Italian shipping colossal Grimaldi Group has secured a majority stake in the Heraklion Port Authority (HPA) inking the first lines of a new chapter for the port’s growth and development as estimates suggest the acquisition could expand the port’s trade capabilities and accelerate its transition toward greener operations This builds upon the share purchase agreement signed earlier this year in which the Grimaldi Group’s consortium committed to acquiring 67% of the capital of Heraklion Port Authority for €80 million the completion of the majority stake purchase followed a tender conducted by the Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund (HRADF)—a member company of Growthfund-The National Fund of Greece which manages the program of privatization of ports and other public assets in Greece HRADF will retain 33% of the share capital which is expected to create more room for the growth and development of both the local and national economy At the signing ceremony—which was attended by prominent Greek government figures including Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy Stavros Arnaoutakis—the Minister of Economy and Finance stated that the Italian heavyweight’s majority purchase represents the ‘first’ implementation of the new provision of the Greek Law 5131/2024 according to which 50% of the fee will be allocated for the development of the ports in HRADF’s portfolio “It is important for the local community of Heraklion that after the redefinition of the land zone of the port the areas that were released will be assigned to the Municipality satisfying a long-term demand,” he noted “The government is implementing a comprehensive strategy to upgrade the country’s maritime infrastructure which leads to better services for islanders and tourists Reflecting on the significance of the project pointed out that Grimaldi Group’s aquistion of the majority stake could guide the port toward a new period of sustainable development He cited that the project would protect the public interest in a number of ways starting with the implementation of large investments for the port’s energy transition and operational upgrades one of the cultural landmarks of Heraklion in cooperation with the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy provisions in the tender for the establishment of a new state-owned managing body,” he highlighted it is particularly important that 50% of the fee will be invested for the development of state-owned ports enhancing their competitiveness and creating new jobs for the benefit of local communities and the national economy.”   investment-oriented vision that inspired this purchase He revealed that the group was planning to roll out a large investment program aimed at fully leveraging Heraklion’s location in the Mediterranean hoping to expand the port for new trade routes for both passenger and freight transport He added that the Grimaldi Group’s dedication to sustainable causes will naturally seep into the company’s upcoming endeavors at Heraklion “With our investments in renewable energy we will also support the Port’s sustainable growth and transform Heraklion into a truly green port and a model for the Mediterranean port sector Our ultimate goal is to foster improved services for the Port and greater prosperity for the city of Heraklion The Grimaldi Group—which specializes in roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) vessels with 130 units in its fleet—has long made efforts in the sphere of environmentally friendly maritime solutions Around three years ago, Grimaldi Group placed an order for six multipurpose RoRo vessels, the first of which, the Great Antwerp 38 metres in beam and with a deadweight of 45,684 tonnes Great Antwerp is said to be compliant with the NOx levels imposed by the Tier III regulation with projections of it cutting CO2 emissions by 43pct per tonne transported The group welcomed the penultimate vessel of the series at the end of August 2024 the Grimaldi Group’s purchase of the HPA majority stake follows other acquisitions the group bought 33% of Antwerp Euroterminal which is now wholly owned by the Italian shipper a Grimaldi-led joint venture signed an agreement with HRADF for the purchase of a majority stake of the Igoumenitsa Port Authority (IPA) Daily news and in-depth stories in your inbox OFFSHORE AND WIND SECTOR If you work in the offshore or wind sector it is essential that you are properly dressed for your job MASCOT offers a wide assortment of safety clothing and safety footwear maintaining or manufacturing wind turbines Wizz Air has announced the launch of a new summer route from Cluj-Napoca to Heraklion The route will operate three times a week on Tuesdays offering affordable tickets starting at EUR 24.99 Tickets are available for purchase now through the airline's website and mobile app is known for its