Why Crete is Europe’s next big thing: Sun, villas, and serious opportunity

https://euroweeklynews.com/2025/06/05/why-crete-is-europes-next-big-thing-sun-villas-and-serious-opportunity/




Why Crete is Europe’s next big thing: Sun, villas, and serious opportunity

By Tarek Salame • Published: 05 Jun 2025 


Crete’s coast, where caves meet crystal shores. Credit: jarino47 from Getty Images Pro


Crete is making a statement in 2025, Greece’s largest island has quietly become one of Europe’s most in-demand destinations, not only for your sun-drenched holidays. But also for serious investors, digital nomads and sustainability pioneers. While Santorini and Mykonos are battling tourism fatigue, Crete is stealing the show with its record-breaking tourist arrivals, rising property values, and a coastline that still feels vibrant and authentic.

Behind the postcard views, something more profound is unfolding. A booming real estate market is pushing the limits of local housing, while drought conditions are testing the island’s resilience. Yet, the people keep coming, not just for a week in July, but to build a life, a business, and a future. So what is happening in Crete? Why is it topping the search list, the real portfolio and the traveller wish list all at once?. Let’s explore why this island is no longer a hidden gem; it is an emerging platform with its own risks, rewards, and real estate power.........

https://euroweeklynews.com/2025/06/05/why-crete-is-europes-next-big-thing-sun-villas-and-serious-opportunity/

"TTW Travel and Tour World": Spain, Greece, France, Italy and Portugal Face Unprecedented Tourism Surge Driving Fierce Local Backlash and Urgent Calls for Sustainable Change

 https://www.travelandtourworld.gr/news/article/spain-greece-france-italy-and-portugal-face-unprecedented-tourism-surge-driving-fierce-local-backlash-and-urgent-calls-for-sustainable-change/

Η Ισπανία, η Ελλάδα, η Γαλλία, η Ιταλία και η Πορτογαλία αντιμετωπίζουν πρωτοφανή άνοδο του τουρισμού, προκαλώντας έντονες τοπικές αντιδράσεις και επείγουσες εκκλήσεις για βιώσιμη αλλαγή

 Κυριακή, Μάιος 25, 2025

Spain, Greece, France, Italy, and Portugal are experiencing an unprecedented surge in tourism that is straining local resources and igniting widespread community

"POLITICO":European prosecutor slams ‘attacks’ and ‘intimidation’ against Greek farm fraud probe

 https://www.politico.eu/article/european-prosecutor-slams-attacks-and-intimidation-against-greek-farm-fraud-probe/

..........

Δύο εισαγγελείς, μαζί με 20 αστυνομικούς, έφτασαν στον ΟΠΕΚΕΠΕ στις 9:30 π.μ. στις 19 Μαΐου, αλλά εμποδίστηκαν να έχουν πρόσβαση στα δεδομένα που ζητήθηκαν, σύμφωνα με την Ευρωπαϊκή Εισαγγελία.

Οι εργαζόμενοι του ΟΠΕΚΕΠΕ δήλωσαν ότι δεν μπόρεσαν να παράσχουν τα δεδομένα λόγω της απουσίας τεχνικών συμβούλων. Μετά από αρκετές ώρες, οι εισαγγελείς ζήτησαν ένορκες βεβαιώσεις από τους εργαζόμενους που να επιβεβαιώνουν την αδυναμία τους να συμμορφωθούν, τις οποίες αρνήθηκαν να υπογράψουν. Οι εισαγγελείς ζήτησαν από τον πρόεδρο του ΟΠΕΚΕΠΕ, Νίκο Σαλάτα, να υπογράψει ένορκη βεβαίωση ή να αντιμετωπίσει σύλληψη για παρεμπόδιση της δικαιοσύνης, ανέφερε η Εισαγγελία.

Τελικά συνεργάστηκε και οι εισαγγελείς έφυγαν τελικά από τον ΟΠΕΚΕΠΕ στις 4 π.μ. την επόμενη μέρα με όλα όσα χρειάζονταν, σύμφωνα με την EPPO....

...........Την περασμένη Δευτέρα, Ευρωπαίοι εισαγγελείς πραγματοποίησαν έφοδο στα κεντρικά γραφεία του ΟΠΕΚΕΠΕ, κατάσχοντας ψηφιακά δεδομένα που ήταν αποθηκευμένα τοπικά και στο cloud, καθώς και σκληρούς δίσκους και κινητά τηλέφωνα, σύμφωνα με αξιωματούχους της Ευρωπαϊκής Εισαγγελίας και του ΟΠΕΚΕΠΕ.

