel the world, meet the most fascinating people from across the globe (crew and guests) and obtain priceless customer service and job training in your area of expertise.’ Now in charge of the Cruise Management course at Alpine Center she says, ‘The 13-week course at Alpine Center includes modules such as cruise industry basics, safety and security, life on board, food and beverage operations, front office operations and customer service. Combining education with industry needs, Alpine also works closely with international cruise ship companies and assists students in finding appropriate industry placements. The future of the cruise industry hinges on a combination of conducive policies, newer fleet with upgraded amenities and skilled personnel. For Greece to play a pivotal role in the sector and in the region, it will have to address these issues effectively. i
Interior of Royal Caribbean’s Solstice of the Seas
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How have international academic institutions faired in a year of economic turmoil? Marq Riley looks at how some private schools are benefiting from the malaise within Greek public education.
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s the Hellenic education system witnessed one of its most trying years in recent history, private schools in Athens were wondering how it would affect their business. But even after two years of public turmoil, international institutions still constitute a world of difference, literally. Enrolments remain up to capacity and the expatriate community is still strong. Nevertheless, private institutions are by no means allowing themselves to become complacent. One of the first recommendations made to the Board of Governors at St. Catherine’s British School by incoming headmaster Peter Armstrong last year was to apply a zero percent tuition fee increase. “It was evident to us that many of our parents were struggling,” attests Armstrong. “Clearly the makeup of international schools has changed over the last decade, be it in expatriates, the diplomatic community or children of multinationals. Although there are some families from the expatriate community leaving Greece, there is evidence that big companies continue to send people here. Many families seem very content to stay here, rather than return to the UK or other countries where the situation is equally difficult. In that sense we are attentive to their needs.” Armstrong is adamant of upholding St. Catherine’s high standards, applying a holistic approach to its tuition, and a creativity-rich curriculum designed to impart its 950 pupils with skills for life, rather than merely achieving grade excellence. “We are quietly confident about our enrolment numbers for the coming academic year, and very pleased with our recent ISI report which was extremely positive.” And as an ISI inspector himself, Armstrong knows first-hand how uncompromising their evaluations are.“I’ve been here just under a year and I’m really enjoying myself,” adds St. Catherine’s headmaster. “I find the challenges very exciting.” It would seem that international accreditation and affiliation with global educational establishments plays a deciding factor for parents. As an accredited member of the Council of British International Schools (COBIS), Campion School says it weathered the Greekonomic crisis the best way it could; by continuing its operations as usual.With close to 500 pupils and an
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expansive new campus in Pallini since September 2000, Campion represents one of the leading British-style educational institutions in Greece. “It does seem that the economic misery has had a positive effect on schools like Campion, which is now open to all Greek people and which in comparison is seen as a bit more attractive,” observes Stephen Atherton, headmaster of Campion since 1991. Atherton says that in the past two years Campion has grown “in an enjoyably controllable way with 10 pupils per year.” In order to also allow bright minds of less affluent means access to education at Campion, the school is hoping to establish a “decent-size scholarship fund.” The aim, says Atherton, is to raise around €500,000 for assisted places at Campion, a sum he believes can be amassed from within the school family. Already, the chairman of this not-for-profit institution’s board of trustees has been ascending landmark mountains, including Mount Kilimanjaro in Kenya and the Andean volcano Cotopaxi, raising funds so that the school may rise to new heights. In addition, Campion recently took to its new full-sized football pitch with friendly tournaments with other international school teams. The whole sports area should be formally inaugurated in the autumn. Atherton is understandably chuffed with the way Campion has achieved its expansion, sense of community and reputation over the past two decades. “We’ve been working together as a very close team. But there’s still a lot to do, and I’m perfectly happy working to reach those goals.”
Breaking the mould On a higher education level, students looking to crown their quest for knowledge with MA and BA degrees in Athens are not left for lack of choice. Not only are there home-grown private establishments, but also an increasing number of British and American university satellite campuses. But are foreign scholars still enticed to travel to and study in an environment of sustained strikes, protests and occasional clashes? Dr. Peter Wilkins of the University of Indianapolis (UIndy) Athens Campus says that such issues are concerns raised by both parents and students from America interested in coming to Greece. However, they
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soon realise that the pros still strongly outweigh the cons. “Everybody understands that there’s a problem, but as an institution we’re doing quite well with the range of programs that we offer,” says Wilkins, UIndy’s Business Department Chair and Associate Vice Chancellor for Institutional Advancement. “Even though the protests here and in the region, which are sensitive issues for Americans, have the potential to do damage to our business, people that have been here generally see that the demonstrations aren’t really that violent.” In fact, UIndy’s campus is located at a stone’s throw from Syntagma, so students are quite familiar with the largely peaceful demonstrations. “We’ve been able to maintain a pretty consistent line of business from people coming from oversees. They have asked questions, but I often tell them that Athens as a city is safer than most US cities to be and live in.You can walk around here at night and there really isn’t any risk.” Chartered in 1989 with the purpose of offering a quality American educational experience in Greece, UIndy’s liberal arts programs are designed to offer tomorrow’s leaders effective, creative solutions. According to Wilkins, this may just be the necessary skill-set to shake the dynastic political stalemate which rules both major parties, with all its adverse side-effects. “Even if you look at the British system,” Dr.Wilkins explains, “it is actually very specialised where students go on from Alevels to a university degree—where they become very stuck within their own subject. The liberal arts program obliges students to take courses that are outside their main choice or disciplines, which makes them much more flexible in understanding how some of these problems fit together. The other difference of approach with the American system is that students have a significant amount of time to decide in which direction they’re going to go.” As an example, this March UIndy will be hosting a conference entitled The Rise of the Creative Economy, exploring the skills needed within the digital animation, visual arts and allied technologies industry. Understanding how facets of emerging media are shifting the world of business, entertainment and networking has become essential in developing a new world order of interconnectedness. Social networking was at least partly credited with aiding popular uprisings in North Africa and the Middle East that eventually toppled longstanding autocrats. “We’re constantly looking to build new relationships and create bridges
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between organisations,” Wilkins points out. “We serve a corporate relationship in which people within these companies wanting to take courses to obtain degrees can do so at UIndy.”Wilkins says the attraction for being in Greece, even for him personally, is a combination of the warmth and liveliness of its people, the natural beauty of the country and the weather. “But I’m saddened by the apparent inability to resolve issues of bad management and corruption in government. You really have to break the mould.” The capacity to change and adapt to the constantly transforming global demands, economic, socio-political, technological and personal, has therefore become the main focus of forward-thinking educational institutions. Innovation is no longer a buzz word, it is a necessity. Those who have access to the internet are at a much greater advantage, as information becomes available instantly. Dr. Stephanos Gialamas, President of the American Community Schools (ACS) says that children today are learning every waking moment, seven days per week. But this connectivity, and perhaps the shortening attention span, calls for a much more inclusive teaching regimen. “We promote what we call the HMH approach,” says Gialamas, “that is holistic, meaningful and harmonious. The holistic aspect aims at developing the student as a whole, emotionally, intellectually, physically, while meaningful deals with what is relevant today to the reality of a young person. The most difficult aspect is harmony, where we strive to teach things that are in line with family and social values.” With 52 different nationalities currently making up the student population at its Halandri campus, ACS may follow an American education philosophy, but is by itself an independent incubator of cross-cultural influence within the Athenian school-scape. “We are unique in that we allow children and teachers to be equals where educators stimulate participation, serve as mentors and facilitators, while allowing students to have an opinion,” prides Dr. Gialamas.“This type of innovative learning is an integral part of the learning process. By building a theoretical knowledge then working with a practitioner, or vice versa, students come out with something concrete - intuitive understanding.” For Gialamas, it all comes back to one common denominator; that students and staff create a new level of education, based on the ancient Greek learning principle of morphosis. i
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Caitlin Swindell, a Study Abroad student, gives a brief review of programmes available for American students to experience Greek culture
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tudying abroad provides an opportunity to explore a place one may have read about in novels or learned about in college classrooms. To finally see the artifacts, hear the bustle of a city, taste the cuisine, and walk among the ruins of Athens, Greece is an exciting time in a student’s academic career. Athens provides students with a number of study abroad programs that help foster a student’s interest in Classical Studies, Art History, Archaeology, and Politics as well as a number of other areas of interest. Notable programs include the College Year in Athens, the University of Indianapolis’“Odyssey in Athens,” and the Arcadia Center for Hellenic, Mediterranean and Balkan Studies.
College Year in Athens As the first study abroad program in Greece for English speaking students, College Year in Athens (CYA) has established a dedication to expanding students’ academic scope for over four decades. CYA provides a wide variety of courses in ancient and contemporary Greece as well as in East Mediterranean Studies. Through field trips and museum visits students gain a more concrete perspective and cultural understanding of Athens. Students can opt to study at College Year in Athens for either a semester (Fall, Spring, or Summer) or for the duration of an academic year. Students should expect not just a rigorous academic experience but also one that allows personal growth and intellectual discovery. “For almost 50 years, College Year in Athens (CYA) has been faithfully serving the educational relationship between Greece and the U.S., providing excellent university-level education to American college students. With over 7,000 alumni, more than 120 CYA alumni serving as active academics in the U.S. and Canada, with classical studies as its main academic emphasis, and with an immersion program in Greek society, CYA has been helping young Americans become citizens of the world.” President Phylactopoulos, CYA http://www.cyathens.org/
My Perspective of CYA As an Art History and Anthropology double major, the courses offered by College Year in Athens have proven to be most enriching as they expand my knowledge on archaeology, Byzantine art, as well as Greek
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vase painting and sculpture. Studying abroad at CYA is a thrilling experience due not only to its interesting classes and dedicated professors but also due to its location within the city of Athens. I’ll never forget arriving at the Academic Center for the first time and looking out of the window only to see a wonderful view of the Acropolis. During the first couple of weeks I began exploring surrounding neighborhoods and often would stumble upon a significant monument or an ancient church soon realizing that Athens is the ideal place to study because the city is so rich with both history and art.
University of Indianapolis’ “Odyssey in Athens” The University of Indianapolis’ study abroad program,“Odyssey in Athens” sets itself apart from the others because it allows students to study alongside Greek and other international students. Offering both a semester program and a summer program, “Odyssey in Athens” strives to integrate students into the community through a rich cultural experience. In addition, “Odyssey in Athens” offers a graduate program in which students can receive a Masters in Health Counseling or International Relations to name a few. Another advantage to this program is that the campus is located in the center of downtown allowing students to live and work closely to the Plaka area, an exciting place for Greek cultural exploration. Students can also become certified scuba divers by taking an Open Water Diver course, which fulfils college credit and complements biological science majors as well as archaeology and physical education. “Odyssey in Athens” allows students to get to know Greek culture first hand by providing them with a unique variety of courses and activities. http://odyssey.uindy.gr/
Arcadia University, The Arcadia Center for Hellenic, Mediterranean and Balkan Studies Arcadia University’s study abroad program in Greece aims to expand students’ knowledge of Greek history, politics, and culture. This program strives to bring students together through a variety of trips and activities. In fact, many activities at the Arcadia Center are organized by the SCC or Student Services Council, which consists of Arcadia University students. Past activities include sports events and cooking lessons on traditional Greek food. Another important aspect of The Arcadia Center for Hellenic, Mediterranean and Balkan Studies is the Greek Key Intercultural seminar, which successfully helps students new to Athens become better oriented by learning the Modern Greek language. In addition, Arcadia University boasts a new internship program as of Spring 2011 in which students receive academic credit for their work at various organizations within Athens. Possible internships range from fashion retailing to working at the Institute of Economic Relations. Students participate in an academic tutorial so that they may discuss living and working in Greece.These internships provide students with a variety of skills useful later in the work place as well as provide another outlet to help familiarize students with their new environment. i http://www.arcadia.edu
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Educational consultants Sarah Contomichalos and Laura O’Brien-Gatzionis on helping students make informed choices when applying to universities in the US and to make the process as enjoyable and stress-free as possible.
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pplying to universities abroad can be a trying experience for both parents and students fraught with anxiety and fear of rejection. Picking the right university and preparing for as smooth a transition as possible is critical and needs time and counseling. That is where educational consultants like Sarah Contomichalos and Laura O’BrienGatzionis come into the picture. Both pursued successful careers with auction house Christie’s in New York before moving to Greece to follow their husbands and set up educational consultancies. Although each has her own company and particular interests in the education field, they collaborate extensively. Along with college counseling, Sarah Contomichalos enjoys working with Greek athletes and younger students interested in participating in summer programmes in the U.S. In addition to guiding students beginning from the third year of Gymnasium (or Year 10 in the British System), Laura O’Brien-Gatzionis specializes in working with TCKs (Third Culture Kids) and the issues surrounding their transition to university in the US as well as with assisting students with special issues - such as gifted and talented students or students with learning disabilities - to find the right college fit. Both believe in working from an early age with students in order to develop a constructive working relationship with them so that the process of applying to universities is manageable and enjoyable. An educational consultant should, according to Gatzionis, ‘provide expert and unbiased assistance in what can be an overwhelming and confusing process as well as to provide students with individual attention, educational and financial choices, and the time to explore college options. We strike a balance between helping students find colleges that match their interests and learning styles while meeting the priorities and financial parameters of their families. ‘
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Education Supplement
Sarah Contomichalos believes that very often at the heart of not getting accepted into the right university is a lack of information on wellestablished institutions that provide equally good education. ‘Our role is to assist with the application process and to broaden students’ horizons beyond a handful of known schools so that they can achieve the best college match.’ What parents and students often do not realize, Contomichalos adds, ‘It’s not only about being accepted—it’s about thriving at school that is the right fit. Extensive college visits allow us to bring firsthand knowledge about programme strength, financial aid and scholarship opportunities and campus life.’ The application process is also a period of growth and self-discovery for the student. Gatzionis adds, ‘Through support and motivation, students are guided to take ownership of a personalized and manageable programme that can transform what is often a very stressful process into an exciting opportunity of self-discovery. In helping students to stay organized, motivated and to meet deadlines throughout the application process, we help alleviate some of the anxiety usually associated with this transitional period.’ Professional, ethical college counselors provide information to help high school students make informed decisions regarding college choices.‘We help students discover the wide range of educational choices available,
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to relax and enjoy the process of self-discovery and aid them in finding the best fit possible for their college experience. In addition, we also help students to stay organized, motivated and meet deadlines throughout the process which also usually helps to keep the parent and student relationship healthy,’ adds Gatzionis.
Picking the right consultant An ethical independent educational consultant works only for your family and fulfills the Counselor Competencies outlined by the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC). Finding the right college match for the student is the primary objective. An independent consultant has the time to explore a variety of options in detail with the student and his or her family. Ideally, this customized process takes place over several years and can begin as early as 9th grade (3rdGymnasiou) though most start the process at the beginning of 11th grade (1stLykiou/first year IB). First-hand knowledge of a variety of colleges and universities, access to resources through professional colleagues and organizations and an ability to help a family develop priorities are among the services an educational consultant offers. Working with an independent consultant does not guarantee admission to any particular school, but rather helps the student and family develop a range of schools which match the student’s particular aptitudes, interests and needs. i
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Retro Athens
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Angelos Giotopoulos captures snatches of the past 2. Long before multi-storied furniture stores and DIY chains made it to in contemporary Athens. A world of koureion and Greece, it was to Karekladika (chair shops) such as this one which has been operating in Psiri since 1954 that one went to – for chairs. karekladika, reminiscent of simpler times. 1. Dimitri the owner of this quaint barbershop in Gyzi,Athens was originally from Sydney,Australia. He moved to Greece in the mid 50’s where he opened this exact koureion. He still works there with his son Lambros.
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3. The centenarian Ariston Pastry shop in central Athens still has a loyal fan following. Some of its patrons are as old as the store itself but the young have embraced it too. Watch out for long queues ahead of Greek Orthodox holidays and name days.
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4. Spiro is one of the many ubiquitous lottery sellers around Athens. The
6. When you walk in, it looks like a giant bathroom, tiled in on all sides in hues
traditional way of selling lottery tickets hasn’t changed over the years. He has been coaxing Athenians to tempt their fate for the past 33 years. Look closely to the right of the photograph – it is an advertisement for Tam Tam, Greece’s local cola in the ‘50s.
of golden brown that match the scrumptious loukoumades made here. Its décor notwithstanding, Aegaion on Panepistimiou is legendary for its hot, syrupy golden wonders. Make sure you stop by to savour the taste of old Athens.
