The web portal Study in Greece is campaigning for the promotion and international visibility of Greek Universities and the comparative educational advantages of our country. In particular, the campaign focuses on the foreign language study programs that Greek Universities offer to Greek and international students. The initiative is supported by the General Secretariat of Higher Education of the Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs and the General Secretariat for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. In this context, a number of educational programs and actions are presented in detail on a regular basis, such as undergraduate and postgraduate programs, summer schools etc, to inform international students about the many foreign language options offered by Greek Universities.

Konstantinos Alexandris is a Professor and Dean of the School of Physical Education and Sport Science at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. He also serves as Director of the newly established Bachelor's program, “Sport and Exercise Sciences for Health and Performance,” which is designed for students interested in the scientific principles of human movement, athletic performance, and health. He leads several European Union and nationally funded research projects (including Erasmus+, Interreg, and Innovation programs), focusing on sport tourism, sustainability, and the promotion of active living.

Study in Greece interviewed Professor Konstantinos Alexandris on the Bachelor program “Sport and Exercise Sciences for Health and Performance,” its features and what it has to offer to international students.

Professor Alexandris, please provide us with a brief overview of the brand new Bachelor in “Sport and Exercise Sciences for Health and Performance”, its structure and main research areas.

The Bachelor in Sport and Exercise Sciences for Health and Performance is a newly established, fully English‑taught undergraduate program designed to offer an international, modern, and scientifically grounded education in the fields of sport, health, and human performance. Delivered jointly by the Schools of Physical Education and Sport Science of Thessaloniki and Serres at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, the program spans 4 years (240 ECTS) and integrates academic study with hands‑on professional training.

Program Focus

Students follow a structured curriculum that blends:

• Scientific coursework in sport and exercise sciences
• Laboratory‑based training using state‑of‑the‑art facilities
• Applied practice and fieldwork in real‑world sport and health environments
• Research activities that develop analytical and critical thinking skills

This combination ensures graduates gain both theoretical knowledge and practical competencies relevant to contemporary professional settings.

Specialization Pathways

Students choose one of two focused pathways:

• Sport Performance Emphasizes coaching science, athletic performance optimization, training methodologies, and applied sport analysis.
• Exercise for Health and Rehabilitation Focuses on exercise prescription, health promotion, chronic disease prevention, and rehabilitation strategies.

Graduate Outcomes

The program prepares students for diverse careers in:

• Sport Sciences and Performance analysis
• Exercise, Fitness, and Wellness professions
• Health promotion and rehabilitation settings
• Sport development officers
• Research and postgraduate academic pathways

Graduates are equipped with the scientific knowledge, practical skills, and international perspective required to work in multidisciplinary environments across the global sport, health, and exercise sectors.

What would you say are the qualities that help your Bachelor’s program stand out, compared to others of its kind?

• A World‑Class University

Aristotle University of Thessaloniki is one of the largest Europe’s leading universities, internationally recognized for excellence in education, research, and innovation. Its long academic tradition and global reputation provide students with a strong and respected academic foundation.

• A Top‑Tier School of Physical Education and Sport Science

The School of Physical Education and Sport Science is consistently ranked among the top institutions worldwide in sport science research, education, and professional training. The school has more than 3,000 undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD students, taught and supported by over 100 faculty members who are actively engaged in international collaborations and cutting‑edge research. Several world‑leading researchers teach within the school. Numerous EU‑funded projects are coordinated by faculty, offering students opportunities for international exposure, networking, and hands‑on research experience.

• Strong Integration of Science, Practice, and International Orientation

The program uniquely blends academic knowledge with applied training and real‑world experience. It is designed specifically for international students and to be delivered in a multicultural academic environment. It emphasizes laboratory work, field practice, and evidence‑based approaches. This combination ensures graduates are prepared for global careers in sport, health, and human performance.

• Thessaloniki: A Student‑Friendly European City

Thessaloniki is known for being:

Affordable, compared to other major European cities

Multicultural and vibrant

Safe and welcoming for international students

Its lively student community and rich cultural life make it an ideal place to study and live.

• Greece: The Birthplace of Sport and the Olympic Ideals

Studying sport science in Greece adds a unique cultural and historical dimension. Students experience the origins of sport, physical culture, and the Olympic spirit — an inspiring backdrop for academic and professional development.

• Competitive Tuition and Cost of Living

The program offers excellent value with its competitive tuition fees. The cost of living in Thessaloniki is also significantly lower than many European university cities. This makes high‑quality international education more accessible.

What kind of facilities and labs does the program include and what are the practical applications for them?

Exceptional Facilities and State‑of‑the‑Art Laboratories

The school is located within a dedicated sport campus of more than 200 acres, offering one of the most comprehensive sport and exercise environments in the region. The campus includes:

• Two fully equipped indoor sport courts
• Four football pitches
• Multiple tennis courts
• A full track and field stadium
• Modern fitness and strength‑training facilities

These facilities support both academic learning and high‑level athletic development.

The School also hosts state‑of‑the‑art laboratories specializing in:

• Sport medicine
• Biomechanics
• Coaching science
• Motor learning and control
• Exercise physiology
• Sport psychology
• Sport and tourism management

These labs are used extensively for research, teaching, and professional consultation, giving students direct access to advanced scientific tools and real‑world applications.

What are the academic or professional prospects that students are expected to have upon graduation?

Career and Academic Prospects

Graduates of the BSc in Sport and Exercise Sciences for Health and Performance complete the program with a strong foundation in scientific knowledge and a comprehensive set of practical skills. This combination enables them to pursue a wide range of professional and academic pathways in the sport, health, and human performance sectors.

Professional Opportunities

Graduates are prepared for careers across multiple fields, including:

• Sport science and performance analysis
• Health and fitness industries
• Clinical exercise and rehabilitation settings
• Coaching and athletic development
• Sport management and administration

Indicative professional roles include:

• Sport scientist
• Clinical exercise specialist
• Coach or performance trainer
• Fitness instructor
• Health and wellness advisor
• Educator for individuals with disabilities
• Sport development officer
• Sport manager

Academic Pathways

The program also provides a strong platform for further study. Graduates are well‑prepared to pursue postgraduate degrees (MSc and PhD) in areas in sport related areas.

In what way does your program align with the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki’s broader strategy for internationalization?

A Strong Commitment to Internationalisation

Aristotle University of Thessaloniki maintains an extensive global network, with more than 600 Erasmus partnerships and over 4.000 international students enrolled across its programs. As a university that actively promotes internationalisation, it fosters a vibrant, multicultural academic environment where students from diverse backgrounds learn and collaborate.

The BSc in Sport and Exercise Sciences for Health and Performance is fully aligned with the University’s mission to expand international education. By offering high‑quality English‑taught undergraduate and postgraduate programs, the University strengthens its global presence and provides international students with accessible pathways to study in Greece.

If you could send a message to a student who is considering studying in your program, what would it that message be?

This program offers a unique opportunity to study sport and exercise sciences within a truly international, research‑driven, and multicultural environment. By choosing this degree, you will gain not only strong theoretical foundations and advanced practical skills, but also the experience of becoming part of a dynamic academic community in Greece — the birthplace of sport and the Olympic ideals.

