The Archaeological Museum of Messinia in Kalamata in the southwestern Peloponnese is launching an exhibition featuring artifacts from the Mycenaean civilization in southwestern Greece, including the remarkable findings from the remarkable Griffin Warrior Tomb.  The exhibition will run from Friday, February 14, through April 27. Titled “Princes of Pylos: Treasures of the Bronze Age from Messinia,” the exhibition highlights the evolution of the Mycenaean from the end of the Middle Helladic period to the beginning of the Late Helladic era, demonstrating its peak in the late 13th century BC, when the Kingdom of Pylos, centered at the Palace of Nestor, controlled much of Messinia. Among the exhibition’s key pieces are the artifacts from the Griffin Warrior Tomb, discovered in 2015. These include the skeleton of a male warrior and hundreds of objects buried alongside him. More recent discoveries are also included, such as artifacts from tholos tombs VI and VII in Englianos, the tholos tomb in Psari, the finely decorated crown from Myrsinochori and other significant objects from older excavations. Speaking about the exhibition at a press conference on Wednesday, Culture Minister Lina Mendoni underscored the invaluable historical insights it offers into the Mycenaean era.  Following its run in Kalamata, the exhibition will travel to the Getty Villa Museum in California, where it will be inaugurated on June 25 and remain on display until January 2026. Upon its return to Greece, it will be showcased at the National Archaeological Museum before becoming a permanent exhibit at the Archaeological Museum of Messinia. The Archaeological Museum of Messinia is located at Benaki & 3 Aghiou Ioanni, Kalamata 24100. Winter operating hours (until March 31) are from 8.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m., except Tuesdays and holidays when the museum is closed. For further details on the excavations at Ano Englianos, please visit https://griffinwarrior.org. Enter your information below to receive our weekly newsletters with the latest insights, opinion pieces and current events straight to your inbox. Your best opportunity to get these right now is\",\" \",\"by purchasing on secondary market sites such as Flight Club or GOAT.\"]}],false,false]}],false]}]}]}]}]\n"])Where to Buy The UGG Classic Ultra Mini Reese Cooper Kalamata was released on Friday Your best opportunity to get these right now is by purchasing on secondary market sites such as Flight Club or GOAT Who says green olives should get all the glory 🫒 We’re smitten with the briny and fruity touches that Kalamatas invite to the party Test Kitchen Tip: If your olive brine has bits of olive in it pass it through a small fine strainer as you measure it *The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice Fraport AG is one of the leading companies in the global airport business and active at 29 airports on four continents (IPO in 2001) Fraport provides the full range of operational and management services relating to airside and terminal operations The 2019 traffic figures for Frankfurt Airport are impressive: more than 1,400 aircraft took off and landed and over 6,000 tonnes of cargo were handled at FRA per day Digitalization at Fraport: for greater efficiency Fraport AG is digitalizing to improve its processes Innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence are being leveraged to update and network airport operations this goes hand in hand with a fundamentally new way of thinking – with the goal of developing innovative new business models and ensuring long-term competitiveness Fraport AG won the concession to operate Kalamata Airport (KLX) in Greece. As part of a tendering process, Fraport and its Greek partners –Delta Airport Investments S.A (Copelouzos Group) and Pileas Holdings S.A (Constantakopoulos Group) – have secured the deal with a bid totaling 45.2 million euros The concession covers operation of the terminal and other landside and airside infrastructure with operations tentatively set to begin in late 2025 The signing of the concession agreement is planned for mid-2025 the operating consortium commits to modernizing and expanding the terminal infrastructure at Kalamata Airport with capital expenditures amounting to 28.3 million euros within the first three years of the concession the Hellenic Corporation of Assets and Participations S.A will receive additional dividends on top of the concession fees from a ten percent stake in the operating company and the dividends will amount to a total revenue of 71.2 million euros for the Growthfund Stefan Schule stated: “We are delighted to add Kalamata Airport to our Greek portfolio we are going to further develop the airport and realize its full potential over the coming decades.” In 2024 an estimated 330,000 passengers will use this airport in the south of the Peloponnese renowned for historic sites such as Messene The landscape includes impressive sandy beaches and mountains that contribute to making the region an exceptional travel destination Fraport AG has been active in Greece since 2017 successfully operating 14 regional airports it has succeeded in modernizing and developing them to ensure an outstanding passenger experience Further information on airport investments and consulting activities outside Frankfurt: Communications Manager – International activities (on parental leave) Fraport Wins Concession to Operate Kalamata Airport Contact Form *20 cents (€) per call within German landline network ©2004-2025 Fraport AG Frankfurt Airport Services Worldwide The agreement requires the consortium to invest $29.7m over three years to upgrade and expand the airport's terminal infrastructure has been awarded the concession to operate Kalamata Airport in Greece which includes Delta Airport Investments and Pileas Holdings secured the deal with a bid of €45.2m ($47.4m) The agreement encompasses the management of the terminal with operations anticipated to commence in late 2025 The concession agreement obligates the consortium to invest €28.3m ($29.7m) in the first three years to modernise and expand the airport’s terminal infrastructure The Hellenic Corporation of Assets and Participations stands to gain from the concession through additional dividends Growthfund will retain a 10% stake in the operating company with total revenues from concession fees and dividends expected to reach €71.2m ($74.8m) over the 40-year period Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis Fraport CEO Dr Stefan Schule said: “We are delighted to add Kalamata Airport to our Greek portfolio we are going to further develop the airport and realise its full potential over the coming decades.” approximately 330,000 passengers are expected to travel through this airport located in the southern Peloponnese Fraport has been managing 14 regional airports Last year, Fraport announced its plans to reduce carbon emissions at its home base This target is 25,000 tonnes lower than its previous goal Fraport also initiated trials of autonomous baggage and cargo tractor at the Frankfurt Airport to verify if the autonomous vehicle can be used to support regular baggage and cargo operations on the apron Nominations are now open for the prestigious Airport Technology Excellence Awards - one of the industry's most recognised programmes celebrating innovation This is your chance to showcase your achievements Don't miss the opportunity to be honoured among the best - submit your nomination today Give your business an edge with our leading industry insights View all newsletters from across the GlobalData Media network 13 Apr 2025 08:45:00 GMT?.css-1txiau5-AnswerContainer{color:var(--GlobalColorScheme-Text-secondaryText2);}Kifisia FC won 1–0 over Kalamata on Sun Predicted lineups are available for the match a few days in advance while the actual lineup will be available about an hour ahead of the match The current head to head record for the teams are Kalamata 1 win(s) Have scored 5 goals in their last 5 matches Have kept the most clean sheets in the competition (16) Who won between Kalamata and Kifisia FC on Sun 13 Apr 2025 08:45:00 GMT?Kifisia FC won 1–0 over Kalamata on Sun 13 Apr 2025 08:45:00 GMT.InsightsHave scored 7 goals in their last 5 matches Kalamata is playing home against Kifisia FC on Sun Taste of Home's Editorial Process Whether you're making martinis or a Greek salad Our testers tried 11 brands to find some top-notch picks Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.Learn more. our pros put a handful of olive brands to the test our expert snackers sampled 11 brands—including black green and kalamata options—to find the best olives Shop on Walmart These olives are large and uniform. Testers found them to be plump and firm with just the right amount of briny saltiness. “I would eat 75% of these off the relish plate,” says editor Caroline Stanko $8.48 at Amazon Shop on Whole Foods “I’d snack on these all day,” says content director Ellie Martin Cliffe “They might be my favorite of the bunch!” Shop on Whole Foods We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices We recommend our users to update the browser “How things change… I remember as a young man when I first moved to Athens I felt that the people from the capital looked down on me Now when I talk to Athenians about Kalamata I feel that they are impressed,” says Sotiris Theodoropoulos who returned in 2011 with a desire to reconnect with his roots “How things change… I remember as a young man when I first moved to Athens the alternative proposal of the good life in Greece the cultural life,” says Sotiris Theodoropoulos This led to the creation of the tourism initiative “Let’s go for a walk Experience our city like a tourist,” which began as a hobby in 2013 it gained professional momentum with guided tours across the entire prefecture of Messinia We followed Theodoropoulos and enjoyed the “small lessons about the country” while walking in the neighborhood around the castle and in the famous farmers’ market Theodoropoulos stopped in front of old buildings recounting charming incidents involving the architecture the human mosaic of a town that seems to be enjoying greater economic development than the rest of Greece ‘Kalamata is like an island in terms of proximity to the sea it has a rapidly developing business ecosystem with new ideas it is the perfect city for a family in terms of safety’ “The city has no awareness of its history; only some scholars and educated individuals [know it] we entered a continuous path of development that has not stopped we did not fully feel [Greece’s] economic crisis here This makes us look neither behind nor at what is right next to us now that we are living in a period of prosperity is the innate competitiveness of the people of Kalamata and the general distrust of all the residents in the ‘old lands’ [the regions incorporated in the first Greek state – the Peloponnese Central Greece and the Cyclades],” he explains “This does not allow for synergies to be created easily Compare this with