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Weekly supplement by Insider Publications • insider-publications.com • facebook.com/insiderpublications • No 69 • Friday, July 10, 2015 Music Eleftheria Arvanitaki
Theatre Socrates Now
The well-known and charismatic singer will perform works spanning her career as well as tracks from her recent album, “9+1 Stories”. It starts at 21:30 and admission costs 15 euros per ticket. July 15, Veakeio Theater, Profitis Ilias Hill, arvanitaki.gr
A theatrical production featuring Socrates on trial in ancient Athens under the threat of the death sentence. Watch as the philosopher faces his accusers with sharp logic, defiant courage and thymosofia. Until July 19, Tholou 5, Plaka, ellinikotheatro.org/socrates-now-2
TRAVEL
Porto Heli on the Horizon A quaint destination for jetsetters, a little slice of Peloponnesian serenity. Once in a while you stumble across a destination that is almost too good to share. Porto Heli belongs to that category. The remoteness and unspoiled ‘off the tourist track’ nature of the town makes one a bit reluctant to promote it, in fears that it too, one day, will inevitably become the dreaded tourist trap. Porto Heli has always attracted international jetsetters and well-traveled connoisseurs – from oil oligarchs to European royalty and American hedge-fund managers - who have chosen Porto Heli as their summer base with stunning properties to match. Add to that the glitz of several luxury 5 star resorts and a golf course, and the influx of its well-heeled visitors has only soared. Yet it hasn’t lost any of its authenticity. For Athenians, it’s the perfect location for a quick weekend break from the hectic, taxing life in the city, as it is only 175 kms or about a two and a half hour drive away, making it an ideal base to explore the natural beauty and ancient ruins of the area. There is Ancient Epidaurus nearby with summer performances until the end of August, as well as the charming Argo-Saronic islands of Poros, Spetses and Hydra that all have a rich cultural repertoire of art exhibitions and music concerts lined up throughout the summer. This part of the Peloponnese is also famed for its gastronomic riches - its citrus fruits, creamy cheeses, olive oil, fish, crustaceans and of course, its internationallyacclaimed wines – is an added draw. The town of Porto Heli itself is built around a sprawling central harbour and is a study in contrasts with traditional fishing boats (kaikis) moored alongside massive yachts. The waves of its pristine waters
lap the pine-tree dotted coastline, a mix of turquoise hues that meet with shades of emerald and indigo. The secluded coves in Porto Heli exude a sense of privacy and of being one with nature. Our favourite beach, albeit not very private, is called “Kounoupi,” or Mosquito, which is the most popular beach in the area with the locals. While an unfortunate moniker, do not be alarmed by its name as it is derived from the shape of the coastline and not due its proclivity for malarial epidemics! Island Hop to… Spetses. The island is charming, cosmopolitan and extremely accessible. At just over 2 nautical miles away via water-taxi from the port of Costa, Spetses is an ideal place to head to for dinner and cocktails or a day trip at the beach! Hydra. A bohemian island flanked with rocky cliffs overlooking the vast, deep blue sea with stunning 180 degree panoramic sea views, where one can witness the most mesmerizing sunsets of their life with a refreshing cocktail in hand. Grab a bite at…. Zogeria in Spetses, a casual, traditional beachside tavern (with a menu that changes weekly) that is extremely popular with the locals, who flock to it religiously year after year. Tel: 275.405.2455 Alati kai Piperi ‘Salt and Pepper’ is a small family-run taverna overlooking the bay that specializes in traditional, homemade Greek food. Tel: 275.405.3533 Delfini is a traditional fish taverna decorated Cycladic style with white-washed walls and stone winding pathways throughout the complex. Insider Favourites: fresh catch of the day, their homemade cheese pies, octopus on the grill,
