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Kostas Raptis

Kostas Raptis is a reporter living in Heraklion, Crete, where he covers the fast-moving world of AI and smart technology. He first discovered the island in 2016 and never quite forgot it—finally making the move in 2022. Now based in the city he once only dreamed of calling home, Kostas brings a curious eye and a human touch to the stories shaping our digital future.

Kresten Palace Expansion Will Add 211 Beds in Rhodes

TEKREST S.A. plans a major expansion of the Kresten Palace in Kallithea, Rhodes, adding 70 rooms, new dining venues, six…

Crete Tourism Stats Reveal the Island is Dominating Greek Travel

Crete recorded 2.1 million international air arrivals in the first half of 2026, up 8.8% in Chania and Heraklion.

How to Keep Your Pet Snake Happy

Want a happy pet snake? Build it a luxury jungle, serve dinner with tongs, respect shedding season, and above all,…

UFOs Over Crete and Athens? Meteorologist Clears Up Night Sky Panic

Hundreds of Cretans and Athenians reported UFOs on August 11, 2026. Meteorologist Thodoris Kolydas confirms it wasn't little green men.

Crete Considers Reservation System to Protect Balos, Elafonisi, and Falasarna

Crete is considering an online reservation system for Balos, Elafonisi, and Falasarna to protect their fragile Natura 2000 ecosystems.

Greek Police Arrest 16 Bar Managers for the Crime of Playing Music Too Loud

Police arrested 16 bar and club managers across Greek islands for allegedly exceeding legal noise limits during summer inspections aimed…

Pano Riza Shelter Above Zaros Gets a Second Life

Volunteers and local leaders in Pano Riza restore the historic Samari Refuge at 1,370 meters near Rouvas Forest, reopening for…

Migrants on Chrysi Island Highlight Ongoing Pressures on Crete

On the night of Thursday, July 30, 2026, Greek port authorities in Crete responded to another migratory arrival, locating 41…

Chania Agora Merchants Facing 24 Month Legal Battle Over Increased Rents

Shopkeepers at Chania's historic Municipal Market are reportedly considering legal action over newly announced rents.

EU Fines Google €890 Million for Breaching Digital Markets Act

The European Commission has fined Google €890 million for violating the Digital Markets Act by favoring its own services and…

AKMI and Athens Hoteliers Partner to Boost Tourism Workforce Skills Through EU TourX Project

The Hoteliers' Association of Athens, Attica & Argosaronic (EXA) has signed a new partnership with SAEK AKMI, lead partner of…

An Unprovoked Knife Attack Injured Two American Tourists Outside the Acropolis

The man accused of stabbing two American tourists near the Acropolis has been remanded in custody pending trial.

18-Year-Old Arrested After Migrant Boat Carrying 34 People Reaches Gavdos

Greek authorities arrested an 18-year-old South Sudanese national after rescuing 34 migrants near Gavdos.

British Cruise Passenger Dies After Medical Emergency in Chania

A 79-year-old British cruise passenger died after being found unconscious aboard a cruise ship in Chania.

Apokoronas Raises First Blue Flag of the Season, Celebrating Years of Coastal Progress

Apokoronas has raised its first Blue Flag of the season in Kavros, celebrating a decade of progress that has increased…

Breaking: Hotels Discover That Discounts Reduce Revenue

Crete's tourism industry is having another one of those seasons where everyone claims to be happy while checking the accounting…

Scarlet Lady Returns to Crete After Earlier Diversion from Türkiye

The Scarlet Lady made an unscheduled call at Souda after itinerary changes, returning to Crete days after Türkiye barred the…

Chania Police and Business Leaders Join Forces Against Cyber Fraud and Illegal Street Trade

Business leaders and police in Chania discussed tackling illegal street trading, cyber fraud, and public safety while proposing a new…

Welcome to Heraklion Airport, Where Your Vacation Ends with a Queue

Thousands of tourists are currently enjoying the 'authentic' Heraklion airport experience, which includes sweating on the pavement and fighting for…

Heraklion’s Roads Are Being Sliced Open for Fiber Optics, and the Municipality Denies Responsibility

The fiber optic installation in Heraklion has turned roads into obstacle courses. The Municipality says they just issue permits, while…