A recent study by Cushman & Wakefield, a global real estate services firm, reveals that Via Monte Napoleone in Milan has overtaken iconic shopping streets in New York and London to become the world’s most expensive retail location. Meanwhile, according to tovima.com, Athens’ Ermou Street has retained its 15th-place ranking, with an annual rent of €3,480 per square meter remaining unchanged since 2023.
Ermou Street, situated in Athens’ historic center, continues to be a prominent retail destination. Despite its steady position, no rental growth was recorded over the past year.
In Milan, the rental market for Via Monte Napoleone experienced an 11% rise, with annual rents reaching €20,000 per square meter. This makes it the priciest retail stretch among 138 global destinations tracked by Cushman & Wakefield. For the first time in 34 years, a European city has claimed the top spot. Milan’s appeal is bolstered by tax incentives attracting high-net-worth individuals, an influx of wealthy tourists, and strong demand among luxury brands for prime locations.
New York’s Fifth Avenue, which previously held the top position, saw its rental growth plateau in 2024. After recovering rapidly post-pandemic in 2022, the market has since slowed, enabling Milan to surpass it.
In Athens, Ermou Street remains the city’s highest-priced retail location. Data from Cushman & Wakefield Proprius for the first quarter of 2024 shows a prime rent of €290 per square meter with an annual yield of 5.25%. Glyfada and Thessaloniki’s Tsimiski Street follow at €150 per square meter. Notably, areas such as Kifisia, Piraeus, Patras, and Heraklion on Crete have seen the most significant increases in yields, reaching 6.5%.
Additionally, several other streets in central Athens, including Stadiou, Panepistimiou, Omonia Square, and Plaka, are witnessing rising rents, signaling a resurgence in their commercial significance.
Walking down Swanston Street, you’ll likely see Melburnians rushing through life. Some will have their heads buried in their phones, and others so deep in conversation they barely acknowledge the world around them. There is no doubt that Melbourne is a thriving city, bursting with professional and personal opportunities.
Such opportunities are what led post-war Greeks to migrate to Australia and settle in a country where there is more than just the ‘village life.’ The empowerment in this move is one second and third generation Greeks know all too well. They grew up hearing how this migration was to enrich their lives in a foreign country. Despite leaving behind their homeland, an emphasis was always placed on how such a transition should be valued and respected.
Are Greek Australians drawn to a slower life? Photo taken by Joanna Angeletos.
Many young Greek Australians now count the days between their holidays to Greece, desperate to return to the place their ancestors grudgingly left. With standard 9-5 jobs providing limited annual leave, it’s no wonder there is a pull to spend this precious time off in paradisial Greece.
I began my search to speak with young Greek Australians who felt their four week holidays weren’t enough and chose to move to Greece. I was curious to hear about their desire to live a quieter life and embrace the country’s laid-back nature and picturesque landscapes. While I was unable to find a young Greek Australian who had made the move permanent, I came across Joanna Angeletos, who turned her holiday to Greece into a personal creative project.
Joanna spent her time in Greece connecting with family and enjoying a quiet break from Melbourne’s bustling city. Joanna had heard many stories from her pappou about the film camera he used on his trip to Greece in the late 1960s, a camera later used by many other family members. It was this camera which sparked Joanna’s interest in photography and she said, “it only felt right to go and take some images of [her] own.”
With her yiayia having recently passed away and never having visited her yiayia’s village in the Peloponnese, Joanna shared that this was a “very personal and fulfilling experience for her.” She had a goal to “document the pre-migrant life, buildings, and essence that had been left relatively unchanged in the villages.”
When asked if this project has made Joanna consider moving to a village in Greece, she said she wouldn’t “permanently uproot her life,” despite finding it enticing to move away from the “hustle and bustle” of Melbourne. Joanna speaks warmly of her family’s village and fondly recalls the “filotimo and neighbourhood friendliness” she experienced on her trip, which she believes is “much more rare in Melbourne” where people don’t “take a step back to appreciate life as it is.”
A photo taken by Joanna Angeletos.
Joanna reflected on how the presence of a parea (friendship group) enhanced her experience, sharing that she “can imagine that it may feel more isolating if there aren’t others around.”
While Joanna would also “love to have a house in the village one day… to be used by future generations,” it seems that the connection with those around us is where internal peace lies regardless of being in a busy city or calming village.