rich history and cultural heritage including the ancient Knossos Palace—an archaeological gem that offers insight into the Minoan civilization Visitors can also explore the lively markets and stunning landscapes make it a paradise for nature lovers shared:“We are excited to launch another destination from Cluj-Napoca This new route to Heraklion complements our recent Castellon route announcement and reinforces our commitment to offering passengers affordable and convenient travel options for their summer vacations we continue to invest in expanding our network and supporting the local economy.” added:“We appreciate Wizz Air’s decision to add Crete-Heraklion to its route network This new route will help further strengthen Cluj International Airport’s tourism offerings complementing existing Greek destinations like Chania We’re confident that 2025 will see even more growth in passenger numbers benefiting the region’s economy.” This new route will replace the existing Cluj-Napoca to Chania connection offering travelers convenient access to the capital and the rest of Crete Wizz Air now offers 37 destinations in 14 countries from Cluj-Napoca enhancing travel options for passengers and contributing to regional economic growth The decision, announced by Greece’s Civil Protection Authority on Monday, aims to “address emergency needs and manage the consequences of the intense landslide phenomena” that have affected the area over recent days. The state of emergency will remain in force until May 28 The move comes after several days of alarming developments in Voutes where residents first noticed cracks splitting across homes Initial inspections revealed that at least four houses are unfit for habitation while officials fear that more properties could be compromised particularly in areas that remain inaccessible “The phenomenon is ongoing,” warned Professor Efthymis Lekkas, President of the Earthquake Planning and Protection Organization (OASP) who is leading the scientific investigation Lekkas stressed that residents are right to be concerned Residents describe an unsettling situation “It started with strange noises inside the house like the earth tearing apart,” said one local “Almost all the stone houses have been damaged The cracks are growing and the ground itself has shifted.” Authorities initially suspected a burst water pipe contributed to the instability as water seeped into the ground over several days geologists believe deeper geological forces are at work Experts are evaluating four possible causes: gradual land subsidence the formation of faults due to water infiltration warned that the village’s location on fragile rock over clay layers makes it particularly vulnerable causing landslides and ground shifts,” he explained “This phenomenon is likely to continue and could become more dangerous if not urgently managed.” teams from the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection have launched aerial drone surveys to create detailed 3D models of the affected terrain alongside on-the-ground structural inspections Final evaluations by the Directorate for the Restoration of Natural Disaster Impacts (DAEFK) will determine whether damaged buildings can be repaired or must be demolished Community leader Charalambos Alogdianakis said local authorities are working closely with state officials to support displaced families and manage the unfolding crisis As experts rush to stabilise the situation, the focus remains firmly on protecting lives in this tight-knit Cretan community You must be logged in to post a comment A TUI flight that departed from Egypt en route to Germany was forced to make an emergency landing in Heraklion after an elderly female passenger felt unwell The pilot requested permission for an emergency landing at Heraklion’s “Nikos Kazantzakis” Airport Despite the efforts of doctors and paramedics who rushed to the runway The 190 passengers on the flight disembarked in Heraklion where they will be accommodated before flying to their final destination In the sky of Heraklion, a Greek flag of gigantic dimensions was raised again this year for the anniversary of Oxi Day The 1.5 acre flag was raised in the port of Heraklion in front of the fortress of Koules be happy together and fill our souls with pride,” said Iasmi Kalathaki The flag’s size allows it to be seen from many parts of the city See the video: READ MORE: Traffic and Transport Adjustments in Athens and Piraeus for Greece’s October 28 National Holiday Routes is part of the Informa Markets Division of Informa PLC The Greek airline SKY Express will operate a series of charter flights between Groningen Airport Eelde and Heraklion in Summer 2025 These flights will be operated during the summer holiday period in July and August SKY Express will operate these flights on behalf of tour operator Sunweb who is returning to Groningen Airport Eelde (GRQ) after having operated occassional charter flights in 2023 and 2024 This series will be the first full-charter series for Sunweb at Groningen Airport Eelde.  