Articles

Dear Readers of Keep It Greece , The New Year is a moment of new beginnings, fresh ideas, and renewed inspiration - very much like planning your next journey. As we welcome New Year 2026 , we would like to share our heartfelt New Year wishes with everyone who loves Greece, traveling, and the Mediterranean way of life. place-ad-here For 2026 , we wish you good health, happiness, inner balance, and success in both personal and professional pursuits. May the year ahead bring thoughtful choices, positive changes, and the kind of calm that allows you to truly enjoy each day. We hope 2026 becomes a year filled with inspiration, discovery, and meaningful experiences - from simple everyday moments to unforgettable trips. May new opportunities arise, new destinations inspire you, and your plans unfold as beautifully as a sunset over the Aegean Sea. To all those who feel a deep connection to Greece , we wish you even more reasons to return, explore, and fall in love again - through inspirin...

When planning a trip to Greece, many travelers face an important decision: will renting a car actually make the trip easier, or will it add stress and unnecessary costs? While having a car offers unmatched freedom outside urban areas, the situation inside Greek cities - especially in places like Athens and Thessaloniki - is far more complicated. place-ad-here Limited parking, local driving customs, and stricter traffic enforcement introduced after 2026 mean that renting a car in Greece should be a deliberate choice, not an automatic one. This guide will help you understand when a rental car is a true advantage and when public transportation is the smarter option . Parking in Greek Cities: What to Expect Finding a parking spot in Greek cities is often more challenging than driving itself , particularly during the summer months. In popular destinations such as Heraklion, Chania, or Nafplio, parking in the city center during high season is practically impossible. In larger cities lik...

Renting a car in Greece is often the most practical way to explore the country, especially if your plans go beyond major cities or popular resort areas. While public transportation works reasonably well in places like Athens or Thessaloniki, it quickly becomes limited once you venture into rural regions, mountain areas, or less touristy coastal zones. Greece is a country of dramatic contrasts: rugged landscapes, remote beaches, winding mountain roads, and small villages scattered far from main transport routes. In many of these places, having your own car is not a luxury- it’s a necessity. That said, renting a car in Greece isn’t always a universal solution. Depending on the region, time of year, and travel style, a vehicle can either significantly improve your experience or turn into a logistical headache. Understanding when renting makes sense and when it doesn’t is key to avoiding unnecessary expenses and frustration. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of car rental in G...

Athens may feel endless when it comes to ancient landmarks and museums, but after a few intense days in the capital, many travelers start craving a slower pace and a breath of fresh sea air. Chalkida, the lively capital of the island of Euboea, is one of the easiest and most rewarding day trips from Athens . You don’t need ferries, long drives, or complicated planning- just a short journey brings you to a place where local life, waterfront views, and great seafood take center stage. What makes Chalkida especially appealing is its balance. It’s close enough to Athens to visit for a single day, yet far enough to feel like a real escape. The city has a distinctly local vibe, with fewer tourists than popular Athenian districts like Plaka or Monastiraki, and a relaxed rhythm shaped by the sea. place-ad-here Getting from Athens to Chalkida The most convenient and budget-friendly way to reach Chalkida is by commuter train. The Proastiakos suburban railway runs regular connections from Athe...

As Greece heads toward the end of the year, the country embraces the holiday season, while the retail sector enters one of its most active winter periods. As part of the seasonal shopping schedule, stores and supermarkets across Greece will be open on Sunday, December 28 , offering shoppers one last relaxed opportunity to complete their purchases before New Year’s celebrations begin. Opening retail outlets on the final Sunday of the year is designed to boost commercial activity and to make holiday shopping easier for both locals and visitors spending this time in Greek cities and tourist areas. place-ad-here Suggested store hours Based on recommendations from retail organizations, shops are expected to operate during the following hours: Sunday, December 28 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. These hours serve as general guidance rather than fixed rules , allowing individual businesses to adjust their schedules depending on customer traffic and regional needs. This flexibility is especially common...

Winter in Athens now offers far more than walks among ancient ruins. For travelers planning a trip between late December 2025 and early January 2026, a new point of reference is increasingly shaping winter itineraries: Ellinikon,  the former international airport site that is being transformed into one of the most ambitious urban redevelopment projects in Europe . Operating within this larger project, Experience Park Ellinikon is neither a classic theme park nor a temporary seasonal attraction. It is a modern public space designed for both residents and visitors, combining greenery, technology, and cultural programming . In winter and especially during the holiday season - the park takes on a completely different atmosphere. Christmas Edition 2025 is aimed at visitors who, after several days exploring central Athens, want to see the city from a different perspective. Instead of another visit to the Acropolis, the experience here is an evening walk through a contemporary, holida...

In winter, Athens reveals a completely different side than during the intense summer heat. It is calmer, more atmospheric, and the city takes on a pleasant, slightly magical vibe that practically invites long walks and slow exploration of its many corners. One place that truly shines during this season—both literally and figuratively is the modern district of Kallithea . If you are planning a winter or New Year’s trip to the Greek capital, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC) should immediately land on your “must-see” list. This is where the cultural and social heart of the city beats and to a large extent, completely free of charge. Sounds good? It gets even better. SNFCC is a space where world-class architecture by Renzo Piano meets the laid-back spirit of Mediterranean holidays. Instead of classic Christmas markets (although there are a few stalls) and predictable decorations, you get something fresh, modern, and extremely Instagram-worthy. This year’s winter ...

Residents of Athens and visitors should be aware that public transportation schedules will change during the Christmas and New Year holiday period. The update was announced by the city’s public transport authority, OASA . Holiday service changes On December 25 and 26, 2025 , as well as January 1 and January 6, 2026 , buses and trolleybuses operated by OSY and private carriers will run on Sunday and public-holiday schedules . This means less frequent service compared with regular weekdays. On January 2 and January 5, 2026 , a special temporary timetable will be in effect for buses and trolleybuses. These adjusted schedules are designed to better accommodate increased or unusual passenger traffic in the days following the holidays. place-ad-here Metro and tram updates Changes will also affect the Athens Metro (Lines 1, 2, and 3) and the tram network . On the dates mentioned above, trains and trams may operate at different intervals than usual . Exact departure times and frequencies w...

During the Christmas and New Year holiday season, the Hellenic Children’s Museum invites families to experience a festive program of creative activities at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center in Athens . From December 13, 2025, to January 6, 2026 , the cultural complex will host free workshops and interactive games designed for children of all ages, combining movement, sound, light, and hands-on creativity. This holiday program is especially suitable for families living in Greece or visiting Athens during the winter holidays. All activities are free of charge, open to the public, and take place in various areas of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, including the Mediterranean Garden, the Agora, and the EBE Entrance. place-ad-here Holiday Activities for Children For families unfamiliar with Greek event names, the activities themselves are simple and easy to follow. Many are based on classic games and crafts that children already know, presented in a festive ...