and fried courgettes. Tel: 275.495.2455 Maryvonne’s, a French bistro, in the deserted village of Heliokastro that draws its steady stream of regulars to savour the eponymously named owner’s exquisite cuisine. Tel: 27540 91352 Have a drink at…. The Nikki Beach Hotel in the centre of Porto Heli at their rooftop bar and watch the blazing summer sunset. Tel: 275.409.8500 Take a dip at... Kounoupi Beach in Agiou Emigliano. Soak in the history at… Archaelogical sites such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus and the Epidaurus Amphitheatre should be on everyone’s bucket-list. The amphitheatre was built in the 4th century BC and has been extremely well preserved, it is renowned for it’s pitchperfect acoustics and still hosts numerous theatrical and musical performances year round. The Sanctuary of Asklepios is just a few meters away and was built around the 6th century BC and in ancient times, it was the most renowned healing centre in the world. Epidavros.gr Book your stay at… Amanzoe Resort. Just a ten-minute drive from the centre of Porto Xeli, surrounded by olive groves and beautiful views of the crystalline waters on a lush, green hilltop, this resort has spared no detail when it comes to luxury and is renowned for their pilates studio, yoga pavilion and the Aman spa. Amanresorts.com, Tel: 275.477.2888 Nikki Beach. Set in the centre of town, overlooking the bay, Nikki Beach has a plethora of restaurants, bars and relaxing areas both inside and outside for guests to enjoy—including a stunning rooftop bar that serves mouth-watering sushi. Nikkibeach.com, Tel: 275.409.8500
Amanzoe Resort
UPCOMING EVENTS EXHIBITION
THEATRE
Athens Photo Festival 2015: Reframing Memory The most important festival dedicated to photography in Southeastern Europe which explores how photographers and artists today represent past/history, defining the social changes they undergo. Until July 26, Benaki Museum, Pireos 138, 210.345.3111, benaki.gr
Electra Experience a masterpiece of ancient drama in a new phenomenal production by Spyros Evaggelatos with subtitles in English, French and other languages, which constitutes a profound study of the notions of revenge, guilt, repentance and justice. Until September 26, Badminton Theatre, Goudi, badmintontheatre.gr
flowing fruit basket of cherries, apricots, peaches, figs, watermelons, melons and nectarines? Tender, juicy, cooling fruits, intense in flavor, make their way to the Greek table in a variety of forms: from wedges of watermelon and melons that are served as epidopia at all tavernes onthe-house to cooling granitas and mounds of ruby-red and yellow and maraschinored cherries, served after a languorous meal. Apricots, peaches and aromatic and succulent nectarines, plums and strawberries, all add color, texture and gaiety to the Greek summer.
GREEK SUMMER
Summer Cornucopia
Sun-drenched fruits and vegetables vie with each other for their eye-catching color, texture, crunchiness and succulence at the local farmer’s markets. Follow Athens Insider’s guide to the juicy pleasures of the long, hot Greek summer. The irreplaceable, humble Greek salad When the mercury soars, nothing can substitute the simple Greek salad. A terrific example of Greece’s elementary yet immensely satisfying sun-drenched seasonal cuisine, the Greek salad is a humble dish, rich in flavor that balances the palate as few salads do. The sheer lusciousness and primordial flavor of a ripened Greek tomato, kissed by the sun, is hard to beat. The perfect
EXHIBITION Vassilis Vrettos: Mise en abyme Individuals stage themselves and their surrounding atmosphere along with props. In this way, they deconstruct their compatible identity and stage a fantasy, thus revealing an unknown part of themselves to the viewer. July 31, Peiraios 260, Building A, greekfestival.gr
ally to the tomato is the crunchy cucumber which adds just a hint of freshness to the salad. Feta adds a salty, sharp edge, while oregano brings subtlety; finely sliced, crisp red onions enhance the salad with a sweet sharpness; olives, preferably from Kalamata, reveal a hint of astringency; green pepper rings impart a bitter crispiness; and the drizzle of olive oil just brings alive the distinct-yet-collective flavors together. A national culinary treasure, the Greek salad is a child of the Greek summer, a product of azure blue skies and a blazing sun, uncomplicated in its construction and unparalleled in its satisfaction. Sun-kissed fruits If Greek vegetables are succulent, how does one even begin to describe the over-
