A fire that erupted at noon in a wood processing factory in Heraklion’s Industrial Area on March 25, 2025, has been contained after an intense effort by over 100 firefighters. The blaze, which caused significant damage, was confined to the facility with the help of 25 fire trucks and critical support from local agencies, preventing it from spreading to nearby businesses
Tag: Crete
In Crete’s Ano Vouves village, the 4,000-year-old Olive Tree of Vouves still bears fruit, its twisted trunk a testament to millennia of survival. Older than Alexander the Great, this living relic blends botanical marvel with Greek heritage.
Greece is set to shine in 2025, ranking among the world’s top five travel destinations. With an 8% surge in summer bookings led by the UK and Germany, islands like Crete, Rhodes, and Zakynthos are seeing double-digit gains, while Santorini fights to rebound from early setbacks. Unveiled at ITB Berlin 2025, the data confirms Greece’s enduring appeal, securing its spot behind only Spain in TUI’s global rankings.
As Greece bids farewell to a recent cold snap, the National Meteorological Service (EMY) predicts a spring-like shift for Thursday, March 20, 2025. Temperatures will climb to 16°C in parts of the country, though fierce winds up to 8 Beaufort will continue to sweep the Aegean. While most regions enjoy clear skies, Crete braces for rain and light mountain snow, keeping the weather a mixed bag for the nation.
Eleftherios Venizelos, a Cretan-born leader, transformed Greece in the early 20th century, driving territorial expansion and modernization as Prime Minister, earning him the title “The Maker of Modern Greece.
A Coast Guard operation successfully rescued 71 migrants from a small boat 16 nautical miles south of Viannos, Crete, transporting them to Kaloi Limenes, Heraklion, for temporary housing.
A month after vanishing in Chania, 21-year-old German tourist Johan was found dead Friday in the Samaria Gorge’s rugged Gigilos area, near ‘Mitato tou Tzatzimou.’ Mountaineers discovered his body after a relentless search sparked by his sister’s viral social media plea, ending hopes for the young holidaymaker last seen at Xyloskalo on 13 February.
Speaking in Crete on Thursday, Defence Minister Nikos Dendias unveiled the ‘Achilles’ Shield’—a five-layered defence system set to redefine Greece’s military strategy. With Crete as a geopolitical linchpin, he highlighted its role in NATO and energy security, while touting the homegrown ‘Centaur’ anti-drone tech. The full plan hits Parliament next week, courtesy of PM Mitsotakis.
Greece ranks eighth globally for luxury real estate investment in 2024, driven by millionaire inflows and competitive pricing, with hotspots like the Athenian Riviera and emerging areas like Evia and Lefkada attracting buyers. High rental yields, government tax incentives, and sustainable features like EV charging stations make the country a top choice, despite rising prices.
Greece is set for a mix of weather extremes, with mud showers and thunderstorms expected midweek, followed by a surge in temperatures up to 15°C above seasonal norms. African dust will reduce visibility, while strong southerly winds will reach up to 8 Beaufort. By the weekend, warm air masses from Africa will push temperatures to summer-like levels, particularly in Crete and the mainland. Stay updated with EMY forecasts as Greece experiences this unusual weather shift.
A tragic case in Heraklion, Crete, has taken a new turn as the mother and partner of 3-year-old Angelos now face manslaughter charges for his brutal abuse and death. The couple, set to provide a supplementary apology on Friday, continues to blame each other for the horrific crime. Meanwhile, new forensic findings are expected to shed light on the child’s fatal injuries, as Greece grapples with the shocking details of the case.
High in the Indian Himalayas, Roopkund Lake, known as the ‘Skeleton Lake’, holds the remains of hundreds of mysterious individuals, including some with Mediterranean ancestry from as recent as 220 years ago. Despite extensive research, the reasons behind their journey and demise remain unsolved, adding to the lake’s eerie allure.
Born on December 6, 1994, in Tepelenë, Albania, Klaudjo Dhespo, known professionally as Toquel, moved…
In a recent interview, Migration Minister Nikos Panagiotopoulos stated that Greece will not accept mass returns of migrants from Western European countries. He emphasized the need for stricter asylum regulations and increased border security, while also addressing concerns over new migration routes from North Africa to Crete.
Nestled along the southwestern coast of Crete, Greece, lies a breathtaking gem known as Elafonissi Beach. This picturesque stretch of sand, adorned with a captivating pink hue, has recently been awarded the prestigious title of World’s Best Beach by Tripadvisor, a recognition it earned for the first time in 2025.
The Heraklion Police Department changed the charge from attempted homicide to dangerous bodily harm for…
The Greek island of Gavdos experienced an unprecedented surge in migrant arrivals on February 27, 2025, with seven separate landings occurring in a single day. Approximately 350 individuals, all young men, either reached the island’s shores or were rescued by the Hellenic Coast Guard. Authorities coordinated efforts to transport the migrants to Crete, highlighting the growing pressures on Greek border control and humanitarian response efforts as Mediterranean migration continues at a steady pace.
Renowned Greek singer Manolis Lidakis has passed away at the age of 64. Found in an Airbnb in Annissaras, Hersonissos, his passing marks the end of a remarkable musical journey. Born in Heraklion, Crete, Lidakis rose to fame through his heartfelt performances in modern Greek and Cretan music. Over the decades, he collaborated with esteemed artists and left behind a lasting legacy in Greek music. His distinctive voice and passion for traditional and contemporary sounds will be deeply missed.
Greek authorities rescued 82 undocumented migrants found 11 nautical miles south of Crete early Wednesday. The Hellenic Coast Guard safely transferred them to Kali Limenes, where they were reported to be in good health. They will be temporarily housed in Heraklion as officials assess their status.
Crete, often called a “Mediterranean jewel,” has secured a prestigious spot among the world’s and Europe’s elite travel destinations in TripAdvisor’s 2025 Travelers’ Choice Awards ‘Best of the Best’ lists. Ranking 9th globally and 5th in Europe, the island is celebrated for its rich history, cultural landmarks, and diverse outdoor activities, earning high praise from travelers worldwide.