GreeceChevron CreteChevron All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse We understand that time is the greatest luxury which is why Condé Nast Traveler mines its network of experts and influencers so that you never waste a meal or a hotel stay wherever you are in the world this stylish resort opened in 2021 and combines the crisp fresh look of a new hotel with the luscious mature planting left by its previous owners with even the most far-flung sunbather on the beach offered attentive From the visual motif of scattered amphora to abundant fringed raffia lamps its design is detail-focused and a celebration of natural materials There’s also a pervading sense of space — even at capacity the hotel never feels crowded — which lingers in the mind long after your stay along with unlimited digital access to The Times and The Sunday Times you"},"children":[]},{"name":"paywall","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":" can enjoy a collection of travel offers and competitions curated by our trusted travel partners especially for Times+ members"},"children":[]}]}]}]},{"name":"paywall","children":[{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"italic","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"This article contains affiliate links which may earn us revenue"}}]}]},{"name":"heading2","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"Rooms and suites"}}]},{"name":"image","attributes":{"id":"c20f9a25-d971-4cad-9787-8c0d788ad8f8","display":"fullwidth","caption":null,"title":"Numo Ierapetra low-rise buildings; constructed during the Eighties but emulating the style of a traditional Greek village — there’s even a small church — they’re connected by paths lined with pampas grass while the cheaper bedrooms tend to be located at the back of the property slightly further from the grey-sand beach but with a pleasing terrace view over the tree-fringed decor is scrupulously tasteful; muted stone shades teamed with textured surfaces like polished concrete and slatted wood and simple framed line drawings the only decoration Bathrooms are deconstructed — with separate shower sink and WC — and equipped with appealing extras like eye masks The only let-down is the rooms’ unfathomable ‘smart’ lighting system which left this guest longing for a good old-fashioned light switch "}},{"name":"break","children":[]}]},{"name":"heading2","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"Food and drink"}}]},{"name":"image","attributes":{"id":"2aa73a69-8a9f-495a-bb07-d03d45117d7b","display":"fullwidth","caption":null,"title":"Numo Ierapetra Numo’s dining offer comprises garden-set Menoa Nikkei -inspired fine diner that also serves inventive cocktails Though the choice on offer at the latter’s buffet is bewilderingly vast — from eggs fruit and pastries every which way at breakfast to a tour of world foods at dinner — they’d do better to concentrate on making fewer dishes to a higher standard Tamarisk’s à la carte and more local cuisine-focused lunchtime menu is very good — their ntakos salad a Cretan riff on the Greek salad given added crunch by local rusks clad in robes reminiscent of the garb of ancient Greece As well as two (unheated) pools there’s a gym and outdoor yoga space — both of which offer complimentary classes — and a tennis court (racquets and balls provided) low-lit spa also deserves a special mention; therapists go above and beyond to help guests relax and occasionally host ‘residencies’ by visiting wellness practitioners DJs play at the main pool’s Màre Màre bar most evenings and on Sundays live musicians often perform Other spaces worth visiting include a small but creatively-stocked boutique and urbane coffee-shop Kafenè — but the standout is the (free) outdoor cinema where guests can order drinks and popcorn to their seats via a magic button "}},{"name":"break","children":[]}]},{"name":"heading2","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"Where is it?"}}]},{"name":"image","attributes":{"id":"4d956e02-146e-4ad9-94f2-6b1fc65bdb32","display":"fullwidth","caption":null,"title":"Numo Ierapetra the hotel is a 90-minute drive from Heraklion and ten minutes outside the small coastal city of Ierapetra (for boat trips to uninhabited Chrisi) It’s straightforward to rent a car directly from reception and there are several day trip-worthy spots nearby — drive west to reach the charming seaside village of Myrtos or north into the mountains to visit the Monastery of Panagia Exakousti the simple terraced restaurant Agia Paraskevi Taverna is well worth a detour advice and deals"}}]},{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":" "}},{"name":"link","children":[{"name":"italic","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"here"}}]}],"attributes":{"href":"https://link.thetimes.co.uk/join/74t/signup-travel"}}]}]}]},"summary({\"maxCharCount\":200})":{"type":"json","json":[{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"Backdropped by the Ierapetra mountains and sloping gently towards the Libyan Sea location and deals.","slug":"numo-ierapetra-crete-hotel-review","categoryPath":"/travel/destinations/europe-travel/greece/crete/numo-ierapetra-crete-hotel-review-5xx8s2rwx","__typename":"Article"},"Image:7691d4b0-5344-4863-bde5-6d8fb8953e85":{"caption":null,"credits":"jet2","title":"Numo Ierapetra Crete’s"},"children":[]}]}]},"summary({\"maxCharCount\":225})":{"type":"json","json":[{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"From the plum and ochre-tinted Venetian houses surrounding its taverna-lined harbour to the atmospheric labyrinth of surrounding alleys teeming with intriguing shops With"},"children":[]}]}]},"summary({\"maxCharCount\":125})":{"type":"json","json":[{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"Vast and varied Crete — largest of the Greek islands — has heavyweight appeal for summer escapes With its major resorts"},"children":[]}]}]},"summary({\"maxCharCount\":145})":{"type":"json","json":[{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"Vast and varied Crete — largest of the Greek islands — has heavyweight appeal for summer escapes sandy"},"children":[]}]}]},"summary({\"maxCharCount\":160})":{"type":"json","json":[{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"Vast and varied Crete — largest of the Greek islands — has heavyweight appeal for summer escapes sandy shores and"},"children":[]}]}]},"summary({\"maxCharCount\":175})":{"type":"json","json":[{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"Vast and varied Crete — largest of the Greek islands — has heavyweight appeal for summer escapes sandy shores and proper mountains"},"children":[]}]}]},"summary({\"maxCharCount\":225})":{"type":"json","json":[{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"Vast and varied Crete — largest of the Greek islands — has heavyweight appeal for summer escapes we’ve got you covered.","slug":"best-family-hotels-in-crete","categoryPath":"/travel/destinations/europe-travel/greece/crete/best-family-hotels-in-crete-ltwnnq22h","__typename":"Article","summary({\"maxCharCount\":105})":{"type":"json","json":[{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"Crete was made for family holidays Its long sandy beaches are equipped with every kind of hotel from"},"children":[]}]}]},"summary({\"maxCharCount\":125})":{"type":"json","json":[{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"Crete was made for family holidays from cheerful affordable"},"children":[]}]}]},"summary({\"maxCharCount\":145})":{"type":"json","json":[{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"Crete was made for family holidays from cheerful affordable options to luxurious"},"children":[]}]}]},"summary({\"maxCharCount\":160})":{"type":"json","json":[{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"Crete was made for family holidays from cheerful affordable options to luxurious all-inclusive"},"children":[]}]}]},"summary({\"maxCharCount\":175})":{"type":"json","json":[{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"Crete was made for family holidays from cheerful affordable options to luxurious all-inclusive resorts with"},"children":[]}]}]},"summary({\"maxCharCount\":225})":{"type":"json","json":[{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"Crete was made for family holidays from cheerful affordable options to luxurious all-inclusive resorts with on-site waterparks The TimesBackdropped by the Ierapetra mountains and sloping gently towards the Libyan Sea Become a subscriber and you can enjoy a collection of travel offers and competitions curated by our trusted travel partners Score 9/10Numo’s 132 rooms are spread across several pale • Best Greek islands to visit• Best hotels in Greece with swim-up rooms JET2Score 10/10It’s effortless to build variety into each day Score 9/10In Crete’s lesser-visited and mostly-agricultural southeast with every dish — from stuffed vine leaves to local dessert mizithropita (cheese-filled flatbread served drenched in honey and cinnamon) — more flavourful than the last Price B&B doubles from £123Restaurant mains from £12Family-friendly NAccessible Y Orla Thomas was a guest of Numo Ierapetra (hilton.com) • Crete v Rhodes: which is better for a Greek island holiday• Best hotels in Crete Sign up to the Times Travel newsletter for weekly inspiration, advice and deals here Registered in England No. 