5. Just off Insider’s offices, Gregory has been operating as a tailor specialising in shirts for the past 40 years. He is based in Koukaki, Athens. insider athens | March
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4 Travel smart and chic with Insider’s tips for globetrotters
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Travel back in time with the Baignoire travel clock in polished pink-gold finish from Cartier 2. Make an impression with a Cartier ring in pink gold, a purple chalcedony stone, 2 chrysoprases, black lacquer and diamonds 3. Necklace in white gold, tanzanites, onyx, an emerald, sapphires and diamonds from Cartier 4. Beach towel in lightweight terry cloth from Hermès 5. Drawing on the allure of the Riviera in the south of France, Louis Vuitton’s ‘Nice’ beauty case in Monogram canvas 6. Travel essentials - Waterproof eye makeup remover, Makeup remover pencil, Radiance face spray, Full action extreme effect mascara and Rexaline Hydra-Dose hyper-hydrating skin densifying anti-wrinkle cream available at Sephora 7. Roman numerals USB stick in black lacquer and polished palladium finish 8. Add colour and pizzazz to any trip with the Pégase 45 in glossy Monogram Vernis from Louis Vuitton 9. The North Face après-ski down insolated slippers available at The Wall 10. For voyage-weary necks, always carry Duxiana luxury travel pillows 11. Gatsby Messenger Bag with adjustable shoulder strap from Longchamp 12. Cameras made by Lomographische AG, are certainly going to become collector’s items one day. The Formika Design concept store Cut this coupon and carries a range of interesting models. 13. Plaids with horse motifs in avail of on cashmere from Hermès 14. Hats in cotton poplin from Hermès 15. Chocolate bath set available at Sephora. at Sephora’s stores
20% off all exclusive brands in Greece.
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13 Cartier,Voukourestiou, 7, Athens 210 331 3600 Duxiana, Kifissias Av. 366, Halandri 210 681 8510 Hermes, Voukourestiou 1, Athens 210 323 3715 Longchamp, Panagitsas 6, Kifissia 210 623 1635 Sephora, Ermou 24, Athens 210 331 3167, www.mysephora.gr Louis Vuitton, Voukourestiou 19, Athens 210 361 3938 The Wall, Ag. Athanassiou 12, Pallini 210 603 0093 Formika design store, Pallados 9, Athens 210 323 4636
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u picks o l u o p efalo Eleni K bars - one a e in two win ry institution d a legend t of Plaka an at ar er the he r, a newcom ng e ri the oth a - both offe d n m Syntag tmosphere a a a great tic wine list. c an ecle
OINOSCENT Oinoscent is a new arrival in the city centre. It opened 5 months ago and its young owners are true wine lovers. They have chosen small producers of quality wines from Greek vineyards and a selection of international labels to display at the bar. Oinoscent functions as a wine cellar as well as a cool hang-out. Wines by the glass are updated weekly and usually include 5 whites, 5-6 reds and 2 roses, all priced at between 4 and 6 euros. Customers can open any bottle from the cellar for an 8 euro surcharge on the price. Pick up a conversation with Michael, one of Oinoscent’s owners and he will guide you through the cellar’s little known gems. For those looking for an afterwork drink in the city centre, Oinoscent is a bright new option (its walls in vivid yellow are sure to liven sis-dampened souls) and if you get pecky, the bar offers a fairly satisfying sausage and cheese platter. Open from 10am to midnight and until 1 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Oinoscent Voulis 44A Syntagma Tel 2103229374
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Oenophile
VRETTOS Transformed from a liquor store established in 1909 into a wine bar in 2007 in the centre of Plaka,Vrettos has kept its original dÊcor and offers the same traditional variety of spirits, including 40 different flavors of liquor. Open from 11 am to late at night,Vrettos attracts a steady clientele of wine lovers looking for a good glass of wine at affordable prices.Vrettos’ selection of 46 whites, 52 reds, 9 roses and sparkling wines are available at prices ranging from 3.50 to 12 euros a glass. The prices for a bottle are also very reasonable. As the evening sets in, the bar is packed with regular patrons enjoying a drink at the gleaming wooden bar that dominates the space, snacking on olives, cheese and crackers to the backdrop of colourful bottles. Vrettos Kidathineon 41 Plaka. Tel. 2103232110
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Gastronomy
I Dirty Ginger offers an eclectic cuisine with generous doses of the root its named after and an exciting wine list
f the name itself doesn’t tickle your curiosity, then the décor and the buzzing crowds at this delightful bar-restaurant at Gazi will certainly spark your interest. Dirty Ginger exudes the same warmth and joie-de-vivre as its sister establishment Ginger on Mavili Square used to before it changed hands. Nikos Maounis, food-writer, restaurateur and oenophile has been running this gem of a restaurant for 11 years along with
both those aspects are reflected in the cuisine. With her culinary roots firmly entrenched in her native Mytilene but with influences from all over the world – especially India,Thailand, Indonesia, the Saloman Islands, Malaysia and Vietnam - Effy’s cuisine has cosmopolitan touches while remaining quintessentially Greek. The accent is on grilled meat and the freshest of ingredients. Even the bread is home-made as are the elaborate pastries. Effy’s name has been intrinsically tied to that of the Pavlova - a meringue based dessert that has foodies queuing up for hours. At a time when restaurants struggle to make ends meet, Dirty Ginger has kept going strong because it combines Effy’s distinctive cuisine with Nikos’ obsession for researching little known wines from Greek vineyards. (Dirty Ginger was voted as the most ‘informed’ bar in Athens within two years of its opening). For those who just want to savour a glass of wine, Dirty Ginger offers an interesting selection of around fifteen whites and reds priced at 18 to 36 euros a bottle. If you’d like to order by glass, the choices are a red agiorgitiko or a white moshofilero but the special list of matured wines is especially worth trying.
chef and co-owner Effie Gialousi-Hadzichristou, long before Gazi was considered a fashionable district. Dirty Ginger is housed in what can only be described as a closed courtyard with a 112 year old palm tree dominating the space. It not only lends the restaurant its charm but also gives it a very outdoorsy look and feel - even in the middle of the winter. The palm tree not only transports one to a time past but also to lands far-flung and
Dirty Ginger opens at 7 every evening until late at night and serves as a café, bar and restaurant.The music spans the decades and adds to the general kefi - the good spirit – of the place. On weekends, the restaurant turns into a virtual dance floor and most patrons are known to reserve the place for birthdays (you can even order the birthday cake in-house) and carnival parties.The restaurant seats around 120 guests and can take upto 250 guests for a small reception. Dirty Ginger, Triptolemou 46 and Persefonis, Gazi Tel. 2103423809
The Moroccan Embassy will be organising a four day festival of Moroccan gastronomy, music, fashion and handicrafts from May 4 to May 7 at the St. George Lycabettus Hotel. The event promises to give an insight into the rich culinary traditions of Morocco and its nascent fashion industry. Guests who would like to take a bit of Morocco home will have the possibility of buying traditional artifacts or even winning tickets to Marrakesh.Visit our website: www.insider-magazine.gr for more information and reservation details.
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Insider guide
refer to corresponding area for more information and contact details
restaurant index by type AMERICAN JACKSON HALL Kolonaki TGI FRIDAY’S Kolonaki
ARGENTINEAN ORO TORO Vouliagmeni
ASIAN Golden Phoenix Halandri Saipan Halandri
BAR - RESTAURANTS Apsendi Halandri BACARO Omonia BALTHAZAR Mavili Sq BARAONDA Mavili Sq CENTRAL Kolonaki Eclipse Kolonaki ENTEKA Glyfada KITCHEN BAR Faliro & Halandri FRAME Kolonaki GINGER Mavili Sq ISLAND Vouliagmeni NIXON Kerameikos SEMIRAMIS RESTAURANT Kifissia SHOWROOM Kolonaki
FISH RESTAURANTS 7 THALASSES Kolonaki Ai Nikolas Syngrou CAPTAIN JOHN’S Piraeus FISH BAR Glyfada ITHAKI Vouliagmeni JIMMY AND THE FISH Piraeus KASTELORIZO Kifissia Kollias Syngrou LA PECHE Glyfada MILOS Hilton MYTHOS OF THE SEA Vouliagmeni PAPADAKIS Kolonaki PLOUS PODILATOU Piraeus Psaroma Halandri THALATTA Gazi TO VAROULKO Kerameikos ZEFYROS Piraeus
FISH TAVERNAS Almyra Halandri DOURAMBEIS Piraeus KOLLIAS Piraeus MAISTRALI Vouliagmeni PSARAKI Vouliagmeni TRATA O STELIOS Pangrati VASSILENAS Piraeus
FRENCH L’ABREUVOIR Kolonaki LE PETIT SOMMELIER Faliro SPONDI Pangrati TARTARE Glyfada VARDIS Kifissia
GOURMET KUZINA Thissio Eclipse Kolonaki Essence Kifissia Fuga Mavili Square Funky Gourmet Kerameikos
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P-Box Kolonaki, Kifissia Polly Magoo Metaxurgeio Première Syngrou
GREEK 2 MAZI Plaka ATHIRI Kerameikos CUCINA POVERA Pangrati DAKOS Kolonaki DIPORTO Psyrri EDODI Acropolis ELAEA BISTROT Acropolis FASOLI Exarhia IDEAL Omonia KARAVITIS Pangrati KAVOURAS Exarhia LIANA’S KITCHEN Glyfada MANI MANI Acropolis MARE MARINA Faliro PLATANOS Plaka PROSOPA Gazi RIFIFI Exarhia TO KOUTI Monastiraki YANTES Exarhia YDRIA Plaka
GRILL 1920 Halandri Meat Square Glyfada & Halandri
INDIAN Indian Masala Thissio ISKANDAR Alimos JAIPUR PALACE Maroussi
ITALIAN AGLIO OLIO Acropolis ACQUA AZZURA Kifissia AL FRESCO Vouliagmeni AL MILANESE Kolonaki ALTRO Kolonaki BOSCHETTO Kolonaki CANTUCCIO Psyrri DA LUCIANO Vouliagmeni DA VINCI Ag. Paraskevi DVLCIS IN FVNDO Voula GENOVESE Voula LA CASA DI GIORGINO Gyfada IL SALOTTO Glyfada IL SEGRETO Voula MEZZA LUNA Vouliagmeni MULTI 22 Syntagma Nanninela Ag. Paraskevi Novo Romantico di Antonio Halandri PIZZA POMMODORO Kolonaki SALE E PEPE Kolonaki SCALA VINOTECA Kolonaki TONY BONANO Piraeus VINCENZO Glyfada
JAPANESE COO Kolonaki DOSIRAK syntagma FAR EAST Syntagma FREUD ORIENTAL Kolonaki FURIN KAZAN Syntagma GOLDEN PHOENIX Kifissia
INBI Kolonaki KIKU Kolonaki MATSUHISA ATHENS Vouliagmeni NOODLE BAR Syntagma SHOGUN Kifissia
KOSHER KOL TUV Monastiraki
LEBANESE BEIRUT Glyfada NARA NARA Psyrri NARGILE Kifissia
MEDITERRANEAN AIOLI RESTAURANT Glyfada BEREKET Glyfada BRACHERA Monastiraki BYZANTINE RESTAURANT Hilton CAFE AVYSSINIAS Monastiraki CAFE BOHEME Kolonaki CAFE TABAC Vouliagmeni Dalí Halandri DAPHNE’S RESTAURANT Plaka DORIS Monastiraki Essence Kifissia FATSIO Pangrati GALAZIA HYTRA Vouliagmeni GB CORNER Syntagma GRILL ROOM Vouliagmeni IDEAL RESTAURANTOmonia KITRINO PODILATO Gazi KOUZINA CINE-PSIRRI Psyrri MAGEMENOS AVLOS Pangrati MAGIREVONDAS Kolonaki MEIDANIS Monastiraki OCHRE & BROWN Psyrri Olio by Portofino Ag. Paraskevi Omikron Kifissia PARLIAMENT Syntagma PRYTANEION Kolonaki PSARAKI Vouliagmeni RATKA Kolonaki TA KIOUPIA Kolonaki TO KOUTI Monastiraki TO POLITICO Glyfada ZEPHYROS Piraeus ZORBAS Piraeus
MEXICAN AMIGOS Glyfada DOS HERMANOS Kifissia EL TACO BUENO Maroussi LA TIENDA Glyfada Santa Fe Halandri
PUB RESTAURANTS BAYERN BIERHAUS MICROBREWERY Glyfada BEER ACADEMY glyfada BIER HAUS Vouliagmeni MOLLY MALONE’S Glyfada
ROOFTOP DINING ELECTRA Plaka GALAXY BAR Hilton IOANNIS Syntagma LE GRAND BALCON Kolonaki ORIZONTES LYKAVYTTOU Kolonaki ST’ASTRA Mavili Sq
SOUVLAKIA AND KEBAB BUTCHER’S SHOP Gazi DREAM GRILL Voula KALAMAKI KOLONAKI Kolonaki KILIZA Glyfada NAIADES Voula SAVVAS Monastiraki SCHARA Vouliagmeni SIGALAS-BAIRAKTARIS Monastiraki Souvlaki Bar Thissio THANASSIS Monastiraki ZAHOS Vouliagmeni
SPANISH MI SUENO Kolonaki PUERTA DE ESPANA Pangrati SALERO Exarhia
TAVERNAS AMMOS Piraeus FILIPOU Kolonaki LOUIZIDIS Vouliagmeni MAMACAS Gazi MARGARO Piraeus SKOUFIAS Exarhia VLASSIS Hilton
THAI ROYAL THAI Kifissia
WINE BARS CELLIER LE BISTROT Syntagma L’Enoteca Halandri Whispers of wine Maroussi
Westin Kids Club
MEZEDES AND OUZO ATHINAIKON Omonia KIRKI Thissio OUZADIKO Kolonaki SCHOLARHEIO Plaka SOLON Piraeus
MULTI ETHNIC Altamira Kolonaki
POLYNESIAN KONA KAI Syngrou
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Insider guide SHOP
Salero Valtetsiou 51, Tel: 210.381.3358 Spanish and mediterranean cuisine in the heart of Exarhia
Children Damigos
central Athens Mediterranean cuisine in a modern industrial atmosphere
Prosopa
Dimitrakopoulou 40 Tel: 210.922.0317 Toyshop with a wonderful selection, including wooden designs
Meg.Vasiliou 52 & Konstantinoupoleos 4 Tel: 210.341.3433, Delicious dishes in a warm atmosphere right beside the train tracks. A popular gay haunt.
Gifts
Thalatta
Greece is for Lovers
Karyatidon 13A Tel: 210.924.5064 www.greeceisforlovers.com Tongue-in-cheek souvenirs for the discerning traveller
Ilias Lalaounis museum
Acropolis
Shop, Eat, Drink & Chill!