Heraklion is not a new destination that is offered from Groningen Airport Eelde Tour operator Corendon operates two flights per week to the Greek holiday island from April through October Tom RoekRoute Development Analyst+31 (0)625162142t.roek@gae.nlwww.groningenairport.nl Notifications can be managed in browser preferences. The little boy’s case has received intense media attention in Greece and has sparked outrage across the country I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice An angry crowd gathered outside a courthouse on the southern Greek island of Crete for the preliminary hearing of a couple accused of brutally abusing a three-year-old child who is fighting for his life in a hospital Riot police had to be deployed at the entrance to the courthouse to prevent the crowd from pushing its way into the building and confronting the defendants as the hearing began One man sustained minor face injuries during the melee The couple — a 26-year-old woman and her 44-year-old boyfriend — have been accused of severely beating the woman’s young son who was rushed to a hospital in the island’s main city of Heraklion on Sunday The little boy’s case has received intense media attention in Greece and has sparked outrage across the country. The child had suffered a severe head injury, as well as multiple other injuries to his limbs and torso, Heraklion University General Hospital deputy director Stelios Kteniadakis told Greece‘s Skai television. The boy, who is intubated in critical condition in the intensive care unit, bore signs of recent and of older injuries, as well as burn marks, Kteniadakis said. “Honestly, all of us doctors who have happened to see the young child, we’ve never seen anything like it before,” he added. The boy’s mother and her partner, who have been in custody since their arrest Sunday, appeared before a prosecutor Wednesday. They face several charges, including attempted murder, causing grievous bodily harm and exposing a minor to danger. They haven’t been publicly named, in accordance with Greek law. “Even the police officers are shocked with this case in Crete — they themselves have never handled a case like this before,” Greek police spokeswoman Konstantina Dimoglidou said on Greece‘s Action24 TV. “I don’t know if we’ve ever seen in this country a child with such suffering, so badly abused at such a young age.” The defendants have reportedly blamed each other for the abuse, with each denying they had harmed the boy. Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies govt and politics"},{"score":0.792506,"label":"/society/crime/personal offense"},{"score":0.776627,"label":"/society/crime/personal offense/homicide"},{"score":0.643292,"label":"/society/crime/sexual offense/rape"},{"score":0.630938,"label":"/society/crime/personal offense/assault"},{"score":0.605182,"label":"/law analysed feedback from thousands of travelers across European airports Heraklion Airport earned a rating of just 2.6 out of 5 from over 21,000 reviews with many complaints highlighting cleanliness issues and limited sanitary facilities One reviewer described the airport as “small and not well-maintained,” while others cited overcrowding and poor management In stark contrast, Athens International Airport ranked third among Europe’s best airports, scoring 4.3 out of 5 from more than 49,000 reviews. Passengers praised Athens airport for its efficient security process with one reviewer calling it “smooth and well-organised.” The top spot for Europe’s best airport went to Istanbul Airport in Turkey which received a 4.4 rating from over 100,000 reviews Porto’s Francisco de Sá Carneiro Airport in Portugal came in second with a 4.4 rating while Zurich Airport in Switzerland and Prague’s Vaclav Havel Airport rounded out the top five Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport in France came second to last Manchester Airport in the UK ranked third-worst while Brussels-South Charleroi Airport and Berlin’s Willy-Brandt International Airport also featured in the bottom five The survey reflects significant variations in passenger experiences across Europe with airports like Athens showcasing excellent service You don't have permission to access the page you requested What is this page?The website you are visiting is protected.For security reasons this page cannot be displayed The 500,000th cruise passenger arrived at the Greek port onboard TUI Cruises’ Mein Schiff 6 welcomed over half a million cruise passengers in a cruise season.   