Seven Greek islands among the best in Europe, according to the Conde Nast Traveller readers’ awards

Crete is the leader in air arrivals and international tourism awards

Crete tops the ranking of Europe’s best islands, as reflected in the 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards, based on the preferences of travelers from around the world and readers of the leading travel magazine Conde Nast Traveller.

Specifically, Crete is in 4th place, with the Greek islands taking the honors, as 7 are included in this list. Focusing on the Greek islands that the magazine’s readers highlighted in their preferences, these are Paros (3rd place), Skiathos (5th), Rhodes (7th), Zakynthos (12th), Corfu (17th) and Santorini in (18th).

The Greek islands with their excellent accommodation have attracted an international audience, as the authentic experiences they offer continue to attract visitors from all over the world, it was pointed out. Focusing on Crete, the flagship of Greek tourism, based on data released by INSEETE for the eight months of 2024, the development of air arrivals exceeded all expectations

In any case, Crete and the autumn months are moving at a very good pace in arrivals, while many tourist units have already announced that they will extend their operation in mid-November, as a result of the demand for the island in international markets.

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Crete: Listed by Lonely Planet as one of the top 10 European destinations for sunny winter holidays

 “The southern regions of Europe offer plenty of blue skies, sunshine, and mild temperatures,” writes Lonely Planet.

Lonely Planet has presented the top 10 best destinations in Europe for sunny winter holidays, and Crete is featured in this list

These 10 destinations evoke summer in winter, according to Lonely Planet. “Europeans do not need to travel far to find places for holidaying in good weather during the winter months,” the publication states.

“The southern regions of Europe offer plenty of blue skies, sunshine, and mild temperatures. Moreover, traveling in the low season means holiday packages at lower costs, as well as exclusive travel experiences, such as beaches and villages without hordes of tourists,” according to Lonely Planet.

Crete ranks 10th on the list, providing moments of tranquility and serenity along with quality services, allowing visitors to enjoy paradise beaches like Elafonissi, explore unique historical sites such as the Palace of Knossos, discover favorite spots in Chania and Heraklion, dine in beautiful restaurants, and have fun in bars and cafes.

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Crete Sees Rise in UK Pre-Bookings for 2025, Following Strong 2024 Arrivals

 UK pre-bookings for Crete in 2025 mirror the 10.8 percent increase in air arrivals recorded during the first half of 2024, according to data presented by the Region of Crete at the WTM London 2024 exhibition.

From November 5 to 7, a delegation from the Region of Crete participated in the prestigious London fair, showcasing the island as an ideal luxury destination for spring and autumn travel.

Deputy Governor of Tourism Kyriakos Kotsoglou highlighted the importance of Crete’s strategic presence at WTM London 2024, particularly given the UK’s position as Crete’s second-largest tourism market.

UK market nearing 1 million annual arrivals to Crete

“With air arrivals increasing by over 10 percent in the first half of 2024 and pre-bookings for 2025 reflecting a similar rise, the UK market is steadily nearing the milestone of 1 million annual arrivals to Crete,” Kotsoglou stated. “This growth could solidify its leading position in the region, a status it already holds in Chania.”

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Eurostat: Crete and South Aegean Among EU Regions with Most Foreign Tourists

 

Over a third of all overnight stays by foreign tourists in the EU are concentrated in ten popular tourist destinations, including several Greek islands, according to Eurostat data for 2023.

Specifically, data analysis from last year, which was a record year for many tourism metrics, shows that the regions with the highest number of overnight stays by foreign tourists were the Canary Islands, with 83.2 million overnight stays, followed by Spain’s Balearic Islands and the Croatian coast.

The top 10 regions also include Spain’s Catalonia and Andalusia; Greece’s South Aegean – which includes islands such as Mykonos and Rhodes – and Crete; the Greater Paris area; Italy’s Veneto; and Austria’s Tyrol.

Collectively, according to the EU’s statistical authority, these ten regions accounted for 37.6 percent of overnight stays by foreign tourists last year.

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ETC: Greece Among Top 10 European Destinations for Fall and Winter 2024/2025 Travel

 Greece is among the top 10 European destinations that travelers plan to visit between October 2024 and March 2025, according to the latest report from the European Travel Commission (ETC).

