Argophilia

Αργοφιλία: For the love of the journey.

  • Crete
  • Greece
  • Food
  • Eastern Europe
  • Real Estate
  • World
  • Travel Technology

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.

€816,982 to Deliver a New Ferry Service Ramp in Agia Roumeli

2025-05-08 by Kostas Raptis

New Ferry Service Ramp in Agia Roumeli

Construction of the new passenger ferry service ramp in Agia Roumeli is expected to be completed by February 2026.

Air Albania Inaugural Landing at Vlora Airport Sparks Controversy

2025-05-07 by Kostas Raptis

Vlora Airport runway waiting for Air Albania inaugural landing.

With the 2025 parliamentary elections heating up, Prime Minister Edi Rama and Infrastructure Minister Belinda Balluku dusted off an old favorite: the glorified demo flight. This year, their spotlight falls on Vlora Airport—a much-touted project that, if we’re being honest, still looks more like a construction zone than an international gateway. Yet, that hasn’t stopped […]

Agios Nicholas Prepares to Welcome 49 Cruise Ships This Season

2025-05-07 by Kostas Raptis

Agios Nicholas Prepares to Welcome 49 Cruise Ships This Season

Agios Nicholas prepares to welcome 49 cruise ships—a 20% increase. Local officials attended the Posidonia Sea Tourism Forum in Heraklion, seeking to cement Agios Nicholas as a major cruise stop.

Not Your Ordinary Sweep: Special Ops Hit Heraklion

2025-05-06 by Kostas Raptis

Heraklion cleaning interventions

Heraklion cleaning interventions kicked off early with special waste removal and large-scale disinfection at multiple city locations.

Santorini Sky: First Same-Sex Wedding on Santorini, A Moment Above the Aegean

2025-04-30 by Kostas Raptis

Brooklyn and Carli Powers at Santorini Sky

Brooklyn and Carli Powers became the first same-sex couple to wed legally in Santorini, under the new Greek law, in February 2024.

Patradise Mega Yacht Marina Takes Shape Backed by a 12 Million Euro Recovery Fund Grant

2025-04-23 by Kostas Raptis

Patradise Mega Yacht Marina

The new Patradise Mega Yacht Marina will host up to 212 yachts, promising major economic impact, job creation, and green infrastructure.

Andrikaki Barracks in Drama to Become an Audiovisual Industry Center

2025-04-22 by Kostas Raptis

Proposal for the rehabilitation of existing HUB buildings

Culture Minister Lina Mendoni and Raycap’s Kallissa Apostolidou signed a donation agreement for repurposing four buildings at the Andrikaki Barracks to bolster film, culture, and creative industries.

Pudong Airport Visa-Free Business Zone: Shanghai’s New Gateway for Tourists and Global Travelers

2025-04-21 by Kostas Raptis

Pudong Airport Visa-Free Business Zone sketch

Shanghai unveils the Pudong airport visa-free business zone, inviting international tourists and business travelers near Pudong airport with relaxed entry, modern amenities, and efficient transit—approved by China’s State Council to fuel economic openness and global connectivity.

Chania Tourist Satisfaction: Are Foreign Visitors Secretly Unhappy With Their Holidays?

2025-04-18 by Kostas Raptis

Chania tourist satisfaction AI illustration

Chania often shows off the kind of travel brochure charm that looks as if a dog with a smartphone shot most of the photos: welcoming locals, rich flavors, sunbleached beaches, and views that convince even the grumpiest visitor’s Instagram. According to the ever-watchful Western Crete Tourism Observatory, the reality comes with potholes—literally. The latest research […]

Kakou Oros Road Section of the Old National Road Reopens for Traffic

2025-04-18 by Kostas Raptis

a Kakou Oros road section

The Kakou Oros road section officially reopened on April 17, 2025, after major upgrades by the Region of Crete.

ABI Research: mDLs to Reach 143 Million in the U.S. by 2030

2025-04-17 by Kostas Raptis

mDLs AI illustration

Digital wallet trends: mobile driver’s licenses – expected to climb to 143 million in the U.S. by 2030 – turn U.S. airports into gateways of convenience.