.............

https://www.politico.eu/article/european-prosecutor-slams-attacks-and-intimidation-against-greek-farm-fraud-probe/

"abc NEWS":Greece hooks up undersea power link to Crete...

 https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/greece-hooks-undersea-power-link-crete-key-mediterranean-122194594

Greece hooks up undersea power link to Crete that's key to Mediterranean expansion

Greece has completed a billion euro undersea power cable link connecting the mainland to the island of Crete

ByDEREK GATOPOULOS Associated Press

May 26, 2025, 3:27 PM

ATHENS, Greece -- Greece announced Monday it has completed the work on an undersea power cable link connecting the mainland to the island of Crete, a key step in its ambitious plan for a wider expansion of the grid in the Eastern Mediterranean that will eventually include Cyprus and Israel.

The 1 billion euro ($1.14 billion) link spanning 330 kilometers (205 miles) was plugged in on Saturday and is expected to be fully operational this summer, Greece’s grid operator said.

The project, for which the European Union provided the bulk of funding through grants and loans, aims to bolster energy diversification after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine....

https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/greece-hooks-undersea-power-link-crete-key-mediterranean-122194594

ΤΗΕ NATIONAL HERALD newsletter

 

THE NATIONAL HERALD ­ ΕΘΝΙΚΟΣ ΚΗΡΥΞ ­  THE GREEK EDIT ­

Sunset in Santorini? Cooking for your Greek in-laws?  There's more to TNH than the latest breaking headlines. Discover Greek travel, lifestyle, and more!  Discover a world of independent Hellenism

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ΤΗΕ NATIONAL HERALD:he Greek Diaspora Can Help Solve Greece’s Alarming Population Decline

https://www.thenationalherald.com/the-greek-diaspora-can-help-solve-greeces-alarming-population-decline/

The Greek Diaspora Can Help Solve Greece’s Alarming Population Decline

You’ve seen the grim headlines announcing Greece’s burgeoning demographic crisis: one of Europe’s lowest fertility rates combined with the nation’s youth fleeing the country for greater economic prospects elsewhere spells the need for serious reform, and fast.

Greece’s population dipped below 10 million for the first time since 1984 this past January. It’s not an exaggeration to say the country’s long-term future hangs in the balance if these trends continue.

The World Health Organization’s latest projections estimate a further 14% population decrease by 2050, down to approximately 8.8 million. Equally concerning are the recent economic forecasts showing Greece’s workforce will halve in size by 2100.....

https://www.thenationalherald.com/the-greek-diaspora-can-help-solve-greeces-alarming-population-decline/

Η ελληνική διασπορά μπορεί να βοηθήσει στην επίλυση της ανησυχητικής μείωσης του πληθυσμού της Ελλάδας
24 Μαΐου 2025
Από τον Κρις Μπένις


Η Ελλάδα αντιμετωπίζει δημογραφική κρίση λόγω χαμηλών ποσοστών γονιμότητας και αυξημένου προσδόκιμου ζωής. Φωτογραφία: Shutterstock


Έχετε δει τους ζοφερούς τίτλους που ανακοινώνουν την αυξανόμενη δημογραφική κρίση της Ελλάδας: ένα από τα χαμηλότερα ποσοστά γονιμότητας στην Ευρώπη, σε συνδυασμό με τη φυγή των νέων από τη χώρα για καλύτερες οικονομικές προοπτικές αλλού, καταδεικνύει την ανάγκη για σοβαρές μεταρρυθμίσεις, και μάλιστα γρήγορα.

Ο πληθυσμός της Ελλάδας μειώθηκε κάτω από τα 10 εκατομμύρια για πρώτη φορά από το 1984 τον περασμένο Ιανουάριο. Δεν είναι υπερβολή να πούμε ότι το μακροπρόθεσμο μέλλον της χώρας κρέμεται από μια κλωστή αν συνεχιστούν αυτές οι τάσεις.