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Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, SE1 9GF. Volume 9 - 2021 | https://doi.org/10.3389/feart.2021.591948 This article is part of the Research TopicThe Oceanic Particle Flux and its Cycling Within the Deep Water ColumnView all 17 articles Sinking particles are a critical conduit for the export of organic material from surface waters to the deep ocean Despite their importance in oceanic carbon cycling little is known about the biotic composition and seasonal variability of sinking particles reaching abyssal depths collected in the deep Ierapetra Basin for a three-year period (June 2010 to June 2013) have been examined at the light of atmospheric and oceanographic parameters and main mass components (lithogenic stable isotopes of particulate organic carbon (POC) and source-specific lipid biomarkers Our aim is to improve the current understanding of the dynamics of particle fluxes and the linkages between atmospheric dynamics and ocean biogeochemistry shaping the export of organic matter in the deep Eastern Mediterranean Sea particle fluxes showed seasonality and interannual variability over the studied period POC fluxes peaked in spring April–May 2012 (12.2 mg m−2 d−1) related with extreme atmospheric forcing Summer export was approximately fourfold higher than mean wintertime fall and springtime (except for the episodic event of spring 2012) fueling efficient organic carbon sequestration Lipid biomarkers indicate a high relative contribution of natural and anthropogenic marine- and land-derived POC during both spring (April–May) and summer (June–July) reaching the deep-sea floor our results highlight that both seasonal and episodic pulses are crucial for POC export while the coupling of extreme weather events and atmospheric deposition can trigger the influx of both marine labile carbon and anthropogenic compounds to the deep Levantine Sea the comparison of time series data of sinking particulate flux with the corresponding biogeochemical parameters data previously reported for surface sediment samples from the deep-sea shed light on the benthic–pelagic coupling in the study area this study underscores that accounting the seasonal and episodic pulses of organic carbon into the deep sea is critical in modeling the depth and intensity of natural and anthropogenic POC sequestration and for a better understanding of the global carbon cycle understanding these processes therein is critical in order to assess their biogeochemical functioning and feedbacks between the ocean carbon cycle and human-induced environmental change we present a 3-year time series of sinking particles flux data in the deep Ierapetra Basin (4,310 m depth) The collected data have been examined at the light of atmospheric and oceanographic parameters and main mass components (lithogenic stable isotopic composition of POC and source-specific lipid biomarkers (long chain n-alkanes and the unresolved complex mixture of aliphatic hydrocarbons long-chain diols&keto-ols and selected sterols) The aim of the present study is to improve the current understanding of the dynamics of particle fluxes and the linkages between atmosphere dynamics and ocean biogeochemistry shaping the export of organic matter in this oligotrophic abyssal region of the EMS in order to evaluate the benthic-pelagic coupling in the study area the time series of sinking particles flux data were compared to the corresponding data of biogeochemical parameters previously reported for surface sediments from the deep-sea in the study area this study presents for the first time the lipid biomarker composition of sinking particles reaching the deep EMS the quality of atmospheric deposition and its fingerprint in the export of material in the seawater column depend upon the origin of the air masses that are reaching the area during the study period To investigate the effects of various atmospheric and upper ocean processes on particle fluxes we consider a variety of environmental parameters for the study area during the investigated period surface Chlorophyll a (Chl a) concentration These data were obtained either from in-situ observations or satellite data from one grid cell above the location of the sediment trap: 34.3–34.6°N 26.0–26.3°E (see below for details) and provided by the Oregon State University (OSU) deep-sea daily mean current speed and direction at the deep Ierapetra Basin were evaluated The moored line deployed in the Ierapetra Basin included an Aanderaa RCM8 current meter deployed at 23 m above the bottom with a measuring interval of 1 h sediment trap samples were stored in the dark at 2–4°C until they were further processed in the laboratory Sediment trap samples were processed in the laboratory according to a modified version of Heussner et al. (1990) Large swimming organisms were removed by wet sieving through a 1 mm nylon mesh while organisms <1 mm were handpicked under a microscope with fine tweezers Samples were repeatedly split into aliquots using a high precision peristaltic pump robot to obtain 10–20 mg subsamples and then they were stirred three times with ultrapure water centrifuged and the supernatant removed to eliminate salt and formaldehyde Samples were finally freeze-dried and weighted for total mass determination The inorganic carbon content was calculated from the difference between TC and OC measurements Assuming all inorganic carbon is contained within calcium carbonate CaCO3 content was determined using the molecular mass ratio of 100/12 [(TC%−OC%)×8.33] Molar TN/POC ratios were also calculated. TN/POC is plotted in order to constrain the elemental ratios of N-depleted samples (i.e. TN/POC ≈0 rather than POC/TN ∞ 0) following Goñi et al. (2006), and to avoid the underestimation of the terrestrial-derived carbon fraction (Perdue and Koprivnjak, 2007) associated to the detection limit of the ICP-OES system Analytical precision of opal measurements was 4.5% The lithogenic fraction was estimated by subtracting the concentration of the major constituents from total dry weight [%lithogenic = 100 – (%OM + %CaCO3 + %opal)]. This fraction represents the residual component of particles such as quartz, feldspars, clay minerals and aluminosilicates (Mortlock and Froelich, 1989) A range of selected lipid biomarkers are considered in this study namely long chain n-alkanes and the unresolved complex mixture of aliphatic hydrocarbons long-chain di- and tri-unsaturated C37 and C38 methyl ketones and C38 ethyl ketones commonly referred to as long-chain alkenones long-chain diols and keto-ols and a suite of sterols The analytical procedure followed for the determination of lipid biomarkers has been previously presented in detail (Gogou et al., 1998, 2000, 2007) freeze-dried samples were initially solvent-extracted three times by sonication with dichloromethane Combined extracts were subsequently separated into different compound classes by column chromatography using silica gel that had been activated for 1 h at 150 °C The following solvent systems were used to elute the different compound classes of the considered lipid compounds: (1) n-hexane (fraction F1; aliphatic hydrocarbons) (2) dichloromethane/n-hexane (fraction F2; long-chain alkenones) and (3) ethyl acetate/n-hexane (fraction F3; n-alkanols The individual lipids were identified by a combination of comparison of GC-retention times to authentic standards and comparison of their mass spectral data to those in the literature Quantification was based on the GC-MS or GC-FID response and comparison of peak areas with those of known quantities of standards added prior to the extraction of the samples ([2H50]n-tetracosane for n-alkanes n-hexatriacontane for long-chain alkenones 5α-androstan-3β-ol for sterols the sum of the concentrations of the considered lipid biomarkers having a marine (algal) origin was calculated as follows: where C28Δ5,22E is brassicasterol (24-methyl cholest-5,22-dien-3β-ol) and 4αC30Δ22E is dinosterol (4α,23,24R-trimethyl-5α-cholest-22-en-3β-ol) might be produced by currently uncharacterized source organisms The sum of the concentrations of the most abundant high molecular weight odd n-alkanes (TerNA) and even n-alkanols (TerN-OH), which are major components of epicuticular higher plant waxes (Eglinton and Hamilton, 1967; Ohkouchi et al., 1997) With their total sum referred to hereafter as ∑Ter: The observations include 30 sediment trap samples collected during the study period Samples RedI-3 and RedI-6 are excluded due to lack of atmospheric deposition data for those months 2012) due to no data for lipids are available 2013) due to it is an outlier based on the interquartile range of cholesterol (see “Lipid Biomarkers” section) The 18 variables considered refer to environmental conditions (SST and δ13C) and lipid biomarkers (fluxes of ∑TerNA the data were standardized using the mean values and standard deviations to bring all of the variables into proportion with one another was applied to the first three factors in order to maximize or minimize loadings within each factor and thus simplify the visual interpretation of PCA projections Correlation analysis was also performed using the same variables PCA was carried out by using STATGRAPHICS v Time-series of atmospheric and oceanographic parameters at the vicinities of the Ierapetra Basin station from June 2010 to June 2013 (A) monthly total aerosol [dry (yellow area) + wet (blue area)] deposition (in g m−2 month−1) at the Finokalia station* blue line); (B) 8-days surface Chlorophyll a concentration (Chl a in mg C m−2 d−1 green line); and C) daily mean deep-sea current speed (in cm s−1) and direction (º) at 4,287 m depth in the Ierapetra Basin (* gray area from September to November 2011 indicates values are available only for total atmospheric deposition no distinction is made between dry and wet) Total mass flux (TMF) and its major constituents (organic matter, opal, CaCO3, and lithogenic matter) were highly variable, including significant seasonal variations (Figure 3, Table 1). During the three-year deployment, TMF ranged from 1.46 to 306.7 mg m−2 d−1 (Figure 3A) The highest particle flux was in spring 2012 (April-May from 306.7 to 180.2 mg m−2 d−1) three other events had relatively high particle fluxes: summer 2010 (June 174.6 mg m−2 d−1) 105.7 mg m−2 d−1) and 2012 (June-July from 123.2 to 104.5 mg m−2 d−1) Time-series at the Ierapetra Basin station from May 2010 to June 2013 of (A) Total Mass Flux (TMF and cumulative percentages* of organic matter (OM) carbonates (CaCO3) and lithogenic; (B) Fluxes of lithogenic opal and CaCO3; (C) Particulate organic carbon (POC) flux and export efficiency ratio (POC flux/NPP); (D) TN/POC molar ratio and δ13C stable isotope (*Gaps of cumulative percentages of flux components correspond to periods where there are no opal data available) Total mass fluxes (TMF) and bulk composition of sinking particles collected at 4,285 m in the Ierapetra Basin (n.d.: no data) During the three-year sampling period POC, opal, CaCO3 and lithogenic fluxes were significantly and positively correlated with TMF (Figure 4) Lithogenic matter was the primary flux component ranging from 0.04 to 156.1 mg m−2 day−1 and accounting for 86.6 ± 1.2% of TMF on average Biogenic minerals were the next most abundant with CaCO3 (0.34–69.5 mg m−2 d−1) and opal (0.03–58.7 mg m−2 d−1) accounting for 28.6 ± 16.6% and 3.9 ± 4.1% OM contributed from 0.15 to 24.5 mg m−2 d−1 accounting for 6.0 ± 3.2% of TMF on average Pearson correlation heatmap matrix with significance level expressed by asterisks (***p-value ≤ 0.001 *p-value ≤ 0.1) of A) fluxes (F) and percentages (%) of bulk parameters and (B) POC-normalized concentrations of lipid biomarkers and CPINA Positive correlations are displayed in blue and negative correlations in red color Color intensity are proportional to the correlation coefficients The shaded areas represent prediction interval at the 95% confidence level The opal/CaCO3 mole ratio ranged from 0.01 to 1.60, with an average value of 0.34 ± 0.36, and the POC/CaCO3 mole ratio from 0.38 to 3.58, with an average of 1.06 ± 0.74 (Table 1) These two ratios visibly exhibit similar trends which are positively correlated (r = 0.51 with the highest opal/CaCO3 and POC/CaCO3 ratios during summer-fall 