Vitonos 5, Tel: 210.346.4204 Fresh seafood creations
DRINK Bars, Clubs & Lounges Almaz
Mani Mani
Skoufias
Falirou 10. Tel: 210.921.8180 Peloponnesian specialities with Mediterranean touches
Lontou 4, Tel: 210.382.8206 Exceptional entrees you are unlikely to find elsewhere
Tramezzini
Yantes
Hatzichristou 8, Tel: 210.921.1770 All day italian café bistrot with gourmet street food
Valtetsiou 44, Tel: 210.330.1369 Modern Greek cuisine prepared with organic ingredients. 20 Euros per person
Triptolemou 12, Tel: 210.347.4763 Lounge in a modern atmosphere while listening to music from around the world
Barouge Andronikou 4, Tel: 210.342.4994 A staple of Athenian nightlife
Aglio Olio & Peperonicino Porinou 13 , Tel: 210.921.1801 Authentic Italian pasta in a cozy setting, accompanied by luscious salads and homemade dolci
Syllektiko Paleopolio Asklipiou 41, Tel: 210.364.1718 Antiques of all sorts and restoration services
Art Rat Records Zoodohou Pigis 48, Tel: 210.384.8001 Various vinyls
Medusa Tattoo Kallidromiou 85, Tel: 210.825.4593 Athens’ finest since 1995
Asimenia Bakery
Vinyl Microstore
Beles 1 and Androutsou Tel: 210.924.7655 Raisin bread, almond shortbread, yummy cookies & tasty loaves
Didotou 34, Tel: 210.361.4544 New vinyls & cds; also reissues from the 60s & more
Edodi
Kallidromiou 87-89, Tel: 210.881.1233 Imported second-hand clothes; individuality guaranteed
Veikou 80 , Tel: 210.921.3013 Fresh ingredients presented at your table, then cooked to perfection
Yesterday's Bread
DRINK Circus Bar Navarinou 11, Tel: 210.361.5255 Attracts a hip and happening crowd in a cozy space
Ginger Ale Themistokleous 74, Tel: 210.330.1246 Enjoy a cocktail or a coffee in a retro pop atmosphere
Vox Arahovas 56 & Themistokleous Tel: 210.383.5811, One of the oldest summer cinemas in Athens is a picturesque place for a retro-tinged drink
EAT Butcher’s Shop
EAT
Persefonis 19, Tel: 210.341.3440 Traditional psistaria serving grilled meat dishes
Makriyanni 19-21 , Tel: 210.921.2280 Greek chic coffee and tempting snacks beside the Acropolis Museum www.elaea.gr
Fasoli
Mamacas
Emanouil Benaki 45 , Tel: 210.330.0010 A great meal in an uplifting environment
Gelato-Café
Themistokleous 64, Tel: 210.381.0202 Dine while enjoying live Rebetika music
Persefonis 41, Tel: 210.346.4984 Modern taverna located in an old barrel warehouse offering traditional Greek fare
Elaea Bistrot
Makriyanni 19-21, Tel: 210.923.8124 Homemade ice cream and waffles
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Kavouras
Kitrino Podilato Keramikou 116, Tel: 210.346.5830
Triptolemou 46, Tel: 210.342.3809 Excellent cocktails
Grande Dame Persefonis 23, Tel: 210.341.6412 Chic bar serving elaborate champagne cocktails
Nipiagogeio Elasidon & Kleanthous 8 Tel: 210.345.8534, For late-night dancing to funky electronic music
Villa Mercedes Andronikou & Tzaferi 11 Tel: 210.342.2380 Mega club ideal for all-night dancing
Live Greek Music Athinon Arena Pireos 166, Tel: 210.347.1111 The latest in live Greek music acts
Hilton
EAT
SHOP
Gazi
Greece is for Lovers
Exarhia
Dirty Ginger
EAT Alatsi Vrassida 13, Tel: 210.721.0501 Exquisite Cretan specialties
Byzantine Restaurant
Athens Hilton Vas. Sofias 46, Tel: 210.728.1400 Traditional Greek recipes with a Mediterranean twist
To advertise, contact ads@insider-magazine.gr
central Athens
To Varoulko
Jack in the Box
DKNY
Athens Hilton Vas. Sofias 46, Tel: 210.724.4400 Simply prepared local flavours. Guaranteed value for money
Pireos 80, Tel: 210.522.8400 Seafood prepared by Michelin star-winning chef Lefteris Lazarou
Haritos 13, Tel: 210.725.8735 Beautiful wooden toys and more
Solonos 8, Tel: 210.360.3775 Classic American sportswear
Marie Chantal Boutique
Elina Lebessi
Antiques
Spefsippou 11, Tel: 210.722.2029 Old-fashioned chic for little princes and princesses
Iraklitou 13, Tel: 210.363.1731 Ethereal frocks, pretty tea-dresses and accessories from around the world
Kilim Hali
Mouyer
Ermenegildo Zegna
Milos Garden
Vlassis Neandrou 15, Tel: 210.646.3060 & 210.725.6335, Family-run taverna serving traditional Greek food
Kolonaki
Milos
Valaoritou 9 Tel: 210.363.7056 www.kilimhali.gr Antique carpets from around the world
Beauty & Cosmetics Apivita
Kanari 8, Tel: 210.361.7714 Good-quality orthopaedic shoes as well as funkier styles
Fashion Atelier Loukia Kanari 24, Tel: 210.362.7334 Fairytale dresses in lace and embroidery from Greece's doyenne designer
Solonos 26 Tel: 210.364.0560 Shop natural Greek cosmetics, get a prescription cream made up and have a quick massage
Athens Hilton Vas. Sofias 46, Tel: 210.728.1402 Rooftop cocktails in a chic atmosphere
CHILL
Amerikis 19, Tel: 210.360.0516 Smart separates for a work wardrobe
Bespoke Athens
Bespoke Athens Anagnostopoulou 15-17 Tel: 210.364.5518, Made-to-measure suits and shirts from top international tailors
Athens Hilton Vas. Sofias 46, Tel: 210.728.1801 Indoor and outdoor pools, pilates studio, cardio classes and weight-training
Carouzos Kanari 12 , Tel: 210.362.7123 Designer items from Prada, Brioni, Donna Karan, Fendi and other top-flight brands
EAT Funky Gourmet Paramythias 13 and Salaminos, Tel: 210 524 2727 Haute cuisine in art deco interior
Kanari 8, Tel: 210.362.7768 Menswear from Armani, Boss and Allen Edmonds brogues
Kalogirou Patriarchou Ioakim 4, Tel: 210.335.6401 Fetish footwear from Prada, Tod's & Casadei
Kathy Heyndels Patriarchou Ioakeim 21 Tel: 210.729.9966 Greek label selling barely-there gowns and basics with a twist
Coach Tsakalof 28, Tel: 210.362.5669 Leather totes and luggage in easy American style
Deux Hommes
Athiri
Kanari 18, Tel: 210.361.4155 Greece's design ambassadors create structural separates and heavenly bridal gowns. www.deuxhommes.gr
Plataion 15, Tel: 210.346.2983 Greek & Mediterranean cuisine in beautiful surroundings
Diesel Skoufa 3, Tel: 210.362.2748 A treasure trove of denim, and all the hip accoutrements to go with it
Nixon Agisilaou 61B, Tel: 210.346.2077 Burgers, a private cinema & an artsy crowd. Open for brunch on Sundays at noon
Incrocio
Frattina
Hiltonia Health & Wellness Club
Voukourestiou 50 Tel: 210.364.1308 A haven of hip, carrying labels from Balenciaga to Martin Margiela to Marlene Birger
Hugo Boss
Kanari 5, Tel: 210.339.2597 Designer togs for tots Kanari 21, Tel: 210.360.4481 Casual clothing and gifts for kids
Free Shop
Koumbari 8, Tel: 210.361.3603 Suit- and dress-maker to the stars
Bambineria
Galaxy Bar
Skoufa 18, Tel: 210.361.3700 Home of fine fabrics and handsome tailor-finished suits
Giorgio Armani
Children
DRINK
Kerameikos
SHOP
Dior Boutique Hiltonia
Voukourestiou 18-20, Tel: 210 361.3014 High-end designer fashion
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Insider guide Shop, Eat, Drink & Chill! La Perla
Paul & Shark
Spefsippou 14, Tel: 210.729.9720 Lingerie to flaunt
Anagnostopoulou 6, Tel: 210.339.2334 Casual yachting styles
Lacoste
Preview
Solonos 5, Tel: 210.361.8030 French take on American sportswear
Patriarchou Ioakim 19 Tel: 210.722.4731 High fashion designer shoes
Lanvin Iraklitou 9 Tel: 210.360.8315 Alber Elbaz's gloriously chic take on the classic French couture house
Puma Concept
Linea Piu
Skoufa 62, Tel: 210.364.4300 Distinctive creations by two young Greek women and other international imports
Sekeri 6, Tel: 210 360.6125 Collections from exclusive fashion houses including Chanel, Galliano, Lagerfeld and Sonia Rykiel
Luisa Skoufa 15, Tel: 210.363.5600 Designer emporium stocked with Chloe, Roberto Cavalli, Ralph Lauren, Missoni & more
Marc by Marc Jacobs Xanthou 3, Tel: 210.363.6030 Budget knick-knacks and must-have casuals from America's fashion hero
Nike Tsakalof 34, Tel: 210.363.6188 Trainers, tracksuits and other swooshmarked sports paraphernalia
Kanari 17, Tel: 210.361.0516 International sportswear for all ages
Rere Papa
Thalassa Collection Patriarchou Ioakim 30-32 Tel: 210.725.8525 Original silk designs for scarves, ties, shawls & blouses
Vlassis Holevas Anagnostopoulou 19 Tel: 210.361.6167, Elegant fashion with a contemporary twist
Cake
La Fenetre Irodotou 21, Tel: 210.723.5029 Elegant objects and sophisticated gifts for the house, mostly from France
Parousiasi Patriarchou Ioakim 33, Tel: 210.723.7656, A range of international brands in crystal, china and other eye-catching homeware accessories
Jewellery Apriati Pindarou 29, Tel: 210.360.7878 Smartly designed necklaces, bracelets and rings
Elena Votsi Xanthou 7, Tel: 210.360.0936 Conversation-starting pieces in gold and stone
Folli Follie
Kylix Karneadou 20, Tel: 210.724.5143 Quality picks from the world’s best vineyards; including Greek labels
Wine Garage Xenokratous 25, Tel: 210.721.3175 Browser-friendly cava with helpful service
Gadgets Observatery Attitudes
Bakeries & Patisseries
Koumbari 5, Tel: 210.362.0483 Classis silver and crystal ideal for wedding gifts
Patriarchou Ioakim 23 Tel: 210.721.1762, Unique collection of animal and insect pins & earrings
Ypsilantou 13-15, Tel: 210.725.1050 Comprehensive wine and liquor wholesalers
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Christofle
Fanourakis
Cava Anthidis
Solonos 9, Tel: 210.364.6910 The ultimate fashion store www.attitudes.gr
EAT
Fleria
Food & Wine
Observatory Attitudes
Home
Flowers Patriarchou Ioakim 35 Tel: 210.722.9697
Octopus Solonos 15, Tel: 210.363 6677 Quirky designs with a sense of humour
central Athens
Irodotou 15, , Tel: 210.721.2253 For real American homemade cheesecake, brownies and more
Fresh Kriezotou 12, Tel: 210.364.2948/ Loukianou 21, Tel: 210.729.3453 Desserts and cakes
Restaurants 7 Thalasses Omirou 11, Tel: 210.362.4825 Fresh fish with refined service
Al Milanese Xenokratous 49, Tel: 210.729.4111 Authentic Italian cuisine for the discerning
Altamira (Multi-ethnic) Tsakalof 36A, Tel: 210 361 4695 Flavours of multiethnic cuisine
Altro Haritos 39, Tel: 210.724.2717 Tiny funky restaurant that specializes in Italian food
Boschetto Evangelismos Park, Tel: 210.721.0893 Italian food in a lush central setting
Tsakalof 6 & Solonos 25 Tel: 210.323.0739, Greece's high-street export stocks affordable watches and everyday bijoux
Cafe Boheme
Liana Vourakis
Coo
Pindarou 42, Tel: 210.361.7705 For unique baptism and wedding gifts, start here
Dinokratous 1, Tel: 210.725.4008 A Mykonos favourite now in Athens
Lylian Syrigou
Tsakalof 6, Tel: 210.894.7040 New-age Cretan specialties
Anagnostopoulou 12, Tel: 210.361.3350 Handcrafted bijoux and one-off designer pieces. www.liliansyrigou.gr
Magia Haritos 18, Tel: 210.724.0697 Ileana Makri's silver jewellery amid eclectic pieces from New York
Oxette Skoufa 37, Tel: 210.339.0547 Trendy, affordable jewellery
Omirou 36, Tel: 210.360.8018 Welcoming nook with Greek cooking and more-ish cocktails
Dakos
Eclipse (Bar restaurant) Alopekis 21, Tel: 210 364 1545 Fabulous cocktails and creative Mediterranean cuisine by Yiannis Baxevannis
Filipou Xenokratous 19, Tel: 210.721.6390 Home-cooked Greek taverna dishes
Frame
Gifts
Ozzi
Benaki Museum Gift Shop
Skoufa 30, Tel: 210.364.2139 Greek silver fashion jewellery
St George Lycabettus Hotel Dinokratous , Tel: 210.721.4368 Exotic cuisine in the heart of Athens
Van Cleef & Arpels
Freud Oriental
Pindarou 42, Tel: 210.331.1107 The jeweller of the international jetset
Xenokratous 21, Tel: 210.729.9595 Sushi in a cool setting
Vas. Sofias & Koumbari Tel: 210.367.1045, Artefacts and jewellery inspired by the museum’s exhibits
Inbi
P-BOX
TGI Friday’s
Iraklitou 21, Tel: 210.339.2090 Sushi fusion
Haritos 24, Periscope hotel Tel: 210 7298556, Simple ingredients, special flavours in a setting designed by Theodore Zoumboulakis
Kolokotroni 35, Kefalari sq. Tel: 210.623.3945 American restaurant with real steak and barbecue sauce!
Jackson Hall Milioni 4, Tel: 210.361.6098 Gourmet burgers with all the fixings
Kalamaki Kolonaki Ploutarhou 32, Tel: 210.721.8800 Souvlakia on the sidewalk have never been so trendy
Kiku Dimokritou 12, Tel: 210.364.7033 Fresh, beautifully presented sushi
L'Abreuvoir Xenokratous 51, Tel: 210.722.9106 Fine French cuisine
Le Grand Balcon St George Lycabettus Hotel, Kleomenous 2, Tel: 210.729.0711 Gourmet Greek cuisine
Pizza Pommodoro
DRINK
Alopekis 9, Tel: 210.729.6500 Great Italian specialties
Bars, Clubs & Lounges
Prytaneion
Kolonaki Square, Tel: 210.724.5938 The place to see & be seen while sipping on coffee or cocktails
Milioni 7, Tel: 210.364.3353 Generous portions of Mediterranean fare
Ratka Haritos 32, Tel: 210.729.0746 Popular haunt of the rich and almost famous, with cosmopolitan cuisine
Sale e Pepe Aristipou 34, Tel: 210.723.4102 Authentic Italian trattoria
Central
Mai Tai Ploutarhou 18, , Tel: 210.725.8306 Early evening cocktails in a laid-back atmosphere
Ten Ploutarhou 10, Tel: 210.321.7836 One of the most popular hot spots in town
W Kanari 24, Tel: 697.270.0712 Private seating areas, speciality cocktails & exclusives events
CafĂŠs Da Capo Tsakalof 1, Tel: 210.243.3902 Long-established people-watching hangout
central Athens CHILL La Prairie Day Spa Kanari 24, Tel: 210.360.1550 High-tech beauty treatments in a clinical setting
Mavili Sq
To advertise, contact ads@insider-magazine.gr
DRINK Balthazar Tsoha 27, Tel: 210.644.1215 Lovely garden and chic interior attracts a cool crowd
Baraonda Tsoha 43, Tel: 210.644.4308 Gourmet cuisine and funky beats
Briki Dorileou 6, Mavili sq. Tel: 210.654.2380 Trendy hole-in-the-wall hangout
Flower Dorileou 2, Mavili sq. Tel: 210.643.2111, Fun, funky and affordable watering hole
Peros Kolonaki Square, Tel: 210.364.5068 Enjoy a cup of java if you can find a spot
Tea To Tsai Magirevontas ti Mesoghio
Scala Vinoteca
Vissarionos 9, Tel: 210.338.97.41 Authentic home cooked food with mediterranean flavors for just 15 euros per person
Sina 50, Tel: 210.361.0041 Mediterranean restaurant ideal for wining & dining
Mi Sueno
Milioni 12, Tel: 210.364.6460 Missoni-designed interiors, serving unique Mediterranean flavours
Akadimias 30, Tel: 210.361.6271 Tapas & other Spanish specialties
Orizontes Lycavyttou Lycabettus Hill, Tel: 210.722.7065. Gourmet dining with a spectacular view
To Tsai
Showroom
Square Sushi
Karneadou 25-26, Tel: 210.729.5484 Traditional Greek appetizers & ouzo
Deinokratous 65, Tel: 210.725.5236 High-quality sushi & other Japanese favourites
Papadakis
Ta Kioupia
Fokilidou 15 & Voukourestiou 47A Tel: 210.360.8621 Paros' legendary gourmet restaurant serving seafood in the heart of Athens
Dinokratous & An Polemou 22 Tel: 210.740.0150 Superb set menu of Greek classics with refined touches
Ouzadiko
Soutsou & Likavitou, Tel: 210.338.8941 Tea & tea paraphernalia from around the world
Baraonda
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Insider guide EAT Fuga Vas.Sofias & Kokkali 1, Tel: 210 724 2979 Italian inspired menu by chef Andrea Berton at the Athens Concert Hall
Ginger Dorileou 10-12, Tel: 210.645.1169 Original dishes and innovative combinations in an elegant atmosphere
St’Astra
Praxitelous 30, Tel: 210.323.2671 Hearty stews & pasta dishes at reasonable prices
Paleovivliopolio Hiotakis
Kol Tuv
Normanou 7 Tel: 210.324.7835 Historic bookshop houses rare & old books
EAT Bairaktaris Monastiraki Square 2 Tel: 210.321.3036 Old-world taverna serving traditional Greek fare
Normanou 4, Tel: 210.524.4049 The only kosher restaurant in Athens serving traditional shabat meals
Meïdanis Sokratous 3 & Evripidou Tel: 210.324.9073, A menu that is sure to please with speciality oven dishes
Savvas Mitropoleos 86, Tel: 210.321.9919 Gyros & Middle Eastern dishes like pastourmali
Sigalas-Bairaktaris
Thanassis
Karavitis
Adrianou 23, Tel: 210.321.3229 Mediterranean fare right next to the ancient agora
EAT Polly Maggoo
Brachera
DRINK
Avissynias 3, Tel: 210.321.7202 Traditional Greek recipes with a European twist overlooking the Acropolis & Observatory
Orea Ellas
Café Avyssinias Kynetou 7, Tel: 210.321.7407 Spcializing in regional dishes & live music on weekends
SHOP Antiques Darousos Normanou 7 Tel: 210.331.1638 Small antique shop in the heart of the flea market
Pandrosou 36, Tel: 210.321.3842 An eclectic cafe & bookshop
Ivikou 8 & Eratosthenous Tel: 210.722.2774 Natural Greek products made using Mediterranean herbs
EAT
Efroniou 5, Tel: 210.721.7421 Greek food & political gossip Arktinou & Pausaniou Tel: 210.721.5155 Classic Greek cuisine in a dining room lined with wine casks
Magemenos Avlos Amynta 4, Tel: 210.722.3195 Mediterranean fare, welcoming decor & generous servings Antinoros 42, Tel: 210.725.8666 Spanish cuisine & live music
Spondi
SHOP Department Stores
Pyrronos 5, Tel: 210.756.4021 A mix of European & more exotic flavours. Voted one of the best in Athens
Hondos Center Omonia Square, Tel: 210.528.2800 Cosmetics, perfumes, luggage, clothing, & much, much more
EAT Ideal Restaurant
Arapian
Panepistimiou 46, Tel: 210.330.3000 Greek classics in old-world decor
Evripidou 41, Tel: 210.321.7238 Old-style butcher shop offers interesting sausages, pasturma & smoked meats
Bacaro Sophokleous 1 & Aristidou Tel: 210.321.1882, Lavish Italian and contemporary dishes
Bahar
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Korres
Puerte de Espana
Food & Wine
Evripidou 31, Tel: 210.321.7225 Well-known herb haven
Beauty & Cosmetics
Evforionos 13 & Eratosthenous Tel: 210.756.6008, Greek cuisine with a menu that changes daily
Fatsio
To Kouti
SHOP
Cucina Povera
Monastiraki Sq. 2, Tel: 210.321.3036 Century-old restaurant serving a variety of fresh dishes Mitropoleos 69, Tel : 210.324.4705 A souvlaki lover’s paradise
Leonidou 80 & Salaminos, Tel: 210 524 1120 Gourmet cuisine in a postmodern and industrial setting. New hot spot for the trendy
Monastiraki
Doris
Evripidou 45, Tel: 210.321.7187 Sausages, pastrami & cured meats
Omonia
Metaxurgeio
Alexadras 10, Tel: 210.889.4500 For an unforgettable roof-top dining experience
Miran
central Athens
Pangrati
Shop, Eat, Drink & Chill!