northern Greece and you will see that there due to the intense influence of the refugees from Asia Minor The answer was given to us by Kostas Vasiliadis who owns one of the most famous tavernas in the town and is a descendant of refugees from Asia Minor who put down roots in Messinia I would go into whichever house I found first and they would feed me you can’t fool the customer with bad food,” Vasiliadis says “One problem in the European South is that people prefer to be cunning than to be smart Look how smart [1979-1990 Kalamata mayor Stavros] Benos thought after the [deadly September 1986] earthquake which laid the foundations for Kalamata to become the city it is today Then [former conservative prime minister Antonis] Samaras came along Local politicians need to support the area The new highway that connected us to Athens was a big deal Then came tourism and [luxury resort] Costa Navarino became a reality prominent shipowner and founder of TEMES SA developers of Costa Navarino] was generous Vasiliadis notes that being picky about flavors is a quality of all Asia Minor refugees “But I wouldn’t have succeeded without my wife who grew up in a Messinian village and cooked for her farmer parents from the age of 12,” he says adding that he became a restaurateur out of necessity He worked as a technician and electrician at a Levi’s factory in Kalamata and when it closed along with other similar businesses this economic blow with thousands of unemployed tourism development and changes in lifestyle have begun to affect the primary sector that forms the identity of Messinia which has brought about a huge water shortage,” says Michalis Antonopoulos president of an olive oil cooperative located near his estate “Who would have thought that we would consider rain as a gift The prolonged drought has changed the color of the olives,” he tells Kathimerini A geotechnical engineer and environmental consultant by profession he has been involved in local government since 1996 “There is no Messinian family that is not somehow involved in olive oil production,” he says adding that he is concerned about the increased use of pesticides it was accompanied by reckless use [of pesticides] to ensure large quantities And one realizes this from the fact that the producer himself does not give his family the olive oil that he himself sells for mass consumption He has a separate olive grove that he does not spray,” he says “Messinia and Kalamata are seeing tremendous growth They will surpass the rest of the Peloponnese foreigners who come to live here and those who visit us for holidays see that there is a sense of euphoria and quality of life This economic dynamism is based mainly on tourism and not so much on olive oil Antonopoulos returned to live in Kalamata in his 30s and now after my studies in Athens and Philadelphia in the US I got involved in public affairs because I felt that I had to actively give back through my field of knowledge: to take care of the environment make interventions for proper urban development raise awareness about how a crop becomes sustainable It is not enough for a region to be blessed by nature – the residents must take care of it our region has been experiencing continuous heatwaves The Kalamata earthquake was a key event for the changes that later brought development at the level of urban planning and beyond “The issue is that the good infrastructure that was built then is not sufficient today tourism adds more visitors every summer,” he says The rise in temperature is not only being felt on the land but also in the sea one of the few remaining traditional fishermen in Kalamata Kallianis and his wife Ourania sell their catch every morning from their fishing boat that this month you would catch such-and-such fish everything has been messed up due to climate change Today we don’t even have the fish population that once existed This year the water temperature reached 30 degrees Things started to break down when my father’s generation left and the next one didn’t go into the job who has her own fish shop in Kalamata’s covered market “The catch has diminished and new species have arrived via the Suez Canal The people of Kalamata are gourmets and a bit spoiled The older generations were trained to work harder Easy things and little effort are more palatable than difficult things and much effort The younger generation have everything at their feet,” she says But could this also be the secret that keeps them from leaving town It is impressive how many remarkable people in their 30s and 40s one finds in Kalamata who lived abroad but decided to return and managed to find a good job who studied at the university on the island of Lesvos and then in the United Kingdom “I could have stayed in London and worked there I would have gone to the office from 10 to 6 What mainly affected me was that I would be living somewhere with transient people where it is difficult to make friends and form new relationships the opportunity I gave to the city where I was born worked out well for me I wake up in the morning and say good morning in my language Many of my peers are in Athens or abroad and I said to myself Voulgaris works at the nonprofit organization Mataroa which focuses on developing actions for inclusion gender inequalities and strengthening local entrepreneurship It was founded in 2015 in Kalamata by Ippokratis Papadimitrakos with the central vision of empowering the local youth The name chosen by the two 30-year-olds is not accidental RMS Mataroa brought from Greece to southern Italy more than 100 Greek artists and intellectuals aiming to reach Paris in order to escape the horrors of the imminent Greek Civil War Just as the ship transported the elite of Greece’s intellectual scene to safe ground after the Second World War so the nonprofit founders wanted to help young Greeks who were struggling with the country’s economic crisis where 10- to 16-year-old students learned to write computer code “A new pillar is the Unistart hub for the development of entrepreneurship at the University of the Peloponnese and the Regional Authority of the Peloponnese where we are the strategic partners for Kalamata and the Tech4Disabilities action,” Voulgaris tells Kathimerini “Disabled people and caregivers are familiarized with the 3D printer process through seminars to make objects that facilitate everyday life – e.g a special handle for a disabled person to hold a glass.” Voulgaris travels from Kalamata to other Greek cities to organize these actions Equally happy to live in the city where he was born is Dionysis Papadatos who followed a similar path to that of Voulgaris His return to Kalamata coincided with the creation of the Captain Vassilis & Carmen Constantakopoulos Foundation where he has been working since 2011 and watched it take its first steps “The foundation’s focus has always been Messinia and its main purpose was rural development the environment and culture were added,” he says “One of our first concerns was research and the promotion of Messinian products we also increased our synergies with other organizations I think what we have achieved is that we have dispelled mistrust because our strategic choice was to set up programs from the ground up trust us,” he adds shortly before going for a swim in the winter sea Three of the most interesting young people Kathimerini met in Kalamata were blind runners Georgia Papadea and Yiannis Charalambopoulos and their volunteer running guide Olga Reitzopoulou “Our [sport] association [for people with disabilities] an athlete with a disability and current deputy mayor He knew firsthand how important it is for people on the disability spectrum to get out of their homes The club’s training sessions began timidly in 2016 in track and field who are all volunteers and offer their time freely play a significant role,” say Charalambopoulos and Papadea with those who have disabilities,” says Reitzopoulou I have been running with Georgia and Yiannis and going to races My fellow townspeople see us on the street and congratulate me I reply that I simply lend my sight to these athletes Those athletes should be congratulated for having the mental strength to run they go to local races but also to national ones but you also win over the people who stand next to you tells me about the sunset and thus makes me not think about how many kilometers we still have to run.” Charalambopoulos says Kalamata’s city center is good for running it is not the infrastructure that is lacking It is the mentality of the people that upsets us: sidewalks occupied by tables Just like electric cars that do not make noise they are dangerous for those of us who can’t see.” the couple go to schools to raise awareness among the younger generation “I believe that as long as we become visible and don’t stay home the stigma gradually recedes and awareness increases kids tell us: ‘I’ll tell my mom not to park on the ramps.’ They are the best receivers,” says Papadea who was left blind by a medical error as a newborn in the incubator but a degenerative disease affected his vision “We met on the phone and after two years we met in person,” Papadea says “I moved from Athens to Kalamata for his sake Here you don’t have to take a bus to go somewhere During the Covid-19 lockdown we went for walks I noticed in the metro carriage that the crowd would not let a blind person get off the train where a multipurpose business and cultural space There we met a British couple who have just settled in Kalamata and are working remotely: journalist Olivia Acland and engineer Tom Mosquera they had been living outside the UK for years “My husband bought a house in Kato Verga that overlooks the bay and is next to the city We had visited the area and Mani three years ago and we loved it I work as a correspondent for various media from Africa and Mauritania to Portugal,” Acland says but after the events they could not guarantee our safety and so I had to leave We decided to make Kalamata our base,” Mosquera adds the two Britons chose the city over a village in Mani because it has life all year round “The city also seems to be doing well economically but it is not drowning in foreign visitors “I like the coasts of the European Mediterranean from Lisbon to Turkey,” Acland says Lisbon is not the Mediterranean,” Mosquera corrects her “I’m just trying to describe the common way of life,” she replies The two met at a reception at the British embassy when she was the Economist’s correspondent in Congo The creator of the multipurpose space where the two Britons work is Nelli Kouvelaki “I studied business administration and worked for many years in banking I identified a gap in the co-working space Kalamata is incredibly popular with foreigners It is like an island in terms of proximity to the sea it is the perfect city for a family in terms of safety We have many new residents in the area: Israelis Sometimes it feels like a little Babel in here!” “Let me tell you how I fell in love with Kalamata It was in 1965 that my husband first brought me here,” says Victoria Karelia president of the namesake tobacco company and the George & Victoria Karelia Foundation as well as honorary president of the Lyceum Club of Greek Women (Lykeion ton Ellinidon) and the Association of Friends of Music of Kalamata “It was spring and the orange trees were blooming I opened the window and all this fragrance came in It was the Marseille of the Morea [the name of the Peloponnese peninsula during the Middle Ages and the early modern period].”  