During the winter solstice, when the movement of the sun seems to halt, they creep out: the malicious, mischievous, ugly, and naughty creatures called Kallikantzaroi – Καλικάτζαροι. They might be likened to leprechauns, vengeful goblins, or pixies in other European folk beliefs.

Alongside fascinating tales of creatures like the Kallikantzaroi, Greek folklore is still today characterized by superstition and mystery. The book “Journeys Through Greek Superstition” explores everything from the dreaded evil eye to the art of interpreting coffee grounds – fascinating reading for the curious and perfect as a gift to the interested.

In Greece, Kallikantzaroi are depicted as gruesome and scary human-like creatures, often with strong animal traits. Many of them have tusks, tails, and goat claws for feet. They are hairy, ugly, dirty, and smelly, usually small in stature but sometimes as large as donkeys or horses.

Kallikantzaroi are also portrayed as extremely nimble, with winding bodies and tentacle-like limbs. They can creep into houses at night through chimneys, doors left ajar, small gaps in walls, or even keyholes.

Stirring up mischief in the households

Once indoors, they cause a lot of trouble. They smash furniture and break housewares, devour Christmas food, make a lot of noise, rattle and scream, scare people, cheat children out of sweets, urinate in pans, burp loudly, and drop farts on glasses and plates. In the dark, they assault women, steal people’s voices, and cause all sorts of mishaps and accidents.

The Kallikantzaroi have characteristic names that in the Greek language sound bizarre, but also comical, and peculiar. Those include Malaganas, Triklopodis, Mandrakoukos, Magaras, Malaperdas, Planitaros, Katahanas, Vatrakoukos, Kolovelonis, Paganos.

Humans try to protect themselves against the Kallikatzaroi during Greek Christmas, mainly by exploiting their weaknesses. Since they are extremely light-shy, one should not turn off the fire in the stove and other light sources during the Christmas season. Since they are averse to religious (Christian) symbols, one should make sure to draw a cross on doors, windows, and chimneys. It is also possible to use special charms to scare them. Incense and holy water also keep them away.

Kallikantzaroi and other beings are a classic example of rich Greek folklore. For those curious about how traditions and customs are still alive today, there is the book “A guide to Greek traditions and customs in America”, full of practical information that will be indispensable to anyone interested in the Greek heritage.

Please note: booking through affiliate links in our texts means absolutely no extra cost to you. However, it is a way to support the work of the expedition, so that we can continue to offer first-class content and exciting digital adventures. More about affiliate links in our privacy policy.

Dodekaimeron and Epiphany – the baptism of Jesus

The Kallikantzaroi remain above the Earth for the entire duration of Greek Christmas, Dodekaimeron/Δωδεκαήμερον, which in Greece lasts between Christmas Eve (December 24) and Epiphany (January 6).

Literally, Dodekaimeron means ‘the twelve days’ and is a significant period in traditional celebrations. The concept is also known in English as the Twelve Days of Christmas

On January 6, when in Greece people celebrate the baptism of Jesus – Epiphany (see below), the Kallikantzaroi disappear back into the underworld. They return to their main year-long activity of trying to cut down the World Tree or World Pillar. But on the day of Epiphany, the sun has already regained its movement in the sky and the World Tree has grown large again. The Kallikantzaroi therefore have an impossible mission that can never be completed; it is constantly repeated in circles, year after year.

To ensure that all Kallikantzaroi have returned to their dens, small fireworks or firecrackers are set off on roofs and chimneys in Greece on the evening of Epiphany.

The equivalent of the Greek Kallikantzaroi can also be found in other Balkan countries. In Bulgaria, they are referred to as Karakondjul (Караконджул), in Serbia as Karakondžula (Караконџула), and in Albania as Kukudhi or Karkanxholji.

Epiphany is a major holiday in Greece that celebrates Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan River and the appearance of the Holy Spirit. The Greek Orthodox Church sanctifies the waters of lakes, rivers, and seas. Priests then use basil twigs to sprinkle holy water on the faithful.

They also throw a wooden cross into the water, which young people jump in to catch. Whoever reaches first and picks up the cross, later carries it to each household and receives rich gifts. Believers also get holy water from the churches to use for various protective purposes throughout the year.