You will be encouraged to challenge yourself, think critically, and engage with real‑world applications across sport performance, health, and rehabilitation. Throughout your studies, you will develop competencies that are highly valued in scientific, clinical, and professional environments around the world.

If you are passionate about sport, health, and human performance, this program offers a powerful foundation for a meaningful and globally relevant career. It provides not only knowledge and practical skills, but also the opportunity to grow within an international academic community shaped by the rich cultural heritage of Greece — the birthplace of sport and the Olympic ideals.

Applications are now open! For more, follow the link:

https://apply.studyingreece.edu.gr/en/programmes/bsc/1729/details/sport-and-exercise-sciences-for-health-and-performance.

The post International Program Stories: Bachelor in “Sport and Exercise Sciences for Health and Performance” in Thessaloniki appeared first on Greek News Agenda.

Cycling is an activity that allows you to discover the natural and cultural treasures of a region in the most pleasant and environmentally friendly way. With its mild climate, Mediterranean landscapes, rich history and world-renowned monuments, Greece is a tourist paradise for cyclists. Cycle tourism in Greece has grown significantly in recent years, and increasing demand has led to the development of related services.

Although the 3 EuroVelo routes that cross Greece are not completely signposted yet, infrastructure has developed and rural roads with low traffic provide great opportunities for cycle touring. Furthermore, more and more cities are building cycle paths and operating public bike-sharing schemes. The bike routes take you through breathtaking scenery and can at points be particularly challenging physically, due to the country’s mountainous terrain. Whether you want to push your limits or simply to discover hidden attractions off the bitten path, these routes will not leave you wanting.

The three European cycling routes that pass through Greece are EuroVelo (EV) 8, 11 and 13. The Mediterranean route EV8 (5,388 km), which spans the south of Europe, starts off in Cadiz in Andalusia, Spain and ends in Athens through Igoumenitsa. Moving from north to south, the EV11 route (5,964 km) runs from Norway's North Cape to Athens via Thessaloniki, while the new EV13 route (6,800 km) runs from the Arctic Ocean and the Barents Sea, on the border between Norway and Russia, to the Black Sea, crossing Greece in two sections: from Promachonas to Serres to Exochi to Drama, and from Kyprinos to Kastanies to Evros, along the Ardas river.

In more detail:

EuroVelo 8 - Mediterranean Route

If you take EuroVelo 8, you'll enter Greece via the border region of Epirus, without losing sight of the legendary Ionian Sea with its clear blue waters. From Igoumenitsa to Sivota, from Parga to Preveza, cyclists can visit historic villages such as Zalogo, Souli and Zagori, ride south to western Greece, from Astakos and Vonitsa to the Missolonghi-Aitoliko lagoons complex, where the deltas of the Acheloos and Evinos rivers meet. Facing the Echinades islands, cyclists cross the Antirrio-Rio bridge to arrive in Patras, the largest city in the Peloponnese, nationally famous for its carnival which has a history of nearly two centuries.

As they continue on this seaside route, they reach Xylokastro, ancient Sicyon and Kiato, later Corinth (close to the ruins of the famous ancient city of the same name) and Loutraki, a seaside resort known for its thermal springs. Following the coast from Megara they get to Eleusis, European Capital of Culture for 2023 and the site of the Eleusis Mysteries, Ancient Greece’s most renowned religious rituals. Finally the route takes them to Attica and the city of Athens, home to some of Greece’s most prominent cultural sites, including the famed Acropolis.

EuroVelo 11 - East Europe Route

The EuroVelo11 route begins in southeastern Norway and takes the traveler south to sunny Greece. Cyclists enter the country via Evzonοi (Kilkis) in central Macedonia, where the river Axios flows through the Valley of Paionia, praised by Homer and ancient poets and philosophers as one of Greece's natural beauties.

The route passes through the famous wine roads of Goumenissa, which produce Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) wines, then proceeds to Pella, the capital of the ancient Macedonian state. The next stop is Thessaloniki, a captivating destination in Greece, known for its rich history, gastronomy and lively atmosphere. In 1988, 15 of the city's most beautiful early Christian and Byzantine monuments were inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List.

Don't miss Mount Athos, the country's largest monastic community. Heading south, you'll come across Vergina and the archaeological site of Aigai, where one can visit the Macedonian tombs, including the tomb of Philip II. The route follows the east coast of Greece, offering superb views of Mount Olympus and Mount Pelion, passing through the town of Volos. The route continues to the historic sites of Thermopylae, Chaeronea and its famous lion, Thebes, Plataea and Eleusis, ending at the Acropolis.

EuroVelo 13 - Iron Curtain Trail

The European part of the EuroVelo13 known as the “Iron Curtain Trail” invites cyclists to retrace and experience one of the most important parts of the European continent's history. Holding the title of longest EuroVelo route, with 9,950 km, the EV13 has something for every taste, from the vineyards of southern Czechia and northern Austria to the mountainous borders of Bulgaria and Greece.

The route, which crosses 20 countries, enters Greece from Petrich, Bulgaria, through the Promachonas border crossing, to north of the National Park of Lake Kerkini. Although the Greek section of the Iron Curtain Trail is fairly short, cyclists have the opportunity to cycle through the former “surveillance zone”, a heavily militarized area along the border between Bulgaria and Greece. The route follows the Metaxas Line and Fort Roupel, then skirts the Greek-Bulgarian border to the Forte Lisse, the last point on the route before leaving the Exochi border crossing in Drama.

The route then follows the natural border of Rodopi, passing through the prefectures of Drama, Xanthi and Rodopi, and re-enters Greece at the Kyprinos border crossing at the region of Evros. The route continues along the River Ardas, on whose banks the eponymous festival takes place in the summer, featuring camping facilities and music from Greece and the Balkans, and attracting many young people.

EuroVelo Project

EuroVelo is a project by the European Cyclists' Federation (ECF, a non-profit member-based umbrella federation), aimed at developing a network of high-quality, long-distance cycle routes linking the whole of Europe. These routes can be used by tourists as well as local residents who commute by bike.

The plan for the first twelve EuroVelo routes were conceived in 1995, and EuroVelo was officially launched in 1997. The first EuroVelo route “opened” in 2001, and the network continues to expand. It is not yet fully developed, and its 17 routes are at different stages of development, regarding issues such as safety. To help cyclists know what type of route they're going to encounter, the captioned EuroVelo map classifies the state of progress of the routes into four categories, including the “Certified” category. By now, 67% of the network of over 92,000 km is ready for cycling. The European Cyclists' Federation (ECF) coordinates, supervises, monitors and quantifies all this, in collaboration with national partners.

The national partner in Greece is the NGO Cities for Cycling, which is implementing a series of actions to promote the use of bicycles and the development of cycle tourism in Greece. One of its priorities is to create a platform for the exchange of knowledge and experience between Greece and European cities.

The National EuroVelo Coordination Centre for Greece has recently been set up, following a memorandum of cooperation signed between the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, the Ministry of Tourism, the Central Union of Greek Municipalities and the organization "Cities for Cycling", with the aim of monitoring, improving and promoting the three EuroVelo routes in Greece.