The great lady of Kalamata endowed the city with the Victoria G one of the most beautiful museums in the country dedicated to Greek traditional costume I was at the Kalamata branch of the Lyceum Club of Greek Women for decades ‘Find a hobby so you don’t get bored here.’ Then I started collecting costumes and learning everything about them At some point I realized that I had grown too old and the collection’s acquisitions were staying in their boxes I decided that they should not stay with me and should remain in public view so that they can tell their story to the new generation,” Karelia tells Kathimerini Enter your information below to receive our weekly newsletters with the latest insights opinion pieces and current events straight to your inbox The Hellenic Air Force (HAF) has made a significant leap forward with the graduation of its first class of pilot cadets trained on the brand new M-346 training jets at the 120 Air Training Wing based at Kalamata Air Base in the Peloponnese This development marks a transformative shift in pilot training equipping cadets to operate next-generation aircraft such as the Rafale The program has drawn considerable international attention Germany’s air force recently launched a two-year training initiative in Kalamata with plans to enroll 16 German pilots annually starting in 2025 Croatia is in discussions to begin pilot training next year Both nations have chosen the rigorous curriculum designed by Greece which includes foundational training on T-6 Texan II turboprops followed by advanced instruction on the M-346 jets known as the “Silver Hawks,” is designed to replicate a broad range of combat scenarios and simulate the capabilities of 4th and 5th generation fighters combined with state-of-the-art flight simulators cements Kalamata’s status as a leading international hub for military aviation training Global demand for pilot training has presented Greece with a unique opportunity particularly as the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program (ENJJPT) in Texas struggles with capacity constraints the HAF has positioned Kalamata as a premier center of excellence With the training cost per pilot exceeding €2.5 million this initiative is poised to generate substantial revenue for Greece These funds will enhance the HAF’s capabilities and support its evolution into a modern and strategically vital force in the region The Cultural Center of Kalamata in the northwestern Peloponnese unveiled a permanent exhibition on Maria Callas on December 2 It was a good day for the capital of Messinia and for the region of a world-celebrated artist whose humble roots lay in the village of Neochori The exhibition is the passion project of the Maria Callas Alumni Association of the Music School of Kalamata it brings together letters written by the great soprano photographs from her landmark performance in “Medea” from the collection of Richard Copeman that were salvaged from her last place place of residence and a silver medal designed by engraver Nikos Perantinos “The journey to this moment began in 2013,” says Giorgos Iliopoulos spokesperson for the association that created the exhibition when we celebrated the 90th anniversary of Maria Callas’ birth with an exhibition in the foyer of the cultural center – which more than 7,000 people visited within three months not including school groups – we set a goal as the alumni association to prepare The association managed to secure a number of letters from the archive of the Athens Municipality’s Technopolis Cultural Complex which were part of its Maria Callas Museum interest and inspiration that the great diva evokes in people and we were determined,” says Iliopoulos describing the effort to secure more interesting objects as a “safari” that included attending auctions researching archives and reaching out to collectors The second “safari” related to the hunt for an appropriate space to house the growing collection and this too began in 2013 when interest in Callas exploded among Kalamata’s local authorities and institutions prompting them to take an active interest in the alumni association’s endeavor The space was eventually found on the third floor of the Kalamata Cultural Center with the help of filmmaker Babis Tsokas – director of documentaries on archaeologist Petros Themelis and on George Zorbas the inspiration for Nikos Kazanatzakis’ iconic Alexis Zorbas – went on the hunt in Paris Athens and the island of Skorpios looking for anything related to the opera star These forays also resulted in Tsokas’ docudrama “Our Own Maria Callas,” which was presented in 2017 on the 40th anniversary of her death who works as an actor and translator of theatrical plays founder and head of postgraduate programs at the legendary Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and also a teacher at the drama school of the National Theater donated 80% of the items featured in the Kalamata exhibition The show also includes audiovisual material digitized archives that are also available in translations and a record player playing Callas’ operas while a program of educational events is also being planned “The exhibits will be rotated every so often because the archive is growing,” says Iliopoulos A deadly stabbing occurred on Thursday in a hotel in the town of Kalamata He succumbed to his injuries while being transported to a hospital The perpetrator was captured shortly afterward claiming it was due to personal differences with the victim and authorities are investigating the attacker’s immigration status while continuing their investigation but only after first coming of age professionally in large kitchens abroad It is a restaurant based on quality raw materials from local producers and it presents a fresher version of traditional Greek cuisine The traffic on Kritis Street never stops. It is one of the busiest in Kalamata A white house with two lemon trees at the entrance creates a beautiful dissonance The smells coming from the open kitchen give the impression that there is something delicious there In Konstantinos’ kitchen, everything has its place: pots, pans, jars of pickles, fresh vegetables, and herbs And somewhere on the counter is the pie of the day Many of the vegetables Konstantinos uses in his kitchen come from the nearby vegetable garden the goodies this small field provides do not cover the restaurant’s daily needs That is why he collaborates with about 40 different local producers The menu is made almost from scratch every day. Some dishes have a more permanent place, but most depend on fresh products. The philosophy is always consistent: traditional Greek cuisine with a touch of modern flair Like the warm chicken soup flavoured with curry or the exuberant cannelloni stuffed with minced meat that alternates with pastitsio and the very delicious béchamel The giouvarlakia served with egg and lemon are also enviable, as is the Smyrnaean soutzoukia, which are fragrant with cumin Vasilis Dimaras is a columnist for Cantina. Translated by Paul Antonopoulos READ MORE: Taverna tou Oikonomou: A historical tavern in suburban Athens with an eye on the future Airport company Fraport has won the concession to operate Kalamata Airport in Greece Fraport and its Greek partners – Delta Airport Investments (Copelouzos Group) and Pileas (Constantakopoulos Group) – secured the deal with a bid of €45.2 million The concession covers terminal operation and other landside and airside infrastructure management The consortium has committed to modernising and expanding the terminal infrastructure at Kalamata Airport with capital expenditure of €28.3 million within the first three years of the concession will receive additional dividends on top of the concession fees from a 10% stake in the operating company and the dividends will amount to a total revenue of €71.2 million for the Growthfund The landscape blends sandy beaches and mountains that contribute to making the region an appealing travel destination Fraport has been active in Greece since 2017 Subscribe to our newsletter for critical marketing information delivered to your inbox HMSHost will debut six new restaurants spanning over 725sq m Hudson separately captured a seven-year contract to launch a Manhattan-inspired retail store and Terminal 5’s first immersive video gaming lounge is relaunching its annual whisky festival under the name Whisky Social Club The Australian Airports Association Retail & Commercial Forum will include a blockbuster programme of seven extra-curricular activities Copyright © The Moodie Davitt Report | Website by Yellowball We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website Please click on one of the buttons below to accept We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below The cookies that are categorized as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze how you use this website and provide the content and advertisements that are relevant to you These cookies will only be stored in your browser with your prior consent You can choose to enable or disable some or all of these cookies but disabling some of them may affect your browsing experience Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website These cookies help provide information on metrics such as the number of visitors Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with customized advertisements based on the pages you visited previously and to analyze the effectiveness of the ad campaigns ' + scriptOptions._localizedStrings.webview_notification_text + ' " + scriptOptions._localizedStrings.redirect_overlay_title + " " + scriptOptions._localizedStrings.redirect_overlay_text + " Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker A three-way consortium comprising Fraport AG Pileas SA (Constantakopoulos Group) and Delta Airport Investments SA (Kopelouzos Group) has been named as the preferred investor for Kalamata airport by the Superfund The 40-year concession foresees the management and operation of the airport through a comprehensive investment plan that aims at the further upgrade and improvement of accessibility in the area its goal is to develop a modern airport that can attract more flights meet travelers’ needs and improve the Peloponnese’s position in the global tourist market it will pay out an initial amount of 45 million euros at the start of the concession while the total revenues to be paid to the Superfund during the 40-year contract are expected to amount to €71.2 million capital expenditures will reach €2.3 million according to the investment plan