Plaza life.
explore, enjoy, cherish Athens
Summer
2016
FREE PRESS | ISSUE 8
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 gives one the chance 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.
Deluxe rooms The Deluxe guestrooms will bedazzle visitors with their incredible view, since they are all facing Syntagma Square, the Acropolis, Stadiou Street and Voukourestiou luxury shopping Street.
Renovated Junior Suites Bringing Luxury to your life Spacious & elegantly decorated with tranquil colors, located on the 8th and 9th floor with magical views of the Sacred Rock of Acropolis.
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. Our values • Responsibility • Business Ethics • Human Rights • Qualitative Hospitality • Consideration and Caring for each employee • Contributing to the Society • Respecting the Environment • Promoting Culture
Offering a wide selection of sinful desserts created by one of the most talented Greek Pastry Chefs, Dionysis Alertas, as well as coffees & teas, refreshments, wines & cocktails.
Discover greek gastronomy in our hotel’s breakfast 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.
Newly renovated! Its classy appearance, featuring elegant furniture and sophisticated décor creates an inviting and most tranquil setting for unforgettable dining experiences.
Enjoy the exclusive creations of the Mövenpick Maîtres Glaciers for an unforgettable ice cream experience!
A la carte Buffet - Lunch, combining a most inspired fresh salad-bar & delicious choices of pastries from our Buffet, at € 28 / person.
Join us after 6 pm till late at night to enjoy a glass of Greek wine, from €5.00, with delicious pairing from €7.00 / person.
Among the best bars in Athens. Enjoy exclusive choices of drinks, fabulous cocktails & fine wines in a British style club ambiance.
7 Most Popular Greek Products The Greek cuisine and the traditional local products of Greece are globally famous for their taste and nutritional benefits. They support a balanced diet model, which ensures better quality of life, well- being and physical health in general. Not to mention their unique taste... It is no coincidence that the last three years 37,000 foreign Internet users, from 145 countries all over the world, looked for Greek products and Greek export businesses through the official Panhellenic Exporters’ Association website. Most visitors came from the U.S.A., Britain, China, Germany, Cyprus, Bulgaria, India, Italy, Turkey and France. There are actually many traditional Greek products of high quality, good taste and nutritional value! Plaza Life presents the 7 most popular.
1. Chios Mastic Tree [Mastiha Chiou] Exclusively produced on the Aegean island of Chios. The harvest is done the traditional way in the 24 villages known as the Mastihohoria of Chios, which have been declared as traditionally preserved settlements according to the Greek Ministry of Culture. Mastiha or mastic has been a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) since 1997. The even more interesting part is that mastic can be used and consumed as food, cosmetic or pharmaceutical product. Hippocrates himself had noted mastic’s healing properties, especially for stomach burns and skin diseases. Not to mention its unique aroma! Don’t forget the mastic liqueur...
2. Βottarga [Avgotaraho] Celebrity chefs use it for gourmet recipes and luxury shops such as Petrossian, Fauchon and Caviar Exclusives host this Greek product with pride on their shelves. Avgotaraho is a traditional fish roe and gourmet delicacy, among the same category as caviar, truffle and foie gras. It is produced from the eggs of the female fish ‘kefalos’ or ‘bafa’ (that’s how Greek people call this fish). It is treated with salt and then immersed in wax to keep it intact. Avgotaraho is considered to be the caviar of Greece and is mainly produced in Messolongi.
3. Feta cheese (feta) Greek cheese is gaining ever more ground in exports. Ladotyri of Mytilini, Formaela of Parnassos, Katiki Domokou and the “star” of Greek cheese… feta! Greece is second in cheese suppliers in Cyprus with 21, 2% rate and fifth in Sweden with 9, 5%. Feta, the most famous and expensive traditional Greek cheese, is a kind of cheese stored in brine. Feta is mainly being produced in Macedonia, Thrace, Epirus, Thessaly, Central Greece, Peloponnese and Mytilini.
4. Ouzo A worldwide famous Greek drink, with the most popular being the ouzo of Lesvos (ouzo Plomariou and not only). Ouzo is produced on the Aegean island of Mytilini from the distillation of alcohol, water and perfume materials with aniseed
predominate. But there is also ouzo without anise. Served in small or thin and tall glasses, you can drink it with or without ice. If you are not used to it or alcohol in general, prefer ouzo with ice. Greek ouzo is usually accompanied by Greek mezedes, offered on small plates and come in quite a great variety!
5. Olive oil [Eleolado] Olive oil doesn’t need recommendations. It is probably the most popular Greek product, with many exports abroad. Also, the basis of traditional Greek cuisine or recipes and certainly necessary for someone who wants to follow the Mediterranean diet. It stands for purity, excellent taste and high nutritional value. The most famous are those of Kalamata and Amfissa, but there are actually many places in the Greek countryside where olive oil is produced.