Epiphany and the Baptism of Jesus

As we also mention during our guided tours of secret Athens, Epiphany is also the only day of the year when Hadrian’s Reservoir in Kolonaki, Athens, is opened for the church to bless its waters.”

To immerse yourself in Greek folklore take a look at: “The Book of Greek and Roman Folktales, Legends and Myths”. A rich collection of myths, fables, and jokes from antiquity – everything from centaurs and satyrs to seers, women who suddenly change sex, and men who can’t laugh… The book offers a fascinating glimpse into the captivating, colorful storytelling and humorous fairy tale treasure of our ancestors.

Other Greek Christmas and New Year traditions

In this article, we have only scratched the surface of some of the countless Greek Christmas and New Year traditions. Folklorists have documented hundreds of different customs, songs, dances, and more that vary greatly depending on where you are in Greece.

There are major differences in customs between, for example, the Cyclades and Northern Thrace, the Peloponnese, Crete or Greek Macedonia. There may even be differences between coastal and inland areas within the same region. There may be distinctive food traditions, special ceremonies, songs and dances, or other customs that appear very different between islands and the mainland, or between mountainous areas and plains.

The Greek Christmas table

Greek Christmas is filled with culinary traditions that reflect the country’s rich history and its many local variations. The table overflows with a variety of appetizers and countless main courses featuring lamb, poultry, or game. Each region or area has its unique delicacies and customs, making the celebration especially diverse and rich. But no Christmas in Greece is complete without the beloved classic Christmas cookies: melomakarona (μελομακάρονα) and kourabiedes (κουραμπιέδες).

• Melomakarona are sweet cookies soaked in an aromatic syrup of honey, orange, brandy, and cinnamon, topped with chopped walnuts.
• Kourabiedes are buttery cookies covered in a layer of powdered sugar, reminiscent of winter snow.

These two types of cookies are indispensable during the Greek Christmas season and are beloved for their unique flavors. Although recipes vary between families and regions, they hold a prominent place in Greek Christmas celebrations. At the same time, they carry influences from the wider Eastern Mediterranean, where different peoples have shared flavors and traditions for centuries.

Superstition and proverbs are a central part of Greek culture. In the book “Yiayia Approved: Greek Sayings, Proverbs, Advice, Superstitions, & More”, author Angela Vardalos Saclamacis has collected over 200 classic sayings, advice, and supernatural beliefs – perfect for impressing relatives or just having fun while learning more about the traditions.

Kalanda – Greece’s traditional Christmas carols

“Κάλαντα/Kalanda are traditional songs typically sung by children during holidays such as Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, and Epiphany (January 6). The name kalanda is inherited from the medieval Greek καλένδαι/calende, which originates from the Latin calenda

Children go from house to house, politely asking, ‘Shall we sing?’ before performing the songs, often accompanied by a triangle-shaped percussion instrument or other simple instruments. Afterward, they receive a gift, usually in the form of sweets, fruit, or a small amount of money.

The lyrics and melodies vary significantly between different regions of Greece. These local variations reflect the unique culture and traditions of each area, making Κάλαντα a vibrant part of the country’s rich cultural heritage.

New Year traditions in Greece

We conclude with a few other common customs associated with the New Year, observed throughout the country:

• Right foot first. When you enter a house for the first time in the year, you should do so with your right foot. In this way, you bring good luck and fortune to the house and its occupants for the whole of the coming year
• The long-awaited cake Βασιλόπιτα/Vasilopitta, in which a coin is hidden before baking. Whoever gets the piece of cake with the coin inside will have good luck and fortune throughout the new year
• Crushing a pomegranate in front of the door. The more seeds scattered, the more luck the house will have in the new year. Since ancient times, the pomegranate has been a symbol of happiness and abundance

Have you tasted some particular dishes or witnessed any special habits and customs during the celebrations of Greek Christmas? We would greatly appreciate it if you would share your experiences in the comments section!

More about Kallikatzaroi in folklore and tradition

Kallikantzaroi: The Christmas Goblins of Greece on DAIMONOLOGIA: An article discussing the Kallikantzaroi and their place in Greek Christmas tradition.

Kallikantzaros on Mythical Encyclopedia: A summary of the Kallikantzaros and their significance in Greek mythology.