2011 and spring 2012 The POC/opal ratio ranged from 1.04 to 83.9 and exhibited exponential negative correlation with opal/CaCO3 (r = 0.73 The heaviest δ13C was observed during the high-flux period of spring 2012 and the lightest during the relatively low-flux period in winter 2010 Temporal distribution patterns (fluxes and concentrations) of major phytoplankton- and zooplankton-derived POC compounds (marine origin) in sinking particulate matter collected at 4,285 m in the Ierapetra Basin during the studied period (see section “Oceanographic and Atmospheric Settings” POC-normalized concentrations of selected lipid biomarkers (n.d.: no data) Temporal distribution patterns (fluxes and concentrations) of major terrestrial and anthropogenic-derived POC compounds in sinking particulate matter collected at 4,285 m in the Ierapetra Basin during the studied period: (A) Unresolved Complex Mixture of aliphatic hydrocarbons (UCM) and (C) long-chain n-alkanols (∑TerN-OH) and (D) Carbon Preference Index of long-chain n-alkanes (CPINA) (see section “Source Indicators of Sinking Particulate Organic Carbon” for further details) FIGURE 8. Biplot of POC-normalized concentrations of phytoplankton-derived lipid biomarkers (ƩPhyto) vs. terrestrial (ƩTer) of sinking particles collected in the deep Ierapetra Basin from June 2010–June 2013, and surface sediments collected from January 2007 to June 2012 in the NW Levantine Basin (Pedrosa-Pàmies et al., 2015) Symbol shapes correspond to season of the sinking particles and colors correspond to sampling year Regression lines for all (dashed black line not significative) and summer period (gray line) sinking particles as well as for surface sediments (blue line) are represented PC1 reflects the high particle flux periods and the impact of episodic events on the deep particle flux in the EMS Factor 2 (PC2) explains another 11.7% of the variance and has positive loadings PC2 separates samples by relative contribution of land-derived POC sources Spring and summer samples showed the highest PC2 factor scores Factor 3 (PC3) explains 7.9% of the total variance and is characterized by positive loadings Highest PC3 factor scores were observed for spring samples PC3 separates samples by the relative contribution of phytoplankton-derived POC (A) Factor loadings for environmental forcing and biomarkers of phytoplankton-derived POC (Phyto and land-derived natural and anthropogenic POC (TER purple) for the collected sinking particles (B) Biplots of main factor scores for sinking particles identified by sampling year (colors) and season: fall (circle: September there is no clear relationship between the export efficiency and NPP except when observing seasonal trends (see discussion in section “Seasonal Export Pulses to the Deep Eastern Mediterranean Sea” below) The POC content of sinking particles of the deep Ierapetra Basin (3.00 ± 1.60% POC) was 6-fold higher than the reported for deep-sea surface sediments in the study area (0.49 ± 0.09% POC) just about 16% of the POC that reaches the bathypelagic Ierapetra Basin gets settled and preserved to the seafloor sediments Low slope of opal vs POC flux suggest that in the EMS opal is more effective than carbonates at facilitating the POC flux the relatively high fluxes and POC-normalized concentrations of cholesterol (C27Δ5) indicate that secondary production has a critical role exporting POC to the deep EMS but this is the first study to document it for the EMS This could imply that NPP become decoupled from the processes acting to remineralize POC in the upper ocean during fall periods Net primary productivity (NPP) plotted against export efficiency (POC flux/NPP) Horizontal dashed lines indicate threshold for export efficiency regimes: high export efficiency is defined as >0.2 (eightieth percentile of data) low export efficiency is <0.02 (twentieth percentile) and moderate export efficiency lies between Significative regression lines are shown for summer (Export efficiency = 0.00006NPP–0.0082 and fall (Export efficiency = −0.00001NPP+0.0043 Atmospheric scavenging by rain drops of hydrocarbons emitted from anthropogenic (mainly air masses originating from the NW/N/NE sector) and terrestrial sources (from the SW/S sector) and subsequent efficient sorption of these hydrocarbons on organic-rich particles is likely the main mechanism driving their cycling during this period atmospheric deposition during this month integrates all potential sources surrounding the East Mediterranean except the East sector source (sources in the Middle-East) suggesting that pulses of sinking particles during extreme episodic events can have a major role in modulating the seafloor POC composition in the deep Ierapetra Basin Symbol shapes correspond to season and colors correspond to sampling year FIGURE 12. Composite of (A) sample lab processing photo and (B-l) scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs of sinking particles collected in April 2012 (REDII-11) in the deep Ierapetra Basin. Images reveal the abundant presence of well-preserved diatoms (B–E, e.g., Chaetoceros spp. and Thalassioria spp.), and coccolithophores (F) as well as ash microspherules (G–L). Mag: Magnification (see more details in Pedrosa-Pàmies et al., 2016) locally enhancing vertical advection and stimulating production and sinking export of labile marine carbon to the deep ocean (e.g. increased cholesterol fluxes of 4.95 μg m−2 d−1 at 3,200 m depth after a hurricane passage) Sinking particles during this event were relatively depleted in land-derived natural POC and anthropogenic compounds due to dilution from biogenic material. Nevertheless, in April 2012, the highest fluxes of ∑TerNA and ∑TerN-OH, a decrease of CPINA and an increase in UCM fluxes (Figure 7) indicate that there was an efficient transfer of anthropogenic and higher plant wax-derived hydrocarbons to the deep Ierapetra Basin particle flux data have been examined in combination with atmospheric and oceanographic parameters and main mass flux components (lithogenic stable isotopes of POC (δ13C) and source-specific lipid biomarkers aiming to improve the current understanding of the dynamics of particle fluxes and the impact of external forcing on the deep Eastern Mediterranean Sea This study highlights that both seasonal and episodic pulses are crucial for POC export to the deep Ierapetra Basin summer particle export to the deep EMS fuels more efficient carbon sequestration than during the other seasons Our results also show that the combination of extreme weather events and aerosol deposition can trigger an influx of marine organic matter to the deep EMS This influx is a critical factor determining food supply for deep ocean ecosystems but also induces an increased influx of anthropogenic organic carbon to the deep EMS this study underscores the importance of accounting both seasonal and episodic pulses of POC to the deep sea when modeling the sequestration of natural and anthropogenic POC the comparison of biogeochemical parameters of the sinking particles flux data with previously reported surface sediments from the deep-sea in the study area revealed an isotopic discrimination as also as a preferential degradation of labile organic matter during deposition and burial along with higher preservation of land-derived POC in the underlying sediments This line of research provides key knowledge to better understand the export degradation of marine and land-derived organic carbon and for modeling the organic carbon burial rates in the Mediterranean Sea The original contributions presented in the study are included in the article/Supplementary Material further inquiries can be directed to the corresponding author RP-P performed the sample analyses and data processing and lead the interpretation of the results and wrote the manuscript CP aided in interpreting the results and worked on the manuscript RP-P and AS-V participated in the sample collection AS-V and AC were involved in the design of the study and supervised RP-P work during the early stage of the study AG and CP supervised RP-P during the lipid biomarkers analyses at the Organic Chemistry Laboratory at HCMR NL and MC were the REDECO’s project co-ordinator and the lead of the University of Barcelona research team DV contributed to the interpretation of the oceanographic settings of the study area NM and MK contributed with Finokalia atmospheric observatory data and atmospheric data interpretation All authors provided feedback on the manuscript This research was supported by the REDECO (CTM2008-04973-E/MAR) and PERSEUS (GA 287600) projects We further acknowledge support by the projects PANACEA—‘PANhellenic infrastructure for Atmospheric Composition and climatE chAnge’ (MIS 5021516) and ENIRISST—‘Intelligent Research Infrastructure for Shipping Transport and Logistics’ (MIS 5027930) which are implemented under the Action “Reinforcement of the Research and Innovation Infrastructure,” funded by the Operational Program “Competitiveness Entrepreneurship and Innovation” (NSRF 2014-2020) and co-financed by Greece and EU; and by the Action “National Νetwork on Climate Change and its Impacts - Climpact” which is implemented under the sub-project 3 of the project “Infrastructure of national research networks in the fields of Precision Medicine Quantum Technology and Climate Change,” funded by the Public Investment Program of Greece General Secretary of Research and Technology/Ministry of Development and Investments.” Researchers from GRC Geociències Marines benefited from a Grups de Recerca Consolidats grant (2017 SGR 315) by Generalitat de Catalunya autonomous government The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest Elemental analyses were performed at the Scientific and Technological Centers of the University of Barcelona We would like to thank the Editor Timothy Ferdelman and the reviewers Gerard Versteegh and Facundo Matias Barrera for their very constructive comments that helped significantly to improve the quality of this paper The Supplementary Material for this article can be found online at: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feart.2021.591948/full#supplementary-material Petroleum hydrocarbon fingerprinting and sediment transport assessed by molecular biomarker and multivariate statistical analyses in the Eastern Harbour of Alexandria CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar Ubiquitous healthy diatoms in the deep sea confirm deep carbon injection by the biological pump PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar “Nitrogen and carbon isotopic traces of the source and transformation of particles in the deep sea,” in Particle flux in the ocean Depetris (Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons Ltd) Google Scholar Nitrogen isotopic evidence for micronutrient control of fractional NO3− utilization in the equatorial Pacific CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar Surface circulation of the eastern Mediterranean Levantine basin: insights from analyzing 14 years of satellite altimetry data CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar Algal pigment distribution and primary production in the eastern Mediterranean as derived from coastal zone color scanner observations CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar What caused the glacial/interglacial atmospheric pCO2 cycles? 