To celebrate its 13th birthday today, Monday 20 June 2022, the Acropolis Museum is inviting visitors to its exhibition areas with reduced tickets (5 euro), a live concert and the opening of a wonderful new exhibition.
The Museum will be open from 8 am to 4 pm today with reduced tickets to all exhibition areas, and at 3 pm, visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy music by the Woodwind Quintet of the Athens State Orchestra.
Image by the Acropolis Museum
From today until January 8, 2023 the Acropolis Museum will present the exhibition program “Ton Athinithen athlon. Panathenaic amphorae from Toronto, Canada back to their birthplace”, with two exquisite vessels created in Athens over 2,500 years ago. They are Panathenaic amphorae, vessels filled with oil that was given as a prize to the victors of contests held during the festival of the Great Panathenaia. One side is decorated with the figure of Athena Promachos and the other with scenes related to the games for which they were given as prizes.
The two vessels from the Royal Ontario Museum will be exhibited in the Parthenon Gallery, relating to the great temple’s frieze, where Pheidias and his collaborators artfully carved the Panathenaic procession.
This presentation is an event taking place simultaneously with the presentation “From Athens to Toronto: A Greek Masterpiece Revealed” at the Royal Ontario Museum where the Acropolis Kore 670 is on display from March 2022. The event has been organised as part of cultural exchanges between the Acropolis Museum and other great museums abroad, contributing to the enhancement of friendly relations between the people of different countries.
The Sani Festival in Halkidiki will be celebrating its 30-year anniversary with a special performance by the world’s beloved tenor, Andrea Bocelli.
Every summer, from July to August, Sani Festival at Sani Resort brings together Greek and international artists. Set in glorious open-air surroundings of the natural amphitheatre surrounding the castle ruins upon Sani Hill, this unique location provides the perfect atmospheric arena that holds up to 3,000 guests.
World’s leading tenor Andrea Bocelli
Rooted in jazz, the first Sani Festival took place in 1992 and since then, the programme has diversified and the venues expanded to accommodate a wide programme of music and performing arts, from classical music to modern dance and musical theatre.
“This year, 2022, we’ll be honouring the history of the Festival, celebrating its 30th anniversary with a wonderful range of performances including Andrea Bocelli, who will put his signature on the last day of the celebratory Sani Festival on August 20th, the most anticipated music event of the summer! Recognised as an icon of the greatest Italian vocal tradition, he has managed to bring classical music to the top of the global charts, with albums like Romanza, Sacred Arias, Sì and Believe,” announced the organisers of the event this week.
From July 9 through to August 20, there will be a range of top-class concerts with some of the world’s best artists on stage from the jazz, pop and rock genre, including renowned musician Bob Geldof and the Bobkatz, Afro-Cuban artists Chuco Valdés and Paquito D’Rivera, beloved artist and a Greek audience favourite, Jack Savoretti; as well as leading Greek performers such as Manolis Mitsias, Christos Thivaios, Eleni Tsaligopoulou, Penni Baltatzi Dimitris Basis, Rena Morfi, Doros Dimosthenous, Rita Antonopoulou, Kostas Thomaidis and Kalliopi Pouska.
“This musical embrace of the Mediterranean is a tribute to Sani Festival in Halkidiki, which has always celebrated multiculturalism in music. With performances in Greek and foreign languages, the programme features songs much loved in our country and abroad,” conclude the event’s organisers.
It’s time to put those sweaters and coats away and bring out the bikinis and classic one-pieces for your summer 2022 holidays, with the best Greek swimwear brands.
As the bright spring weather transitions into warm summer days, it’s officially time to ditch the winter wardrobe and start celebrating the summer season with some sophisticated new swimwear.
And when it comes to finding new summer pieces, there are so many options and designs to choose from, so we’ve rounded up the best Greek swimwear brands for you- that will have you looking cool and stylish this season!
Each piece is carefully thought out, as the modern, yet timeless designs are made for every body type; and their range can easily take you from a long, lazy day at the beach, straight to an outdoor bar for evening drinks. Holyday’s latest collection has us obsessing over their baby blue range!