The 500,000th cruise passenger arrived onboard TUI Cruises’ Mein Schiff 6 on 3 November 2024 a day that also saw three cruise ships dock at the Greek port “Surpassing half a million passengers is the result of team effort and strategic commitment,” said Minas Papadakis “This success positions Heraklion among the top international cruise destinations bringing substantial benefits to the city’s economy and elevating the port’s role in the region’s tourism development.”  This cruise passenger milestone follows a 16 per cent increase in the number of cruise ship calls to the port in the first nine months of 2024 26 cruise ships homeported at the Port of Heraklion which according to the Port Authority “demonstrates its strategic importance as a key hub for cruise itineraries in the Eastern Mediterranean” A further 14 cruise ships are expected to dock at the port before the end of the year.  Tags: Port of Heraklion   ports and destinations   News The most popular stories of the month delivered to your inbox Greece -- China's women's saber team clinched gold at the FIE World Cup here on Sunday marking their first triumph in the event since 2011 With a young squad featuring 26-year-old Fu Ying and three promising athletes born in the 2000s - Rao Xueyi and Wei Jiayi - the Chinese team showcased its skill and determination throughout the tournament China eased past Italy 45-36 and then edged Paris Olympic champion Ukraine and silver medalist South Korea both 45-40 to reach the final Fu established an early lead before the match evolved into a nail-biting duel Trailing one point entering the final bout 20-year-old Rao staged a stunning comeback by scoring four consecutive points to seal a 45-42 victory we approached each point with seriousness," said Rao who earlier this season claimed individual gold at the Budapest Junior World Cup The rising star also anchored China's Asian Championship team title in 2024 "We executed our preparations perfectly today This gold reflects our collective dedication in training," said Fu another member of the 2024 Asian champion team reached the quarterfinals at January's Plovdiv World Cup earned a spot in the senior training squad after winning last season's Segovia Junior World Cup individual title The team's resurgence follows the appointment of French coach Cyril Verbrackel following frustrating results at the Paris Olympics The 40-year-old had previously led French teams to multiple successes including a team silver at the Tokyo Olympics The young British passenger – perhaps celebrating the recent Labor victory in Britain – consumed an excessive amount of alcohol during the flight to Heraklion He became intolerable, ignored the staff’s pleas for good behaviour, and caused discomfort to other passengers, local media reported The authorities immediately arrested him when the flight landed at Nikos Kazantzakis Airport, Crete He faces charges of disorderly conduct and failure to comply with crew instructions READ MORE: Greece Arrests Seven in Arson Attacks on Synagogue, Hotel According to a video published by cretalive.gr the altercation appears to have started when the victim’s hand brushed against another patron’s cigarette The video shows the victim briefly react before continuing on his way a physical altercation involving several people from both parties The Canadian Ambassador visited the victim in the hospital and the police station to inquire about his condition and the investigation memorable tastings and views that command the Cretan landscape For those seeking to understand Crete’s viticultural renaissance Heraklion offers an enlightening day’s journey on the island’s most hospitable terrain lies a landscape that seems predestined for winemaking The region’s vineyards – now the most sophisticated on Crete with two-thirds bearing the coveted PDO designation – have mastered a delicate dance with the elements they catch the cooling breath of the northern Meltemi winds while staying sheltered from the scorching southern breezes vines climb to breathtaking heights of 800 meters where altitude lends complexity to the wines The area has become a sanctuary for both indigenous treasures like Vilana (Crete’s most planted variety as well as aromatic varieties such as Moschato Spinas and Malvasia Aromatica What follows is a carefully curated selection of wineries that exemplify the region’s excellence. For those wishing to explore beyond these selections, our comprehensive guide to Heraklion’s wineries provides an exhaustive overview Note: Advance booking is essential for all winery visits The family-run Daf Wines winery sits in the foothills of Dafnes This family’s devotion to viticulture spans over a century with their first recognition achieved by Evangelos Douloufakis in 1952 at the International Exhibition of Thessaloniki the baton has been passed to the third generation Noteworthy among the winery’s labels is the trilogy “Aspri Gi,” its name honoring the white soils that dominate Dafnes The white wine is a refreshing blend of two Cretan