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This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited in accordance with accepted academic practice distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms *Correspondence: Rut Pedrosa-Pamies, cnBlZHJvc2FAbWJsLmVkdQ== Disclaimer: All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher 94% of researchers rate our articles as excellent or goodLearn more about the work of our research integrity team to safeguard the quality of each article we publish The incident occurred in the early hours of the morning near the Frouzi Bridge worked tirelessly to extricate him from the wreckage but he was found unconscious and pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital Passing drivers who witnessed the car’s plunge alerted authorities, though the depth of the drop prevented them from offering immediate assistance. The Traffic Police of VOAK are conducting a preliminary investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident with early indications pointing to the wet road conditions as a key factor The victim’s body is expected to be transferred to the Forensic Service of PAGNI in Heraklion for an autopsy to establish the precise cause of death this latest fatal road accident serves as a grim reminder of the dangers posed by adverse weather on Crete’s roads leaving a grieving family and a shattered community to pick up the pieces You must be logged in to post a comment A 44-year-old man was arrested in eastern Crete for violations of animal welfare legislation During an inspection of a greenhouse owned by the suspect in the area of Ierapetra police found six dogs in dire condition  and issued him with administrative fines The preliminary investigation is being conducted by the Ierapetra Police Department Η προανάκριση διενεργείται από το Αστυνομικό Τμήμα Ιεράπετρας Enter your information below to receive our weekly newsletters with the latest insights opinion pieces and current events straight to your inbox Premia Properties’ deal to buy two hotels in Kallithea The hotels are the 534-room Sunwing Kallithea Beach and the 262-room Sunwing Makrigialos & Ocean Beach Club Swedish company Nordic Leisure Travel Group will continue to operate the hotels but will lease the properties from Premia for an initial period of 15 years with an option for a further 10 Premia will finance the €112.5 million deal with its own funds plus a corporate bond to be underwritten by National Bank of Greece which will be finalized by the end of the year will raise the value of Premia Properties’ portfolio above €500 million while rent income will increase by about €8.5 million “We were interested in entering the hospitality market through the acquisition of hotels,” Premia CEO Kostas Markazos told Kathimerini “These units serve our strategy and are in the category because they because we consider them very volatile,” he added Markazos further noted that the two hotels are right on the beach something that new construction cannot offer due to building code restrictions ATHENS — According to Fire Brigade officers three people were injured on Saturday during Greece’s first major wildfire of the year which broke out on Crete island in southern Greece The fire originated in a forested area on the outskirts of Ierapetra city in the southeastern part of the island A press release stated that a total of 169 firefighters were deployed to combat the flames which were being fueled by winds up to 8 on the Beaufort scale in the area They were assisted by four water-dropping helicopters An elderly man was hospitalized in serious condition while a female resident of a nearby settlement and a firefighter sustained minor injuries authorities issued an emergency alert to approximately 300 residents of four villages According to the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection a total of 71 wildfires broke out across Greece on Saturday Greece faces numerous wildfires every summer due to high temperatures twenty individuals lost their lives due to wildfires over 100 people died during the fire season the fire season in Greece spans from May 1 to October 31 each year the recent weeks have seen unusually warm spring weather prompting authorities to remain vigilant against wildfires temperatures on the mainland reached 30 degrees Celsius on Saturday the farmer was attempting to park his car underneath an olive tree when the ground beneath him suddenly began to sink A pit with a diameter of 1.20 meters and a depth of more than 2.5 meters was excavated in the grove after which “a chamber tomb was discovered The access to the tomb was made by a vertical trench The interior of the tomb was divided into three carved niches An intact coffin with the cover in place was found in the most southern one The well-preserved skeleton was found inside an amphorae crater with an inherited fact and a bowl In the northern niche was found another container with another adult skeleton and additional vessels near it of good craftsmanship and in excellent preservation the tomb can be dated to the Late Minoan IIIA-B period “The location of the tomb is due to a random incident and a resident made the suggestion to the Lassithi Ephorate of Antiquities of the area,” the ministry statement said adding that close to the excavation The tomb was discovered at the beginning of August when a farmer tried to park his vehicle in an olive grove A Minoan tomb refers to a burial site constructed by the ancient Minoan civilization which flourished on the island of Crete from about 2600 BC to 1400 BC Minoan tombs were often carved into the sides of hills or cliffs and were built using large stone blocks The tombs were used to bury important members of Minoan society There were different types of Minoan tombs rectangular structures with a roof made of large stone slabs Some of the most famous Minoan tombs include the Royal Tombs at the Minoan Palace of Knossos discovered by archaeologist Arthur Evans in the early 20th century Greek Ministry of CultureA covered coffin from the Minoan times found in Ierapetra In an extraordinary example of being in the wrong place at the right time a Greek farmer just made a startling archaeological discovery A 3,400-year-old Minoan tomb was uncovered in an unnamed farmer’s olive grove near the city of Ierapetra on the Greek island of Crete. According to Cretapost the farmer was attempting to park his car underneath an olive tree when suddenly the ground beneath him began to sink The farmer pulled his car out from under the tree and noticed that a huge hole which measured around four feet wide had opened up where his car had been sitting the farmer knew he had stumbled upon something special Greek Ministry of CultureThe four foot wide hole accidentally made by the farmer that ultimately led to the Minoan Bronze Age tomb The archaeologists from the ministry excavated the hole The pit was approximately four feet wide and eight feet deep archaeologists uncovered a coffin and a variety of artifacts According to Smithsonian Magazine the archaeologists identified that the tomb was Minoan and of the Bronze Age due to the style of coffin they found The artifacts — funerary vases and the two coffins— were well-preserved despite their extremely old age Greek Ministry of CultureThe eight-foot deep pit contained two coffins and several artifacts The tomb was sealed off by a stone wall and only after thousands of years of wear and tear did it deteriorate enough to buckle under the weight of the farmer’s car “Soil retreat was a result of the watering of the olive trees in the area as well as a broken irrigation tube,” Argyris Pantazis and when the farmer tried to park in the shade of the olive Pantazis also said that the fact that the tomb was untouched by thieves for millennia makes it an ideal site for archaeologists to learn as much as possible about the two people buried in the tomb and life for the Minoan civilization Greek Ministry of CultureA look inside the coffin of one of the two Minoans buried in the 3,400-year-old tomb According to Forbes the skeletons date back to the Late Minoan IIIA-B period in archaeological chronology not much information is known about the Minoan civilization and their way of life save for their labyrinth palatial complexes showcased in classic myths like Theseus and the Minotaur Researchers also believe that the Minoans met their end because of a string of devastating natural disasters Most other details of the Minoan’s history remain unclear Further analysis of the skeletons and artifacts in the tomb in Crete will hopefully help archaeologists fill in some blanks and answer questions about mysterious Minoan civilization Next, check out the story of a 14-year-old boy in Germany who discovered a German warplane while working on a World War II homework assignment. After that, read about the ancient untouched Egyptian tomb that was uncovered along with an intact mummy designboom (DB): what is the main idea behind numo ierapetra’s design constantina tsoutsikou (CT): the design vision for numo was to renovate a tired resort and create an escapist destination where people can come together to relax and create memories the resort had been built one building at a time over a period of thirty years lacked personality and basic amenities for todays’ traveller we created an intimate dialogue between the surrounding landscape and the accommodation what you get is a simple and stylish sort of coziness and beach vibes where indoors blend with the outdoors freestanding timber pergola envelopes the resort’s pool bar DB: how does the local context inform the hotel’s design CT: the ierapetra locale is a relatively undiscovered destination for holiday makers and feels distinctively different from other regions in crete we are in the southern most spot in europe and there is a wilderness about nature and the elements that is breathtaking I have been waiting for a project like this for a long time we didn’t have to look too far to inject a sense of place to the resort the tamarisk trees that line the beach with their textured grey bark and grey green leafs were just the starting point of a fresh and earthy palette created new portals and focal points in the landscape as well as re-worked all the interiors and