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.

Celebrating the Cretan Hound

by

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

by

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

by

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

by

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

by

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

by

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 […]

Santorini’s Tourism Woes: A Tale of Overcrowding and Desertion

by

The Challenge of Seasonal Visitor Numbers Santorini, often renowned for its picturesque allure and incredible sunsets, attracts an overwhelming number of tourists, numbering around 3.4 million annually, compared to its local population of approximately 20,000. Each day, at peak times, up to 17,000 visitors from cruise ships flood the island’s famous spots, such as Fira […]

Travel Alert: Elevated E. coli Levels Raise Concern at Ayfilon Beach

by

In the Northern Cyprus region, Ayfilon Plaji (Ayfilon Beach) is currently experiencing severe water contamination. Despite its natural allure, surrounded by picturesque mountains, the beach’s waters now pose a significant health risk. An analysis shared by the Northern Health Ministry reveals that E. coli levels have alarmingly exceeded safe limits. Located near Rizokarpaso, Ayfilon ranks […]

Boost in Hotel Occupancy in Bulgaria

by

A Surge in Staycations In June, Bulgaria experienced a significant surge in hotel occupancy as the number of overnight stays hit 3.5 million, reflecting a 5.9% increase compared to the previous year. Data from the National Statistical Institute revealed that the overall volume of overnight stays climbed by 6% from the previous year, with hotel […]

Aer Lingus Expands Winter Sun Travels to Popular Destinations

by

Aer Lingus (IATA: EI, ICAO: EIN) is responding to the rising desire for winter sunlight by broadening its European leisure travel options for 2024. As the airline intensifies its offerings, travellers from Ireland will have many options for their winter escapes. The flight schedule to Athens will now include service until January, with flights operating […]

Syníchisis Recital at the Venetian Fortress Barracks in Sitia

by

The Festival of the Region of Crete proudly progresses to Sitia after a successful event at the Panagia Gouverniotissa Monastery. On Thursday, August 1st, at 9:00 PM, the Venetian Fortress Barracks will host a captivating “Syníchisis” (Consonance) recital. Natalia Gerakis and Sissy Makropoulou will enchant the audience with a combination of ancient Greek melodies by […]