Plaza life.
explore, enjoy, cherish Athens
SUMMER
2018 FREE PRESS | ISSUE16
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The NJV Athens Plaza is the first Certified “We do local” Hotel in Athens! We d o l o c a l i s a p h i l o s o p hy u n d e r w h i c h a c o m p a ny o p e r a t e s: • By spreading the local customs & traditions • By introducing local cuisine • By supporting local producers • With respect to the environment and sustainability • By supporting the local workforce
NJV Athens Plaza was awarded the Bronze Award at the Tourism Awards 2018 for its engagement in “Local Community Support / CSR actions”.
Welcome A
luxury hotel, ideally located at Syntagma Square, in the heart of the business and shopping districts and within walking distance from the Acropolis and the Old City of Plaka. Modern style and elegance in a most relaxing atmosphere of casual chic. Just as atmospheric and comfortable are the rooms and suites tastefully decorated in earthy tones with a number of suites benefitting from a breathtaking and scintillating view of the Acropolis and Stadiou Street. Its prominent location offers the opportunity to hop on any bus, metro, trolley, tram, or hire a taxi and within minutes get to one of the major Museums, such as the Acropolis Museum, archaeological sites and tourist attractions that this great city has to offer. Discover the charming boutiques, patisseries, art galleries and cafés in the area, return for a delicious lunch or dinner at “The Parliament” restaurant and enjoy amazing cocktails at the most unique Explorer's Bar.
Corporate Social Responsibility The commitment of our Hotel, NJV Athens Plaza is to continuously acknowledge CSR, through our business ethics and social diligence, in accordance with the principles of sustainability for the society and the environment.
O u r values •
Responsibility
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Business Ethics
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Human Rights
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Qualitative Hospitality
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Consideration and Caring for each employee
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Contributing to the Society
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Respecting the Environment
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Promoting Culture
The aim of the “Greek Breakfast” program is to offer our Guests the opportunity to discover the gastronomic wealth of our country, while tasting at breakfast, the innumerable Greek delicious products and dishes, which are at the heart of the Mediterranean Diet.
Discover greek gastronomy in our hotel’s breakfast
Offering a wide selection of delicious lunch and dinner options, refreshments, wines, cocktails, sinful desserts, teas and coffees.
Sinfull delights by Pastry Chef Dionysis Alertas
Summer in Athens
Delicious Mediterranean Menu! At lunch and dinner enjoy our delicious Mediterranean a la carte Menu choices, made with the finest and freshest ingredients. Chef Nikos Giannopoulos
Spring and Summer in the city
Acropolis Museum The monuments of the Acropolis have withstood the ravages of past centuries, both of ancient times and those of the Middle Ages. Until the 17th century, foreign travellers visiting the monuments depicted the classical buildings as being intact. This remained the case until the middle of the same century, when the Propylaia was blown up while being used as a gunpowder store. Thirty years later, the Ottoman occupiers dismantled the neighbouring Temple of Athena Nike to use its materials to strengthen the fortification of the Acropolis. The most fatal year, however, for the Acropolis, was 1687, when many of the building’s architectural members were blown into the air and fell in heaps around the Hill of the Acropolis, caused by a bomb from the Venetian forces. Foreign visitors to the Acropolis would search through the rubble and take fragments of the fallen sculptures as their souvenirs. It was in the 19th century that Lord Elgin removed intact architectural sculptures from the frieze, the metopes and the pediments of the building. source: theacropolismuseum.gr/en/content/museum-history
Acropolis
The greatest and finest sanctuary of ancient Athens, dedicated primarily to its patron, the goddess Athena, dominates the centre of the modern city from the rocky crag known as the Acropolis. The most celebrated myths of ancient Athens, its greatest religious festivals, earliest cults and several decisive events in the city’s history are all connected to this sacred precinct. The monuments of the Acropolis stand in harmony with their natural setting. These unique masterpieces of ancient architecture combine different orders and styles of Classical art in a most innovative manner and have influenced art and culture for many centuries. The Acropolis of the fifth century BC is the most accurate reflection of the splendour, power and wealth of Athens at its greatest peak, the golden age of Perikles.
