Andros H Tinos H Mykonos H Paros H Ios H Santorini
EDITORIAL
Welcome to the new era of Golden Stars, the magazine of Golden Star Ferries, the ferry company that takes you comfortably, quickly and safely to the most beautiful islands of the Cyclades.
In keeping with the company’s philosophy of constantly improving its services to the travelling public, our magazine has been renewed and enriched to accompany you on your journey and prepare you for the wonderful experiences that await you at your destination.
In its pages you will find topics to get to know our destinations, their people, their events, their culture and gastronomy, as well as interesting interviews with celebrities and prominent personalities.
We believe that this is another step in our course to better support our passengers with high quality services. Since 2011, when Golden Star Ferries began operating in the coastal shipping industry, the company’s primary objective has been to serve and transport passengers and their vehicles with safety, comfort and consistency. The goal remains the same today, transporting over 2,000,000 passengers and vehicles a year from Rafina to Andros, Tinos, Mykonos, Paros, Ios and Santorini -and back.
With the ultra-modern, luxurious and fast ships of our fleet, a trip to the Cyclades will be a unique experience, the ideal start to your holiday. Golden Star Ferries has all sorts of services on board to make your journey even more enjoyable, such as shops for your purchases and of course WiFi so you can share the moments of your journey with your friends at all times!
Finally, we would like to remind you of Golden Star Ferries’ special loyalty programme for its regular passengers, Golden Miles: earn miles from your travels and enjoy privileges and discounts with our dynamically growing network of partners -airlines, car rental companies, credit cards, hotels and shops! You can find details of the programme in the magazine or online.
We would like to thank you for being with us on our journey through the Greek seas and we promise you that we will continue our journey with the same values, ethics and respect for our passengers, so that you can be sure that the ships with the golden star are the best choice for travellers!
Emecalm Travel,
Το Emecalm Travel δεν
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20
At the peak of photogenicity
24
Running... in Andros
30
“Tinos is a magical place”
38
Greek “espressonism”
42
Family tradition
50
The frothy waves
62
Kostis Maraveyas 70
78
86
Έκθεση στον ήλιο;
At the peak of photogenicity
A FEW YEARS AGO, OIA IN SANTORINI WAS VOTED THE MOST BEAUTIFUL VILLAGE IN THE WORLD -NOW IT’S ALSO WINNING THE TITLE OF MOST INSTAGRAMMABLE. AND RIGHTLY SO!
It’s summertime. You visit the island for the first time. You have heard and read the best from everyone, but deep in your heart you think that maybe they are exaggerating. From the first moment you arrive and see it with your own eyes, you realise they didn’t say enough. You give in and visit Oia on an afternoon when the sun is about to set. “How different can a sunset be, compared to the many sunsets I’ve seen?” you ask yourself. And yet it is! The hundreds of tourists who have flocked from all corners of the world to admire and, of course, photograph it, are making the quaint gesture you once scoffed at. They applaud the unique sight of the sun dipping into the sea, leaving the most dazzling golden-orange postscript on the horizon. You want to applaud with them.
The sunset of Oia remains the most spectacular in the world and in an era when we experience almost everything through the screen of our mobile phone, it is now considered the most Instagrammable.
Oia, the Greek village overlooking the Aegean Sea, was voted the most beautiful village in the world a few years ago due to its popularity on the internet, as it is a trademark of the Greek island landscape. It won first place among many others based on its popularity on social media, such as Instagram and Pinterest, according to Greek Travel Pages.
Travel
The emblematic village with its whitewashed houses, round arches and rounded corners, the blue of the sea strategically imprinted on the windows and doors, built on the dry stone of the island, is a symbol of the unsurpassed beauty of the Aegean. A vibrant postcard, even more beautiful up close than in photos, playfully winking at the most impressive filters on the most sophisticated mobile phone.
With more than 1.6 million Instagram posts at last count, Oia remains the ultimate queen, with its trademark incomparable sunset.
“Built on the slopes of the volcanic island of Santorini, it’s clear why it tops the list, with stunning views of the southern Aegean and a rich architectural and religious history”, says an online reviewer.
Second place went to Halong Bay in Vietnam and third to Göreme in Turkey, while Hallstatt in Austria and Mission Beach in Australia completed the top five.
The gold medal is awarded time and again to the golden sunset of Oia, which seems to be unrivalled. The most instagrammable village in the world lives in Greece and the sun that sets there every day always gets the most spontaneous applause!
τρέχοντας
Running ...in Andros
THE ANDRUS BEER TRAIL RACE FESTIVAL OFFERS MOUNTAIN RUNNING ENTHUSIASTS FOUR ROUTES OF VARYING DIFFICULTY, BUT ALL OF EQUAL BEAUTY, IN A THREE-DAY EVENT WITH A VARIETY OF ACTIVITIES THAT CAN ALSO BE ENJOYED BY NON-RUNNERS!
DIMITRIS PAPADOPOULOS
Anew institution is born! On the initiative of Andrus Beer and under the auspices of the Municipality of Andros, for three days, from the 14th to the 16th of June, we put on our sportswear and head for the mountains of Andros. “Our aim is to create an event that will be an unforgettable experience for both participants and spectators, and at the same time a memorable milestone for the local community and those involved” the organisers will tell us. The race consists of four different routes -32, 15, 5 and 1 km respectively- between gorges, monasteries, rivers, bridges and incredible views.
The routes have been mapped on award-winning, marked and certified trails of the island by the European Hiking Association and are certified
Shopping therapy inMykonos!
SUPERMARKET | FRUITS & VEGETABLES | DELICATESSEN | WINES & SPIRITS
Welcome to a place where shopping becomes an artistic journey, offering a huge variety of quality products. Indulge in the stunning interior and treat yourself to a moment of respite at our elegant Bar, as our in-store DJ creates an immersive atmosphere.
Leading Quality Trails - Best of Europe.
(Gerakones Challenge)
Andros has an extensive network of trails and is the ideal trail destination for athletes, and amateur runners and hikers. For this purpose, old, unused routes are being restored, adding more than 200 km to the network. The Πεζοπορίας
by Leading Quality Trails - Best of Europe. The challenging 32 km route (Gerakones Challenge) starts from the square of Korthi Bay and, with an altitude of 1,800 metres, gives you the opportunity to discover the southern part of the island. The 15 km route called Korthi Adventure with a positive altitude of 645 meters is full of beautiful villages, greenery and dry stone walls. The 5 km route called Grias Pidima Encounter, with a positive altitude of 274 metres, is ideal for those who want to get to grips with mountain running and, of course, enjoy the rare views. Finally, the 1 km route (Future Champions) will prepare the runners of tomorrow!
island is preparing to welcome not only champions such as Maria Malai, a track and field athlete and mountain runner, and Christos Mavrikiou, a runner with many awards in endurance and long-distance races, but also amateurs to show its beauties to visitors. “We want that when someone talks about the island of Andros, they think of Andrus Beer and when they hear/say/see Andrus Beer, they think of Andros!” explains Evangelos Koufalis, General Manager of Andrus Beer, the Platinum Sponsor and organiser of the event.
It’s going to be an amazing three days. On Friday the 14th of June, the welcome will take place in the square of Korthi Bay with a Pasta Party with the traditional sauce recipe of Father Evdokimos of the Monastery of Agios Panteleimon. The next day, Saturday the 15th, the 32 km route starts at 8:00. On both days, there will be a free Sound Healing course with Asimina Kouri, a muscle relaxation massage with Amalia Zertopouli and the PhysioAthens team, and a free Hatha Yoga (a special form of yoga) course with Flora Stamou. Our young friends will be running in the afternoon. The Festival concludes on Sunday with the 15 km and 5 km races and their awards, and a free Relaxing Voice Bath course. Are you ready? Greta Lyberopoulou, who will kick off the games, is!
andrusrace.com
«Η
LAZARIDOU
“Tinos is a magical place”
THE TALENTED AUTHOR ANTONIS MYLONAKIS TALKS ABOUT HIS FAVOURITE ISLAND, SHARES SNAPSHOTS FROM HIS HOLIDAYS AND EXPLAINS WHY HE PREFERS TO VISIT IT EVERY SUMMER AND TO AVOID EXPERIMENTING WITH OTHER DESTINATIONS.
f you follow him on Instagram, there’s no way you won’t ask him where this dreamy holiday home is; almost right on the sea. This is exactly why we met the talented author Antonis Mylonakis, who tells us all about the island of his dreams and his summer life on Tinos.
I have been visiting Tinos for ten years! I think a key factor in getting attached to a place is a strong -good- memory. Once everything works out and the memory is formed, you keep coming back to revive it. It’s wonderful because as the years go by, more and more memories grow around it, eventually forming a beautiful frame in a place you know like the palm of your hand. It’s a question that tortures me in general: what do you prefer, getting to know a place well and making it your own, or seeing a bit of ten different others? I think I have already answered that with my choices. But beyond my personal experience, Tinos is a magical place and you can only experience that by walking through its narrow streets” he says of the island he returns to every summer.
