Latest news with #Athenians
Euronews
17 hours ago
- Climate
- Euronews
Heatwaves and wildfires grip Europe as temperatures exceed 40°C
As summer temperatures continue to climb across Europe, multiple wildfires and extreme heatwaves have erupted in various regions across the continent. A heatwave in Turkey pushed temperature past 40 degrees Celsius, creating dangerous conditions. Wildfires broke out in Izmir, Bursa, Tekirdag, Sakarya and Adana, prompting emergency responses. Ground and aerial firefighting teams were deployed to combat the blazes. Efforts faced a tragic setback in Adana after a firefighting aircraft crashed while attempting to scoop water from a nearby dam. Search and rescue operations are currently underway. In Greece, many Athenians rushed to the beaches as the year's first major heatwave hit the country. The heat there will intensify through to Friday, peaking at around 40-41 degrees Celsius inland. The heatwave is expected to last until the end of the weekend when temperatures are forecast to ease. Tourists and locals in both Spain and Portugal are bracing themselves for the heat this weekend as temperatures there are also set to soar. Portugal could see extreme temperatures of up to 44 degrees Celsius. The Portuguese weather service issued a hot weather warning for all of continental Portugal. A yellow warning was issued for most of the country and orange for some inland regions at particular risk of high temperatures. Tourists in the nations' capitals of Madrid and Lisbon stuck to the shade and drank cold drinks to deal with the heat. Authorities have urged citizens to remain vigilant and avoid activities that could spark additional fires, warning that dry conditions and strong winds may continue to fuel the flames.
RTÉ News
2 days ago
- Climate
- RTÉ News
Greece forest fire forces evacuations near Athens
A forest fire has devastated several seaside towns east of the Greek capital Athens, damaging homes and prompting dozens of evacuations in a popular tourist destination. The blaze, near the towns of Palaia Fokaia and Thymari, forced the evacuation of five villages, according to firefighters. It comes after a fire on Chios - Greece's fifth-largest island - which has destroyed more than 4,000 hectares of land this week. "Ground and aerial forces are waging an enormous battle against the flames," said fire service spokesperson Vassilis Vathrakogiannis. He added that around 130 firefighters, as well as volunteers, were battling the blaze, and around a dozen planes and helicopters had been deployed. "This is a difficult fire fuelled by strong winds," another fire service official said. President of the firefighters' union Kostas Tsiguas said that at least 50 people had been moved from the area. Temperatures reached up to 40C in the Athens region, with forecasts indicating that the heatwave could continue until Saturday. In the past 24 hours, 45 fires had broken out in Greece, firefighters said. In Athens, police closed off the main coastal avenue that connects the capital to Cape Sounion, near the fire area. The region is popular among foreigners and Greek tourists. Many Athenians own second homes or holiday in the area. Deputy mayor of Palaia Fokaia, Stavros Petropoulos, described the situation as "dramatic". "Residents told us the fire started because of a spark from a faulty electric cable," he told national television. Greece has become particularly vulnerable in recent years to fires in summer fuelled by strong winds, drought and high temperatures linked to climate change.