Greek Christmas Trolls: Kallikantzaroi on Helinika: An article exploring the Kallikantzaroi and their role in Greek folklore.

Related article: New Year’s Greetings for 2024

Images from Wikipedia under the Creative Commons Public Domain

The Antikythera mechanism is one of the most remarkable objects ever recovered from the sea. It was discovered in 1901 by sponge divers off the island of Antikythera, among the remains of an ancient cargo ship filled with bronze statues, glassware, and ceramics.

What first appeared to be a lump of corroded metal turned out to contain gears – something no one expected from antiquity. Before long, the find would transform our entire understanding of ancient Greek engineering.

A computer from antiquity

Decades of research have made it clear that the Antikythera mechanism was no ornament, but an astronomical calculating device – in practice, the world’s first analog computer, constructed around 50 BC. The term refers to a device that performs calculations mechanically through a system of gears rather than through digital numbers and code. The mechanism could display the movements of the sun and moon, predict eclipses, and even track the cycles of the Olympic Games.

That something so advanced was built more than two thousand years before our own machines is difficult to grasp. Its gearwork was designed to mirror the rhythm of the heavens with a precision that suggests both scientific and artistic mastery.

On the front were dials with pointers moving at different speeds. On the back were complex scales and inscriptions to help the user interpret celestial motion. It was as much a model of the cosmos as an instrument for measuring it, an object that combined technology, philosophy, and belief in the ordered nature of the universe.

Traces of the masters behind the work

Since the mechanism was brought to the surface, researchers have tried to determine who built it. Was it the work of Archimedes or his students? Was it manufactured on Rhodes, where the astronomers Hipparchus and Posidonius were active?

X-ray studies have identified some thirty gears and Greek inscriptions that function as a manual – something unique in the ancient world.

These inscriptions suggest that the makers were not only skilled craftsmen but also deeply versed in the most advanced astronomical theories of their time. Some scholars believe the mechanism was intended as a teaching tool, a portable model of the cosmos showing how the heavens moved.

Others argue that it was created for a wealthy patron, perhaps a king or a naval commander who wanted to plan voyages and religious festivals according to the stars. Whatever its purpose, it testifies to a collaboration between science, art, and philosophy, where scientific thought met practical skill

Bringing the Antikythera mechanism back to life

In recent decades, research teams have greatly deepened our understanding of the Antikythera mechanism, not only by studying its fragments but by building models of how it may have looked and functioned.

Numerous physical and digital reconstructions have been published. A major milestone came in 2021, when researchers at University College London presented a model that aligns with both the mathematical and mechanical evidence from the original.

These reconstructions show how the gears and preserved dials could have fit together. They illustrate the movements of the sun, the moon, and even the planets, in mechanisms that match the inscriptions on the device.

Some models include more than 30 gears – parts that were corroded or partially lost, but reconstructed through CT scanning and advanced image analysis.

Despite the progress, many questions remain unresolved, for example, exactly how every pointer, disk, and scale interacted, and whether the mechanism displayed the planetary motions in full, or if certain components are missing. The different reconstructions highlight both the similarities and the variations in how scholars interpret the surviving fragments and text. They serve as valuable guides, but also as reminders not to assume more than the evidence supports.

Have you walked past it without knowing?

Many visitors to the Archaeological Museum in Athens have probably walked by the Antikythera mechanism without stopping. In its glass case, the small, corroded bronze fragments may not seem particularly noteworthy – green, eroded, almost silent.

Around it, the museum galleries gleam with gold, marble, and mosaics, while this small object lies there as if nearly forgotten. Yet these pieces of metal are something entirely different: the remains of the world’s first computer, created more than two thousand years ago, at a time when we believed antiquity mastered only simple tools.

But if you linger a little, its significance begins to emerge. The tiny gears, the nearly erased Greek inscriptions – they speak of a time when thought, craftsmanship, and cosmology were inseparable. The next time you walk through the museum’s halls, let your eyes rest on this modest artifact. Think of the hands that shaped its gears, the eyes that traced the stars – and of everything this mechanism still hides from us.

