Dexamenes Seaside Hotel, a luxury resort on the Peloponnese peninsula in southern Greece, was transformed from a former wine factory into a unique hospitality experience. The hotel, which opened in 2019, features industrial and angular designs with rooms housed in concrete vats used for fermentation. Owner Nikos Karaflos aimed to preserve the local culture and history. The region saw a wine production boom in the 1860s, but the industry faltered in the early 20th century. The hotel now offers private dinners, wine tastings, and wellness events, with a restaurant that focuses on Peloponnesian wines.

Rhodes, the largest of the Dodecanese islands in Greece, is known for its historical significance, cultural activities, and natural beauty, including beaches and the country's largest butterfly reserve. The island's Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing Gothic architecture and a Jewish Quarter. Rhodes offers a range of experiences from relaxation to vibrant nightlife and sea sports. Notable accommodations include Melenos Art Boutique Hotel and Lindian Village Beach Resort Rhodes. Activities include historical tours, windsurfing, and hiking. The best time to visit is during the shoulder seasons for milder weather and fewer tourists. Rhodes is accessible by plane or ferry, with car rental recommended for transportation around the island.

Rhodes, the largest of the Dodecanese islands in Greece, is known for its historical significance, cultural activities, and natural beauty, including beaches and the country's largest butterfly reserve. The island's Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing Gothic and Ottoman architecture. Swot Hospitality Management Company's CEO, Panos Constantinidis, emphasizes Rhodes' dynamic character, offering relaxation, vibrant nightlife, and historical attractions. Accommodations range from luxurious hotels like Melenos Art Boutique Hotel to beachfront resorts such as Lindian Village Beach Resort Rhodes. Activities include historical tours, windsurfing, and hiking, particularly in the Valley of the Butterflies. The best time to visit is during the shoulder seasons for milder weather and fewer tourists. Transportation options include rental cars for flexibility or public buses operated by KTEL. The article also highlights the island's Jewish history and recommends various restaurants for local cuisine.

The article discusses the opportunity to stay in the once-private homes of Geoffrey Bawa, Sri Lanka's most famous architect known for pioneering tropical modernism. The focus is on the experience of staying in these unique architectural spaces.

The article highlights 15 beautiful places to visit in Greece, ranging from the historic capital city of Athens to the quaint island of Milos known for relaxation. It includes lively Mykonos, known for beachside parties, and Delphi, a haven for history enthusiasts. Halkidiki is celebrated for its stunning beaches, while Epidaurus offers ancient theaters. Gythio is a quiet seaside community with sea turtles, and Meteora boasts rock formations with monasteries. Sifnos and Kefalonia are islands with beautiful beaches and geological wonders, respectively. Corfu blends Greek and Italian influences, Thessaloniki offers urban attractions, and Messolonghi provides serene sea lake views. Olympia is the site of the first Olympic Games, and Nafplio is a city filled with ancient sites.

Bulgaria offers a travel experience rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. The Zornitza Family Estate provides a traditional rural Bulgarian experience, while the Hyatt Regency Sofia and Raketa Rakia Bar in the capital showcase modern amenities and local spirits. Plovdiv, known for its Roman amphitheater and continuous habitation, contrasts with Sofia's post-Communist charm. The Rhodope Mountains and the Rose Valley highlight Bulgaria's natural and mystical allure, with places like Villa Gella offering bespoke travel experiences. The country's fertile lands, historical sites, and the warmth of its people make it an emerging destination for travelers seeking a mix of cultures and stunning landscapes.

Dexamenes Seaside Hotel, a luxury resort on the Peloponnese peninsula in southern Greece, was constructed from a former wine factory and opened in 2019. The hotel's industrial and angular aesthetic with rusty hues contrasts with the typical bright white and curved architecture of many Greek hotels. The owner, Nikos Karaflos, aims to preserve the culture and history of the local area, acknowledging the factory's past significance to the local economy.

Athens is experiencing a cultural and creative renaissance despite recent economic hardships. The city boasts a variety of new boutiques, restaurants, hotels, art galleries, and museums, attracting an international crowd. Notable accommodations include the historic King George Hotel and the contemporary New Hotel. Dining options range from traditional Greek tavernas to the two-Michelin starred Funky Gourmet and the Greek-Japanese fusion restaurant Nolan. The Acropolis remains a must-visit, complemented by the Acropolis Museum and other cultural institutions like the Stavros Niarchos Foundation and the Onassis Cultural Centre. For unique experiences, visitors can explore the organic skincare boutique by Dimitra Goula or enjoy Greek wines at Heteroclito and cocktails at Baba au Rhum.

