Crete Blog - Living in Crete

‘Head tax’ skewing competition in cruise industry in Greece

2012-02-03T12:30:00.000+02:00

Under a new draft bill that is supposed to fully liberalize the cruise industry, non-European Union flagged vessels still have to pay a 3.95-euro tax for every passenger.

Cruise professionals in Greece acknowledge the efforts that have been made to fully liberalize the sector, but believe that the job has not been done as completely as it should have in a new draft law set for submission to Parliament.

The main objection they have with the bill is that the law continues to contain a controversial “head tax,” by which non-European Union flagged vessels have to pay a 3.95-euro tax for every passenger, rendering them automatically less competitive than their counterparts sailing under EU member states’ flags.
Read the full article from ekathimerini.com

Diplomacy at gunpoint

2012-02-02T21:12:00.001+02:00

British Eurosceptic MEP Nigel Farage stormed out of a European Parliament session on Wednesday night after his speech was interrupted by the German chairman.

The rightwing UK Independence Party (UKIP) leader was cut off when he compared the leaked German plan for Greece’s finances to be managed by Brussels to being like the Second World War Nazi occupation of the country.

Farage said the plan would see “a European commissioner and his staff occupy a big building in Athens and take over the running of the country”.

“Greece is not a failing subsidiary company where head office needs to come in and take control," Farage also said. "Greece is a nation with a soul, a nation with pride, with history."

The UKIP chief has cultivated a relatively large following in Greece through his anti-German, anti-troika stance. On the video sharing website, youtube.com, several of his anti EU speeches have been Greek subtitled with comments, from Greece, below praising the British right wing poster boy.

From Athens News

Forum Downtime - Living in Crete

2012-01-30T09:30:00.000+02:00

Update Monday January 30th
We are still experiencing intermittent problems with the forum. The web host is aware of the problems and working to fix them,

Update 4.30pm Thursday 26 January
Forum is offline again, the web host appears to be fixing further issues resulting from yesterday's 'routine maintenance'.

Update 10am Thur 26 Jan
All fixed now, we're back online.

Update 5pm Wed 25 Jan.

There are problems with the Living in Crete forum database, which we are aware of and fixing.

Apologies for any incovenience.

Lefka Ori - The White Mountains

2012-01-19T18:50:00.001+02:00

This post is from 2010.. we took the same trip today - Jan 2012.

It was a beautiful sunny day today Chania so we decided to take a drive up to the White Mountains. Driving through Therisso we headed up the mountain in the jeep. Just outside Therisso we turn left at the first fork and follow the road up, which soon becomes a track. (Don't attempt this track unless you have a four wheel drive - 5km of potholed track, slippy with stones and mud from the early morning rain and melting snow).

Click on the photographs to see the larger sized pictures.

Above Therisso - looking back

Higher..

and higher.. we even spotted a rainbow

Looking up..

We finally hit the snow..

At the end of the road, in the snow and the shadow of the Lefka Ori, with a fierce wind blowing, the temperature dropped to about 2C.

Jobs in Greece 2012

2012-01-14T17:55:00.001+02:00

Jobs in Greece 2012
Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, Kos, Ios, Paros, Zante, Mykonos, Santorini. Summer jobs in the Greek Islands.

Tourism remains one of the main stays of the Greek economy, making up more than 15% of GDP. In the Greek islands, such as Crete, figures are much higher, with up to 40% of the local population employed either directly or indirectly in the tourism industry.

Each year Greece's tourism industry employs thousands of summer workers in tourist related services and, although the number of jobs may be fewer compared to previous years, there is still a demand for English speaking workers, particularly during the height of the season in July and August.

Looking for work in Greece this summer?

If living and working in Greece is your dream this summer, start planning and take action now ..
Go to Summer jobs in the Greek Islands

Cruise giants eye local port infrastructure

2012-01-06T15:02:00.000+02:00

Representatives of major international cruise companies have expressed interest in participating in the construction of infrastructure projects at a number of Greek ports, provided that the cruise market in Greece is fully liberalized.

Cruise giants such as Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Costa, MSC and Celebrity have said they are interested not just in Piraeus, Greece’s biggest port, but also in investing in infrastructure works at other ports to raise the standard of services on offer.

Sources suggest that Royal Caribbean is interested in the ports of Thessaloniki, Rhodes and Iraklio, in addition to Piraeus. The Cretan capital holds particular appeal for the company, as it is considering investing in its infrastructure in order to use it as a home port for cruises to Africa, Turkey and the Greek islands.
Source: ekathimerini.com

Chania Town - Christmas and New Year Events

2011-12-17T13:45:00.002+02:00

A number of Christmas and New Year events will take place over the holidays in Chania town, organised by the local council. All events are free, except where indicated.

Sunday, December 18 - Old Customs House - 18.00hrs
Opening of Christmas festivities Cretan music and dance.

Monday December 19 - Market Square - 21.00hrs
Official lighting of the Christmas Tree followed by a concert with Kostas Makedonas.

Thursday December 22 - Center of Mediterranean Architecture - 21.00hrs
Christmas Concert with the Choir of Despina Drakakis.

Saturday December 24 - Market Square - 11.00am
Children's Theatre Workshop of the Regional Theatre Crete, sing carols. The proceeds will go to charity.

Saturday December 24 - Theatre "Dimitris Vlisidis" - 11.00am and 13.00hrs (2 performances)
Theatrical show with the work of Charles Dickens 'Christmas Carol' with the theatrical group OMMA STUDIO. Admission: 5 €

Saturday December 24 - Old Customs House - 11.00am
Games with clown Pepito

Saturday December 24 - Old Customs House - 18.00hrs
Children's party with DJ Basil Orfanoudaki

Saturday, December 24 - Chania Market - 18.00hrs
Christmas carols by the choir of the Music School in Chania

Wednesday December 28 - Theatre "Dimitris Vlisidis" - 20.00hrs
Christmas in Greece with the Folk Club of Chania

Friday December 30 - Center of Mediterranean Architecture - 21.00
Walls Tango Night with the Dance school "En Xoro" - Frini Tango

Saturday December 31 - Market Square - 12.00noon
Traditional dances with the Dance Group Chania "Psiloritis"

Saturday December 31 - Old Customs House - 11.00am
Christmas puppetry, game play and workshop.

Saturday December 31 - Market Square - 22.00hrs
NEW YEAR'S EVE at the Agora Concert with the band NOSTODIA and the Chania Philharmonic Orchestra.

Monday January 2 - Old Customs House - 18.00hrs
Traditional evening,Participants traditional collection of Chania

Tuesday January 3 - Old Customs House- 18.00hrs
Concert by the Philharmonic Orchestra of the Municipality of Chania

Wednesday January 4 - Old Customs House - 18.00hrs
Traditional evening. With traditional music - dance clubs of Chania.

Translated from the Haniotika Nea.

New Flights to Crete for 2012

2011-12-17T12:07:00.002+02:00

Updated Dec 17 2011
easyJet announce a new route Luton - Heraklion for summer 2012, flights on Tuesdays beginning April 21st, with departure from Luton at 07.00hrs and departure from Heraklion at 13.45hrs. Prices start from £37.99 and bookings are now being taken.

Ryanair have a number of new routes in 2012 to Chania airport in Crete from Leeds/Bradford, East Midlands, Glasgow Prestwick and London Stanstead, starting the end of March 2012. Ryanair will also be operating direct flights in 2012 between Chania and Brussels, Frankfurt, Milan- Bergamo,Oslo, Pisa and Wroclaw.

Avro - Monarch Airlines Flight-only operator- have also expanded their Crete, Greece programme of summer flights for 2012, with flights from East Midlands and Newcastle to Heraklion.

East Midlands to Heraklion is priced from £249 per person and will operate each Tuesday from 12 May to 25 September.

Newcastle to Heraklion starts from £259, operating from May to November each Tuesday.

