Author: Celeste

An introduction to Hydra island Hydra island is a favorite getaway for both celebrities to local Athenians. The island has been the background for several Hollywood productions and the second home of the late artist Leonard Cohen and other famous artists such as Audrey Hepburn and Sophia Lauren. Picturesque Hydra is built in the shape of an amphitheater on a slope overlooking the sea. The island is famous for its beautiful architecture, colorful mansions, its festivals, its fine dining and its lack of motorized vehicles and bicycles. It is a place that I have often been by myself and later…

Today’s options for a summer camp are far more varied than you might remember from your own childhood. There are camps that focus on music and theatre, arts and science, language, sports, circus themes, and computers. Summer camp can be one of the most rewarding, unforgettable experiences in a child’s life. Summer camp provides children with a community of caring mentors who provide experiential education that leads to self-respect and appreciation for life. More about Harry Potter: 20 Magical Harry Potter Gifts Teens will Love Our Ancient Greece Experience with Harry Potter All of the outcomes—friendships, overcoming challenges, staying healthy…

I first visited Thermae Sylla Spa & Wellness Hotel with Travel Bloggers Greece in winter of 2016. I loved the warm thermal waters and the effect it had on my skin so much that I came back several times after. This is my review of a unique hotel with a special past. Related: A winter stay at Thermae Sylla Spa Wellness Hotel 2019 Thermae Sylla Spa & Wellness Hotel History The thermal town of Edipsos and Thermae Sylla Spa & Wellness Hotel are well known in Greece for its famous therapeutic waters. Because of these waters, the town and Thermae Sylla Spa…

Is it ever too early to start teaching children where their food comes from? In an age where many young Western children are well-acquainted not only with televisions but also with iPads and mobile phone apps, it is becoming increasingly apparent that the next generation of children are less engaged with nature than ever before. Urban farms and farm schools can help kids connect to nature again. Perivoli is an urban farm near Athens city and this post is about our recent family experience. Update 2022: There was a change at the Perivoli. The farm now welcomes children from 11…

Flisvos playground in Palio Faliro offers a great day out for families and kids of all ages. I believe that the Flisvos playground hosts one of the best free play spaces in Attica. Flisvos playground is located in Palio Faliro in the South of Athens in between the beach and the important coastal road called Poseidonos Avenue, 6 km away from the city center. You can easily reach the park by car via the city center or via the highway. There is a large private paid parking at Flisvos Marina but on weekdays, you will be able to park in the…

In Greece, the most popular family day for a visit to the park is ‘Protomagia’or ‘1st of May’. May 1 is considered ‘Labor Day’ for the Greeks. Many Greek families will take their picnic lunches out to the countryside on this day. Flowers, branches, and garlands feature prominently in the merriment of May. Children are gathering wildflowers and braid these into wreaths that are taken home to adorn front doors or balconies. Another busy day in the parks is ‘Kathara Devtera’ or Clean Monday. When the carnival festive season is over, the period of fasting until Easter begins here. People…

Although not a lot, playgrounds in Athens do exist. In combination with the pleasant climate and safety of the city, outside play is therefore possible for everyone and all year around. This post tells you more about the importance of play. It will also tell you more about the playgrounds in Athens and where to find them. Update December 2024: The Municipality of Athens plans to add 14 new playgrounds in 2025 as part of an initiative to meet the European standard of one playground per 2,000 residents. Athens has only one playground per 8,000 residents, significantly below the European average. The…

Looking for somewhere your kids can play freely and safely, while you simply relax? This post has it covered. Check out my 10 best parks in Athens for kids! National Garden One of the best parks in Athens for kids are the National Gardens, formerly called the ‘Royal Garden’, is a public park of 15.5 hectares in the center of Athens. It is located directly behind the Greek Parliament building (the old palace) and in between the famous monuments of the Zappeion and the Panathenaiko first Olympic Stadium. I find it an ideal cool oasis and a green escape in the middle…

It’s that time of year. Easter holidays are over, the countdown can begin. The reading logs have stopped coming home. Parents are frantically discussing end-of-year teacher gifts. My kids have begun the grand countdown to the Last Day of School. Summer is almost here and a long period (3 months in Greece!) of freedom is about to start. If you are a parent in the Greek capital or if you are visiting this summer, you may want to consider sending your kids to a summer camp in Athens.Today’s options are far more varied than you might remember from your own…

Information about the Athens Science Festival taking place on 28 April. A Journey into the Celestial Sphere (Age: 6 – 12). This activity gives the opportunity of engaging and becoming familiar with the night sky, a part of the Natural World that has always fascinated and evoked human admiration. We’ll learn about the origins of celestial bodies, the solar system, what are the stars, the constellations, etc. while narrating the myths that named them. We’ll learn basic constellations and how they’re connected through Mythology. We’ll learn how the knowledge of the night-sky is used in orientation, and so on. Through…

Pinatas We Love Pinatas is the creative work of the Anthomeli bloggers, two sisters from Thessaloniki in Greece. I met Callie and Kathy during my travels with Travel Bloggers Greece. Although piñatas are nowadays thought of as a fun activity for parties, they have a long, rich history. There is some debate but it appears that their origin is not Spanish but Chinese. The Chinese version was in the shape of a cow or ox and used for the New Year. It was decorated with symbols and colors meant to produce a favorable climate for the coming growing season. It was filled with…

Are you an expat in Athens, a non-Greek speaker or maybe you Greek but looking for an activity for to improve your child’s English language skills? Are you looking for something different to do with your children or are you looking for a creative writing course? Creative writing in Athens for Kids This English-speaking Creative Writing Meeting in Athens for Kids takes place on Saturday 31 March from 12:30 – 14:00. This first workshop in a series of 8 is free of charge and suitable for children aged 7 – 11 years old. The experience of creative writing for children is…