Argophilia

Αργοφιλία: For the love of the journey.

Mihaela Lica Butler: Travel Writer, Recipe Developer

Balanced Tourism Development in Crete: A Call for Fairness and Strategic Planning

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A recent meeting in Crete saw local mayors and tourism stakeholders gather to discuss the island’s future under a new spatial planning framework. The plan, which is still open for input until mid-September, aims to address Crete’s uneven tourism development, which lacks cohesive strategic guidance. Participants debated the notion of “overtourism”, asserting it doesn’t apply […]

Aiming for UNESCO Recognition for Ancient Nicopolis Landmarks

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Restoration of the Ancient Theatre The Ministry of Culture is dedicated to restoring the grand theatre’s stage and backstage at Ancient Nicopolis, constructed by Octavian following his victory at the Battle of Actium. This iconic structure, historically accommodating around 10,000 spectators with vistas over the ancient city and the Gulf of Amvrakikos, had been refurbished […]

Albania’s 2023 Tourism Season: Challenges and Adjustments

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The adage that a good start is half the work didn’t quite hold true for Albania’s tourism sector in 2023. While the initial months showcased a wave of optimism, with foreign visitor entries soaring by about 40% from January to May, hopes for a seamless season faced hurdles. The long-held vision of all-year-round tourism materialized, […]

The Tourist Dynamics of Greek Islands: Winners and Losers

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Mykonos Faces Decline in Tourism In July, Mykonos Airport reported a 5.2% decrease in foreign passenger numbers, managing only 285,025 travellers compared to 300,753 in the same period in 2023. The island’s allure seems to be waning as high prices, primarily aimed at upscale tourists, drive visitors to other destinations, capital.gr observes. Even domestic travel […]

Israeli Hotels See Increase in Occupancy Amid Rising Prices

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With the summer break in full swing, Israelis opting to vacation domestically rather than overseas. The ongoing conflict and the uncertainty of air travel, compounded by numerous flight cancellations, have dampened the desire to travel abroad. Despite the absence of foreign tourists, local tourism and the accommodation of evacuees have more than made up for […]

Secrets of Authentic Greek Summers

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For those seeking a genuine Greek summer, untouched by the pressures of social media, there’s a feeling of joining an exclusive club. Enchanted by their experiences, these travellers often urge friends not to spread the word about their discoveries. “We stumbled upon this amazing island, reminiscent of Greece in the 1980s!” they might say, followed […]

Heraklion Beach Prices Stir Discontent

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The organized beaches of Heraklion have witnessed a price surge, causing frustration among residents and tourists, Neakriti reported on Monday. Locals and visitors alike express their grievances, noting that a straightforward day at the beach for a family can escalate to costs as high as 60 euros. Such price hikes heighten worries, especially during an […]

Olive Oil: Potential Drops in Prices with Improved Production

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According to current forecasts, this year’s olive oil production is anticipated to be moderate to good. The National Interprofessional Olive Oil Organization (EDOE) President, Manolis Giannoulis, has indicated that production is projected to be between 250,000 and 280,000 tons. For this to be achievable, mild weather, moderate temperatures, and some rainfall must occur. Giannoulis emphasized […]

4,000-Year-Old Minoan Labyrinth Found on Crete

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A significant archaeological discovery near the new Heraklion Airport has stopped construction. The recently unearthed 4,000-year-old Minoan structure, a monumental find, now stands in the way of a major development project on Crete. For years, I’ve warned leaders, businesses, and the public about the dangers of overdevelopment on this island. Let’s dive into the Kasteli […]

Urgent Call for Water Management in Crete

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Update: for a possible solution, please read Addressing Water Scarcity in Crete: Innovative Air-to-water Solutions The chronic water scarcity in Crete continues to escalate. Crete’s reservoirs started showing signs of severe depletion as early as March, foreshadowing a harsh summer ahead. The current state of the reservoirs is alarming and insufficient to address the island’s […]

Urgent Travel Warnings for Crete: Extreme Heat and Over-Tourism

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Extreme Heat Grips Europe: Several regions in Europe, particularly Greece, Italy, and Spain, are experiencing severe heatwaves with temperatures surpassing 40°C. The British Red Cross noted these “unusually hot weather conditions” at the end of June. Tragically, British TV presenter Michael Mosley was reported as missing or deceased during Greece’s historic heatwave. Over-Tourism Sparks Protests: […]

Greek Islands Grapple with Water Shortages Amid Heatwave

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Following Greece’s earliest heatwave in June, several Greek islands face a dire water shortage crisis. Sifnos, Leros, Sami, and parts of Crete have declared states of emergency as water supplies dwindle. Islanders are urgently calling for government intervention. Water levels are critically low across Attica, including Athens. Naxos in the South Aegean endure a severe […]

Crete’s Local Residents Suffer Amidst Mass Tourism

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The Strain of Mass Tourism Crete anticipates a surge in tourists this summer, putting an increasing strain on local resources. Villagers, particularly in small communities, face a severe water shortage that makes daily life more difficult and deters visitors. The small village of Kokkino Chorio in the Chania region is one example of an intolerable […]