04.01.2024
You might have heard Stavros Niarchos’s name from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC)- one of the most visited public spaces in the south of Athens. But who was Stavros Niarchos? What impact did he have on Greece today?
Today, the foundation’s primary function is to make nonprofit grants around the world to cultural, educational, health, and social welfare organizations. As a private philanthropic organization, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation has given over 2.6 billion euros to 124 countries worldwide.
The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center was built in 2016 with a $860 million gift from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation. The SNFCC is the largest cultural and education project ever in Greece. It is the first European public building of this size to be LEED Platinum certified too.
The SNFCC was designed by architect Renzo Piano, who was inspired by the name of the neighbourhood, “Kallithea”, which in Greek means “good view.” The SNFCC’s main highlights are the Headquarters of the Greek National Opera and the National Library of Greece. They are set in a large public park with playgrounds, a canal, and plenty of green space. The SNFCC is a venue for concerts, movies, theatre, and festivals, so it is a great meeting place for Athenians.
The roof of the Greek National Opera is also its own garden. Among the plants are olive trees, fragrant herbs, and seasonal flowers, many of which are native to the Mediterranean. You can hire a bike and ride in the area or enjoy the running track. On the top floor of the “Lighthouse” (a viewing platform on top of the Opera House), you will get a panoramic view and can see Piraeus.
Niarchos was known, along with Aristotle Onassis, as the “Golden Greek”, a name given to a group of shipowners from Greece who made a massive amount of money as shipowners after the Second World War. He lived longer than Onassis and in fact had more money. However, both larger-than-life figures were known for their sightings with celebrities, their lavish yachts, and their private islands.
Growing up, Niarchos’s father lost a large amount of money on the Greek stock market, and this had a large effect on the young Niarchos. For this reason, he always found a way to protect himself against risks, and he was a very smart businessman. Niarchos’s first taste of business success came at the start of the Second World War. Knowing that some of the boats would be sunk, he bought freight ships and insured them for the maximum amount.
Then, during the war, six of his ships were sunk by German boats, and he collected a large sum in insurance payments, getting suddenly rich. In business circles, he was known to collect secondhand ships as quickly as possible. He also had a reputation as a high-paying manager, a swimmer, and sailer. He had some of the finest yachts money could buy, like the 62 meter sailing yacht “Creole.” By the early 1970s, Niarchos owned over 80 ships.
05.10.2026
Leonard Cohen's poem "Days of Kindness", from 1985, describes Greece as being a good place to read by moonlight on the terrace. He knew this from experience. Hydra was his home for much of the 1960s. He arrived in the spring of 1960, aged 25, and bought a house on the island, where he wrote much of his early work. Many places on Hydra still carry traces of him, even now that Hydra has become far better known.
16.04.2026
Greece is often associated with ancient history, island landscapes, and carefully preserved traditions. Less discussed, however, is another layer of its identity: its place names. Across the mainland and the islands, thousands of villages carry names that can sound unexpectedly funny or strikingly literal to a modern Greek speaker. These are not recent inventions or deliberate attempts at humor. Most date back centuries, shaped by geography, daily life, local dialects, and historical circumstances. What makes them stand out today is the shift in language over time. Words that once served as straightforward descriptions of land, resources, or communities can now feel unusually direct or unexpectedly humorous. Looking at these names more closely offers insight into how earlier generations observed their surroundings and chose to define them.
20.03.2026
Greece has long been more than a travel destination. For centuries, writers have been drawn to its history, natural beauty, and authenticity, finding in Greece not just a setting, but a source of inspiration that shapes narratives, characters, and perspectives.
19.02.2026
02.01.2026
In Greece, the holiday season does not end on New Year’s Day. Instead, it culminates in one of the most symbolic celebrations of the year: Epiphany, known in Greek as Theofania. More than a religious holiday, Epiphany in Greece represents the triumph of light over darkness, a spiritual “new beginning” for individuals and communities. For anyone living in Greece, or dreaming of owning a home here, Epiphany offers one of the most authentic snapshots of local culture. From the blessing of the waters to ancient folk rituals, this day reveals the deep connection between the Greek people, nature, and tradition.
30.12.2025
Crete is stepping into the global spotlight once again. According to Airbnb’s latest travel trend insights based on worldwide search data from Q3 2025, the island — and especially the iconic Samaria Gorge National Park — ranks among the most sought-after nature destinations for 2026. This surge reflects a broader shift in how people choose where to travel, live, and invest. Travellers are no longer looking only for beaches or city breaks. Instead, they are drawn to authentic natural environments, outdoor experiences, and destinations that offer both beauty and balance, qualities that Crete delivers effortlessly.
19.12.2025
Greece is known mostly for its pristine beaches and its endless summers. Also, Greek cuisine, with its unique Mediterranean dishes, is widely sought after. What might feel surprising is the magical beauty during Christmas in Greece. The country has a long festive season that runs from Christmas to Epiphany (the “Φώτα” on 6 January), full of local customs, food traditions, and small village rituals that still matter to people today. Winter destinations are also famous in Greece, as according to the latest Monitoring Sentiment for Intra-European Travel report (Wave 23) by the European Travel Commission (ETC), Greece ranks among the top 10 most desired European destinations for travel between October 2025 and March 2026, holding a solid 7th place.
19.12.2025
Spending New Year’s Eve on Greek islands is about much more than fireworks, food and champagne. It’s about little family rituals, centuries-old customs and the warm feeling of being part of a close community. For anyone dreaming of a holiday home or a new life in Greece, New Year's Eve is one of the unique moments to experience the soul of island life, when most tourists aren’t there, and you can experience authentic community moments with locals. As we’ve mentioned in an older blog post, cutting the famous Vasilopita, a special bread to honour the Greek Santa Claus, is the most important custom happening in almost every house in Greece at the turn of the year. A lucky coin is baked into the cake, and whoever finds it will have good luck for the next year or may even take a gift. But let’s explore a bit more of Greece’s rich traditions and local communities, from its enchanting islands to the unique customs celebrated on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