The go ld en age o f Perikles
source: odysseus.culture.gr/h/3/eh351.jsp?obj_id=2384
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in harmony with their natural setting
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An af i o ti k a a cycl adi c “ i s la nd” u n d er th e A c rop oli s In 1841, King Otto I encouraged workers to come and help transform the new capital of independent Greece into a modern metropolis and refurbish his palace. Carpenters and masons from the Cycladic island of Anafi came, along with other workers from the Cyclades. They took over the rocky terrain located just below the north slope of the Acropolis, hastily erecting houses, taking advantage of an Ottoman law that decreed that if you could put up a structure between sunset and sunrise, the property became yours. They called it Anafiotika, (“little Anafi”) after their island. The neighbourhood was built to resemble the architecture of the Cyclades islands with stark white-washed cubic houses built of stone, flat roofs and brightly painted shutters and doors, so you get the feel of being in an island village. Bright magenta bougainvillea spills over their walls and the narrow alleyways often end in dead end terraces. Some of the houses have roof-top patios with gardens of potted plants and the occasional shade tree. source: europeupclose.com/article/anafiotika-the-hidden-village-under-the-acropolis/
Outdoor cinemas in Athens C i ne R i v iera
C in e Dexam en i
Visit
one of the many outdoor cinemas in Athens and enjoy a movie in the open-air. Here are some of the most renowned ones. Popcorn, chilled beer and the Acropolis at night...the start of summer in Athens signals the unmistakable 9pm and 11pm whirr of chunky projectors showing films on big screens set up on rooftops, terraces, enclosed courtyards, jasminescented gardens, even car parks, as the magical season of “cinema under the stars” gets under way. In the Sixties, the city used to host more than 600 outdoor cinemas showing classic Hollywood flicks to neighbourhood audiences on makeshift seating, surrounded by potted plants and the illuminated windows of surrounding apartments where people sneakily watched from balconies free of charge. Today, more than 90 screens still “pop up” offering a unique social experience that taps into nostalgia yet feels part of authentic contemporary Athenian life. At approximately €8 (£6) a ticket, an outdoor screening has the added thrill of being an ultraaffordable means of entertainment. “Cine Palas is notable for quality movies and a €10 ticket that allows you to watch three movies”. Often in built-up areas, some open-air cinemas have discreet entrances, but spot a buzzing queue on a cobbled pavement between May and September and the chances are you are at a movie-house door. Films are shown in their original language with Greek subtitles, never dubbed. Snacks and drinks are available. Smoking is generally allowed. Here are some of the best ones to visit: • Cine Theseion Built in 1935, this cinema oozes charm with its intimate garden setting, facing the sacred rock of the Acropolis. • Cine Paris Located in a roof garden above Philomousou Etairias Square. After a bistro dinner in Plaka Square, you can sit back and marvel at a surreal view of the Acropolis hovering above the neo-classical buildings in this oldest quarter of the city. • Cine Dexameni Named after Hadrian’s aqueduct, this lovely garden in the heart of Kolonaki makes a refreshing haven on a hot night. • Cine Aegli Excellent service makes this the most exclusive of outdoor cinemas. • Cine Riviera In a spacious, scented garden in the Exarcheia neighbourhood, the alternative quarter of Athens. • Cine Vox Frequented by local actors and artists, this legendary rooftop cinema on Exarcheia Square – famous for its love of the Hitchcock oeuvre – shows European and arty films true to the intellectual character of the district. source:telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/greece/captivating-holidays/outdoor-cinemas-in-athens/
C i ne T hes eion
You don’t need to get on a ferry to escape the bustle of the Greek capital: take a short tram ride and you’ll find superb local beaches along the sheltered Saronic Gulf stretching from the southern suburbs of Athens to the southernmost point of Attica, Cape Sounio. Just 10 miles south of the city –typically a 30-40 minute drive– you will find a place where urban sprawl gives way to an idyllic palm fringed setting. Take the opportunity to swim, relax at a waterfront café, walk along the pictureperfect pedestrian streets and the marinas, exercise your favourite water sport, shop in one of the area’s modern shopping centres or dine by the sea.
Athens Riviera
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By tram: Choose T1 line from Syntagma towards “Néo Faliro” (Peace and Friendship Stadium station) or T2 line towards Voula (Asklipio Voulas station). You can also board T3 line departing from Voula to Néo Faliro | www.stasy.gr
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By bus: You can take the B3 route (Akadimia-Glyfada, through Vouliagménis avenue) or the express bus number E22 (Akadimia-Saronida). www.oasa.gr
Glyfada This coastal suburb of southern Athens fascinates people thanks to its beautiful coastline and its permanent summer vibe, its luxury boutiques and endless shopping and recreational options. Cosmopolitan Glyfada is one of the capital’s most prestigious areas and is located just 14 km from the centre of the city. It emmits summer vibes the whole year round, offering the visitor a beautiful landscape featuring sea, sand, expensive cars, luxury shopping and a myriad of food and nightlife options. Glyfada owes its current name to the brackish water of the surrounding wells. The old International Airport at Elliniko and the American Military Base of Elliniko are the main historical reasons for development and progress in the area. Apart from its marina along the Coastline and the beaches, here you’ll find Athens’ only Golf Club (and the first among the six all over Greece). Glyfada is the ideal starting point of your exploration of the Athenian Riviera.