varieties – Muscat of Spina and Vidiano The rosé version is made from Muscat of Spina and Liatiko is characterized by its fruity aroma and mild tannins The winery is open to visitors by appointment The enterprise and history of the Boutari winery in Crete began in 1989 with the acquisition of the Scalarea Estate in Skalani The estate was revitalized with vines in 2015 and a state-of-the-art winery with impressive hospitality spaces was created The winemaking complex is complemented by three luxurious dwellings known as Scalani Hills Residences Distinguished among the estate’s labels are the aromatic and balanced Fantaxometocho,” a perfect marriage of Chardonnay and Assyrtiko the full-bodied and rich ‘“’Scalarea White” from Vidiano and Athiri varieties and the “Scalarea Red,” a highly commended blend of Kotsifali and Syrah The winery operates as a visitor destination also offering wine picnics and culinary experiences stands as a tribute to the region’s rich mythology The village’s name harks back to the deity Siva who was widely worshipped in the surrounding territory The resurrection of a 90-acre vineyard began in 1998 organically farmed at an elevation of 500 meters 20 acres in the coastal region of Fodele are cultivated alongside an additional 50 acres of cooperative vineyards at altitudes of 600 and 750 meters The estate’s labels include noteworthy offerings such as the ‘Psithiros’ crafted from Vidiano that delivers a robust body and an oily texture produced from sun-dried grapes of the Liatiko variety positioned amid vineyards near Alagni village champions Crete’s rare indigenous varieties this winery revitalizes grapes such as Dafni Particularly compelling is their aromatic Dafni wine distinguished by its herbal undertones reminiscent of laurel The lush surroundings provide an ideal setting for tours The tale of the Gavalas Estate arches back to 1906 when the first vineyards were planted by Emmanouil Gavalas in the Boria Monofatsiou region the vineyards were brought under the regime of organic cultivation and presently Notable among the estate’s labels are the ‘Vilana’ white wine and the red ‘Mandilari’ and ‘Kotsifali’ this winery harmonizes Crete’s wine heritage with contemporary techniques Established by dedicated winemakers who treasure local varieties Among their highlights is a refreshing Vilana alongside the expressive Kotsifali-Mandilari blend delivering velvety tannins with ripe red fruits Idaia’s intimate tasting room invites visitors to sample these creations firsthand Domaine Paterianakis occupies a scenic plot near Melesses village standing out as Crete’s first organic winery The family’s respect for nature and sustainable practices underpins every bottle produced from local varieties Exceptional among their collection is a balanced Thrapsathiri Visitors can enjoy tastings accompanied by panoramic vineyard views Tucked into the lush landscapes of Heraklion this winery adopts a modern approach rooted in tradition the winery has focused exclusively on native Cretan varieties Their stand-out labels include a vibrant Vidiano with hints of tropical fruit Efrosini’s wines reflect meticulous care highlighting the island’s terroir with clarity and precision Tours and tastings are available through advance reservation A Memorandum of Understanding for the establishment and operation of a Destination Management and Promotion Organization (DMMO) was signed by the Minister of Tourism The agreement constitutes an important step towards the sustainable tourism development of Heraklion as DMMOs are recognized as strategic tools for enhancing the competitiveness of Greek destinations these organizations function as a coordination mechanism between the public and private sectors contributing decisively to the upgrading of the services provided and the creation of authentic travel experiences “Our priority is to promote sustainable tourism development and enrich the tourism offer while simultaneously extending the tourist season,” she stated emphasizing the role of DMMOs as a bridge of cooperation between all stakeholders The establishment of the DMMO for Heraklion is expected to strengthen the comparative advantages of the region and contribute significantly to the diffusion of tourism throughout the year The Minister made special reference to the wealth of Heraklion highlighting the cultural heritage and natural resources of the region elements that can highlight the city as an ideal city break destination she emphasized the potential for developing thematic forms of tourism the Minister also met with the Governor of Crete where strategic priorities for the overall tourism development of the island were discussed 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 Samaria Gorge “War Zone” – “Others Decide, We Pay the Price” Delta | Athens is in 5th place in American searches for 2025 