that will be completed within the first three years of the concession “The participation of the Constantakopoulos Group in the consortium confirms the continuing confidence and investment in Messinia one of Greece’s regions with significant opportunities for further tourism development,” said TEMES SA which is part of the Constantakopoulos Group which operates the Costa Navarino resort in Messinia said it was continuing “its investments in the region contributing to its establishment as a model high-quality sustainable destination for those who visit or live there.” [AMNA] the couple’s wedding will be neither religious nor civil they have opted for a hybrid ceremony set for the afternoon of August 31 on the beach at the luxurious “Costa Navarino” resort The serene location was chosen to maintain privacy and intimacy allowing only invited guests to witness their vows unless otherwise decided by the couple Festivities commence this evening with a pre-wedding party at the “Between” bar in the “W” hotel Guests are encouraged to dress in white for this event the celebration continues with a Nigerian-themed party Kalamata airport is bustling with activity as approximately 200 guests Among the attending dignitaries are the four owners of the Milwaukee Bucks underscoring the significance of the event all granted access to the resort’s helicopter services for seamless transfer Attention to detail highlights the couple’s commitment to their guests’ experience as evidenced by their five-day stay at the resort to meticulously select over 200 dishes for their guests to enjoy during the celebration The weekend promises to be a memorable and elegant affair The implementation of the investment plan aimed at modernizing the infrastructure of the Captain Vassilis Konstantakopoulos Kalamata Airport is about to begin which is expected to be completed within the next few months is expected to officially “unlock” the works for the upgrading of the facilities which plays a key role in the tourism product of the wider region the Copelouzos Group and the Konstantakopoulos Group emerged as the contractor in the concession tender run by the Growthfund The design includes the creation of a new terminal while the development of the existing terminal is planned “It is an investment of at least €73.5 million it may well exceed that,” said the general manager of development for Fraport Greece It's not unusual for olive-obsessed folks (myself included) to pop by their grocery store's olive bar for a quick and filling meal to-go finding fresh olives on-demand isn't always a simple task Canned olives are an easy swap, but jarred olives may be even better. With dozens of varieties lining the shelves, from buttery Italian Castelvetrano olives to tangy Kalamata choosing a few favorites for your pantry can feel overwhelming In an effort to unearth the best olives around carefully rating each contender on factors like taste Whether you're looking for the best budget olives or a sophisticated late-night snack you'll find every type you can dream of in this ranking — plus you'll learn which ones to avoid on your next grocery shopping trip Some recommendations are based on first-hand impressions of promotional materials and products provided by the manufacturer/distributor/etc I know what you're thinking: "How could black olives possibly be in last place?" As much as I adore black olives I was disappointed by Litaly's jarred variety and I snagged them at a reasonable price ($3.49) from my local Ocean State Job Lot Litaly's black olives were a watered-down whisper of what good olives should be the deceptively glossy olives tasted tough and dry it's no surprise that Litaly's black olives bounced to the bottom of this ranking it's increasingly tough to buy olives for under a buck Della Natura's Olive Medley is one of the most affordable jars of olives you'll find on the market though dollar stores can be hit or miss with food Della Natura's olives fell in the latter category sickly appearance to their excessively salty brine these discount olives didn't have much going for them as the flavorless fruits barely held a candle to their namesake Pearls' Specialties line features a range of unique selections and the colorful Pitted Medley Greek Olives despite being a long-time fan of Pearls' famous black olives I wasn't impressed with this jarred olive variety from the brand Pearls Pitted Medley are easily some of the most gorgeous olives, with shimmering olives coated in herbs. While there are plenty of recipes where herbs de Provence work magic I can't say they did the Pitted Medley any justice Spanish manzanilla olives are among the most popular types of olives often stuffed with chunks of pimento pepper you can find manzanilla olives with pimento under the retailer's Market Pantry label for just $1.99 per 5.75-ounce jar These olives were more or less visually indistinguishable from other manzanilla olives on the list There's only one attribute that sets them apart: Their shockingly high sodium content at 330 milligrams of sodium for five little orbs I was left with no choice but to deem them the worst of the manzanillas The best part of being an olive fanatic is finding your favorite treat in the most unexpected places as evidenced by the vast selection at my local Ocean State Job Lot store Tucked there was DeLallo's Stuffed Manzanilla Olives the pimento-studded snack was quite the steal DeLallo's olives weren't quite as disappointing as Market Pantry's Like Dollar Tree's Della Natura Olive Medley coppery aftertaste that felt unusual for olives from a jar This could be due to their use of preservatives like sodium alginate The Bono Spicy Italian Pitted Mix was one of the more difficult jarred olives to track down in brick-and-mortar shops I found this unusual mix at a local Price Chopper store Bono's olives were definitely one of the costlier options on the list — but it proved that a higher price tag doesn't always ensure a better-tasting olive While there's nothing jarring about these olives from a textural standpoint The ingredient list sure sounded promising Due to their all-around average attributes Bono's passable but poorly-named Spicy Italian Pitted Mix joined the middle of the olive pack Over the years, Target has grown its food department with Tabitha Brown's vegan grocery line and the Market Pantry and Good & Gather labels Upon close inspection of the Good & Gather Greek Kalamata Olives' label I realized that four olives have 380 milligrams of sodium making them one of the saltiest jarred olives on paper the olives didn't taste particularly salty though they did seem slightly richer-tasting than the other Kalamatas in the group $3.69 feels like too much to pay for something so basic — though they're certainly passable as far as grocery store jarred olives go Mezzetta Pitted Greek Kalamata Olives incorporate distilled and red wine vinegars for a taste that's all their own these Kalamata olives appear much darker in color leading me to believe that they may have had a longer curing time — or perhaps it's all that red wine vinegar zingy taste isn't going to be everyone's cup of tea Whether they'd been cured too long or I received an off batch is anyone's guess but the disintegrating texture and excessive saltiness reminded me of anchovy paste I imagine their extreme saltiness would be difficult to incorporate in certain recipes and could be disagreeable to some olive eaters' palates Between its low prices and unique selection of foods it's no wonder why many shoppers flock to Aldi Case in point: Specially Selected Kalamata Pitted Olives one of several jarred olives available from the chain is priced at $2.49 and won't put a dent in your wallet — but how do they taste Kalamata's tart and tangy flavor isn't for everyone But Aldi's Specially Selected Kalamata Olives are the perfect choice for those on the fence about the traditional Greek olive: It has all the qualities of a classic yet they taste balanced and mild enough to be enjoyed as a snack they might not be the best option for recipes but the popular olive brand wasn't going down without a fight its pimiento-stuffed manzanilla olives stood out From their picturesque appearance to their crisp the small Spanish olives earned top marks across the board They cost slightly more than their generic counterparts at roughly $2.50 per jar but their well-balanced flavor is a force to be reckoned with Some pimiento-stuffed olives have hardly any cherry pepper flavor You can truly taste the sweetness of chopped pimiento against the olive's smooth Pearls' manzanillas are a reliable choice if you're looking for a classic pimiento-stuffed olive for a snack or recipe — but you can find equally delicious manzanilla olives for less While perusing the shelves of Ocean State Job Lot Trusting that the last item on the shelf was an indication of quality I hurriedly added them to my ever-growing pile of jarred olives The brand's pimento stuffed green olives are unbelievably large and brightly colored making them an obvious choice for standout charcuterie boards or martinis Beyond their stunning packaging and physical appearance their ingredients are also rather impressive Whereas other olive companies turn to citric acid or sodium benzoate Gaea opts for real lemon juice to preserve its jarred olives The resulting taste is far milder and smoother but I felt that they could use a little more acidity to bring out their natural flavors If you're the type to chuck an extra clove (or six) in your signature tomato sauce recipe, chances are you'll appreciate this garlic-heavy product from Lindsay Each gigantic green olive is filled with a chunk of pungent bulb and the "crisp & savory" proclamation on its label is spot-on Although the price is slightly higher than average at $5.99 per jar Lindsay Organic Green Olives Stuffed With Garlic are a solid purchase Their punchy taste won't offend avid garlic lovers but it's still a good idea to pop a mint after consuming them in the company of others Perhaps you haven't had a chance to sample bella di Cerignola olives The kidney-shaped snacks aren't the easiest to find at your local grocer but I located them at Ocean State Job Lot on a whim and they ended up being one of my favorite jarred olives Bella di Cerignola olives aren't quite as buttery as Castelvetrano olives but they bear a striking resemblance in many ways their elongated shape and eye-catching chartreuse color make them a must-have for entertaining So if you're searching for a fun new olive to try look no further than the lovely bella di Cerignola I won't lie: I'd already polished off an entire jar of Trader Joe's Organic Conversation Olive Trio somewhat recently prior to undertaking this olive ranking What I didn't realize the first time was just how good these olives are compared to others in their class Trader Joe's has a tendency to get things right; the Organic Conversation Olive Trio is yet another hit for the beloved chain providing a taste of imported Italian olives for only $3.49 per