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Concert Manu Chao
Manu Chao combines music and travel. Politically engaged, he sings ethnic minorities, between reggae, punk and rock. Accompanied by his friends in La Ventura, he will be closing the Rockwave Festival. July 21, Terra Vibe Park, 37th km Ethniki Odos Athinon-Lamias, rockwavefestival.gr
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TV THIS WEEK
CITY LIFE
The Strain 2
Cinema under the stars Nothing defines the beginning of Greek summer as open-air cinemas do. Every neighbourhood has one – some with a view of the Acropolis; others, right on the water and still others surrounded by perfumed gardens that fill the sultry evening with the quintessential Greek fragrance of orange blossoms and jasmine. With over 60 open-air cinemas to choose from in Attica alone, it is a Greek summer tradition that is truly alive and well. Having survived the crisis and real-estate developers, summer cinemas with their director’s chairs and their compelling aroma of crackling popcorn, open-air cinemas are a truly democratic space, where you can sip on a frappe, knock back a couple of beers, snack, lick ice-creams and even smoke while propping up your feet on the seats ahead. A round-up Insider’s favourite summer cinemas.
Cine Flisvos For a fun evening by the sea, Cine Flisvos is a great open-air option where you can have a long walk on the marina’s promenade admiring the yachts. An added plus is easy parking and several after-movie drinks and dinner options in the Flisvos Marina complex.Cine Flisvos, Parko Flisvou, Palaio Faliro. Tel: 210.982.1256 Cine Paris Urban legend has it that it was a Greek hairdresser who named the outdoor cine-
ma after her beloved Paris. It briefly closed down in the late ‘60s before re-opening again in 1986. It has been regaling movie fans since with Greek and international hits. Located in the Plaka, it is a beloved of tourists and Athenians alike and has retained its magical old-world charm. Cine Paris, Kidathinaion 22, Plaka. Tel: 210.322.2071, 210.324.8057 Dexameni So named after the cistern that it sits on that once supplied water to all of Athens, Dexameni square is a cool, green citysquare with an open-air cinema that has an island-like look and feel. With whitewashed cobbled pavements, labyrinthine alleys and cascading bougainvillea, Dexameni is a great setting to spend a lazy, hazy, crazy summer evening. Dexameni, Dexameni Square, Kolonaki. Tel: 210.362.3942, 210.360.2363 Cine Thissio Built in 1935, Cine Thissio remains the undisputed queen of open-air cinemas. Voted by CNN’s Hoishan Chan as ‘the best movie-theatre in the world for being as interesting as the movies it shows’, Cine Thisio has a majestic view of the floodlit Acropolis and is located just a few hundred meters down the pedestrian path from the ancient Herodus Atticus theatre. Cine Thisio, stolou Pavlou 7, Thisio Tel: 210.342.0864, 210.347.0980
A thriller that tells the story of Dr. Ephraim Goodweather and his team who investigate a mysterious viral outbreak with hallmarks of an ancient and evil strain of vampirism. Premieres Monday 13 July at 23:10 on Fox
Sons of Anarchy 6
A man in his early 30s struggles to find a balance in his life between being a new dad and his involvement in a motorcycle club. Premieres Sunday 10 May at 22:30 on FOX Watch FOX on OTE TV
CINEMA THIS WEEK
Dark Places
Libby Day was seven years old when her family was brutally murdered in their rural Kansas farmhouse. Twenty-five years later, she revisits the crime and uncovers the truths that led up to that tragic night.
Magic Mike XXL
Three years after Mike bowed out of the stripper life at the top of his game, he and the remaining Kings of Tampa hit the road to Myrtle Beach to put on one last blow-out performance.