Travel Mole

Christmas Shopping Hours in Crete

2011-12-11T12:52:00.004+02:00

Christmas and New Year shopping hours in Chania and Crete are as follows:

Sunday 18 December 10 am to 8 pm
Monday 19 December 9am - 2pm & 5.30 – 9pm
Tuesday 20 December 9 - 2 & 5.30 – 9pm
Wednesday 21 December 9 - 2 & 5.30 – 9pm
Thursday 22 December 9 - 2 & 5.30 – 9pm
Friday 23 December 9 am to 9pm
Saturday 24 December: 9am to 8pm

Sunday 25 December CLOSED
Monday 26 December CLOSED
Tuesday 27 December 9am -2pm & 5.30 – 9pm
Wednesday 28 December 9am -2pm & 5.30 – 9pm
Thursday 29 December 9am -2pm & 5.30 – 9pm
Friday 30 December 9am -2pm & 5.30 – 9pm
Saturday 31 December 9am to 6 pm

Sunday 1 January CLOSED
Monday 2 January CLOSED

Tuesday 3 January 9am -2pm & 5.30 – 9pm
Wednesday 4 January 9am-2pm
Thursday 5 January 9am -2pm & 5.30 – 9pm
Friday 6 January CLOSED (Epiphany)
Saturday 7 January 9am – 2.30pm
Sunday 8 January CLOSED

From Haniotika Nea

Holiday shopping hours on mainland Greece, in Athens, Thessaloniki etc, differ from those in Crete. For details see Holiday shopping hours in Greece.

ΓΙΑΤΡΟΙ ΤΟΥ ΚΟΣΜΟΥ "Medecins du Monde" in Chania

2011-12-01T14:59:00.000+02:00

«ΓΙΑΤΡΟΙ ΤΟΥ ΚΟΣΜΟΥ»
Haniotes seeking support

"Doctors of the World" on Boniali street, Hania, have recorded rapid growth of those seeking free medical care at their Hania offices, with many of those seeking help having lost their jobs and being no longer entitled to access to free and reduced drugs via the Greek social health system. (Note: in Greece the social security and health systems require that you pay into them to receive benefits, there are few social benefits and the health system is not available free to all).

According to data of "Doctors of the World", more than 2,500 people have requested assistance from the clinic of "Doctors" in Chania since the beginning of the year, with the percentage of Greeks who resort to "Medecins du Monde" around 10 to 15%, while in the past Greeks made up just 1 to 2% of those seeking help, with the rest being foreigners. Furthermore, for the first time, there is an increase of people also seeking food.

Social Pharmacy
A social pharmacy in Chania is expected to start functioning this month, for several vulnerable groups, at the Labour Centre Εργατικού Κέντρου, set up by the Pharmaceutical Association of Chania, the Medical Association of Chania and Chania Labor Center.
The social pharmacy will be housed in two rooms at the Labour Centre, will be run by volunteers from the above medical groups and will offer free drugs to both Greeks and foreigners who can not afford to buy them.
Translated from Haniotika Nea

ΓΙΑΤΡΟΥΣ ΤΟΥ ΚΟΣΜΟΥ
11 Boniali str., 73 133 Chania
Τel: 28210 23110
Doctors of the World website for Greece

Volunteer: http://mdmgreece.gr

Railway line in Crete?

2011-11-19T13:13:00.001+02:00

Is the project of building a railway line in Crete eligible for EU co-financing? The request for the construction of a railway line in Crete was put to the European Parliament by Green Ecological Party MEP Michael Tremopoulos for the Commission's consideration.

Beyond the known and indisputable environmental advantages of rail transport, such a pillar in Crete would contribute significantly to addressing the severe congestion in the cities of the island, it would make the movement of people immeasurably safer than today's dangerous roads and would facilitate the movement to and from Heraklion airport, the second busiest airport in Greece, while contributing to the overall balanced development of Crete.

Despite the consensus of the community and the scientific community about the need for such a project, no studies have yet been initiated.

A rail link between the three major cities of Crete - Chania, Rethymnon and Heraklion - would result in a travel time of 50 minutes on the route Heraklion-Chania.

Source http://rethemnosnews.gr/

On Facebook there's a page ΣΙΔΗΡΟΔΡΟΜΟΣ ΣΤΗΝ ΚΡΗΤΗ / TRAIN IN CRETE at www.facebook.com/groups/43193441881

Clouds Over Chania

2011-09-21T19:05:00.005+02:00

We enjoyed a heavy rain shower or two around Chania today, with some dramatic, and beautiful, clouds.

Click on a picture to start the slide show

Solar power offers a ray of hope to stricken Greek economy

2011-09-08T12:13:00.000+02:00

Project Helios aims to attract €20bn of investment to the country's solar industry

Renewable energy could play a significant role in helping Greece to recover from the deepest recession it has faced in decades, following the publication of a new national plan designed to deliver a 10-fold increase in solar energy capacity by 2020.

Energy minister George Papaconstantinou presented the so-called Project Helios initiative at an energy conference in Hamburg, Germany on Tuesday, predicting the country's solar industry could attract €20bn of investment over the coming decades.

Greece already boasts 206MW of solar capacity, but is now aiming to increase capacity to 2,200MW by 2020, rising to 10,000MW by 2050.

The government hopes the plan could attract up to €20bn of investment and help establish the country as a net exporter of solar power that assists other countries in meeting their EU renewables targets.

Article continues at source: Business Green

Sky News special: Greece and financial crisis

2011-08-27T01:44:00.003+02:00

By Jeff Randall, Sky News. Broadcast Aug 26th on

Double click for full screen

Part1
"Greece was not bailed out. It was simply given a very expensive credit card by which to pay off its mortgage after having lost its job."
Prof. Yannis Varoufakis, Former Advisor to PM George Papandreou

Part2
In terms of costs the biggest example of tax evasion is the boats, where leisure yachts are declared as business premises. This loophole is estimated to cost the state 300 million euros.

"We have a middle class and an upper middle class and an
upper class which simply don’t pay taxes. Which gives "the moral right" to poorer Greeks to think of tax evading as a form of resistance to the powers that be"

Chania airport buses - Updated service

2011-08-24T07:34:00.000+02:00

KTEL Buses have increased the frequency of Chania airport bus connections. Buses now run between the airport and city almost hourly, between 05.45 and 21.45 daily.
See details in the photograph below:

Crete Taxis Strike

2011-08-02T11:07:00.000+02:00

Taxi owners protest outside Knossos and the Courts today

Crete taxi drivers are protesting at the archaeological site of Knossos today, not causing problems for tourists, rather they are allowing visitors to the Minoan Palace free entrance as they block the ticket booths and distribute leaflets with their demands and the reasons for their protest.

Yesterday police on Crete fired tear gas to disperse cabbies who had blocked the road to Iraklio Airport, obliging hundreds of tourists to drag their luggage several hundred meters through the heat after tour buses could go no further. Taxi drivers responded to the volleys of tear gas by hurling stones at officers who eventually resorted to more heavy-handed tactics, using clubs to beat back protesters, according to witnesses.

At the airport today a few taxis remain parked along the access road, but the airport is operating normally. 117 charter flights are scheduled to take place from 08.00 am Tuesday to 08.00 am Wednesday.

Taxi owners will also be protesting outside Heraklion courthouse today, as two of their colleagues who were arrested during the airport fracas will be brought before the court at midday.

In Chania, no protest action is planned.

Greek census shows population decline - but how accurate is it?

2011-07-26T11:17:00.001+02:00

Greece’s population has shrunk by more than 1 percent over the last 10 years, according to the preliminary results from the 2011 Greek census carried out earlier this year, thereby bucking the trend of the last few decades.

Officials from the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) said that the first count of the figures collected indicate that Greece’s population is 10,787,690 (49.2 percent men and 50.8 percent women) compared to 10,934,097 in 2001, when the last census was carried out. This is a decline of 1.34 percent.

ELSTAT officials said they were not yet able to explain the apparent drop in population as the statistics which have been gathered have not been examined in detail yet. (Ekathimerini)

Perhaps we can help. Reports here in Crete on the Living in Crete forum suggest that a number of people and properties were missed by the census takers, and not just those in remote locations, one poster living in a house on the main road in a small town/resort was missed entirely. How many others are there?

Taxi Drivers Strike Update

2011-07-22T16:54:00.001+02:00

Taxi drivers/owners in Heraklion have moved away from blocking the airport and ports today, and are demonstrating outside the regional government offices.