A swimwear and resort wear brand with floral suits, classic bikinis and one-pieces; this year Georgia Theodosiou has added a few scoop neck one-pieces, and classic white bikinis. Our fave is the navy one-shoulder piece!
Each season, the designer experiments with new materials and styles- and whether it’s bold colours, classic black bikinis, or geometric patterns you are after- the 2022 collection has something to suit every style and taste.
Whether you are off to the Amalfi Coast, Cycladic islands, (or anywhere in between) this swimwear range is made for sunny European days and balmy nights!
Creating sophisticated and effortless swimsuits, Zeus + Dione has kept with the brand’s overall classic style this season, with the pieces being Grecian-inspired in both design and colour. For 2022, we can’t get past their elegant and timeless one-pieces!
On the 14th of May 1920, Komotini was freed after centuries of Ottoman and Bulgarian occupation.
It was one of the last cities that joined the newly established Hellenic Republic after the country’s independence. To commemorate this, every year in May, the people of Komotini celebrate the Freedom of Thrace in a row of festivities called “The Eleftheria”. Starting on the second day of the month, the festivities last for 16 days with several events taking place around the city including traditional dances, exhibitions, feasts and more.
This year an extra special event takes place, the International Conference on the 100 Years of Komotini’s Freedom which was cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions for the past two years, consecutively.
Here is the program of anniversary events for the 102 Years of Freedom in detail.
Monday, May 2 8.00 p.m. In the streets of the city starting from the Tobacco Warehouse up to the square, bagpipers of the Laboratory of the House of Tradition and Folklore “Philotechnes” will play music across the city.
Tuesday, 3 May 8.30 p.m. Cultural Movement Mikros Diakomos presents the play “Minotaur”. It is a musical performance with elements of performance and dance.
Wednesday, 4 May 6.30 p.m. Read of the book “Deceiving Time” written by Anastasis Vistonitis at the local public library, Tsanakleios School organized by the Directorate of Secondary Education of Rodopi.
8.30 p.m. The Cultural Movement of Rodopi organises a Jazz Concert with the 14-member Big Band “Allegro” under the direction of Nikos Ieronymos.
Thursday, 5 May 6.30 p.m. A presentation on “Konstantinos Karatheodori in Smyrna on the eve of the Asia Minor Catastrophe”. A history lesson presented by the Karatheodori Museum on the life, work and educational activities of Konstantinos Karatheodori, the famous Greek mathematician of Einstein. The event takes place at Tsanakleios School.
9.00 p.m. Live with the band “Endless Stream” at the city’s Central Square.
Friday, 6 May 10.00 a.m. The first GREEN FEST, a festival underlying the ecological issues are planet is currently facing, organised by The Youth and Volunteering Center “Exagono” of the Municipality of Komotini in collaboration with the Directorate of Primary Education of Rodopi and FOLLOW GREEN takes place. The event includes educational floor games and interactive actions for the environment such as the importance of recycling and the negative effects of sea pollution. The event is mainly for the students of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 8th, 9th and 13th High School of Komotini. Moreover, vegan food cooked by the students of the Public vocational school of Komotini in collaboration with the Association for the Care of People with Special Needs “Agioi Theodoroi” will be available to the public.
07.00 p.m. The formal opening of the Conference for the 100 years of Komotini’s Freedom with Konstantinos Hatzopoulos presenting “The entry of the Greek army in Thrace and the integration of the region in Greece” The conference will take place at the Papanikolaou Foundation, from 6-8 May.
9.00 p.m. A live music concert – Tribute to the great composer Mikis Theodorakis with Giannis Kallaris “In the Dream the Balcony” will take place at the Komotini Summer Theater. The mixed choir of the Association of Evrites of “E.CHO” participates.
Saturday, May 7
9.30 a.m. The second day of the Conference for the 100 years of Komotini’s Freedom at Papanikolaou Foundation.
12.00 p.m. A presentation on “The 1st POCKET PARK IN KOMOTINI” at the Intersection of Vyronos and Makedonias streets. The Municipal Council of Youth of Komotini with the Youth and Volunteering Center “Exagono” contribute to the transformation of an abandoned space into a cradle of greenery, a pocket of green! The members of the Municipal Council of Youth of Komotini, volunteers and citizens will meet at the site where the park will be created and will make the first tree and aromatic plants planting.