New International Airport of Heraklion Spawns a Parade of Developments in Crete

2025-04-16 by Kostas Raptis

New International Airport of Heraklion

2025 brings a flood of developments towards completing the New International Airport of Heraklion in Kastelli.

ICAO’s Digital Travel Credential Could Mean the End of Boarding Passes

2025-04-15 by Kostas Raptis

Digital Travel Credential Could Mean the End of Boarding Passes and Check-Ins

ICAO launched the Digital Travel Credential to phase out physical boarding passes and manual check-ins with biometric security.

Tulip Parade Mesmerizes Visitor at the University Botanical Garden of Balchik

2025-04-15 by Kostas Raptis

University Botanical Garden of Balchik Tulip parade

The University Botanical Garden of Balchik hosts its Tulip Parade this April, showcasing 45,000 bulbs and 63 tulip cultivars.

February 9 Is Officially World Greek Language Day

2025-04-14 by Kostas Raptis

World Greek Language Day

In a moment steeped in history and cultural pride, February 9 was officially named World Greek Language Day by UNESCO.

Ocean Explorer Aegeo Joins Climpact

2025-04-08 by Kostas Raptis

Aegeo Climpact

Greece’s iconic vessel, Aegeo, supports the Climpact network to combat climate change. Discover its findings and the future of the Mediterranean.

Greece Opens Summer Season with 28.2 Million Airline Seats

2025-04-06 by Kostas Raptis

Greece gears up for the summer of 2025 with 28.2 million airline seats.

Who needs personal space? Greece gears up for the summer of 2025 with 28.2 million airline seats. Hope you like crowds.

Heraklion to Host AI Tourism Conference

2025-04-04 by Kostas Raptis

AI tourism conference

A thought-provoking AI tourism conference on April 7, 2025, will tackle the impact of artificial intelligence on commerce and tourism.

Heraklion Airport Sees 36% Fall in International Flights – March 2025 Stats

2025-04-03 by Kostas Raptis

Airport

In March 2025, Heraklion Airport saw a 36% decrease in international passenger traffic despite a modest uptick in domestic flights.

AEGEAN – Oracle Cloud CX Partnership Elevates the Customer Experience

2025-03-20 by Kostas Raptis

AEGEAN Airlines used Oracle Cloud CX

AEGEAN Airlines used Oracle Cloud CX to centralize data and improve personalized travel experiences for millions of passengers.

  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • …
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10
  • 11
  • …
  • 22
  • Next Page »

Maria Papadaki ad banner

Featured Stories

Kastelli Airport 65% complete hero image

Kastelli Airport Nears Completion, Says Every Update Since Forever

do plants feel pain hero image

Do Plants Feel Pain?

gunfire in Crete

Why Crete Is Not All Random Bullets and Vendetta

burning olive wood

Why Crete Smells Like Burned Olive Wood in Winter (And Why That’s Normal)

Murphy's Laws of Travel AI illustration

Murphy’s Laws of Travel

How Public Relations in Hospitality Adapts to AI Technology banner

Your go-to guide for foraging cretan horta

Stories of Interest

Maria Kozyraki

Demolitions of Illegal Structures Set to Begin Along Crete’s Coastline

2026-01-05 By Iorgos Pappas

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 […]

Kastelli Airport 65% complete hero image

Kastelli Airport Nears Completion, Says Every Update Since Forever

2026-01-05 By Kostas Raptis

Kastelli Airport is “65% complete” again. Delays, timelines, optimism, and Crete’s legendary siga-siga culture collide.

gunfire in Crete

Why Crete Is Not All Random Bullets and Vendetta

2026-01-01 By Kostas Raptis

Crete’s reputation often suffers from isolated incidents amplified into myths, but the island is safer than headlines suggest.

burning olive wood

Why Crete Smells Like Burned Olive Wood in Winter (And Why That’s Normal)

2026-01-01 By Mihaela Lica Butler

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.

Crete culture

Crete Plans €2 Million in Culture and Sports as Infrastructure Falls Behind

2025-12-29 By Manuel Santos

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

More Crete travel news

  • Authors
  • Contributors
  • Submit Press Release
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy

COPYRIGHT © 2026 · ARGOPHILIA TRAVEL NEWS