6. Honey [Meli] Another traditional Greek product, worldwide known for its high quality, nutritional benefits and beauty properties. Indeed, many shampoos, beauty masks etc. use honey as a basic ingredient. Greek honey has a special aroma and flavor. Many people also support that a spoonful of honey every morning may bring longevity. Greek honey has a large variety of flavors, fragrances and methods of production. Mostly known is flower honey produced mainly from citrus trees’ nectar, thyme with its exceptional aroma and pine honey, produced in the mountainous regions of Greece from coniferous trees.
7. Greek red saffron / Kozani Crocus [Krokos Kozanis] In recent years many scientists and nutrition experts discuss saffron’s benefits. Kozani Crocus, also known to locals as “zafora” and “safrani”, is considered to be the best quality of crocus. Today approximately 30% of its production is exported to European countries- such as Italy, France and Spain- Russia, Australia, America and the United Arab Emirates, while efforts are made for exporting to China. Cleopatra was the first who loved Kozani Crocus for its beauty properties. Nowadays saffron is used for gourmet recipes by famous chefs.
Take Greece With You Olive Oil * Honey * Greek Mountain Tea * Fruit Preser ves * Oregano * Wine F i n d t h e m a t t h e L o b by
Mount Parnitha Mount Parnitha is a densely forested mountain range north of Athens, the highest on the peninsula of Attica, with an elevation of 1,413 m, and a summit known as Karavola. Much of the mountain is designated a national park, and is a protected habitat for wildfowl, first created in 1961. The summit is located 18 km N of Acharnae and about 30 km N of Athens, while the mountain covers approximately 250 km2 of land. The name of the mountain dates back to ancient times, when it was under the ancient demes of Acharnae and Decelea. A good way to start your exploration is by visiting either of the two shelters, Bafi and Flabouri, both of which offer standard or tailored packages for groups as small as two.
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a nd mo Tatoi Royal Estate
Just a stone’s throw away from the centre of Athens (approximately 30 minutes by car) you will find what can only be described as paradise on earth. The Tatoi Royal Estate was once the summer retreat of King George and Queen Olga, before being converted to the royal family’s permanent residence in 1948. Dense forests overgrown with Aleppo pine trees, tall cypresses, poplars, plane trees, beech trees, Greek strawberry trees, olive trees, and citrus trees among others adorn the Tatoi estate, which is currently protected by the Natura 2000 network as an area of outstanding natural beauty. Those who wish to visit the former Royal Estate of Tatoi should know that it is open from sunrise to sunset. Tatoi is ideal for hiking, mountain biking, jogging and picnics in the countryside. Visitors can tour the buildings and royal cemetery, or take a trip to the artificial lake of Kithara, where they’ll enjoy an amazing view of the entire Attica basin. If you are interested in a tour, you can contact the Tatoi Friends Association by telephone at (+30) 69759 47248 (Mr. V. Koutsavlis) or by email at info@tatoi.org
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Acropolis Museum Inaugurated in June 2009, this light, airy glass-and-concrete building was designed by Swiss architect Bernard Tschumi. Archaic and classical finds from the Acropolis site are displayed here – proud statues of the ancients and life-like stone carvings of animals. The top floor is devoted to the marble frieze that once ran around the top of the Parthenon. About half of the pieces are originals, while the remainder are white plaster copies. The missing pieces were removed by Lord Elgin in 1801 and are now in the British Museum in London. The Greeks have wanted them back for decades, and hope that this blatant presentation will finally convince the British to return them. There’s also an excellent restaurant on the second floor, open during museum hours, and till midnight on Fridays. 15 Dionyssiou Areopagitou St., 117 42 Athens www.theacropolismuseum.gr/en
Acropolis The “sacred rock” of the Acropolis is crowned by three temples dating from the fifth century BC, attracting three million visitors per year. The obvious starting point for a first-time visit is the largest and most impressive temple, the Parthenon, supported by 46 Doric columns and considered classical architecture’s most influential building. Be sure to walk below the Acropolis at night, too, when it is at its most magnificent, bathed in golden floodlighting.
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e n r e a o l r A p the x e n s o t Mount Lycabettus
See the whole of Athens in one go from the city’s highest vantage point standing at 908ft, capped by the tiny, white-stuccoed Chapel of Saint George, a restaurant and a café. Nearby, carved into the rocks on the north-facing slope, Lycabettus Theatre stages open-air concerts. The steep path up zigzags through pinewoods and sub-tropical vegetation. Alternatively, catch the funicular from Ploutarchou Street in Kolonaki.
Bike Tours in Athens Go on an enjoyable tour of the most important sights in Athens and get to know the beautiful, picturesque spots of the city that would be difficult to discover on your own. "We Bike Athens" gives you the chance to do just that -even go all the way to places which are high up such as Filopappos hill with no effort, to enjoy the panoramic view of Athens- through tours on electric bicycles. Daily: 10.00-13.30. | Coastline Tour: You will be riding along the coast of Piraeus, starting from Piraeus port. Daily (except Mondays): 11.00-14.00. | www.webikeathens.gr
Athens City Running For all running fans, this is a 5Km tour in the city center where you will discover the city’s best spots whilst running. The tour starts from Syntagma Metro Station and shows you within one hour the most important sites of Athens whilst your running guide discloses the story behind each monument, building or other site that you pass through. www.trekking.gr/outdoor-holidays-in-greece/destination/ athens/athens-city
Opening times: The funicular runs daily from 9:00am to 1:30am.