Greece in top 10 of preferred countries for vacation

The report positions Greece in 6th place among the preferences of European travelers for intra-European travel. Topping the list are Spain and France, each chosen by 7 percent of respondents, followed closely by Italy at 6 percent, Germany at 4.8 percent, and Austria at 4.7 percent in 5th place. Greece is chosen by 4.5 percent of respondents. Croatia ranks 7th with 4.1 percent, while the top 10 is rounded out by the United Kingdom (3.9 percent), Portugal (3.8 percent), and Belgium (3.4 percent).

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ABTA Reports Greece as a Steady Holiday Choice for Brits in 2025

 

Greece remains Britain’s fifth most popular holiday destination for summer 2025, securing an 11 percent market share, according to the 2024-25 Holiday Habits report of ABTA – The Travel Association.

Released during ABTA’s 2024 Travel Convention at Costa Navarino in Greece, the report is based on a survey of 2,000 UK adults conducted from July 24 to August 2, 2024, by The Nursery Research and Planning. It examines travelers’ habits over the past year and their plans for the upcoming one.

In the last 12 months, Greece again ranked fifth among Britons’ preferred holiday destinations, with a 13 percent share, following Spain (31 percent), France (22 percent), Italy (17 percent), and the United States (15 percent).

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World Tourism Organization: Anogia among the 55 best villages in the world for 2024

Awarded as an excellent destination in the field of Rural Tourism

The World Tourism Organization of the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has included Anogia in the 55 Best Villages of the World for 2024, awarding it as an Outstanding Destination in the field of Rural Tourism, giving them credit for everything that the village and the Municipal Authority have committed to in terms of innovation and sustainability in the broad field of society, economy and environment.

More than 260 nominations from more than 60 UN member states were put under the microscope of the experts, whose judgement highlighted Anogia, Crete, among the 55 villages, as a tourist destination that meets the requirements for the future of tourism in small communities. “The ‘Best Tourism Villages’ initiative, which is part of the United Nations’ Tourism Development Programme for Rural Development, not only recognizes the remarkable achievements of these villages, such as Anogia, but also highlights the power of tourism and how it can influence the healthy development of areas such as small villages,” noted Anogia Mayor Socrates Kefalogiannis.

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Easter in Greece: 6 destinations for your travel list (photos)

 Destinations that have their own identity and are governed by a cultural and aesthetic richness capable of satisfying every mood

With March 25th behind us, the next, springtime travel destination for most people mainly concerns the week of Easter. For this destination, which serves the need for contact with nature, a change of scenery, and refuge in tranquility, away from the intense rhythms of large urban centers, there are suitable destinations for us.

Places full of such experiences that will offer you a fruitful and rich Easter experience and will relax you. Places not prohibitive in terms of distance from the capital or other major urban centers.

Responding to this need, travel.gr has compiled a list of destinations synonymous with strolls, relaxed mood, and contact with nature in a mountainous or seaside version. Places that have their own identity and are governed by a cultural and aesthetic richness capable of satisfying every taste as you savor the early joys of religious devotion.

Rethymno

Rethymno, the third largest city in Crete, is a multifaceted, vibrant organism that combines liveliness and a rich past, with its streets narrating a life of centuries and overlapping civilizations. 

The Old Town of Rethymno, with the Venetian Fortress of Fortezza, dominates and invites you to discover the local version of the Cretan soul, while the impression it leaves on the visitor is intense also by the Holy Monastery of Arkadi, with its thousand-year history and its glorious contribution to the cause of national integration. Since you’re in Rethymno, it’s an opportunity for a flavorful introduction to the wine wealth of the region. 

The particular climatic atmosphere shaped by the presence of Psiloritis creates a temperature difference between day and night, which helps the grapes to ripen at a slower pace, developing a rich aromatic profile and a distinctive quality imprint.

And, of course, Rethymno offers you the opportunity for swimming in some of the most stunning beaches, which combine azure waters, dense vegetation, and white or golden sand, such as Preveli, Souda, Ammoudi, and Ammoudi.

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Crete Once Again Promises Authentic Tourism Experiences – Video

 

The Region of Crete once again is inviting travelers to experience the authenticity the island offers its visitors through its tourism campaign running on social media.

Under the slogan “Crete, Sense the Authentic,”  the ongoing campaign aims to promote the authentic experiences the island offers, especially in the summer, highlighting all the elements that make Crete a unique destination.

“Crete opens its heart and is ready for another year to welcome and host millions of visitors from abroad in a unique and authentic way,” said the island’s regional governor, Stavros Arnaoutakis, in an announcement.