exteriors – from stylish arrival lobby – all the way to the sun loungers on the beach the width and breadth of scope has been amazing a bohemian sophistication inspired by nature is the main idea behind numo’s design DB: what is the relationship between nature and the built environment in the project CT: the advantage of renovating an old resort is that we had mature gardens at our disposal I believe in taking what is there and making it better rather than scraping things and starting from scratch  we found an abundance of mediterranean foliage like olive trees palm trees and smaller shrubs and herbs to which we added more local species for volume and texture some of the original plants were planted randomly so we added elements to create rhythm where we could it wasn’t always successful- one of the palm trees was moved and didn’t make it in the end- but other than that one casualty all other trees remained where they were and we worked around them we enhanced the beautiful relationship between indoors and outdoors through creating terraces for ground floor guestrooms since many of these were shaped around existing trees or rock formations the terraces have varying organic sizes and forms and add to the bohemian vibe of the hotel CT: the renovation of numo beach resort was a great opportunity for studio lost to demonstrate how our ideas about sustainability and in particular upcycling become practice we started with an assessment of what was existing and could be carried forward with the new brief in a project like a hotel with over 130 rooms a small gesture in the bedrooms goes a long way wardrobe carcasses were taken to workshops to be repaired new doors in stained brushed timber were added and so were new feet that allowed us to add height to the units bedside tables were modified by adding a new base and lacquering we re-finished the old pieces to a standard where they fully integrated and mixed with the new furniture (CT continues): we kept the building material palette at a minimum which enabled the contractor to minimise waste for example we went with one single flooring element throughout the guestrooms: an antislip tile that was suitable for bathrooms and wet areas and used the same tile in the bedrooms and all the way out to the terrace decking visually it enabled us to create consistency and unify all those different areas of the guest experience inside and out.  there were other opportunities where the focus on sustainability shaped the design intent: we made the existing pools shallower- an energy saving gesture- and kept parts of the old existing crazy paving in the landscape gardens renovating an existing resort rather than building a brand new one is a very sustainable approach to hospitality which I hope we will see more of going forward DB: how did the collaboration with the client team evolve CT: we worked closely with the client and their team to understand the operational requirements marketing needs and meet the expectations of their clientele as we get an insight into the business and view the development from their perspective we had discussions about how the narrative translates how we capture the essence of the brand and many other aspects of hospitality and profitability of the operation we contribute with design and shape peoples experiences after each project I feel that the client understands design a bit better and we are equally richer in knowledge of the hotel industry the resort’s 132 rooms and suites connect the inside with the outside seamlessly DB: studio lost is also responsible for the interior design of the royal senses resort a sister property of numo on the same island does the overall design concept for numo translate in any elements of the royal senses as well CT: resort hotels play a key role in the future of hospitality and we were fortunate to design two beautiful projects almost simultaneously each project has it is own strong narrative and identity at the the royal senses we focused on expressing the cretan soul we translated our ideas  through a focus on culture and  craftsmanship with an earthy material palette of terracotta where the royal senses feels sophisticated and luxurious at numo we took a  ‘less is more’ approach and created a distinct personality that reflects the adventurous soul of the brand and gave an escapist vibe what the two projects do share is the same commitment to detail and comfort we were able to do more research and development on the royal senses resort and applied these findings to the numo project which was very fast paced and  a shorter timeline to complete and open in time for the summer season featuring tactile materials and soft fabrics (CT continues): that means a large part of the supplier base we used was the same and once we explored possibilities on one project like pergola making  for example we took that to the next level at numo with the freestanding timber structure that envelopes the pool bar there was a certain loyalty that was evident by the long standing relationships between the teams involved on both projects that made our involvement feel very special for us it was certainly the first time to work on two large resort projects on the same island at the same time now we look forward to sharing that knowledge and experience on our current works in development name: numo ierapetra designer: studio lost photography: nick kontostavlakis/globe & trotter AXOR presents three bathroom concepts that are not merely places of function but destinations in themselves — sanctuaries of style Harper's Bazaar Arabia impeccable service and jaw-dropping views define your fantasy wish list The mesmerising views from the clifftops of Crete are a magnet for travellers seeking a soul-soothing time out The rugged landscape’s medicinal virtues alone generate a sense of calmness to the mind body and spirit – a vast contradiction of how I’d perceived Greece’s largest island purely as a playground for partygoers (a result of advertisements for lively package holidays throughout the late ’90s) The island of split personalities has far more to offer than the hedonistic nightlife of the towns it was once renowned for Situated approximately 160 kilometres south of mainland Greece Crete bounds the southern border of the Aegean Sea with the Sea of Crete to the north and the Libyan Sea to the south Characterised by a high mountain range crossing from west to east the island possesses six different groups of mountains: The White Mountains Getting close to nature is at the heart of the ethos of newly opened Numo Ierapetra The adults-only resort serves Cycladic serenity in spades as experienced in the airy main lobby which grants a taste of what lies beneath its boho-chic walls Bedecked in local artworks inspired by the ocean decorative ornaments and statement furniture have been hand-picked in an earthy colour palette that undeniably compels you to reconsider your own home décor concept the vacation truly commences with a cool drink and refreshing towel in hand complimented by a warm welcome from the flawlessly hospitable staff who gleefully greeted us as if we were family returning home Nestled on a serene black-sandy coastline, the sundrenched beachfront property is located in Ierapetra (meaning “sacred stone”), a lesser-known part of southern Crete that annually boasts the most hours of sunshine and the lowest rainfall in all of Greece.  A quick stroll around the pathways of the resort reveals its heartwarming village ambiance eradicating the feeling of being a visitor and replacing it with a home-from-home sensation The façade of rooms and suites is designed to mimic quintessential Greek villas dotted around a charming chapel and boutique teeming with local olive oil quietly smug in the knowledge that this was the precise reason I under-packed for this trip – a detail I reminded my husband of as he was simultaneously handed two large shopping bags to carry A stay in one of the 132 sophisticated abodes – each complete with outdoor spaces, many with private pools – has all the elements required for a blissful retreat Bedecked in serene shades inspired by the slate-grey tones of the beach and verdant greens of the native tamarisk trees that flourish nearby the well-appointed lodgings have that “they’ve thought of everything” feel – complete with fancy coffee machine Unquestionably designed for those who appreciate privacy opt for an Evergreen Absolute Suite with its sprawling outdoor living area that seamlessly blends into the surrounding nature A sunset dip in your private swimming pool is highly recommended followed by a meditation session beneath an olive tree for those who want to completely Zen out Elsewhere around the property via archways encircled by climbing pink bougainvillea, you will find Marè Marè bar set beside the resort’s beach and main pool A stylish spot that springs to life come nightfall Marè Marè boasts an impressive menu of signature drinks distilled with local herbs Grape tasting evenings courtesy of a local vineyard are also on offer for those who wish to indulge Paying homage to its Cretan roots and locally sourced ingredients the resort’s farm-to-table culinary approach skilfully combines the island’s traditional recipes with Mediterranean elements to create a modern menu that appeals to all of the senses specialising in contemporary Cretan fare with an emphasis on fine meats as well as the resort’s traditional deli where guests can savour and purchase delicacies from local producers.  