In Hania drivers blocked the tax office yesterday and today, but not the airport.

In Sitia, taxi drivers will demonstrate tomorrow by blocking the cashiers office at the famous Vai palm beach, allowing free entrance to tourists..and will be handing out flowers! That seems like a step in the right direction, let's hope they've now come to their senses and realise what real damage they have been doing to Greece's tourism and image abroad.

Taxi drivers block Crete, Corfu ports and airports

2011-07-21T18:23:00.001+02:00

Greek taxi drivers blocked ports and airports on the popular tourist islands of Crete and Corfu on Thursday, in a strike to protest against government plans to open up their trade to competition.

Taxi drivers, fighting deregulation in their industry -- one of 135 professions targeted by Greece to meet EU and IMF bailout conditions, disrupted tourists for the fourth day, as EU leaders gathered in Brussels for a summit on the debt crisis.

Tourism makes up 16 percent of Greece's GDP and the government had projected a 10 percent hike in tourism revenues after two years marred by anti-austerity strikes and protests.

In Crete, a top tourist destination, taxis blocked access to ports and both Heraklion and Chania airports, as well as blocking tourist coaches from picking up cruise ship passengers from two cruise ships on a stop-off in Heraklion port. No flights are affected but taxis are not allowing buses and cars into the airport, passengers are being forced to walk from the airport outskirts.

Reuters
Livingincrete
ekathimerini - photo

Visitors to Balos lagoon will pay entry fee

2011-06-18T22:33:00.000+02:00

The municipality of Kissamos, northwestern Crete, unanimously decided on Thursday to impose a one euro entry fee for those who want to reach the lagoon of Balos.

According to the municipality's board, the money will cover cleaning and maintenance expenses of the area.

Visitors approaching the area by car will pay the entry fee at the end of the road where a toll post will be placed. The measure also includes those approaching Balos from the sea, who will pay the one euro fee at Kissamos port.

ANA-MPA

Goods and Goodwill to Crete for Sara’s Hope Foundation

2011-06-05T21:41:00.001+02:00

Nomad International, specialists in removals to Crete and the Greek islands, recently received a call for help from Crete-based charity Sara’s Hope Foundation.

Sara’s Hope Foundation is a wonderful charity which operates a holiday retreat in Crete for children from the UK who have been diagnosed with cancer, offering respite for them and their families.

The Foundation had received donations of toys, guitars, video game consoles, DVDs, books, pictures… everything required to make the villa in Crete a fantastic and fun place for their guests. The only problem was getting the gifts to Crete!

Ged Hoburn from Sara’s Hope contacted Nomad to see if they could help. With vehicles heading from the UK to Crete twice per month, Nomad were ideally suited to the task. DHL kindly brought all of the goods from Newcastle down to Nomad International’s warehouse in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire and Nomad agreed to transport them all the way to the Greek island of Crete.

Spring is a very busy time for removals to Crete, but Nomad managed to accommodate the consignment of 129 cubic feet all on the one vehicle, which set off from the UK on 3rd May. Exactly one week later Nomad delivered the gifts to the Sara’s Hope villa in Kambia, Crete, much to the excitement of the Foundation members at the villa in Crete.

Taliesen Hollywood of Nomad International said “We were very pleased to be able to support such a worthwhile charity. I’m sure this wonderful villa will bring a great deal of happiness to children with cancer and their families, and we were glad to be able to contribute in this small way.”

About Sara’s Hope Foundation
Ged and Julie Hoburn set up the Foundation in memory of their daughter Sara, who tragically passed away in 2001 at the age of 16 after a two year battle with cancer. Sara was a very special person who loved life and was an inspiration to all who met her. She loved family holidays, and Greece was her favourite destination. To find out more or to show your support, please visit http://sarashopefoundation.co.uk. If you live in Crete and would like to become a volunteer, make a donation or organise a fund raising event, Julie and Ged can be contacted on +30 69426 70983 or by email at ged@sarashopefoundation.co.uk. In the UK please contact Project Administrator Carol Bennett on 0191 2001423 or email carol@sarashopefoundation.co.uk

About Nomad International
Nomad International is a UK-based removal company specialising in removals to and from Crete and all of the Greek islands. For more information please visit www.nomad-international.com

Red Arrows over Chania Harbour

2011-05-22T15:07:00.003+02:00

Sunday May 22nd 2011

Click on a photograph to enlarge

Photographs © Carol Palioudaki

Matala Open-Air 2011 - the Hippies Reunion

2011-05-16T17:50:00.002+02:00

The myth of Matala is alive! A re-union for the hippies of the 60's and 70's, who lived in the caves at Matala, is taking place 11th to 13th June 2011.

"Matala Open Air" is a 3 day music festival with live music and beach parties, all taking place right in front of the famous caves, with music from the sixties and seventies - an attractive program with lots of live music and activities including a Hippie bazaar, acoustic live music, concerts, children's fun park and more.

All friends of Matala are welcome.

Websites: www.elzosmid.nl/matala
www.visitmatala.com/reunion

Photographs © Carol Palioudaki

70th Anniversary Battle of Crete, May 2011

2011-05-09T12:40:00.002+02:00

This year's memorial events for the Battle of Crete are expected to be attended by many people from all over the world as 2011 marks the 70th Anniversary of the Battle of Crete.

Battle of Crete 1941
On May 20th 1941 German paratroopers landed at Maleme airfield, in the first airborne invasion of its kind. The Allied forces fought back and the Germans suffered heavy casualties, but by May 22nd the Germans managed to occupy Maleme airfield then fly in support aircraft, troops and supplies... so began the German occupation of Crete, which lasted until 1944.

70th Anniversary Programme
The programme of memorial events for May 2011 has been finalised and will run between 15th and 22nd May 2011.

Update
The RAF Red Arrows will once again make an appearance in Crete to mark the anniversary with a flying display over Chania Harbour on Sunday 22 May 2011 at 11.30 a.m.

The 2011 programme of memorial events are published here on the main
Living in Crete website

Red Arrows Photo source: Flickr

May Day - Πρωτομαγιά

2011-05-01T18:19:00.000+02:00

Καλή Πρωτομαγιά - Happy May Day to all.

In the olive grove..

Picnic and barbeque..

Phew.. tiring work making those flower wreaths

Red Rain from Africa

2011-03-31T20:15:00.002+02:00

A strange weather phenomenon which occurs in Crete is the 'red rain' or Sahara dust. This usually occurs in March or April when southerly winds bring sand from Africa to Crete... the sand remains in the upper atmosphere and gives a red or orange glow to the clouds, falling as red mud or sand with the rain. Today was one such day:
Click on a picture to open a larger size

Storms & Snow in Crete - March

2011-03-10T20:13:00.002+02:00

Crete is currently in the grip of a sudden cold snap. Temperatures plummeted on Tuesday as storms lashed the island, on Wednesday the nearly freezing temperatures brought huge snowfalls to mountain villages across the island. There were even short sleet and snow flurries in Chania. The storms passed by Thursday, leaving the snow covering on the mountains, but temperatures remain low, hovering between 3oC and 10oC throughout the day.

Kalives Beach 8th March 2011

Lefka Ori - the White Mountains 10th March 2011

Carnival Parades in Crete - Apokries

2011-02-24T21:22:00.002+02:00

Crete Carnival Parades in 2011

Carnival Parades are held all over Crete and Greece, with the majority taking
place on the last Sunday of Apokries

In Crete many towns and villages hold carnivals; the largest of which takes
place in Rethymnon

Crete Carnival Parade dates for 2011 are:

Heraklion 'Kastrinos' Carnival - Saturday 26th February 2011 @14.00 hrs
Souda Carnival - Sunday 27th February 2011 @14.00hrs
Paleochora Carnival - Saturday 5th MArch @ 18.30hrs
Kalyves Carnival - Sunday 6th March 2011 @14.30hrs
Kastelli Kissamos Carnival - Sunday 6th March 2011 @15.00hrs
Rethymnon Carnival - Sunday 6th March 2011 @14.00hrs

Sfakia Storms

2011-02-22T16:46:00.009+02:00

Storms and gale force winds in Sfakia (Hora Sfakion), south west Crete, at the weekend caused unprecedented damage to infrastructure.