Based on the original article from Grèce Hebdo

Intro photo source: eurovelo.gr

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Olympus is the highest mountain in Greece and second highest in the Balkans. Primarily famous as the residence of the twelve gods of Greek mythology, it is a National Park of great importance for the country’s biodiversity, a popular destination for hikers and climbers, and an important landmark for the area’s identity and history.

Olympus in myth

The exact origin of the word Olympus is uncertain, but it most likely has pre-Greek roots. The mountain was considered to be the seat of the “twelve gods”, the major deities worshipped by ancient Greeks – which is the reason why these are often referred to as the “twelve Olympians”.

In ancient Greece, it was primarily Zeus who was called by the epithet “Olympian”, as he was the king of the gods and ruler of Mount Olympus. The ancient city of Olympia in the Peloponnese (quite far from Olympus Mountain) took its name from that epithet, as it was the center of the cult of Olympian Zeus. Hence, the mountain has indirectly lent its name to the most important athletic event worldwide, the Olympic Games, which used to be held in Olympia.

Location, morphology, geology, climate

The Olympus massif is located on the border between the regions of Thessaly (central Greece) and Macedonia (northern Greece). The highest peak of Mount Olympus, called Mytikas, reaches 2,917 meters (9,570 feet). The mountain features steep slopes, deep gorges, and high peaks, with over 50 summits, with a terrain consisting of rugged cliffs, alpine meadows, and dense forests.

It is mainly composed of limestone and dolomite, which formed during the Mesozoic era (about 200 million years ago). The mountain was shaped by tectonic movements and erosion, creating its steep, jagged peaks; due to its limestone composition, it features karstic formations, including caves and sinkholes.

The climate of Mount Olympus varies significantly with altitude, ranging from a typical Mediterranean climate at low altitudes to an alpine one at higher altitudes, with colder temperatures, frequent fog, and heavy snowfall in winter. The peaks are covered with snow for most of the year, while strong winds and rapid weather changes are common at high elevations.

Sites of interest

On the eastern slopes of the mountain is the Enipeas Gorge, one of the most famous and impressive canyons in Greece. It is a popular hiking destination, offering a mix of dense forests, waterfalls, caves, and historical sites. It is named after the Enipeas River, which forms small waterfalls, natural pools and streams, ideal for a refreshing swim in the summer.

The gorge is home to oak, pine, and beech forests, as well as rare flowers, while golden eagles and peregrine falcons can sometimes be spotted. Among its attractions there is also the ruins of the historic Monastery of Agios Dionysios (Saint Dionysius), established in 1542 and destroyed during the Nazi occupation of Greece.

At the foot of Mount Olympus, in the Pieria regional unit, lies the village of Dion, named after the god Zeus (deriving its name from “dios”, the genitive of Zeus in Ancient Greek). It is famous for the Archaeological Park of Dion, located at the site of the eponymous ancient city, an important religious and cultural center of ancient Macedonia. It was home to the greatest temple of Zeus in the ancient Kingdom of Macedon.

The Archaeological Park encompasses extensive ruins from residential and public buildings, an agora, bathhouses, workshops, sanctuaries, theaters and a cemetery. Among the park’s most notable sites are the Sanctuary of Zeus Olympios, with a majestic temple dedicated to the father of gods, surrounded by altars for sacrifices and inscriptions honoring Macedonian kings, the Temple of Demeter, the Sanctuary of Isis and the Ancient Theater of Dion -both built during the Hellenistic period- and the Roman forum and public baths. The Archaeological Museum of Dion, located near the ruins, houses a rich collection of statues, inscriptions, mosaics, pottery, and religious artifacts.

Biodiversity and conservation status

Due to its great natural significance, Mount Olympus is a protected area that was given national park status in 1938, becoming Greece’s first national park. It was also designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1981. This protected status helps safeguard the diverse ecosystems and rare species that inhabit its slopes. Efforts are made to preserve the delicate ecosystems, which include both Mediterranean and alpine species.

The Mount Olympus National Park covers an area of approximately 1,200 square kilometers and is known for its unique biogeography, with its various climatic zones resulting in rich biodiversity. The area’s flora is divided into four vegetation zones:

• low-altitude forests, which feature typical Mediterranean vegetation, including oak trees, strawberry trees, kermes oaks, bay laurels, cedars etc.
• mid-elevation forests with both deciduous and evergreen species, mainly black pines, beech, fir and chestnut trees, and a rich undergrowth of ferns and wildflowers
• high-elevation coniferous forests with pines (with the Bosnian pine being the most typical) and shrubs
• the alpine zone (above 2,200m), featuring low vegetation such as mosses, and alpine flowers.

The park is home to more than 1,700 plant species, about 25 of which are endemic to Olympus, meaning they are found nowhere else in the world; these include the Ramonda (Jankaea) heldreichii, a rare relict species of the Cenozoic Era, and the Campanula oreadum, a bellflower, both encountered exclusively in Olympus’ alpine tundra.

The mountain’s fauna includes wild boars, roe deer, foxes, badgers, and wild goats, while the rare Balkan chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra balcanica) can be found in rocky areas. Reptiles include the Greek tortoise, Balkan green lizard, and salamanders in the rivers, and the endangered meadow viper (Vipera ursinii). There are also over 100 bird species, including golden eagles, peregrine falcons, and woodpeckers, and alpine choughs and rock partridges in high elevations, while insects include many endemic butterflies, beetles and bees.

Mountainiring

Mount Olympus offers some of the most breathtaking mountaineering and hiking routes in Greece, ranging from beginner-friendly trails to challenging ascents to Mytikas (2,917m), the highest peak. Organized mountain refuges exist at various altitudes; no special permits are required. The first recorded ascent of Mount Olympus was made in 1913 by Swiss climbers Daniel Baud-Bovy, Frédéric Boissonnas, and their Greek guide Christos Kakkalos.

Litochoro, a small town at the foot of the mountain, often serves as the main gateway for hikers and climbers. There are also various other hiking routes, such as the one starting at Prionia (1,100m), the highest point accessible by car, and following the E4 European long-distance path through lush forests and waterfalls. Most trails pass through beech and pine forests, but also the Enipeas Gorge, waterfalls, natural pools, caves, and historical sites, and of course offer breathtaking panoramic views of the mountain.

Read also via Greek News Agenda: Meteora, the hanging monasteries of Greece; Ancient Olympia: Panhellenic Sanctuary and home of the Olympics; Athos, the ‘Holy Mountain’

N.M.

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Four new museums opened in Athens during the past year, further enriching the Greek capital’s vibrant cultural scene.  Dedicated to painting, music, poetry and sports respectively each museum unveils a chapter of Greece’ enduring cultural narrative.

Alekos Fasianos Museum

The Alekos Fassianos Museum was designed and remodeled by architect Kyriakos Krokos, in collaboration with the artist Alekos Fassianos himself; it was completed in 1995 and it opened to the public in 2023.  The location of the museum is where the artist’s family home used to be back in the 1930s and until the 1970s. The museum is run by the Alekos Fassianos Estate and aims at facilitating research into the creator’s oeuvre by opening a dialogue with fellow artists, researchers, curators and the public.