Athinaikon Bahar
Themistokleous 2, Tel: 210.383.8485 A traditional Greek ouzeri
Spondi
Trata o Stelios Anagenniseos Sq. 7-9, Tel: 210.729.1533 The best grilled fish in town
Plaka
To advertise, contact ads@insider-magazine.gr SHOP
Home
Antique stores
Notoshome
Maritinos Pandrosou 50 Tel: 210.321.2414 Specializes in 19th Century folk art, embroidery & furniture
Food & wine Mesogaia
Kratinou 5, Tel: 210.374.3000 Home décor superstore
EAT Cantuccio Lepeniotou & Ivis 1 Tel: 210.323.3670 Authentic Italian cuisine in a friendly environment
Diporto
Nikis 52, Tel: 210.322.9146 Packaged & fresh speciality foods
Theatrou & Sokratous Tel: 210.321.1463 Old-world tavern offers bargain basics like salads, sardines & fava
Gifts
Kouzina Cine-Psirri
Amorgos Kodrou 3, Tel: 210.324.3836 Hand-carved & painted furniture
Nara Nara
Ochre & Brown
Nikis 48, Tel: 210.322.2839 Creative gourmet dishes that change monthly
Daphne’s Restaurant Lysikratous 4, Tel: 210.322.7971 Refined classic Greek dishes in a resplendent atmosphere
Electra Nikodimou 18-20, Tel: 210.337.0000 Roof-top dining with Greek cuisine
Platanos Diogenous 4, Tel: 210.322.0666 One of the few remaining tavernas preserving 1940s Athens
Scholarheio Tripodon 14, Tel: 210.324.1605 A traditional tray taverna with old fashioned decor & prices
Ydria Adrianou 68 & Eolou Tel: 210.325.1619 Taditional Greek cuisine
SHOP Fashion Christoforos Kotentos Sachtouri 3, Tel: 210.325.5434 Glamorous & unique designs
Leokoriou 7, Tel: 210.331.2950 Mediterranean/French cuisine
Books
Gadgets
Eleftheroudakis
Public
Panepistimiou 17, Tel: 210.325.8440 The largest foreign language bookstore in Greece
Gifts
Stadiou 28, Tel: 210.322.2160 Mostly French books and small selection of English fiction
Argalios
Attica
Bars, Clubs & Lounges
Panepistimiou 9, Tel: 211.180.2600 Home to an array of luxury goods
Soul
Fokas
Evripidou 65, Tel: 210.331.0907 Show off your groovy disco moves
Stadiou 41, Tel: 210.325.7770 Clothes, shoes and accessories for men, women & children
SHOP Accessories Bag Stories Panepistimiou 41, Tel: 210.323.7405 Luggage & travel bags by Tumi, Porsche Design, Rimowa & Delsey
Antiques Antiqua
Vassilis Amalias 2-4, Tel: 210.323.2220 One of the oldest antique stores in Athens
Beauty & Cosmetics MAC Ermou 44, Tel: 210.325.8260 International cosmetic brand for women who like to play with colour
Syntagma Square, Tel: 210.324.6210, Five floors of gaming, gadgets & books
Kauffman
Department Stores
DRINK
Syntagma
2 Mazi
Psyrri
Sari 44, Tel: 210.321.5534 Mediterranean fare & eclectic music Karaiskaki 26,, Tel: 210.331.2091 Lebanese food & dancing
EAT
central Athens
Stock House & Travel Ermou 45, Tel: 210.324.7732 Outlet store featuring brands from Parousiasi, Cook Shop & Bag Stories
Fashion - Men’s Pagoni Akadimias 61, Tel: 210.363.9277 Selling ties and cufflinks since 1933
Flowers Dromoloulouda Voulis 15, Tel: 210.323.2321 Specializing in arrangements with wild flowers, many indigenous to Greece
Food & Wine Aristokratikon Karageorgi Servas 9, Tel: 210.322.0546 Handmade chocolates
Cellier Kriezotou 1, Tel: 210.361.0040 Speciality wine shop
Filellinon 7, Tel: 210.322.2659 Hand-woven fabrics & souvenirs since 1940
Graf Von Faber-Castell Boutique Panepistimiou 41, Tel: 210.321.8564 Traditional hand-held writing utensils
Kori Mitropoleos 13, Tel: 210.323.3534 Traditional & contemporary jewellery
Psarros 1917 Stadiou 3, Tel: 210.322.0908 Executive gifts and smoking accessories
Home Baccarat Voukourestiou 21, Tel: 210.362.2863 Fine crystal from the venerable French luxury house
Jewellery Apriati Pentelis 9 & Mitropoleos, Tel: 210.322.9020 Smartly designed necklaces, bracelets and rings
Bulgari Voukourestiou 8, Tel: 210.324.7118 Opulent designs in jewellery, watches & accessories
Cartier Voukourestiou 7, Tel: 210.331.3600 Two floors of designs & timepieces by the prestigious Cartier maison
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Insider guide Gofas
Vassilis Zoulias Old Athens
Stadiou 3, Tel: 210.331.7540 High-end timepieces
Akadimias 30, Tel: 210.361.4762 Handmade shoes and handbags inspired by films of the 50s & 60s
Ilias Lalaounis Panepistimiou 6, Tel: 210.361.1371 Fabulous gold designs by famous Greek jeweller
Stadiou 2 & Vas. Georgiou 210.325.0555 Legendary time pieces and jewellery.
Folli Follie
Explorer’s Lounge
Panepistimiou 7, Tel: 210.323.2919 Wide range of luxury brand timepieces
Panepistimiou 10, Tel: 210.363.8525 Excellent dishes accompany the extensive list of international wines
NJV Athens Plaza, Syntagma Square, 210.335.2400, Magnificent cocktails and live jazz in an intimate atmosphere
Marathianakis
Dosirak
Voukourestiou 21, Tel: 210.362.7118 Old-world shop known for its original & elegant designs
Voulis 31-33, Tel: 210.323.3330 Japanese & Korean cuisine in the heart of Athens
Zolotas
Nikis 58 & Kydathynaion Tel: 210.322.2839 Traditional Greek cuisine combined with modern elements
Panepistimiou 10, Tel: 210.360.1272 Designs inspired by the antique & classical periods as well as contemporary collections by designers like Paloma Picasso
Shoes
To Ergastirio to Baxevani
Far East Stadiou 7, Tel: 210.323.4996 A mix of Asian cuisines in elegant surroundings
Furin Kazan Apollonos 2, Tel: 210.322.9170 A Japanese favourite of expats & Athenians alike
GB Corner
The concierge of the Grande Bretagne Hotel in Syntagma Square recommends:
Club Eat See
Boutique
Cellier Le Bistrot
Ermou 63, Tel: 210.322.7590 Pick up a pair of Manolo’s at half price!
George Economou collection at the new municipal gallery in Metaxourgeio Spondi, 2 star Michelin restaurant in Pangrati Cibus for Greek cuisine and Acropolis view in the Nat.Gardens Varoulko Michelin star with gourmet fish cuisine in Gazi Papadakis good island cuisine in Kolonaki Vanilla Club at Kanari 24 Villa Mercedes at Andronicou & Zafeiri 11, Rouf Messiah Rebirth at Karneadou 25 in Kolonaki Baraonda, Tsocha 43, Ambelokoipi
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Bars, Clubs & Lounges Filellinon 15, Tel: 210.323.1315 Popular Athenian night spot
Spiliopoulos
Ermou 18, Tel: 210.323.0739 Trendy & affordable jewellery & accessories
DRINK
EAT
Kessaris
Chopard
central Athens
Hotel Grand Bretagne Syntagma Square, Tel: 210.333.0750 Luxurious surroundings, Mediterranean cuisine
Ioannis Royal Olympic Hotel Ath. Diakou 28-34, Tel: 210.928.8400 Greek & Mediterranean cuisine with breathtaking views from the rooftop
Multi 22 Ermou 116 & Leokoriou Tel: 210.331.6766 Italian fare served in a neoclassical house
Noodle Bar Apollonos 11, Tel: 210.331.8585 A congenial place to drop in for a quick noodle fix
Parliament Vas. Georgiou A & Stadiou Tel: 210.335.2400 International cuisine with Mediterranean accents
Paul Panepistiomiou 10, Tel: 210.722.4824 A true French patisserie
Kalua Amerikis 6, Tel: 210.360.8304 Dance the night away in a chic environment
T Palace King George Palace Syntagma Square, Tel: 210.322.2210 Sophisticated atmosphere for mingling & people-watching
CHILL GB Spa Syntagma Square, Tel: 210.333.0799 Award-winning spa featuring treatments by E’SPA,Valmont & Algoane
Holmes Place Stadiou 4 & Voukourestiou Tel: 210.325.9400, Fully equipped health club with excellent array of classes
The Palace Spa Syntagma Square, Tel: 210.374.3590 Ideal for rejuvenation after a long flight or a hectic bout of shopping
Syngrou
Zolotas pendant in gold with diamonds
Shop, Eat, Drink & Chill!
EAT Peacock Hotel Hera, Falirou 9, Tel: 210 923 6682 Traditional food with an inventive dash and breathtaking Acropolis views
Kollias
Syngrou Ave. 303 Tel: 210 940 8620 Diverse excellent seafood in a pleasant Mediterranean atmosphere
central & Southern Athens
To advertise, contact ads@insider-magazine.gr Plous Podilatou
Syngrou Ave. 156, Tel: 210 923 2918 Original seafood dishes, fresh ingredients and simple elegant interior
Ak. Koumoundourou 42 Tel: 210.413.7910 Sumptuous seafood & mouth-watering deserts on the waterfront
Kona Kai Athens Ledra Marriott, Syngrou Ave. 115, Tel: 210 930 0000 Polynesian, Teppanyaki and Sushi cuisine in an original luxury setting
Café Zoe
Tony Bonano Papanastasiou 63, Tel: 210.411.1901 Italian cuisine with a view of the harbour
Athenaeum InterContinental, Syngrou Ave 89-93 Casual dining and terrific buffets for lunch and on Sundays Tel: 210 920 6655
Vassilenas
Première
Ak. Koumoundourou 48 Tel: 210.417.5152 Fresh seafood on the quay
EAT Indian Masala (Indian) Ermou 129, Tel: 210 321 9412 Amazing Indian food at affordable price in a pleasant environment
Kirki
Apostoplou Pavlou 31 Tel: 210.346.6960 Ideal for a lunch break
Kuzina Adrianou 9, Tel: 210.324.0133 Inspired traditional recipes in a cozy arty environment
Piraeus
SOUTHERN ATHENS EAT Captain John's Ak. Koumoundourou 16A, Tel: 210.417.7589 Traditional seafood
Dourambeis Ak. Protopsalti 29, Tel: 210.412.2092 Classic fish taverna
Jimmy and The Fish
Ak. Mikrolimanou, Tel: 210.413.4084. Excellent seafood; try the astakomakaronada
Kollias Plastira 3, Tel: 210.462.9620 Excellent seafood but difficult to find; reserve on weekends
Zefyros
Zorbas Ak. Koumoundourou 14 Tel: 210.411.1163 Unique flavours of the Mediterranean
DRINK
Food & Wine
Big Apple South
All about Whisky
Posidonos 1, Tel: 210.948.5190 Casual cocktails in a modern atmosphere
Vas. Georgiou B' 10 Tel: 210.968.1191, Specialty shop with a large selection of single malts, books, & anything to do with whisky
Zinc “Flisvos” Marina, Tel: 210.985.3183 Cocktails whith music
Zythos Eleftherias 45, Tel: 210.985.0478 Reminiscent of an Irish pub with several beers to choose from
SHOP Books Eleftheroudakis Lazaraki 27, Tel: 210.325.8440 Book superstore with a large selection of English titles
Fashion Enny di Monaco
Iguana
Provence Posidonos 80, Tel: 210.898.1435 Gourmet French delicatessen
EAT Ache Kypriou 57, Tel: 210.894.2949 International cuisine & delectable deserts
Aioli Restaurant Artemidos 9, Tel: 210.894.0181 Mediterranean cuisine with an excellent “secret” seafood sauce
Amigos Kyprou 65A, Tel: 210.898.3167 Mexican flavours in a friendly setting
Bayern Bierhaus Microbrewery Chr. Nezer 19, Tel: 210.894.4439 Authentic German cuisine
Laodikis 41, Tel: 210.894.0153 Carefully selected designs by various international designers
Beer Academy
Ensayar Donna
Beirut
Kyprou 55, Esperidon Square Tel: 210.894.3034 Top lines from leading designers with an English touch
Saki Karayiorya 13, Tel: 210.894.3169 Lebanese cuisine & entertainment
Obervatory Attitudes
Bereket
Kitchen Bar
A. Panagouli 17, Tel: 210.894.2113 The ultimate fashion store www.attitudes.gr
Mikras Asias & Lefkosias 36 Tel: 210.960.9337 Traditional dishes from Asia Minor
Poseidonos 3, Tel: 210.981.2004 Comfort food overlooking the sea
Jewellery
Le Petit Sommelier
ZerTeo
Zaimi 6, Tel: 210.984.2344 French cuisine & excellent wine list
Metaxa 24-26, Tel: 210.894.6682 Unique jewellery designs
Ak. Dilaveri 15, Tel: 210.407.8861 Playing disco & techno tracks until 6am
N. Zerva 14, Tel: 210.898.0121 International cuisine in a cozy setting
Istioploikos Ak. Microlimanou, Tel: 210.413.4084 One of the hip places to see and be seen with a rooftop bar overlooking the yachting marina
Katafigio Ak. Koumoundourou 4 Tel: 210.413.1612 Club, cafe & beer house
Faliro
Thissio
Athenaeum InterContinental, Syngrou Ave 89-93, Tel : 210 920 6981 Gourmet cuisine with splendid views
Etolikou 72 & Vitolion Tel: 210.461.2457 Friendly food and atmosphere
DRINK
Glyfada
AiNikolas
EAT Il Tinello Knossou 54, Tel: 210.982.8462 Real Italian home cooking
Iskandar
Amphitheas 6 & Poseidonos Tel: 210.988.6474 Authentic Indian cuisine
Far East Lazaraki 61, Tel: 210.894.0500 A mix of Asian cuisines in elegant surroundings
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Insider guide Shop, Eat, Drink & Chill! Kiliza
Vincenzo
Konstantinopoleos 13 Tel: 210.894.4648 Delicious kebabs & decadent deserts
Giannitsopoulou 1, Tel: 210.894.1310 Value for money Italian specialities with a Southern Italian touch
Lefkosias 42A, Tel: 210.963.85770 Authentic Italian pizza made in a traditional wood-burning oven
La pêche Posidonos 58, Tel: 210.894.1620 Creative seafood dishes combining Greek & French techniques
Meat Square (Grill) Lambrakis 63 & Ag. Nikolaou, Tel: 210 961 1160 Juicy steaks in pleasant family environment
Molly Malone's Zannitsopoulou 8, Tel: 210.894.4247 Irish pub serving probably the best Irish Stew in Athens
Tartare Panagouli 52, Tel: 210.968.0320 Quality French cuisine
DRINK Bars, Clubs & Lounges Babae Posidonos 88, Tel: 210.894.1629 Beachfront dancing all night long
Balux Posidonos 58, Tel: 210.898.3577 Waterfront lounging
Capri Bay Grigoriou Lambraki 2 Tel: 210.894.9995, Excellent cocktails in a Moroccan style garden
Cafes Chocolat Zisimopoulou 9, Tel: 210.894.3442 Satisfies even the most discerning coffee connoisseur
Cosi
Il Segreto
Zisimopoulou 12, Tel: 210.894.5746 One of the first cafes to inspireGlyfada's coffee culture
Bizaniou 3, Tel: 210.965.9526 Authentic Italian set on a beautiful terrace
Nest Café Bar
CHILL
Lazaraki 45, Tel: 210.898.6035 An all-day hangout for locals & visitors
Seiza
Ithaki Stunning view, live piano music and chef Clessienne’s sea-inspired cuisine Lambros Combines waterfront freshness and the casual atmosphere of a traditional Greek fish tavern. Attica Mall One-stop mall in the heart of the city-centre Golden Hall 41.000 sq meters of shopping therapy hosting 131 fashion brands Scuba diving at Athina Diving a dive resort on the beach at the 38km on the Athens-Sounio road Sailing to Aegina just 45 minutes by motor boat for an island experience
Did you know: .… the Lake of Vouliagmeni is about 50 cms above sea level and is replenished by the hot springs beneath it? A small freshwater lake fed by underground currents seeping through the mass of Mount Hymmetus, it maintains a constant 24 degrees celsius temperature all year long and functions as a year-round spa.
