Argophilia

Αργοφιλία: For the love of the journey.

Manuel began his journey as a lifeguard on Sant Sebastià Beach and later worked as a barista—two roles that deepened his love for coastal life and local stories. Now based part-time in Crete, he brings a Mediterranean spirit to his writing and is currently exploring Spain’s surf beaches for a book project that blends adventure, culture, and coastline.

New Cruise Passenger Fees on Greek Islands

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According to a Greek government update, a new fee structure will impact cruise passengers visiting Greece from June 1 to September 30, 2025. Those arriving at Mykonos and Santorini will pay a charge of €20 per individual. Other islands will welcome them with a much lower fee of €5. This announcement from Tourism Minister Olga […]

Noise Pollution Adjustments in Heraklion

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Responding to resident concerns, the local Association for Quality of Life in Heraklion has urged the municipality to address noise pollution more effectively (source). Their call for regulation now rests with city officials, tasked with appeasing residents and business owners. Two years prior, a citizen initiative sought to regulate music and noise levels in Heraklion, […]

Sailing Courses Begin at NOGK in Gazi

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Open-Sea Sailing School Starting on 5th October, the Nautical Sports Club of Gazi (NOGK), Crete, invites participants to enrol in its 32nd open-sea sailing course. This two-month programme is designed to foster maritime skills on Crete. Course Details: Eligibility criteria require participants to be at least 18 years old and have basic swimming skills. Upon […]

Heraklion Port: 2024, Record Year for Cruise Tourism

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2024 is pivotal for Heraklion Port’s cruise industry, with the port hitting unprecedented passenger arrival figures. The consistent uptick in the number of cruise ships docking here highlights the trust placed by top cruise lines, elevating Heraklion to a top-tier cruise tourism hub. Data reveals a remarkable rise in cruise passenger numbers from January to […]

Celebrating the Cretan Hound

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The Cretan Hound Club announced its upcoming recognition and conformation show. This celebration is set to take place on Saturday, September 7, at 5:00 PM and Sunday, September 8, at 9:00 AM at Karavola by the Heraklion waterfront beneath Talos Plaza. Attendees will not need to register for the recognition event, provided their dogs are […]

Nautical Week in Agios Nikolaos, Crete

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After a prolonged absence, Nautical Week returns to the vibrant seaside town of Agios Nikolaos, Crete, spearheaded by the local Sports Committee. From August 29 to September 1, the town’s coastal areas will transform into a hub of exciting events to draw crowds from near and far. The schedule features a range of aquatic activities, […]

Travel Alert: Updated Airport Regulations for Spain and Greece UK Travellers

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As new airport security measures emerge, British travellers heading to Spain or Greece should double-check their travel plans. Starting September 1, European airports will enforce stricter hand luggage regulations. This adjustment follows a review revealing that the latest security scanners failed to meet necessary performance standards. In response, the UK and EU have reinstated the […]

Greece: New Regulations for Hotel Organic Waste Management

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Ministry Initiatives and Industry Concerns The Ministry of Environment and Energy has been advancing plans to regulate organic waste in the hotel sector in recent developments. These initiatives involve creating a Collective Alternative Management System, where the costs will be borne by the hotel businesses themselves. This move, however, has sparked concerns among industry representatives. […]

Greece: Steps Toward a New Cruise Framework

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Greece Caps Cruise Ships to Santorini and MykonosGreece’s Cruise Boom: $908.4M Travel WindfallHeraklion Port: A Cruise Destination on the Rise Government announcements are expected soon amid preparations for fresh cruise regulations (Kathimerini report in Greek). Central to the discussions is the challenge of managing visitor overload. In places like Santorini, residents feel the weight of […]

Sleeper Train Routes Suspended

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The Austrian operator, ÖBB, has opted to discontinue its sleeper train services between Paris and Berlin only eight months after the route was introduced. This decision, influenced by extensive renovation projects in both Germany and France, also affects routes connecting Vienna with Brussels. Renovation work is actively taking place on the Epernay–Château-Thierry stretch of the […]