The waste-water treatment plant has been inoperative since the last section of the concrete pipe was literally 'swallowed' by the waves, while losses occurred in the harbour with several 'storm blocks' having been moved by the powerful storm. Due to the enormous efforts made by sailors and fishermen, the ship 'Daskalogiannis', which was anchored in the harbour, was not severely damaged.
Haniotika Nea

The following video shows a slideshow of photographs taken mid - storm from
www.youtube.com/user/chelonitsaki

New Car Scrappage Scheme - 'Cash for Clunkers'

2011-02-21T17:12:00.005+02:00

A new government scheme offering car owners tax benefits as an incentive to scrap their old car and upgrade to a new vehicle starts from today, February 21st 2011 and runs until December 20th 2011.

ekathimerini.com

The 'cash for clunkers' scheme - απόσυρση (aposirsi) in Greek - means that car owners whose vehicles are 12 years old or more can take advantage of the scheme and benefit from between 300 to 2800 euros, depending on criteria such as the age and class (cc) of the vehicle.

For full details of the scheme, and a very detailed how-to guide,
in English, see Living in Greece

Note that in Crete there are just three approved Vehicle Recycling Centres for the scheme, one in Chania and two in Heraklion:

Chania
Vehicle Scrappage Centre
Gaitani, Kontopoula, Dimos Keramia, Chania
Tel 28210 65150

Heraklion
Katheris - ΚΑΘΕΡΗΣ ΑΒΕΕ
ΒΙ.ΠΕ. ΗΡΑΚΛΕΙΟΥ, Ο.Τ. 13, ΟΔΟΣ Δ, Alikarnassos, Heraklion
Tel 2810 382021

Kokalis Scrap -ΚΟΚΑΛΗΣ ΣΚΡΑΠ ΕΠΕ
ΒΙ.ΠΕ. ΗΡΑΚΛΕΙΟΥ Ο.Τ.3, ΟΔΟΣ Λ & Ο, Alikarnassos, Heraklion
Tel 2810 383015

Spring is in the Air

2011-02-17T17:04:00.002+02:00

View from my office today:

North Facing - Souda Bay

South Facing - the Lefka Ori

Last week I ended up on this beautiful deserted beach:

Unfortunately, the serene and deserted scene above is deceiving - an oil refinery lies just to the left, with tankers anchored at sea!(Agios Onoufrios):

Click on any of the pictures to see in full size

Heraklion Museum won't re-open until 2012

2011-02-12T15:17:00.009+02:00

Heraklion Archaeological Museum will not be ready in 2011

Things are apparently moving along at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, but the museum is still not expected to open until at least the spring of 2012.

The Central Archaeological Council has approved the landscaping work, while the latest developments, according to a communication to Heraklion Mayor, Yiannis Kourakis, from the Culture Minister Lina Mendoni, is that the Museum study has finally been approved and contracted. It is expected to be completed inside 4 months, when the auctioning of the work concerning the "placement of the museum exhibits" will go ahead. The 8 million Euro cost has already been approved for this

Further parallel work of the landscaping of the environs, at a cost of 2 million euros, has passed the final study and is in the pipeline.

In November 2006 Heraklion Archaeological Museum, one of the largest museums in Greece and housing a singularly important Minoan collection from the nearby site of Knossos, closed it’s doors to visitors in order to undergo renovations. It was the first time since World War II that the Heraklion Archaeological Museum had closed its doors to the public.

At the time, the Culture Ministry foresaw the museum would be closed for two years. The aim was to expand and modernise this top, cultural museum quickly and inexpensively.

The following summer, in July 2007, a temporary exhibition was established at a nearby building housing some of the museum’s main exhibits while the renovation work was being undertaken.

The two year completion date that was promised by the minister at the time has proved to be extremely optimistic. Delays inevitably followed and the scheduled 2009 re-opening never happened. Neither did 2010 bring progress, and we’ve now learnt that the hopes of many tourist visitors will be dashed once again in 2011, with the earliest expected opening date for the musuem now being the spring of 2012 - five and half years since the museum’s closure!

Note that the temporary exhibition, next door to the museum, remains open and shows some of the main exhibits.

Nea TV

At last... a boat for Gavdos!

2011-02-10T15:35:00.000+02:00

A solution to the problem of the coastal connection with Gavdos seems to have been found as ANENDYK Ferries announce work is in progress to adapt the ship "Samaria I" as per the latest European Safety Directive.

The "Samaria I", which can carry 320 passengers, 45 cars and 8 x 15 tonne trucks, is undergoing refitting and ANENDYK Ferries announced that the vessel will be deployed by June 15, 2011 but they don't exclude the possibility that the ship may be ready by May 1st, 2011.

According to the company announcement, the ship will run on the following routes and exact timetables will be confirmed in the next few weeks:

Sfakia - Gavdos: 4 to 5 times a week, departing at 9.30 am. The ship will stay up to five hours in Gavdos and return at 6.30 pm.

Paleochora - Gavdos: 2 times a week, departing at 8.30 am, the ship will stay up to three hours in Gavdos and return at 7 pm.

ANENDYK President, John Braoudakis, stated "after the discussions and the actions we have taken and consultations with the ministry, we are satisfied that the issue is solved and we've decided to publicize what we intend to put into practice. The date we gave, June 15, concerns the situation should we have problems with bureaucracy. But we are hoping to launch the route sooner."

Gavdos Island was left without a major ferry connection last summer as the "Samaria I", which was adapted to the EU safety directive in 2006, was pulled from the Gavdos route in July 2010 when it's safety certificate was up for renewal. The most recent European Directive 9818 requires that the ship be further adapted to meet this directive.
Translated from www.enet.gr

Crete Culinary Tourism

2011-02-08T14:58:00.003+02:00

Crete is the number one culinary destination in Greece according to the Cretan Gastronomy Network and Network of Chania – Rethymnon Winemakers, who organised a promotional event for professionals in Chania this week.

Culinary tourism is developing considerable momentum internationally and can become one of the main reasons for traffic and tourism in the prefecture of Chania with the help of the correct and widespread promotion of local products.

President of the Network of Chania-Rethymnon Winemakers, Mr. Anthony Dourakis said "Our goal as professionals is to focus on how we can move Crete forward together. Crete is deemed first for culinary tourism in Greece. This is very important and needs help from everyone, not just restaurants and hotels, but also the producers.”

Mr. Dourakis noted that local bottled and barrelled wine has not been well promoted but "In recent years there is greater demand and the consumer is starting to turn back to local products, whether they be wine or other traditional products."

A member of the Network Cretan Culinary and MAICH chef Mr. John Apostolakis said "Restaurants do not pay adequate attention to local products. Visitors who come to Chania want to try local food and local wine. They don’t travel in order to drink the same wine as they can drink in France or any another country. For that reason we should promote local products, and in doing so assist the local economy."

Mr. Apostolakis stressed the need to give the appropriate weight to local products and promote them to local caterers as well as working to present new dishes along with the old.

The event entitled 'Wine and Dining' was aimed at restaurant professionals and was supported by INKA and the Chamber of Commerce and Chania.
Translated from Haniotika Nea

Related Links:

The Cretan Diet and recipes

Dourakis winery

Jobs in Greece 2011

2011-01-28T12:16:00.002+02:00

Jobs in Greece 2011
Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, Kos, Ios, Paros, Zante, Mykonos, Santorini. Summer jobs in the Greek Islands.

Tourism in Greece suffered somewhat during 2009/2010, mostly due to the Euro/pound/dollar exchange rates and, in 2010, Greece's negative publicity in the foreign press about the bailout, austerity measures and country-wide strikes. However, tourism remains one of the main stays of Greece’s economy making up more than 15% of GDP. In the Greek islands, such as Crete, figures are much higher, with up to 40% of the local population employed either directly or indirectly in the tourism industry.

Each year Greece's tourism industry employs thousands of summer workers in tourist related services and, although the number of jobs may be fewer compared to previous years, there is still a demand for English speaking workers, particularly during the height of the season in July and August.