jar richly-flavored olives are a must-try Trader Joe's pick the $1.25 jar of Bell's contains some of the best Spanish olives that I tried Considering one of the worst olives on the list came from the same Dollar Tree shelf I was doubly impressed that Bell's fared so well Bell's glossy green olives have a pleasing They aren't the fanciest olives on the block The low price and generic label didn't give me high hopes for Pics Manzanilla Olives but the Price Chopper house brand has surprised me in the past with high-quality products Pics Manzanilla Olives are yet another triumph Though I purchased them for just under $2 at Price Chopper they outperformed more expensive manzanilla olives by a long shot While several other brands failed to showcase the piquant red pepper sweet flavor that works especially well against their saltiness Their firm texture is yet another selling point with both the pimiento pepper and olives holding their shape while competitors turned to mush A food-obsessed friend led me in the direction of Great Value Stuffed Jalapeño Green Olives Since his snack recommendations have always knocked it out of the park I skimmed over other olive options at Walmart in favor of something much hotter After sampling the toothsome flavor duo together I realized my foodie friend was onto something with this pick Not only are these flashy green olives spectacular to look at Though the slow burn of diced jalapeño peppers may be too hot for some to handle these are a fun change of pace if you don't mind a little spice in your snack known for its natural and organic products I picked up a jar of Nature's Promise Organic Kalamata Olives It was love at first bite with these gorgeous, ruddy olives. Though I typically only enjoy Kalamata olives in recipes, like watermelon and feta salad Nature's Promise made me realize their snacking appeal Their snappy skins and chewy flesh make them a joy to eat sweet fruitiness that wasn't detectable in other Kalamata varieties that I tried savory taste associated with grilling is a match made in heaven for olives and Trader Joe's Grilled Pitted Chalkidiki Variety Green Olives in Oil goes at $3.99 per jar Just beware of the oil getting everywhere once you twist off the cap Trader Joe's claims that grilling olives enhances their meatier attributes chewy olive cultivar that can definitely benefit from this cooking hack but none tasted quite as memorable as Trader Joe's They have just the right amount of fresh-off-the-grill flavor paired with fresh Bright green Italian Castelvetrano olives are one of my favorite types of olives, though they aren't always available at mainstream grocery stores. But whether you're upgrading your next charcuterie board or crafting a dirty martini pasta Castelvetranos will do the job with their brilliant chartreuse green skins and sumptuous you can easily justify the price of about $6.50 — after all juicy flesh is almost as good as tucking into a nice steak there's just something so charming about Castelvetranos nutty green flavor and creamy flesh are virtually unmatched and Partanna's Pitted Castelvetrano Green Olives are a stunning example of how well they stand up to preservation methods Partanna's enormous 9-ounce jar is practically a steal Partanna's Castelvetrano Green Olives don't just look incredible They're also one of the most palatable jarred olives I tried — a grand feat considering there were over 20 different types in the running They have a juicy exterior bursting with hints of lemony brightness Coming in first place is Kosterina Coriander & Pink Pepper Green Olives, an alluring jar of perfectly preserved green olives. Kosterina puts a unique spin on the traditional Greek olive, combining flavors of ground coriander — that's the seeds of the cilantro plant — and bright pink pepper As the only raw and unpasteurized olives in the ranking they have a noticeably lighter and fresher taste and they even tricked a lifelong cilantro-hater into enjoying the fragrant herb with a sprinkling of crushed herbs accenting their shiny green skins The only downside is they're not as widely available though you can find them at Whole Foods Market where a three-pack is available for $25 at the time of writing Determining the best and worst olives required extensive research Olives showcased in this ranking were selected based on previous experiences as a lifelong olive enthusiast as well as online reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations The olives chosen were then scored on factors like affordability Only the most exceptional olives were awarded top-tier positions, for everything from their impeccable taste to their overall value. While there's nothing quite like the taste of fresh olives, you can rest assured that the best jarred olives in this roundup are terrific for snacking A solemn tribute to the bravery of Allied forces and civilians during Greece’s final stand in 1941 marked the Allies’ final stand on the Greek mainland against invading German forces The Kalamata Association “23rd March” held a solemn ceremony at Melbourne’s Greek-Australian Memorial in Domain Gardens to mark the 84th anniversary of the battle yesterday Greece’s Consul General in Melbourne Victorian Liberal Party representative David Davis and leaders from the Greek Australian community all lay wreaths in honour of the Anzacs Greek and other forces who fought and fell at Kalamata Codenamed ‘Operation Marita,’ the German campaign launched a pincer movement through Bulgaria and then-Yugoslavia to encircle Greek troops battling Italians on the Albanian front and from The Palestinian Protectorate troops—often referred to as ‘The Second Gallipoli’—arrived in March 1941 under the codename Lustre or ‘W Force,’ led by British Major General Maitland Wilson Of the 65,532 Allied soldiers sent to Greece the largest fighting contingents came from Australia and New Zealand Facing overwhelming German superiority—ten divisions and over 1,000 aircraft—the Allies fought fiercely but and British troops fought bravely against overwhelming odds in what became a defining moment in Greece’s wartime resistance also witnessed extraordinary acts of civilian bravery as locals risked their lives to aid Allied soldiers President of the Kalamata Association “23rd March,” delivered a heartfelt speech on the importance of remembering those who fought and suffered there thousands were captured as German forces closed in The brutality extended beyond soldiers; civilians suffered under the German advance particularly at the hands of elite SS units including the infamous 1st Motorised Infantry Regiment of the Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler Division alongside the 5th Panzer Division from Corinth and Tripoli Fierce clashes erupted on Kalamata’s beaches and outskirts Between 7,000 and 8,000 Commonwealth and Yugoslav troops who could not escape were taken prisoner carried out by small boats and Sunderland flying boats—one of which tragically crashed off Kordia Allied naval forces managed to rescue about 8,000 men offering a final glimmer of hope amidst the devastation Here's a guide to some of the best types of olives available for roasting and travel writer Wini Moranville is the author of "Everyday French Cooking: Modern French Cuisine Made Simple." Over the past 25 years covering everything from Christmas Cookies to Cognac for Better Homes and Gardens Lindsey Scharold has over 5 years of professional writing experience from copywriting and technical writing to journalism and cultural criticism she has worked as a Research Assistant at Parsons School of Design and as an Editorial Intern at The New School for Social Research where she earned her MA in Creative Publishing and Critical Journalism Photographer: Kelsey Hansen; Food Stylist: Annie Probst Whether you’re an avid football fan or someone who only casually follows the sport there’s no denying the power of a local football team to become something much bigger than the game itself Football clubs often evolve into unofficial ambassadors of their suburbs or cities—carrying not just the hopes of fans Affectionately known as the “Black Storm” Kalamata FC is a professional football club based in the scenic coastal city of Kalamata The club competes in Super League 2 Greece the second tier of Greek football—but their impact reaches far beyond league standings After 25 long years away from Greece’s top division Kalamata FC is knocking on the door of promotion after steady progress and a second-place finish in the regular season they are in the playoffs—only two points and a game in hand behind leaders Kyfisia whom they face in a sold-out clash at their home ground the Municipal Stadium (also known as Paralia Stadium as it is only a couple of kicks away from the Messinian Bay) on Sunday From modest crowds of 300 or 400 earlier in the year to playing in front of nearly full houses of almost 6,000 fans the team’s rise has rekindled local pride The club now draws the largest fan base in regional Greece But the ripple effect has reached much further Kalamata FC is bringing together the Messenian diaspora—from Chicago to Montreal to Melbourne It’s worth noting that Messenia was one of the largest regional contributors to post-war migration to Australia the majority of Australians of Messenian heritage live in Melbourne following Kalamata FC is more than supporting a team—it’s staying connected to our roots When asked who they’d support if their regular Super League team were to face their hometown club most Messenians don’t hesitate: Kalamata first Because as they say—blood is thicker than water And when a regional team is on the verge of long-awaited success A football club isn’t just about the scoreboard—it’s about shared memories whether you’re present in the stands in Kalamata or watching from a home in Melbourne Our congratulations to Kalamata FC President a proud member of the Messenian diaspora himself His vision and unwavering commitment have been instrumental in driving the club forward during the last seven years It’s great to see a member of the diaspora give back to the place where he was born—and in doing so What’s equally inspiring is the broader social awareness many clubs are now embracing along with PAOK FC from Thessaloniki and OFI Crete recently participated in a Sustainability Conference—demonstrating how football clubs can extend their impact beyond the pitch and contribute meaningfully to stronger The next few weeks are filled with hope and anticipation this season has reminded us all of the unbreakable bond between a town and its people—near and far but we’ll be cheering proudly for the black and white *Paul Orfanos (Representative of Kalamata FC in Australia) *Agatha Koroneos (President of Pantrifilian Association of Melbourne and Victoria) *Sam Vlachos (President of Society of Kalamata 23 March – Melbourne) *Stan Dimitrakopoulos (President of Papaflessas Social Club – Melbourne) *Rita Lambros (Vice President of Navarino Panpyliaki Brotherhood – Melbourne & Victoria) “Princes of