As for his favourite places, after so much exploration he has discovered many hidden treasures: “My favourite beach is hidden in a bay and it’s called Pachia Ammos. It takes a bit of effort to get there and it needs to be a windless day -a bit tricky, especially in August- but if you do it, you’ll be rewarded handsomely. There you will find a small area of straw, a towering dune, rocks to rest on in the shade and, of course, the sea. There is also a spot, a rock, where only one person can sit, somewhere high on the top of the dune, with a panoramic view. When
conditions allow, I take my time up there, watching the people and almost guessing at their secrets. Favourite village, Pyrgos. Anyone who was there and now reads these words will surely smile”.
In the past, Tinos was only associated with the 15th of August celebration and religious tourism. In the last decade, this has changed quite a bit. Some people even call it “Tikonos” because there are so
many tourists every year. Which version does he prefer?
“The increased traffic has affected the rhythms of the island. It’s especially the case in August that you often have to make dinner reservations or waste time trying to find a parking spot, and so on. It’s a bit of a contradiction to what one expects from a holiday -a carefree daily routine with the only concern being which waters to swim in. I’d rather have some quiet time. I only go to Chora twice: when I arrive on the island and when I leave”.
Speaking of the famous Instagrammable house, he tells us: “We’ve found a house on the edge of the island, which is almost inside the sea. From a distance, it looks like it’s floating on the water. In winter, it’s not really habitable because the sea rises and comes in. Every year on my birthday, 13 August, we lay out towels on the dock in front of the magical house and look at the stars. It’s the Perseid Meteor Shower. We all make wishes but never share them. It is a sacred moment”.
Does his novel “Hippocampus” (Kastaniotis Publishing) have anything to do with the sea? “The title of the book does not refer to the marine organism, but to the structure of the human brain involved in the creation of new memories. It is also the backbone of the book: in the end, people are the sum of their memories. Nothing can exist without them, not even God”.
Is the image of an author writing on an island overlooking the sea a myth? “It works differently for everyone. When I’m at sea, I definitely can’t write. The experience must be discarded indivisibly and without distraction, then metabolised, find a place in the body to dwell, and when its time comes -it may be years later- rise to the surface”.
Two more books by Antonis Mylonakis will be published by Kastaniotis in 2024. One for children and one for adults called “9”: it is “a journey around a gravitational core where the reading is completed in nine revolutions and which, if the journey is successful, will never be forgotten”.
HGreek “espressonism”
“OUR OWN” FREDDO
ESPRESSO IS ONE OF THE BEST COFFEES IN THE WORLD -AND EVEN IF IT IS NOT (YET) NUMBER ONE, IT IS UNDOUBTEDLY THE MOST SUMMERY!
BY ASTEROPI LAZARIDOU
Greece, cradle of culture and queen of hospitality, has dethroned two Mediterranean neighbours in the global ranking of the best and most popular coffees! Chilled espresso and cappuccino are Greek “patents” and as it seems, they have not gone unnoticed by tourists who visit us from all over the world and enjoy these unique drinks.
The latest TasteAtlas ranking has given its verdict, with the traditional Italian espresso scoring lower than those “invented” by the resourceful Greeks.
The well-known food and drink ranking website has published a list of the top-rated coffees by the fairest and most demanding jury -the people. These rankings are based on public reviews, with a number of mechanisms to identify real users and ignore reviews from bots or others who are fanatically biased in favour of their country.
Since the glory days of decades past, when every self-respecting home and café in Greece had a shaker furiously shaking a chilled frappé coffee, we have evolved, matured, changed the game and gained international attention.
The most popular coffee in Greece seems to have a strong appeal in other countries too, as freddo espresso proudly holds third place, with its little brother, freddo cappuccino, just behind. But the Greek participation in the coffee ranking doesn’t stop there, as the veteran frappé is also in the top ten at 9th place.
MYKONOS
A world of authentic French flavours
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Italy makes two appearances in the top ten, with the traditional cappuccino in 6th place and the espresso ristretto in 8th. And as the most popular comment in the post reads: “The Italians are going to be very upset!”.
At the top of the list is Cuban espresso, which exudes respect and unique flavours. It is a pre-sweetened type of espresso that originated in Cuba, known as café Cubano, and is often referred to as Cuban coffee. Probably unknown to us, but very popular in Latin America and Florida, USA. It is made from a shot of espresso sweetened with sugar during preparation. This espresso is made from the darker roasted coffees with sugar, which adds a light brown foam to the delicious top.
The big surprise comes in second place with Indian filter coffee. It is prepared using a special filter made up of two chambers -the upper one, with a perforated bottom, to hold the ground coffee, and the lower one, in which the brewed coffee drips slowly and deliciously. It is distinguished and apparently loved for its rich aromatic flavour and is usually mixed with milk and sugar.
But back to the bronze medal and the equally important fourth place, the only thing that is certain is that Greece is writing its own history in shades of brown and with cool ice cubes in the punctuation! If you have been abroad, and asked for a freddo espresso and a freddo cappuccino, and people have looked at you as if you were an alien, it is because the good news of the Greek invention has not reached them. Greece teaches us how to enjoy the world’s favourite drink in two unique, alternative ways that are gaining ground outside Greece! Why not at the top of the ranking soon?
Οικογενειακή
Family tradition
A DISCUSSION WITH GRIGORIS KOUSKOURIS, A SCULPTOR OF TINIAN ORIGIN WHO, WITH A LEGACY OF THREE GENERATIONS OF ARTISTS, CREATES MARBLE ARTWORKS IN SANTORINI.
DIMITRIS
Grigoris Kouskouris has been engaged in sculpture... forever, as he is a fourth-generation marble sculptor. “I travel around looking for the right rocks and marbles, depending on the idea I have in my head” he explains. He comes from a family of Tinian marble sculptors and has lived in Santorini since the age of 5, when they decided to leave Athens behind. “It was a wise decision to come to the countryside and to an island like Santorini. It’s been 40 years and I still live here with my own family”. In Messaria, Santorini, he has the Spira Marble Art Gallery (SMAG), where you can find utilitarian objects as well as his sculptures.
What makes marble such a special material?
Marble is alive, it has its own character and strength. Nature has taken many years and much hard work to make it really beautiful. Its veins, its colours are unique. Each block is so unique that it is difficult to put the beauty of the material into words. With experience, I can now distinguish good and solid material from poor material. The key is to make sure that there are no cracks, so that when you carve you don’t run the risk of the work “splitting”.
Four generations of marble sculptors: are there any secrets handed down from one generation to the other?
Yes, when I think about it, it seems crazy -four generations of marble sculptors! I wouldn’t say there are secrets, but there are experiences, stories. There are indeed many family heirlooms and tools. My great-grandfather, Michael Kouskouris (1886-1971), was a great name in the field of sculpture. He worked mainly with Byzantine and folk sculpture, like my grandfather Gregorios Kouskouris and my father Konstantinos Kouskouris. I was the one who rebelled in the family and walked away from that.
Paros is not only a magical holiday destination, but also a blessed land with a vast viticultural tradition: the rich and special ingredients of the soil combine with the sun and the sea of the island, offering grapes and varieties of wines that are distinguished and recognised all over the world.
Following the tradition of the island, but also the family tradition, Konstantinos Roussos created the Ktima Roussos, expanding the existing vineyards and cultivating new vines of local varieties. The result is a range of wonderful, authentic Parian wines from indigenous varieties, which cover every wine preference and have been internationally awarded. The labels of Ktima Roussos can be enjoyed everywhere, however, those who visit the island have the opportunity to see their production up close, since there is a visitable area with a wonderful view of the vineyards.
What do you do differently?
I create work in which the dominant element is the material and the movement through it. I play with light and shadow through the marble, as well as with the veins of the material itself. This is the challenge.
What is your daily routine in the summer and how does your day go in the winter?
Summer on an island like Santorini is quite difficult. So many people; but in the end it’s probably what keeps us alive. On weekdays you can find me in my studio in Messaria in the morning hours, creating and receiving visitors. In the afternoons, I spend time with my daughters Chloe and Iris and my wife Fatima, where we enjoy several hours on the beach, taking advantage of what is often lost in the cities: a healthy family. In winter it is much quieter and often quite boring. Fortunately it’s not for long and I’m much more productive, of course. Conditions help you create. Partly the melancholy, partly the winter weather, partly the silence. Everything helps.
You originate from the Pyrgos of Tinos, the most famous marble village in the world. What kind of impact has this had on you?
It is probably the most important reason why I decided to follow the family tradition. All my childhood memories of summer are related to the stories about the work of local artists that we used to hear as children in the alleys of the village on Tinos. We played hide-and-seek and chased around historical works by great artists of the past. Growing up, I watched my father and other people he knew carve the marble, and here I am, like them now.
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Utilitarian objects and works of art: which way do you lean as a creator?
