Argophilia

Αργοφιλία: For the love of the journey.

Greece

August Is for Celebrating the Garazo Citrus Festival

Aleksandr Shatskih

Every year, toward the end of summer, the local villages around Crete celebrate a variety of festive occasions. In the Rethymno area, the tiny village of Garazo is not exception, locals and visitors each year celebrate a wonderful Citrus Festival there. Organized by the Cultural Association of Garazo, participants were treated to our island’s best traditional citrus recipes and more there last weekend.

Dia Island: Ancient Atlantis Reemerges As a Resort?

Phil Butler

News Saudi Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal is interested in Crete as a touristic development bears mixed blessings. The prince, who’s transformed every place he’s invested in quite literally, says he wants to develop the island of Dia, just off Heraklion. But Crete is a special case study in protected antiquity, and Dia may hold secretes the Greeks don”t want destroyed by overzealous development.

Euromonitor International Releases “Travel and Tourism in Greece”

Aleksandr Shatskih

Despite the economic downturn in the EU and Greece, last year was a good one for the tourism industry. According to the latest report for Euromonitor International, the number of international visitors to the cuntry increased significantly, just as domestic trips displayed grew as well.

Top 10 Chania “In and Out of Town” Attractions

Phil Butler

Crete’s second biggest city, is probably the most well know and picturesque. Chania, a Minoan settlement known to the Greeks as Kydonia, is famous for it’s Venetian Harbor photogenically. The capital of the provence of the same name, Chania is about as iconic a destination as you can imagine. Surrounded by a host of smaller villages and immeasurable natural beauty, the west of Crete’s gem of tourism deserves every accolade. Here’s a bucket list of things any visitor “must see” before leaving this magical Cretan getaway.

Greece’s Zakynthos and Navagio Welcome Visitor Boom

Aleksandr Shatskih

From Travel Daily News we learned today of impressive July numbers for tourists headed top the island of Zakynthos. According to the Hotel Chamber of Greece, arrivals at Zakynthos airport for the month increased by some 18,09%.

Greece Loses Russia Travelers to Agency Flop

Phil Butler

For the Greece tourism sector sanctions against Russia may have already spoiled the end of an otherwise record summer touristic season. At least this is partially true for customers of one of Russia’s largest Greek focused tourism agencies, Labirint. The company, the third to fail in Russia ins the last few months, has put Russian travelers at a disadvantage even though officials say current trips are secure.

Lamda Development Unveils Hellinikon Details

Aleksandr Shatskih

The company that purchased the old Athens airport, Lamda Development, has now turned over their plans for the coastal area of Ellinikon. On Tuesday CEO Odysseas Athanasiou announced construction work of the €8 billion plus project is to begin in 2016.

Lato Boutique Hotel Summer Suite Give/Getaway

Aleksandr Shatskih

Summer vacationing on the Greek isle of Crete is in full swing for thousands of sun and fun seekers. So, in the spirit of Cretan hospitality (Filoxenia) Lato Boutique Hotel* is giving away a luxurious weekend in Heraklion.

The Fabulous Acropolis Museum Turns Five

Phil Butler

Recently ranked one of the 20 best museums of the world, the Acropolis Museum celebrates its fifth anniversary this month. On Friday June 20th a series of events including a concert by Leon of Athens highlight the momentous occasion.

Q & A With Sion Rapson of the World Travel Awards

Phil Butler

Recently I had the distinct pleasure of speaking with Sion Rapson (at left), and industry expert of merit who has helped the world recognize excellence in the travel industry immeasurably. Rapson, Director of Global Business for the distinguished World Travel Awards, spoke candidly before and after a Q & A for Eye for Travel. The full interview and some added takeaways are cited below, followed by a brief summary.