Kafeneio tou Gianni: A digital detox space with no phones, no feed, just people

For our non-Greek-speaking friends: yes, you guessed it, a Kafeneio is a traditional Greek coffeehouse. And who is Giannis? Normally you might ask ChatGPT, but not here, where phones aren’t allowed.

Kafeneio tou Gianni—to cut to the chase—is a digital detox space, open throughout the week in a specially designed area of Stavros Niarchos Park, whose goal is to encourage us to step away from our screens and meaningfully connect with other people. So take a seat, strike up a conversation with the person next to you (one of those real, lively, face-to-face chats, remember?), and let the conversation take you wherever it may.

During the week of SNF Nostos 2026, “Kafeneio tou Gianni” will offer creative activities for adults from late morning to midday, providing materials for embroidery and origami as well as coloring books. In the afternoon and evening, a structured program will include arts workshops, Greek dance classes, music evenings featuring folk and traditional sounds, as well as other surprises. The Kafeneio will host late-night discussions with John Sarbanes (does the name “John” sound at all like “Giannis” to you?) and other engaging guests on topics related to artificial intelligence.