I’m in between. Hard to choose, as both give me peace and pleasure at the same time. If I had to choose, I would lean towards the works of art. It’s easier to think about them and implement them. On the contrary, with sculptural utilitarian objects you have to solve many problems before the customer receives them. In works of art, the great concern is the question of their support and safety. In the case of utilitarian objects, because people come into contact with them on a daily basis, you have to solve problems such as how to make them delicate and light, and resistant to use and time. Difficult and at the same time very exciting.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
I am mainly inspired by my everyday life and the things that happen around me. Obviously I am influenced by what is happening on our planet, which unfortunately is not beautiful, but what I try to do is to take the news or the unpleasant images and transfer my influence from them into a beautiful marble work of art.
Which is your favourite marble?
I have a soft spot for Dionysos marble. I use many different marbles in my work. In the end, my favourite is the one that is most appropriate for the work.
Andros Queen
Maximum ahead service speed: 23 knots
Passenger service capacity: 1.250
Vehicle service capacity: 360
★ Full air-conditioning
★ Cabins for passengers
★ Cabins for pets
★ Cabins for passengers with special needs
★ Open deck bar for smokers
★ Infirmary
★ Internet WiFi in all ship’s areas
★ Airline type seats
★ Airline type seats with table
★ Elevator/ escalators
★ Satellite television in all ship’s areas
★ Kennel
Super Express
CHARACTERISTICS
Maximum
Passenger
Vehicle service capacity: 220
Stabilizers
Super Express - Super Ferry
| COMFORTS & FACILITIES
★ Full air-conditioning
★ Cabins for passengers with special needs
★ Coffee shop GOLDEN CAFE
★ Airline type seats
★ Shop
★ Open Deck Bar
/ Cardio Express System
★
★
Super Ferry
★ Open deck bar for smokers
★ Elevator/ escalators
★ Infirmary / Cardio Express System
★ Satellite television in all ship’s areas
★ Internet WiFi in all ship’s areas
★ Kennel (SUPER FERRY)
Vehicle
Ζύθος στο Αιγαίο
THEY DECIDED TO FOLLOW THEIR DREAM TO THE PICTURESQUE ISLANDS OF THE AEGEAN AND, DESPITE THE DIFFICULTIES AND UNCERTAINTIES, CREATED SMALL BREWERIES THAT PRODUCE EXCELLENT BEERS TO REFRESH LOCALS AND VISITORS ALIKE.
H ΒY DIMITRIS PAPADOPOULOS
Beer in the Aegean Sea αφρό waves
SKix brewery stories unfold under the warm Aegean sun. Of people who dared to leave safety behind and embrace the dream along with the risk. It was not an easy decision, but we all know that the most exciting decisions are always the boldest ones. Financial and health crises, fierce competition and other obstacles did not deter them: their love for their island, their faith in their product and their boundless optimism were their driving forces. Today, their breweries are a point of reference for locals and visitors alike. They offer flavours inextricably linked to the aura of summer and carefree island life. Every sip tells a story of perseverance, boldness and love for the Aegean.
Andrus Beer: a proud product of Andros
Andrus Beer:
Does Andros fit in a bottle of beer? “It is its natural beauty, its cool air and its waters of unique properties. When you come to Andros, you feel part of the island. It is the unparalleled hospitality: wherever you are in Andros, they will greet you, talk to you, treat you and make you feel like part of the family”. With this in mind, the brewery was launched in February 2023, starting with Belgian Ale 330, to be followed by Lager a few months later. “Our initial idea was to create a product that did not exist in Andros. Our ultimate goal is to create a microbrewery in Andros, with the basic ingredients being local, so we are using Sariza water”. Residents and visitors alike have quickly fallen in love with Andrus beers, which are present in all the island’s events, large and small, such as
Luxus 160 White Lacquered Finish
the famous festivals, but also the fine carnivals in Korthi and Chora, culminating in the Andrus Beer Trail Race Festival, which unites athletes and the island’s villages through amazing routes.
Santorini Brewing Company: the multicultural
History is made by friends: Serbian brewer Boban Krunic, American Majda Anderson, Greek oenologist and wine producer Yiannis Paraskevopoulos and English wine merchant and homebrewer Steve Daniel decided in 2011 to establish the Santorini Brewing Company and its unique brewery in the traditional settlement of Mesa Gonia, Santorini. “There we combine water from the volcanic island of Santorini with carefully selected malts from Germany and Austria, with truly rare varieties of hops from New Zealand, Oregon, the Czech
Republic and Slovenia, with brewer’s yeast from Belgium and the USA” to create beers with the donkey logo. In their open brewery you can take a guided tour, taste beers only served there and buy beers, accessories and souvenirs.
Nissos: a prize-winner from Tinos
Multiply awarded, Greek, famous and pioneering. It was in 2012 when Alexandros Kouris and Maya Tsoclis defied the recession and uncertainty and chose Vagia on Tinos to set up their brewery. “Rather than deterring us, the recession has spurred us on to action” they say. Their vision was “nothing less than to produce beers of the highest quality and taste, reflecting the lifestyle and values of Tinos, the Cyclades and the Greek islands in general”. Six types of beer and one cold brew later, the bet paid off and Tinos found a cool ambassador for
www.kallergis.gr
the brightest summers of our lives! Nissos beers are brewed using slow, traditional, natural processes and top quality, carefully selected ingredients and have won 23 international awards. The brewery is open to the public and outstanding.
Mikònu:
Mikònu:
something is cooking in Mykonos
An idea that became a passion, hard work that became a product and the dedication that holds it all together. This is how Mikònu beer came into being. What did they have in mind? “To make Greek beer fantastic and cool again. In 2016, when the craft beer movement in Greece began to emerge, we decided to create a microbrewery in Mykonos that would produce small batches of handcrafted beer using local ingredients”. The first beer was ready in early 2017: the brewery’s flagship beer, Blonde Saison. “A smooth wheat beer inspired by traditional Belgian beer, dry and fruity like the island in summer” they tell us. Since then, the small brewery in Mykonos has become so much more. It produces five labels, experimenting with aging in wooden barrels, but also with the use of local prickly pears. In Argyrena, the taproom -the place where a brewery serves its beers- is located next to the brewery, so you can enjoy the beers and the production process.
56 Isles: cool as the Aegean breeze
We are in Paros, the island of the Cyclades,
Tinos Mykonos Paros Ios Santorini
56 Isles:
τη ζυθοποιία τους. «Ονομάστηκε προς τιμή των 56 νησιών των Κυκλάδων», θα πουν. Η πρώτη τους προσπάθεια, η Pilsner, στέφθηκε με επιτυχία
which has grown by leaps and bounds in recent years without losing its character. “The idea started on a warm afternoon in London, which reminded me of the weather in Paros” explain the owners, Nikolas Pavlakis and Marinos Alexandrou, with backgrounds in finance and business, who set up their brewery here in 2014. “It was named in honour of the 56 islands of the Cyclades” they say. Their first attempt, a Pilsner, was a success, winning an award at the internationally renowned British Great Taste Awards in 2017. Ager, Wit and IPA followed and they never stop testing and experimenting. They use Parian barley, ripened under the Aegean sun, to give their beers an Aegean aura. Their brewery is open to the public and is a great place to visit for those on the beloved island.
Ftelos: from Karterados, Santorini
In the local dialect of Santorini, “ftelos” means “mountain peak” and since 2021, when the brewery “Ftelos” was founded, it has not stopped conquering peaks. “We have been inspired by the island’s long history and unique soil to create a unique range of beers rooted in the island’s tradition and production” they explain. The main range of bottled beers includes the ager and pale ale “Blue Monkey” and the explosive “Malt N’ Marvel Hoppy Series Double IPA”. “Brewing is an art and a constant exploration of taste” they add. It is worth getting to know the F Project, the beers aged in oak barrels and the Terroir Project, a series of products aimed at promoting the terroir of Santorini, such as Cyrene, their first oenobeer, a unique blend of beer and Assyrtiko wine grapes. A visit to their wonderful venue is an absolute must.
Andros Tinos Mykonos Paros
Andros Queen
COMFORT AND LUXURY
Kostis Maraveyas
“My music is like the soundtrack of a summer trip”
WHILE PACKING HIS BAGS FOR YET ANOTHER SUMMER TOUR WITH MANY STOPS, THE POPULAR ARTIST TALKS ABOUT THE DIONYSIAN EXTROVERSION AND ETHEREAL INTROVERSION OF HIS COMPOSITIONS, HIS KARMIC RELATIONSHIP WITH MUSIC AND THE TRAVEL THAT IS AN INTEGRAL PART OF HIS LIFE
ΒY ASTEROPI LAZARIDOU, PHOTOGRAPHER: ANDREAS SIMOPOULOS
STYLING: SOPHIA TSAKIRI
GROOMING: MORFE
PHOTOGRAPHER’S ASSISTANT: VALERIA ISAEVA
Anyone who has ever seen Kostis Maraveyas live will never forget him. Passionate and communicative, uplifting and touching, with CD-quality sound in his performances and concert vibe in his recordings, this multi-talented musician, who has given a new meaning to stage presence and concert adrenaline since the beginning of 2000, talks to us about his love of touring, the magic of road trips, his most dreamy compositions for cinema and the empathy that always brings together the most sensitive and romantic people in the world.