Alekos Fassianos (1935 2022) was a renowned Greek painter who gained recognition for his distinctive style, which was characterized by immediacy and a deliberate departure from standardized painting techniques.  A student of Yannis Moralis at the Athens School of Fine Arts, where he studied from 1956 to 1960, he continued with studies in lithography in Paris (1960-1963), on a scholarship from the French government. In the following years he took to dividing his time between the Greek and French capitals.  Among his appearances in international exhibitions are included the Biennales of Sao Paolo (1971), Venice (1972), and Graphics at Baden-Baden (1958).

Ancient Greek vase painting, the Byzantine and folk traditions, the painting of Theophilos and various types of modern art are all to be found at the basis of Fassianos’ artistic creation, which through clear and uniform color, free and skilled draughtsmanship, a “childlike” feeling, and sensitivity of rendering, result in highly personal formations. His work is dominated by the human figure – characteristic are the figures of the bicyclist and the smoker, which crop up again and again.

The exhibition space aims to focus on the diverse artistic practice of Alekos Fassianos. Presenting works from 1956 to the end of his life, the exhibition introduces the viewer to Fassianos’ development as an artist. Showcasing works from the early years in Paris in the 1960s and his brief influence from abstract art to the inspiration he later draws from Byzantine art with the use of gold leaves and a darker color palette, a series of paintings of his widely celebrated way of painting as well as collages and mixed media works. The exhibition also pays tribute to his neighborhood, Agios Pavlos. The “Myth of his neighborhood” unfolds through a series of works representing local life in the 40s, 50s and 60s in Athens.

The Alekos Fassianos Museum is significant to the contemporary artistic and architectural map of Athens for it is one of the few museums in the world in which the complicity between artist and architect underpins a dialogue between the works and the space that houses them.

Cavafy archive

Following the publication of the digital collection of the Cavafy Archive in March 2019, the Onassis Foundation created the Cavafy Archive, a tailor-made space in Athens dedicated to the poet’s archive, which was inaugurated in November 2023. The Cavafy Archive is situated on Frynichou Street in the central Plaka neighbourhood and houses over 2,000 items, including manuscripts of poems, literary works, articles and notes of Constantine Cavafy, the influential Greek poet, journalist, and civil servant from Alexandria.

Born on April 29, 1863 in Alexandria, Egypt, where he died on the same day in 1933, Constantine Cavafy is the leading poet of the Diaspora, writing in Greek far from Greek lands. The body of his poetry includes the 154 poems of the “canon”, 37 “repudiated poems”, most of which are juvenilia written in romantic katharevousa, 75 “hidden” poems that were found finished in his papers, and 30 “unfinished” poems. His poems often feature historical figures or creations of the poet’s imagination, with frequent references to familiar or less familiar elements of Homeric, Hellenistic, and Byzantine years. Today his poetry comprises a discrete pole in Greek literature, and he enjoys a prominent place in world literature as well.

The aim was to create a space for the poet’s writings and books, his personal items and furniture, surrounded by artworks that enable us to gain an in-depth understanding of his growing impact on artists from his era until today, a space open to researchers and the public, open to all.

The newly designed Cavafy Archive introduces three accessible rooms for visitors: one exhibiting C. P. Cavafy's personal items, another dedicated to Cavafy's experiences in Athens, and the Reading Room. Following standard archival practices, the archive and library are housed within a specially arranged space.

The rooms displaying the poet's personal belongings and furniture reflect the ambiance of his private space in Alexandria. Amid family photographs, vases, frames, a copy of his glasses, his desk, and other tiny and large objects, six portraits of the poet by contemporary artists stand out. Unique among the exhibited items are the poet's untouched possessions: his death mask, as well as the first edition of Cavafy's poems, edited by Rica Singopoulo and illustrated by Takis Kalmouchos, which was printed in 1935 following the poet's death.

In 'The Athens of Cavafy,' the pages from Cavafy's diaries during his trips to Athens stand out, along with a plethora of letters and notes expressing admiration and emotion for the work of the Alexandrian poet by Grigorios Xenopoulos, Ion Dragoumis, Angelos Sikelianos, Dimitri Mitropoulos, Tellos Agras, Napoleon Lapathiotis, and the lawyer and economist Georgios Charitakis, who conveyed Kostis Palamas' praise for Cavafy's work, among others.

Maria Callas Museum

The Maria Callas Museum is the first museum dedicated to the Greek soprano who became an opera legend; it opened its doors to the public in October 2023, in the heart of Athens. The museum was inaugurated on the occasion of the centenary of the artist’s birth, which was included in UNESCO’s list of anniversaries for 2023; it aims to introduce the general public to the career and personality of the internationally renowned soprano, while highlighting the elements of her technique that made her unique.

The museum features more than 1,000 items belonging to or associated with Callas, including priceless historical artefacts such as rare live recordings, personal items, record collections, sheet music, photographs, dresses, jewelry and much more. The collection was made possible by contributions and donations from various institutions and private owners.

Read more on our extensive Greek News Agenda article on the Maria Callas Museum.

Athens Olympic museum

Τhe Athens Olympic Museum, operating under the aegis of the International Olympic Committee and the Hellenic Olympic Committee aims to showcase the Olympic Games from antiquity to date; the spirit of fair play as a universal value; Greece’s critical role in promoting Olympism; Athens as an Olympic Capital, while at the same paying tribute to Greek athletes and presenting the Greek Olympic and Paralympic Champions who have won medals. The Museum of Athens is located next to the renovated Olympic Facilities, in the suburb of Maroussi, where the International Radio and Television Center was housed during the 2004 Athens Olympics and it is connected through a footbridge to the Olympic Stadium of Athens "Spyros Louis" (OAKA).

The Athens Olympic Museum is organized like a journey thought the history of the Olympic Games, through a chronological narration, highlighting three milestones of the Olympic Games: their birth in Ancient Olympia, their revival in Athens 1896 and the return of the Games in Greece during Athens 2004. The principles and values of the Olympic Movement are also showcased through an interactive multimedia exhibition.

The Museum aims to highlight the concept of “Agon” (endeavor in English). the effort to surpass oneself in all aspects of life. The idea of the “Agon” was the inspiration behind the design of the Permanent Exhibition of the Museum, an exhibition of Olympic Games memorabilia, athletes’ testimonies, and artefacts from Greek antiquity to present.

The Museum adopts state-of-the-art recreational learning techniques, offering a plethora of interpretive media, interactive exhibits (hybrid and digital), installations with original items and heirlooms, from antiquity to modern Olympic Games, composing a unique experiential expedition for the visitor. Be sure not the miss the project Ancient Olympia: Common Grounds, a collaboration between the Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports and Microsoft, is a mixed reality exhibition, using Artificial Intelligence to digitally preserve and restore the site of Ancient Olympia. Visitors can digitally navigate and explore the ancient site, as it stood more than 2,000 years ago.

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The Intercalated Olympic Games were conceived as a series of international athletics competitions that would take place every four years, halfway between the actual Olympics, and would always be hosted in Athens. However, they were only held once, in 1906.

Background - The modern Olympics

The idea for a modern Olympiad was introduced by Baron Pierre de Coubertin (1863-1937), a French aristocrat with studies in various subjects including history and education. An admirer of Ancient Greek culture, as well as a strong proponent of physical education, de Coubertin instigated the revival of the athletic competitions that took place every four years in Ancient Olympia. He reimagined it as international instead of PanHellenic, in the spirit of promoting the ideals of sportsmanship and fair play.