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Lazaraki 45, Tel: 210.968.0545 Cafe with a unique style & hip design
The House Project Posidonos 58A, Tel: 210.898.3577 A beach house turned lounge with all the amenities of a home.
Live Music Thalassa People's Stage Posidonos 58, Tel: 210.898.2979 Live Greek acts in a club atmosphere attracting a young crowd
Voula
Sip
Zen Moorings Great for coffee or a meal by megayachts in the Vouliagmeni marina En Plo Meeting place for a coffee, meal or drink in Vouliagmeni bay Matsuhisa Athens Pre-dinner cocktails to an assortment of sushi for a true omakase experience
Do Eat
The concierge of the Arion, A Luxury collection Resort & Spa in Vouliagmeni recommends:
EAT Dream Grill V. Pavlou 78, Tel: 210.895.5110 Traditional recipes & authentic taste
Dvlcis in Fvndo
Prinkipos Petrou 33, Tel: 210.894.2136 Top-quality authentic Italian
Genovese Vas. Pavlou 99, Tel: 210.895.8400 Italian eats al fresco
Naiades Vas. Pavlou 74, Tel: 210.965.7706 Popular family grill joint
Vari Sports Club Vari-Koropiou & Kalamatos 1 Tel: 210.899.0048 www.varisportsclub.com
Vouliagmeni
La Casa Di Giorgino
Southern & Northern Athens
EAT Café Tabac Margi Hotel, Litous 11, Tel: 210.967.0924 Delicious variations of Mediterranean food
Da Luciano Posidonos 17, Tel: 210.896.2217 Trattoria serving traditional Italian dishes & pizza
Al Fresco The Westin, 40, Tel: 210.890.1709, Enjoy a romantic meal of creative Italian cuisine
Grill Room
Apollonos 40, Tel: 210.890.1794, Mediterranean & seafood flavours on a breathtaking veranda, in the Astir complex
Ithaki Apollonos 28, Tel: 210.896.3747 Beautiful sea view, fresh seafood & great service
Louizidis Ermou 2, Tel: 210.896.0591 Traditional Greek taverna popular with the locals
Southern & Northern Athens
To advertise, contact ads@insider-magazine.gr
Matsuhisa Athens Astir Palace, Apollonos 40, Tel: 210.896.0510, Celebrity chef Nobu Matsuhisa serves up sushi favourites with a Latin-American flair
Mezza Luna Orpheos 2, Tel: 210.967.1046 Chic Italian restaurant
Mythos of the Sea Ag. Nikolaou 10 & Iliou Tel: 210.891.1100 Gourmet Mediterranean cuisine that blends local produce with fresh seafood
Oro Toro Varis-Koropiou 73, Tel: 210.899.4514 A taste of Argentinian cuisine in a cosy atmosphere
Psaraki Posidonos 15, Tel: 210.896.2432 Seafood served in an informal setting
Schara Posidonos 15, Tel: 210.896.2432 Grills with frills in a friendly setting at reasonable prices
Waffle House Posidonos 17, Tel: 210.896.1227 Sure to satisfy your sweet tooth
DRINK En Plo Posidonos 4, , Tel: 210.967.1770 Cocktails overlooking Vouliagmeni Bay
Island 27th klm Athinon-Souniou Tel: 210.965.3809 Award-winning cuisine & an unmatched location with views of the Saronic Gulf
Sofa Bar
NORTHERN ATHENS
Novo Romantico di Antonio
Bakaliko Ola Ta Kala
EAT
25th Martiou 21, Tel: 210 689 6891 Authentic Italian cuisine with a modern twist
Kifissias 238-240, Mela Shopping Centre, Tel: 210.808.9908 Quality Greek delicacies
Da Vinci
Saipan
Il Salumaio di Montena Poleone
K.Varnali 9, Tel: 210 685 0644 Exquisite dishes from China, Japan and Indonesia
Panagitsas 3, Tel: 210.623.3934 Milan based company selling high quality produce
1920
Sorpresa Italiana
Ag. Ioannou 23, Tel: 210 600 0102 Delightful dishes in fantastic ambience
Nanninela Peloponnissou 13 Tel: 210 600 5622 Authentic Italian cuisine in traditional decor
Olio by Portofino Ag. Ioannou 63, Tel: 210 639 1666, Mediterranean flavours in a chic interior
EAT Apsendi Kifissias 250-254 & Serres Tel: 210 671 7890 Refined cuisine and cocktails in stylish urban atmosphere
L’Enoteca Pendelis 133, Tel: 210 689 0238 Choice of 600 wines to accompany memorable meals
Almyra Filikis Eterias 39, Tel: 210 6819109 Refined seafood and magical summer garden
Dalí Kifissias 336, Tel: 210 685 4004 Multi-ethnic cuisine with original suggestions in arty set-up
CHILL
K.Varnali 6,, Tel: 210 689 2015 Delightful gastronomic tour in a relaxing atmosphere
Divani Apollon Palace & Spa Ag. Nikolaou 10, Tel: 210.891.1100
Sokratous 23, Tel: 210 683 9348 Imaginative parade of seafood and fresh fish
SHOP
Stefanidis Finest Foods Dimitrios Square 13, Tel: 210.808.2191 Excellent European delicatessen
Varsos
Beauty & Cosmetics
Kassaveti 5, Tel: 210.801.2472 Milk products & patisserie
Nyhi-Nyhi
Vinifera
Kifissias 230 Tel: 210.623.2824 Stop by for a quick mani-pedi
Fashion
21 Kifissia Kifissias 265, Tel: 210.801.3594 Extreme sport parafernelia
Gap Kifissias 328, , Tel: 210.623.1571 Casual American fashion
Vassilis Zoulias Argyropoulou 1-3, Tel: 210.801.7023 Unique designs reminiscent of times past
Food & Wine Aristokratikon Argyropoulou 8, , Tel: 210.801.6533 Decadent handmade chocolates
Kifissias 317, Tel: 210.807.7709 Selection of wines from all over the world
EAT Acqua Azzurra Panagitsas 3, Tel: 210.623.3934 Specially-prepared Italian meals
Apla 135 Charilaou Trikoupi Tel: 210.620.3102 Chrysanthos Karamolegos creates refined Mediterranean dishes
Barceloneta Kifissias 267, Tel: 210.801.3448 Spanish cuisine in a fun atmosphere
Berdema Vas Amalias 20, Tel: 210.801.3853 Traditional dishes from Greece & Asia Minor
Ag. Georgiou 30’B, Tel: 210 685 9690 Mexican food in traditional setting
Golden Phoenix
Astir Complex, Apollonos 40 Tel: 210.890.2000
Psaroma
Kiriazi 6-8, Tel: 210.801.7886, Authentic fresh Italian pasta, sauces, truffles & more
Santa Fe
The Westin Hotel Apollonos 40, Tel: 210.890.1709 Modern lounge bar serving up delectable cocktails
Arion Spa
Ag. Paraskevi 110, Tel: 210 681 3029 Accent on meat in an elegant setting
Kifissia
Apollonos 28, Tel: 210.967.1184 Traditionally prepared seafood dishes presented exquisitely
Halandri Ag.Paraskevi
Maistrali
Leof. Pendelis 85, Tel: 210 682 5017 Asian cuisine and sushi bar in luxury environment
Kitchen Bar
Meat Square Ethnikis Antistaseos 9-11, Tel: 210 683 1300, Juicy steaks in pleasant family environment
Matsuhisa Athens
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Insider guide Shop, Eat, Drink & Chill!
Northern Athens
Common Secret
Nargile
Tike
Aneton
Kifissias 324, Tel: 210.623.3810 Coffee and light Mediterranean meals in a pleasant setting
Harilaou Trikoupi 50 Tel: 210.808.3333 Lebanese cuisine in a cosmopolitan ambiance
Harilaou Trikoupi 27, Tel: 210.808.4418 Watch chefs prepare Turkish kebabs and other treats before your eyes
Stratigou Lekka 19, Tel: 210.806.6700 Traditional cuisine in a comfy-chic setting reminiscent of the 50s & 60s
Dos Hermanos
O Tzitzikas Ki O Mermigas
Vardis
El Taco Bueno
Kyriazi 24, Tel: 210.808.7906 Excellent Mexican food & super margaritas
Drosini 12-14, Tel: 210.623.0080 A modern taverna serving traditional dishes at reasonable prices
Deligianni 66, Pentelikon Hotel Tel: 210.623.0650-6, Cornerstone of French cuisine in Greece
Ethnikis Antistaseos & Psaron 1 Tel: 210.684.0460 Mexican flavours in a traditional setting
DRINK
Jaipur Palace
Dragoumi & Andrianou 28 Tel: 210 623 3900, Gourmet cuisine with Mediterranean influences by chef Christos Markopoulos in a cool urban setting
Piazza Mela
Gefsis Me Onomasia Proelefsis
Kolokotroni 37, Tel: 210.808.9160 Generous portions of
Kifissias 317, Tel: 210.800.1402 Divine food from all over the world
Kifissias 238, Mela Shopping Centre Tel: 210.623.6596, Classic & traditional Italian dishes
Prytaneion
Mediterranean fare
Golden Phoenix
Royal Thai
Harilaou Trikoupi & Gortinias Tel: 210.801.3588, Chinese classic popular for the brunch buffet
Zirini 12, Tel: 210.623.2322 Thai cuisine in an opulent setting
Gourounakia Kifissias
Panagitsas 3, Tel: 210.623.3934 Authentic Italian food & fabulous deserts
Kifissias 289, Tel: 210.801.1093 Delicious salads, appetizers, souvlakia & grilled platters
Ichthyes
Salumaio di Atene
Semiramis Restaurant
Evagelistrias 36, Tel: 210.620.1572 Seafood taverna
Semiramis Hotel, Harilaou Trikoupi 48, Tel: 210.628.4500 Mediterranean cuisine in a hip atmosphere
Kastelorizo
Shogun
Platanon 2, Tel: 210.807.5408 Part of a chain of upscale seafood restaurants that is sure to please
Philadelpheos 2, Tel: 210.623.3622 Promises authentic Japanese cuisine for the truly discerning
Meat Me HarilaouTrikoupi 92 Tel: 210.623.2358 Simple yet discerning cuisine in a funky Greek taverna
The Mall
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Boudoir Deligianni 50 & Georganta Tel: 210.801.8384, Massive club for dancing & sipping on signature cocktails
Divine Kifissias 239, Tel: 201.801.0810 Chic lounge serving classic concoctions
Menta CafĂŠ Ag. Theodorou 10, Tel: 210.808.0193 Traditional home turned stylish cafe
Ag. Konstantinou & Themidos Tel: 210.805.2762 Indian cuisine and fine wines
Leptes Gefseis Fine French food at affordable prices Pindou 22, Pefki, Tel: 210.802.4817
Mauzac Alamanas 1, Tel: 210.619.9902 Clean lines and a beautiful garden make this cafĂŠ, bar, restaurant a must
Oinopathia
Maroussi
Essence
SHOP Golden Hall Kifissias 37A, Tel: 210.680.3450 131 high-end (and highstreet) stores for anyone with a passion for fashion
The Mall Athens Andrea Papandreou 35 Tel: 210.630.0000 Shops, cinemas and food
EAT
Telemachos Barbeque Club
Altamira
Fragkopoulou 22, Tel: 210.807.6680 Rare meats char-grilled to perfection
Perikleous 28, Tel: 210 612 8841 Multiethnic cuisine in funky environment
Aghias Paraskevis 79 & Diogenous Tel: 210.685.5375, Great selection of wines with Greek and international cuisine
Pausa Ag. Konstantinou 46 & Ifestou 3 Tel: 210.617.9290 Italian cuisine accompanied by a selection of Greek & Italian wines
Wagamama Kifissias 37A, Tel: 210.683.6844 Fresh, nutritious Asian fusion food in a sleek yet simple setting
Whispers of wine Ag. Konstantinou 48, Tel: 210 617 9051 Gourmet food with rich wine list and vintage decor
partner hotels ARION RESORT & SPA
ATHENS LEDRA MARRIOTT HOTEL
DIVANI PALACE ACROPOLIS
METROPOLITAN
The legendary beauty resort is part of Starwood Hotels and Resorts. Breathtaking views of the Saronic Gulf, elegant and sophisticated décor in all 123 rooms and suites, private swimming pools and beaches, spa and gourmet restaurants. Apollonos 40,Vouliagmeni.Tel: 210.890.2000
314 deluxe guest rooms, 18 suites. Rooftop swimming pool and bar, health club, Kona Kai Polynesian - Tepanyiaki Restaurant and sports bar. Syngrou 115.Tel: 210.930.0000
Located at the base of the Acropolis and close to Plaka. Pool with bar, roof garden restaurant with Acropolis view. Parthenonos 19-25. Makrigianni. Tel: 210.928.0100
Beautifully renovated property with views of the sea and the Acropolis. Ten minutes from central Athens, the port of Piraeus and main exhibition centers. Syngrou 385. Tel: 210.947.1000
ATHENS LIFE GALLERY
GRANDE BRETAGNE
NJV athens plaza
ATHENAEUM INTERCONTINENTAL ATHENS
543 rooms with renovated Deluxe rooms and suites. Dedicated business centre facilities and 3.500 m2 of extensive & flexible meeting space. New I-Spa and renovated gym. Award winning restaurants. Syngrou 89-93.Tel:210.920.6000
Where modern architecture finds its expression among Zen gardens and ethnic elements. 30 ultra-modern rooms and suites. Avenue 103 restaurant trendy Pisco Sour Bar. Two pools, full-service Ananea Spa. Thisseos 103, Ekali. Tel: 210.626.0400. www.bluegr.com Crowne plaza
Boutique-style hotel with 182 rooms including 23 suites with breathtaking views of the Acropolis, ideally located in the heart of the business and shopping district within walking distance of Plaka. 2, Vas.Georgiou A’ St, Athens Tel: 210 3352400 NOVOTEL
Holiday Inn Attica Avenue
ATHENIAN CALLIRHOE HOTEL
66 state-of the-art rooms, 15 executive rooms and 3 suites. The acclaimed Etrusco Restaurant serves top quality Mediterranean cuisine. Kallirois 32 & Petmeza.Tel: 210.921.5353
Newly renovated, the former Holiday Inn Athens is at a very convenient location and attracts both business and leisure travellers. Amenities include restaurant, bar, rooftop swimming pool, conference and business facilities, garage parking. Michalakopoulou 50. Tel: 210.727.8000, www.cpathens.com
ATHENS ELECTRA PALACE HOTEL
DIVANI APOLLON PALACE & SPA
Located in historic Plaka beneath the Acropolis. Facilities include bar, restaurant, spa area with indoor swimming pool, business centre, garden and underground parking. N. Nikodimou 18-20, Plaka.Tel: 210.337.0000
This city landmark is part of Starwood Hotels and Resorts. All 265 rooms and 56 suites are decorated with original artwork and antiques. Reception areas, ballrooms, roof garden with Acropolis view. Luxury spa, indoor and outdoor pools. Syntagma Sq.Tel: 210.333.0000
Located seaside with a magnificent view of the Saronic Gulf. All rooms with balconies and sea views. Indoor and outdoor pools, boutiques, beauty parlor, business centre and spa. Ag. Nikolaou 10 & Iliou, Kavouri-Vouliagmeni. Tel: 210.891.1100
ATHENS HILTON
New five-star property on Attica Avenue linking Athens with the international airport. State-ofthe art conference facilities, restaurant, two bars, pool and fitness center. 40.2 km Attica Road, between exits 17 & 18. Tel: 210.668.9000, www.hiathens.com
The newly renovated Novotel is designed for natural living. Close to Omonoia square and the National Museum. Open plan bar and rooftop bar and restaurant and pool.4-6 Mikhail Voda Street Tel: 210.820.0700 www..novotel.com Royal Olympic
Holiday Suites
Elegant, all-suite hotel offering high standard accommodation. Each suite provides guests with a separate living room and kitchenette. Arnis 4.Tel: 210.727.8000, www.holiday-suites.com KEFALARI SUITES
Near the Acropolis Museum. 265 rooms and 45 unique Panorama Suites, overlooking the Temple of Zeus and the Acropolis. Pool, business center, convention and banquet facilities. Roof Garden Restaurant/Bar “Ioannis”. 28-34, Ath. Diakou Str., 11743 Athens, Greece. Tel. 210 9288400, www.royalolympic.com SEMIRAMIS
DIVANI CARAVEL
508 renovated rooms, two pools, banquet rooms restaurants, convention facilities, business centre & spa. The rooftop Galaxy bar has gorgeous city views.Vas. Sofias 46.Tel: 210.728.1000
situated close to major tourist attractions with , rooftop restaurant and swimming pool. Vas. Alexandrou 2, Tel: 210.720.7000
Turn-of-the-century hotel in Kifissia, part of YES! Hotels.Themed suites with modern facilities. Pentelis 1, Kifissia. Tel: 210.623.3333
YES! Hotel designed by Karim Rashid. 51 luxury rooms, 4 suites and 6 poolside bungalows. Ultra-trendy bar-restaurant. Harilaou Trikoupi 48, Kefalari-Kifissia.Tel: 210.628.4400
partner hotels SOFITEL ATHENS AIRPORT
TwentyOne
Herodion
COSTA NAVARINO THE WESTIN RESORT
Brand-new airport hotel. Executive floor, business center and conference facilities.Two bars and two restaurants. Health club and covered swimming pool. Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport, Spata.Tel: 210.354.4000
A member of YES! Hotels. Modern design and simple architectural charm. 16 ergonomically designed rooms and 5 loft suites. “21” Bar Restaurant for indoor and outdoor dining. Kolokotroni 21, Kefalari-Kifissia Tel: 210.623.3521. www.twentyone.gr
ST. GEORGE LYCABETTUS HOTEL
A CATEGORY
Located at the base of the Acropolis and a five minute walk to Plaka. 90 guest rooms, meeting facilities and a lovely atrium barcoffee shop. Rovertou Galli 4, Makrigianni. Tel: 210.923.6832 HOTEL ELECTRA
AVA HOTEL & SUITES
Located in the upper part of Kolonaki, not far from the Lycabettus (Lykavittos) funicular railway. Excellent restaurant, Le Grand Balcon. Rooftop swimming pool. Kleomenous 2, Dexamenis Square, Kolonaki.Tel: 210.729.0711 THEOXENIA PALACE HOTEL
Luxurious apartments and suites in Plaka. Magnificent views of the Acropolis, Hadrian’s Arch and Zeus Temple. Short walk to Syntagma and Monastiraki. Lysikratous street 9-11, Plaka. Tel: 210.325.9000, www.avahotel.gr
Within walking distance from all major archaeological sites, business and commercial districts. Includes bar, restaurant, lobby and meeting areas. Ermou 5, Syntagma. Tel: 210.337.8000
Inspired by old Messinian mansions, the Westin resort's low-rise villa clusters use natural stone and local design elements to create a motif in perfect harmony with the virgin sandy beach and pristine hillside landscape. Its 445 deluxe rooms and suites, 123 with private infinity pools, offer access to an extensive common pool areas, and reflect Westin's soothing aesthetic THE ROMANOS
PERISCOPE HOTEL
BEST WESTERN ESPERIA PALACE HOTEL
In an elegant neoclassical building in Kefalari, this hotel has a restaurant, bar, gym, sauna and outdoor pool. Business centre, internet and conference facilities. Filadelfeos 2, Kifissia. Tel: 210.623.3622-6 THE MARGI
In the heart of the commercial and historic centre of Athens. The restaurant Athinaios, serves gastronomic delights in an elegant setting. Stadiou 22. Tel: 210.323.8001
Designed for people who wish to be part of all that goes on in the city. 17 rooms, 4 junior suites and a super-lux penthouse suite. Part of YES! Hotels. Haritos 22, Kolonaki. Tel: 210.729.7200, www.periscope.gr Philippos
The Romanos Hotel boasts of 289 exquisitely appointed rooms and 32 suites with private infinity pools. Traditional Greek design with contemporary touches sets the tone in each space, where the sparkling blue of the Mediterranean is the preferred hue.