Οι τελευταίες προβλέψεις του Παγκόσμιου Οργανισμού Υγείας εκτιμούν περαιτέρω μείωση του πληθυσμού κατά 14% έως το 2050, σε περίπου 8,8 εκατομμύρια. Εξίσου ανησυχητικές είναι οι πρόσφατες οικονομικές προβλέψεις που δείχνουν ότι το εργατικό δυναμικό της Ελλάδας θα μειωθεί στο μισό έως το 2100.
....

https://www.thenationalherald.com/the-greek-diaspora-can-help-solve-greeces-alarming-population-decline/

‘A privilege to honour his memory’: Sydney marks 84 years since Battle of Crete

 https://greekherald.com.au/community/a-privilege-to-honour-his-memory-sydney-marks-84-years-since-battle-of-crete/

‘A privilege to honour his memory’: Sydney marks 84 years since Battle of Crete

19 / 05 / 2025


·
Andriana Simos
Cretan youth at the Cenotaph. All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.



Hundreds gathered at the Cenotaph in Martin Place, Sydney on Saturday, May 17, to honour the 84th anniversary of the Battle of Crete and the Greek Campaign.

It was a solemn and deeply moving service that paid tribute to extraordinary acts of courage, sacrifice and solidarity between the peoples of Greece, Australia and New Zealand during the Second World War.....

https://greekherald.com.au/community/a-privilege-to-honour-his-memory-sydney-marks-84-years-since-battle-of-crete/

National commemorations for 84th anniversary of Battle of Crete across Australia and New Zealand

 https://neoskosmos.com/en/2025/05/21/news/community/national-commemorations-for-84th-anniversary-of-battle-of-crete-across-australia-and-new-zealand/



National commemorations for 84th anniversary of Battle of Crete across Australia and New Zealand


German paratroops, part of the German airborne invasion of Crete, parachuting onto the village of Suda. Sunken British shipping can be seen in Suda Bay and a burning Junkers JU52 is flying across Suda Bay toward the Akrotiri Peninsula. Photo: AWM


Staff writers
21 May 2025 3:06pm
FacebookTwitter: @NeosKosmosInstagram


Commemorative events marking the 84th anniversary of the Battle of Crete are now underway, honouring a pivotal World War II campaign that cemented the bonds between Greece, Australia, and New Zealand.

The national program, unveiled by the Cretan Federation of Australia and New Zealand, spans May and June, featuring official ceremonies, cultural events, and the participation of a high-ranking delegation from Greece’s Ministry of National Defence.....

https://neoskosmos.com/en/2025/05/21/news/community/national-commemorations-for-84th-anniversary-of-battle-of-crete-across-australia-and-new-zealand/

 

Hellasjournal.com Read on blog or Reader Guardian: Παρά τη βελτίωση των αριθμών, η νέα Ελλάδα μοιάζει ανησυχητικά με την παλιά – Αναγέννηση ή οδεύοντας στη νέα κατάρρευση; By p.zag on May 12, 2025 Τα δημόσια οικονομικά φαίνονται εύρωστα και οι νέες κατασκευές σηματοδοτούν την αναγέννηση - ή την ύβρι που προαναγγέλλει μια ακόμη κατάρρευση. Continue reading

Hellasjournal.com © 2025.

Crete is the Best Family-friendly Destination for Irish Travelers..

https://news.gtp.gr/2025/05/02/crete-is-best-family-friendly-destination-for-irish-travelers-says-study/


Crete is the Best Family-friendly Destination for Irish Travelers, Says Study
Posted On 02 May 2025
By : GTP editing team


Chania, Crete.

Crete won the crown of the best family-friendly holiday destinations for Irish families, according to a study published by insurance provider Chill Insurance.

The company’s experts analyzed flight durations, the availability of family-friendly hotels, average accommodation costs for a one-week stay, and meal prices in popular holiday destinations to identify the best and worst options for family travel in 2025.

Boasting 300 family-friendly hotels, 14 hours of daily sunshine, and average temperatures of 22°C between April and August, Crete ranks as the top family holiday destination.....

https://news.gtp.gr/2025/05/02/crete-is-best-family-friendly-destination-for-irish-travelers-says-study/

The future of wine tourism in Crete

https://www.tornosnews.gr/en/tourism-businesses/gastronomy/51659-conference-the-future-of-wine-tourism-in-crete.html


Conference | The future of wine tourism in Crete
TornosNews.gr 06.05.2025 | 07:27



The Development Organization of Crete, within the framework of the Open Doors of Wineries institution, is organizing on Thursday, May 16, 2025 at 17:30, at the Dourakis Winery, an open conference on the topic: "The next day of wine tourism in Crete".