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 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 The 20 "loudest" luxury hotel arrivals in Greece in 2025 Crete boasts a rich cultural and religious heritage The Venetian fortress in the old harbour of Heraklion IT IS a city that many tourists pass through on the way to somewhere else is the gateway to charming towns and small cities such as Rethymnon and Agios Nikolaos as well as the island’s myriad resorts and historic attractions languid air has given way to an alluring buzz Its shady squares and streets are lined with glossy shops and smart cafés there are plenty of elegant landmarks from the city’s long life to admire Unlike any other Cretan city, a walk around Heraklion will take you on a journey through the island’s remarkably rich past. A good start is the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, perched on a high ridge above the harbour that houses artefacts dating back to the Neolithic period — including masterpieces belonging to the Minoans regarded as the first civilisation in Europe Only uncovered in the early 20th century, by the archaeologist Arthur Evans the civilisation flourished on the island between about 3400 BC and 1400 BC and life in the Minoans’ sprawling palaces reached astonishing heights of refinement Don’t miss the museum’s amazing frescoes of the women in their flounced skirts and beehive hairstyles engaging in what seemed to be the Minoans’ favourite Crete has played host to an array of incomers who all left their mark in Heraklion The canny Venetians bought the island in 1204 and some of the city’s sturdy Venetian walls still surround parts of the city Heraklion’s spacious harbour is presided over by the handsome Venetian Koules Fortress It is well worth taking a stroll along the pier to explore the fortress which promises panoramic views of the harbour (that dates back to Minoan times it’s a bustling place where vast ferries and ocean liners glide in and out leads up from the port to the heart of the city you’ll find other charming remains of Heraklion’s early life The graceful Venetian Loggia (city hall) lies close to Lions Square — a favourite hub in the city and named for the pretty 17th-century Venetian Morosini Fountain (featuring four lions) that stands here and it’s a fitting place to pause and savour the atmosphere The Turks arrived in 1669, but Heraklion has a long Christian history, dating back to the time of St Paul, which continued through the Byzantine era and through Venetian and Turkish rule. You will be spoilt for choice exploring the city’s churches, some of which underwent several transformations. Opposite Lions Square is the Church of St Mark: an airy which the Turks turned into a mosque but the locals turned back into a church when the Turks left Near Lions Square, too, is the Church of Agios Titos who was left on the island by St Paul to look after the Church in Crete (Titus 1.5) and is referred to as Crete’s first bishop the church has an impressively sumptuous interior and (supposedly) the relic of St Titus’s skull The Church of Agia Aikaterini of Sinaites, near the Greek Orthodox Agios Minas Cathedral once belonged to the Venetian Monastery of St Catherine and now houses the Museum of Christian Art giving an overview of 14th- to 19th-century Cretan Christian art including important work from members of the Cretan School of Hagiography Other shopping streets, such as Daidalou Street, lead off from Lions Square and are lined with smart boutiques. But only a short walk from the square takes you to Heraklion’s old Central Market or some of the jewellery for which Greece is rightly famous There are tea shops and cafés where you can while away some time and an old-fashioned taverna where you can feast on Greek specialities alongside the locals Christine Miles examines the destinations on offer from Christian travel companies Few islands have had as long and turbulent a life as Crete, and, apart from the Archaeological Museum, other places also tell its story. Among them is the Historical Museum of Crete which traces the island’s history from early Christian times onwards and houses two paintings from the Cretan-born El Greco — as well as an excellent collection of Cretan folk art Only a few kilometres outside the city lie the remains of Knossos — the greatest of the Minoan palaces You’ll need several hours to explore what is one of the most astonishing palaces of antiquity: a massive complex of amazing sophistication home to these most creative and mysterious people Close to Knossos are several wineries that make for tempting excursions you can unwind in any number of Heraklion’s bars and restaurants.Travel details Easyjet flies from UK to Heraklion, from approximately £80 one way. The Man in Seat 61 website has details of travelling to Heraklion by train. Double rooms at the GDM