Regarding the future of Joanna’s project and capturing the village life, she shared that she is working to improve her photography skills and hopes to “create a bigger narrative of the migrant experience” by exploring the village houses of other families.
This project is something Joanna holds close to her heart.
“I want to make sure these moments don’t get lost—one day these houses will be sold, or demolished, and I want my kids to be able to see where I, my parents, and grandparents grew up and created a life. It is a very nostalgic project for me,” she said.
While young Greek Australians might not be making the move to a quiet Greek village, Joanna’s creative journey shows they are still keeping the culture alive through any avenue possible.
You can follow Joanna’s film journey and photographic preservation of Greek villages on Instagram @ioannas.film
The important work of the Cyprus Community of NSW was recently highlighted in the New South Wales Legislative Council, when The Hon. Mark Buttigieg MLC mentioned a special event held by the community.
On 23 May 2024, the Cyprus Community of NSW, led by its President Michael Kyriakou, hosted a successful Sydney University Museum Night at the Chau Chak Wing Museum, which was attended by young professionals and featured a guided tour of Cypriot and Greek exhibits.
In his address, Mr Buttigieg moved a motion that recognised the event and acknowledged the efforts of the Cyprus Community, NEPOMAK (the World Organisation For Young Overseas Cypriots of Australia and New Zealand), and the University of Sydney’s Paphos Theatre Archaeological Project in promoting and celebrating Cypriot culture and history.
Mr Buttigieg attended the event representing the NSW Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper MP.
Mark Buttigieg MLC mentioned a special event held by the community in Parliament.
The event was of particular significance to the Cypriot diaspora, offering young professionals the chance to engage with the worldwide NEPOMAK network, which connects people of Cypriot ancestry across the globe.
Attendees were treated to a guided tour by Dr Craig Barker, an archaeologist with the Paphos Theatre Archaeological Project, who offered an in-depth look at the university’s excavation work at the Nea Paphos Theatre, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The motion moved in Parliament underscored the importance of preserving and promoting Cyprus’ rich cultural history, while recognising the Cyprus Community of NSW’s role in fostering a strong sense of heritage among young professionals. The motion was agreed to by the House, further highlighting the event’s impact and the Community’s contribution to multiculturalism in NSW.
Greece’s Ministry of the Interior is proceeding with an update of the electoral rolls. The process primarily concerns diaspora members who have passed away abroad, where their deaths have not been registered with the relevant Greek consular authority.
If all four (4) of the following criteria apply to you, you will be placed in a special “to be removed” category by 31 December 2024 and permanently removed from the electoral rolls on 15 January 2025:
Were born before 1 January 1944, AND
Have not personally submitted a tax return or do not appear as dependents in tax returns for the 2022 tax year filed by 31 December 2023, AND
Do not hold a valid Greek passport, AND
Do not receive a pension from a Greek institution.
If all of the above criteria apply, you may visit your local Consular Authority in person by 31 December 2024 to submit a request for cancellation of your removal from the electoral rolls.
No appointment is necessary to submit your application. Please take one of the following forms of identification:
Police ID card,
Passport,
Driver’s licence (even if expired).
To check if you are listed as an elector marked for removal, visit the “Find Out Where You Vote” application (https://mpp.ypes.gov.gr/#/) on the Ministry of the Interior’s website. By entering your details, you will see a message stating:“You are included in the list of Electors Marked for Removal from the Electoral Rolls…”
Does this electoral roll clearance process apply to me? Yes, if all four criteria apply:
You were born before 1 January 1944, AND
You have not submitted a tax return yourself, nor are you listed as a dependent on tax returns for the 2022 tax year submitted by 31 December 2023, AND
You do not hold a valid Greek passport, AND
You are not receiving a pension from a Greek institution.
How can I find out if my electoral registration is marked for removal? Visit https://mpp.ypes.gov.gr/#/ and enter your details (First Name, Last Name, Father’s Name, Year of Birth). If your registration is marked for removal, a relevant message will appear.
My registration is marked for removal. What should I do? Visit your local Consular Authority in person, without an appointment, and submit a request to revoke the removal.
Is there a deadline? Yes, the deadline is 31 December 2024.
What documents should I bring? Bring one of the following:
Police ID card,
Passport,
Driver’s licence (even if expired).
Can someone else act on my behalf? Yes, but they must have authorisation either via gov.gr or a certified signature verification.