Before being introduced to and loved by Greek audiences, you were initiated into live performances in Italy. What has this Italian flair taught you?
I started in Italy at full speed. That’s where I learned stage presence, stage vibration, I knew my sound and where I wanted to go musically. I was also lucky because in Greece my music found fertile ground, there was space for me to exist. At the beginning of 2000, the art song was at its peak and I came with a more extroverted mood, with clear origins in the music of Kilaidonis and Zampetas.
How did this relationship with Italy come about?
My father had a trucking company and I used to go to Italy with the drivers since I was young. But my mother passed on to me the same love for the road. In the summer of 1985 he took my brother and me on a coach trip to London! I remember it like it was yesterday... The smells in the bakeries, the people, the feelings of a child who suddenly found himself in Piccadilly coming from Agrinio. That’s when I realised that everything is a road trip.
Will you be touring again this summer?
Of course! We’ll go everywhere. In Cyprus, in Crete, in Kastelorizo, in the Cyclades. I notice something unique about my music at the beginning of every summer. Maybe it has something to do with the summer slump and the carefree nature of the holidays, but as soon as summer arrives and the weather starts to warm up, suddenly I see that my audience graph on Spotify for Artists skyrockets! For example, my song “Faros” [The Lighthouse] is going through the roof!
How do you explain it?
Summer is a very sensual time. It’s the season of mating, of love, the body falls and refreshes itself in the sea, I realised that my music has a gel in the summer, it’s like the soundtrack of a summer trip.
But apart from your Dionysian side, which we have always known and loved, you have recently introduced us to another, more celestial, ethereal and equally interesting side, through the soundtrack of Vasilis Kekatos’s excellent series “Milky Way”, but also through your latest album “Portofino”... It’s as if I’ve entered a different state of mind. I’ve always preferred to be outside, on the road, but after the “Milky Way” it’s as if something has shifted inside me. I discovered that I also like the solitary path, I used instruments I hadn’t imagined that I would use in my compositions. As
Ha musician I have a very strong producer side, I like the whole process. I have always had both sides inside me, the Dionysian side and the more orchestral side, I have written a lot of music for the theatre, for productions in Epidaurus, the Athens Festival, the National Theatre. Vasilis Kekatos inspires this in the best way, and proof is that we recently collaborated on the soundtrack for the first feature film he has directed. His presence and his enthusiasm, working with him, gives me the same feeling that I get when I work with my band. He caught me at a time when I needed a rejuvenation myself, I was ready for this transition. I worked with more ethereal, ambient music, more minimalist atmospheres. And “Portofino” has a more introspective tone, it’s more self-revealing, it’s about growing up, about time passing.
How does this make you feel?
I feel like a songwriter who has slowed down, enjoying the journey.
In every live performance, and very often through your lyrics, you encourage people to come closer, not to be afraid to love and to be loved. How much harder has it become in our lonely times?
It’s a difficult time. We are moving towards an increasingly individualistic
As a musician I have a very strong producer side, I like the whole process
paradigm. Not only in families, but also in relationships and friendships. For a relationship to work, it needs some altruism. Fortunately, there are still some romantics who go to summer cinemas, even alone, to enjoy the atmosphere and the film. They lurk at concerts, perhaps still alone in the midst of so many people, waiting for us to pick them out and talk to them. If we look around and reach out, there will always be the right people. It is strikingly beautiful when people who are different from each other meet. It requires effort and empathy. It’s a big bet and it’s difficult, but we can make it.
Kostis Maraveyas’s summer tour will make the following stops: Thessaloniki Pride 27/6, Athens Concert Hall Garden 28 & 29/6, Heraklion 15/7, Chania 16/7, Aigio 25/7, Paramythia 26/7, Rhodes 28/7, Kastellorizo 29/7, Filippiada 9/8, Livadeia 26/8, Thessaloniki 28/8, Kalamata 31/8, “Lipasmata” Multispace of Drapetsona 2/9, Patras 29/9.
His latest album “PORTOFINO” is released by MINOS EMI / UNIVERSAL.
We would like to thank Dot Beach Vibes Restaurant for kindly providing the venue. Dot Beach Vibes: 4 Alkionidon Avenue, Voula, 166 74, tel +30 210 8958872, www.dot-voula.com
Discover the adventure
HOLIDAYS ARE NOT JUST ABOUT RELAXATION. THE ISLANDS ARE FULL OF ACTIVITIES TO GET TO KNOW THEM BETTER AND MAKE YOUR HEART BEAT FASTER! H
MARIA ATMATZIDOU
Since you travel to the ultimate summer destination, the Cycladic Islands, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience: turquoise beaches, picturesque traditional villages, delicious island cuisine and fun until dawn. Carefreeness, relaxation and fun are all on the programme. But if you want to see another side of your destination, get involved in the outdoor activities that abound on the Aegean islands. Whether you are a lover of the sea or the mountains, history or nature, whether you have the necessary equipment or just your flip-flops and a sun hat, whether you want to go alone or in the company of specialised clubs, the islands offer amazing hiking and climbing routes, marine and cultural excursions. Here are some of our suggestions. You, just get ready for action!
Andros
If you love nature and hiking, then Andros is your paradise. With more than 25 certified trails, you’ll discover picturesque villages, arched bridges, traditional water mills, historic monasteries and humble chapels nestled in peaks, valleys and streams. Walking through a unique landscape of green trees and frolicking ponds, you will be amazed by the Pythara Falls, where, according to local legend, fairies once lived. If mountaineering is your thing, try the limestone rock in the Vouni area with some of the island’s most experienced guides, or the Via Ferrata in Paleopoli -your adrenaline will be pumping as you scale steep vertical rocks next to a roaring waterfall. Wander through the lush Menites village and quench your thirst with the crystal clear water, sacred in ancient times, that flows from the mouths of marble lions at the springs. Follow the rugged route to Gerolimni, with its impressive waterfall on the river Achlas, a secret oasis that requires
H Left: Achla Beach in Andros. Above: Stone path in the Menites village, Andros. Right: An imaginative sign show ing the distance of Andros from faraway popular destinations.
special equipment. Leave the daylight behind and enter two geological wonders, the Cave Trypes, with its amazing views of the sea through the rocky openings, and the Cave Foros Aladinou, with its evocative dec
ώδεις
Traces of history in Delos. Below: Diving at the Marianna shipwreck in Paros and aerial photo of Lageri beach in Paros. Right page: The much photographed “Little Venice” in Mykonos.
oration of stalactites and stalagmites. Follow the trail that starts from Agia Ekaterini and dive into the turquoise waters where the legendary rock emerges from the Old Lady’s Leap beach “Tis Grias to Pidima”. Alternatively, enjoy the sea, fishing and snorkelling at the secluded Pyrgos beach or do water sports at Kypri beach. For a history lesson, walk up the path from the village of Kochilos to the Castle of Faneromeni or Upper Castle. The half-hour route will bring you in front of the Venetian castle that once protected the inhabitants from pirate raids. Even if you are not a history buff, the breathtaking scenery and endless blue will take your breath away.
Tinos
Volax or Volakas, the village with the characteristic huge granite boulders scattered in and around it, seems a place straight out of the myths of Titans and Giants. The majestic rocks, shaped by the erosion of granite by water and air over millions of years, are ideal for bouldering. You can also climb or hike to the rock of Exomvourgo or Xombourgo, a magnificent geological formation from the Bronze Age, 640 metres high. If road adventure is your thing, head down to Livada, a beach of unspoilt beauty, impressive rock formations and a unique ecosystem of ducks, geese, swans and turtles. Continue on to Tsiknias, the highest mountain on Tinos, a landscape of steep slopes, chapels and an incredible view of the sea and the emblematic lighthouse of Papargyra. If you prefer to tame the waves with your board, the cape of Kolimpithra will provide you with an unforgettable surfing experience -after all, Tinos has been the island of Aeolus, the god
of the winds, since ancient times. To discover the rich biodiversity, the mountain settlements and the inaccessible beaches, you can follow the many marked trails -if you join an organised group, you can end up at Platy, a beautiful stream where you can cool down in the shade of the centuries-old plane trees.
Mykonos
In the cinematic Chora, with its postcard-like “Little Venice”, the cosmopolitan atmosphere is a given. However, lovers of marine adventure can experience another side of Mykonos. Diving here is incredible, as the seabed is rich in marine life, for example at the Kalafakionas reef, where you can find the Mediterranean barracuda and eerie underwater caves, while if you are fascinated by history, you can admire fragments of ancient amphorae on the seabed, as well as shipwrecks that capture the imagination, such as the Anna II. And the adventure continues on the beaches of Ftelia, Korfos and Kalafatis with kitesurfing and windsurfing, ideal for the “island of winds”, as Mykonos is known. To explore the coastline, take a boat and swim in crystal clear waters, visit famous and secluded beaches, get away from the crowds and discover the wild side of the island -in Kapari with its crystal clear waters and rocks covered in aromatic plants, and in Fokos with its sheltered bay and low dunes. Explore the island by bike, on foot or on horseback, or return to the authentic hinterland in the traditional village of Ano Mera and learn about local traditions in farms, estates, olive groves, cheese dairies and vineyards. And for a journey through myth and history, take a boat to the sacred island of Delos, the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis.