8.00 p.m. Folklore dance groups from the area will dance under the music of the local band “Thrakomelo”.
8.30 p.m. Myrsini Latzouraki Theatrical Workshop “On Stage” presents the play “Flight 1702 08, Kosovo” at DIPETHE Komotinis.
9.00 p.m. The “Evmolpos” Choir under the direction of Mr. Sakis Vargemetzidis will sing at the Cultural Movement.
Sunday, May 8 9.30 a.m. Last day of the Conference for the 100 years of Komotini’s Freedom at Papanikolaou Foundation.
9.00 a.m. The Youth and Volunteering Center “Exagono” in collaboration with the Mountaineering Association of Komotini and the Panhellenic Association of Foresters and Natural Environment Managers, plan educational hiking on the beautiful and picturesque trails in the areas of Nymfaia, Parcharia, Neromuloi. The meeting point where the excursion will start is The Great Heroon (Spathi). During the hike, a representative from the Forest Service will share with the participants their knowledge and useful information regarding the flora of the forest. After the hike, there will be a climbing demonstration at the Symbols. The action is supported by the Greek Red Cross.
11.00 a.m. The House of Culture, Tradition and Folklore “Philotechnes” celebrates World Dance Day at the courtyard of I.N. Annunciation of the Virgin.
8.30 p.m. Myrsini Latzouraki Theatrical Workshop “On Stage” presents the play “Flight 1702 08, Kosovo” at DIPETHE Komotinis.
Monday, May 9 6.00 p.m. “Exagon” in collaboration with the Ecological Group of Rodopi, grO2be and the ORGANIZATION EARTH is planning an open dialogue about Nature for those with ecological concerns. The event takes place at Pandrosos Museum of Natural History.
06.00 p.m. Opening of an exhibition of Thracian artists at Papanikolaou Foundation. The exhibition will last until the 14th of May.
6.30 p.m. Tribute to the Mayors of Epirus of Komotini at the Tsanakleios School.
Tuesday, 10 May 10:00 a.m. At the Vegetable Gardens of Komotini (OAED) “Exagono” in collaboration with the GI (Earth) Organization, the Spores of Rodopi and the support of environmental organizations of the city, plan the “From the field to the plate in a sustainable way”, an interactive way for people to learn more about food production and waste.
7.30 p.m. Presentation of the novel “Tracca The Witch of Thrace” by Nagia Dalakoura in collaboration with KLEIDARITHMOS publications and the DIMOKRITIO bookstore at the Byzantine castle of Komotini. Marika Pournara, a local lawyer, will talk about the book.
8.30 p.m. Traditional song concert with Theodosis Abatzianis “With two homelands in the heart,” A journey to the ends of the Universe guided by the song at the central square of Komotini.
Wednesday, 11 May 6.00 p.m. Annual photo exhibition of the Photographic Group of Komotini at the Tobacco warehouse. The exhibition will last until the 18th of May.
7.00 p.m. Festive Byzantine Music live concert at the Papanikolaou Foundation in collaboration with the Association of Friends of Byzantine Music of the Metropolis of Maronia.
8.30 p.m. REX Concert with Zoe Tiganourias and Michalis Sourvinos. The two distinguished soloists masterfully combine the sounds of their musical instruments (accordion & guitar) in a program based on the Nuevo Tango of Argentina (celebrating the 100th anniversary of the birth of the unique Astor Piazzolla), but also in masterpieces of great composers from Europe and America to their own compositions. Stelios Generalis also participates in percussion.
Thursday, 12 May 6.30 p.m. Book presentation for “The first rains” by Spyros Kiosse at the Tsanakleios School. Tassos grew up in a popular provincial neighborhood of Komotini in the late ’70s, a transitional period for Greek society. A short story about adulthood, with all the innocence and tragedy that characterizes the most critical period of human life.
7.30 p.m. “1922 -2022: 100 years since the Asia Minor catastrophe” at the Papanikolaou Foundation. Speech by Mr. Nikolaos Intzesiloglou, Emeritus Professor of History, Philosophy and Sociology of Law.