Santorini MYSTIQUE SANTORINI
CORAL HOTEL
Boutique hotel with 90 spacious rooms and suites and great views to the sea and pine forests. Café Tabac Restaurant offers a unique dining experience while Malabar and J-lounge are perfect for a glass of champagne. Close to the lake, beach and tennis courts. Litous 11,Vouliagmeni. Tel: 210.892.9000. ww.themargi.gr THE WESTIN ATHENS
Part of the Astir Palace Complex with 162 guest rooms and suites and views of the Saronic Gulf. Sea view lounges, trendy bars, fusion and Mediterranean cuisine restaurants and private gazebos by an Olympic-sized pool. Apollonos 40,Vouliagmeni.Tel: 210.890.2000
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The Coral’s 86 rooms and 2 suites offer all modern conveniences. Poseidonos Avenue 35, Paleo Faliron. Tel: 210.981.6441
Recently refurbished, all 50 rooms are wellappointed and comfortable. Offers good value for money in the Acropolis area. Mitseon 3, Makrigianni.Tel: 210.922.3611-4
VEDEMA, SANTORINI
Fresh Hotel
Situated in the heart of old Athens within walking distance of the Plaka, Psirri and Monastiraki. Enjoy the hip Orange Bar, rooftop restaurant and pool. Sophocleous 26 & Klisthenous. Tel: 210.524.8511-6.
Mystique is an 18 villa hotel, designed by Frank Le Fevbre. Mystique, Oia.Tel. 22860 81786
Would you like TO see your hotel LISTED here? CONTACT US at: ads@insider-magazine.gr
Vedema has 45 rooms converted from a 100 year old neo-classical captain’s house and a private swiming pool for all the suites. Vedema, Megalohori.Tel. 22860 81 796
AUDIOVISUAL OTE video conference service 7.30am-10pm. Patission 85. Tel: 210.883.8578, 210.822.0399 TCS M. Antipa 20 & 2 Prometheus, Tel: 210.976.7086
COMPUTER & CELL-PHONE RENTAL TrimTel Mobile Communications Michalakopoulou 41, Tel: 210.729.1964
Commercial Office spaces Regus Tel: 210 727 9000 Global Business Services Tel: 210-8764 876 Kifissias Ave. 90, Maroussi
COURIER SERVICES ACS Tel: 210.819.0000 DHL Tel: 210.989.0000 Express City Tel: 210.821.9959 Geniki Taxydromiki Tel: 210.485.1100 Interattika Tel: 210.540.5400 Speedex Tel: 801.11.000.11 UPS Tel: 210.998.4000
Driving Schools in English Denis Kasimatis - Driving School
Zografou, Papagou, Ilissia, Psychiko, Cholargos and Goudi - Tel: 210 778 3157 210 779 6981 Trochokinisi Driving School 28th Oktovriou 126, Ambelokipi, Athens Tel: 231 072 9092 Driving School Highway Amfitheas and Ag. Triados 30, 175 64 Paleo Faliro - Tel: 210 988 8098 / 6997 722 777 Vlachos Bros 25th Martiou 11, Peristeri; Xenofodos 17, Peristeri; Afroditis 39, Ilion Tel: 210 574 4895 / 210 576 9190
TRANSLATIONS / INTERPRETING
Relocation Agencies
Travel plan Tel: 210 333 3300 www.travelplan.gr Amphitrion Tel: 210 900 6000 Meg Alexandrou 7 & Karaiskaki, www.amphitrionholidays.gr TravelPlanet24 Tel: 211 107 9684 241, Syngrou Ave. & 2, Alikarnassou 171 22 Nea Smyrni, Athens www.travelplanet24.com Mid-east Travel Tel: 211 211 8888 Vas Sofias 105-107 / www.mideast.gr
Allied Pickfords Tel: 210 610 4494 Mourouzi 7, Athens Athens Relocation Centre Tel: 210 96 50 697, Zakynthou 10, Attica Movers Tel: 210 922 7221 19, Syngrou Ave Celebrity International Movers 102, Kapodistriou Ave , Tel: 210 272 0106 Corporate Relocations Athens Tel: 210 800 3510, Ag. Saranta 32 Nea Erithrea, Orphee Beinoglou Tel: 210 9466100 27th km Old National Road Athens-Korinth Location Elefsinia, GR-19200 Elefsina, Omega Transport Thesi Kyrilos , 19300 Aspropyrgos Tel: 210 947 5500 Octopus Relocation Services Ygeias 7, Marina Zeas, Tel: 210 4599530
MISSED THESE GREAT ISSUES ? 35.000 readers get the best of Greece each month.Subscribe to Insider and never miss another issue! send us an e-mail at: subscriptions@ insider-magazine.gr or give us a call at: 210.729.8634 or 210.721.3450
Executive services, translation & interpreting All EU and Balkan languages - legal, technical and medical documents. Athens Tower B. Tel:Â 210.778.3698 www.executiveservices.gr Global Business Services Kifisias 90, Maroussi. Tel: 210.876.4876 IBS - International Business Services Michalakopoulou 29, Tel: 210.724.5541
Travel Agencies
Embassies Cultural Institutes
Business services
useful information
French Institute Sina 31, 10680 Athens Tel: 210 339 8600 Hellenic American Union Massalias 22, 10680 Athens, Tel: 210 368 0900 British Council 17 Kolonaki Square 17 106 73 Athens Tel: 210 369 2333 Instituto Cervantes Mitropoleos 23, 105 57 Athens Tel: 210 3634117 Goethe Institut Omirou 14-16, 100 33 Athens Tel: 210 3661000 Onassis Cultural Centre Syngrou Ave. 107-109 117 45 Athens, Tel: 213 017 8000 Instituto Italiano di Cultura Patission [28 Oktovriou] 47 Tel: 210 369 2333, 210 524 2646 ALBANIA Vekiareli 7, Filothei, Tel: 210.687.6200 ARGENTINA Vas. Sophias 59. Tel: 210.724.4158 ARMENIA K. Palaiologou 95, Tel: 210.683.1130, 210.683.1145 AZERBAiJAN Skoufa 10. Tel: 210.363.2721 AUSTRALIA Kifisias & Alexandras, Tel: 210.870.4000 AUSTRIA Vas. Sofias Avenue 4, Tel: 210.725.7270
BELGIUM Sekeri 3, Tel: 210.360.0314 BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA Hatzikosta 3. Tel: 210.641.0788 BRAZIL Filikis Etaireias Sq. 14. Tel: 210.721.3039 BULGARIA Stratigou Kallari 33A, P. Psychiko. Tel: 210.674.8105 CANADA Ioanni Gennadiou 4. Tel: 210.727.3400 CHILE Rigilis 26. Tel: 210.725.2574 CHINA Krinon 2A, P. Psychiko. Tel: 210.677.1212 CROATIA Tzavella 4, N. Psychiko. Tel: 210.677.7033 CUBA Sofokleous 5, Filothei. Tel: 210.685.5550 CYPRUS Xenofontos 2A. Tel: 210.373.4800 CZECH REPUBLIC G. Seferi 6, P. Psychiko. Tel: 210.671.9701 DENMARK Mourouzi 10. Tel: 210.725.6440 EGYPT Vas. Sofias 3. Tel: 210.361.8612 ESTONIA Messoghion 2-4. Tel: 210.747.5660 FINLAND Hatziyianni Mexi 5. Tel: 210.725.5860 FRANCE Vas. Sofias 7. Tel: 210.339.1000 FYROM Papadiamanti 4, P. Psychiko. Tel: 210.674.9585 GEORGIA Ag. Dimitriou 24, P. Psychiko. Tel: 210.674.2186 GERMANY Karaoli & Dimitriou 3. Tel: 210.728.5111 HUNGARY Karneadou 25. Tel: 210.725.6800 INDIA Kleanthous 3. Tel: 210.721.6481 INDONESIA Marathonodromon 99, P. Psychiko. Tel: 210.674.2345 IRAN Stratigou Kallari 16. Tel: 210.674.1436 IRELAND Vas. Konstantinou 7. Tel: 210.723.2405 ISRAEL Marathonodromon 1, P. Psychiko. Tel: 210.670.5500 ITALY Sekeri 2. Tel: 210.361.7260 JAPAN Ethnikis Antistaseos 46, Halandri. Tel: 210.670.9900 JORDAN Papadiamanti 21. P. Psychiko. Tel: 210.674.4161 Kazakhstan Imittou 122, Papagou Tel: 210.654.7765 KOREA Messoghion 2-4, Athens. Tel: 210.698.4080 KUWAIT Perikleous 2, P. Psychiko. Tel: 210.674.3593 LEBANON 6, 25th Martiou, P. Psychiko. Tel: 210.675.5873 LIBYA Vyronos 13, P. Psychiko. Tel: 210.674.2120 LITHUANIA Vas. Sophias 49. Tel: 210.729.4356
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useful information
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Ambulance Tel: 166 Doctors SOS Tel: 1016. They will issue an invoice to claim reimbursement from your insurer. Duty Pharmacies Call 1434, Also check newspapers for listings. Emergency Hospitals Tel: 1434 Fire Brigade Tel: 199 Forest Fire Tel: 191 Poison Hotline Tel: 210.779.3777 Police Tel: 100 Tourist Police Tel: 171 Coastguard Tel:108 Air Police Tel: 210.964.2000
ROAD ASSISTANCE ELPA Tel: 10400 Emergency Service Tel: 104 Express Service Tel: 154 Hellas Service Tel: 1057 Interamerican Tel: 168 Tourist Information Tel: 174
Paediatric Hospitals
EUROCLINIC PAEDON Lemessou 39-41 & Aharnon 209, Kato Patissia, Tel: 210.869.1900 PAEDON AGIA SOFIA HOSPITAL Mikras Asias and Thivon, Goudi. Tel: 210.746.7000 PAEDON AGLAIA KYRIAKOU HOSPITAL Livadias 3 and Thivon, Goudi. Tel: 210.772.6000 & 1535
Private Hospitals Advanced Medical Services, Symmetria Building Ethnikis Antistaseos 66, Halandri. Tel: 210.677.3573 www.symmetria.gr
EURODENTICA Specialized dental care Patision 150, Tel: 210. 866.3367-8 Alamanas 3, Maroussi. Tel: 210.619.5760-1 El.Venizelou 162, Kallithea. Tel: 210.956.5365 HYGEIA Kifissias & E. Stavrou 4, Maroussi. Tel: 210.686.7000 www.ygeia.gr IATRIKO KENTRO (ATHENS MEDICAL CENTER) Areos 36, P. Faliro. Tel: 210.989.2100-20. Distomou 5-7, Maroussi. Tel: 210.619.8100 METROPOLITAN HOSPITAL Ethnarou Makariou 9 & El.Venizelou, N. Faliro. Tel: 210.480.9000 www.metropolitan-hospital.gr IASO Kifissias 37-39, Maroussi. Tel: 210.618.4000 MITERA Kifissias & E. Stavrou 6, Maroussi. Tel: 210.686.9000
public Hospitals ASKLEPIEION HOSPITAL Vas. Pavlou 1,Voula. Tel: 210.895.8301-4 EVANGELISMOS Ypsilantou 45-47, Kolonaki. Tel: 210.720.1000 KAT HOSPITAL specialized trauma unit. Nikis 2, Kifissia. Tel: 210.628.0000 TZANNEIO Afentouli & Tzani, Pireaus.Tel: 210.451.9411-9
PHYSICIANS (ENGLISH SPEAKING) Ioannis Bitzos, MD Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Harilaou Trikoupi 62 Kifissia. Tel: 210.808.0682 A.J. Kanellopoulos, MD Eye Surgeon, Mesogeion 2, Athens Tower B’ Tel: 210.747.2777 Dimitris Linos, MD FACS General Surgeon, Kifissias 227, Kifissia. Tel: 210.612.5001-2 heart & vascular centrE E.N. Deliargyris, MD FACC FSCAI Interventional cardiologist. Southern Athens. Vakchou 2 & Vas. Kostantinou Tel:210.897.6276. www.heartline.gr
General and cranial osteopathy
SYLVAIN GATEAUD Osteopath (France, UK) MKDE- C0 ( France) HP (Germany). Energy management. Karaiskaki 42, Pallini. Tel: 210 60 33 622 M. 6937 20 44 72 sylvain.gateaud@hotmail.co.uk www.whyosteopathy.com
English media
EMERGENCY NUMBERS
CENTRAL CLINIC OF ATHENS Asklipiou St. 31. Emergency number 1169 or Tel: 210.367.4000 www. centralclinic.gr EUROCLINIC diagnostic, surgical and treatment centre. Athanasiadou 9. (near Mavili Sq.). Tel: 210.641.6600
Newspapers The International Herald Tribune carries the English version of Kathimerini The local Athens News comes out Fridays.