Voula
Faliro, Flisvos Marina Located very close to Athens, yet away from the hustle and the bustle of the city, a wide range of activities on offer and an amazing view to the Saronic Gulf are the reasons why Faliro is the ultimate summer hot spot for the Athenians! Its trademark is of course its marina, a mega-yacht destination that infuses a cosmopolitan flair to the area. Flisvos Park on the other hand is ideal for leisurely strolls and carefree bike rides. Beautiful coasts, recreation parks, playgrounds, shopping centres and stylish restaurants are there to keep up your summer carefree mood!
Just two miles south of Glyfada lies Voula, home to two amazing organised beaches and the Riviera’s biggest beach clubs. Enjoy during the day a colourful summer setting that brings to mind a real amusement park with modern beach bars, jet ski equipment, beach volleyball courts, a vibrant dance deck and exciting waterslides, whereas at night you can enjoy a cocktail in one of the district’s elegant clubs!
Lake Vouliagmeni Lake Vouliagmeni magically stands out in a landscape of unparalleled beauty, which almost looks unreal in the eyes of the visitor, and is one of the most beautiful natural attractions in Attica. Its harmonious blend of rocks and pines, together with modern facilities and services, make it a destination for recreation, relaxation, swimming, food and coffee. An underwater cave, measuring 3.125 metres in length, is at the entrance of the bottom of the natural, oval pool.
Vouliagméni To the east lies Vouliagméni bay, its beach nestling in a beautiful location, before Mount Hymettus. A marina and a brace of private beaches are its trademarks whereas the picturesque harbour offers stunning views of the distant Saronic Gulf islands. Astir beach on Apollonos Street with its shallow, delicately turquoise water, smooth sand, excellent facilities and blue flag certification for cleanliness is one of Attica’s most luxurious and most popular beaches. Opposite Astir beach lies the public beach, which has no facilities and therefore no entry fee. If we add the bustling nightlife, the elegant cafes and restaurants and the luxurious hotels, Vouliagméni is definitely a summer hotspot that you cannot afford to miss!
There are endless options in this oasis of recreation: diving in crystal clear water, hiking, cycling, yoga and pilates lessons (every Saturday and Sunday from 12.00-13.00), walks in the pine forest and, naturally, refreshing cocktails next to the magnificent banks, and wonderful light dishes in the restaurant. There is a café (which organizes live jazz nights) and a specially designed space for young visitors (visible from the café), free parking, umbrellas and loungers for bathers, changing rooms, and showers.
All you need is swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses & a sunhat
Greece has a tremendous selection of locally-made inexpensive, highquality toiletries and beauty products made with indigenous ingredients. If you're traveling with carry-on luggage only, you may want to stock up on these once you arrive in Greece, then pack them and check your luggage on your return trip back from Greece. Most are available at Greek pharmacies and small tourist-oriented markets. Remember, these products are all manufactured under strict European Union rules. Brands like Frezyderm, Apivita, Korres, Carroten will provide the suncare that you definitely need during your stay under the Greek sun. sourse: tripsavvy.com
swim wear by Mit os
Geometry &
Summertime and the living is easy
Symmetry
Kl eo s s an d al s | k l eo s c o n c ep t . com
Inspired by the best place to do summer, how could these Greek swimwear brands not create beautiful pieces? Leave it to the country that wins at summer to also play host to many gorgeous bathing suit designers. Greek swimwear and resort brands have experienced a surge in popularity the last few years, and it comes as no surprise thanks to the quality and care that goes into these items‌ not to mention the best summer inspiration in the world, aka the Greek islands. There are many, many Greek swimwear brands, but for now, we’ll just highlight a few of our favorites. M i t o s | mitoswimwear.com St ef ani a F rangi st a | stefaniafrangista.com M aa B o o | maabooswimwear.com Zeu s + Di o nne | zeusndione.com L i la L ekka Sw i mw ear | lilalekka.com Yvo nni Nt o st a Sw i mw ear | yvonnintostaswimwear.com source: delphireclaimed.com
Gre e ce’s f o rem o st cu l tu ral f est iv a l a nd o n e o f th e o l de s t p erformin g ar ts f esti val s i n E urope (195 5 ) , th e Ath en s & E p id aurus Festi val each ye a r p re sen ts n u m ero u s th eatre , d ance, a nd m u si c ar ti sts, ac cla imed in G reece an d wo rldwide, a ttracti n g l arg e aud ien ces f ro m aro u n d th e wo rld.