9.00 p.m. “Here to stay” is a live concert with the magnificent Eleftheria Arvanitaki at the central square.
Friday, 13 May 10:30 a.m. Official raising of the historic flag of the city by the Mayor of Komotini, Ioannis Garanis at the Central Heroon (Spathi). Representatives of the Local Government, the authorities of the XXI Armored Brigade and the Honorary Military Procession will be present. A Memorial prayer and laying of wreaths will follow.
07.00 p.m. Reception of the holy icon of the Mother of God of the holy monastery of Panagia Faneromeni Vathyrryakos. Reception of the icon and its procession to the Holy Cathedral of the Annunciation of the Theotokos of Komotini, where a vespers with a bread class will be held.
8.00 p.m. Folklore dance groups will dance under the melody of the band “Orpheus”.
9.00 p.m. Speech about the Freedom of Thrace by Prof. Angelos Palikidis, Associate Professor of History Teaching, Department of History & Ethnology, Democritus University of Thrace at the Papanikolaou Foundation.
Saturday, 14 May 7.00 a.m. Doxology at the Holy Cathedral of the Annunciation of the Virgin. After the eulogy, the solemnity of the day will be recited. Laying of wreaths at the Central Heroon and a parade of The Cultural Organizations, the students, the Armed Forces and the Greek Police will follow.
8.00 a.m. 2nd “Brevert Eleftheria Thrace” 2022 at the Central Square. The event with the international code title “Brevet Eleftheria Thrace” has received an official license to organize events Brevets de Randonneurs Mondiaux (BRM) and has been part of the official international calendar ACP program since September 2020. It concerns the crossing of 210 km through many five local houses and five different municipalities (Municipality of Komotini, Municipality of Arriana, Municipality of Maronia Sapon, Municipality of Vistonida, Municipality of Iasmos) in two Regional Associations of Rodopi and Xanthi.
8.00 p.m. Dance groups are accompanied by the band “Lalitades of Rodopi” at Central Square.
Sunday, 15 May 11.00 a.m. At the west entrance of Panthrakikos Stadium, the Equestrian Club of Komotini is waiting for the public to show them their four-legged friends.
9.00 p.m. Concert with Georgia Ntagaki at the Central Square. With her beautiful melodies, songs and lyre, Georgia Ntagaki travels and enchants the people of Komotini with her band.
Monday, 16 May 7.30 p.m. Since 1977 the International Museum Council has been organizing the International Museum Day at the Folklore Museum of Komotini. The aim of this year’s theme of celebration “The Power of Museums” is to highlight the role of museum spaces in the issue of Mental Health in the difficult times of modern society.
Tuesday, 17 May 9.00 p.m. Concert with the band “As Old” at the Central Square.
Wednesday, 18 May 7.30 p.m. Revival of chant in the streets of the city and around the Komotini Club starting from the Central Square. Organization: Cultural Association of the Byzantine Fortress of Komotini. The “Evmolpos” Choir participates.
The program is presented by journalist Irini Tsakiri.
Sandals are a summer wardrobe essential and Greek designers are leaders in creating these sensible yet stylish shoes that can effortlessly be worn from day to night!
We’ve rounded up our favourite Greek sandal brands that produce elegant flat shoes; handmade by highly skilled local craftsmen, using traditional, and in some cases centuries-old techniques.
Elina Linardaki
This Athens-based brand was created in 2014 by a mother and daughter duo and has now become an internationally known luxury made-to-order shoe brand- featuring pom-poms, semi-precious stones; as well as bold and colourful embellishments.
Kyma Sandals
These traditional Greek leather sandals are inspired by the beauty and aesthetic of the Greek islands. Handmade in Athens, using a range of vegetable-tanned vachetta leather, KYMA sandals are designed to be worn from a casual day at the beach through to evening drinks by the sea.
Ancient Greek Sandals
Established in 2012, Ancient Greek Sandals are a modern footwear label for both men and women. Inspired by traditional Greek myth and style, the label is focused on creating wearable and laid-back sandals using local artisans and traditional techniques. Each sandal is handmade using sustainable, natural, and chemical-free vegetable-tanned leather.