Looking for work in Greece this summer?

If living and working in Greece is your dream this summer, start planning and take action now ..
Go to Summer jobs in the Greek Islands

Museum at the Archaeological site of Eleftherna

2011-01-26T21:19:00.000+02:00

Approval has been given for the construction of a museum on the archaeological site of Eleftherna, Rethymnon, by the Directorate of Museums, Exhibitions and Educational Programmes of the Ministry of Culture after a study by archaeologist Professor Nikolaos Stampolidis.

The very first museum on an archaelogical site in Crete may be implemented within 20 months if there are no bureaucratic delays from the Cretan prefecture, which is to give the final approval and hire contractors for the plan with a 3 million Euro grant from NSRF

Professor Nikos Stampolidis is aiming for the museum to be completed by the autumn of 2012 at the latest. The project will display exhibits over a total area of 1630 square meters, of which approximately 900 square meters will be a terraced floor and 730 square meters a basement / storage areas.

Professor Stampolidis says "Eleftherna is a magical place with a special aura and with the construction of the museum the Elefthernaion Grove will be complete; an archaeological park measuring 2.5km x 1.5 km between hills and valleys, ravines and rivers, a grove with unique natural beauty.
Translated from Nea TV / cretalive.gr

Eleftherna

For a quarter century, Greek excavation director Nicholas Stampolidis and his dedicated team have been unearthing the untold stories of the people buried some 2,800 years ago in the necropolis of Orthi Petra at Eleutherna on Crete.
Two unprecedented discoveries have been made here since 2007--three lavish jar burials that contained the remains of a dozen related female individuals and, in 2009, a monumental funerary building where a high priestess and her protégés, also all related, were laid to rest…
Extract from Archaeology.Org. Read the whole article here

Crete gets go ahead for solar plant to power 13,000 homes

2011-01-21T13:55:00.000+02:00

The Greek regulatory agency has given the nod to a solar power plant to be built on the island of Crete.

Nur Energie, the company behind the plant, has been given the go-ahead and awarded a 38 megawatt Electricity Generation Licence for the Crete Concentrated Solar Power plant, which is claimed to be the first in Europe to feature BrightSource Energy's proprietary LPT 550 solar technology system.

This should produce electricity for approximately 13,000 homes and reduce carbon emissions by 35,000 tons annually.

BrightSource Energy's LPT 550 will do this by using thousands of small mirrors - called heliostats - to reflect sunlight onto a boiler, which sits atop a tower, to produce high temperature steam. The steam is then piped to a conventional turbine which generates electricity.
Source: Tech Eye

The Crete project is a hybrid solar-oil power plant. BrightSource's power tower will generate about 32 megawatts with the remaining 16 megawatts produced by fossil fuels. That will allow the power station to run around the clock and smooth out spikes in electricity demand. At peak output, the project will have the capacity to power about 13,000 homes on Crete, BrightSource said.

During the hot summer tourist season, electricity demand can more than double on sunny Crete, which makes solar power plants a particularly good fit for the island's electricity grid.

Crete has installed 160 megawatts of wind power with another 60 megawatts planned to come online. The island also has approved the construction of 90 megawatts’ worth of photovoltaic farms. In the coming years, renewable energy should be able to satisfy much of Crete’s electricity demand.
BrightSource Energy

Free PAP tests in Crete 24 to 31 January

2011-01-19T17:51:00.001+02:00

European Week of Prevention of Uterine & Cervical Cancer

From January 24-31 2011 any women who wishes may undergo a free Pap smear test at various hospitals in Crete, to mark the occasion of the European Week of Cancer Prevention of the Uterus.

Interested parties can go, without an appointment, to any the following hospitals:

University Hospital of Heraklion (PAGNH)

General Hospital of Heraklion Venizelio-Pananio

Chania General Hospital "St. George"

Rethymnon General Hospital

Agios Nicholas Hospital

Source: Newsbeast

Note:
- In Crete, just the 5 hospitals listed are taking part

- Go to the outpatients, gynecological department at one of the five hospitals

- Be aware that the outpatients dept may only be open in the mornings so don't just go along at any time of day

No Solution Yet for Aspis

2011-01-11T11:27:00.007+02:00

The list of Aspis Pronia contenders continues to grow even after the end of the deadline given to the insured in order to declare their requirements to the Life Portfolio Supervisor.

The deadline expired at the end of the year and the first data show an additional number of approximately 300 insured who are entitled to compensation from the insurance policies they had in their possession.

According to Portfolio Supervisor, Mr. John Pantelides, the amount of such claims has not yet been identified and will be clarified by the end of the month.

The finalisation of the list is expected to be completed by the end of January, so as to be submitted to the Bank of Greece. The new supervisor authority, once they have a precise idea of the amount of the legitimate claims, as well as the amount of the company’s assets, will then initiate the process of finding a “foster” company.

So far the exact amount of the ‘money hole’ left by Aspis Pronia has not yet been specified.
http://greekinsurancemarket.co.uk
___________________________________________________________

Aspis Pronia (that includes Aspis Pronia General Insurance & Aspis Pronia Life Insurance) had its license suspended on Monday, September 21 2009 by the country's regulator for private insurance companies, in a decision affecting 700 permanent employees, 3000 external insurance agents, and about a million policy holders.

On December 7th 2010 Pavlos Psomiades, former chairman and CEO of the “Aspis” Group, was arrested on money laundering and fraud charges. He is still being held in an Athens prison, having been refused bail.

Fishing tourism to be promoted in Greece

2011-01-10T18:16:00.002+02:00

The Maritime Affairs, Islands and Fishing ministry intends to advance a regulation that will allow fishing tourism by professional fishing boats.

Determination of the terms and conditions for the implementation of such a regulation are currently underway, and the target is to reinforce the incomes of fishermen on the one hand, and to provide interested parties (tourists, travel agencies, etc) more forms of alternative tourism in the new tourism season.

Fishing tourism is part of the wider framework of marine eco-tourism, and may also include the boarding of non-crew individuals on fishing boats for recreational and tourism purposes, accommodation and general provision of specialized tourism services related to fishing and fish-farming, and services related to traditions and customs.

The development of fishing tourism is viewed as an opportunity for professional diversification that aims at boosting the rebirth of coastal communities and fishermen who are facing financial problems due to a reduction in their incomes and in traditional fishing activities.

Further, fishing tourism may also serve as a tool for increasing public awareness on the environmental problems and principles of sustainable growth to both sides involved: to tourist agents and their customers, and to fishermen and tourists.
(ANA - MPA)

Currently a fishing licence is required for any individual aboard a fishing boat, however large or small. The licence applies to the individual rather than the boat so individuals are currently not allowed to even go along for the ride without holding a licence.

Christmas in Crete - Shopping Hours

2010-12-17T19:11:00.012+02:00

CHANIA
Chania Shopkeepers Association announce the 2010/2011 Christmas & New Year extended shop opening hours as follows:

Saturday 18th December: 09.00 to 18.00
Sunday 19th December: 10.30 to 20.30
Monday 20th December: 09.00 - 14.00, 17.30 - 20.30
Tuesday 21st December: 09.00 - 14.00, 17.30 - 20.30
Wednesday 22nd December: 09.00 - 14.00, 17.30 - 20.30
Thursday 23rd December: 09.00 - 20.30
Friday 24th December: 09.00 - 20.30
Saturday 25th December: CLOSED
Sunday 26 th December: CLOSED
Monday 27th December: 09.00 - 14.00, 17.30 - 20.30
Tuesday 28th December: 09.00 - 14.00, 17.30 - 20.30
Wednesday 29th December: 09.00 - 14.00, 17.30 - 20.30
Thursday 30th December: 09.00 - 20.30
Friday 31st December: 09.00 - 18.00
Saturday 1st January: CLOSED
Sunday 2nd January: CLOSED
Monday 3rd January:CLOSED
Tuesday 4th January: 09.00 - 14.00, 17.30 - 20.30
Wednesday 5th January: 09.00 - 14.00, 17.30 - 20.30
Thursday 6th January: CLOSED (Epiphany)
Friday 7th January: Open as normal from Friday onwards
(Haniotika Nea)