A timeless enigma from the depths of the sea

Only one-third of the original mechanism survives. Yet for more than a century, researchers have tried to reconstruct its complete design through models and digital renderings. No one knows whether more examples once existed or whether it was a solitary masterpiece that sank with its ship. Even today, underwater excavations off Antikythera continue to reveal new fragments and clues, as if the sea were slowly trying to tell the rest of the story.

In its silence, however, the Antikythera mechanism reminds us of something enduring: humanity’s desire to understand the heavens and to build tools capable of reading the cosmos. Several scholars have even called it one of antiquity’s true wonders – a masterpiece of lost knowledge, as enigmatic as the greatest monuments on land.

The Antikythera mechanism – in brief

• Discovery: 1901 by sponge divers in an ancient shipwreck off Antikythera, dated to the 1st century BC
• Date: ca. 150–100 BC
• Materials: Bronze and wood (mechanism and casing)
• Components: At least 30 gears, pointers, dials, and Greek inscriptions
• Function: Mechanical calculation of the movements of the sun, moon, and planets; eclipse prediction; calendar cycles, including the Olympic Games
• Dimensions: Approx. 13 × 7 × 3.5 inches
• On display: National Archaeological Museum of Athens
• Significance: The oldest known analog computer – an outstanding example of Hellenistic science and engineering
• Research: Studied since 1902; modern X-ray and 3D scanning have revealed new details about its gear system

Källor

• Greek Wikipedia – Μηχανισμός των Αντικυθήρων
• UCL Antikythera Research Project
• Nature (2021): Decoding the ancient Greek astronomical calculator
• LIFO.gr – Η συναρπαστική ιστορία του ναυαγίου των Αντικυθήρων
• UCL Discovery – Research Paper PDF
• National Archeological Museum of Greece

Related articles

More articles about ancient Greece in the corresponding category on our blog>>

For those who haven’t read the original article, the feature is reproduced in English below. The images included in this post are taken from various articles on our blog. You’re welcome to browse all our posts freely here:
→ https://greekexpedition.com/en/blog-page/

The original article in Greek can be found here →

From Parapolitika, by culture writer Marianthi Kounia:

The platform that brings lesser-known Greece to a global audience

Greek Expedition is an independent, bilingual cultural project that explores Greece from unexpected angles. Based in Sweden, the site is described as a digital diamond that brings the country into focus for an international readership.

The platform was founded by Georgios Xyftilis and highlights what is often overlooked in mainstream travel guides – from historical rituals, architecture, and music to contemporary cultural phenomena, nature, language, gastronomy, and personal conversations with researchers, artists, and craftspeople, as well as local voices working to preserve their traditions.

The articles are rooted in on-the-ground research and everyday observations. At the core of the project are depth, curiosity, and a deep respect for the country’s complexity.

Självklart – här kommer samma innehåll som punktlista:

• Ecological landscapes, environmental work, and stories of nature
• Modern and ancient Greek history
• The Greek language and its nuances
• Music, film, and other art forms
• Folk celebrations and ritual practices
• Architecture, craftsmanship, and contemporary expressions

“Grekonauts” loyally follow the Expedition

The platform has quickly gained a large and devoted readership in Sweden – the so-called “Grekonauts” – while the English version has also sparked growing international interest. In this way, the Expedition contributes to shaping a richer and more meaningful image of Greece abroad – one based on cultural diversity and human experience.

The platform has also resonated with young Greeks in the diaspora, an audience seeking deeper and more meaningful ways to reconnect with their cultural roots.

Greek Expedition is a living platform that continues to grow and expand. It keeps exploring Greece from unexpected angles – through unfamiliar paths, surprising encounters, and stories that invite new ways of experiencing, understanding, and marveling at this multifaceted country.

The Greek Expedition is open and free for anyone who wants to join the journey of discovery.

Founder of the Expedition: Georgios Xyftilis

Georgios spoke to Parapolitika about his decision to create the Greek Expedition, his vision, and what it’s like to live between two countries.

Why I created the Greek Expedition

I had long followed how Greece was portrayed in Swedish media and social platforms – often stereotypically, centered around ouzo, souvlaki, and beautiful sunsets. But to me, Greece means something much deeper and more complex. I felt it was time to create a space that reflected that – a platform that could show a more authentic and multifaceted Greece, rooted in lived experience and cultural respect.