Wine tourism, an activity that has been developing steadily in Crete over the last two decades, has now evolved into a key axis of the agrotourism and cultural map of the island. The conference aims to highlight the challenges and opportunities of the sector, to map the needs of wine producers, and to examine the next steps for a more qualitative and sustainable development.

....

https://www.tornosnews.gr/en/tourism-businesses/gastronomy/51659-conference-the-future-of-wine-tourism-in-crete.html

Government and Ecumenical Patriarchate over Metropolitan Election

https://orthodoxtimes.com/church-of-crete-at-odds-with-government-and-ecumenical-patriarchate-over-metropolitan-election/


Government and Ecumenical Patriarchate over Metropolitan Election
May 07, 2025



Tensions rise between the Church of Crete, the Greek government, and the Ecumenical Patriarchate, centered on the vacant seat in the Metropolis of Kydonia and Apokoronas.

In an official statement, the Holy Eparchial Synod of the Church of Crete strongly reacted to what it described as “intervention by various institutional figures aiming to prevent the election of a specific individual” as the new Metropolitan of Kydonia and Apokoronas....

https://orthodoxtimes.com/church-of-crete-at-odds-with-government-and-ecumenical-patriarchate-over-metropolitan-election/

Crete celebrates its cultural heritage with two major events in May

 https://www.tornosnews.gr/en/greek-news/greek-news/culture/51666-crete-celebrates-its-cultural-heritage-with-two-major-events-in-may.html

Crete celebrates its cultural heritage with two major events in May
TornosNews.gr 07.05.2025 | 08:28

Heraklion Archaeological Museum


In May, Crete celebrates its rich cultural heritage with two major events, scheduled to take place with the support of the Region of Crete.....

https://www.tornosnews.gr/en/greek-news/greek-news/culture/51666-crete-celebrates-its-cultural-heritage-with-two-major-events-in-may.html

Crete: Beaches in Rethymno to Receive New Accessibility Infrastructure -

 

https://news.gtp.gr/2025/01/31/crete-beaches-in-rethymno-to-receive-new-accessibility-infrastructure/

"The Greek Tourism Ministry has approved funding for the construction of accessibility infrastructure for people with disabilities on beaches in the Municipality of Agios Vasileios in Rethymno, Crete.

The funding is part of the ministry’s initiative, “Improvement and Modification of Accessibility on Greek Beaches”, under the project titled: “Comprehensive Intervention for People with Disabilities on the Blue Flag Beaches of the Municipality of Agios Vasileios, Crete (Souda, Rodakino)”....

read more:

https://news.gtp.gr/2025/01/31/crete-beaches-in-rethymno-to-receive-new-accessibility-infrastructure/

 https://www.tornosnews.gr/en/tourism-businesses/markets/50896-the-region-of-crete-at-the-fitur-exhibition-promising-prospects-from-spanish-speaking-markets.html

The Region of Crete at the FITUR exhibition - Promising prospects from Spanish-speaking markets

"The Region of Crete participated in the international tourism exhibition FITUR 2025, which was held at the IFEMA exhibition center in Madrid from January 22 to 26. This is the largest tourism exhibition in Spain and is the gateway to the tourism market of Latin American countries. More than 9,500 exhibitors from 156 countries participated in this year's 45th edition of FITUR, which attracted 255,000 visitors, of which 155,000 were professionals.

As part of its participation, the Region of Crete held a series of business meetings with major tour operators such as Viajes el Corte Ingles, major media outlets such as El Pais, as well as a number of tourism professionals, who showed particular interest in Crete. Visitors to the Crete pavilion were informed about the island's comparative advantages and the sights and activities that Crete offers 365 days a year..."

read more:

https://www.tornosnews.gr/en/tourism-businesses/markets/50896-the-region-of-crete-at-the-fitur-exhibition-promising-prospects-from-spanish-speaking-markets.html

MARIO DRAGHI:"Forget the US — Europe has successfully put tariffs on itself

 https://www.ft.com/content/13a830ce-071a-477f-864c-e499ce9e6065

MARIO DRAGHI, "FINANCIAL TIMES"

"Forget the US — Europe has successfully put tariffs on itself"

https://www.ft.com/content/13a830ce-071a-477f-864c-e499ce9e6065

BBC:How long could the Santorini 'seismic crisis' last?

 https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp8qpn2p795o

"We've put all our mattresses in the living room," says Georgia Nomikou.