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!
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 picture-perfect pedestrian streets and the marinas, exercise your favourite water sport, shop in one of the area’s modern shopping centres, dine by the sea or entertain yourself in one of the coastal avenue’s buzzing clubs –the young people’s favourite choice– that have actually brought a touch of Mykonos in town! How to get there: •
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.
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. 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.
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Voula 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!
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!
Varkiza Beyond Vouliagméni lies the bustling little resort of Varkiza, where an outstanding seascape unfolds with impressive coves below the coastal road. You will have the chance to swim in free or organised beaches with azure waters, to exercise your favourite water sports or enjoy a delicious meal in a picturesque taverna by the sea while sipping a glass of ouzo which perfectly complements fresh seafood!
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Temple of Poseidon, Cape Sounion Built as a place of worship to the god of the sea, Poseidon, the fifth-century-BC Temple of Poseidon stands on the southernmost point of Attica peninsula. Originally made up of 34 white marble Doric columns, 15 of which remain, it commands amazing views over the Aegean Sea, which are spectacular at sunset. The coastal road from Athens to Sounio (43 miles south-east of Athens) passes through the upmarket seaside suburbs of Glyfada, Vouliagmeni and Varkiza, and affords fine views over the Saronic Gulf. T. (+30) 22920 39363; daily, 9.30am-sunset; €4
Photo: SNF/Yiorgis Yerolymbos
Hydra The port of Hydra, whose amphitheatre shape once served as a safe shelter for Pirates, welcomes you. From the decks, you will be able to admire the very special architecture and picturesque scenery of the island, whose old traditional stone houses and mansions silently witness to a long and turbulent history.As soon as you disembark, it’s all there… the small narrow stone-paved streets waiting to be explored on foot or by the island’s traditional “vehicle” – the saddled donkey… captivating walks along the old seaside promenade… crystal clear waters, radiant traditional fine craft shops, the beauty of Hydra will conquer you forever!
City Sightseeing Athens & Piraeus
The red, double-decker City Sightseeing bus promises to offer unique moments in the heart of Athens and Piraeus as it allows you to become acquainted with the city’s attractions in a fun way. The tour routes are conducted on a daily basis throughout the year. The Red (Athens) and Green Line (Piraeus) tours last 30-40 minutes and have commentary in 11 languages, which explain the history of the city from ancient times until today. The red line route departs every 30 minutes from the Syntagma stop. The green line route departs every 30 minutes from the Akti Miaouli stop in Piraeus next to the cruise ship terminal. Both routes make a total of 27 stops, where you can hop off at any attraction and stay as long as you like and then hop on the next City Sightseeing bus that follows. | www.citysightseeing.gr
Hellenic Festival Founded in 1955, the summer festival sees world-class concerts, opera, theatre and dance, staged at various openair venues in Athens, with the main stage in the ancient Odeon of Herodes Atticus, below the Acropolis. Past performers have included stars such as Maria Callas and Rudolf Nurejev, and although the economic crisis has seen a reduction in funding, recent names include Jose Carreras, Vanessa Mae, and the Bolshoi Symphony Orchestra.
Photo: SNF/Yiorgis Yerolymbos
Date (To be confirmed): June 2015 - August 2015 (June-August.) More information about Hellenic festival www.greekfestival.gr
Odeon of Herodes Atticus Over the 52 years of the Athens Festival, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus - known as the “Herodeon” - has hosted almost all the leading lights of Greek and international post-War music, dance and theatre. More specifically, the first three decades of the institution opened up an irreplaceable, and thus priceless for its time, channel of communication between the Athenian public and the cultural scene of the West, giving Greek artists the opportunity to distinguish themselves internationally. Herodeon is situated on the southern slopes of the Acropolis, on Dionysiou Areopagitou Street. Entry to the Odeon is from the pedestrianised Dionyssiou Areopagitou Street, a walkway linking Athens’ main archaeological sites. The venue is easily accessible due to its location in the heart of the city. Dionysiou Areopagitou St. Athens
Metamorphosis: The SNFCC to the World June 23-26, 2016 | Public events for all ages
As the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC) comes to life, it transforms itself into an open and accessible space for everyone, and this four-day event will embrace performances and other programs by internationally renowned artists from Greece and around the world. w w w. s n f c c .o r g, w w w.f a c e b o o k .c o m / S N FC C
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. +302103228688 www.giouzenis.com
1. National Garden, Botanological Museum and Zappion Gardens 2. Psirri 3. Monastiraki - Giusurum 4. Ancient Agora
5. Anafiotika 6. Acropolis Museum 7. City Link Attica 8. Giouzenis Jewelry 9. Staff Jeans & Co
HOTEL PHOTOGRAPHY BY D. POUPALOS - ARTWORK BY MMK DESIGN TEAM
Giouzenis Jewelry, designing and handcrafting jewelry since 1955!