A small market survey confirmed that many Swedes who love and frequently visit Greece were looking for something just like this. With a background in journalism, web development, translation, and video editing – and a life spent between Sweden and Greece – I realized I was in a unique position to bring this vision to life. That’s how Greek Expedition was born, and for the past two years, I’ve been building and running it almost entirely on my own, with some help from friends.

Expanding the vision

Now that the platform is up and running successfully, my vision is to expand it further. I plan to add more languages, starting with a German pilot version, to reach readers in countries where there’s a strong love for Greece.

I also hope to collaborate with other creators – Greek or international – who share the same passion and values. That would allow the platform to grow not only in content but also in form, incorporating more interactive media: sound, video, and new technologies that make exploration more immersive.

Right now, finding collaborators is the most important step. There are so many topics I’d like to cover, but I can’t do it all on my own.

Learning from those who preserve the authentic Greece

I’m encouraged to see more and more people, especially younger generations, showing renewed interest in their traditions and recognizing the value they hold. Many are learning crafts and skills from older generations and finding more organized ways to preserve, share, and even evolve their cultural heritage. That means a lot to me, especially in contrast to mass tourism, which often flattens and erases what is most authentic.

I want to learn everything about their work – the traditions of their region, their history, and the elders who still practice old crafts. I always ask about local associations and cooperatives, their initiatives, and upcoming events. We also talk about how they can gain more visibility internationally – in the hope of fostering a different kind of tourism, one that values and respects the real Greece.

What inspires me most

I’m especially drawn to culture, folklore, history, and the arts, with a particular love for music, since I’ve played traditional Greek music for many years. I also love to travel and discover new places and lesser-known landmarks. One area I’m deeply curious about is what some call “urbanology” – exploring the hidden sides and forgotten corners of big cities.

I also value spontaneous conversations with everyday people, because everyone carries a fascinating life story.

Lastly, I have a strong interest in modern media. I’ve always been quick to adopt new technologies and tools. In Sweden, I spent many years working with youth and media, including running a local TV channel in Stockholm together with a group of young people, which became quite successful.

Living between two homelands

In Sweden, I’m often called “the Greek,” while here in Greece, people refer to me as “the Swede.” That duality can be difficult at times. It can feel like being a half-version of yourself, as if something is always missing on one side or the other. When you spend extended time in one country, gaps appear in your connection to the other – “black holes” in the flow of life that are hard to fill in later. The internet has helped bridge some of that today, but it wasn’t always the case.

I speak both languages fluently, almost as native tongues, but sometimes I wonder: am I truly bilingual, or doubly semi-lingual?

At the same time, growing up between two very different cultures is a huge gift. It teaches you that there are many valid ways of seeing the world – that every coin has two sides.

Between two worlds

I see both Greece and Sweden as my homelands, and I try not to compare them – they’re rooted in completely different cultures and ways of thinking. Still, there are things I cherish in each.

In Greece, beyond the climate, I love the vitality and pulse that infuse everything, and the deep cultural layers that stretch across millennia. That blend of history, language, music, food, and mentality creates a charm that’s hard to resist.

In Sweden, I admire the modern infrastructure, the welfare system, labor rights, and the sense of security one feels as a citizen. I also have a deep appreciation for the vast Nordic landscapes – lush and vibrant in summer, stark and dark in winter. As a Greek friend once told me: “It’s not that Stockholm has the green – it’s the green that has Stockholm.”

When it comes to Greece’s shortcomings, I think most of us are well aware of them. In many ways, they are the very opposite of what I just described as admirable in Swedish society.

As for Sweden, the thing that charms me the least is, without a doubt, the climate. Not so much the cold itself – in Stockholm, we often get minus 12 to 18 degrees in winter – but the constant darkness. Three or four months every year. I’ve never really been able to get used to that. Every autumn, it weighs heavily on the soul.

Miscellaneous information

The original article in Greek can be found here →

Short biography of Georgios Xyftilis here →

On the cover image, Georgios is in conversation with Greek director Periklis Hoursoglou. Read more about the director’s latest film here →

As promised in previous post, here is a more detailed description of the sites designated as World Heritage Sites in Greece. Of the total 19 sites, 16 are of pure cultural value. The remaining three sites, Meteora, Mount Athos, and Zagoria have been designated for cultural and environmental significance.

