Tag: Rhodes

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Greece Ranks Among Top Five Global Destinations for 2025

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.

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Greek Prosecutors Charge Suspects in Rhodes Urban Planning Corruption Scandal

In a major crackdown on corruption, Greek prosecutors have charged seven suspects linked to the Rhodes Urban Planning Authority with 13 serious offenses, including bribery, forgery, and operating a criminal organization. The year-long investigation, sparked by a 2024 complaint to the Hellenic Police’s anti-corruption unit, uncovered a scheme where officials allegedly extorted citizens for licensing favors, with fees starting at €2,000. While one suspect, the former department head, was released, the case has shaken public trust on the tourism-reliant island.

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Express Visa for Turks Renewed for One Year, Expanded to More Greek Islands

The European Commission has extended the express visa program for Turkish citizens visiting Greece’s Aegean islands for another year, starting April 1, 2025. The seven-day visas, issued at island ports, now include Patmos and Samothrace alongside ten other islands, boosting tourism and strengthening ties between the two nations.

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UAV Patroller Drones to Bolster Greek Armed Forces Surveillance from Rhodes and Chrysoupoli

The Greek Armed Forces will soon deploy four Patroller UAVs from Rhodes and Chrysoupoli, enhancing surveillance across the Aegean, Thrace, and borders with Turkey. Costing €55 million, these French-made drones offer real-time reconnaissance and a low radar signature, with plans for potential armed variants under consideration.

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Earthquake of 4.4 Magnitude Strikes Near Rhodes

A 4.4-magnitude earthquake struck near Rhodes late Monday night, with its epicenter 14 km west of Katavia, according to the Geodynamic Institute. The tremor, recorded at 23:46 local time, had a focal depth of 21.5 km. No damage or injuries have been reported, but authorities continue to monitor the situation in the seismically active Dodecanese region.

Ierros

Greece’s Most Powerful Earthquakes: A Look at the Nation’s Seismic History

Greece has a long history of powerful earthquakes, with some of the most devastating tremors causing widespread destruction and loss of life. From the 8.0 magnitude earthquake in Rhodes in 1926 to the deadly Ionian earthquakes of 1953, seismic activity has repeatedly shaped the nation’s landscape. As the Cyclades experience ongoing tremors, experts debate the potential for a major quake, highlighting the ever-present seismic risks in the region.

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Rhodes Court Sentences Gynecologist to 73 Years for Rape and Sexual Assault of Patients

A 69-year-old gynecologist in Rhodes, Greece, has been sentenced to 73 years and 9 months in prison after being found guilty of multiple rapes and indecent assaults against female patients during medical examinations. The court rejected any mitigating circumstances, ordering the doctor to serve 20 years behind bars and banning him from practicing medicine for two years. The case, involving 21 victims over a span of six years, has sparked national outrage and renewed calls for stricter oversight of medical professionals.

"UNESCO was not bothered that we turned Hagia Sophia into a mosque", says Turkish Minister

Hagia Sophia’s Rhodian Connection Confirmed by Science

Centuries-old legends from the island of Rhodes whispered of a crucial contribution to the majestic Hagia Sophia: the very bricks used to construct its magnificent domes. Now, cutting-edge scientific research has confirmed these whispers, revealing that the iconic structure owes its strength and lightness to the unique clay of this small Aegean island. Discover the fascinating story of how Rhodian materials and Byzantine ingenuity combined to create one of the world’s architectural marvels.

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Turkey to Launch Large-Scale “Blue Homeland 2025” Exercise

Turkey is launching a major air and naval exercise, “Blue Homeland 2025,” across the Aegean, Mediterranean, and Black Seas from January 7th-16th. The large-scale operation will involve 87 surface vessels, 7 submarines, drones, aircraft, and 20,000 personnel, showcasing Turkey’s maritime strength. A Distinguished Visitors’ Day is scheduled for January 9th at the Aksaz Naval Base, opposite Rhodes.

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Fraport Greece Reports 6.4% Increase in Passenger Traffic for 2024

Fraport Greece reported a 6.4% increase in passenger traffic for the first 11 months of 2024, reaching 35.22 million passengers. November saw an 11.6% rise in traffic compared to 2023, driven by an extended tourist season and a surge in international arrivals. The company plans to invest approximately €150 million in airport upgrades, including infrastructure improvements at popular destinations like Santorini, Mykonos, and Corfu. Fraport Greece continues to enhance its network to support the growing demand and strengthen Greece’s aviation sector.

Traditional symbol behind Christmas boats in Greece

The Greek Christmas Boat: A Maritime Tradition

More than just decorations, the “karavakia” – small decorated boats – are a powerful symbol of Greek maritime heritage and the joy of Christmas. From their historical roots to their modern-day presence, these festive vessels tell a rich cultural story.