Ce z a ri s G ra uz i nis A g a m e m no n, by A esc h y lu s Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus 6-7 July 2018
greekfestival.gr
Odeon of Herodes Atticus 5 July 2018
Nan a Mo u sko uri I Will T e ll Y o u a S t o r y M a r le ne M ont e i ro F re i t a s o f i v o r y a nd fl e s h - s t a t u e s a l s o s u ffer
260 Peiraios St. 24-25 June 2018
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Welcome to the island of the aromas (isola di spezzie) Spetses, an island boasting a long naval tradition, is famous for its significant contribution to the 1821 War of Independence. It was here that the revolution flag was raised on 3rd April 1821. The island has managed to retain its individual traditional character thanks to its well-preserved grand captain mansions, still bearing eloquent witness to the island’s glorious past. The picturesque old harbour and Dapia, a tourist and commercial centre where the heart of the island’s entertainment beats, are the trademarks of the town of Spetses. Take a romantic trip around the island in horse-drawn carriages and admire the grand mansions adorning the narrow cobbled streets of the island. You can visit Spetses during September, when “Armata”, a truly impressive re-enactment of a naval battle takes place ever since 1931. If you are a sports lover, you definitely don't want to miss the unique athletic events organised every year in April "Spetsathlon" and October "Spetses Mini Marathon", where thousands of participants take place. Spetsathlon, the biggest triathlon in Greece, receives athletes from every corner of Greece and the world who enjoy the Swimming, Biking and Running races. On the other hand, Spetses Mini Marathon gathers athletes and visitors that enjoy running and swimming races for the young at heart! Getting there Spetses is accessible by boat or Flying Dolphin from the port of Piraeus or from Hydra, Aegina and Poros. Another option is to travel by car (or by bus with Argolida Prefecture Bus Company-KTEL) to Kosta in Peloponnese and to get a boat from there to Spetses (the boat trip lasts only 15 minutes). Source: visitgreece.gr/en/greek_islands/spetses
Anagnostopoulou street
Cape Sounio, Lavrio & Thoricus Cape Sounion is the promontory at the southernmost tip of the Attic peninsula. 8 kilometres (5.0 mi) south of the town of Lavrio (ancient Thoricus), and 70 kilometres (43 mi) southeast of Athens.
Cape Sounio
Thoricus (or Thorikos) was an ancient Greek city in southern Attica, one of the twelve original settlements that were united in the synoikismos attributed to Theseus to form Archaic Athens. Near it are the mines of Laurion, where lead and silver was mined from Neolithic times, and worked in the industrial quarter of the settlement. There is a theatre dating from c. 525–480 BC. The modern site is Lavrio. The site was inhabited from the Neolithic Age (4th millennium BC). Thoricus was the mining centre of the Laureotica. There is evidence of lead extraction from the Early Helladic period (3rd millennium BC) and of silver (now exhausted) from 1500 BC.[2] Mycenaean tholos tombs (15th century BC) and a Late Mycenaean installation (12th century BC), probably connected with the mines in the area, have been uncovered. The finds are housed in the National Archaeological Museum, Athens. There were significant town walls and a postern. The town's harbour was to the south of the acropolis; the island of Makronisi (Macri) provides natural protection. The settlement was destroyed by Sulla in 86 BC, and though it was reinhabited in Roman times, and visited by Pausanias, it was permanently abandoned in the 6th century's disorders. Thorikos, in the Homeric Hymn to Demeter (probably 7th century BC) is mentioned by the goddess, who is disguised as an old woman, as her landing place when she had been unwillingly brought from Crete. Thorikos directly faces Crete to the south, across the open Aegean Sea.
Theatre at Thorikos
Source: wikipedia
Jewelry made with Passion In Giouzenis Jewelry you will discover the world of high end jewelry design, using top quality gemstones. A wide range of watches and gifts are also offered by brands such as Longines, Corum, Montblanc, Perrelet, Titoni and Montegrappa.
2, Voukourestiou str. Athens 10564 T. +30 210 3228 688 www.giouzenis.com
Giouzenis Jewelry, designing and handcrafting jewelry since 1955!
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HOTEL PHOTOGRAPHY BY D. POUPALOS, OUTDOOR PHOTOGRAPHY BY MMK DESIGN TEAM - ARTWORK BY MMK DESIGN TEAM
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1. National Garden, Botanological Museum and Zappion Gardens 2. Psirri 3. Monastiraki - Avyssinias Square 4. Ancient Agora 5. Anafiotika 6. Acropolis Museum
7. Benaki Museum 8. Byzantine Museum 9. Cycladic Museum 10. Museum Herakleidon 11. Ermou Street 12. Giouzenis Jewelry