Understandably it’s difficult to leave this bubble of joy but straying beyond the property’s bohemian boundaries is a must it is encouraged by the knowledgeable guest experience team who joyfully arrange day trips to discover the local surroundings From leisurely exploring the alleyways of the cobblestoned Old Town or taking in the jaw-dropping views of the Libyan Sea from a 14th-century fortress Ierapetra is also renowned for its striking beaches and abandoned islets Koufonisi and Chrissi – well worth a visit If you venture outside only once, make it a Jeep safari tour with Safari Fun Ierapetra Michalis and Mieke you’ll be guided through rugged hills and mountains in self-drive open-top Jeeps to explore the wilderness on an educational tour that will make memories to last a lifetime Specialising in the history and local culture of Crete you’ll soon understand why the couple fell head over heels for this part of the world and enjoy sharing its wonders with visitors The last stop on the tour is to sample local dishes straight from a delightful yiayia’s kitchen – truly a once in a lifetime experience be sure to visit the spa before sinking into a deckchair to watch a movie at the open-air cinema beneath the stars Numo Ierapetra Beach Resort has created a haven for both locals and visitors where everyone is welcome Rooms from Dhs1,065 per night including breakfast; Numoierapetra.com Images courtesy of Numo Ierapetra Beach Resort art & more delivered directly to your inbox Ahead of this year’s International Hospitality Investment Forum (IHIF) Hilton has today announced franchise agreements for four hotels: Hilton Alvor Curio Collection by Hilton and Numo Ierapetra Beach Resort Crete which join upcoming European resort properties opening in Italy Key leisure destinations such as Greece and Sardinia have increased in popularity in recent years and Hilton signed more than 20 resort hotels across Europe Middle East and Africa under six of its brands This growth is part of Hilton's strategy to develop its portfolio of resort hotels which has doubled in the last five years and now stands at more than 300 hotels worldwide The newly developed Hilton Alvor will be located in the highly popular Algarve region and is expected to open in 2026, following a franchise agreement with Mercan Group, with whom Hilton opened Arts Hotel Porto, Tapestry Collection by Hilton Joining two hotels trading under the Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand in Portugal the hotel resort will offer 363 guest rooms set against a picturesque coastal view with a delicate and sustainable landscaping guests will be able to choose from five restaurants including a bar on the rooftop with a terrace as well as “Grab & Go” food options for those heading out to explore the stunning Algarve region Guests will be invited to relax and unwind in one of the resort’s six swimming pools Meetings and events will be well served by more than 1,200 square meters of events space including a 450 square meter ballroom perfect for weddings and all kinds of events both following agreements between Hilton and owners HIP Located in Port de San Miguel's northern region on the island, Cala San Miguel Hotel Ibiza, Curio Collection by Hilton will feature 196 guest rooms when it opens in time for the summer this waterfront hotel will offer three restaurants showcasing diverse cuisines including Mediterranean and Asian specialties along with two bars and two swimming pools the hotel will also offer fitness facilities and a wellness area complete with a designated outdoor area for calisthenics and yoga The sister hotel of Cala San Miguel Hotel Ibiza, Curio Collection by Hiltonis located just moments away, sharing a number of amenities across the two properties. The Club Cala San Miguel Hotel Ibiza, Curio Collection by Hilton will be an adults-recommended hotel featuring 96 guest rooms offering direct access to white sandy beaches and two bars including a pool bar and lobby bar Situated 10 minutes from Cala Benirrás and around 30 minutes from the sites of the Old Town it boasts a variety of restaurants and bars Featuring 132 spacious guest rooms and suites that seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor spaces making it an ideal retreat for wellness enthusiasts guests can enjoy unique amenities such as an open-air cinema set against the picturesque hills Greece's largest island and a favourite among European travellers enchants visitors with its breath-taking natural landscapes Guests of all Hilton properties are able to benefit from the award-winning Hilton Honors guest loyalty programme allowing more than 180 million members who book directly with Hilton to earn Points for hotel stays and experiences Hilton Honors members can also unlock access to instant rewards and benefits such as contactless check-in with room selection and exclusive member discounts Jake WoodleyManager, Corporate & Consumer Communications+44 (07468 411501)Hilton ShareSaveInnovationScienceSpectacular Skeletons Unearthed From Bronze Age Chamber Tomb On CreteByKristina Killgrove Skeleton found in unlooted tomb in Ierapetra A miraculously unlooted Bronze Age chamber tomb complete with two spectacularly well preserved skeletons was found by a farmer in his olive grove this week near the city of Ierapetra on the Greek island of Crete As the farmer was driving across his field through which he could see an ancient tomb He contacted the relevant authorities at the archaeological service who mounted a quick excavation down into the chamber tomb Covered coffin from Late Minoan times found in Ierapetra Because the pottery is high-quality, it is possible these were high-status individuals. However, the Late Minoan period boasted even fancier burials, such as the tholos or 'beehive' style with massive so these could be wealthy but not the wealthiest men The time period to which these new skeletons date is the Late Minoan IIIA-B in archaeological chronology The early part of the era was quite affluent with wealthy tombs and impressive art and ceramics while archaeologists see a decline in this wealth and importance by the end of the era It has been suggested that climatic catastrophes such as the eruption of the Thera volcano and a major earthquake that caused a massive tsunami weakened Minoan civilization and allowed for foreigners to destroy the palaces many of which are found by accident like this tomb was Analysis of the skeletons will, presumably, take some time, but this analysis has the potential tobcontribute new information to the ongoing research question of Minoan and Mycenaean origins Hole in the ground made by a Greek farmer who accidentally found a well-preserved Bronze Age tomb Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker Archaeologists in Crete have discovered an intact Minoan-era tomb containing a well-preserved adult skeleton along with funerary vessels An initial inspection of the ceramics found in the tomb allowed it to be dated to the late Minoan period a statement from the Ministry of Culture noted The tomb was discovered during an emergency excavation in an olive grove outside the village of Kentri A local resident had alerted the local archaeology ephorate to the possible existence of a tomb at the site the late Minoan grave – which was inadvertently discovered by a local resident via a vertical channel – was in an underground cavern sealed with clay and contained an adult’s well-preserved skeleton The burial was found eight feet (2.5 metres) below the ground and contained funerary possessions such as a cup a wine-mixing vessel and fifteen amphorae containers Nafplio at the epicenter of world yachting with the 10th Mediterranean Yacht Show Samaria Gorge “War Zone” – “Others Decide, We Pay the Price” Argosaronic Islands: Need for a long-term strategy and modern infrastructure FedHATTA | Tourism Bridges between Greece and the Chinese province of Guizhou Top distinctions for Greece and Santorini at the American Leisure Lifestyle Awards 2025 HOTREC | Supporting SMEs in European Hospitality Tourism | Promoting Crete in the Arabian Gulf Aegean and Emirates expand their partnership Delta | Athens is in 5th place in American searches for 2025 Promotion of Preveza on the metro and tram in Athens TripAdvisor Awards 2025 | Elafonisi Beach World's Best Beach - 9th in Crete, Sani Beach Award 12th BAJAGREECE: Motorsports Competition in Western Macedonia Crete also invests in cycling tourism - 13th Pediadas Tour Competitions with a summer and autumn backdrop: Attica runs at the pace of sports ATM'25 - Tourism | The fight against food waste at the forefront of sustainable development easyJet holidays | Fam trips to Santorini, Skiathos and Rhodes Chania: The next actions of the “Tourism Partnership” Navarino Challenge returns on May 9-11, 2025 Cruise Takeoff in Chania – Record Arrivals in the First Quarter of 2025 Three Greek beaches among the world’s 50 best – Triumph for the Ionian The “Typhoon” that saves the Greek coasts from garbage EOT at the “Arabian Travel Market” | Interest from Gulf countries, India, and Australia CERT to manage Vasilitsa Ski Resort – Investment of over 20 million euros Is American tourism in Europe “slowing down”? What do professionals see for 2025 and 2026 This is Athens & Partners | The 7 partners renew their collaboration - the joint actions FedHATTA: Dynamic presence of Greek travel agencies at the international Dubai exhibition ATM 2025 Ryanair announces new offer for Prime members on June flights Thomas Ellerbeck | “Rhodes can become a model of sustainable tourism internationally” The Times | The perfect time to experience the authentic side of Santorini Chania: The Alternative Tourism Festival returns to the Venetian Port Angela Gerekou: "Tourism is a force for good and Greece can play a leading role" New flights to Greece in 2025 from 4 airlines Crete welcomes Reveil 12 – Festival of Sounds and Ecology Greek tourism - 3rd quarter | 97% of arrivals in Athens and Thessaloniki Modernization aid for the marinas of Symi and Messolonghi HOTREC Assembly: Focus on challenges and reforms in European tourism AEGEAN 2025: Passenger growth and fleet expansion with an eye on the international market FedHATTA Cooperation with Shaanxi Province, China Greek academic in finalists of European Sustainable Energy Awards 2025 Thessaloniki museums join forces to promote the city GNTO introduces “Sustainable Greece” to British Agents Strategic meeting for cruises in Santorini A message of friendship and cooperation at the friendly Greek-Turkish football match in Chios Municipality of Xiromero | Diving tourism: Request for sinking of a decommissioned warship The first La Quinta by Wyndham in Batumi, Georgia Double racing event in Megalopolis on May 11: Festival Enduro and Theater Run 2025 Explora Journeys: Start of the summer season with the luxurious EXPLORA I from Piraeus Strong start in 2025 for Aegean and SKY Express Xanthi Tastes: A Gastronomy Festival with a Cultural Flavor Rhodes: These are the five-star hotels with the highest revenue – Which ones “fill up” first Greek Tourism/Webhotelier: The Winners and Losers in Online Bookings for 2025 GNTO | Promotion of Santorini in target markets Unprecedented blackout in Spain, Portugal, France Greece can play a leading role in the global sports tourism scene Rhodes | Event for the protection of biodiversity Attica, the …Caribbean of the Germans Agios Nikolaos | Cruise season kicks off with arrival of luxury Silver Spirit Operational Plan: “Cretan Food Culture 2026-2030” Destination Management and Promotion Organization in Thessaloniki Kefalonia: The authentic character of the island through the “Travel Reimagined” project Hoteliers vs. Booking.com: The European uprising has begun Tourism | Greece 4th choice for Europeans' holidays in 2025 - what the ETC survey shows New high-standard heated swimming pool in Chania, aimed at sports tourism Greeks Traveled (A Lot!) in 2024 – Where They Went, How Much They Spent Greek-American Dean Spanos brings the NFL to Greece – Opportunities for promotion in the USA Lesvos: The season begins with birdwatching tourists MSC Cruises: Strengthens