Valia Gabriel
These carefully handmade sandals are created using the finest leathers from all around the country, with each pair reflecting minimalist lines and earthy tones. The design blends together classic and modern elements, creating timeless shoes that can be worn for many seasons.
Olympian Sandals
These handcrafted luxury Greek sandals are made of quality leather and are well-designed, using traditional techniques passed down from generation to generation for centuries. Each pair is uniquely inspired by original ancient Greek culture, art, and mythology and blended with modern designs.
Sandalaki
Inspired by the minimalism and simplicity of the Greek lifestyle, Sandalaki (based in Thessaloniki) designs sandals that combine Ancient Greek tradition with modern touches. Each pair is exclusively handcrafted in Greece using the highest quality and traditional techniques by local craftsmen.
Melissinos
Melissinos in Monastiraki, Athens has been a favourite sandal destination for celebrities including Sophia Loren, Jackie O, The Beatles, Barbara Streisand, Jeremy Irons, Sarah Jessica Parker and Leonard Cohen. Established in 1920 by Georgios Melissinos, whose son, Stavros aka ‘The Poet’, took over in 1954 and who passed it on to his own son Pantelis (Poet & Artist), in 2004.
The iconic Piraeus Tower is undergoing a major redevelopment that will see it become a contemporary, bioclimatic landmark of Athens and Greece’s first certified “green” high-rise building.
Located along the starting point of Athens Riviera, Piraeus Tower is a 34,600 sqm, 22-storey building that rises 88 metres above sea level. Once completed, the sustainable building that boasts panoramic views will host the first “green” retail, food and beverage space in Greece, along with luxury office spaces and a terrace overlooking Piraeus Port.
The original tower was completed in 1975 but except for the first three floors, the interior has never been occupied. In 2020, Dimand SA and Prodea Investments came to an agreement with the Municipality of Piraeus to transform the tower into modern offices, retail, and restaurants, with architecture studio PILA redesigning the façade of the building.
Retail HallOffice SpacesRestaurants
According to officials, the Piraeus Tower “will consist of a structure that is visually intriguing and incorporates strategies in order to drastically reduce the energy consumption of the building. The façade is conceived in order to integrate the structure into the daily life of the city and to enhance the lives of citizens and the users of the building.
“The design mediates the scale of the city and that of the tower, engaging the prospect of offering amazing exterior spaces and sharing breathtaking views. A shading structure consisting of vertical and horizontal overhangs clads the volume of the tower. Each vertical fin is horizontally displaced from one floor to the next and creates a spring pattern that wraps around the building.”
The rejuvenation of Piraeus Tower is expected to be completed by September 2023.
Nemertes combine the principles of self-care, holistic wellness, eco-conscience and the purest natural ingredients. Here are the reasons why they’re our favourite new Greek beauty brand and my tried and tested account of some of their feel-good products.
The Greek company collaborates with award-winning producers from around the country to source the best raw materials each region or farmer can provide, such as organic extra virgin olive oil from Crete, the Peloponnese and Western Greece as one of the base ingredients in their face and body care ranges. Their products also contain many valuable and skin-loving oils such as argan oil, wheat germ oil, castor oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, shea butter, and cocoa butter, and are enriched with essential oils, herbs, and other ingredients with healing properties used since antiquity.
The brand sees its luxurious products as a means to an end, and it’s not just about looking good: “Your physical health, mental euphoria, and a positive attitude to life are the most vital qualities we seek to offer! Our products represent something deeper than just beauty and health; they stand for self-love and everyday evolution. Our goal is to help each person develop the confidence to realize any self-improvement goal and inspire them to contribute meaningfully to society.”
Being environmentally friendly is another key priority for the company, so they use alternative energy sources to supply their production unit. Their product core ingredients extraction is being granted without the use of chemical solvent and their products are packaged in recyclable packaging Meanwhile they’re setting up a new service through which collaborating artists will create art on the packages of used products that customers will be asked to return, turning them into decorative objects.
Nemertes products are sold online via their eshop as well as in luxury Spas, 5-Star hotels (for which they’ve created a Welcome Gift Kit for guests) and high-end clothes boutiques. In the near future, the brand plans to create a children’s product series in collaboration with parenting and mental health consultants. “We will be creating a holistic package including practical advice on the physical care of babies, their dietary habits and also their spiritual and mental wellbeing.” Soon they will also be launching a new Exclusive series that will be based on award-winning organic wild oil and will contain gold leaves.
