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villas

Top Five Villa Vacation Destinations Unveiled by Villas of Distinction®

2018-12-19 by Argophilia Travel News

Amalfi coast

Villas of Distinction®, the world’s premier luxury villa rental company as part of World Travel Holdings, announces 2019’s most sought after villa vacation destinations based on industry insights.

Tags: destinations, luxury stays, luxury travel, luxury villas, villas, Villas of Distinction

A Collection of Alternative “Best Stays” on Crete

2018-07-25 by Phil Butler

Villa Omikron

On Crete, the choice of accommodations is as diverse as anywhere in Europe. One thing that differentiates Greece’s biggest island though is the amazing choice of best stays here for the asking. With alternative touristic delight in mind, here’s a selection of five of the most interesting properties we’ve found so far.

Tags: Agia Pelagia Bay, crete, Crete villas, Dimitris Markakis, Eleni Nakou, Fodele Beach, Fodele Beach & Water Park Holiday Resort, Greek villas, Grotto Homes, Kokkinos Pyrgos, Koutsounari Traditional Cottages, luxury villas, Pantanassa, VanGos Tsourlakis, Venetian Mill, Villa Omikron, villas

Vote for Airbnb’s best hosts led by VanGos Tsourlakis

2014-10-18 by Phil Butler

VanGos

Everybody knows about Airbnb by now. What started as a vacation rental website like 1000 others, has now taken the hospitality world by storm. The world’s leading vacation stay booking destination is now paying tribute to the hosts that make guests’ holidays special. Join me in celebrating my friend VanGos Tsourlakis today, by voting for […]

Tags: AirBnb, awards, crete, Greece, Grotto Homes, Host Awards, Metochi Villas, VanGos Tsourlakis, villas

Grotto Homes: Romance the Cretan Way

2014-04-17 by Phil Butler

VanGos Tsourlakis - Courtesy Jay Thomas photography

On Crete the idea of out-of-the-way places takes on new dimensions. The countryside is as pristine and wild as you can imagine. The effect of this wildness, meeting the cities by the sea, leaves visitors spellbound in a sort of landscape awe. At the civilized heart of rural Crete, a tapestry of villages dot the island like tiny gems. It is in just such a tiny town, literally hidden from view, where you will find the most romantic stay at Grotto Homes.

Tags: crete, Crete stays, Greece, Greece travel, Grotto Homes, Rethymno, villas

IAVRA: Putting Tech With Travel Agents for Value

2013-03-18 by Phil Butler

Today I revisited an exclusive villa rental player IAVRA, which I covered initially back in 2011. Back then my review was mega-positive, and I only have more positives to add today about the International Association of Villa Rental Agents (IAVRA) mode and method for renting us all fantastic getaways. Let’s take a look at how far these travel entrepreneurs have come.

Tags: Paris hotels, Paris villas, travel, travel agencies, travel deals, villa rentals, villas

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Featured Stories

AI baby

Greece’s Births Have Fallen 42% Since 2009

Crete overtourism

How Much Overtourism Can Crete Handle?

Fifth West Nile Virus Case Confirmed in Crete

Fifth West Nile Virus Case Confirmed in Crete

Heraklion tourist buses strike

Crete Tourist Buses to Strike, Airport Transfers and Excursions Affected

Heraklion military camps meeting

Why Former Military Camps Could Be Put to Better Use to Enhance Visitor and Community Experience

Why We Embrace AI

At Argophilia, we believe in using every tool at our disposal to bring you the stories that matter. You may notice a certain precision in our data analysis, a specific flair in our visuals, or a rapid turnaround on complex topics. That is no accident—it is the result of our rampant use of artificial intelligence.

We use Gemini to help synthesize data, structure our reporting, and ensure our news remains as sharp as the reality we cover. When it comes to our imagery, we rely on the creative power of Midjourney and NightCafe, unless otherwise noted in our editorial credits.

We are not apologetic for this. In a fast-moving world, these tools allow us to focus on what really counts: investigating the issues, giving a voice to the marginalized, and maintaining the journalistic integrity you expect from us. We see AI not as a replacement for human judgment, but as an engine that amplifies our ability to inform, analyze, and tell the truth about our island and beyond.

We are writers and journalists first—but we are proud to be tech-enabled ones, too.

How Public Relations in Hospitality Adapts to AI Technology banner

Your go-to guide for foraging cretan horta

Stories of Interest

Chora Sfakion Port Rockfall Protection

Chora Sfakion Port Gets Rockfall Protection in Major Safety Project

2026-09-18 By Iorgos Pappas

Rockfall protection works at Chora Sfakion port are nearing completion, with handover expected in December 2026. Irrigation and water storage projects are also being examined.

sculptor at Venerato Sculpture Symposium 2026

International Sculptors Will Turn Marble Into Art in a Cretan Village

2026-09-18 By Victoria Udrea

Visit Venerato near Heraklion from September 21 to October 11 to watch sculptors from China, Cuba and Greece create five marble works, free to the public.

minibuses disability transport

Heraklion Funds Two Electric Minibuses for Disability Transport

2026-09-18 By Iorgos Pappas

Heraklion will receive €241,600 in Crete 2021-2027 funding for two electric minibuses equipped to transport people with disabilities and wheelchairs.

package holidays

Can Package Holidays Help Build a Shoulder Season?

2026-09-18 By Arthur Butler

Package holidays can help provide structure, but only when they connect visitors to the destination beyond the resort gate.

lifesaver

76-Year-Old French Woman Dies Swimming in Chania

2026-09-14 By Manuel Santos

A 76-year-old French woman died after being found unconscious in the sea at Kalathas Beach in Chania. Authorities are investigating the circumstances.

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