Paros
Do you love the sea? Is adventure running in your blood? Then, welcome to Paros. Try your hand at kitesurfing in Pounta and glide over the waves on a windsurfing board at the Golden Beach and Santa Maria. Dive the magical seabed and wrecks of the Bristol Beaufighter and the merchant ship Marianna, transformed into a dazzling underwater habitat. Explore the colourful seabed while snorkelling in Logaras or
try your hand at underwater fishing in the islets opposite Naoussa or on Ambelas Beach. Walk between the rocks to reach the exotic Lageri Beach, with its idyllic blue waters and sand dunes dotted with tamarisk trees. Alternatively, head to the small bay with the towering rocks and curious name of Kalogeros, where you can explore but also... make natural face masks from the rocks’ clay. Walk the island’s paths, such as the Byzantine trail paved with Parian marble, or explore the Valley of the Butterflies near the Monastery of Agios Arsenios to admire these colourful creatures of nature. And be sure to explore the Environmental and Cultural Park along the signposted trails of the Ai Giannis peninsula, with its beautiful natural scenery leading to the iconic Korakas lighthouse.
Ios
Summer nightlife enthusiasts will absolutely love Ios. But so will nature lovers and adventurers, as it stands out for its magnificent natural beauty and the abundance of water sports. In the vast Mylopotas, an ideal beach for beginners and experts alike, you can practice windsurf ing or wakeboarding, water skiing, kneeboarding or barefoot, enjoy a quiet ride in the bay with SUP, or immerse yourself in the carefree summer atmosphere with the “sea couches”, the “bananas” and the tubes, to have fun with your friends. Explore the coastline by sea bike, canoe or kayak, or hop on a boat and dive off the coast or into hidden coves. Snorkel or scuba dive shipwrecks, colourful reefs and fascinating underwater caves. For walkers, there is a network of 50 km of signposted footpaths that offer the most direct contact with the island’s beautiful countryside, mountainous interior and seclud ed beaches, as well as its cultural heritage -traditional settlements, threshing floors, wine presses, wind mills and the 365 (!) churches on the island. From the prehistoric settlement of Skarkos and Odysseas Elytis Theatre to the medieval Palekastro and the tomb of Homer, take a journey through history on the trails -for maps and more information on the marked trails, visit iospaths.gr. For the most panoramic view, climb to Panagia Gremiotissa and the smaller churches at the top of the Chora -the icing on the cake is the most magical sunset.
Santorini
The devastating volcanic eruption (circa 1613 B.C.) may have split the island into three (Santorini, Thirassia, Aspronisi), but it was the cause of the birth of the most enchanting caldera. And as much as you insist on admiring it over a drink or a meal, we have another suggestion: set off early in the morning and walk the 10 km path that starts in Fira and ends in Oia -the view of the caldera is unparalleled, the landscape magical, the experience unique! As for the exotic beaches, with their jet-black rocks and red cliffs plunging into crystal-clear waters, they are sure to offer a thrill, along with the mythical Atlantis that may lie in their depths. Sailing to the unreal beauty of Palea and Nea Kameni, you can walk on volcanic rocks and dive into hot springs that turn the water yellow-green. For an otherworldly landscape, head to Vlychada, an open-air geological museum where imposing cliffs form a giant wall across a vast beach of deep water. For the more adventurous,
Undrewater magic
PHOTOGRAPHER YORGOS NOUNESIS’S UNIQUE GAZE TAKES US TO THE FASCINATING DEPTHS OF THE SEA AND TO THE STRANGE CREATURES HE ENCOUNTERS ON HIS UNDERWATER EXPLORATIONS.
H BY ASTEROPI LAZARIDOU, PHOTOS: YORGOS NOUNESIS
SKometime in the mid-1990s, having just seen and fallen in love with the film “The Big Blue”, Yorgos Nounesis decided it was time to dive deeper with his eyes wide open and capture everything he encountered on his aquatic journey. The results of everything he has recorded from then until now have something of the magic of his favourite film.
His first underwater camera was his own contraption: “It was the film era and there was only one camera you could use. There was no other way but to improvise. However, over the years this has evolved into a different kind of need/attitude, not just for underwater photography, but for photography in general -and dare I say life? No one really needs a camera with many megapixels or an expensive mobile phone. Most of the photos I share in this tribute were taken with a 10 MP camera. And I don’t have to worry about anything happening to it. I’d rather spend the money on a photo album or a trip” he says.
His relationship with diving has gone through many stages: “As a photography student, diving was financially out of reach. Years later, as a certified diver, I realised that using diving equipment robbed me of the joy of discovery or made me more and more dependent on external factors such as boat, petrol, weather, dive centres, etc. With breath-hold diving (i.e. diving without a tank), I go where I want, make a trail, however long it is, dive as long as I want, chill out and dive again. Obviously I’m not going down to 40 metres. But always, whether underwater or not, it has been a requirement for me that the photographs I take are within reach. It doesn’t make any sense to me, speaking in relation to the viewer, to take a photo at 2,500 metres with snow up to my ears. I want you to be able to get where I’m going with just a little extra effort. One step, one metre beyond your safety zone. But just enough to feel the need to explore without fear”.
How does it feel to move in the water? “The sense of time can be completely lost, the mind travels elsewhere, you are in a state of -relative-
silence. The situation is borderline meditative. I get the same feeling when I walk a trail for 6, 7, 8 hours. The body enters a different state. It is an automatic process. Breath-hold diving in particular activates the mammalian diving reflex (MDR), which causes the pulse rate to drop. Carefully, and of course by following a few rules, it’s a wonderful experience full of smiles”.
It is impossible for him to choose a favourite image from the seabed: “I see half of my archive passing before my eyes, the underwater landscapes, the bad weather, the accidents, the flickering light, the secret caves, the hide-and-seek with the fish, the friends who entrusted me with their pictures... However, the image/ feeling/memory that always moves me is one. When I meet a turtle. And I’m lucky enough to see about a dozen every year. Beyond the beauty of these creatures, there is a sense of how small we are in the vast universe. Humility and respect towards nature”.
How important is it to share this experience? “Sharing comes into every exhibition I do, in the selection of photographs, but even more in the conversation with each visitor. It’s a bit like a performance, because beyond the aesthetics of the image and/or the description of the experience, each photo is a conversation starter. About nature, about stereotypes, even about issues such as migration or how the policies of some companies can unintentionally have a serious impact on biodiversity throughout the Mediterranean”.
As for his favourite time to shoot, “I happened to get some great shots in rough seas while friends were asking me «where are you going, crazy man?» and in dead calm, to photograph a friend and not believe how magical it
is. As long as there is an urge to explore and dive, something will come of it”.
To the question “What is the strangest, funniest or most fascinating sea creature you have ever seen on the seabed?” he has a lot to remember: “Ah, there are so many. I have happened to be swimming and not seeing anything interesting and saying «okay, I’m turning around» and behind me there is a huge school of garfish, or running into a turtle, photographing it discreetly and from a distance -so as not to stress it out- letting it go, moving on and at 5 meters, whoops, there’s another one and then the same again, and a third and then a fourth and then I was laughing to myself. I also remember
very clearly one year, I think it was 2010, when there was a surge in the population of mauve stinger -the beloved and beautiful Pelagia noctiluca. I was swimming and it was literally everywhere. A wonderful feeling, a wonderful sight.
”But having praised nature, I would like to conclude by talking about people. The strangest, funniest and most charming of creatures, who as much as they destroy nature, they need it to survive. A few photographs won’t change the world, but I hope they will bring us closer to the grandeur and beauty that is all around us, and perhaps plant a seed in some people’s minds about the need to protect it as much as to enjoy it”.
Born a winner Nicole Eleftheriadou
A FEW DAYS BEFORE THE OPENING OF THE OLYMPIC GAMES IN PARIS, THE ATHLETE WHOSE GOAL EARNED THE GREECE WOMEN’S NATIONAL WATER POLO TEAM ITS QUALIFICATION TICKET TALKS TO US ABOUT HER PROGRESS IN THE POOLS.
H BY ZOE PAPADOPOULOU, PHOTOS: ANDREAS SIMOPOULOS, STYLING: SOPHIA TSAKIRI, MAKEUP-HAIR: MORFE
AMfter scoring the winning goal in the European Championship small final against Italy, some people focused only on her beauty and her personal relationship with basketball star Sasha Vezenkov. She wasn’t put off. Their relationship is substantial and well-founded, her relationship with her sport even more so, her relationship with herself perfectly balanced. Moreover, her successes continued with her team Olympiacos. As well as being a super athlete, Nicole is a sweet person who expresses herself with kindness and discretion and has a sharp and opinionated personality. She knows where she stands, what she wants and how to achieve it. She also never shies away from answering questions. If you are confident, you have nothing to hide.