Radio Antenna 97.2 FM news at 8.25am, Flash Radio 96.0 FM 8.55am, 3pm and 8pm daily. ERA public radio 91.6 FM for bulletins at 5am and 9am, full news coverage at 9.30pm.
Schools
Greek Language
Emergencies
UNITED KINGDOM Ploutarchou 1. Tel: 210.727.2600 UNITED STATES Vas. Sofias 91. Tel: 210.721.2951 URUGUAY Menandrou 1, Kifissia Tel: 210.361.3549 VATICAN Mavili 2, P. Psychiko. Tel: 210.674.3598 VENEZUELA Marathonodromon 19, P. Psychiko. Tel: 210.672.9169
Health
LATVIA Vas. Konstantinou 38. Tel. 210.729.4483 LUXEMBOURG Vas. Sofias 23A & Neofitou Vamva 2.Tel: 210.725.6400 MALTA V. Sofias 96.Tel: 210.778.5138 MOLDAVIA Georgiou Bacu 20, Filothei. Tel: 210.699.0660 MOROCCO Marathonodromon 5, P. Psychiko. Tel: 210.674.4210 MEXICO Filikis Etaireias Sq. 14. Tel: 210.729.4780 NETHERLANDS Vas Konstantinou 5-7. Tel: 210.725.4900 NIGERIA Dolianis 65, Maroussi. Tel: 210.802.1188 NORWAY Vas. Sofias 23. Tel: 210.724.6173 PAKISTAN Loukianou 6. Tel: 210.729.0122 PALESTINE Giassemion 13, P. Psychiko. Tel.: 210.672.6061-3 PANAMA Praxitelous 192 & II Merarchias, Piraeus. Tel: 210.428.6441 PERU Semitelou 2. Tel: 210.779.2761 PHILIPPINES Antheon 26, P. Psychiko. Tel: 210.672.1837 POLAND Chrysanthemon 22, P. Psychiko. Tel: 210.679.7700 PORTUGAL Vas. Sofias 23. Tel: 210.729.0096 / 210.723.6784 ROMANIA Emm. Benaki 7, P. Psychiko. Tel: 210.672.8875 RUSSIA Nikiforos Lytra 28, P. Psychiko. Tel: 210.672.5235 SAUDIA ARABIA Marathonodromon 71, P. Psychiko. Tel: 210.671.6911 SERBIA Vas. Sophias 106, Tel: 210.777.4344 SINGAPORE Aigialias 17, Paradissos Amaroussiou. Tel: 210.684.5072 SLOVAK REPUBLIC G. Seferi 4, P. Psychiko. Tel: 210.677.1980 SLOVENIA Mavili 10, Tel: 210.672.0090-091 SOUTH AFRICA Kifissias 60, Maroussi. Tel: 210.610.6645 SPAIN Dionysiou Areopagitou 21, Tel: 210.921.3123 SWEDEN Vas. Konstantinou 7, Tel: 210.726.6100 SWITZERLAND Iasiou 2, Tel: 210.723.0364-6 TAIWAN Marathonodromon 57, Tel: 210.677.5122 THAILAND Marathorodromon 25 & Kyprou, P. Psychiko. Tel: 210.674.9065 TUNISIA Antheon 2, P. Psychiko, Tel: 210.671.7590 TURKEY Vas. Georgiou B’ 8, Tel: 210.726.3000 UKRAINE Stephanou Delta 4, Filothei, Tel: 210.680.0230
The Athens Center 48 Archimidous Street, Mets, Athens 11636, Greece 210 7015-242 CELT Athens 77 Academias Street, 106 78 Athens, Greece, Tel: 210 3301455 Greek House Dragoumi 7, 145 61 Kifissia, Tel: 210 808 5186 Hellenic American Union 22 Massalias str., 106 80 Athens, Tel: 210368.0900 Omilo Greek Language And Culture Panagi Tsaldari 13 (4th floor), 15122 Maroussi , Tel: 210 6122706
useful information Road Assistance ELPA: 104 Public Power Corporation (DEI) In case of power failure: Tel: 210 523 9939 www.dei.gr Water Supply & Sewage (EYDAP) In case of water cut: Tel: 1202. www.eydap.gr
Social Security & Health insurance (IKA) www.ika.gr Greek Manpower Employment Organization (OAED) www.oaed.gr , Tel: 210 99 89 000 Public Services Administration Information Center (paperwork assistance) on weekdays 8am-3pm (KEP): Tel: 177 ww.kep.gov.gr
French kindergartens Au petit bonheur 50 Iraklitou, Glyfada, Tel: 210 9658 207 Les Alouettes Spartis 36 & Harilaou Trikoupi, Kifissia Tel: 210 80 11 570 L’Air des Contes 11, Cycladon, Glyka Nera, Tel : 210 600 3196 Le Castelet 18 Gortinias, Kifissia, Tel: 210 808 7760
Weather Attica, Tel: 148 www.hnms.gr
Mary Poppins 4, Kodrou, Filothei, Tel: 210 677 3803
Citizen’s Rights Ombudsman: 5 Hatziyiannis Mexis (near the Hilton Hotel) Tel: 210 72 89 640
Play and Learn Kassaveti 22, Kifissia, Tel: 210 801 1428
Benakeios Library Anthimou Gazi 2, Tel: 210 322 71
Money
Telephone & Internet Services (OTE) New tel: 138, Tel. (defective): 129 OTE customer service: 134 International call information (English, French & German): 169 www.ote.gr
LOST OR STOLEN CREDIT CARDS AMERICAN EXPRESS Tel: 210.326.2626 DINERS CLUB Tel: 210.929.0200 EUROCARD Tel: 210.950.3673 MASTERCARD Tel: 00800.1188.70303, VISA Tel: 00.800.1163.803.04
Universities University of Indianapolis Ipitou 9, Athens, Tel: 210 323 6647 DEREE Gravias 6, Aghia Paraskevi , Tel: 210 600 9800 ALBA Graduate Business School Athinas Ave. & Areos 2A,Vouliagmeni Tel; 210 896 4531
Business College of Athens Tatoiou 2 & Othonos 77, Kifissia Tel: 210 808 8008
English kindergartens The Cottage Kindergarten Psaron 74, Halandri Tel: 210 682 7629 Early Learning Rizountos 53, Elliniko Tel: 210 961 8763 Hopscotch International Kindergarten Ag. Triandos 93,Vari Tel: 210 965 3985 Kifissia Montessori School Ellinikon Stratou 5, Kifissia Tel: 210 620 7481 Melina’s Kindergarten Harilaou Trikoupi 16, Kifissia Tel: 210 801 2719 Peek-a-boo PreSchool Vougliameni Tel: 210 967 1970 Peter Pan Lakonias 4-6,Voula Tel: 210 895 9654 Prince Allen The English Nursery School Lysimahou 8,Vari Tel: 210 965 6800
O mikros Antonis Barbayiannis, Pallini, Tel: 210 603 2527
Italian kindergartens Scuola maternal italiana de Atene Mitsaki 18, Ano Patissia, Tel: 210 202 0274 Il Mulino magico Troados 23, Ag Paraskevi, Tel: 210 600 3148
Libraires
American University of Athens Kifisias & Sochou 4, Neo Psichiko, Tel; 210 725 9301
International Kindergartens
International Schools
St Catherine's British Embassy School Sofoklis Venizelou 77, Lykovrissi Tel: 210 282 9750 St. Lawrence College Anemon St, Koropi Tel: 210 891 7000 American Community Schools of Athens Aghias Paraskevis Ave. 129, Halandri , Tel: 210 639 3200 Campion School Aghias Ioulianis, Pallini Tel: 210 607 1700 Byron College Filolaou 7, Gerakas Tel: 210 604 7722 International School of Athens Xenias and Artemidos, Kifissia, Tel: 210 623 3888 Lycée Franco-Hellénique Eugène Delacroix Chlois & Trikalon, Ag. Paraskevi Tel: 211 300 9121 Scuola Statale Italiana Odos Mitsaki 18, Ano Patissia Tel: 210 228 2720 German School in Athens Homatianou & Ziridi, Maroussi Tel: 210 619 9261 Greek German School 25 Martiou & Vernardou,Vrylissia Tel: 210 682 0566
British Council Library Kolonaki Sq. 17 Tel: 210 363 3211/5 American Library Masalias 22 (4th floor) Tel: 210 363 8114
Post Phone
German kindergartens Post offices operate weekdays 8am-2pm. The main post offices in Athens are located at SYNTAGMA SQUARE and OMONIA SQUARE at Aeolou 100 and open weekdays 7:30am-8pm, Sat 7:30am-2pm, and Sun 9am-1:30pm. Country Code: 30 City Code: 210 international calls first dial 00, then the country code. To call from a Public payphone buy a phone card at the kiosks
American School of Classical Studies Blegen Souedias 54, Tel: 210 723 6313 Athens College Library Stephanou Delta, P. Psychiko Tel: 210 671 4628
Hellenic American Union Greek Library 22 Masalias St (7th floor) , Tel: 210 362 9886 French Institute Library 31 Sina St, Tel: 210 362 4301 German Archaeological Institute Library Pheidiou 1, Tel: 210 362 0270
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Goethe Institute Library Omirou 14-16 , Tel: 210 360 8111 Italian Institut Library Patision 47, Tel: 210 522 9294 EU Library Vas. Sophias 2, Tel: 210 724 3982 National Library Tzavella 25, Tel: 210 382 0657
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see & do Art galleries
A. Antonopoulou Art Aristofanous 20, Psirri Tel: 210.321.4994 Artzone 42 42 Vas. Konstantinou, Agalma Troyman, 11635 Athens, Tel: 210 725 9549 Astrolavos Dexameni Xanthippou 11, Kolonaki Tel: 210.729.4342 Astrolavos ArtLife Irodotou 11, Kolonaki Tel: 210.722.1200 Athens Art Gallery Glykonos 4, Dexameni Sq., 106 75 Athens, Tel: 210 721 3938 Badminton Theatre Olympiaka Akinita, Goudi 157 73, Athens, Tel: 211 101 0020 Bernier/Eliades Gallery Eptachalkou 11, Thisseio, Tel: 210.341.3935 Beyond Art Gallery Haritos 10, Kolonaki, Tel: 210.721.9744 B&M Theoharakis Foundation for the Fine Arts & Music Vas. Sofias 9 & Merlin 1, Athens Tel: 210.361.1206 (The) Breeder Gallery Iasonas 45, Metaxourgio, Tel: 210.331.7527 Ekfrasi Gallery Valaoritou 9a, 10671 Athens, Greece Tel: 210 360 7598 EMST National Museum of Contemporary Art Vas. Georgiou B 17 - 19 & Rigilis Str. Athens 10675, Tel: 210 9242 111-3 Fizz gallery Valaoritou 9c, Athens 10671 Greece, Tel: 210 360 7598 Gagosian Gallery Merlin 3, Athens 10671, Tel: 210 364 0215 Gallery 7 Zalokosta 7, Syntagma, Tel: 210.361.2050 Gialino Music Theatre Sigrou 143, N. Smirni, Athens Tel: 210 9316 101-4 Herakleidon Herakleidon 16, Thissio, Tel: 210.346.1981 Ileana Tounta Contemporary Art Centre 48 Armatolon-Klephton st. 11471 Athens, Tel: 210 643 9466 Jill Yakas Spartis 16, Kifissia. Tel: 210.801.2773 www.yakas.com K-Art Gallery Sina 54, 106 72, Athens, Greece Tel: 211 401 3877 Kalfayan gallery Haritos 11, Kolonaki,Tel: 210.721.7679 Kourd Gallery Kassiani 2-4, Tel: 210.642.6573 ww.gallerykourd.gr
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Acropolis is open daily and entrance, includes archaeological sites. Tel: 201.321.0219 Ancient Agora was the heart of ancient Athens - the focus of political, commercial, administrative and social life for centuries. Athinais Cultural Centre formerly a silk factory, this space has been converted into a large cultural centre. Kastorias 34-36, Votanikos. , Tel: 210.348.0000. Byzantine Churches many churches dating from the 11th and 12th centuries are found around the city. Noteworthy examples include: Agios Eleftherios, next to the cathedral on Mitropoleos Street; Kapnikarea, halfway down Ermou Street from Syntagma; Agi Apostoli, Agora area south of Stoa of Attalos; and Agia Triada (Russian Orthodox church) on Filellinon Street. Churches are open to the public on Sundays and holidays, also usually for daily prayers 7am1pm and 4-6:30pm. Dress soberly when visiting. Technopolis (Gazi) a 19th century gas factory turned major cultural centre for performing arts and installation works. Pireos 100 & Ermou, Gazi. Tel: 210.346.1589. Hadrian’s Arch a Roman arch that marked the boundary of ancient Athens and the new city. Located at the corner of Vas. Olgas and Amalias Avenues.
Agora Museum Located in the Stoa of Attalos. Tel: 210.321.0185. Atelier Spyros Vassiliou Webster 5A, Athens. Tel: 210.923.1502 www.spyrosvassiliou.org Athens University History Museum Tholou 5, Plaka, Tel: 210.368.9502 www.history-museum.uoa.gr Benaki Museum Koumbari 1 & Vas. Sofias Avenue Tel: 210.367.1000, www.benaki.gr Benaki Museum of Islamic Arts Dipylou 12, Kerameikos. Tel: 210.325.1311 www.benaki.gr
Benaki Museum, Pireos Pireos 138 & Andronikou Tel: 210.345.3111, www.benaki.gr Byzantine Museum Vas. Sofias 22, Tel: 210.721.1027. Hellenic Cosmos Foundation of the Hellenic world Pireos 254, Tavros. Tel: 212.254.0000. www.hellenic-cosmos.gr Frissiras Vlassis Museum of Contemporary European Art Monis Asteriou 3-7, Plaka, Tel: 210.323.4678 www.frissirasmuseum.com Goulandris Foundation Museum of Cycladic Art Neofytou Douka 4, Tel: 210.722.8321 www.cycladic.gr Herakleidon Herakleidon 16, Thissio. Tel: 210-346.1981. www.herakleidon-art.gr Ilias Lalaounis Jewellery Museum Karyatidon & Kallisperi 12, Makrygianni. Tel: 210.922.7260. www.lalaounis.com Jewish Museum Nikis 39, Plaka. Tel: 210.322.5582. www.jewishmuseum.gr Keramikos Museum Ermou 148, Monastiraki, Tel: 210.346.3552. Maria Callas Museum Technopolis, Pireos 100, Gazi, Tel: 210.346.1589 National Archaeological Museum Patission 44, Athens, Tel: 210.821.7724 National Gallery and Alexandros Soutsos Museum Vas. Konstantinou 50. Tel: 210.723.5857, 210.723.5937 Numismatic Museum Panepistimiou 12, Athens. Tel: 210.363.5953. www.nma.gr The Acropolis Museum Dionysiou Areopagitou Street Tel: 210.924.1043, www.theacropolismuseum.gr
Just for kids
Tel: 210.322.9705
Lykavittos Hill is the highest point in Athens. Take the teleferique from the top of Ploutarchou St. Megaron Mousikis (The Athens Concert Hall) live concerts, operas and other performances. Vas. Sofias Ave. & Kokkali. Tel: 210.728.2333 Odeon of Herod Atticus built in 161 AD, this is where the Athens Festival takes place. Accessible for e1.50 and open daily from 8:30am. Panathenian Stadium “Kalimarmaro”was the site of the first modern Olympics in 1896. Located at Vassileos Konstantinou and Agras, across from the National Garden. Pnyx Hill here, for the first time in history, every citizen could vote, giving Pnyx the name the “birthplace of democracy”. Close by is the beautiful Old Observatory. Presidential Palace formerly the Royal Palace, this building is used by the President of Greece to host dignitaries. Irodou Attikou Street. Stoa of Attalos shopping arcade built in the 2nd century BC and totally reconstructed in the 1950s. Tues-Sun 8:30am-3pm. Admission to the Agora and museum e3.50. Adrianou 24. Tel: 210.321.0185 Syntagma (Constitution Square) is the heart of the city and the best spot for new visitors to orient themselves. The Evzones, dressed in traditional uniforms, guard the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in front of the Parliament. The changing-of-the-guard ceremony takes place every hour. Temple of Olympian Zeus once the largest temple in ancient Greece, its ruins lie just behind Hadrian's Arch. Mon-Sun 8am-7:30pm. e2.00. Vas. Olgas and Amalias Avenues, Tel: 210.922.6330. Theatre of Dionysus built in the 5th century BC is where the plays of Aristophanes, Euripides, Aeschylus and Sophocles were first performed. Tower of Winds the octagonal tower, representing the eight directions of the wind, was built in the 1st century BC by the Syrian astronomer Andronicus. MonSun 8am-7pm. Just east of the Ancient Agora. Tel: 210.324.5220.