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Brunello Cucinelli Promotes Civic Culture With Latest Project
DO YOUR PART: In yet another sign of his commitment to 'humanistic capitalism' and his personal attachment to his native Umbria region, Brunello Cucinelli unveiled on Thursday a new initiative aimed at fostering civic culture and responsibility. Conceived by the designer and entrepreneur, the project is called 'Week of Guardianship' and aims to raise public awareness around the preservation of and care for urban and natural landmarks of the city of Perugia, the capital of the Umbria region, some 9 miles from Solomeo, the hamlet home to the Brunello Cucinelli headquarters. More from WWD Marina Rinaldi Taps Teresa Maccapani Missoni for Latest Collaboration Sanlorenzo Gives Venice a New Cultural Space and Piero Lissoni-designed Bridge The Longevity Suite Opens Spa at San Clemente Palace Hotel in Venice A registered trademark, the 'Week of Guardianship' is to be held Sept. 15 to 21 in the city in partnership with the municipality, as well as with the support of the Umbria Region and the University for Foreigners of Perugia. 'I like to think that this Week of Guardianship will find joyful participation from all Perugians and beyond, urging them to recognize the importance of each person caring for a small part of our splendid city of Perugia, a heritage of humanity,' Cucinelli said. In typical Cucinelli parlance, he referenced ancient Athenians who said that 'if the doorway to your home is clean, the whole city is clean,' and Roman Emperor Hadrian's sense of responsibility toward beauty in the world. The project stems from the simple premise, Cucinelli stressed, that citizens should be triggered to engage in a shared effort toward 'beautification' of the public spaces, beginning with simple touch-ups to the facade of one's home, nurturing the plants in one's garden, and maintaining the cleanliness of one's gate. 'I believe that everything can begin with caring for one's own doorway. A cleaned and polished door will be more beautiful… [driving] a virtuous circle to be sparked whereby all will feel responsible for the city's beauty and respectful of its territory. You will see, I am certain, that when we restore dignity to certain corners of the city, our very souls will benefit and feel lighter,' Cucinelli said. 'We need to give back dignity to the city and its citizens and this will ensure prosperity for both,' he offered. The project is to be presented to local associations and businesses on Friday evening at the Teatro Cucinelli theater in Solomeo, laying the foundations for defining the week's agenda of initiatives and activities. Cucinelli said that the project is intended to dismantle the misconception that public spaces only concern authorities and governments, trying instead to instill the idea that anyone can and should care. 'By learning to take care about public spaces people feel like they belong,' said Vittoria Ferdinandi, the mayor of Perugia. Best of WWD Young Brooke Shields' Style Evolution, Archive Photos: From Runway Modeling & Red Carpets to Meeting Princess Diana The Most Memorable French Open Tennis Outfits With Serena Williams, Naomi Osaka & More [PHOTOS] Beyoncé's 'Cowboy Carter Tour' Outfits, Live Updates: Schiaparelli, Burberry, Loewe and More
The Independent
02-06-2025
- General
- The Independent
Why you should follow the locals and discover the laid-back charm of the Athens Riviera this summer
After more than 15 years writing about Greece, I've learned that some of the best experiences happen when you veer away from the obvious choices. While most travellers landing in Athens rush toward the islands, I turn my attention to the Athens Riviera – a shimmering stretch of coastline just south of the city. Here, sandy beaches, lazy taverna lunches and sunsets to rival Santorini unfold with the ease of staying on the mainland. For decades, Athenians have sought seaside respite here. Now the Riviera is enjoying a renaissance, drawing international visitors who've discovered they can enjoy a stylish, culture-rich escape – no ferry required. Vouliagmeni quickly emerges as the Riviera's crown jewel. Its palm-lined boulevards and waterfront cafés emit a casual elegance reminiscent of France 's Côte d'Azur, only with a distinctly Greek flair. Hours disappear, relaxing over coffee and seaside strolls, highlighting a life lived outdoors. My personal favourite lies at the foot of limestone cliffs: Lake Vouliagmeni offers one of the Riviera's most surprising swimming spots. Warmed to 25C by underground springs, the mineral-rich mix of salt and freshwater creates a natural spa with tiny garra rufa 'medicine' fish nibbling at your toes, leaving you lighter, drawing away any tension. Luxury is also threaded through the Riviera's fabric. At Astir Beach, a favourite among stylish Athenians, sprawl on immaculate loungers with drinks and snacks delivered directly to your cabana. Behind the beach lies something magical – the 6th-century Temple of Apollo Zoster, accidentally unearthed by orphaned children in 1924. It's a reminder that even beach days here brush up against Greece's ancient soul. Further along the coast, the