The Santorini resident fears the impact of ongoing earthquakes on the Greek island, popular with tourists for its picture-postcard views.

But the idyll has been disrupted this past week by thousands of earthquakes.

Santorini, and other Greek islands in the region, are in the middle of an "unprecedented" seismic swarm or crisis - the name for an abrupt increase in earthquakes in a particular area....

read more:

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp8qpn2p795o

A snowy winter in the White Mountains of Crete

 https://theweek.com/culture-life/travel/holidays-winter-snow

.Take to the slopes in lesser-known locations, in Europe and further afield.

Skiing in Crete

Think of Crete, and chances are that "idyllic beaches and charming seaside villages" will come to mind. Visit from late February to April, however, and you will not only get to enjoy those, but also some of the most "thrilling" skiing in Europe, said Louis Supple in The Guardian. The island has dozens of mountains of over 2,000 metres and, in winter, sirocco winds sweep in from Africa, picking up moisture over the Libyan Sea and blanketing their upper slopes in deep snow. And often, this is covered with a layer of crystals known as corn snow – which is great for skiers. Visitors are few (there are no ski lifts or marked pistes); the sky is frequently blue, the sea always in sight, and the scenery is simply "magical"...

https://theweek.com/culture-life/travel/holidays-winter-snow

European island with 'picture-perfect sandy beaches' is a must-visit for 2025

 https://www.express.co.uk/travel/articles/1994866/european-island-sandy-beaches-crete

European island with 'picture-perfect sandy beaches' is a must-visit for 2025
When it comes to going on holiday sometimes staying in Europe is best, particularly when there are some beautiful offerings only a few hours away.

By Chloe Dobinson, Lifestyle Reporter

.......https://www.express.co.uk/travel/articles/1994866/european-island-sandy-beaches-crete

Νέα ανακάλυψη στην Κρήτη μπορεί να είναι ο θρυλικός λαβύρινθος του Μινώταυρου

https://www.jpost.com/archaeology/article-807201

Living Greek mythology: New discovery in Crete may be legendary Minotaur labyrinth
A 4,000-year-old circular structure resembling Minoan tomb architecture was unearthed near Kastelli, Crete, suggesting it could be the legendary labyrinth of King Minos.

By EYAL GREEN

JUNE 22, 2024 01:43

While working on a new airport, a 4,000-year-old structure was discovered in Crete, and may have been the legendary labyrinth built for Minoan King Minos, LiveScience reported last week.

Atop a hill near the town of Kastelli - and approximately 51 kilometers southeast of Heraklion, Crete’s capital city – the ancient structure features a unique architectural design, commonly attributed to the Minoan civilization, and is believed to have been constructed around 2000-1700 B.C.

The structure, measuring 48 meters in diameter, features two main sections: a central circular building and an outer area formed by walls and created by a pattern similar to the spokes of a wheel. The building consists of eight stone rings intersected by small walls, creating a labyrinthine layout.

The recently discovered circular building near Kastelli, according to the Greek Culture Ministry’s statement, appears to have functioned as a site for community-wide ritual feasts rather than a residential complex. This theory was made when bones of numerous animals, among other artifacts, were found in the area, suggesting ceremonies involving food, wine, and various offerings.

Unlike the traditional square or rectangular layout of Minoan palaces like Knossos, the Kastelli structure's circular design aligns more closely with that of Minoan tombs, marking it as a unique architectural find. Its specific dimensions and exact height remain undetermined as archaeological investigations are still underway.



Ζωντανή ελληνική μυθολογία: Νέα ανακάλυψη στην Κρήτη μπορεί να είναι ο θρυλικός λαβύρινθος του Μινώταυρου
Μια κυκλική κατασκευή 4.000 ετών που μοιάζει με μινωική ταφική αρχιτεκτονική ανακαλύφθηκε κοντά στο Καστέλι της Κρήτης, υποδηλώνοντας ότι θα μπορούσε να είναι ο θρυλικός λαβύρινθος του βασιλιά Μίνωα.

Από την EYAL GREEN

22 ΙΟΥΝΙΟΥ 2024 01:43

Ενημερώθηκε: 22 ΙΟΥΝΙΟΥ 2024

https://www.jpost.com/archaeology/article-807201

Μωσαϊκό Λαβύρινθου με απεικόνιση του Θησέα να πολεμά τον Μινωικό Μινώταυρο.(πίστωση φωτογραφίας: Wikimedia Commons)