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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.

Storm Alert for Western Crete

2025-10-02 by Kostas Raptis

storm alert

Heavy rain, thunderstorms, and hail are expected in western Crete on October 2, 2025. Emergency numbers: 112, 199, 100, 108, 166.

Chersonissos Signs Supplementary Gouviános River Study to Fight Floods

2025-10-01 by Kostas Raptis

Gouviános River study

Chersonissos signed a €94,775 add-on for the Gouviános River study, promising flood protection vital for residents’ safety.

Athens Airport to Add 90 New Air Traffic Controllers

2025-09-30 by Kostas Raptis

air traffic controllers AI illustration

Gov’t spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis confirmed 90 new air traffic controllers for Athens Airport. Officials promise fewer delays.

Nationwide Test of Civil Defense Sirens on October 1

2025-09-30 by Kostas Raptis

siren test

On October 1, nationwide sirens will sound as part of the Parmenion-25 exercise. Citizens are advised that this is a test with no cause for concern.

Victoria Loves Sour Cherries

2025-09-20 by Kostas Raptis

Victoria Loves Sour Cherries

Victoria is Argophilia’s sharp-eyed writer who loves sour cherries, prefers thrillers to fairy tales, and keeps the team balanced with wit, focus, and precision.

Coworking Spaces in Crete’s Three Largest Cities

2025-09-15 by Kostas Raptis

coworking spaces in Crete AI illustration

From Heraklion to Chania, coworking spaces in Crete let digital nomads and working travelers balance deadlines with beach time.

How AI Boosts Energy Efficiency in Real Estate—KPMG Report

2025-09-15 by Kostas Raptis

AI cuts energy waste

AI and Strategic Energy Management are key to cutting building energy waste.

Heraklion Absent From MyStreet App

2025-09-14 by Kostas Raptis

MyStreet app

MyStreet app has garnered 33,000 downloads and 7,300 listings, tracking public space use. Heraklion shows zero participation so far.

The Heraklion Digital Transformation Enters Its Final Stage

2025-09-11 by Kostas Raptis

Heraklion digital transformation

Heraklion approved a €611,940 project to overhaul municipal operations, promising streamlined services, transparency, and digital interaction with citizens.

PwC Reveals Americans Cut Holiday Spending but Refuse to Skip Travel in 2025

2025-09-05 by Kostas Raptis

PwC’s 2025 holiday survey illustration

PwC’s 2025 holiday survey shows U.S. consumers slashing gift budgets by 11% but keeping travel and entertainment a priority, with Gen Z and Millennials leading the way.

Greek Hotels Lead Europe in Revenue per Room This Summer

2025-09-04 by Kostas Raptis

hotel stay

Greek hotels posted Europe’s highest RevPAR at €216.8, driven by soaring rates despite lower occupancy, outpacing Switzerland, Spain, Portugal, and Italy.

How to Survive the Airport Security Line

2025-09-01 by Kostas Raptis

airport security

From shoeless shuffles to confiscated shampoo, the airport security line is absurd theater. A witty look at how travelers survive the most humiliating ritual of modern travel.

Heat Alert in Crete: Yellow Warning as September Opens with Summer Temperatures

2025-09-01 by Kostas Raptis

Heat map

September in Crete is starting to feel more like July, with the Hellenic National Meteorological Service issuing a Yellow Warning for extreme heat. According to meteorologists, daytime highs across the island are expected to reach 33–36 °C, with inland Greece potentially reaching up to 38 °C midweek. These temperatures, when combined with unusually warm seas, make […]

Are AI Tools Making Tour Operators Worse at Their Jobs?

2025-08-31 by Kostas Raptis

AI tools

As AI tools reshape travel planning, tour operators risk losing the personal touch that once defined their craft.

How AI Is Rewriting Travel From Search to Sunset

2025-08-31 by Kostas Raptis

AI is reshaping travel

AI is reshaping travel, from smart trip planning and predictive pricing to biometric airports and eco-routing.

Airbnb Lets US Guests Reserve Now, Pay Later

2025-08-28 by Kostas Raptis

Reserve Now Pay Later Airbnb

Airbnb launches Reserve Now, Pay Later for US stays, letting guests book without upfront payment while hosts keep their cancellation protections intact.

Athens Metro and Taxis to Be Equipped with Defibrillators

2025-08-27 by Kostas Raptis

defibrillators

Athens will install defibrillators across metro stations and equip volunteer taxis, creating a life-saving network for both residents and visitors.

Greek Court Declares Air Traffic Controllers’ August 28 Strike Illegal

2025-08-27 by Kostas Raptis

Air traffic controllers strike August 28 declared illegal

On August 28, 2025, Greek air traffic controllers planned a four-hour strike, but the Athens Court ruling declared it illegal.

August 28: Greek Airports Face Shutdown as Air Traffic Controllers Strike

2025-08-25 by Kostas Raptis

air traffic controllers AI illustration

Air traffic controllers across Greece will strike on August 28, citing systemic failures, government suppression, and rising risks to flight safety.

Kounavi Hosts Two-Day Festival of Arts

2025-08-25 by Kostas Raptis

Kounavi Cultural Festival 2025

On August 30–31, 2025, Kounavi village in Crete hosts a two-day cultural festival with concerts, theatre, visual arts, and a reenactment of Asia Minor daily life. Free entry.

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After years of delays, reviews, and dormant paperwork, the state is finally moving forward with the demolition of illegal structures along Crete’s coastline. In early January, the Decentralized Administration of Crete signed a works contract that clears the way for the execution of final demolition orders affecting beaches, the foreshore, forest land, and reforestation zones […]

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From October to May, winter in Crete smells of burning olive wood. It looks illegal, feels confusing, and is completely normal — if you understand the island.

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Crete announces a €2.06 million cultural and sports programme for 2026, even as water shortages, infrastructure strain, and airport delays raise hard questions.

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