What if I miss the deadline? Contact the Municipality in Greece where you are registered to request re-registration on the electoral roll. Even if you do not re-register in time, you may still visit the Municipality on election day to request a “Certificate of Received Elector.” With this certificate, you will still be able to vote.
Are there other consequences if I am removed from the electoral roll? The only consequence is that you will not be able to vote (unless you visit the Municipality where you are registered and obtain a “Certificate of Received Elector”). You will not be able to vote via postal voting from abroad. Your registration in the Municipal Register is unaffected.
Basil Zempilas’ election campaign manager, Cameron Sinclair, has resigned after admitting an “error of judgement” in commissioning secret polling on the WA Liberal’s leadership for an unnamed businessman.
Sinclair apologised for failing to recognise the conflict of interest, stepping down from Zempilas’ campaign team ahead of the March state election.
Greece has unveiled a comprehensive smart traffic camera initiative aimed at improving road safety and reducing traffic violations.
The project, announced by government officials on Thursday, November 28, represents a significant step in tackling the country’s high rate of traffic-related accidents.
Greece’s Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Christos Staikouras highlighted the initiative as a key measure to enhance safety and foster compliance with road rules.
“The digital management of violations, coupled with the activation of traffic cameras, will build a culture of compliance with road rules,” he said, aligning the effort with Europe’s vision of zero traffic fatalities by 2050.
Greece’s Citizen Protection Minister Michalis Chrysochoidis called the system part of a broader “smart policing” strategy, emphasising the role of technology in addressing violations and saving lives, particularly among young people.
In its first phase, 388 smart cameras will be installed at 100 locations in Attica, operating 24/7 to detect red-light violations. Regional Governor Nikos Hardalias noted that the system, which adheres to strict data protection measures, will only record the rear of vehicles to address privacy concerns.
All violation data will be securely transmitted to a central server managed by the Hellenic Police, marking a shift toward automated, technology-driven traffic enforcement.
Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has announced plans for the redevelopment of Faliro Bay, describing it as an “iconic project” that will reconnect Athens with its coastline.
Central to the initiative is Aenaon, a metropolitan park representing continuity and timelessness, set to open in 2028 with funding from the European Union.
The park is envisioned as a Mediterranean landmark, offering public spaces for recreation, sports, cultural events, and sustainable, innovative infrastructure.
Ο νέος Φαληρικός Όρμος θα είναι ένα μεγάλο «παράθυρο» της πρωτεύουσας στη θάλασσα, μέσα από ένα καταπράσινο μητροπολιτικό πάρκο, το «Aenaon». Με χώρους αναψυχής και πολιτισμού, με πισίνες, με γήπεδα και σύγχρονες υποδομές που θα μπορούν να φιλοξενούν πολλές διαφορετικές δράσεις. pic.twitter.com/kCmL7sdpbI
“This will be a showcase for the Mediterranean, providing spaces for entertainment, sports, and a connection to nature,” Mitsotakis said.
Attica Regional Governor Nikos Hardalias hailed the project as transformative, emphasising its role in creating a leading destination with sports facilities, swimming areas, and climate-resilient features like advanced drainage systems and green zones to improve the local microclimate.
A collaboration between the Greek government and the EU, the redevelopment aims to set a benchmark for sustainable coastal infrastructure and tourism in the region.
Cyprus is preparing for NATO membership, contingent on Turkey lifting its objections, President Nikos Christodoulides announced on Thursday.
Discussions with the United States aim to leverage opportunities available to NATO members, particularly for enhancing Cyprus National Guard’s capabilities.
“The fact that the Republic of Cyprus cannot be a NATO member due to Turkey’s objections excludes the National Guard from many opportunities,” Christodoulides said, noting ongoing US collaboration on military upgrades and equipment access.
Cyprus’ President Nikos Christodoulides. Photo: philenews.
Turkey, a NATO member, condemned the move as “unacceptable,” warning it could destabilise efforts to resolve the Cyprus issue. The Turkish defense ministry emphasised that NATO enlargement decisions require unanimous approval and must consider national security concerns.
Christodoulides revealed plans to strengthen Cyprus’ military deterrence through partnerships with the US, NATO, and the European Union, leveraging the island’s strategic location. He remained noncommittal on a NATO application timeline, stating, “The less we say, the closer we are.”
Athens has officially kicked off the holiday season with the lighting of its Christmas tree in Syntagma Square.
Mayor Haris Doukas led the celebration, unveiling a 20-meter fir decorated with recycled ornaments and LED lights, highlighting the city’s commitment to sustainability.