HERAKLION
Christmas and New Year shopping hours in Heraklion differ slightly and are as follows:

Saturday 18th December: 9.00-16.00
Sunday 19th December: 10.00-20.00
Monday 20th December: 9.00-14.00 & 17.00-21.00
Tuesday 21st December: 9.00-14.00 & 17.00-21.00
Wednesday 22nd December: 9.00-14.00 & 17.00-21.00
Thursday 23rd December: 9.00-21.00
Friday 24th December: 9.00-21.00
Saturday 25th December CLOSED
Sunday 26th December CLOSED
Monday 27th December: 9.00-14.00 & 17.00-21.00
Tuesday 28th December: 9.00-14.00 & 17.00-21.00
Wednesday 29th December: 9.00-14.00 & 17.00-21.00
Thursday 30th December: 09.00 - 21.00
Friday 31st December: 9.00-20.00
Saturday 1st January: CLOSED
Sunday 2nd January: CLOSED
Monday 3rd January: 9.00-15.00
Tuesday 4th January: 9.00-14.00 & 17.00-21.00
Wednesday 5th January: 9.00-15.00
Thursday 6th January: CLOSED (Epiphany)
Friday 7th January: Open as normal from Friday onwards
(www.patris.gr)

November 17th 1973 Athens Polytechnic Uprising

2010-11-15T12:26:00.000+02:00

Universities and schools across Greece close 17 November to mark the anniversary of the bloody student uprising against the military junta in 1973 at Athens Polytechnic. A protest march will take place in central Athens.

The Athens Polytechnic uprising in 1973 was a massive demonstration of popular rejection of the Greek military junta of 1967-1974. The uprising began on November 14, 1973, escalated to an open anti-junta revolt and ended in bloodshed in the early morning of November 17 after a series of events starting with a tank crashing through the gates of the Polytechnic.

Read More: Athens Info Guide

Cruise Ships in Souda 2011

2010-11-11T10:50:00.010+02:00

A large number of cruise ships are expected to dock in the port of Souda, Chania next year as Royal Caribbean Cruises include Souda in the itinerary of 56 cruises in 2011. Two other cruise companies also include Souda port as a stop off for 2011.

On Monday 25th October the first cruise ship, the ‘Azamara Journey’ arrived in Souda, drawing the attention of passersby with it’s presence - 165 meters long with a capacity to hold 700 people and 400 staff

In 2011 the first cruise ship is due to arrive in Souda on April 2nd, then arrivals will be on a daily basis until the end of October 2011.
Most ships will remain in Souda for one day and passengers will mainly visit the old town of Chania.

A major problem, as highlighted by the chairman of the Port Authority George Proimakis, is that the depth of most vessels are too deep to allow them to dock in the cruise port. The port authority are asking for the extension of the "Adrias" wharfe, where the Souda-Pireaus passenger ferry docks.

Greece and Cyprus Navigator Travel & Tourism Services Ltd is the sole representative in Greece of Royal Caribbean Cruises,
parent company of Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Cruises.

Translated from Nea TV

Beautiful Greece

2010-11-05T17:39:00.003+02:00

Aahh ... lovely summer memories..

Stormy Weather

2010-10-28T09:43:00.010+02:00

Stormy weather and high seas in Chania harbour this week.

Click on a picture to see a larger size in a new window

Below: A few brave souls walk out to the lighthouse:

Athens Classic Marathon & 2,500 year Anniversary

2010-10-20T13:02:00.011+02:00

A record 12,500 runners are set to take part in the Athens Classic Marathon on October 31, which will mark 2,500 years since the Battle of Marathon, organisers of the annual race said on Tuesday.

Promotion and prize money for the 1.5 million Euro event has, however, been limited by Greece's serious financial crisis. Only about 20 elite runners are expected to compete in the race, whose hilly course virtually rules out the possibility of a world record.

The Greek race traces the run of the messenger Pheidippides in 490 BC from the plain of Marathon to Athens, where legend says he collapsed and died after announcing the victory of the Greeks over Persian invaders.

A series of events arranged by organisers and private sponsors will be held in late October to highlight this year's race, including an outdoor concert and a conference by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races.

Source & continue article : Athens News

Athens Marathon Website: www.athensclassicmarathon.gr

Classical Music Evenings in Hania - October

2010-10-16T11:04:00.010+02:00

Classical music evenings, organised by the city of Chania, start on October 16th.

All the concerts will be held at the Dimitris Vlisidis Theatre, Koum Kapi starting at 8.30pm.

Saturday 16 October
Marienna Kapsetaki - Stefania Kapsetaki
Piano Recital
Free Entrance

Monday 18 October
Eleni Daountaki - Marios Kalas
Music Recital
Free Entrance

Saturday 23 October
Tiziano Calabrese
Guitar Recital
Entrance: 10 €

Wednesday 27 October
Oscar Guzman
Guitar recital (Flamenco)
Entrance: 10 €

Sunday 31 October
Mirto Georgiadou - Kostis Rasidakis - Lili Daka
Lieder - Schumann
Entrance: 10 €

Ξεκινούν το Σάββατο 16 Οκτωβρίου 2010 οι Βραδιές Κλασικής Μουσικής που διοργανώνει ο Δήμος Χανίων και η ΚΕΔΗΧ.
Οι Βραδιές που θα πραγματοποιηθούν στο Θέατρο "Δημήτρης Βλησίδης", με ώρα έναρξης 20.30, είναι :

Σάββατο 16 Οκτωβρίου
Μαριάννα Καψετάκη Στεφανία Καψετάκη
Ρεσιτάλ πιάνου για 2 και 4 χέρια
Είσοδος ελεύθερη

Δευτέρα 18 Οκτωβρίου
Ελένη Νταουντάκη – Μάριος Καλάς
Ρεσιτάλ τραγουδιού
Είσοδος ελεύθερη

Σάββατο 23 Οκτωβρίου
Tiziano Calabrese
Ρεσιτάλ κιθάρας
Γενική είσοδος : 10 €

Τετάρτη 27 Οκτωβρίου
Oscar Guzman
Ρεσιτάλ κιθάρας (φλαμένγκο)
Γενική είσοδος : 10 €

Κυριακή 31 Οκτωβρίου
Μυρτώ Γεωργιάδου – Κωστής Ρασιδάκης - Λίλυ Δάκα
Βραδιά Lieder με έργα Σούμαν
Γενική είσοδος : 10 €

neatv.gr

Archelon & The Excavation of Nesting Sea Turtles in Chania

2010-09-25T15:52:00.006+03:00

The Sea Turtle Protection Society 'Archelon' were involved in the excavation of the nests of Caretta - Caretta sea turtles in Chania, with the participation of around 200 Greek and foreign visitors.

The mother nest was made in front of the Hotel «Louis Creta Princess», in Maleme Chania. The nest produced 143 eggs, 93 of which hatched and the hatchlings moved naturally to the sea at night. Three live turtles were "trapped" in the depth of the nest (60 cm) and with the help of participants during the excavation, the turtles reached the sea and started their long underwater journey ... to an unknown future ...!

The Hotel , as a sponsor of the event, participates in the adoption program and the protection of nesting turtles in Crete, in collaboration with the Sea Turtle Association ;Archelon’. The hotel sponsors two nests on the beach and protects them until all the chicks have hatched.

Sea turtles are an endangered species protected by international and Greek law. The Sea Turtle Association 'Archelon' has been involved in field programs in the major nesting beaches in Greece for 27 years ( in Zakynthos, the Peloponnese and Crete).

In Crete the major nesting beaches are:

Chania - from Stalos beach to Kolimbari beach, a stretch of approximately 15 km.

Rethymno - from the start of the bay of Rethymnon to Skaleta, approximately 12 km.

Messara Bay (about 8 km).

The number of nesting turtles on Crete has been reduced by about 60% in recent years, while the increase of dead turtles is increasing year by year mainly due to accidental entrapment in fishing gear.

The interest and participation of citizens, local government and the increase of Greek volunteers would significantly help to protect the Caretta - Caretta.