“The Region of Crete, with clear and realistic goals, continues to implement its successful and often awarded tourism promotion campaign.”

The region’s tourism campaign was launched for the first time in 2020 aiming to promote Crete’s rich experiences that cover all seasons and included in all tourism forms.

For 2024, the campaign includes a video produced by Indigo View and directed by award-winning Cretan director Thodoris Papadoulakis.

In the video, tourists and foreigners who have moved to the island share their experiences of being enchanted by the beauty of nature, with Crete’s long sandy beaches and picturesque mountains serving as the backdrop.

“Crete is like a continent on an island,” says one traveler while another adds that “it’s the best place we found in Europe, and we never want to leave this island.”

source:gtp

March Special: The Ultimate Greece Carnival Guide 2024

Discover Greece as never before by deep diving into its most exhilarating national festivity, the Carnival, with our 2024 guide. This year, mark your calendar for March 17th as the key date of the thrilling Greek Carnival, or “Apokries,” unfolds, beckoning the adventurous soul to experience a side of Greece widely unseen by the casual visitor. This isn’t your average holiday getaway, it’s an invitation to those looking to explore the authentic essence of Greek culture beyond the tourist paths.

Apokries is a time of Dionysian festivities (pertaining to the ancient Greek god Dionysus, symbolising indulgence in wine and uninhibited revelry). It also marks the period before the solemn 40 days of Lent in the Greek Orthodox tradition, which for the devout, involves not eating meat. Meat in Greek is ‘kreas’, thus the Greek word for Carnival, ‘apokries’ meaning ‘abstaining from meat’.

While they may not mirror the extravagant size and bombastic popularity of Rio’s world famous Carnival, the Greek versions we present here each offer their own brand of rich ambience, unique traditions and thrilling revelry, with reenactments of pagan traditions, spirited dances and satirical jests that capture the essence of special communal gatherings, stories kept alive through the ages and free-flowign fun.

So don your mask and dance into a world where myths and contemporary magic merge in a stunning display.

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Crete is a Unique Tourism Destination for Germans, Says Ambassador

 Crete is a favorite Greek destination for German travelers, according to German Ambassador to Greece Andreas Kindl.

In a recent meeting on Crete with the island’s regional governor, Stavros Arnaoutakis, Kindl expressed his admiration for Greece and discussed further promoting Crete as a holiday destination to Germans.

He specifically referred to last year’s arrivals of German travelers to Crete which showed their high preference for the island.

“Over 1 million German travelers visited Crete in 2023,” the German ambassador said, adding that many retirees from his country have chosen Crete as their permanent residence.

According to Kindl, the main reasons behind that choice are the island’s landscape, Cretan products, gastronomy, and excellent weather conditions.

Also present at the meeting was the new Honorary Consul of Germany in Heraklion, Dr. Georgios Kaloutsakis, who highlighted that many younger Germans are interested in moving to Crete to live and work.

On his part, Regional Governor Stavros Arnaoutakis referred to the new projects taking place on the island.

“Major projects are currently underway on the island, such as the new airport and the motorway BOAK, which will significantly upgrade the tourism infrastructure and services for the ever-increasing number of visitors to the island,” Arnaoutakis said.

The regional governor closed the meeting, referring to the good cooperation and “long-standing friendly and business relations that have been established between Crete and Germany”.

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TripAdvisor: Greek Beaches on Best Lists of World, Europe for 2024

Four beaches in Greece are among the “Best of the Best” Beaches of the World and Europe, according to TripAdvisor‘s Travelers’ Choice Awards, while two are also included on the list of Best Sustainable Beaches.

The annual awards honor destinations, beaches, hotels, restaurants, and things to do around the world based on the quality and quantity of ratings and reviews on the TripAdvisor travel platform.

“Last year, Tripadvisor got millions of reviews for beaches—it’s clear that our community absolutely loves them. But as our Travelers’ Choice lists reveal, there’s no one-size-fits-all ‘beach day’,” said Sarah Firshein, Head of Editorial at Tripadvisor.

‘Best of the Best’ Greek beaches

For the second year running, Falassarna on the eastern side of Crete is the World’s 19th Best Beach and Europe’s 6th Best, with reviewers praising its “pink sand, blue waters, stunning mountains, and incredible sunsets.”

Myrtos Beach on Kefalonia, ranked 23rd Best Beach in the World and 8th best in Europe, is described as “a scenic spot, perfect for a peaceful beach day,” since it rarely gets crowded. The beach also ranked as 8th Best Sustainable Beach in the world.

