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Event guide: Posidonia 2018

While in Athens…

From June 4–8, the Posidonia shipping expo will take place in Athens, Greece. Shipping companies gather here every two years to present and discuss the latest innovations in the maritime industry. But if you’re looking to take some leisure time during your trade fair visit, we have a few suggestions.

Greece is renowned for island hopping, an abundance of seafood, and a rich culture of water gods and legends of sea voyages. And it is exactly this cultural heritage that inspires the name for the Posidonia International Shipping Event. This trade fair draws thousands of maritime enthusiasts and international shipping companies to the capital city of Athens—a major shipping hub.

SKF will be exhibiting at Posidonia (Hall 2, stand 2.409) where visitors can get to know more about our products and talk to our representatives. But if you’re hoping to take some time to explore the historical Mediterranean capital, here are a few recommendations:

Where could you recommend for a special meal?

Posidonia is taking place at the Metropolitan Expo Center which has two luxury restaurants on-site. Heading into Athens city center, you will find many excellent Greek tavernas. The Acropolis Museum is situated in the town center and has a modern restaurant with panoramic views of the ancient citadel.

If you’re looking for dinner with a view, the round harbor of Mikrolimano provides the perfect setting. Walk along the harbor and stop at one of the many traditional fish tavernas or fine-dining restaurants looking out over the water.

Where can I go to get the best view of the city?

Besides the Acropolis in the very heart of Athens, the city’s hilly terrain provides multiple spots with amazing views. The highest peak in Athens is Lycabettus Hill which you can reach by public transport and offers breathtaking panoramas of the city.

Surrounded by the Aegean Sea, Ionian Sea, and the Sea of Crete, it is no surprise that shipping is one of Greece’s largest business sectors. Athens itself ranks third in the world’s leading shipping centers and is home to the world’s largest fleet. The Greek shipping community continues to grow, and the country has a strong ownership position with over 700 Greek shipowners located both in Athens and around the globe. This provides expo visitors with ample networking opportunities.

Where should I go if I want to learn more about culture?

The city of Athens is a modern metropolis saturated in history. Learn about how it came to be in the Acropolis Museum. The contrast between its contemporary architecture and ancient artifacts, against a backdrop of the Acropolis makes for a great visit. Prefer to learn about naval history? The Hellenic Maritime Museum close to the Zea Marina has a huge collection of nautical relics to explore.

In Athens’ culture, the influence of Greek shipowners is clear. The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center is one of a number of recent contributions. Built by the charitable Stavros Niarchos Foundation, which was named in honor of a Greek shipping tycoon, the center serves as a hub for culture, education, and recreation.

Want something livelier? Posidonia takes place during the Athens & Epidaurus Festival. Spanning the summer months, this cultural festival offers a huge variety of things for you to do.

Do you have any recommendations for activities if I prolong my visit?

Hiring a boat or taking a one-day cruise to explore the islands that surround Athens is ideal for any sea-lover. Or, why not honor the namesake of the trade fair and take a short-day trip to visit the 5th century Temple of Poseidon at Sounion. Its ruins sit atop a coastal cliff just over an hour’s drive south of Athens. To the north of Athens is the ancient sanctuary of Delphi. Although further afield, the impressive UNESCO World Heritage Site makes for a spectacular day trip and hike. Bus tours run to both these sites.

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