its presence in Greece with 6 cruise ships New Luxury Arrival in Crete | JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa Opens on June 2 "Peloponnese Trails" inaugurated today: New network of trails for sustainable tourism Knossos: 125 years since the excavations of Arthur Evans The Spanish TV show “Viajeros Cuatro” in Corfu Wyndham - Soliteight | 40 Super 8 hotels in Spain and Portugal Airbnb: Final price now displayed in accommodation searches Investments in the beaches of the Attica Riviera The Municipality of Chania at the “From Crete to Side” Festival in Turkey Region of Central Macedonia: Tourism Promotion Activities in Poland and the Middle East Region of Crete | Connecting Minoan Palatial Centers with Archaeological Sites Biodiversity protection plan is in full swing in Elafonisi Record participation in the ATHENA International Olive Oil Competition | Chania 8 - 10 May Communities at the heart of tourism development Booking.com | No to limiting tourists, yes to infrastructure investments Thessaloniki’s dynamic presence at the World Tourism Summit in Hong Kong easyJet | Summer 2026 sales open Cruise | Turkey doubles its share, new opportunities for Greek ports Aid for the upgrade of the tourist shelter of Astakos and the Marina of Alimos Preparing the settlement of Kionia for the tourist season: An example to follow The action of the region of Crete "Let's go for... Greens" concludes this weekend “Art is our Language”: Campaign for the 70th Anniversary of the Athens Epidaurus Festival Tourism | Nostalgia drives Brits’ travel choices ΕΟΤ China | B2B meetings with Chengdu's t.os - Flights to Athens in June State-of-the-art conference center at Theartemis Palace Hotel in Rethymno Zagori: Collaboration with Impact Hub Athens for sustainable tourism and innovation Cooperation Memorandum between Development Athens and Piraeus University on Tourism Kos: New advertising campaigns with Jet2 and National Geographic Traveller UK Five cruise ships in Souda by Saturday Imbros Trail Run & Hike 2025: A sporting tribute to the History of Sfakia Cultural Days and Sea Routes in Piraeus Religious Tourism | The University of Palermo comes to Panagia Nafpaktiotissa Audio Walk in the Sitia Geopark: A Different Exploration Experience in Crete AEGEAN “takes off” Larnaca with a new direct flight to Rome FedHATTA | Tourism Bridges between Greece and the Chinese province of Guizhou Nafplio at the epicenter of world yachting with the 10th Mediterranean Yacht Show Tourism | Promoting Crete in the Arabian Gulf Top distinctions for Greece and Santorini at the American Leisure Lifestyle Awards 2025 HOTREC | Supporting SMEs in European Hospitality Aegean and Emirates expand their partnership Delta | Athens is in 5th place in American searches for 2025 Samaria Gorge “War Zone” – “Others Decide, We Pay the Price” Argosaronic Islands: Need for a long-term strategy and modern infrastructure TripAdvisor Awards 2025 | Elafonisi Beach World's Best Beach - 9th in Crete, Sani Beach Award Crete also invests in cycling tourism - 13th Pediadas Tour Competitions with a summer and autumn backdrop: Attica runs at the pace of sports ATM'25 - Tourism | The fight against food waste at the forefront of sustainable development Promotion of Preveza on the metro and tram in Athens 12th BAJAGREECE: Motorsports Competition in Western Macedonia Cruise Takeoff in Chania – Record Arrivals in the First Quarter of 2025 What to expect at this year’s ITB Berlin Exhibition from March 4-6 PM at 1st Greece-Saudi Arabia High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council on Monday The 20 "loudest" luxury hotel arrivals in Greece in 2025 Greece's Permanent Delegation to UNESCO organizing concert on January 16 What the Israeli Ambassador discussed at the Chania Chamber North Macedonia: Increase in foreign tourists in 2024 Athens Municipality Festival 2025 | The city's biggest celebration, with more than 200 events Athens to host the European Film Awards in 2027 Alonissos tops the list of Greek destinations without mass tourism A farmer in Kentri Ierapetra on Crete island discovered a tombstone from the late Minoan period when he tried to park his vehicle in an olive grove and the soil gave in The clay coffins have reportedly embossed ornamentation and are in very good condition They also contained two skeletons and 24 pots with coloured ornaments and depictions “We are particularly pleased with this great archaeological discovery as it is expected to further enhance our culture and history this is also a response to all those who doubt that there were Minoans in Ierapetra,” said the deputy mayor of Local Communities “Soil retreat was a result of watering the olive trees in the area as well as a broken irrigation tube and when the farmer tried to park in the shade of the olive tree Archaeologists were immediately called and they realised this is a great archaeological discovery,” Pantazis added A team made up of 15 students from various archaeology schools along with the head of the Lassithi Ephorate of Commerce and the Professor of Archaeology at the University of Athens Photo credit: Nikos Petassis’s Facebook Page The Culture Ministry announced that archaeologists in Crete have found an unlooted late Minoan-era tomb containing a larnax coffin of an adult skeleton in a contracted position The tomb was discovered during a salvage excavation conducted in an olive grove located at Rousses about 800 metres northeast of the village of Kentri The Lassithi Ephorate of Antiquities was alerted when a local resident notified them of the possible existence of a tomb at the site the statement from the Ministry of Culture explained “A pit with a diametre of 1.20m and a depth of more than 2.5m was excavated in the grove after which a chamber tomb was discovered The access to the tomb was made by a vertical shaft while the entrance was sealed by stone masonry.” approximately from 1400 to 1200 BC,” the announcement said The interior of the tomb was divided into three carved chambers in the southern chamber was the sealed larnax coffin while 14 ritual amphorae an amphorae krater with an extended base and a drinking cup were found in front of the coffin The Lasithi Ephorate found another larnax with another adult skeleton and additional vases near it in the northern chamber was; again all contents were intact and excellently preserved Residents in four villages in Crete have been recommended to evacuate as firefighters battle a large wildfire in a mountainous area northeast of Ierapetra Strong northerly winds are fanning the blaze pushing the fire towards populated areas on the southern coast An emergency 112 alert recommending the precautionary evacuation of Mavros Kolymbos Agia Fotia and Galini have been sent to residents in those settlements Firefighters from Ierapetra and Agios Nikolaos Two other wildfires have been reported in the island one in the Ammoudari area near Myrtos and the other in a grassy area in Males A Minoan-era tomb discovered earlier in the month by archaeologists on the Aegean island of Crete is intact The late Minoan (1400 to 1200 BC) tomb contains a well-preserved adult skeleton as well as funerary vessels It was discovered during an emergency excavation in an olive grove outside the village of Kentri A local resident had alerted the local ephorate of antiquities to the possible existence of a tomb at the site after he discovered a 2.5 meter-deep hole marvellous landscapes and an exquisite cuisine this is an idyllic destination for all seasons the Lassithi region offers a remarkable landscape marrying coastal proximity with established urban settlements such as Agios Nikolaos and mountains that rise beyond 2,000 metres in altitude This terrain is also peppered with valleys lush with olive trees Due to its unique geomorphology and the prevalent high temperatures that tend to linger even after summer’s end this region is dotted with plateaus and canyons it’s sparse when it comes to significant rivers — most being seasonal streams — and visible running waters there are a few natural springs which locals utilise for irrigating their crops the village of Oreino stands as a noteworthy exception in Lassithi appearing verdantly amid a pine-rich forested expanse while it has evaded the trappings of mainstream tourism being in close proximity both to Lake Skafi and the Gorge of Red Butterflies a name that invariably captures the imagination of those who hear it The village goes by the official name ‘Oreinon’ a nod to the archaic purist language of yesteryears although locals also know it as ‘Orno’ it is positioned at the base of Lassithi’s mountain which majestically rises in the village’s backdrop though these figures await an update based on the latest ELSTAT census Oreino’s existence stretches back significantly with potential origins tracing to Byzantine times the settlement was located atop the hill of Kastri but in time it relocated to its current site The village’s first mention in written records dates to 1368 when the Venetians referred to it as ‘Orno’ Contrary to what one might expect given its unique location Those who do venture to Oreino for a visit are immediately captivated by its landscape Many speak of this area as a natural sanctuary where lush pine-covered surroundings meet the entrance to the stunning Gorge of Red Butterflies and neighbouring Lake Skafi The mere presence of Lake Skafi on an island that lends a distinctive character to the region It’s well-known that Crete has only one natural freshwater lake This highlights that Lake Skafi is man-made its creation a result of human intervention in the local environment A concrete channel brings waters from the surrounding mountains to the lake with the Goulas stream playing a mediator’s role The name of the lake is derived from its shape which is often said to resemble a boat when viewed from above Access to this picturesque location is straightforward facilitated by a dirt track that originates from Oreino extending southwest for about three kilometres leading you towards the aforementioned pine forest The waters of the lake remain clear and refreshingly cold one can observe many seizing the opportunity for a rejuvenating dip The Gorge of the Red Butterflies might not be as renowned as the Ha Gorge but those who’ve traversed it consider it amongst the most scenic in Crete unsurprisingly owes to its population of red butterflies but in 1993 a devastating fire significantly reduced their numbers the red butterfly population hasn’t fully returned to its former size you may still spot a few flitting amidst the surrounding shrubs and bushes as you navigate their natural habitat The gorge begins at Oreino and concludes at the coastal village of Koutsouras a favoured holiday destination for those from Lasithi The journey spans approximately 6.5 kilometres