More information on www.archelon.gr

From Haniotika Nea

Aspis Pronia & Commercial Value Insurance Compensation

2010-09-17T08:47:00.014+03:00

The list of all the insured who are entitled to compensation from their insurance policies of the failed insurance companies Apsis Pronia (ΑΣΠΙΣ Πρόνοια) and Commercial Value is now published on the website of EPEIA, the Private Insurance Supervisory Committee (Επιτροπή Εποπτείας Ιδιωτικής Ασφάλιση.

The List

Go to the list (above) and click 'Αναζήτηση' (Search)

Then choose the following from the drop down lists:

1)Firstly the company - Apis or Commercial

2)Followed by the branch (type) of insurance -

Ατομικές ασφαλίσεις Ζωής - Individual Life Insurance
Κεφαλαιοποίηση - Capital
Ομαδικά συνταξιοδοτικά προγράμματα - Group pension schemes
Ομαδικά προγράμματα παροχών με συμπληρωματικές καλύψεις - Group benefit plans with additional coverage.

3)Type in your policy number at 'Αρ.Συμβολαίου'

4)Click the Αναζήτηση box.

Those insured who do not see their name on the list have recourse until the end of 2010. Contact your insurance agent for more details.

The financial compensation is still a long way off. A new list will be produced in February 2011, and from then it is still expected to take months for the compensation to be finalised.

Sources: EPEIA and Σύλλογος Ζημιωθέντων από την ΑΣΠΙΣ ΠΡΟΝΟΙΑ

The Sfakian ' Kallikratis '

2010-09-11T12:46:00.007+03:00

Kallikrates has become a well known name in Greece, being the name given to the government scheme to overhaul local Municipalities, but in Crete it is also the name of a small mountain village in Sfakia where just three Sfakian families remain.

The village of Kallikratis was the birthplace of the family of Cretan artist Kostas Mountakis.

Located at an altitude of 540 meters, the village and was named by Manoussos Kallikrates, who in 1453, with 1500 men and five ships, led a campaign to defend the area from the Ottomans

Kallikrates is accessible either through the village of Asfendou from the west, Asi Gonia from the east or from the windy road which starts north of the village of "Kapsodasos" and ends in the plateau of Kallikrates. Southwest of the plateau is Kallikratis Gorge, which leads to the village of Patsianos. The gorge is 4 km in length.

Kallikratis has a long tradition of participation in liberation struggles. During the Cretan revolution of 1867, Turkish forces under the command of Omer Pasha tried unsuccessfully to invade Sfakia via Kallikratis.

During the German Occupation, Resistance forces had installed a radio in the Anemospilios cave near Kallikrates. The partisan George Psychoundakis in his book, "Cretan runner" states that he had remained hidden in the cave in the spring of 1942, aided by locals.

In 1943, the paramilitary group of Fritz Schubert (a branch of the German Wehrmacht) looted and burned the village and executed more than 30 people in retaliation for the participation of local people in resistance against the Nazis.

Now that "Kallikratis" is the new benchmark of local government reform, the Sfakian Kallikratis remains a proud corner of Crete.

Translated from Ana-Mpa

Chania Summer Festival - September 2010

2010-09-04T11:39:00.009+02:00

WHAT'S ON - September in Hania

Concert with Alkinoo Ioannidis
Monday 6th September 2010
Eastern Moat Theatre (Anatoliki Tafro)
21.00hrs
20 €

Concert with Hania Musicians Association ‘O Harkalis’
Wednesday 8th September 2010
Traditonal Cretan & Greek music
Eastern Moat Theatre (Anatoliki Tafro)
21.00hrs
Free Entrance

Ist Chania Urban Festival “En Horo” (Εν Χορώ)
Saturday 11th September 2010
Breakdance - Hip Hop – Street Dance Show
Eastern Moat Theatre (Anatoliki Tafro)
19.30hrs
6 €

Two Day Latin American Film Festival
Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th September 2010
Dimitris Vlisidis Theatre

Monobloc (Argentina, 2004. 80 minutes) Director: Luis Ortega
Parapalos (Argentina – Belgium, 2004. 90 minutes) Director: Ana Poliak
Cautiva (Argentina, 2003. 115 minutes) Director: Gaston Biraben
Bar “El Chino” (Argentina, 2003. 100 minutes) Director: Daniel Burak
Sumas y Restas (Columbia – Spain, 2006. 100 minutes) Director: Victor Gavina

3rd Film Festival for Human Rights
Friday 24 to Sunday 26 September 2010
Documentaries and films
Attikon Cinema
Four films will be shown each evening during the festival.

Concert with Kostas Marabeyia and Maraveyas Illegal
Friday 24 September 2010
Eastern Moat Theatre (Anatoliki Tafro)
21.00hrs
17 €

www.dipeh.gr

Fire burns Palm Forest of Preveli, Crete

2010-08-26T13:24:00.007+02:00

A large part of the famous Palm forest of Preveli was burned on Sunday morning (August 22) during wildfires that broke out in the southern part of Rethymnon Prefecture.

According to reports from the Fire Brigade and Local Authorities, the historical palm forest of Preveli was burned to ashes, along with a thousand hectares of cultivations, animals and olive trees.

The fire broke out on Sunday morning at the village of Gianniou, near Plakias, and was under control by Sunday afternoon, after having burned thousands of hectares. The fire broke out in four different spots at the same time, a fact that raises suspicions of arson. ... continues (Crete Gazette)

Photo: Haniotika Nea

Paniyiria in Chania 15 August Bank Holiday Weekend

2010-08-12T16:54:00.012+02:00

August 15th - the Assumption of the Virgin Mary (Panagia)- is one of the biggest National Holidays in Greece. Whole villages celebrate their church's Name Day; those named after the Panagia.

A Panigiri is the village festival, a celebration and feast with wine, live music and dancing. Oh, and this being Crete, quite often with celebratory gunshots too!

What's On

Some of the villages in the Greater Chania area which are holding Panagiria are as follows:

Alikambos
Saturday 14 August
Musician: Giorgos Zervakis

Anopoli, Sfakia
Sunday 15 August
Village
Musician: Periklis Tsouganakis

Armeni
Saturday 14 August
Platanos Taverna
Haralambos Garganourakis

Fres
Friday 13 & Saturday 14 August
Stelios Bikakis & Periklis Tzouganakis
20 euros

Gerani
Saturday 14 August
Taverna Angtigoni
Giorgo Matakis

Kefalas
Saturday 14 & Sunday 15 August
Taverna Meterizi

Kolimbari
Saturday 14 & Sunday 15 August
Belissimo
Stavros Kotsambasakis

Kournas
Tuesday 17 August
Centre of the old village
15 Euros

Litsarda
Saturday 14 & Sunday 15 August
Village centre
Nikos Kyriakakis/ Nikos Zoidakis

Meskla
Saturday 14 August
Andreas Manolarakis
20 Euros

Pemonia
Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 August
Village Centre
Petros Maroulis / Vangelis Pitharoulis
15 Euro

Platanias - Drakiana
Saturday 14 August
Taverna Drakiana
Girgos Psaroudakis & Yiannis Fountoulakis

Stilos
Friday 13 & Saturday14 August
Taverna Manataki
Giorgos Patsourakis

Tsikalaria
Saturday 14 August
Dimotiko skoleio (In the school yard)
Girogos Koutsoudakis
15 Euros

Therisos
Saturday 14 & Sunday15 August
Taverna Antartis
and
Taverna Leventoyiannis
And
Taverna Madaras
_______________________________________________________

Please feel free to add details of any other festivals taking place in your area, in the comments section below.

Kali Diaskedasi!

Goodnight Greece - Troktiko Blog shuts down after assassination

2010-07-25T12:07:00.006+03:00

Less than a week after the assassination of Socrates Giolias, journalist and administrator of the controversial Greek Blog Troktiko - the Rodent- the site has announced that it’s closing down.

On Saturday the site blog published the following:

“Final post for Troktiko – Goodnight, Greece.
The country that gave birth to Democracy has killed freedom of expression. Have a safe journey Socrates; keep an eye on us from above.”

The site / blog had a huge Greek following with an Alexa Traffic Rank of 5 in Greece, and 869 globally.