You were brought up in a house with a strong connection to sports...
That’s right, my mother was a swimmer until the age of 18. However, this was not something that my sister and I had to do. We loved sports from a young age and tried different kinds like tennis, kickboxing and others.
It is said that sport helps children to stay away from other things. Do you think this is true?
That’s definitely true, because as well as being surrounded by a healthy environment, you grow up with children who also have goals. You basically grow up with discipline and mature faster.
At what age did you start playing sports and how did you get started?
I started artistic swimming at the age of six. When I was 12 I decided to change my sport because it didn’t have anything else to offer me, I didn’t feel like I was having fun -it was too brutal. So I joined the Glyfada team and started playing polo.
You said it was too brutal. What does this mean?
I certainly enjoyed what I was doing, but there were countless hours of training, there were winter and summer races, you couldn’t do anything else during the year. So it was an exhausting workout, basically for 3 minutes of choreography. That’s what started to bother me.
So, on the one hand, sport is a good guide for children and has a lot to offer, but on the other hand, isn’t it a bit stifling, creating one-dimensional personalities who won’t do anything else?
I understand what you say and it can happen. The truth is, especially when you are a child, you need proper management from your parents -they need to be able to understand if their child really wants to do this. I remember sometimes I would tell my mother that I didn’t want to go to
Στην
training and she would tell me that I should go because she knew that I could, that I wanted to and that I had to try. There is a fine line because there are many children who are pressured by their parents. Not all children are cut out for sports -let alone competitive sports.
When you started playing polo, did you like it?
Yes, it is a more open and energetic sport. Basically I saw it as a game, there’s always a ball to play, you’re laughing with your team-mates, it’s more fun.
Were you good at artistic swimming, did you win any awards?
Yes, back when we had age group championships, I was in the Argyroupoli team and we always came first. I was already getting some recognition.
Is this recognition handled in the same way by someone aged 8, 16 or 22? I mean, does that change as you get older?
Yes, it’s certainly something that’s changing. When I joined the Olympiacos team, let’s say, in 2015, I really started to feel the recognition because I was in a very big club. Managing the recognition was very different then, because year after year I could see that I was moving up, but I never had my head in the clouds -I’m very humble.
Is this a matter of character, parents, coach? Because we also see athletes who are arrogant. I think it is a matter of personality, but it also has to do with the principles you were brought up with.
What was the biggest difficulty you faced in artistic swimming?
I think I was very young, at a very tender age, and the coaches were too strict. I also remember losing friends because I had to go to training and I was only 10-11 years old, but if you missed training there was no way you could progress properly.
In terms of the sport itself, what is the most difficult part?
I think it’s a very special sport that requires very good technique. I also remember being weighed every week, even at such a young age. I was 10-11 years old and I was told that I needed to lose weight because my body type was sturdier. In polo, of course, we do lipometry and whatever else is needed, but it doesn’t have the extravagance of artistic swimming.
Isn’t polo a bit of a rough sport?
You may get punched -both underwater and on the surface. It’s one of the most difficult sports, so the training you do to get ready for the race is very intense.
Were you good from the start when you took up polo?
I had the basics of artistic swimming, strength, swimming, perception, I wasn’t lacking anything. So basically all that was left was to learn the rules of the game and the technique. So I got to a high level very quickly.
Can you describe a typical polo training session?
We start in the morning with an hour and a half of weight training in the gym. Then we swim a total of 3 to 4 kilometres. After the swim, the training continues with ball exercises -passing, throwing and so on. In general, a daily training session lasts five to six hours. At lunchtime I go home, eat and sleep for two hours -you can’t help it, you couldn’t endure it otherwise- and in the afternoon the training continues.
What is your big trump card in polo?
I’d say it’s my perception, I perceive things very quickly -the game, the opponent, their moves- so I plan my own moves. I have good body control, but I’m not as big as other players who may be taller and stronger.
Where does the National Team fall short and where does it excel compared to other teams?
There are several teams that we are on a par with. I think the Greek team needs more confidence and faith. There is talent, will and passion, but confidence comes with success. It’s purely a matter of psychology.
Is there competitiveness within the team?
There is competition because we are all working for the good of the team, but each of us is focused on how we can go further and that is understandable. It’s necessary because it makes you better. Of course, some players may be very antagonistic, but I will neither follow nor take a defensive position. I’m going to pretend it doesn’t happen because it doesn’t affect me at all, arrogant as that may sound. I have mastered it over the years.
Who is a good coach?
A good coach is one who understands their athletes
A good coach is one who understands their athletes. Who understands that each of them has a unique character and treats them accordingly -not all are the same.
Do tough coaches bring better results or do you think it is pointless?
The truth is that I’m somewhere in the middle. I want the coach to be strict and not all fun and games, because that’s who I am as a character, so I want my coach to inspire me in that aspect. On the other hand, a coach cannot be strict all the time because it creates a bad atmosphere -there must be moments of relaxation.
What are the most emotional moments you have experienced in sport?
I definitely put the moment when we actually qualified for the Olympics this year at the end of the game first. Of course, our recent qualification with Olympiacos in the Champions League final was very emotional because, although everyone considered us underdogs, we played very well. I also had a very good personal performance, which made me very happy.
If you look at it from an age perspective, you’ve got about 10 more years left to play polo, right?
I do, but I don’t think I’m going to use them in polo, I don’t think I can take it anymore. It is a very conscious decision. But I say that in a good way, because I’m already full. I’ve taken so many things, I’ve lived it all. Once August comes, we will go to the Olympics and I will have participated in all the major events. This is a very special accomplishment.
We would like to thank the management of the Athenian Riviera Hotel & Suites: 7 Danae & Harmony Streets, Vouliagmeni for their kind hospitality.
Σταθερή αξία
TRENDS COME AND GO, BUT FOR DECADES MYKONOS HAS BEEN A PROTAGONIST ON THE COSMOPOLITAN MAP OF THE WORLD, ATTRACTING ALL KINDS OF TRAVELLERS WITH ITS CHARMS.
The standard value
H ΒY DIMITRIS PAPADOPOULOS
Mykonos is a miracle. I have seldom rejoiced so deeply as when I saw the little town, white as snow, with its whitewashed flat terraces, shining like a lunar state against a dark blue and green sea”. This is what Nikos Kazantzakis wrote to his wife, Eleni, in 1925. Mykonos is a miracle, indeed. The natural beauty of its many beautiful beaches, the energy you feel as soon as you set foot on it, the stories of the artists and celebrities that make up its mosaic of fame, the archaeological wealth of Delos and the fact that no matter how much it changes, everyone will always find the Mykonos of their dreams, make it irresistible.
Something to suit all tastes
Secluded and cosmopolitan beaches, tavernas and world-class restau rants and bars, shops selling the biggest brands and artisans still mak ing the local products. It’s always the cosmopolitan side that will be the protagonist, the one that gets the spotlight. But the excavation of Delos from 1873 onwards began to attract the intelligentsia of Europe. In 1930 a branch of the School of Fine Arts was opened and from then on hospitality became synonymous with the island; the people of Mykonos opened their homes and their hearts. Its reputation extends beyond the circles of Eleni Vlachou and An tonis Benakis. But it was also Aristotle Onassis and Maria Callas, Stavros Niarchos and Tina who often “docked” their yachts on various beaches of Mykonos, while in 1954 the royal couple Paul of Greece and Frederica organised a cruise for royalty to the Greek islands, including Mykonos. The small Cycladic island managed to excite them, almost enchant them, and the European press correspondents praised this small, hidden, almost primitive island in the Aegean. Greta Garbo,
Le Corbusier, Roland Bart, Elizabeth Taylor, Jackie Onassis and Camus arrived on the island, transforming it from a quiet fishing island into an independent state of glamour.
Cosmopolitan finesse
Here the wind of freedom blows louder than the summer meltemi winds. This is how Mykonos became a destination for jet-setters: from eccentric partying until dawn to nudism and inclusion in an era that neither tolerated nor forgave. The circle of art lovers, the bourgeoisie, the unconventional, the drag queens and the tycoons flocked to Matogiannia, sunbathing during the day and burning with the music and shows in the first nightclubs. Before the big hotels and resorts opened on the beach, before the big mansions were built and the Nouveaux Riches discovered the island, generations, races, genders and identities were making friends in whitewashed alleys and sandy beaches such as Super Paradise, Paraga, Panormos. “It takes a lifetime to discov er Greece, but only a moment to fall in love with it” wrote Henry Miller, and although Mykonos is not the largest of the Cycladic islands, it takes time to discover it.