and is estimated to take around four hours on foot this trek can be segmented into three distinct parts transforming into a more mountainous terrain punctuated with pockets of agriculture the towering mountains become increasingly dominant presenting rugged cliffs with limited vegetation It is well-signposted—signage one should adhere to with utmost precision—and is suitable even for novices provided they maintain good physical health Only if one intends to meticulously explore the emerging waterfalls will expertise and specialised equipment the heat is palpable and the waters of the gorge tend to dwindle necessitating heightened caution and perhaps a deeper hiking experience autumn and especially spring are deemed the most opportune times for visits—when waters are still abundant and a plethora of wild flowers bloom in various hues high up on the neighbouring Thrupthi mountain They meander serenely through the main square of Oreino before penetrating the gorge some magnificent waterfalls are formed—one cascades from a height of 15 metres—alongside small pools which mirror the surrounding verdant vegetation Locals refer to these pools as ‘kolympes‘ or ‘vrondes’ are considered among the most beautiful in Crete at least by those who have had the privilege of witnessing them the route presents two ancient chapels—now locked—dedicated to Lord Christ and Saint Dimitrios These have stood since Byzantine times in Crete Oreino is situated within the broader area of Ierapetra – the most populous town of Lasithi – from which it lies just under 30 kilometres Anticipate a drive of approximately 35 to 40 minutes to reach this destination Many visitors to the area typically approach it as a day trip Oreino is not a hub of tourism and thus lacks accommodation facilities its mild winters render Oreino an attractive destination throughout the year Accessing the village is straightforward: once past Ierapetra you simply need to head north-east along the provincial Kato Chorio-Sitia road While the village may only boast a single café and one tavern named “Orno” (Phone: +30 697 324 1863) the latter’s reputation for traditional Cretan dishes has resonated widely across Lasithi The menu includes delicacies such as snails with coarse grain and a variety of slow-cooked dishes – notably the stuffed vegetables and the young goat baked in a wood oven are exemplary Even their dakos (a type of Cretan rusk) is homemade many vegetables are sourced from their garden and it would be remiss not to sample their raki A light magnitude 3.3 earthquake occurred in the Eastern Mediterranean near the coast of  Greece in the late afternoon of Wednesday The depth of the quake could not be determined but is assumed to be shallow.The quake was felt by many near the epicenter Ierapetra has a very high level of seismic activity Based on data from the past 25 years and our earthquake archive back to 1900 there are about 2,000 quakes on average per year in or near Ierapetra Ierapetra has had at least 4 quakes above magnitude 6 since 2000 which suggests that larger earthquakes of this size occur infrequently probably on average approximately every 5 to 10 years The last earthquake in Ierapetra occurred 1 hour and 27 minutes ago and had a magnitude of 2.7: Mag. 2.7 earthquake Aegean Sea - Crete, Greece - writeAge(1746517326)A light magnitude 2.7 earthquake occurred in the Aegean Sea near Crete island The depth of the quake is unknown.The quake was not felt (or at least not reported so) Ierapetra has had 4 quakes of magnitude 2.0 or above There were also 8 quakes below magnitude 2.0 which people don't normally feel The strongest earthquake in Ierapetra in the past 24 hours had a magnitude of 2.7 and occurred 1 hour and 27 minutes ago: Mag. 2.7 earthquake Aegean Sea - Crete, Greece - writeAge(1746517326)A light magnitude 2.7 earthquake occurred in the Aegean Sea near Crete island Crete • Hotels The southernmost town in Europe, Ierapetra is sun-drenched and charming. It is quintessentially Greek Its cobbled old town is filled with tavernas and cafes and its fortress provides commanding views over the Libyan Sea between endless beaches and rugged mountains makes it a wonderful year-round destination with sunny skies It also has a divine new accommodation choice in Numo Ierapetra a laidback resort dedicated to showcasing Ierapetra through a modern lens The dreamy retreat offers a new take on escapism, the adult-friendly seaside resort combining a bohemian sophistication with earthy elements; London-based design practice, Studio LOST having created a destination that feels intimate without being intimidating It’s a place to take a step back and relax in times of on-demand everything The breathtaking nature that surrounds the resort has a profound influence on its design Nature and the surrounding landscape played a huge part in the design process opting for a sophisticated colour palette and a simple approach “Letting nature speak to our souls,” rather than approach the design with a pre-conceived rigid plan Humankind’s mark on the natural world is also considered throughout much of the furniture upcycled and structures and spaces reconditioned Numo Ierapetra’s 132 rooms and suites range from cosy to super spacious multipurpose furniture and tactile materials making you want to kick back and enjoy the space barefoot Designed to make your stay simple and carefree connecting the inside with the outside and the eclectic interiors with the surrounding Cretan landscape Our Evergreen Absolute Suite was a haven for our senses; ultra-stylish and airy and featuring a generous outdoor living area complete with our own individual pool The perfect choice for the discerning traveller, or travelling worker we spent early mornings enjoying the terrace whilst responding to emails before kicking off balmy October nights enjoying staggering sunsets with a glass of Cretan red wine then heading out to feast on local fare at one of Numo’s two excellent restaurants and the towns of Plaka and Elounda particularly worthy of mention We also had the joy of experiencing the wonderful team at Bioroma Crete a pioneering organic cosmetics and perfumes company with who we created our own fragrances in one of their delightful perfume workshops a perfectly executed hour-long massage reminds us we are here to disconnect One of the staggering sunsets we witness over Numo Ierapetra Crete’s waters are some of the world’s most crystal clear Making our own fragrances with the wonderful team at Bioroma Crete With a beachfront location surrounded by evergreen gardens Numo Ierapetra spans 17 low-rise guest room buildings that cascade toward the beach you arrive at the resort’s beating heart the hotel’s swimming pool; part of a 3,000 square metre bar and restaurant area It sets the pace for an upbeat holiday with international DJs and chefs the secluded beach can be accessed directly from the pool area and is dotted with tamarisk trees It also offers some of the clearest water I’ve drifted off into in a very long time Crete is an island of people who greatly respect the nature that surrounds them their waters are some of the purest on this planet who trained at Michelin-starred Auberge de l’Ile traditional local dishes have been given a modern twist and are served with a contemporary sensibility with dishes such as 24-hour slow-cooked lamb finished on flames from the huge grill in the open kitchen and served in an indoor/outdoor space close to the resort’s second swimming pool An excellent fresh fish dish for lunch at beachside restaurant Traditional Cretan sausages cooked over open flames A mouthwatering feast of 24-hour slow-cooked lamb finished on flames the other diners also appeared to be devouring with glee We wash it down with a bottle of local light red wine the perfect accompaniment to this red meat banquet having also ordered local sausages in a tomato sauce It is an explosion of flavour and rich succulent textures The following evening was spent at Tamarisk where fresh seafood is cooked in the open kitchen and guests can opt for laidback seating indoors or outside overlooking the main pool area and beach we enjoyed meze before sharing a local catch of the day and lobster pasta this time washed down with an equally delightful bottle of white Cretan wine year-round sun or wonderful Greek fare that brings you to this South-Cretan destination Numo Ierapetra is an ode to barefoot luxury and good-time holiday vibes With contemporary aesthetics fused with classic hospitality a modern take on cuisine combined with centuries of tradition this is a hotel that delivers the very best at all times courtesy Numo Ierapetra Beach Resort / © We Heart Does anything sound more appealing than sleeping beachside the crystal clear waters and powder sound of the Peloponnesian coast footsteps away The reality at Dexamenes Seaside Hotel is a little more aesthetically harsh than.. the Mykonian hotelier behind luxury hillside hotel Bill & Coo Suites and Lounge is taking peaceful seclusion to new heights on the island at the newly-added Bill & Coo Coast Suites particularly the southern peninsular of Halkidiki (or Chalkidiki) is blessed with miles of coastline and unspoilt locale There are three ‘fingers’ that fall south of the region — each offering something different Legend has it (for the Greeks like their legends) that the island of Santorini was born of a miracle When Jason and his Argonauts stopped off on a nearby isle on their way home one of their ranks named Euphemus had a sexy sex dream that he had.. Zorra Zapopan is the second outpost of Cervecería Zorra a stunning project brought to fruition by esteemed studios Taller Dinamita and Taller Binario that combines a.. Barcelona’s Grand Hotel Central has emerged as a triumph of contemporary luxury; a homage to its own weighty history and grandeur yet breathing the fresh air of modern Catalunya... Opening just last month on Barcelona's Via Laietana the road that separates the city's El Born and El Gòtic neighbourhoods restaurant Can Bo completes the reimagined Grand Hotel Central; the street-level gastronomic concept focussing on tapas and.. From first stepping into the kitchen aged 10 to creating supper club 'Eureka' in the family home Flynn McGarry went on to open his first permanent fine dining restaurant in New York City's Lower East Side at 19 years old © 2025 About Us Advertising Privacy Policy Write for We Heart Get in Touch We Heart is an online magazine founded in 2007 the platform evolved over time to feature inspiring places and spaces Over the years we have been committed to producing content that inspires and informs our readers; having broadened our content policy to mature into a more general lifestyle magazine that has kept itself rooted in our beginnings whilst covering a multitude of subjects that reflect our growth.