Immerse yourself in the country’s rich history and fascinating nature by familiarizing yourself with some of these significant sites. Click on the links in the table below to explore the UNESCO pages for each World Heritage Site in Greece.

World Heritage in Greece, sites 1 – 6

Namn	Bild	Plats	Årtal för utnämning	Beskrivning
Acropolis, Athens		Athens	1987	A well-known ancient site that includes the Parthenon Temple and other ancient buildings in the heart of Athens.
The archeological site of Delphi		Delphi	1987	An ancient sanctuary and oracle dedicated to the god Apollo. Delphi was considered the world hub in ancient beliefs.
Apollon Epicurius temple at Bassae		Messenia, southwest Peloponnese	1986	A well-preserved Doric temple dedicated to Apollo, known for its harmonious architecture and magnificent views of the valley.
Rhodos medieval town		Rhodos	1988	An impressive medieval city with fortifications, palaces and narrow alleys.
Monastery complex of Meteora		Thessally, central Greece	1988	A collection of Orthodox monasteries built on the spectacular, vertical rock formations that rise several hundred meters above the ground.
Mount Athos		Chalkidiki-peninsula, northern Greece	1988	A mountainous region considered sacred, with an orthodox, strictly male, monastic republic, enjoying a high degree of autonomy since the 11th century AD.

World Heritage in Greece, sites 7 – 12

Namn	Bild	Plats	Årtal för utnämning	Beskrivning
Paleo-Christian and Byzantine monuments in Thessaloniki		Thessaloniki	1988	A collection of early Christian and Byzantine monuments, including churches and basilicas, which testify to the historical importance of the region.
Sanctuary of Asclepius, Epidaurus		Epidaurus, North-eastern Peloponnese	1988	A well-preserved sanctuary, with the famous amphitheater and temples dedicated to Asclepius, the ancient Greek god of healing and medicine.
The Historic Centre (Chora) with the Monastery of Saint-John the Theologian and the Cave of the Apocalypse on Patmos		Patmos, northern Dodecanese islands	1999	An important religious site, which includes the Monastery of St. John and the Cave of the Apocalypse, where the Apostle John is believed to have written the Book of Revelation.
Archeological site of Olympia		Olympia, central Peloponnesos	1989	The site of the ancient Olympic Games with a monumental collection of Greek architecture and sculpture.
Island of Delos		Delos, Cyclades	1990	An important island, revered in prehistoric mythology, with well-preserved archaeological remains and temples.
Monasteries of Daphni, Hosios Loukas och Nea Moni of Chios		Located in Athens, in Fokida district – near Delphi, and on the island of Chios	1990	Three ancient monasteries with unique architecture and mosaic work representing the artistic skill of the Byzantine era.

World Heritage in Greece, sites: 13 – 18

Namn	Bild	Plats	Årtal för utnämning	Beskrivning
Pythagoreion and Heraion on Samos		Samos, Northern Aegean Islands	1992	Remains of an important ancient city of high cultural and religious importance, with an impressive sanctuary dedicated to the goddess Hera.
Archaeological site of Aigai (current Vergina)		Vergina, Greek Macedonia	1996	The site of the ancient royal tombs in Macedonia, where impressive burial treasures and artifacts have been found.
Archeeological site of Mycenae and Tiryns		Mycenae, Tiryns, Peloponnesos	1999	Two important cities from the Mycenaean period, showing the grandeur and architecture of the older ancient Greek civilization.
Old town of Corfu		Corfu, Ionian islands	2007	A well-preserved Venetian city center that bears traces of several different historical cultures and varying architectural styles.
Archeological site of Philippi		Philippi, north-eastern Greece	2016	An ancient city with impressive archaeological remains of great historical importance. The site of the Battle of Philippi .
Archeological site of Mystras		Near Sparta, Peloponnese	1989	The city of Mystras developed around the fortress built in 1249 on the slopes of Mount Taygetos. The city flourished during the later Byzantine period and was conquered by both the Ottomans and the Venetians.
Zagori Cultural Landscape		Region of Epirus, North-western Greece	2023	A remote and timeless rural landscape in northwestern Greece, where the stone-built villages of Zagorochoria nestle among sacred forests and are linked by a remarkable network of arched stone bridges, cobbled paths, and hand-carved stairways connecting the communities of the Vikos and Voïdomatis river basin.