Pylos: Treasures of the Bronze Age from Messinia,” will run from February 14 to April 27 Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni will inaugurate the exhibition in Kalamata on Friday evening Public access will begin the following day The exhibition highlights the evolution of Mycenaean cultural identity from the Middle Helladic to the Late Helladic period when the Kingdom of Pylos dominated most of Messinia Mendoni emphasized its archaeological and historical importance praising the detailed craftsmanship of its burial objects and the insights it provides into Mycenaean society She also underscored Greece’s ongoing efforts to promote its rich cultural heritage from Cycladic civilization to the Mycenaean era Mendoni commended the Ephorate of Antiquities of Messinia for its systematic work in preserving and promoting sites such as the Palace of Nestor connecting Mycenaean landmarks across 17 regional units from central Greece to the Peloponnese and Cephalonia The exhibition is a collaboration between the Ephorate of Antiquities of Messinia and archaeologists Jack L who led the Griffin Warrior Tomb excavation under the American School of Classical Studies in Athens supervised by the Greek Ministry of Culture the exhibition will travel to the Getty Villa Museum in California (opening June 25 it will be displayed at the National Archaeological Museum in Athens before becoming a permanent exhibit in Messinia Mendoni noted that this international presentation aligns with Greece’s broader cultural outreach strategy emphasizing the country’s commitment to sharing its heritage with the world 📍 Archaeological Museum of Messinia (Benaki & 3 Aghiou Ioanni, Kalamata 24100)🕰 Winter Hours (Until March 31): 08:30 – 15:30 (Closed Tuesdays & Holidays)🎟 Entry Fees: €2 (Standard), €15 (Combination Ticket for Sites)📞 Contact: (+30) 2721083485 | 📧 efames@culture.gr🔗 More Information on Ano Englianos Excavations: griffinwarrior.org Ridomo Gorge in Messinia: An impressive monument of nature Lloyd's List is part of Maritime Intelligence This site is operated by a business or businesses owned by Maritime Insights & Intelligence Limited registered in England and Wales with company number 13831625 and address c/o Hackwood Secretaries Limited Lloyd’s List Intelligence is a trading name of Maritime Insights & Intelligence Limited Lloyd’s is the registered trademark of the Society Incorporated by the Lloyd’s Act 1871 by the name of Lloyd’s For high-quality copies or electronic reprints for distribution to colleagues or customers please call UK support at +44 (0)20 3377 3996 / APAC support at +65 6508 2430 As many as 20 tankers have been tracked to regions that are linked to Russia-Asia crude trade flows A subscription is required to continue reading this content Your username does not meet the requirements Sorry - public email accounts are not allowed An account with that username already exists Unfortunately we've not been able to process your registration Your question has been successfully sent to the email address below and we will get back as soon as possible This article has been sent to my@email.address With the aim of extending the tourist season the municipality of Kalamata approved approximately 200,000 euros to strengthen the international image of the destination which will consequently increase tourist flows to the Peloponnese destination as the municipality's tourism committee hopes The municipality of Kalamata's weapons for achieving the above goal are the promotion of the cultural and gastronomic portfolio of the region as well as the promotion of its alternative forms which the geographical relief of the region generously offers to the visitor cooperation with private sector bodies should be considered certain since the goal of shaping a multidimensional destination cannot exclude private initiative in this effort Kalamata honored city at exhibition in Lugano the municipality of Kalamata will be honored city at an exhibition in Lugano where the new tourist identity of the destination will be presented but also the Peloponnese Region in general will be promoted Let us recall that 155 thousand international passengers arrived at Kalamata airport in 2024 recording a 20% increase compared to the previous year 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 Nafplio at the epicenter of world yachting with the 10th Mediterranean Yacht Show FedHATTA | Tourism Bridges between Greece and the Chinese province of Guizhou Top distinctions for Greece and Santorini at the American Leisure Lifestyle Awards 2025 Samaria Gorge “War Zone” – “Others Decide, We Pay the Price” TripAdvisor Awards 2025 | Elafonisi Beach World's Best Beach - 9th in Crete, Sani Beach Award HOTREC | Supporting SMEs in European Hospitality Argosaronic Islands: Need for a long-term strategy and modern infrastructure Tourism | Promoting Crete in the Arabian Gulf Competitions with a summer and autumn backdrop: Attica runs at the pace of sports What the Israeli Ambassador discussed at the Chania Chamber Aegean and Emirates expand their partnership North Macedonia: Increase in foreign tourists in 2024 Crete also invests in cycling tourism - 13th Pediadas Tour ATM'25 - Tourism | The fight against food waste at the forefront of sustainable development PM at 1st Greece-Saudi Arabia High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council on Monday What to expect at this year’s ITB Berlin Exhibition from March 4-6 12th BAJAGREECE: Motorsports Competition in Western Macedonia Greece's Permanent Delegation to UNESCO organizing concert on January 16 Athens to host the European Film Awards in 2027 Alonissos tops the list of Greek destinations without mass tourism Delta | Athens is in 5th place in American searches for 2025 German tourism: Advance bookings are the new "last-minute" Athens Municipality Festival 2025 | The city's biggest celebration, with more than 200 events ELSTAT: Hospitality enterprises' turnover grows 28.6% in Greece during Q1 Promotion of Preveza on the metro and tram in Athens The rul­ing ends a long-stand­ing con­tro­versy and allows Greek olive grow­ers to simul­ta­ne­ously mar­ket ​‘Kalamata’ and ​‘Kalamata PDO’ olives poten­tially increas­ing exports and rev­enue for the indus­try has dis­missed an appeal by pro­duc­ers from Messenia against a 2022 min­is­te­r­ial decree that equated the terms ​‘Kalamon’ and ​‘Kalamata.’ The rul­ing effec­tively frees the use of ​‘Kalamata’ – named after the admin­is­tra­tive region on the south of the Peloponnese penin­sula – for all pro­duc­ers of Kalamon table olives in the coun­try only pro­duc­ers based in Messenia could mar­ket their Kalamata olives under the name Kalamata com­ple­mented by the Protected Designation of Origin cer­ti­fi­ca­tion obtained in 1996 Olives of the same cul­ti­var grown in other regions were mar­keted only as ​‘Kalamon olives.’ allow­ing pro­duc­ers of the table olive vari­ety through­out the coun­try to pro­mote their Kalamon olives under the Kalamata brand name While the 2018 decree was over­turned after an appeal by Messenian pro­duc­ers who pre­vi­ously had exclu­sive use of the Kalamata name the Supreme Court rejected another appeal against the 2022 decree The court ruled that ​‘Kalamata’ can legally coex­ist with the ​‘PDO Kalamata olives,’ end­ing a long-last­ing con­tro­versy over using the cov­eted Kalamata name, which has divided the country’s table olives sec­tor for years “Today is a his­toric day for the table olives sec­tor and the coun­try as it is a day of vin­di­ca­tion for thou­sands of Greek olive grow­ers and pro­cess­ing stan­dard­iz­ing and export­ing com­pa­nies of the prod­uct,” the Panhellenic Association of Manufacturers Packers and Exporters of Table Olives (Pemete) said in an announce­ment fol­low­ing the court’s deci­sion “After 20 years of patience and efforts of the country’s export­ing com­pa­nies… the coun­cil pro­vided a fair solu­tion that allows the simul­ta­ne­ous cir­cu­la­tion of the ​‘Kalamata’ and ​‘Kalamata PDO’ names,” they added Messenia accounts for around three per­cent of the Kalamon olives pro­duced in the coun­try the most sig­nif­i­cant quan­ti­ties are pro­duced in west­ern Greece and spo­rad­i­cally in other regions The lib­er­al­iza­tion of the Kalamata name will allow Kalamon olive pro­duc­ers across Greece to earn more from their table olive exports due to the global recog­ni­tion of the Kalamata appel­la­tion the Messenian pro­duc­ers have argued that dan­ger looms for Kalamon grow­ers abroad to usurp the term ​‘Kalamata,’ impact­ing Greek pro­duc­ers the 2022 decree not only allows Kalamon olive pro­duc­ers in Greece to mar­ket their olives as Kalamata but it also allows all pro­duc­ers of Kalamon olives on the planet to mar­ket their Kalamon olives as Kalamata olives in the European mar­ket,” Yiannis Pazios the head of the asso­ci­a­tion in sup­port of Messenia PDO olive pro­duc­ers ​“It has cre­ated a back door that allows imported Kalamon olives from other coun­tries to be traded as Kalamata olives which will result in a reduc­tion in the product’s price.” With an aver­age annual pro­duc­tion of 85,000 to 100,000 tons Kalamon/Kalamata table olives are a lead­ing export prod­uct of Greece Greek exports of the Kalamon and other table olive vari­eties exhibit rel­a­tive immu­nity to pro­duc­tion fluc­tu­a­tions main­tain­ing or some­times even increas­ing their share in inter­na­tional mar­kets the coun­try’s pro­duc­tion of table olives totaled only 110,000 tons due to reduced fruit­ing of the trees a 66 per­cent drop com­pared to the pre­vi­ous crop year data from the International Olive Council showed that Greek exports of table olives reached 195,000 tons in 2023 an increase of 13 per­cent com­pared to 2022 More articles on:  , , U.S. Sees Significant Growth in Organic Olive Oil Sales have increased by ten percent while conventional extra virgin olive oil sales slipped Greek Court Rules Kalamon Olives May Use Kalamata Brand The supreme court rejected an appeal by Messenia-based growers that only they could use the Kalamata branding an appellation worth €200 million in exports Croatian Ag Minister Applauds Country’s Most Awarded Producer With four more honors at the 2024 World Olive Oil Competition Avistria is Croatia's most decorated producer European Olive Oil Supply Hits Decade-Low A production drop and low stocks have kept prices high Bringing Peloponnesian Flavors to American Kitchens The producer behind Kosterina believes there is a place in the American kitchen for Koroneiki olive oil produced in its place of origin and traditionally cured Greek olives Arrest of CHO Group CEO Shocks Tunisian Olive Oil Sector An abundant olive harvest in Tunisia has the country's largest olive oil exporter working at full tilt even as questions linger about the company's chief executive Why Olive Oil Prices in Greece Aren't Falling Producers blame middlemen for stubbornly high prices Three Beloved Greek Dishes to Try This Summer seasonal ingredients are combined with the year’s extra virgin olive oil to create some of the most delicious summer dishes of Greek cuisine By Benedict Evans | Friday Fraport Group has won the concession to operate Kalamata Airport a 40 year concession term wherein the airport management is expected to begin in late 2025 Fraport and its Greek partners –Delta Airport Investments S.A (Constantakopoulos Group) – have secured the deal with a bid totaling €45.2m the operating consortium commits to modernising and expanding the terminal infrastructure at Kalamata Airport with capital expenditures amounting to €28.3m within the first three years of the concession and the dividends will amount to a total revenue of €71.2 million euros for the Growth fund we are going to further develop the airport and realize its full potential over the coming decades.” READ MORE: Gordana Schiel replaces Richard Hoyer as MD of Frankfurt Airport Retail READ MORE: Fraport Group 9M results show strong growth for international airports READ MORE: Optimism levels tumble in Q2 TR Confidence Tracker TRBusiness Magazine is free to access. Read the latest issue now Announcements Jet2.com and Jet2holidays have responded to demand from customers and independent travel agents looking to book some Greek sunshine in early summer by adding more flights to Kalamata and Crete (Chania) bringing forward the start of the Summer 26 season in both destinations to early-April.   