Megaron Historical Monument Hotel overlooking the harbour and with a café/bar easyjet.comvistheraklion.euseat61.com Nicholas Reed Langen examines the Supreme Court ruling on gender Read reports from issues stretching back to 1863 search for your parish or see if any of the clergy you know get a mention Explore the archive We are a partnership of six diverse and welcoming congregations in the northern districts of Milton Keynes, offering a rich tapestry of worshipping traditions – Anglican, Baptist, Methodist, and URC. The Dorchester Team are praying for a new colleague to join us as we minister in beautiful South Oxfordshire. To explore the Church Times website fully, please sign in or subscribe. Non-subscribers can read four articles for free each month. (You will need to register.) HERAKLION (Greece) - France's Cameron Houindo had double reason to celebrate as he claimed the Most Valuable Player crown in addition to winning the title at the FIBA U16 EuroBasket 2024 with France. Houindo also headlined the All-Star Five of the event, in which he found himself joined by his teammate Louka Letailleur, Spain's Marcos Zurita, Andrej Bjelic of Serbia and Chrysostomos Chatzilamprou of Greece. Houindo was matched by none at the tournament with 13.9 points, 7.9 rebounds and 2.1 blocks on average. Even though he only made the top five in rebounding, his versatility and showing up in the big moments is what earned him the MVP title - particularly on the defensive end. From the Quarter-Finals onward, Houindo was only a rebound against Serbia shy of posting a double-double in three consecutive games with a big 20-point, 11-rebound performance in the Final itself. Being the second leading scorer of the tournament, Bjelic led Serbia to the bronze averaging 18.4 points per game. However, he also did plenty of other stuff with 6.7 rebounds and 2.9 assists on average. In a number of big performances in Heraklion, his Round of 16 spectacle of 30 points and 8 made three pointers against Finland rose above the rest. Greece may have missed out on the medal, but Chatzilamprou sure did showcase his offensive abilities. The guard averaged 17.9 points per game on just under 3 made three pointers on average, also adding 6 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game. Croatia were the victims of his best game in Group Phase when he poured in 33 points with eight threes, whilst also grabbing 12 rebounds for a double-double. France's second best scorer at the tournament never flashed incredible numbers, but provided a much needed stability and a steady hand for the title winners. Letailleur averaged 10 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game with his best performance coming in the Group Phase against Slovenia when he scored 12, grabbed 7 rebounds and stole the ball three times. Zurita's scoring was instrumental in Spain's journey to a fifth consecutive Final as he averaged 16.4 points throughout the seven games at the event, also adding 2 steals per game. He especially shone in the big moments, leading Spain in the Final with 21 points, but also poured in 28 points with 4 assists and a steal in the Group Phase showdown against Türkiye. Expectations are high for France, a team that has reached the Semi-Finals in each of the last five editions of the U16 EuroBasket. This year they will have Cameron Houindo as one of the top players on their roster. The 16-year-old made his debut in FIBA competitions earlier this year at the FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup, where despite playing one year up in age, he saw important minutes for France. Standing at 2.02m, Houindo provides an interior presence for France with his combination of size, long arms, rebounding ability and play finishing around the basket. Houindo is, however, versatile enough to make an impact as a perimeter defender, being capable of switching onto guards and wings. Ziyaettin has already seen minutes for Fenerbahce's senior team in the Turkish BSL, an indicator that he’s seen as one of the most promising players coming out of Türkiye. Ziyaettin is an offensive threat from multiple levels of the floor, utilizing his shiftiness and his fluidity as a ball-handler to get to the rim, while also being an accomplished shooter, especially off the catch, where he shows his compact mechanics and a quick shot release. With the backcourt duo of Ziyaettin and Omer Kutulay, Türkiye will look for a quick turnaround after last year's tenth-place finish, which is tied for their worst-ever result in this event. Since returning to Division A in 2018, Greece has consistently reached the top eight of the tournament, and as the hosts of this edition of FIBA U16 EuroBasket, they will hope that the home-court advantage can be a factor that will push them to the top. Latvia has been a staple of the U16 EuroBasket, having participated