Sources: UNESCO, Wikipedia
Photo: Wikimedia Commons license,
Many of the illustrations for this post were created using the AI model Stable Diffusion

During this time, as the sun’s movement pauses, it is said that the world becomes filled with mystique, and hidden doors open between realms – between the visible and the invisible. Many believe that certain places in our physical world transform into portals leading to other dimensions. Usually concealed, they are now said to stand open for those who dare to enter. In this enchanted season, we invite you to cross the threshold.

Twelve riddles await you, each serving as a key to uncover a mystery about Greece. Most questions are rooted in stories and insights from the Expedition’s thrilling journeys and adventures.

Are you ready to take on the challenge?

The Quest – start here

Your adventure begins now! Ahead lie questions that will test your knowledge of Greece and your curiosity. Some questions are straightforward, while others may challenge your experiences and understanding of the country. If you feel unsure, don’t hesitate to use the hints – they can provide the guidance you need to continue your journey.

Ready to begin? Let’s see what awaits behind the first gate of the Dodekaímeron!

The journey continues – more adventures await

You have now reached the end of your adventure through the mystical realms of the Dodekaímeron. Thank you for boldly stepping in and exploring these passages with us! Epiphany is approaching, and the sun’s movement will soon regain its pace. The portals between worlds will close, and the mischievous Kalikatzaroi will retreat to the underworld.

But for a Greconaut, there is always more to discover! Your journey through Greece’s hidden treasures continues, and more adventures await.

If you’re not already part of the Expedition, join now – it’s all free! As a member, you’ll not only receive our newsletter but also gain access to exclusive articles, stories, and other benefits. We look forward to continuing these explorations with you.

Related article

Contact us

If you have any questions about the expedition or experience any issues on the website, don’t hesitate to reach out. We are here to resolve any uncertainties you might have. Contact us through the form on this page >>

The goal of the Greek Expedition is to offer its visitors a unique and immersive online experience of Greece, allowing them to discover and learn about the country’s rich cultural heritage, history, and traditions in a captivating and engaging way—far beyond the usual tourist trails and predictable spots.

Through carefully crafted content, fascinating insights, and intriguing perspectives, we bring you closer to the real essence of Greece.

Join us on exciting and educational journeys through Greece’s fascinating world of music, folklore, local traditions, contemporary life, ancient beauty, food, drink, nature, landmarks, and other intriguing and unexpected facts that provide a deeper understanding of this unique and multifaceted country.

To gain even more insight, connect with us on our social media channels and stay updated on our latest discoveries, explorations, and unique experiences—we can’t wait to see you there!

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Our guided tours in the unknown Athens kick off today, Wednesday, September 4! We’re excited to share the city’s hidden secrets with all our Greconaut friends. The tours will continue until mid-November 2024.

If you’re in Athens this fall, don’t miss the chance to join us on an exciting journey through the city’s lesser-known attractions. Book already now:

If you’re not visiting yourself but know someone who will be in Athens, please feel free to share this newsletter, or the below link:

About the tours in the unknown Athens

The Greek Expedition’s tours offer a unique experience beyond the usual tourist paths. We explore underground passages, mysterious crypts, and places with a fascinating, though sometimes eerie, history.

Join us as we explore ancient vaults and secret backstreets, where every step leads to new discoveries and unexpected insights.

The tours are designed to give you a deeper understanding of the unknown Athens’ rich cultural heritage and its many secrets.

Reserve your place today

Book your spot today and experience the city like you’ve never seen it before. Whether you’re a returning visitor or it’s your first time in the city, we promise this will be an adventure you won’t forget!

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• Greek Expedition, ready to sail, March 2026 [newsletter]
• Women of Rebetiko – 8 Voices that shaped the genre
• Photos from the 1944 Kaisariani mass execution – powerful memories revived in Greece
• Greek words difficult to translate, part 1 Filótimo.
• Kallikatzaroi, the malevolent creatures of Greek Christmas [updated 2025]

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If you have any questions about the expedition or experience any issues with the website, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to answer any questions and clarify any uncertainties.