Greece, particularly Athens, experiences frequent left-wing terrorist attacks, such as the recent bombings in Kolonaki and against media outlets Skai and Kathimerini. These attacks are often culturally tolerated due to historical resistance to dictatorship and corruption. Modern groups lack clear ideology and prefer low-intensity violence, with fewer casualties. The country's high police-to-civilian ratio and international counter-terrorism support have not eradicated the threat. Right-wing violence poses a more immediate threat, with hate crimes tripling in 2017. The upcoming 2019 elections are unlikely to change the situation.

In 2018, the Evros River border between Turkey and Greece saw a significant increase in migrant and asylum seeker deaths due to traffic accidents, with over a quarter of all migrant deaths in mainland Europe occurring on Greek roads. Forensic scientist Pavlos Pavlidis reported a rise in bodies from traffic accidents, and lawyer Dimitris Koros attributed some of the danger to attempts to avoid arrest. Greece has the highest rate of road fatalities in the EU, and the UN's International Organization for Migration noted 30 migrant deaths in Greece from road accidents. High-speed chases with police and reckless practices by human smugglers contribute to the risk. Despite a decrease in crossings since April 2018, the number of incidents remains high, with several fatal accidents reported. Human Rights Watch and the Greek Council for Refugees have documented forced returns of migrants across the Evros border.

The article explores the unique whistling language known as Sfyria, found in the village of Antia on the Greek island of Evia. Sfyria, which translates to whistling in Greek, is not a separate language but a speech registrar that uses the same grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structure as modern Greek, but is articulated through whistled notes. The practice, which allows communication over long distances, is dying out due to modernity and the depopulation of the village. Efforts are being made to preserve the language, including teaching classes and petitioning for a school. The article also touches on the global phenomenon of whistled languages and mentions the recognition of some by UNESCO. The journalist provides insights from locals, linguists, and historical records, painting a vivid picture of the cultural significance and current challenges of Sfyria.

The article discusses the resurgence and legal recognition of Hellenism, an ancient Greek polytheistic religion, in modern Greece. It begins with a historical anecdote about a monk's vandalism of a statue of Poseidon in 1976, which was seen as a symbol of paganism. The article then introduces Vlassis Rassias, Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Ethnikoi Hellenes (YSEE), and outlines the basic beliefs of Hellenism. It contrasts these beliefs with the rise of Christianity in Greece and the subsequent decline of paganism. The YSEE, established unofficially in 1997, faced opposition from the Greek Orthodox Church but has recently been legally recognized by the Greek government, allowing them to openly worship and perform religious ceremonies. The article also touches on the challenges faced by modern Hellenists in Greek society, including discrimination and misunderstanding, but notes the religion's growing acceptance. It concludes with a description of a YSEE ceremony and the personal sentiments of its members, emphasizing the religion's connection to nature and the universe.

The article discusses the environmental and economic tensions in Halkidiki, Greece, due to the mining operations of Canadian company Eldorado Gold. The region, known for its natural beauty and historical significance, is facing deforestation, water contamination, and health risks from the mining activities. Eldorado Gold, Greece's largest foreign investor, has been operating mines in the area since the Greek government's debt crisis in 2012. Despite the economic benefits and jobs provided by the mines, there are significant concerns about the long-term environmental damage and health risks, including cancer and pulmonary diseases, due to heavy metal contamination. The article also covers the local opposition to the mines, the government's changing stance due to pressure from international financial institutions, and the potential risks of building hazardous waste dams in an earthquake-prone area. Eldorado Gold claims to adhere to EU regulations and best practices, but there is skepticism among locals and experts about the safety and sustainability of the mining operations.

The Museum of Cycladic Art in Athens, in partnership with the Alpha Bank Numismatic Collection, is hosting an exhibition titled 'Money: Tangible Symbols in Ancient Greece.' The exhibit features 85 ancient coins from the Mediterranean, Asia Minor, and Central Asia, dating back to the 7th century BC, alongside 159 artefacts from 32 different archaeological collections, including the British Museum and the Louvre. The exhibition aims to explore the tangible aspect of currency and its role in society, trade, art, and history. Curated by Nicholas Stampolidis, the exhibit avoids traditional presentation methods, instead grouping the coins and artefacts into eight thematic units to highlight the multifaceted nature of money and its connection to the people who used it. The coins, considered small pieces of art, carry messages from the ancient world, with designs that reflect significant aspects of ancient Greek society, such as the sea turtle on the first Greek coin and the grapevine on a silver drachm.