In his mission to promote these ideals, he contacted the Greek government and national benefactors Evangelos and Konstantinos Zappas, who were already working on spreading the spirit of athleticism in Greece. The modern Olympic movement was officially born in 1894, with the establishment of the International Olympic Committee. Demetrios Vikelas, a Greek businessman and writer, became its first President (he was succeeded by de Coubertin in 1896).

Greece was unanimously chosen as the first Olympic host as the birthplace of the ancient games; the first Summer Olympics of modern history took place on 6 – 15 April 1896, with participants from only fourteen countries. Paris, Coubertin’s birthplace, would host the second Olympiad, in 1900, while the third took place in St. Louis, USA and the fourth one in London.

The Greek Olympic Committee in 1906 (its president, Crown Prince Constantine, also member of the 1896 organising committee, stands in the centre)

The concept of the Intercalated Games

The idea for a series of quadrennial games held in Athens was suggested by the International Olympic Committee in 1901. After having successfully hosted the first Olymiad, the Greek authorities expressed the wish to keep the games in Greece, seeing as they already had the pertinent facilities and had proven to be apt at organising this type of event. However, De Coubertin had envisioned the Olympics as having no permanent host country, in a keeping with the ideal of an international Olympic Movement.

After the 1900 Olympiad’s limited success (due in part to overshadowing by the Exposition Universelle of that same year), the idea of the Greek Games became more appealing. The committee decided on the scheduling of intermediate games that would always take place in Athens between the international Olympics, and would hold equal status to them. As the year 1902 was too close to allow for adequate preparations, the first Intercalated Games were set to take place in 1906.

The Games of 1906

The first and only Intercalated Games took place in Athens on 22 April – 2 May 1906. They were held at the Panathenaic Stadium, which had also been the main venue of the first Olympics. 854 athletes, 848 men and 6 women, from 20 countries, competed at the Games.

These were the first Games were all athletes were requested to register through the national Olympic Committees. It was these Games that introduced the concept of the Opening ceremony as a separate event where, for the first time, the athletes marched into the stadium in national teams, each team marching behind the respective flag. Other novelties introduced at these games were the Closing ceremony and the raising of national flags for the medal winners.

Despite the 1906 Games’ success, the institution was discontinued; the organisers found that there was not sufficient time to prepare for the Games, following the Summer Olympics of 1908 (the longest in history). More importantly, political upheaval in Greece and the Balkans following the 1908 Young Turk Revolution shifted the nation’s interest to national and military issues.

The finish of the 1906 marathon race; the winner, Canadian athlete Billy Sherring, is seen at the centre, while Prince George, who accompanied him on the final lap, is seen on the right.

Legacy

Although they are still sometimes referred to as the 1906 Olympic Games, the Intermediate Games of 1906 are no longer officially recognised as Olympic Games by the IOC (nor are the records set and medals awarded at these sports events). However, the 1906 Athens Games did serve as an example of a successfully organised sports competition, unlike the previous two Olympiads (especially the 1904 St.Louis Games with their minimal international participation). Several of the innovations introduced in 1906 have since become standard Olympic practice.

Having had the highest international participation since 1896 and wide media coverage at the time, the 1906 Intercalated Games were considered a success; in fact, many believe that this success (especially in contrast with the less popular Olympiads that followed the first Games of 1896) was instrumental to the survival of the Olympic Movement.

Read also via Greek News Agenda: POEM OF THE MONTH: The Olympic Hymn by Kostis Palamas; The new Athens Olympic Museum; Ekecheiria, the ancient Greek tradition for the Olympic Truce to be applied in Tokyo 2020

N.M. (Intro image: The Panathenaic Stadium at the 1906 Intercalated Games)

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The modern Olympics were established in the late 19th century, thanks to the efforts of a movement led by Pierre de Coubertin, founder of the International Olympic Committee, who wished to revive the practices and ideals of the ancient Olympic Games. The first Olympiad took place in 1896 in Athens; at the opening ceremony, held at the Panathenaic Stadium, a large choir performed the Olympic Hymn, composed Spyridon Samaras with lyrics by Kostis Palamas. In 1958, it was declared the official Olympic Anthem.

The modern Olympics

The idea for a modern Olympiad was introduced by Baron Pierre de Coubertin (1863-1937), a French aristocrat with studies in various subjects including history and education. An admirer of Ancient Greek culture, as well as a strong proponent of physical education, de Coubertin instigated the revival of the athletic competitions that took place every four years in Ancient Olympia. He reimagined it as international instead of PanHellenic, in the spirit of promoting the ideals of sportsmanship and fair play.

In his mission to promote these ideals, he contacted the Greek government and national benefactors Evangelos and Konstantinos Zappas, who were already working on spreading the spirit of athleticism in Greece. The modern Olympic movement was officially born in 1894, with the establishment of the International Olympic Committee. Demetrios Vikelas, a Greek businessman and writer, became its first President (he was succeeded by de Coubertin in 1896). The first Summer Olympics of modern history were set to take place in Athens, while Paris would host the second Olympic Games.

The opening ceremony of the 1896 Summer Olympics

The history of the Anthem

Greece was unanimously chosen as the first Olympic host as the birthplace of the ancient games. Fourteen countries participated in these first games. The opening ceremony was held at the Panathenaic Stadium, which was also the main sports venue for the event, and nine bands and 150 choir singers performed The Olympic Hymn, which had been commissioned by the committee (and Vikelas in particular) to Greek composer Spyridon Samaras, on lyrics written by Greek poet Kostis Palamas.

Although the anthem had been ignored for the following decades, with each hosting country commissioning a new one for its own Olympiad, in 1958, at the 54th Session of the International Olympic Committee in Tokyo, it was declared the official anthem of the Games and the IOC. Samaras’s composition was performed at the 1960 Winter Olympics in Squaw Valley, USA, for the first time since 1896; an English version of the anthem was introduced, used to this day, with rewritten lyrics different to the original poem.

The hymn has since been performed at every Olympic event, usually at both the opening and closing ceremonies. Each country can choose between the English version, the Greek version, or a translation of the original Greek version to any language, or even an instrumental version. Often, more than one versions are used at the same Olympiad. The hymn has been sung in Greek (either as the only version, or along with versions in other languages) at the 1976 Summer and Winter Olympics, at the 1980 Summer Olympics, at the 1988 Winter Olympics, at the 2000 Summer Olympics, at the 2004 Summer Olympics (in Athens), at the 2008 Summer Olympics and at the 2018 Winter Olympics.

The Refugee Olympic Team (EOR) is also represented by the Olympic flag and the official Olympic anthem.

Left: Cover of the official report of 1896 Athens Summer Olympics; Right: Spyridon Samaras at a young age

The Olympic Hymn*

Ancient immortal spirit, unsullied father
of that which beautiful, great an true,
descend, make thyself known and shine here
on this earth and below these skies, witness of thy glory.

Illuminate the endeavour wrought in noble contests,
in the running race, the wrestling and the throwing.
Place a wreath of evergreen branch,
creating the body as of iron and worthy.