Museums
ASSOCIATION OF GUIDES
Attractions & Sites
ORGANISED TOURS
Pallas Theatre Skoufa 77 & Staikou 2, Kolonaki Athens, Tel: 210 364 0783 Skoufa Gallery Skoufa 4, Kolonaki, Tel: 210.360.3541 Stavros Mihaliaras Art 260 Kifissias & Diligianni, Kifissia Tel: 210.623.0928 Thanassis Frisssiras Gallery Kriezotou 7, Tel: 210. 364.0288 The Art Foundation (TAF) Normanou 5, Monastiraki, Tel: 210.323.8757 The Eynard Mansion Aghiou Konstantinou 20 & Menandrou, Athens 104 31, Tel: 210 322 1335 The National Art Gallery and Alexander Soutzos Museum Michalakopoulou 1 - Vas. Constantinou 1, 115 28 Athens, Tel: 210-7235857 Titanium Yiayiannos Vas. Konstantinou 44, Pangrati, Tel: 210.729.7644 Tsatsis Project/ Artforum 12 Mitropoleos st. & Venizelou PC 54624 Thessaloniki, Tel: 231 025 7552 Xippas Gallery Sofokleous 53D, 105 52 Athens, Greece, Tel: 210 331 9333 Zoumboulakis Gallery Kolonaki Square 20, Kolonaki Tel: 210.360.8278 Zoumboulakis Gallery Graphics & Editions Kriezotou 7, Syntagma , Tel: 210.363.4454
Allou Fun Park Kifissou & Petrou Ralli, Ag. Ioannis Rentis, Tel: 210.425.6999, www.allou.gr Children’s Museum Kydathinaeon 14, Plaka, Tel: 210.331.2995. Goulandris Museum of Natural History Levidou 13, Kifissia. Tel: 210.801.5870, www.gnhm.gr Greek Folk Art Museum Daily Karaghiozis puppet shows! Kydathinaeon 17, Plaka, Tel: 210.322.9031 Museum of Children’s Art Kodrou 9, Plaka, Tel: 210.331.22621 www.childrensartmuseum.gr
Summit U The Wall Sport Climbing Center Ag. Athanasiou 12, Pallini, Tel: 210.603.0093, www.summit.gr Westin Kids Club Apollonos 40, Vouliagmeni, Tel: 210.890.2000 http://www.westinathens.com/en/westin_kids_club/
getting around
Ada Rent-a-Car Tel: 210.322.0087 Arena Tel: 210.894.6883, 210.614.7400 Auto Union Tel: 210.922.1211/1213 Avis Tel: 210.322.4951 Budget Tel: 210.921.4771-3 Europcar Tel: 210.924.8810-8 Hertz Tel: 210.998.2000 Michael Stamou Luxury Rentals Tel: 210.922.2442/43 Sixt Rent-a-Car Tel: 210.570.6895, 210.922.0171
24 HOUR VIP TRANSPORT SERVICE
WSW Skycap Services at Athens Airport provides Meet & Greet, Baggage Hauling and Transport Service. Tel: 210.353.0100 www.skycap.gr For info about the public bus lines please check our section Getting Around
LIMOUSINES
Public transport
AAA Royal Prestige Tel: 210.988.3221 Astra Limousine Service Tel: 210.922.0333/807.9996 Convecta Travel Agency & Limousine Services Tel: 210.322.5090 Limousines Kakaya Tel: 210.323.4120 Combined tickets for metro, buses and trolleys (e1) are available from metro stations and central ticket booths, valid within 90 mins of validation for all public transport - except the airport service, which costs 6e.
EXPRESS BUS from/to airport To and from Syntagma Square (bus X95, 70 min. approx.), Ethniki Amyna metro station (bus X94, 50 min. approx.) and Piraeus (bus X96, 90 min. approx.). Tickets available at the Arrivals Hall; validate on board. Buses leave every 10-15 minutes. Fare is e3.20 and the ticket is valid for 24 hours on buses, trolleys and metro. For further information dial 185 or visit www.oasa.gr, www.ametro.gr. For info on trains see www. proastiakos.gr
HELLENIC RAILWAYS ORGANIsATION Karolou 1. Tel: 210.529.7002 www.ose.gr
ATHENS METRO Line 1 (Piraeus-Kifissia) 5am-midnight, Line 2 (Agios Antonios-Agios Dimitrios) 5.30am-midnight, Line 3 (Egaleo-Doukissis Plakentias) 5.30am-midnight Line 3 (Egaleo-Airport) 5.30am-22.52pm and 06.30am-23.30pm. The last itinerary is 2 hours later on Friday and Saturday night than it is during the week. www.ametro.gr
tram Tram itineraries are only from Syntagma to S.E.F (in Neo Faliro) and from Syntagma to Asklipio Voulas. From Monday to Thursday, trams operate from 5.am until midnight and non-stop from Friday morning to Sunday midnight. www.tramsa.gr
TAXIS from the airport cost about e20 to Syntagma Square, e25 to Piraeus, depending on traffic. Between midnight and 5am double tariff applies. Note: If you suspect that you have been overcharged, you can call the tourist police 0n 171
INTERCITY BUSES Terminal 1: Buses for Igoumenitsa, Ioannina, Kavala, Loutraki, Patra, the Peloponese, and Thessaloniki. Kifissou 100Tel: 210.512.4910-1, www.ktel.org Terminal 2: Buses for Delphi, Evia, Galaxidi, Karpenisi, Katerini, Lamia, Livadia, Thiva and Volos. Liosion 260.
RADIO TAXI Enotita Tel: 210.645.9000 Ermis Tel: 210.411.5200 Ikarus Tel: 210.515.2800 Kifissia Tel: 210.801.4000 Piraeus Tel: 210.418.2333 Radio Taxi Glyfada Tel: 210.960.5600 There is a booking fee of e1 added to the meter.
Sea ports Piraeus Tel: 210.422.6000-4 Rafina Tel: 22940.22300, 22940.28888
Sea ports & Ferries
Airport
Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport, Spata. Tel: 210.353.0000, 210.353.1000. www.aia.gr.
Car rental
Airlines
Aegean Tel: 801.11.20000 Air France Tel: 210.998.0222 Air Malta Tel: 210.965.2300-22 Alitalia Tel: 210.998.8888 American Tel: 210.361.3373 Air Taxis (Helicopter and plane charters) Tel: 210.938.4149 Austrian Tel: 210.960.1244 British Airways Tel: 801.11.56000 BMI Tel: 210.960.0942 Continental Tel: 210.353.4312 Cyprus Airways Tel: 210.353.4100 Delta Tel: 210.331.1673-6 Easy Jet Tel: 210.353.0300 El Al Tel: 210.934.1500-1 Emirates Tel: 210.933.3400 Etihad Tel: 210.960.56.08 Gulf Air Tel: 210.322.0851 Iberia Tel: 210.353.6004 KLM Tel: 210.998.0333 Lufthansa Tel: 210.617.5200 Olympic Airways Tel: 210.966.6666 SAS Tel: 210.353.0373 Swiss / Crossair Tel: 210.617.5320 Turkish Tel: 210.353.7280-2
Ferries Ferries run year-round. For information on seasonal schedules contact a travel agent or call the Port Police on 210.422.6000 From the Port of Piraeus Northern and Eastern Aegean Islands: Gates A & B Chios, Ikaria, Lesvos, Samos, Dodecanese Islands: Gate E Kalymnos, Kos Leros, Patmos, Rhodes, Saronic Gulf Islands: Gates G & E Aegina, Hydra, Poros, Spetses, Crete: Gate A Aghios Nikolaos, Chania, Iraklio, Kastelli (Kissamos), Rethymno, Cycladic Islands:
Thessaloniki: 2310.560.700 www.superfast.com Hellenic Seaways 210 41 99 000 www.hellenicseaways.gr, Anek Lines www.anek.gr Domestic lines: 210 41 97 420 International lines: 210 41 97 430 Minoan Lines www.minoan.gr Tel:801 11 75 000
YACHT CHARTERS A1 Yacht Trade Consortium Akti Themistokleous 8, Marina Zeas, Piraeus. Tel: 210.458.7100 Ghiolman Yachts Filellinon 7, Syntagma. Tel: 210.323.0330 Nava Yachts Loudovikou Sq. 6, Piraeus. Tel: 210.417.7728 Northstar Poseidonos 54, P. Faliro. Tel: 210.988.4000 PGA Alimou & Poseidonos, Alimos. Tel: 210.985.9400 Seahorse Alkyonidon 83 (Marina), Voula. Tel: 210.895.2212, 210.895.6733 Seascape Poseidonos Ave. 29, Alimos. Tel/Fax: 210.985.8301 Valef Yachts Pl. Chatzikonstanti 2, Piraeus. Tel:210.451.2010 Vernicos Yachts Posidonos 11, Kalamaki. Tel: 210.985.0122-8
Gates B, G & D
Astipalea, Folegandros, Kimolos, Kithnos, Milos, Serifos, Sifnos: Gate B Amorgos, Donoussa, Ios, Iraklia, Koufonissi, Mykonos, Santorini, Schinoussa, Syros, Tinos: Gates G&D Naxos, Paros: Gate G
Superfast Ferries Daily departures, Greece - Italy: from Patras and Igoumenitsa to Ancona and Bari Head office: 23-125 Syngrou Avenue & 3 Torva Street 11745 Athens. Tel:210.891.9000 Reservations: Athens: 210.891.9130
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athens citysales mappoints For central Athens points, see i on map EASTERN SUBURBS Gerakas: Mini Market Milionis: 131, Marathonos Avenue Pallini: Bookshop Bouzas: 63, Marathonos Street Peania: Bookshop Tangopoulos: Agias Triados Street
NORTHERN SUBURBS AG.PARASKEVI: Mini Market Avarakis: 3, Themistokleous Street, Kiosk Theodoropoulos: 8, Polytechniou Street DIONYSSOS: Kiosk Michail: 4, Mitropolitou Kydonion Street EKALI: Kiosk Kyrpoglou: Vassileos Pavlou Square FILOTHEI: Kiosk Roupa: Drossopoulou Square, Super Market Kyriakopoulos: 11, M.Renieri Street, Mini Market Plati: 27, V.Georgiou Street HALANDRI: Mini Market Kyriakou: 3, Lykourgou Street, Kiosk Drizos: V. Konstantinou & V.Georgiou Street, Bookshop Evripidis: 11, V.Konstantinou Street, Mini Market Bakatsia: 46, Pendelis Avenue, Bookshop Vivliostyl: 34, Olympou Street, Mini Market Tsakiri: 76, Ag.Antoniou Street HOLARGOS: Kiosk Bekiaris: 212, Messogion Aveue, Kiosk Tambouridis: 256, Messogion Avenue KEFALARI: Kiosk Glentzis: Patr.Maximou & Apergi Square KIFISSIA: Kiosk Karadouman: 36-38, Kyriazi Street, Bookshop Gioggaras: 34, Elaion Street, Kiosk Koutsodimou: 308, Kifissias Avenue MAROUSSI: Tobacco & Gifts Tsitsilonis: 41-43, Kifissias Avenue, Tobacco & Gifts Raptis: 64, Kifissias Street, Kiosk Stefanopoulos: 46, Kifissias Street, Mini Market Kitsios: 43, Grammoou & Dionyssou Street MELISSIA: Kiosk Manikas: 75, Dimokratias Avenue, Mini Market Koufopandelis: 28, Pigis Street NEA ERYTHREA: Kiosk Anastassopoulos: 142, Harilaou Trikoupi Street, Bookshop Giannaki: 169, Eleftheriou Venizelou Street, Newsstand: 20 klm National Road Athens-Lamia, Kiosk Konidakis: Thisseos Avenue & Papadaki, Kiosk Kallergis: 130, Tatoiou Street NEO PSYCHIKO: Kiosk Katichidis: E.Makariou & Michalakopoulou Street, Kiosk Doukas: 44, Diamantidou Street, Kiosk Gionis: 25, Chr.Smyrnis & Ag.Georgiou Street PAPAGOU: Mini Market Papavassiliou: 16, Ellispontou Street
PALEO PSYCHIKO: Kiosk Kyriakou: Solomou Square, Kiosk Gialama: Efkalypton Square, Kiosk Polydoros: Kifissias & Ag.Dimitriou Street, Kiosk Kalogeropoulos: V. GeorgiouSquare, Kiosk Kontabasis: 2, Amaryllidos & V. Pavlou Street, Kiosk Kalfagian: V. Georgiou B’ 11 POLITIA: Kiosk Vovlas: Politia Square VRILISSIA : Kiosk Theodoropoulou: 5, Analypsi Square, Kiosk Aggelopoulos: Pendelis Avenue & Omirou, Bookshop Karystinaiou: 69, Alefiou Street
SOUTHERN SUBURBS GLYFADA : Kiosk Tamourantzis: 3, Metaxa & Maragou Street, Kiosk Tsakanikas: 3, Lambraki Street, Kiosk Mavraki: Pandoras & Ioanni Metaxa, Kiosk Adamopoulos: 20, Ioanni Metaxa Street, Kiosk Papadakou: 7, Ioanni Metaxa Street, Kiosk Haikal: 1, Ioanni Metaxa & Fivis Street, Kiosk Bolota: Gounari & Iraklitou Street, Kiosk Bellou: 5, Saki Karagiorga Street, Mini Market Agiokatsikos: 24, Ilias Street HELLINIKO : NewsStand: 43-47, Vouliagmenis Avenue ILIOUPOLIS : Super Market Kokossis: 5, Glastonos Street LAGONISI: Kiosk Vassiliadis: 37,5 klm Athinon-Souniou Avenue NEA SMYRNI: Kiosk Manoussos: 28, Eleftheriou Venizelou Street VARKIZA: Kiosk Paraskevopoulou: Varkiza Square VOULA: Kiosk Leontopoulos: 12, Sokratous Street, Mini Market Pournara: 33, Pringipos Petrou Street, Kiosk Christopoulou: V. Pavlou & Ag. Ioanni Street VOULIAGMENI: Kiosk Andrioti: Armonias Square, Kiosk Chryssikos: 1, Ermou Street, Kiosk Kylitis: 14, Thisseos Street PALEO FALIRO: Kiosk Kombogianni: 1, Ag. Alexandrou Street, Kiosk Kapetanou: 24, Achilleos Street, Mini Market Nikouli: 9, Pliadon Street, Tobacco & Gifts Berekos: 1, Possidnos Avenue & Moraitini Street PIRAEUS: Hand Delivery Telstar: 57, Akti Miaouli, Tourist Chop Siatras: 46, Akti Koumoundourou Street, Kiosk Samarogiannis: 7, Merarhias B’Street, Kiosk Siaho: Akti Moutsopoulou (Kanari Square), Kiosk Kentros: 73, Iroon Polytechniou Street, Kiosk Fotis : 1, Loudovikou Street, Kiosk Spalas: 111, Karaiskou Street, Newsstand: Railway Station Loudovikou Square
www.mysephora.gr For central Athens stores, see on map ASPROPIRGOS Filis 100 & Bouboulinas, Tel: 210.558.0989 ERMOU Ermou 24 Tel: 210. 331.3167 & 325.7744 KALLITHEA Thisseos & Davaki, Tel: 210.956.5959 - 956.5446 KIFISSIA Kassaveti 6 Tel: 210.623.1741 & 623.1742 KORYDALLOS Taxiarhon 110A, Tel: 210.569.5270 569.5998 THE MALL, Notios Paradromos Attikis Odou, Tel: 210.630.0125 & 630.0126 AVENUE Kifissias 41-45, Tel: 210.610.9739 & 610.9740
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GOLDEN HALL Kifissias Av. 37A & Sp. Louis, Tel: 210.683.7343 PANGRATI Ymittou 110 & Hremonidou, Tel: 210.751.8005 GLYFADA A. Metaxa 33-35 , Tel: 210. 894.3378 & 894.5884 KOLONAKI Milioni 2, Tel: 210. 361.2666 & 362.9925 NEA MAKRI Marathonos Av. 117, Tel: 229.409.9661 PERISTERI Ethnikis Antistaseos 12, Tel: 210. 571.0755 PETROU RALLI Petrou Ralli 97, Tel: 210. 569.6596 & 569.7316 PIKERMI 21oklm. Marathonos Av. , Tel: 210. 603.9987 PSYCHIKO Kifissias 210, Tel: 210. 677.5527 & 674.0178 VRILISSIA Pentelis Av. . 72, Tel: 210. 810.1971 & 810.1972
city map
Map courtesy of Emvelia Publications
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KA L E I DOS COP E
The Carnival or ‘apokries’ have been celebrated in Greece for centuries and has always been associated with revelry and satire. It is a period of purging ones inhibitions before Pure Monday and the beginning of the Lenten fast. Revellers get creative in disguising themselves as deposed dictators or mirror their economic woes by taking potshots at the establishment. Angelos Giotopoulos scanned the city’s streets and hit the coolest parties in town to capture the essence of the festivities.
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84 insider athens | March 2011