landscape grows more elemental. Cape Sounio reveals itself dramatically with the great marble columns of the Temple of Poseidon catching the last light of the day, perched high on the cliff. It's no wonder this is a romantic pilgrimage for many. You can easily imagine sailors of old offering prayers for safe passage at this wind-swept headland. What makes the Athens Riviera so memorable is how seamlessly mythological grandeur blends with everyday Greek life; sipping freddo espresso at Flisvos Marina, watching fishing boats bob beside superyachts, or a spontaneous dip at Kavouri Beach, where hardy locals swim year-round. Culture is close, too. Just inland lies the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, a modern marvel of glass and greenery that houses both the National Library of Greece and the Greek National Opera. Its park, with fountains and sculpture-dotted paths, offers a refreshing contrast to the coast. Where to eat Dining here is a highlight. In Vouliagmeni and nearby Glyfada, seafood tavernas deliver platters of freshly-caught fish. For something more polished, Barbarossa Paros is part of the sleek new 91 Athens Riviera complex with an extensive menu that offers locally sourced ingredients. Enjoy sushi on select evenings and sip crisp Malagousia wine alongside the beach. For Michelin-starred dining, Varoulko Seaside in Piraeus is unmissable. Chef Lefteris Lazarou reimagines seafood with flair. Highly recommended is the shrimp pastitsio. For old-school taverna charm, dine with the locals at Dourbeis, also in Piraeus. Open since 1932, the fish soup, whole sea bream and seafood linguine are classics for good reason. Where to stay Accommodation here pairs elegance with warmth. The Margi in Vouliagmeni (doubles from €540/£460) is an intimate boutique hotel surrounded by pine forest and a 20-minute walk to Lake Vouliagmeni. With only 89 rooms, it combines refined elegance with a warm Greek welcome and farm-to-table ethos thanks to its own organic farm. Breakfasts of homemade yoghurt, fresh fruit, and local honey take centre stage. For next-level luxury, 91 Athens Riviera in Voula (cabana from €486/£410) is redefining the Riviera. A chic glamping-meets-beach-club concept from Domes Resorts, the 28 beautifully designed sleeping cabanas – many with private plunge pool – are ideal for couples or families seeking barefoot elegance and privacy. Wellness offerings include an indoor spa, outdoor hydro pools, and a private tennis club. Dining at its Barbarossa restaurant brings Cycladic flair to the mainland, complete with cocktails and beachside seating. If the Athens Riviera is about balancing city access with coastal calm, 91 captures this effortlessly. Heading back to the city reminds me that the soul of Greece isn't found by rushing away to the islands, but by staying close the Greek heartland. Along the glittering Athenian coastline, you'll find the best of the city, season after season. Though increasingly popular, the Riviera retains its charm. Each time I return, I feel as though I've discovered a new charm. How to get there British Airways (prices starting from £260 return) and Aegean Airlines (prices starting from €199/£169) fly direct from London Heathrow and Gatwick to Athens, while and easyJet offers regional UK flights, and Jet2 flies from Birmingham. From Athens airport, it's a 30-45 minute taxi to the Riviera (approx. €40-€50).
Spectator
21-05-2025
- General
- Spectator
The Roman approach to tax
The Sunday Times rich list would have excited the male citizens over the age of 18 who determined state policy in the Athenian assembly in the 5th century bc. The reason is that Athens levied taxes on citizens by their wealth, as judged by the property they owned. The most important tax was the leitourgia (source of our 'liturgy'). This was imposed upon the 300 wealthiest Athenians and was hypothecated on two specific projects: the funding of the annual comic and dramatic festivals (one of which involved, among much else, the training of 1,165 men and boys for months on end) and the funding and maintenance of fully equipped Athenian triremes, which controlled Athens's marine empire. At times of emergency, mainly war, a further tax was levied on the 6,000 wealthiest. For many Athenians it was a matter of pride to be asked to carry out a liturgy. Done well, it brought with it great prestige as well as political benefits. Indeed, we hear of Athenians who volunteered to be liturgists, even if they did not technically qualify. However, it was possible to avoid it if you could prove that someone was richer than you. If you succeeded, he did the liturgy; if not, you did. Such liturgies were one of the main features of an ingrained culture of euergesia ('good works') among the great and good, in a world in which the vast majority were extremely poor, and the Romans adopted it (they translated it beneficium). But there was a problem: Roman society ran on the principle of the quid pro quo. Should one not return a good deed? Did this make receiving a benefit a nuisance? No, said Seneca. He defined a beneficium as 'an action which both provides and generates pleasure in the doing, from a natural and spontaneous inclination'.