Vales, mountains and oceans shine with thee
like unto a great temple of white and porphyry.
To which all peoples hasten to this temple
to worship thee, Oh ancient immortal spirit.

Kostis Palamas

Kostis Palamas (1859-1943) is considered by many to be Greece’s national poet. He was a key figure of the generation of the 1880s known as "the New Athenian School". Born in the city of Patras, he lost both his parents at the age of six, and grew up with relatives in the historic town of Missolonghi. In 1875, he moved to Athens, were he would enroll at the School of Law at the Athens University. He would however soon give up his studies to focus on his writing. He published his poems in various periodicals, while he also worked as a journalist for large newspapers.

He issued his first collection of poems, Songs of my country, in 1886, followed by The eyes of my soul in 1892, while in 1889 he won a poetic competition with his long poem Hymn to Athena. This distinction drew the attention of Demetrios Vikelas, already an established author, who was deeply impressed by the poem and its hellenic themes.

Palamas was famous for advocating the use of Demotic Greek language (demotiki), that is, the vernacular Greek spoken at the time (almost identical to the language spoken in Greece today), as opposed to katharevusa, an artificial, purified language, based on the old classical norms, which was –after the establishment of the modern Greek state– used in all official domains, including also public education and literary production. His poems were believed to speak to the heart of the people, often touching on romantic or tragic themes but often also permeated by a spirit of national exuberance.

The Poets, by Georgios Roilos (Palamas is depicted in the middle, among other poets of the "New Athenian School" – via Wikimedia Commons)

The poet wrote The Olympic Hymn in the spring of 1895, and it was then set to music by Spyridon (Spyros) Samaras – to whom Palamas would dedicate the Hymn for "giving it wings". Samaras was one of the foremost representatives of the Second Generation of the "Ionian (or Heptanese) Scool of Music". Born in Corfu in 1861, Samaras had graduated from the Paris Conservatoire, where he had studied under Romantic composers such as Jules Massenet and Léo Delibes; by the time he was commissioned the anthem, he had made a name for himself in France and Italy as an opera composer.

Palamas would go on to become one of Greece’s most popular and widely revered poets. His most acclaimed works include the poetry collections Iambs and Anapaests (1897), The Grave (1898), Life Immovable (1904), The Twelve Lays of the Gypsy (1907) and The King's flute (1910). He also wrote a small number of short stories and translations, and several literary critiques, as well as Trisevgeni (1902), a drama in four parts. He died on 27 February 1943, and his funeral was attended by thousands of people despite Athens being under Nazi occupation at the time. Angelos Sikelianos (1884–1951), one of the most prominent Greek poets, recited an elegy for Palamas, naming him among the most iconic poets ever to come from Greece.

*Translation taken from the official IOC website

Read also via Greek News Agenda: The new Athens Olympic Museum; POEM OF THE MONTH: A tribute to Greek Poet Angelos Sikelianos; BOOK OF THE MONTH: “Slaves in their Chains” by Konstantinos Theotokis; Vasilis Michaelides: A Tribute to the National Poet of Cyprus; POEM OF THE MONTH: "The Greek language" by Nikiforos Vrettakos

Nefeli Mosaidi (Intro image: Left: Title page for the sheet music of The Olympic Hymn, 1896 [Source: Greek National Library]; Right: Kostis Palamas in 1912 [source: I Lexi Magazine, 1993])

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The new Athens Olympic Museum, founded under the auspices of the Hellenic Olympic Committee and the International Olympic Committee, has joined the Olympic Museums Network (which has now reached 28 members worldwide), becoming the second Olympic Museum in Greece after that of Thessaloniki.

The museum, which opened its gates on 14 May 2021, sheds light on the history of the Olympic Games from antiquity to the present day, but also on the spirit of fair play as a universal value, the decisive role of Greece in the promotion of Olympism and the emergence of Athens as the Olympic capital, while also paying tribute to Greek athletes who have won medals in the Olympic and Paralympic Games. The preservation of Greek sporting heritage, the promotion of the cultural aspect of sports and respect for the sportsmanship and Ancient Greek ideals are also among the new museums core values.

Great emphasis is also placed on the notions of effort and perseverance, not just in sports but also as a life stance, as well as that of the Olympic truce, the sacred ancient Greek tradition that dates back to 776 BC, according to which all participants in armed conflicts should lay down their arms for the duration of the Games; the International Olympic Committee has promoted a revival of this concept, with the establishment of the International Olympic Truce Foundation and the International Olympic Truce Centre in cooperation with Greece.

For the documentation of the exhibits, the team of museologists has collaborated with more than 40 national and international cultural institutions, including major international museums such as the British Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, the National Archaeological Museum in Naples and the Bavarian State Archaeological Collection in Munich, but also other Greek organisations such as the Archaeological Museum of Olympia, the Benaki Museum, the Hellenic Historical and Literary Archives, etc.

Left: Chloe and belt of Artemis Ignatius, Priestess at the Ceremony of Touching and Handing over the Olympic Flame for the Seoul Olympic Games in 1988; Right: Greece during the Olympic Games of 1896. Panhellenic and illustrated Album, Athens: "Acropolis" Stores V. Gavriilidou, 1896

Of course, the collections couldn’t have been created without the valuable donations from Greek Olympic and Paralympic medallists, who have offered medals and other items, but also from members of the Olympic family, collectors and private donors.

From an architectural perspective, the building approach applied to the museum was designed with the aim promoting the spirit and history of the Olympic Games, while at the same time fully complying with modern environmental requirements; its modernist and minimalist interior structure, with its clear lines and bright materials call all the attention to the exhibits. The museum is also connected by a pedestrian bridge to the Olympic Athletic Centre of Athens "Spyros Louis" (O.A.K.A.), the main venue for the Athens Olympic Games in 2004.

Through the use of modern technologies, visitors have access to audiovisual material, including from videos, animation, interviews and graphic displays, display screens and interactive applications. The permanent exhibition of the Olympic Museum of Athens is organised into thematic sections, with each complementing and leading to next one. The exhibition’s narrative is centred around three basic stages in the history of the Games: their birth in Ancient Olympia, the revival in Athens in 1896, and their "homecoming" with the Athens 2004 Olympics.

The Museum fully complies with the health guidelines for protection against the coronavirus and the instructions issued by the Ministry of Culture and the Public Health Directorate on Museum operation.

All images ©Athens Olympic Museum

Originally published on Punto Grecia

Read also via Greek News Agenda: Ekecheiria, the ancient Greek tradition for the Olympic Truce to be applied in Tokyo 2020

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Athens might be a bustling, vibrant capital, but it’s easy to get some nature therapy in numerous parks and green spaces that give a daily breath of oxygen to the city’s millions of inhabitants. Some of them, such as the National Garden of Athens (located in the city’s historical center), are more widely known than others; for the lesser-known green hideaways, you just have to know where to look, as they are split into the dozens of different neighborhoods of Greece’s sprawling capital.

One such example is the Syngrou Estate, also known as the Syngrou Grove, which was bequeathed, in 1921, to the then Greek Agricultural Society by the country’s national benefactress and wife of Andreas Syngros, Ifigenia Mavrokordatou – Syngrou (1842-1921). On the occasion of the 100th death anniversary of one of Athens’ leading female figures in the health/welfare sector and education – who had served for years as president of the Evangelismos Hospital, as well as president of the Amalieion Orphanage and the Junior Education Association Board of Directors - Greek News Agenda takes a closer look at Athens northern suburbs’ hidden gem where nature meets history.

