Barack Obama and his wife Michelle were spotted taking a brief vacation in the beautiful Cyclades islands of Greece over the weekend. The former U.S. President is set to participate in an international conference in Athens next week, making this getaway a relaxing prelude to his upcoming engagement.
Local sources revealed that the couple arrived in Greece on Friday, choosing to travel incognito on a private jet. On Saturday, they were seen exploring Naousa, a charming fishing village located on Paros Island. It is speculated that the Obamas are guests of their friends, Hollywood actors Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson, who own a vacation home on the neighboring island of Antiparos.
Accompanied by a team of over thirty American security agents, the Obamas ventured out to dine at a gourmet fish restaurant in Naousa, Paros. To ensure their privacy, they were seated in a secluded area of the establishment. The restaurant owner was requested to sign a non-disclosure agreement, and staff were asked to refrain from using smartwatches or phones until the former presidential couple had departed.
During their weekend retreat, the Obamas and the Hanks enjoyed mini cruises to the idyllic beaches of Paros, Antiparos, and nearby Ios. Their transportation of choice was a private boat, granting them access to the region’s hidden gems.
While details and photos of their vacation remain scarce, one image leaked on social media, posted by an individual expressing annoyance over the perceived disruption caused by the Obamas’ presence on Antiparos.
Barack Obama is expected to arrive in Athens this week to participate in the SNF Nostos Conference, scheduled from June 21 to 23. The event is organized by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation and aims to strengthen democratic culture and emphasize the importance of investing in the next generation of leaders. Obama will engage in a keynote conversation with SNF Co-President Andreas Dracopoulos.
The visit to Athens is part of the Obama Foundation Leaders program, which brings together 105 emerging change-makers from Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Europe, representing 75 nations and territories. These individuals will have the opportunity to meet and exchange ideas with the former President during the program’s culminating event.
On Saturday, the Obama Foundation expressed their excitement on Twitter, stating, “Over the next few days, Obama Leaders from all over the world will be gathering in Greece to exchange ideas, meet with President Barack Obama, and discuss creating lasting change in their communities at our Athens 2023 Leaders Convening.”
Since its launch in 2014, the Obama Foundation has been committed to inspiring and empowering individuals to take action and effect positive change in their communities. The foundation’s mission centers around encouraging collaboration and amplifying collective impact for a better world.