The leading leisure airline and UK’s largest tour operator have added more services to both popular destinations in early summer with flights now operating to both hotspots from the beginning of April for the first time – earlier than ever before!  Jet2.com and Jet2holidays will begin flying to Crete (Chania) from 3rd April and to Kalamata from 5th April making the new services perfect for those looking to get away at Easter and in the early Summer season.  With thousands more seats going on sale to the sunshine favourites customers and independent travel agents have even more choice and flexibility when it comes to booking some early summer sun or an Easter break.  The extended summer season to Kalamata comes into effect from Manchester and London Stansted Airports As well as flights operating earlier in the season a choice of fantastic hotels are now ready to book from early-April onwards as well as throughout the summer.  The leading airline and tour operator are also boosting their Crete (Chania) programme for Summer 26 from Birmingham with an extended summer season providing more choice for holidaymakers and independent travel agents.  The additional flights going on sale today are:  Holidaymakers travelling to Greece with Jet2.com and Jet2holidays benefit from the companies’ leisure flights and ATOL protected package holidays as well as having the opportunity to experience the industry-leading customer service which has earned the companies the prestigious accolade of Which Travel Brand of the Year for the past three years Recommended Provider for the past nine years and Jet2holidays has been recognised as Which Recommended Provider for the past seven years.  said: “Kalamata and Crete (Chania) are enormously popular destinations and we continue to see strong demand from customers and independent travel agents looking to book or travel earlier in the summer season or for Easter we have reacted quickly to that demand by extending the Summer 26 seasons to Kalamata and Crete (Chania) providing customers with the holiday choices that they want The assurance that customers get from our award-winning flights and ATOL protected package holidays on top of the appeal of these great destinations means we are very confident that these extended seasons will be much welcomed and sought-after.”  About UsThe TeamOur ValuesAdvisory Panel Our Clients What is a Smart City? Terms and ConditionsCookie PolicyRegistrationLogin © 2025 SmartCitiesWorldSmart Cities World Ltd "+ articleTitle +" Features Recent talks have advanced proposals for the screening in Greece of the unique new Australian documentary on the Anzacs in the Greek campaign The Municipality of Kalamata is joining that push Kalamata played a key role in the Anzac story of the 1941 Greek campaign Its port was one of the major evacuation locations for Allied troops as the campaign on the mainland draw to a close Thousands of Allied troops were successfully evacuated by Allied warships Many of these troops were Australian and New Zealand Kalamata was the site of the last major engagement of the campaign on the mainland with the Allied victory at the Battle of Kalamata Waterfront While the fall of the city to the advancing Germans saw thousands of Allied soldiers fall into German captivity many to the small fishing villages of the Mani coast from where they were evacuated by British warships The bravery of Allied soldiers would see them awarded significant military honours for their service at Kalamata with New Zealand soldier Sergeant Jack Hinton being awarded the Victoria Cross Victorians Captain Albert Gray the Military Cross and Private Max Wood the Military Medal and British Major Geddes the Distinguished Service Order Allied soldiers wrote of the support of the local people offering them cake and brandy as they marched towards their campsites on the edge of the city Some like the Victorian Private Syd Grant would be so moved by that support that he would re-name his family farm in Victoria simply “Kalamata” in honour of the support he’d received from the locals during this final stage of the campaign Kalamata and its people are rightly proud of their city’s part in the Greek campaign They are host to the Greek Campaign memorial erected by the UK Brotherhood of Greek Campaign Veterans (of which I am an honorary member) at which they hold an important and well attended annual service not only wrote a book on the role of Kalamata in WW2 (which has been translated from Greek to English by the UK Brotherhood of Greek Campaign Veterans) but also took part in the annual Greek Campaign commemorations at Kalamata A group of dedicated locals – Panagiotis Andrianopoulos Ilias Bitsanis and Vassilis Bakopoulos – have also created and held a Greek campaign walking tour of the town having identified the key sites connected to the Allied presence in the city A new plaque in honour of the Battle of Kalamata Waterfront was created by myself and Melbourne’s Pammessinian Brotherhood Papaflessas and we also collaborated on the publication of my book Grecian Adventure which included references to the role of Kalamata in the Greek campaign Athanasios Vasilopoulos the Mayor of Kalamata toured the Victorian Parliament organised by Lee Tarlamis OAM MP and expressed support for the continuing association between Australia and Kalamata through the remembrance of its role in the Greek campaign This is the context for my recent discussions with the Kalamata Municipality to advance of a range of local commemorative projects including the proposal to screen the Anzac The Greek Chapter documentary in the city The meeting was facilitated by Steve Gotsis of Melbourne’s Pammessinian Brotherhood Papaflessas The high-powered meeting included senior members of the Mayor’s team led by Deputy Mayor (Tourism & Sport) Giorgos Lazaridis Also present were the Deputy Mayor (Strategic Planning & Climate Neutrality) Vassilis Papaefstathiou Mr Ilias Kalfakakos (Technical Adviser Finance & Tourism) and Mr Nasos Makios (Technical Advisor Energy & Circular Economy) and Deputy Mayor Papaefstathiou is also involved in organizing the Kalamata Documentary Film Festival Director of the Greek Community of Melbourne Board along with local commemorative colleagues Panagiotis Andrianopoulos and Sotiris Theodoropoulos There was much support for the proposed screening next year as part of the proposed Greek campaign commemorations in April possibly on the anniversary of the battle of Kalamata waterfront This interest was enhanced by the fact that Kalamata is included in the documentary through the inclusion of Private Syd Grant’s evocative photographs of local townsfolk with Allied soldiers Deputy Mayor Papaefstathiou also proposed that the documentary be submitted for inclusion in next year’s Kalamata Documentary Film Festival to be held in November 2025 Discussion occurred around how to facilitate the inclusion of the necessary of Greek language subtitles Discussion also covered the possible relocation of the Battle of Kalamata Waterfront commemorative plaque to a site more connected with the actual battle location Details were also shared with the city officials on the proposed Greek campaign commemorative events at Kardamyli and Trahila next year on 30 April-1 May which it is hoped would attract a significant number of dignitaries veteran’s family representatives and others A number of Australian politicians have expressed an interest in attending Anzac services in Greece at this time including the Australian Trade Minister and a group of Victorian politicians led by Lee Tarlamis OAM MP It was proposed to screen the Anzac The Greek Chapter in Kalamata around 28 April to complement the events proposed at Kardamyli and Trahila as well as the traditional Anzac Day service at Phaleron War Cemetery in Athens It is hoped this would also attract a similar attendance The screening could be associated with a commemorative service at the possible new Battle of Kalamata Waterfront commemorative plaque should it be successfully re-located as well as holding the Kalamata Greek Campaign Walking Tour A screening in Kalamata at this time would also complement current proposals to screen the documentary in Athens (25 April 2025) and Kardamyli/Trahila (30 April – 1 May 2025) Much work remains to be done to bring these proposals to a reality but the first steps have been taken Along with Melbourne’s Pammessinian Brotherhood Papaflessas and the Lemnos Gallipoli Commemorative Committee Looking forward to working together with the Kalamata Municipality to see Kalamata play an enhanced role in Greece’s annual Anzac Day and Greek campaign commemorations SPORTALSUB.NET Receive the news directly on your WhatsApp - Join our group The 2024 CMAS Freediving World Championships held in Kalamata 8th edition of the senior category championship (18+) and the 4th edition of the masters category championship (50+) VIDEO (CMAS TV) START LISTS AND LIVE RESULTS +info: CMAS Website Senior – CMAS Website Masters – Official Website orig­i­nat­ing from the Kalamon cul­ti­var in Messenia The dis­pute over the use of the Kalamata name for olives pro­duced out­side of Messenia has led to legal bat­tles and changes in reg­u­la­tions impact­ing the export mar­ket for Greek olive pro­duc­ers Kalamata table olives with a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) have received inter­na­tional prop­erty pro­tec­tion after being reg­is­tered with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) under their Greek name Kalamata PDO table olives come from the indige­nous Greek Kalamon cul­ti­var pro­duced in the Messenia pre­fec­ture in south­ern Peloponnese a