Argophilia

Αργοφιλία: For the love of the journey.

Eastern Europe

The Tourist Dynamics of Greek Islands: Winners and Losers

Mihaela Lica Butler

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 […]

Kimolos Island Beach Votes World’s Best

Phil Butler

The Cycladic Island of Kimolos was recently given the distinction of having the world’s cleanest beaches and clearest waters. The Island, which was a battlefield between Ancient Athens, the ruler of the island, and Sparta, the ruler of Milos, is a lesser-known touristic gem than its neighbour Milos. Prassa Beach, which won the world’s best award, is a […]

Batumi: Adventure Awaits in Nature’s Lap

Victoria Udrea

Positioned at the crossroads of two continents, Batumi is a city where history meets adventure. This Georgian city, awarded the European City of Sport in 2019, continues to grow as a prime location for sporting events. From hosting the illustrious World Chess Olympiad to the thrilling UEFA European Under-21 Championship, Batumi pairs modern facilities like […]

Albanian Riviera: No Longer a Tourist Haven

Victoria Udrea

Images of vacant sunbeds along the Albanian Riviera have sparked a storm of criticism, with the Prime Minister pointing fingers at what he calls “outrageous” pricing. Others suggest that competition from neighbouring countries and a lack of coherent strategy are significant factors hampering tourist arrivals. In stark contrast to the current situation, last summer saw […]

Secrets of Authentic Greek Summers

Mihaela Lica Butler

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 […]

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

Manuel Santos

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 […]

Albania: Ethnographic Museum of Kruja Reopens Its Doors

Victoria Udrea

The Ethnographic Museum of Kruja, a significant cultural landmark in Albania, has reopened following comprehensive restoration efforts. Struck by the 2019 earthquake, the museum has been transformed into a modern facility, thanks to an €850,000 donation by the European Union via the EU4Culture programme. The restoration project, guided by UNOPS in partnership with the Ministry […]