Additionally, on the European list of 25 beaches, Anthony Quinn Beach on Rhodes was in 12th place, and Matala Beach on Crete was in 14th place.

read more gtp

Crafting Your Perfect Sunday

 Navigating the tranquil waters of Sunday serenity – 

A personalized guide to a restful and rejuvenating routine

Sunday, often heralded as the day of rest, provides a unique opportunity to rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit. By curating a thoughtful routine, you can transform this day into a haven of tranquility and self-care. Let’s explore the elements of the perfect Sunday routine, including the choice between a delightful breakfast or a leisurely brunch, that can set the tone for a week of balance and positivity.

Slow Start with a Nourishing Breakfast or Brunch: Begin your Sunday with a leisurely start, savoring a nutritious and delicious breakfast or brunch. Whether it’s a stack of pancakes, a bowl of fresh fruits, or your favorite brunch creation, allow the morning to unfold at a relaxed pace.

Embrace Mindfulness through Meditation: Allocate some time for mindfulness meditation to center your thoughts and cultivate a sense of inner calm. This practice can provide clarity and set a positive tone for the day ahead.

Nature Walk or Outdoor Activity: Take advantage of the day’s tranquility by immersing yourself in nature. Whether it’s a stroll in the park, a hike in the woods, or a bike ride, spending time outdoors can invigorate your senses and promote well-being.

Creative Pursuits and Hobbies: Dedicate a portion of your Sunday to activities that bring you joy and fulfillment. Whether it’s painting, writing, playing an instrument, or any other creative pursuit, engaging in hobbies nourishes your soul.

 Indulge in a Relaxing Afternoon Nap: Allow yourself the luxury of a rejuvenating nap during the afternoon. A short siesta can enhance mood, improve cognitive function, and leave you feeling refreshed for the rest of the day.

Pamper Yourself with Self-Care Rituals: Cap off your perfect Sunday with self-care rituals. Whether it’s a warm bath, skincare routine, or simply curling up with a good book, pampering yourself creates a serene ending to the day.

Early Bedtime for Quality Rest: Ensure a restful night’s sleep by embracing an early bedtime. Quality rest is the cornerstone of overall well-being and sets the stage for a productive and fulfilling week ahead.

Crafting the perfect Sunday routine is a personal journey, so feel free to tailor these suggestions to align with your preferences and aspirations. By incorporating these elements into your Sunday, you can cultivate a sense of balance, fulfilment, and anticipation for the days ahead.

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Key Infrastructure Projects on Crete to Facilitate Tourism

Transport and Infrastructure Minister Christos Staikouras is visiting Crete this week to inspect the progress of key infrastructure projects expected to facilitate tourism to the island in the coming years.

Budgeted at 3.5 billion euros, tourism projects under the Crete Development Plan 2030 include the completion of the north road axis and peripheral roadway networks, the upgrade of the island’s ports and marinas, water and sanitation works, and increasing connectivity via air and sea – all directly linked with tourism.

“We are on Crete today to examine the progress of flagship projects budgeted at over 3.5 billion euros,” said Staikouras after a meeting with local officials and stakeholders. “We are working systematically with a plan, collectively and coherently for the implementation of projects that Crete has needed for decades,” he added.

Projects underway and of major importance for the country’s largest island, include the completion of sections along its 200+ kilometer north road axis (known as BOAK), the creation of a new cruise terminal in Souda, Chania; the completion of the highly anticipated Kastelli Airport; and the continued operation of the current airport in Heraklion.

Budgeted at 13 million euros, the new terminal in Souda has been listed as a fast-track project and is expected to be completed by the end of 2025, said Staikouras, adding that the aim is to ensure the smooth operation of all port activities and to facilitate home porting for cruise ships.

At the same time, to meet the growing tourist demand, the government will be allocating 500 million euros for the construction of the Kastelli Airport, set  to handle some 15 million passengers a year and create hundreds of jobs. So far 31 percent of the total project has been complete, said Staikouras, adding that it was a complex and landmark work.

Lastly, with regard to the current Nikos Kazantzakis airport in Heraklion, the minister said that construction firm Terna had agreed to carry out upgrade works. The airport handled more than 9 million passengers in 2023. It should be noted that according to a Tourix survey, Heraklion Airport was also among the worst airports in Greece last year, scoring the lowest overall score. The study found that it was considered too small for the passenger volumes it serves.

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