First stop: Matogiannia
Anyone who wants to be seen goes there, because the photogra phers are always present. It’s fun to fool around. But apart from the bustling months, the alleyways are beautiful and there are plenty of shops to shop in: from the first Off-White store to open in the Mediterranean, to Sculpture (the iconic perfume), made entirely of marble, to Gavello, which stands out for its à la piscine aesthetic. Stop by the sophisticated Ergon Mykonos for Greek chic, handmade Greek clothing. At sunset, head to the Windmills for a selfie and a drink in Little Venice,
while Panagia Paraportiani is the backdrop to some of the world’s most beautiful advertising campaigns. You haven’t been to Mykonos until you’ve been whipped at the entrance to Lio Mykonos, the cabaret from Ibiza that stars in the Chora on summer nights, not only with its show but also with the DJs it invites. And also until you enjoy cocktails at Astra, a timeless hangout that, no matter how the seasons change, will always have the aura of Minas who designed it.
The dives you’ll remember
When it’s not windy, Ftelia is fantastic and you have a choice: Pacha on one side and Alemagou on the other with a very loud DJ roaster. In Korfos you can do or learn kitesurfing. Another favourite is Kapari, hidden and quiet, with no sunbeds and no stress, but also the only private beach on the island at Santa Marina Mykonos, where Zen reigns and the beauty is breathtaking. Of course, the island’s diving is not limited to the sea, with stunning hotels with swimming pools on the horizon and nearby destinations such as Delos and Rineia. There, if you make the right arrangements, you can enjoy fresh sea urchins for lunch and enjoy the sea.
Nights like nowhere else
What is the taste of the island? Taste of the cuisine of Amades in Chora, but also the precious fresh fish of Nammos, Nobu Matsuhisa and the Greek chefs who create there, such as Athinagoras Kostakos in the well-hidden courtyard of Noema. Mykonos is an island that never sleeps. At night, cars and minivans travel from one end of the island to the other, taking guests to exclusive parties at villas or venues such as Scorpios in Paraga, Jackie O’ on the beach at Super Par adise and the eclectic Soho Roc House. Everyone chooses the Mykonos they prefer, we all know that.
Andros Tinos Mykonos
COMFORT AND LUXURY
ArkIVF
, a leading fertility clinic in Athens, offers a comprehensive range of services to support individuals and couples on their path to parenthood. Led by Dr. Georgios Christopoulos MRCOG, a specialist in Assisted Conception and Fertility Care, ArkIVF is part of Hygeia IVF Embryogenesis, the most advanced reproductive medicine clinic in Athens. The clinic is known for its cutting-edge technology and compassionate care, providing personalized fertility treatments tailored to each patient.
ArkIVF specializes in In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), two effective assisted reproductive technologies. IVF involves fertilizing an egg outside the body, while ICSI addresses male infertility issues. The clinic also offers egg and sperm donation programs with rigorous screening processes to ensure high-quality genetic material. Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) is another key service at ArkIVF. PGT screens embryos for genetic abnormalities before implantation, reducing the risk of hereditary conditions and improving IVF success rates. The clinic also provides fertility preservation services, including egg and sperm freezing, for those who wish to delay parenthood due to personal or medical reasons.
ArkIVF extends its exceptional fertility care to international patients through a cross-border fertility treatment program. This begins with remote consultations via video calls, allowing patients to discuss their medical history and treatment options with specialists. Upon arrival in Athens, patients benefit from state-of-the-art facilities and a skilled medical team, with comprehensive support including airport transfers and accommodation arrangements.
ArkIVF helps patients navigate the legal and ethical complexities of fertility treatment in Greece. The clinic ensures all procedures comply with Greek laws and regulations, offering multilingual counselling services to make international patients feel comfortable. In summary, ArkIVF in Athens combines advanced medical treatments with compassionate, holistic support, making it a top choice for individuals and couples seeking fertility solutions locally and internationally.
Dr. George Christopoulos Ark IVF / ΟbstetricianGynecologist Sub – Fertility Specialist
MiLEP Minimally invasive Laser Enuclation Prostate
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
MiLEP Minimally invasive Laser Enuclation Prostate
THE REVOLUTION OF MINIMALLY INVASIVE PROSTATE NUCLEATION.
OHolmium Laser (HoLEP).
Men notice changes in their urination as they get older. This is due to the development of an adenoma within the prostate gland. In the vast majority of cases, it is benign tissue with no functional contribution. All it does is obstruct the free flow of urine, leading to symptoms familiar to middle-aged men such as reduced ease of urination, frequent urination, nocturia and urgency, incontinence and even inability to urinate. All these start as simple discomfort and develop into a major problem that requires medical intervention. This otherwise benign condition is responsible for a significant proportion of surgery in men over the age of 55, with considerable medical, family, professional and financial costs.
The gold standard
Over the years, the surgical community has progressed and continues to explore less painful and less traumatic ways to treat this benign condition. This advancement led to the complete adenoma enucleation by Holmium Laser (HoLEP). Over the past decade, it has become the gold standard in the treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH).
• Bloodless procedure. Patients who receive anticoagulation therapy for serious reasons, where stopping would put their life at risk, can have surgery! Previously, this group had to be informed about long-term hospitalisation and be prepared for the risk of bleeding by obtaining blood for transfusion.
• A definitive solution. Complete, rather than partial, removal of the adenoma, as is the case with the widely used diuretic (TURis) procedure. No residual tissue is left to grow in the future. So the old advice given to surgical patients that they would be fine for 7 to 10 years is no longer the case. After HoLEP, men no longer have to worry about urination!
• Treats all patients. The limitations imposed by gland size on other methods do not apply to HoLEP. It treats the huge 300cc glands as well as the much smaller ones.
• Short hospitalisation. One overnight stay at the clinic.
• Rapid recovery. Within a week men have returned to their normal activities.
The evolution of HoLEP: MiLEP
The endoscope has become thinner and therefore “friendlier” to the sensitive urethra, so we have:
• Avoidance of urethral trauma with rapid rehabilitation.
• Accuracy within the surgical field as we flexibly and precisely direct the powerful 150 watt laser to ensure ideal separation of normal and pathological tissue. A common and widespread male problem is entering the MiLEP era.
Nikos Bafaloukas Director of the 4th Urology Clinic, Prostate & Nephrolithiasis Laser surgery at IASO www.ourologia.eu
TLaser for painless treatment of varicose veins and spider veins
DISCOVER THE MOST ADVANCED METHOD TO TREAT THE PROBLEM AND GET RID OF IT WITHOUT PAIN, SURGICAL INCISIONS AND POST-OPERATIVE SCARS.
Both varicose veins and spider veins are signs of venous insufficiency. The earlier venous insufficiency is recognised and treated, the lower the risk of complications. The most common test to diagnose the problem is the vascular triplex. Varicose veins, in particular, are treated for aesthetic reasons, but above all for medical reasons, such as the risk of thrombosis.
There are modern methods of treating these problems that are radical and successful. We’re talking about lasers, of course. Especially for varicose veins, the intravenous laser is a spectacular technological development which, by using optical fibres, makes it possible to treat any type of vein with very low energy levels, painlessly, with absolute precision, in a very simple and effective way, minimising the possibility of intra- and post-operative pain, bruising and other adverse effects. The treatment is performed under ultrasound guidance, without hospitalisation, under local anaesthesia and lasts 30-45 minutes.
Specifically, the laser energy is diffused radially through the optical fibre to the walls of the vein, where it exerts a targeted photothermal effect that completely seals the vein. The above procedure requires no incisions or stitches and leaves no scarring. Patients experience little or no pain during or after the procedure and can return to normal activities immediately.
As for spider veins, they are now treated with the latest generation of lasers, which work externally, shrinking the veins in question and causing them to disappear permanently. Thanks to this new method, injections and various chemicals, which until recently were the only solution, are being used less and less or not at all.
George I. Rokas Vascular Surgeon - Angiologist, Director of the Vascular Surgery Clinic of Metropolitan Hospital, Faliro. www.angiologia.gr
Treating hip arthritis with SUPERPATH, the most advanced Hip Replacement Surgery
H2.
Osteoarthritis is a serious disease that affects 250,000 people in Greece every year and is caused by joint cartilage degeneration. Hip arthritis is located in the upper part of the leg and is characterised by difficulty moving, daily pain and the inability to perform simple everyday activities (getting into the car, getting into the bath, putting on shoes, putting on ladies’ tights, etc.).
The SuperPATH technique is the latest development in minimally invasive techniques for total hip replacement. Minimally invasive surgery means not only a small incision, but also preserving and protecting the muscles and tendons around the hip joint.
SuperPATH allows the patient to walk directly and naturally without limping, which is often the case with other traditional techniques. Patients are able to walk a few hours later, on the day of the surgery, and can be discharged the following day. At the same time, pain after SuperPATH hip replacement is significantly less and can be easily managed with standard, simple painkillers.
The SuperPATH hip replacement performed by our team (www.minisco.gr) is considered one of the most successful procedures performed and changes people’s quality of life for the better. In fact, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) considers hip replacement to be one of the most successful procedures in orthopaedic surgery.