The Syngrou Estate is extended in an area of 950 acres bordering the municipalities of Maroussi, Kifissia, and Melissia; about 700 acres of the Estate is covered by the Syngrou Forest which is one of the last natural forests in Athens. Thus, it constitutes an “oasis” for the residents of Athens’ northern suburbs as it is a place of rich flora and unspoiled beauty; it consists mainly of Aleppo pines and cypress trees, but also of meadows and olive/fruit orchards, while one can also find numerous rare plants- even wild orchids in December.

As John Tomkinson writes in his book 'Athens, The Suburbs': “[...] there is still one place where the solitary walker may successfully imagine himself in a forest rather than a city suburb.” At the same time, the Syngrou Estate is a paradise for sports lovers as there are numerous tracks for jogging, rollerblading, and cycling, including a 6 km perimeter trail; there is also a football pitch and playground facilities for children, as well as many spots to relax or have a picnic.

Approximately 200 acres of the Estate are reserved for agricultural use. In fact, Ifigenia Mavrokordatos – Syngrou’s will was for a school of gardening, apiculture, sericulture, and livestock to be established with the mission to train agronomists and gardeners. Since 1988, the Estate’s administrator is the Institute of Agricultural Sciences (I.A.S), a public entity of the Rural Development & Food Ministry. According to the Institute’s mission, a series of educational activities (seminars, conferences, and workshops) are organized and dozens of greenhouses, olive groves, vineyards, apiaries are maintained in the Syngrou area; moreover, special mention should be made to the Institute’s Agricultural Library and Beekeeping Museum, the only museum in Greece that hosts such rare hives from all over the country.

The Syngrou Estate also “hides” cultural and architectural treasures to be discovered. An area of archaeological interest since prehistoric times, the Estate hosts the chapel of St Andrew, the only Orthodox gothic style temple in Greece whose renovation was completed in 2007, as well as the impressive villa/tower of the Syngrou family, in front of which stands a full-length statue of Andreas Syngros.

Both of the buildings were designed by architect Ernst Ziller, student of Theophil Hansen, an outstanding representative of Neoclassicism who became particularly well known for his structures in Athens, including the Syngros Mansion in Athens (now seat of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs), as well as the National Observatory of Athens and two of the three contiguous buildings forming the so-called "Athenian Trilogy" . Last but not least, the Syngrou Estate is home to an open-air theater which regularly hosts concerts and theatrical performances, as well as the premises of the National School of Anavryta, one of Athens’ model public schools, with a 70-year long history and a solid reputation for academic excellence.

Watch videos: The History of the Agricultural Sciences Institute and The Tower of the Syngrou Estate

[More info & Photo sources: Friends of the Syngrou Forest & Institute of Agricultural Sciences]

Read also on GNA: Pedion tou Areos – A park dedicated to the heroes of the Greek Revolution of 1821; Architect Ernst Ziller and his rich legacy in Greece; Arts in Greece | The First Cemetery of Athens, an open-air "museum"; Greece's UNESCO Global Geoparks

E.S.

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The ancient Greek tradition of the ekecheiria, or the Olympic Truce refers to the cessation of hostilities before, during and after the Olympic Games, and is still applied nowadays. In view of the XXXII Olympiad (from July 24 to August 9) and the XVI Paralympic Games (from August 25 to September 6) to be held in Tokyo next year, the UN General Assembly adopted on November 9, a consensus resolution urging UN Member States to observe the Olympic Truce. According to the UN resolution, as in the ancient Greek tradition, the Truce will begin one week before the opening of the Olympic Games ending one week after the closing of the Paralympic Games.

This tradition dates back to the 8th century BC when the oracle of Delphi advised Greeks to replace the incessant cycle of armed conflict with a friendly athletic competition every four years. That is how the Olympic Games began in 776 BC and how the Olympic Truce was born calling for the cessation of fighting before and after the Games, allowing thus athletes, artists and spectators to participate in the Olympic Games, and return to their homelands in peace. The sacred Greek tradition of ekecheiria constituted the cornerstone of the Olympic Games in ancient times and it is considered the longest lasting peace accord in history.

The Olympic Games were revived by Baron Pierre de Coubertin in 1894 in Paris, with the first Games of the modern era taking place in Athens in April 1896. However, the Olympic Truce revived in the early 1990s by the International Olympic Committee with the support of the United Nations seeking to bring an end to conflict around the world.

With the recent UN resolution concerning the Olympic Games 2020 in Tokyo, UN Member States underlined the importance of cooperating to “collectively implement the values of the Olympic truce around the world,” and agreed to “cooperate with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Paralympic Committee in their efforts to use sport as a tool to promote peace, dialogue and reconciliation in areas of conflict during and beyond” the holding of the Games.

The resolution has itself become a tradition at the UN, being passed every two years preceding the holding of the Winter and Summer Games respectively. Today the Olympic Truce has become an expression of mankind's desire to build a world based on the rules of fair competition, peace, humanity and reconciliation in accordance to the most compelling purpose of the United Nations – the maintenance of international peace and security. The application of the Olympic Truce to the Paralympic Games and its relating recognition of the rights of persons with disabilities is another important achievement building on the General Assembly resolutions.

Intro Photo: © kycstudio / Getty Images

I.E. 

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A love of cycling and the culture associated with it, quick, easy and eco-friendly transport combined with very low maintenance cost, explain why the demand for bicycles in Greece has increased during the last decade.

From the perfect run-around-town bike for grabbing a newspaper or just rolling around the neighborhood to the most promising mountain bike, the Greek bicycle market has it all. Made of wood, prepreg carbon fiber or steel, fitness bikes, tandem, racing, fat bikes, trekking bikes, mountain bikes, pedelecs, junior, folding, e-bikes, fixies, BMX, exclusive, hand-made or even tricycles, bikes of all types “made in Greece”, are available at very competitive prices. Keeping up with new trends and adapting to the times is what successful entrepreneurship is all about, and even more so when times are tough. That is why the number of Greek companies that manufacture bikes in Greece is growing bigger providing a huge variety of products that makes it hard for the consumer to choose one.

On the occasion of the 2nd Athens Bike Weekend (6-7 May) the 24th Athens Bike Ride and the 1st Athens International Criterium that will take place on Sunday 7th May, here’s a brief profile of the most known bicycle brands and manufacturing Greek companies.

Fidusa - Experience the difference of a Fidusa custom bike

Rhodes-based Fidusa was founded by Giorgos Vogiatzis, a former Greek cycling champion. During the company’s 30+years of existence, his handmade bikes have been ridden to victory in more than 275 Greek National Championships in various disciplines. Racing bikes, pleasure bikes, work bikes, travel bikes, sport bikes – what is most important is maximizing rider comfort and performance using the correct frame size. Using the best materials and the latest technologies, Fidusa builds bikes with passion and knowledge, says Founder and Production Manager Vogiatzis. Measure comes first! Using the BikeFitting measurement system and after discussing the client’s personal fit needs, Fidusa will create a custom frame to the client’s exact specification. Then comes creation! The client chooses colours and designs and Fidusa creates its personalized frame. Depending on the intended use of the bicycle, the body type and specific fit needs, Fidusa helps its clients to find their perfect position and advises on appropriate component selection. Finally, the Fidusa Tailor Made is unique and ready to go.