Tried & Tested Products
I had the pleasure of trying the following products-
Moisturizing body oil (Mandarin) & Moisturizing body oil (Sweet Fig) These indulgent oils – the mandarin cheering and invigorating and the fig sensual and relaxing – smell incredible, like the real thing. I used a few drops of either oil in my bath, or as a perfume on my chest, neck and behind my ears, because the aroma of each is both therapeutic and lasts a long time. They leave the skin feeling soft and plump.
Face oil
Nemertes Face Oil is 100% Organic and offers a unique formula designed to maximize the results of your overall skincare regime. Containing Wild Rose oil, Rose Essential Oil and Evening Primrose oil, the formula is rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Rose Essential Oil has properties that moisturize dry skin and anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties to treat redness and inflammation. Evening Primrose oil is packed with crucial Omega-6 Fatty Acids and strong antioxidant properties that help prevent the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. Although rich, it doesn’t leave an oily residue on the skin and it smells amazing! I found that it made my skin feel plumper and look more glowy, rosy and alive.
Bath & Shower Mandarin
Like the mandarin oil, this shower gel has a vibrant, mood-boosting and natural smell of mandarin that stays on the skin after you’ve dried off. It feels soothing and refreshing at once.
Assouline’s new hardcover book brings the Greek Islands to life using glorious colourful photography and text that gives a real sense of nostalgia.
Curated by Athens-based businessmen/ art collector/ restaurateur Chrysanthos Panas, and photographer/ travel writer Katerina Katopis-Lykiardopulo- the latest book in Assouline’s collectible travel series captures the unique spirit and mythology of the Greek islands.
From the Cyclades to the Dodecanese, the new hardback book celebrates the beauty, serenity and diversity of the Greek islands- showcasing a range of stunning beaches, natural landscapes, rich history, and friendly locals- making it a lovely gift for those who escape to the Aegean at every opportunity.
Beautifully presented, readers are invited to explore over 300 pages that are filled with authentic architecture, ancient ruins, cliffside monasteries, volcanic rims, striking azure waters, and a laid-back Greek island vibe- depicted in the striking images and carefully chosen words that will have you mesmerised for hours.
“Venturing on an Odyssey of their own, the author and the photographer boarded a traditional Greek sailboat and set out to capture the calming atmosphere, quintessential characters and breathtaking architecture of these gems of the Aegean. A spectacular journey re-created in the pages of Greek Islands,” says the publisher.
Athens’ Acropolis Museum is set to welcome visitors for the summer season, by extending its opening hours into the evening and offering stunning night views of the Acropolis from the restaurant terrace every Friday and Saturday until midnight.
The Museum’s hours from April 1 through to October 31, 2022, will be:
Monday, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm Tuesday to Sunday, 8:00 am – 8:00 pm, and Friday, 8:00 am – 10:00 pm.
The Acropolis Museum has also added a new cycle of presentations to the Museum’s archaeological excavation with its ‘Walking in the ancient neighbourhood of the Acropolis Museum’ tour that will take place every Saturday and Monday.
Visitors will be guided by the Museum’s archaeologists, and given the opportunity to wander through the archaeological excavation which stretches underneath the Museum, like a giant exhibit. Visitors will be able to walk on the ancient neighborhood’s streets, take a closer look at the houses with their courtyards and wells, enter the heart of the impressive mansions with private baths, examine the workshops with the water reservoirs; and take a magical stroll through time and the daily life of the people who lived in the shadow of the Acropolis’ rock for over 4,500 years.
Details for the new Presentation are as follows:
English: every Saturday & Monday, at 11 a.m. Greek: every Saturday & Monday, at 1 p.m. Duration: 45 minutes Participation: For registration, refer to the Information Desk at the Museum entrance on the same day. Limited to 20 visitors per session. First-in first-served. Only the general admission fee to the Museum is required (10 €).
The adult gallery talks ‘Afternoons in the Acropolis Museum’ and ‘Saturday in the Museum with 20+1 masterpieces’ will continue as per the winter schedule.
