Leisure

Athens is the birthplace of athletic spirit and of the concept of noble rivalry. The Olympic Games, an establishment cherished by all humanity, were originated in Greece. The first modern Olympics were held in the glorious city of Athens. One of the most significant Olympic track and field events took its name from the historical city of Marathon and the run of Phidippides from Marathon to Athens. It is therefore obvious that Athens is directly connected to this great athletic institution. The 2004 Olympic Games finally returned to Athens, making Greeks all over the globe proud and delighted. The city busily prepared for this important occasion by enhancing the existing athletic facilities and building new sporting venues, determined to restore its reputation as a country with deeply rooted athletic values. Having assembled a well-organized athletic and urban infrastructure, Athens demonstrated that the city could host the finest Olympic Games in history.

Athens and the surrounding districts in Attica are full of stunning sandy and pebble beaches, where visitors can take advantage of the many water-sport facilities offered. Most organized beaches provide for activities such as, volleyball, tennis, basketball, as well as, waterslides, water tubes, and canoes. Several beaches also offer waterskiing and windsurfing lessons by qualified experts. They also provide changing rooms, umbrellas and deck chairs, playgrounds and eating areas. If you are a sports buff you may wish to watch the professional beach volleyball games at the Schinia, Palio Faliro and Palaia Fokia beaches.Some of the main beaches in the Attica area are Alepochori, Alimos, Avlaki, Anavissos, Chalkoutsi, Glyfada, Kavouri, Kineta, Lagonisi, Legraina, Loutsa, Mati, Megara, Nea Makri, Oropos, Porto Rafti, Rafina, Schinia, Sounion, Varkiza, Voula and Vouliagmeni. The beneficial waters of Vouliagmeni Lake are ideal for a relaxing swim.

There are a number of international organisations in the main cities and islands that arrange walks, social evenings, get-togethers and charity events.
Activities, depending on your location, include walking, climbing, water sports, diving, sailing, fishing, flying, golf, horse riding, bowling, gym and dance classes.
The main cities and islands have their own cultural summer programmes organised by the local municipalities with weekly concerts, dance, exhibitions and theatre.
'Panayiri' festivals are held to celebrate the Name Day/Saints Day of the local church. They take place all over the islands, and in villages on the mainland, at various times throughout the year.

The following are national public holidays:

• New Year's Day - 1 Jan
• Epiphany - 6 Jan
• Shrove Monday (18 Mar 2013)
• Independence Day - 25 Mar
• Good Friday (3 May 2013 )
• Easter Sunday - movable (5 May 2013)
• Easter Monday - movable (6 May 2013)
• May Day / Labor Day - 1 May
• Pentecost Whit Sunday (23 Jun 2013)
• Pentecost Whit Monday (24 Jun 2013)
• Assumption of Our Lady - 15 Aug
• WWII Day / "OHI(no) Day" - 28 Oct
• Christmas - 25 Dec
• Saint Stephen's - 26 Dec

Although not an official holiday, pre-Lenten carnival -or apókries- is a major celebration in cities throughout the country, with Patras hosting the country's largest and most famous events. Carnival season comes to an extravagant ending the weekend before Lent begins, with costumes, float parades, and various regional traditions.Regular concerts are held in the cities and on the larger islands, particularly throughout the summer months, with Greek Pop and Rock, Classical, Greek and Cretan music. Posters around town and in the local newspapers advertise events.Cinema is popular and there are cinemas throughout Greece. There are also open-air summer cinemas. All the latest film releases are shown. English language films are always shown in English with Greek subtitles.There are a number of plays and productions throughout the year in theatres, particularly in Athens and Thessaloniki, which are all performed in Greek.