The main difference between the SuperPATH method and conventional methods is the absence of intraoperative dislocation, i.e. we do not dislocate the head of the femur during surgery, unlike other procedures. This minimises injury to the surrounding elements of the joint (bursa, tendons, etc.) and reduces the possibility of dislocation after surgery. Thus, SuperPATH eliminates the need for classical restraints (abduction pillows, elevated toilet seats, etc.) used in traditional techniques.
With SuperPATH, my team and I have been able to harness the power of digital technology and computers simultaneously for the first time, giving our patients another level of assurance about the optimal placement of hip replacement materials and improving their quality of life forever!
In short, the advantages of the SuperPATH method and the simultaneous use of digital technology are:
1. Immediate pain relief
2. Protection and preservation of soft tissues (there is no cutting of muscles)
3. Less bleeding
4. Minimisation of post-operative pain
5. Immediate mobilisation and discharge from hospital
6. No restrictions
7. Faster recovery - rehabilitation and return to everyday life
8. The hip feels more normal
SMILING
Protect your smile
DOentists use modern diagnostic and imaging techniques to design a personalised treatment plan in order to achieve the desired aesthetic result.
However, we should not forget that a healthy mouth is the necessary basis for a beautiful smile. Meticulous oral hygiene and regular check-ups are essential to keep your teeth healthy.
The dentist’s first priority is to restore decayed teeth and maintain a healthy periodontium.
Teeth that are discoloured by daily habits such as smoking or drinking coffee can be significantly improved by whitening, either in a single session at the dentist’s office using special lights, or at home with a custom-made whitening tray.
Teeth with old, poorly made fillings that have absorbed pigment and have micro-fractures can be restored with either resin and porcelain veneers or all-ceramic crowns without the addition of a metal frame, which closely resemble our natural teeth.
Orthodontic problems such as crowded or sparse teeth can also affect our appearance. The use of invisible aligners allow the patient to obtain straight, functional and beautiful teeth without compromising their appearance during treatment.
The factor that most affects our smile is the lack of teeth, especially in the front aesthetic zone. Dental implants allow us to replace missing teeth without affecting adjacent teeth.
Prevention, daily oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups and cleanings are important for a healthy, bright smile.
O
The thyroid gland,
its role in the body and its
pathologies
THE THYROID IS A SMALL BUT MAJOR ENDOCRINE GLAND FOR THE BODY. IT PRODUCES THYROID HORMONES, WHICH PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN REGULATING CELL METABOLISM. THIS MEANS THAT THYROID HORMONES AFFECT VIRTUALLY EVERY ORGANIC SYSTEM IN THE BODY.
Disorders of thyroid function are in themselves a large category of thyroid conditions. These conditions include hypothyroidism (reduced production of thyroid hormones) and hyperthyroidism (increased production of thyroid hormones).
Hypothyroidism is accompanied by easy fatigue, constipation, muscle weakness, depression, cold intolerance, dry skin, decreased libido, menstrual disorders (in women), facial swelling, inability to concentrate, memory disorders, etc. In children, it can cause developmental delays and intellectual disabilities.
Hyperthyroidism may be manifested by weight loss, tachycardia/arrhythmia/ palpitations, nervousness, anxiety, irritability, sweating, etc. In rare cases, it can even be life-threatening (thyrotoxic crisis).
Other common thyroid conditions include thyroid nodules. Although most are benign, in 5-8% of cases they can mask thyroid cancer.
Thyroid cancer is the most common cancer of the endocrine glands. Although it usually has a good prognosis, it should be treated with the correct diagnostic and therapeutic methodology to ensure that patients are cured to the maximum extent possible.
Thyroiditis is an inflammation of the thyroid gland. The most common is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, often manifested by hypothyroidism.
Goitre is characterised by an increase in the size of the thyroid gland, with or without impaired thyroid function. It can have various causes (nodules, thyroiditis, hyperthyroidism, etc.). Surgery is often required.
A patient with a thyroid condition should undergo proper diagnostic evaluation and treatment. The specialist thyroid surgeon plays a central role in the management of these patients, deciding when surgery is needed (and what kind of surgery) and performing it with maximum safety and thoroughness. This provides an immediate and permanent solution to the patient’s problem. The surgeon’s specialisation and experience are decisive parameters for the optimal treatment of the patient according to modern international standards.
George Sakorafas Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgeon, Assistant Professor of Surgery at the University of Athens, Coordinating Director of the Agios Savvas Surgical Clinic. Hospitals: Eugenideio - Medical Center Psyhiko Clinic - Mitera - Hygeia http://www.gsakorafas.gr
Mommy makeover -
Mommy makeoverFirm and youthful body after pregnancy!
MANY CHANGES OCCUR IN A WOMAN’S BODY DURING CHILDBIRTH AND AS A RESULT, MANY WOMEN FEEL SAD AND DISAPPOINTED WITH THEIR BODIES AFTER CHILDBIRTH. PLASTIC SURGERY CAN HELP.
Αmini or full tummy tuck combined with liposuction can drastically transform our bodies. A tummy tuck is an effective procedure that is very safe for young, healthy people and yields very good, long-lasting results.
With this technique, we can remove excess skin below the navel, tighten muscles and perform liposuction in various places. The result is a youthful, toned tummy and slimmer waist.
Another area that “deteriorates” are the breasts: depending on the case, a breast lift with or without silicone, breast augmentation or breast reduction can be performed. With this procedure, we can significantly improve the appearance of the breasts according to each woman’s preferences. The result is a youthful, firm breast for many years to come.
In some cases, you may need brachioplasty (liposuction and lift of the arms), thigh or buttocks lift, etc. Depending on the case, these operations can be performed simultaneously on the same day or after 3-4 months.
There are also some in-office treatments that can help with the mummy makeover: non-invasive cryosculpture, for a 30-40% reduction in localised fat in a single session. Ideal for saddlebags, backs, inner thighs, knees, arms, etc. Latest generation machines that offer dramatic local fat reduction within 2-3 months No recovery, return to daily tasks the same day. Also lipomassage - endermologie, a specialised body-sculpting treatment ideal for reducing cellulite, localised fat reduction and improving laxity. The combination of these two non-invasive treatments can produce very good results all over the body.
All procedures have advantages and disadvantages, and if you are interested in having one, you should consult a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon who can answer all your questions. In conjunction with these procedures, it is advisable to maintain a healthy diet and reduce sedentary lifestyle in order to maintain good results in the long term.
Do you have a hernia on the abdominal wall?
NOW YOU CAN HAVE SURGERY AND BE HOME IN A FEW HOURS! NEW eTEP ROBOTIC TECHNIQUES.
In 2014, a revolution in abdominal wall hernia surgery began, with the development of brand new techniques. Innovative methods were developed that abandoned the previous doctrine «just close the hole…» and relied on purely anatomical bases, taking advantage of the already existing anatomical elements of our abdominal wall. These are the eTEP techniques (eTEP-RS and eTEP-TAR). With the basic weapon of perfect knowledge of anatomy and the impeccable surgical technique and skill of the specialized hernia surgeon, methods were developed that literally reconstruct the abdominal wall by closing the gaps of the hernia, and placing the mesh completely outside the abdomen, in between the abdominal muscles.
The advantages of eTEP
The minimally invasive eTEP surgical techniques are performed laparoscopically or robotically. Robotic surgical systems (daVinci Xi) simulate the surgical movement of the human hand and eye, making these operations safe and effective, with minimal complications and even faster discharge of the patient from the hospital, even on the same day, within a few hours. The eTEP techniques give the patient the possibility of repairing many coexisting hernias at the same time, without incisions and cross-sections of muscles, through only small holes 5-10 mm. For the specialized surgeon, this means performing the operation with the highest percentages of accuracy and safety, complete restoration of the normal anatomy of the space and no need to fix the mesh with sutures or special nails, so that there is no injury to blood vessels or nerves -which makes the operation painless and bloodless. For the patient, on the other hand, all this translates into a quick recovery, discharge from the hospital in a few hours and an immediate return to daily life.
Master Surgeon – Surgeon of Excellence
Archontovasilis Fotis MD, PhD, FEHS, Abdominal wall hernia and reconstruction Specialist
Master Surgeon – Surgeon of Excellence in Hernia Surgery (SRC cert.), Robotic (console) Surgeon (RAIN cert.), Head and Director, Surgical Department Metropolitan General Hospital, Director, Center of Excellence in Hernia Surgery, Metropolitan General Hospital Vice President of Hellenic Association of Endoscopic Surgery. www.oxeirourgos.gr | www.robotsurgery.gr | https://www.facebook.com/oxeirourgos
Tothing is more beneficial to human psychology than a view of the sea. That’s why a ferry trip is the perfect way to get in the holiday mood -a few hours to gaze at all the shades of blue and leave the cares of everyday life behind. So when the time comes to let go into the refreshing embrace of the sea on that first dive, all the worldly worries will be gone.