in every Division A tournament over the last 20 years. With the duo of Aizpurs and Gunnars Grinvalds, Latvia will aim to take the next step and win their first U16 title. It's been 17 years since Serbia's last title at the U16 level, but this year they have the talent to break the streak, with players like Bjelic, Nikola Karalic and Andrija Susic, who have shown tremendous potential in youth competitions across Europe. Recent history suggests that Spain should be one of the teams to beat at Heraklion. They are the only team to win six U16 titles, and they have reached the Final in each of the last four editions of the tournament. This year, Spain has assembled another deep roster of players who are already making an impact at the top junior teams in Spain, including Real Madrid's Marcos Zurita, Baskonia's Chiek Diallo and Joventut's Saba Merbashvili. Lithuania is coming off back-to-back Semi-Finals appearances and will aim to keep the winning streak with an imposing frontcourt that will make an impact in the paint, featuring names like Ignas Stombergas and Aironas Zymantas. However, Zibuda and his perimeter scoring could ultimately be the X factor for Lithuania. The 1.98m guard will make his debut for Lithuania after spending last season playing high school basketball in the United States. Zibudas makes an impact with his shooting ability, being a consistent threat in catch-and-shoot situations, but he’s also able to create his own shot, being a fluid ball-handler who can get to the rim despite lacking elite explosiveness. Italy is a team on the rise, and after reaching the podium in two of the last three editions of the tournament, they will look to capture their first U16 title since 1991 in Heraklion. After a brief stint in Division B in 2022, Germany returned to the top division last year where they finished in fifth place. This U16 squad will look to follow in the footsteps of their U18 counterparts, and take Germany’s first-ever U16 title. Georgia will play in only their second Division A tournament in the past 15 years, and they will look to improve on their last two appearances, where they finished in the last place in both editions. Journey across Crete’s dazzling strands through first‑release photography and pulse‑raising short films Salt-whipped air, the glint of white‑hot limestone, a swell that slides from aquamarine to inkwell blue – welcome to the sliver of Crete locals simply call “our coast.” From the wind‑polished coves east of Hersonissos to the sun‑soaked, lunar stretches that meet Libya’s warmer waters in the south, this is a shoreline of delicious contradictions: cosmopolitan yet rough‑hewn, ancient yet startlingly fresh. To capture its full spectrum, we traded postcards for prime lenses, drones and 4K reels, letting the beaches script their own light. The result: A kinetic portfolio where sand grains sparkle like sequins, tamarisk shadows flicker in real time, and the soundtrack is pure surf. Slip off your sandals – Heraklion’s untamed edges are ready for their close‑up. Set in the middle of Messara Bay and only a short walk from Matala, Kommos Beach offers a broad sweep of fine sand and clear, turquoise water. Tamarisk trees and low sand dunes frame the shore, giving plenty of spots for shade and quiet. Just behind the beach, scattered ruins hint at the area’s ancient past. Offshore, the twin islets of Paximadia punctuate the horizon; at sunset they turn the sea rose‑gold and make Kommos one of the island’s more romantic places to end the day. In the small south‑coast hamlet of Diskos (or Dytikos), a long ribbon of pebbles stretches below the stark slopes of the Asterousia Mountains. The setting is simple – just clear water, a few unassuming tavernas, and plenty of room to spread a towel. Evenings are the highlight: as the sun drops behind the crags, the sea and stones pick up a warm, amber glow that lingers well after dusk. Quiet and unfussy, Diskos is made for unhurried swims and sunset watching. HERAKLION (Greece) - The FIBA U16 EuroBasket 2024 action is almost ready to get underway after the final rosters were confirmed on the eve of the tournament There are 16 teams aiming to be crowned champions in Heraklion including last year's winners Spain who have claimed the title in two of the past three editions Click below to see each team's roster: The Group Phase consists of three consecutive gamedays to open proceedings before the first rest day is followed by the Round of 16 the Semi-Finals will be played on Friday before the competition concludes on Saturday Meanwhile, action is already underway at the FIBA U16 EuroBasket 2024, Division B with the tournament starting on Thursday in Skopje North Macedonia - with 22 teams vying for the three promotion spots All games at the Youth EuroBasket this summer are streamed, live and for free, on FIBA's official YouTube channel