At a tranquil bay on the island of Patmos, you will find a breathtaking 19thCentury beach house that’s been beautifully restored and designed for guests to unwind, relax and take in the stunning sea views.
Within steps from Merikas Bay, the seafront villa “Merikas” is ideally located- as it’s just a three-minute drive from the island’s port and 10 minutes away from Chora, allowing guests to easily explore the island.
Inspired by the traditional architecture of Patmos, this exceptionally designed house offers guests privacy, tranquility, and all the modern comforts- without losing its authentic and traditional charm.
With respect to the island’s rich history and culture, the beach house has been carefully restored using mostly local materials and the chic interiors and decor (designed by the talented Studio Krokalia in collaboration with Studio Pale) include boho style furniture and decor pieces custom made by local artisans.
The holiday villa features one bedroom, two bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, a dining area and a separate living area that opens up to a beautiful terrace- where guests can enjoy the majestic views of Merikas Bay and Skala harbour.
Upstairs is where the spacious bedroom is found, with an ensuite and a private balcony. There are also two sofa beds in the living room- sleeping four guests in total.
The property also offers an outdoor garden dining area, BBQ, private parking; as well as WiFi, laundry, and a fireplace for those who wish to stay here in the cooler months.
Combining simple elegance, tradition, comfort, and privacy, this holiday home is perfect for a summer stay in Patmos.
Today, March 25, marks an incredibly special day in Greece, as the country and Greeks worldwide celebrate Greek Independence Day.
On March 25 every year in Greece and among the diaspora, Greek Independence Day is commemorated with parades, ceremonies and celebrations- marking the country’s Revolution of 1821, against Ottoman rule.
Since 1838 when Otto was the King of Greece, March 25th commemorates the official start date of the Greek War of Independence against the Ottoman Empire. This national holiday is observed on this day throughout the entire country, and the festivities include a grand military parade, as well as organised student school parades.
History of Greek Independence Day
In 1821, Greece became the first country to officially separate from the traditional European monarchy. The Greek Revolution began with the fall of the Ottoman Empire as Greece came under its control. After years of revolts and two civil wars, France, the United Kingdom and Russia intervened and conquered the Ottoman Empire ultimately breaking free of their rule.
On March 25, 1821, the bishop Germanos of Patras raised the Greek flag at the Monastery of Agia Lavra in Peloponnese and one more revolution started against the Turks. The people of Greece shouted, “Eleftheria I Thanatos” (Freedom or Death) and they fought the War of Independence for 9 years (1821-1829) until a small part of modern Greece was finally liberated and it was declared an independent nation.
Festivities in Greece
March 25 is a double holiday, celebrating both a historic event and a religious one, as it’s also the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary, which is honoured with rich Greek traditions and culture, including festivals with folk music, dancing and national costumes paraded around the country. From main cities to remote villages, locals celebrate this day with food and wine, with the traditional dish of the day being Bakaliaros Skordalias (fried salty cod with potato and garlic mash), which is made and served at festivals, taverns and family gatherings.
If you find yourself in the city centre of Athens today you will see streets adorned with Greek flags and many residents awaiting to watch the city’s grand military parade that takes place in the city’s central gathering point – Syntagma Square – and is attended by the President of Greece, important members of the Greek Orthodox Church, as well as other dignitaries.
Four French Rafale fighter jets from the French aircraft carrier “Charles de Gaulle” will join Greek planes and helicopters in the sky above Athens today, during the military parade and French armed forces will also participate in the holiday with the frigate “Alsace”, which will sail into Piraeus port, and a French Navy Guard of Honour without arms at Syntagma Square, which will be accompanied by a Greek military honour guard.
As a big fan of bee products and bees, I was thrilled to discover this organic Greek brand, created by scientists Giorgos Athanasiadis and Chara Mangana on the island of Evia. I interviewed the couple to learn all about their vision and life, and tried some of their products, sharing my experience here.
