The new breed of experience-chasing tourist is no longer content just to sit back and worship the sunset while imbibing on the prized wines made from this sun-drenched rocky marvel. They want to gain first-hand knowledge of Santorini’s unique grape varieties, while at it. Boutari, Santorini’s most celebrated wine label, lets you follow th...
Read moreMaster story teller George Pittas has travelled all across Greece and culled Hellenic culinary traditions from every corner to present his comprehensive Greek Gastronomy Guide. Here, he pays homage to one of Insider’s favourite urban eateries, Café Avissinia, and its humble origins as a tea room in the heart of the flea market. ...
Read moreAncient customs that claim to elevate your Γούρι (Gouri) – your luck - are still widely practised, especially around New Year. Here are the most popular ways to usher in good luck and fortune for the year ahead. Plus, Insider shares a few trusty Greek tips to staying lucky – and warding off misfortune - all year long. As luck...
Read moreVegetarian restaurants and Greeks. They used to be about as popular a pairing as wet weather and weddings. But times they are a-changing, and now this nation of meat lovers is also embracing healthier, more energising diets, (as evidenced by the capital’s growing crop of vegetarian and greened up menus). If you like the sound of feta made...
Read moreAs a general rule, many Athenians prefer to holiday on Greek islands that are convenient to get to – but far away from “the masses”. Amanda Dardanis lists her favourite Athenian Boltholes – all within 3 hours of the capital. (Just don’t tell too many others!) Serifos There’s been a quiet buzz building about the island of Serifo...
Read moreFear of missing out (FOMO) finally led us to the door of Nolan last week: the all-day concept restaurant in Syntagma that’s had fashionable foodies all aflutter since opening in December. At Nolan, Chef Sotiris Kontizas (pictured above right) is masterfully blending shades of Japan, Vietnam, Korea and China with indigenous Gre...
Read moreFrom rebel teen to globally-hailed artist, Stella Sevastopoulos catches up with the acclaimed sculptor Costas Varotsos, best known for his Athenian landmark ‘The Runner’, and encounters living proof that art conquers all. Costas Varotsos has proven that where there’s a will there’s a way. From expelled rebel teenager, to a suc...
Read moreInsider’s books expert Anna Roins delivers her verdict on Victoria Hislop’s latest paean to Greece, Cartes Postale from Greece. Costas, from Dodoni, works on his plot of land, his ‘kipo’, from morning to night to avoid his malodorous wife. One day, he discovers a piece of shimmering white marble under the hardened soil. ‘By mi...
Read moreFor many families living in Athens, half-term school holidays are just around the corner. Make use of Autumn’s awesome climate to sample our pick of fun family adventures that they’ll be only too happy to ditch the ipad for – all in the Great Attica Outdoors. Meet the Magic Horses of Rafina There are many delights on offer at t...
Read moreA trip to the museum just became a much easier sell for families with young children in Athens. The Benaki has opened an exciting new public exhibit “Childhood, Toys, and Games”, housed in an impressive neo-Gothic tower in seaside Faliro. Today’s gadget-obsessed children will receive an illuminating glimpse into a lost world o...
Read moreWhether you've been here for 6 months or 6 years, Greece - and all her crazy, glorious habits - just has a way of getting under your skin. How much of a local have you become? You’ve started saying “open” the light, instead of “turn on” the light; You clap when your aeroplane lands; You’ve invested in your own laiki tr...
Read moreFor brothers Vangelis and Vassilis Sotiropoulos, the roadblocks in seeing their dream project through – a gourmet gastro-pub housed in a beautiful neo-classical building – were many. But they persevered, through capital controls, (the restaurant opened in August 2015) navigating through mountains of paperwork to get all the requisite lice...
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