John Zervos pays tribute to Philip Kerr, a master of historical detective fiction, and the creator of Bernie Gunther, one of the most endearing, wisecracking detectives in crime writing. In his last book, Greeks Bearing Gifts, published a week after his death in March this year, Kerr leaves behind a compelling spy novel that moves swiftly...
Read moreCorfiot resident and cross-culture explorer Richard Pine thinks laterally about the identity debate that has preoccupied much of Greece and suggests embracing a mindful middleway. We should be celebrating much more, and stop feeling sorry for ourselves. Aristotle must take much of the blame for our current gloom. His idea, tha...
Read moreAs Greece gears itself for its ignominious third anniversary of a near-Grexit, tinderbox referendum and capital controls, Athens Insider investigates whether plastic has come here to stay or whether cash is still king. In stark contrast to countries such as the UK and Sweden, Greece has been card-averse, despite limited cash withdrawals a...
Read moreTo keep the football fever going as the World Cup continues, here are some fun facts to get you into the spirit for the next few rounds! 3.2 billion people tuned in to watch the 2014 World Cup. Almost half of the world’s population watched more than one minute of the 2014 World Cup! As indicated by FIFA, this makes the tourn...
Read moreSmoking a cigar – while not everyone’s thing – always makes a strong statement. Athens remains a city where cigar lovers can still inhale the pleasures of the moment, whether at regular cafes or at elegant bars over polite conversation. Julie-Anne Amiard takes her pick of Athens’ cigar-friendliest addresses – from new hotels to rooftop ba...
Read moreWHAT: The internationally renowned crime fiction writer discusses noir, the metaphysical, and the darkest depths of the human soul this July. Award winning, illustrious Irish author John Connolly is visiting Athens for an in-depth conversation with Elias Maglinis, who is author and editor-in-chief of the Kathimerini newspaper. The two will discu...
Read moreAs the race to enter the World Cup Round of 16 tightens, sports aficionados and competition junkies should be more enthused than ever. Whether you’re a to-the-grave Ronaldo fan or a self-proclaimed Salah supporter, we’ve rounded out some of the best locations to watch the Cup for that Greek niche of diehard football addicts. Get your head...
Read moreWith winter over and summer finally here, it’s time to get out that yoga mat and start trying to look your best for the season. Although it can be easy to slip into a routine of yo-yo dieting, Cordelia Madden-Kanellopoulou suggests setting aside some minutes a week to incorporate these five exercises into your routine. Combined with plent...
Read moreWhether it's through archaic Greek films, vintage photographs or exhibitions of extinct creatures, Athens is collapsing the past with the present this July. Insider rounds out some of this month's arts highlights. Exhibitions Athens Twice Seen WHAT: Presented by American photographer Richard W Moore, the exhibition “Athens Twi...
Read moreYou’re coming to the end of your Greek sojourn and want to return with edible souvenirs that, with one bite, will bring you back to the Aegean. Or perhaps you live here, but are heading home for holidays, and need some tasty treats to bestow on friends and relatives. Peerless as Greek olives and olive oil are, they use up valuable weight ...
Read moreWHAT: The eternal Greek singer performs some of her best-known anthems and international hits including Chartino to Fengaraki, White Rose of Athens and Je chante avec toi Liberté in this landmark concert I Will Tell You a Story with part of the proceeds to be donated to ELPIDA – Association of Friends of Children with Cancer. Tickets from €15-85 on...
Read moreWHAT: Join in a four-day celebration of the city’s artistic renaissance as Art-Athina 2018 opens its doors at a prestigious new cultural venue and with a new artistic director Stamatia Dimitrakopoulou. Not just another art fair, this sophisticated highlight of the Athenian art calendar brings together the most influential local galleries and intern...
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