Elektronio – Electronic Tricycles or a new way of urban transportation

“Elektronio Handcrafted Vehicles” was founded in Thessaloniki in May 2015 and is an awarded Greek start up that manufactures premium electric tricycles with special geometry and philosophy. In the centre of Thessaloniki one can visit the “Elektronio Bike Lab & Showroom”, where design electric tricycles are exposed, setting an innovative way of urban transportation. Elektronio first proposal is about tricycles but new propositions of clean technology are to come, adapted to customer desires and needs. The company’s clean tech products comply with the European Directive for electric bicycles. Elektronio also offers a wide range of services, such as bicycle service, bicycle rental, conversion kit services, GPS tracking services and a variety of urban bicycles accessories.

Castor bikes - From furniture to bikes made of wood

In the context of the economic crisis, the need for further development led the managers of a furniture company to the innovative idea of building a wooden frame bicycle of unique beauty. The furniture company “LEKOVITSI BROS OE” was founded in 1958 in Thessaloniki, in the industrial area of Sindos, and counts 59 years of successful history in the furniture business. Steady continuous improvement, major investments in machinery and equipment, experienced and professional staff all contribute to the manufacturing of premium furniture for banks, hotels, shops, theatres etc. When the crisis broke out, innovation was the answer and it came through the idea of building the wooden frame bicycle! It took two years of intensive work and continuous testing in accordance with European standards so that the frame acquired the special Castor identity. Castor wooden bikes have high mechanical strength when comparison to their weight and are not oxidized. They absorb vibration and provide a uniquely enjoyable driving experience. Castor bikes have reached the highest level of technical beauty and uniqueness. As a result of the different colour combinations of wood, each castor bicycle is unique. Castor bikes are fit for any road surface and for all weather conditions.

Gram Carbon – Developing the concept of an engineered bicycle

Athens-based Gram Carbon is one of the few bicycle companies with a composite materials research and development department. In response to the massive bicycle production, Gram Carbon designs and manufactures bicycles based on scientific research. Gram Carbon team specializes in the design and evolution of products made of composite materials. Being cyclists themselves, the members of the company team had an additional motive to get evolved in the cycling equipment design business. After hundreds of tests in tubing shapes and different layups and research on thousands of materials, Gram Carbon bicycles are considered to be the zenith of strength, precision and workability. Gram Carbon manufactures stiff and compliant frames made of prepreg carbon fiber with an aerodynamic and light design. As a result, ride quality is further enhanced with extensive engineering, and riders experience a unique feeling as if the bicycle is an extension their body. Bicycling with Gram Carbon is easy with a long service life.

G.P. Bicycles – Handmade wooden bicycles with a life time warranty

George Panayis built his first handmade wooden bicycle by the end of 2014. Since then he has built 25 bicycles and production has significantly improved. G.P. Bicycles offer with their bicycles a lifetime warranty for the wooden frame. Once the client has decided on the type of the bicycle, Panayis starts building the custom vehicle. Bike components such as wheels, wings, etc can also be manufactured by wood.

Velo Lab Athens - Carry your surf with your cargo bicycle

Velo Lab  stands for "Velocipede Laboratory". This innovative bicycle design and fabrication lab was founded in Athens in 2013 by design engineer Stathis Stasinopoulos. Velo Lab’s early successes are certified by numerousinternational awards and distinctions that made Velo-Lab Athens known to a broader audience. Founder Stathis Stasinos, a cyclist himself, is a design engineer who designs, manufactures and exports handcrafted aluminium folding bicycles, cargobicycles, tricycles, ebikes and fat balance bikes/kid bikes.

Ponero Bikes – Hand-crafted in Rhodes by a former Greek champion

Politis Nektarios is the man behind the doors of the Ponero workshop. He is a former Greek bicycle champion who has participated in international competitions. His hand crafted bicycles are unique and custom made at the Ponero facilities, in Rhodes. He tests the bikes himself in order to assure that they provide the best riding experience one would ask for, professional or not. All bikes come with serial numbers in limited editions. Ponero manufactures a very stiff, homogenous, aerodynamic and light in weight frame. The bottom bracket is BSA English tread 68mm. The handcrafting-painting and decals are also handmade. The handmade frame is made by WLBS (wet laminating bonded system) or HLBS (hot laminating bonded system), which makes every Ponero bike incredibly tough and unique.

Ideal Bikes – More than 90 years in the bycicle industry

Ideal is one of the oldest and most distinguished names in the Greek bicycle industry. Starting with bicycles imports and sales in 1922, the company has applied experience and engineering to improve bicycle technology and performance. Today, Ideal Bikes continues to build on more than 90 years in the bicycle industry, offering a range of bicycles and bicycle components. Ideal brand was introduced in 1955 and since then distribution within Greece and brand awareness has significantly grown. Since 1995, Ideal is the best know brand in the local market with 120 employees and average annual sales 190.000 bikes. Twenty countries currently test the value for money of IDEAL bicycles, with Armenia, Belgium, Cyprus, Denmark, Germany, Lithuania, Romania, Russia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, The Netherlands and the United Kingdom being among them.

Clermont and Ballistic – Two brands assembled by one of the oldest bicycle companies in Greece

Thessaloniki based Cyclopodilatiki is one of the leading companies in the bicycle business. The right balance between quality and price as well the long term experience are the key elements of the constant growth of the firm. Founded in 1955 at the city of Xanthi under the name by G.V. Giannakopoulos, the company moved to Thessaloniki in 1970. During the 1980s, the company manufactured a complete bicycle and gained excellent expertise and unique experience. Since 1992, Cyclopodilatiki has been assembling all types of bicycles to satisfy the most demanding of riders branding Clermont and Ballistic. Clermont manufactures hard tail Ballistic is a professional bicycle company which was established to produce high-end suspension forks. Thanks to the experience and the technical expertise acquired, they managed to specialize in manufacturing alloy frames and suspension systems. The company focuses on developing new product designs with innovated features and provides support to supply chain management which enables high quality products. Cyclopodilatiki, has represented the Ballistic brand in the Greek market since 2002, promoting Ballistic as high quality bikes at the best price in the market.

Orient – Greek bicycles from Central Greece

Since 1945, Orient has become an innovator in the cycling business. The company began with importing bicycles, spare parts and accessories and their distribution all over Greece. "Kokotis A. Bros S.A." was established in Larissa in 1987 and has been operating since then as a typical Greek family business. The chief company activity was the assembly and trade of bicycles. Nowadays, the company owns 9.000 m2 of industrial buildings, warehouses stores, offices and show rooms, an automatic French and Italian production line for bicycles and wheels assembly. The company has 48 employees and its annual bicycles production amounts to 66.000. Orient also produces a full range of spare parts and accessories for the after sales market. The company supplies bicycles with the brand name ORIENT all over Greece, through a fully organized sales network with 600 sales points. Orient bicycles are also exported to Europe and Balkans.

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