Christmas tree lit up at Syntagma Square. Photo: Eurokinissi / LIFO.
This year’s festive theme takes inspiration from classic fairy tales, turning the square into a magical setting filled with elves and iconic characters like the Nutcracker.
The tree, sourced from Halkidiki, will later be repurposed by the Athens School of Fine Arts for student art projects.
The city will soon reveal more details about its Christmas events.
Twenty years ago, Greece and Hellenism worldwide experienced the ultimate miracle. Our country became football champions of Europe. Greece reached the pinnacle of European football.
From then until now, the lives of all who participated in that epic achievement have never been the same. Nor have the lives of anyone who loves sport.
From December 5 – 15, the Greek diaspora in Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide will once again have the joy of experiencing this magic up close. Greek football legends Angelos Charisteas, George Karagounis, and Theodoros Zagorakis are visiting Australia to relive those glorious moments of the Euro 2004.
In Sydney, Liberty IT and the Football Brilliance Academy are hosting a special dinner at Olympus restaurant in Surry Hills to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Greece’s historic European football victory. This exclusive event offers guests the chance to dine alongside Karagounis, Zagorakis, and Charisteas, whilst enjoying a lively Q&A, a meet-and-greet with the legends, and a curated menu that promises an unforgettable culinary experience.
Liberty IT CEO John Dimitropoulos said, “It’s an absolute honour to host such talented superstars in Sydney; we are incredibly excited for what is sure to be an incredible night!”
‘Australia is absolutely wonderful’:
44-year-old Charisteas, Greece’s golden scorer in the Euro final against Portugal, spoke to TheGreek Herald ahead of the event and shared his excitement about meeting with the Greek diaspora in Australia.
As a Greek living abroad for 16 years, he fully understands what it means to live far from one’s homeland.
“I haven’t been to Australia since 2005, when we played a friendly match in Melbourne, and I’m truly thrilled to have the chance to return… to see the Greeks there again and visit not only Melbourne, but also Sydney and Adelaide,” Charisteas said.
“For me personally, having lived abroad for 16 years, I completely understand what it means to be a Greek living overseas – though Australia is absolutely wonderful.”
When asked what people can expect from the Greek Legends tour, Charisteas said, “both ‘Kara’ (Karagounis), ‘Zagor’ (Zagorakis), and I are ready for action. We’re prepared for matches and training sessions.”
“Our goal is to meet the younger generation, see their talent, talk to them, train with them, and show them some additional skills,” he added.
“It’s also a great opportunity to engage with the community there, with the Greeks, and to share ideas, suggestions, and exchange expertise.”
In a final message to The Greek Herald’s readers, Charisteas said, “I want to tell the Greeks of Australia that it is very special to me that there is a small – yet great – Greece where our country is represented in such a unique way. I am proud of them, and I believe we are going to have a wonderful time together.”
Charisteas’ incredible football career:
Charisteas is one of the most accomplished Greek footballers to have played in Europe, representing top clubs such as Bayer Leverkusen, Schalke, Werder Bremen, Nuremberg, Ajax, and Feyenoord. Throughout his career, he played 405 matches, scoring 95 goals and providing 37 assists.
At the club level, he achieved significant success:
Germany: Won the league and cup double with Werder Bremen in the 2003-2004 season.
Schalke: Lifted the German Cup in the 2010-2011 season.
Netherlands: With Ajax, he won the Dutch Cup and the Super Cup in the 2005-2006 season.
Of course, his crowning achievement remains winning Euro 2004 with the Greek national team – a triumph that stands unmatched in his long and successful football career.
Charisteas’ career in numbers
Aris: 103 matches, 21 goals, 1 assist
Werder Bremen: 91 matches, 28 goals, 9 assists
Nuremberg: 68 matches, 13 goals, 10 assists
Ajax: 45 matches, 15 goals, 7 assists
Feyenoord: 34 matches, 10 goals, 3 assists
Panetolikos: 26 matches, 4 goals, 5 assists
Bayer Leverkusen: 16 matches, 2 goals, 2 assists
Al-Nassr: 9 matches
Arles-Avignon: 7 matches
Schalke: 5 matches
Athinaikos: 1 match
To purchase tickets to the special dinner at Olympus restaurant in Surry Hills with Charisteas, Karagounis and Zagorakis, please visit this link.The event is hosted by Liberty IT and the Football Brilliance Academy