legally bind­ing inter­na­tional reg­is­ter for Appellations of Origin (AOs) and Geographical Indications (GIs) will pro­tect Kalamata PDO table olives from imi­ta­tions and coun­ter­feit­ing in 76 coun­tries world­wide Kalamata olives from Messenia also bear a pro­tected geo­graph­i­cal indi­ca­tor from the European Union since 1996 “We unwa­ver­ingly con­tinue our efforts to defend and pro­tect the world-famous Protected Designation of Origin despite those who try by all means to abol­ish it,” the Messenia Union of Agricultural Associations which ini­ti­ated and mon­i­tored the WIPO appli­ca­tion for Kalamata olives “We empower and invest in iconic PDO appel­la­tions with vision sci­en­tific intel­li­gence and seri­ous­ness,” they added the Greek National Interprofessional Association of Table Olives (Doepel) con­tra­dicted the union’s state­ment say­ing it was inac­cu­rate and raised sus­pi­cions that no one opposes or tries to abol­ish the Elia Kalamatas PDO,” the inter­pro­fes­sional said it should be noted that the [Kalamata table olive PDO] exhibits no export poten­tial what­so­ever the largest quan­tity exported since 1996… has not exceeded 247 tons — 0.30 per­cent of Greek exports of the Kalamon/Kalamata vari­ety.” The dis­pute between the Messenia Union and the national inter­pro­fes­sional shows that the cov­eted Kalamata appel­la­tion, which con­fers world­wide recog­ni­tion to the prod­uct, con­tin­ues to divide the Greek table olive sec­tor Producers of Kalamon olives based in Messenia claim that the Kalamata name des­ig­nates a PDO prod­uct and should be reserved only for olives pro­duced in the region Kalamon pro­duc­ers in other regions argue that the Kalamata name should be used freely through­out Greece since the olives come from the same cul­ti­var The Greek state and the country’s supreme court have also been drawn into the dis­pute under­scor­ing the chasm between pro­duc­ers In September 2022, the Greek gov­ern­ment issued a min­is­te­r­ial decree allow­ing all pro­duc­ers of Kalamon table olives in the coun­try to use the Kalamata brand name The free­ing of the Kalamata brand name sig­nif­i­cantly boosted exports of Kalamon olives from Greece mar­keted as Kalamata or Kalamata PDO for those pro­duced in Messenia However, it enabled olive pro­duc­ers in other coun­tries to pro­mote their Kalamon olives as Kalamata directly com­pet­ing with Greek pro­duc­ers The Messenian table olive pro­duc­ers have again appealed the 2022 min­is­te­r­ial decree to the Greek Council of State and the Supreme Court’s deci­sion is still pend­ing Kalamon/Kalamata olives pro­duc­tion in Greece can exceed 100,000 tons Around 80 per­cent of pro­duc­tion is des­tined for export to inter­na­tional mar­kets with an export value of more than €200 mil­lion Spain Tackles the Salty Truth About Table Olives High sodium levels in table olives concern public health officials but the pollution from the production process is even greater California Table Olive Yield Projected to Increase for Second Consecutive Year California's table olive production is set to rise to 40,000 tons in 2024 due to favorable weather despite ongoing challenges like labor shortages and competition from imports Trump's Tariffs Threaten Greek Olive Oil, Table Olives jeopardize the Greek staples' positions in the American market Record Olive Oil Prices Drive Food Inflation in Greece A study from the National Bank of Greece found that record olive oil prices were responsible for almost 50 percent of the increase in total food inflation Century-Old California Table Olive Canner Faces Permanent Closure Extreme weather events and financial challenges mean Graber Olive House might have canned its last batch of its iconic table olives Turkey’s Olive Sector Aims for Record $1B in Exports Olive oil and table olive exports could bring $1 billion to Turkish producers previous export bans have hampered efforts The Greek navy’s bid to stop ship-to-ship (STS) transfers of Russian oil off Kalamata has worked albeit in the constant game of tanker whack-a-mole some of these operations have merely transferred some 300 km east towards the island of Chios.  Israeli data firm Windward has detected a new STS hub in the Aegean Sea in between Lesbos and Chios It comes after STS operations off previous Russian tanker hotspot the Greek navy has put out of bounds an area in international waters southeast of the Peloponnese islands six nautical miles off the coast of Laconia a patch of water that has seen Russian-linked tankers dot the horizon over the past couple of years Another area within European waters that is seeing growing amounts of Russian energy swapping ships is around Augusta in Sicily It is clear that a lot of Uber rich don’t care because wealth has taken their morals not able to bring themselves to hurt profits by banning russian petrol or diesel Hell these even support china who illegally occupies Tibet commits genocide and more just because of money What is needed in the west is a revolution and to do what revolutions tend to do with such people Don't have an account? Which language would you like to use this site in The imminent trial of nine survivors of the June 2023 Pylos shipwreck off Greece raises fair trial concerns Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International said today and forming and membership of a criminal organization and could face multiple life sentences if convicted A parallel investigation into the potential liability of the Greek authorities for the shipwreck is at the preliminary stage meaning the criminal court will have incomplete information in assessing the culpability of the defendants The criminal trial is due to begin in Kalamata “There’s a real risk that these nine survivors could be found ‘guilty’ on the basis of incomplete and questionable evidence given that the official investigation into the role of the Coast Guard has not yet been completed,” said Judith Sunderland Associate Europe and Central Asia Director at Human Rights Watch “Credible and meaningful accountability for one of the worst shipwrecks in the Mediterranean needs to include a determination of any liabilities of Greek authorities.” The severely overcrowded fishing trawler capsized on June 14, 2023, leading to the death of more than 600 of its estimated 750 passengers, mainly from Syria, Pakistan and Egypt. Research by Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International and numerous investigative journalists and organizations points to several failures by the Greek authorities in the hours leading up to the shipwreck as well as serious allegations that a Hellenic Coast Guard patrol boat caused the boat to capsize while attempting to tow it The case against the nine Egyptian survivors, referred to as the ‘Pylos 9′ appears to be based on the theory that the poor and overcrowded state of the boat caused the shipwreck and that the defendants were smugglers in charge of the boat and its passengers and therefore responsible for the deaths of those on board It is unclear whether and how the criminal court will examine the behavior of the Hellenic Coast Guard or the allegation that the attempt to tow the boat was the direct A separate Naval Court investigation into the potential liability of the Hellenic Coast Guard Legal nongovernmental organizations joined the case filing a complaint on behalf of 53 survivors alleging that Greek authorities were responsible for the shipwreck and many of them have been summoned to testify The Naval Court prosecutor’s request for forensic analysis of coast guard officers’ phones—only seized by authorities in late September 2023 over two months after the events—is still pending apparently on the basis of testimonies from nine other survivors taken by Hellenic Coast Guard officers in the immediate aftermath of the traumatic shipwreck It is unclear whether or how many other survivors gave their accounts and whether these were evaluated before the accused were arrested and subsequently sent into pre-trial custody There are real concerns regarding the respect of fair trial standards based on questions about the integrity of the investigation and evidence The speed at which the investigation against survivors was concluded and the ‘Pylos 9’ defence lawyers’ lack of access to the Naval Court case file compound these concerns Members of the ‘Pylos 9’ defence team told the organizations that the investigating judge in the Kalamata court rejected defendants’ requests to secure further evidence including evidence pertaining to the potential liability of the Hellenic Coast Guard on the grounds that it falls within the jurisdiction of the Naval Court The defendants’ lawyers have been unable to gain access to the investigation file before the Naval Court despite its clear relevance to preparing the defence The judge rejected the request for analysis of any data from survivors’ mobile phones which were confiscated by Greek authorities under unclear circumstances then reportedly discovered on the coast guard boat and seized as part of the Kalamata investigation only in July 2023 The judge also rejected motions by defence lawyers to take testimony from additional survivors and to acquire the communications between the Hellenic Coast Guard Frontex and the Greek Joint Rescue Coordination Center and aerial photos of the boat prior to the shipwreck The separate investigation into the Hellenic Coast Guard’s potential liability should not impede the defendants’ access to crucial Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch said The Kalamata and Naval courts should cooperate in the interests of justice with the goal of achieving as full and credible an account of how the shipwreck occurred and identifying those responsible and any alleged fatal shortcomings in the rescue efforts International and European human rights law guarantees a defendant’s right to an effective defence when facing a criminal charge this means the defendants have the right to “adequate facilities” for preparing their defence including “all materials that the prosecution plans to offer in court against the accused or that are exculpatory.” The Kalamata court should guarantee that the ‘Pylos 9’ receive a fair and impartial trial and that their full due process rights are upheld and respected The Naval Court should advance investigations promptly effectively and impartially and ensure the safe and effective participation of the largest possible number of survivors and relatives of victims and full collection of evidence racialised people who are seeking to travel to Europe end up being the only ones facing accountability in the context of migration movements,” said Adriana Tidona Migration Researcher at Amnesty International “The Pylos investigations and trials must serve as a turning point for this dangerous trajectory.” Together we can fight for human rights everywhere Your donation can transform the lives of millions If you are talented and passionate about human rights then Amnesty International wants to hear from you