Giorgos and Chara
Having finished their studies in natural sciences, environmental physics and art, the visionary duo behind the Bee Naturelles beauty, healing and edible product range decided to leave Athens and relocate to Evia island. “We were enamoured by its nature and biodiversity and eager to discover its secrets. We both believe that the sacred honeybee is the connection integrating nature and human beings. Since we had both spent a lot of our childhood years living in natural habitats where honeybees always fascinated us, we wanted to celebrate them. We believe, and there’s a lot of evidence showing, that honeybees are the regenerating force behind nature and humanity,” they say.
Biotechnologist and Tutor Chara Mangana and her partner Giorgos Athanasiadis, an Organic Apiarist, Physicist and Tutor are organic producers with expertise in bee science, natural sciences and remedies, such us beeswax cosmetics (the so-called “Apiceuticals”) who are passionate about bee products and natural ethics and determined to spread knowledge and awareness on this topic. They are partners in life and live year-round with their two sons in Evia. “We’ve been in the bee-siness for a decade now, lovingly creating products in which we combine unprocessed natural ingredients, such as organic beekeeping products, plant and herbal extracts, and essential oils produced with methods that are truly gentle and respectful to nature. The Bee Naturelles mission is to help prevent diseases and enhance your quality of life and overall health, by delivering our multi-awarded (more than 28 awards of quality and taste worldwide!) and highly reputed for their health benefits organic and natural products to the world!”
“Bees are the natural fertilizing power that gives life to everything, literally! They have been declared the most important living beings on this planet by the Earthwatch Institute, because of their pollination activity and so more. Bee products and bee medicine science provide everyday-life solutions to a huge spectrum of skin, body and mental problems. We, as bee ambassadors and Bee Naturalles as a brand, envision that every household should be using bee edible and cosmetic products for its everyday routine solutions and, by that the individual will actively help to the sustainability, regeneration and ethical contribution to and of mother nature and the honey bee!”
Tried & Tested Bee Naturelles Products Review
FACE CREAM FIRMING & RESTORING for mature skin
This yellow cream has a rich but lightweight texture and although initially (for only a couple of minutes) it leaves a shiny residue on the skin it is then completely absorbed and feels like it’s activating the skin’s circulation, making it rosy and bright. This bestselling 24-hour firming facial cream is enriched with propolis, cistus and helichrysum essential oils to provide rich hydration, healing and restoration to tired, dry, or mature skin. I’ve been using it mainly as a night cream to leave it to do its magic while I sleep, and on particularly cold mornings to protect my skin from icy winds.
BEESWAX OINTMENT CALENDULA & CHAMOMILE
Made with pure beeswax with skin-soothing and regenerative calendula and chamomile oils, this ‘Keralifi’, an ointment used traditionally in Greece for millennia and known to have immediate skin-healing properties, is especially recommended for baby skincare, dry and sensitive skin, mild skin irritations and rashes. I used it on my son’s upper lip and nose, which became red and cracked when he had a cold, and literally saw the skin heal considerably within hours of my first application.
BODY CREAM MYISIS INTENSIVE CARE
A rich body cream designed to deliver deep nutrition to the skin and has a strong aroma of relaxing, meditative sandalwood, one of the seven essential oils used in it. It’s suitable for all skin types, especially for dry skin. Using this as I step straight out of the shower and my skin is still a little damp, a little goes a long way and the feeling of hydration and aromatic comfort is lovely.
ORGANIC PROPOLIS TINCTURE
Propolis helps stimulate the immune system, while also being high in antioxidants, antiseptic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and healing properties. It’s also recommended for countering lethargy, brain fog, healing gums and perimenopausal/menopausal symptoms. I have been taking 15 drops in a glass of water (the medicinal taste is a little pronounced but pleasant enough) daily and I have been feeling more energised and clear-headed.
NATURAL SOAP ROSE & GERANIUM SOAP
I’ve really been enjoying switching my shower gel for this creamy soap with a lovely aroma of rose and geranium essential oils that offers a sense of well-being and relaxation. The soothing oils don’t just smell good, they offer the skin moisture. For my face, I’ve been trying the NATURAL SOAP BAMBOO CHARCOAL & SHEA BUTTER in which the essential oils of antibacterial and soothing lavender, invigorating bergamot, mood-lifting patchouli and detoxifying bamboo charcoal with hydrating shea butter leaves my skin soft and nourished.