The assassination of Socrates Giolias, a low-profile research journalist and radio station CEO, came as a shock to the media world in Greece. Both Socrates Giolias and Troktiko – posting from Troktiko.Blogspot.com – have been hounding corrupt politicians and business people with daily announcements about scandals and financial discrepancies.

Panos Sobolos, president of the Athens journalists' union said last week after the murder, "Somebody wanted to silence a very good investigative reporter who had stepped on a lot of toes with his stories."

Chania Summer Festival 2010

2010-07-18T00:39:00.013+03:00

Chania Cultural Festival 2010

Greek language productions are listed in Greek.

Music of the World - Primavista
Monday 19 July 2010
Eastern Moat Theatre (Anatoliki Tafro)
21.00hrs
12 €

Ουίλιαμ Σαίξπηρ «Ο Έμπορος της Βενετίας»
Τρίτη 20/7/2010
Θέατρο Ανατολικής Τάφρου
Ώρα 21.30
20 € και 15 €

Concert with Haroula Alexiou and Martha Frintzila
Wednesday 21 July 2010
Eastern Moat Theatre (Anatoliki Tafro)
21.30 hrs
23 € and 18 €

Musical Wanderings
Thursday 22 July 2010
Eastern Moat Theatre (Anatoliki Tafro)
21.30hrs
15 € and 10€

The Music of Sufi with the Whirling Dervishes
Friday 23 July 2010
Eastern Moat Theatre (Anatoliki Tafro)
21.30hrs
20 € and 15 €
21.30 hrs

Argentine Tango Show & Live Tango Orchestra
Saturday 24 July 2010
Eastern Moat Theatre (Anatoliki Tafro)
22.00hrs
15 €

Κάρμεν Ρουγγέρη - ΟΜΗΡΟΥ ΟΔΥΣΣΕΙΑ - Το Παραμύθι Των Παραμυθιών
26/7/2010 & 27/7/2010
Θέατρο Ανατολικής Τάφρου
21.30
10 €

Latin Dance show with ‘Apurimac’
Wednesday 28 July 2010
Eastern Moat Theatre (Anatoliki Tafro)
21.30hrs
15 €

Cultural Dance Evening
Sunday 1 August 2010
Eastern Moat Theatre (Anatoliki Tafro)
21.30hrs
Free

Carlo Goldoni « H ΛΟΚΑΝΤΙΕΡA»
Δευ – Τρι 2 και 3 Αυγουστο 2010
Θέατρο Ανατολικής Τάφρου
Ώρα 21.30
22 € - 17 €

Cretan Dance Evening
Tuesday 3 August 2010
Old Harbour
21.00 hrs
Free

Concert with Eleftheria Arvanitaki and Tania Tsanaklidou
Wednesday 4 August 2010
Eastern Moat Theatre (Anatoliki Tafro)
21.30hrs
23 € and 18 €

Concert by Babis Pramatevtaki – words, music, orchestra and dance
Friday 6 August 2010
Eastern Moat Theatre (Anatoliki Tafro)
21.30hrs
Free

«CAVEMAN» του Rob Becker με τον Βλαδίμηρο Κυριακίδη
Σαββατο 7 Αυγουστο 2010
Θέατρο Ανατολικής Τάφρου
Ώρα 21.30
23 € - 18 €

Αισχύλου ΟΡΕΣΤΕΙΑ από το ΔΗΠΕΘΕ Πάτρας
Κυριακή 8 Αυγουστο 2010
Θέατρο Ανατολικής Τάφρου
Ώρα 21.30
20 € - 15 €

Ουίλιαμ Σαίξπηρ «Η στρίγγλα που έγινε αρνάκι»
Monday 9 Αυγουστο 2010
Θέατρο Ανατολικής Τάφρου
21.00
24 € - 17 € - 12 €

Lavrentis Mahairitsas and Yiannis Kotsiras “Music meets the Summer” – Greek music evening
Tuesday 10 August 2010
Eastern Moat Theatre (Anatoliki Tafro)
21.30
20 €

Elena Paparizou in concert, with Onirama
Wednesday 11 August 2010
National Stadium, Chania
21.30
20 € - 15 € . Reduced rate for CYTA customers 18 €

ΑΛΕΚΟΥ ΣΑΚΕΛΛΑΡΙΟΥ «Ο ΦΙΛΟΣ ΜΟΥ Ο ΛΕΥΤΕΡΑΚΗΣ», Σε διασκευή: Μιχάλη Ρέππα - Θανάση Παπαθανασίου
Πέμπτη 12 Αυγουστο
Θέατρο Ανατολικής Τάφρου
21.30
22 € - 17 €

Traditional Cretan Dance & music
Friday 13 August 2010
Eastern Moat Theatre (Anatoliki Tafro)
21.30
Free

Μαγικές Σβούρες «Ο Αυγερινός και η Πούλια»
Τρίτη 17/8/2010
Θέατρο Ανατολικής Τάφρου
Ώρα 21.00
12 €

Cretan Music & Dance Evening
Thursday 19th August 2010
Old Harbour
20.00 hrs
Free

Τρωάδες του Ευριπίδη
Παρασκευή 20 Αυγουστο 2010
Θέατρο Ανατολικής Τάφρου
21.30
22 € - 15 € - ΕΙΣΙΤΗΡΙΑ Ο.Γ.Α.

Concert ‘ Kyklos’ - Folk music with band members from Crete, Syria, Sudan & Bulgaria
Saturday 21 August 2010
Eastern Moat Theatre (Anatoliki Tafro)
22.00 hrs
Free

«Ρουτζάντε: ο άνθρωπος που γύρισε απ’ τον πόλεμο»
Κυριακή 22 Αυγουστο 2010
Θέατρο ΔΗΜΗΤΡΗΣ ΒΛΗΣΙΔΗΣ
21.30
10 €

Άκη Δήμου «Απόψε τρώμε στης Ιοκάστης»
Δευτέρα 23 Αυγουστο 2010
Θέατρο Ανατολικής Τάφρου
21.00
22 € - 17 € - 12 €

Exhibition of Vintage Motorbikes
From 24 August 2010 to 6 September 2010
Old Customs House, Old Harbour.
Time: 18.00 – 24.00
Free Entrance

The Lighthouse 2010 – celebration, music & dancing
Wednesday 25th August 2010
Old Harbour Chania
21.00
Free

Σοφοκλέους ΟΙΔΙΠΟΥΣ ΤΥΡΑΝΝΟΣ
Πέμπτη 26 και Παρασκευή 27 Αυγουστο 2010
Θέατρο Ανατολικής Τάφρου
21.30
22 € - 17 €

MAZOO AND THE ZOO The Musical
28/8/2010
Ελληνική Θεαμάτων
Θέατρο Ανατολικής Τάφρου
21.00
18 €

Sardine Festival
Monday 30 August 2010
Nea Hora Beach
20.00 hrs
Free Entrance

Source: www.dipeh.gr

Greek ferry firms use discounts to drum up business

2010-07-13T09:27:00.003+03:00

Ferry companies are resorting to steep discounts in a bid to support revenues as passenger traffic numbers have dropped off by some 15 percent from last year’s levels due to the economic crisis.

Growing competition on routes to certain destinations, such as Crete and the Dodecanese islands, is benefiting the consumer.

Blue Star Ferries offers economy-class tickets starting from 10 euros for all islands in the Cyclades and 19 euros for destinations in the Dodecanese and Crete. Additionally, price discounts of up to 20 percent are available to passengers, cars and motorcycles on certain vessels that travel to the Cyclades and Crete. Rival ANEK is also lowering prices depending on the time of the route, whether it’s a day or night trip. A price cut of up to 50 percent is valid for cabins during the day while economy seats have been reduced by 30 percent. Meanwhile, Minoan Lines has also lowered prices by 30 percent for cabins and cars and 50 percent for motorcycles. Minoan is also offering more attractive fees in an attempt to drum up business with discounts on cabins and the transportation of cars between 30 and 50 percent.

Ekathimerini

UK holidays 'more expensive than going abroad'

2010-07-03T23:35:00.000+03:00

It’s cheaper to spend your summer holiday in Greece, Turkey and Cyprus than it is to stay in the UK.

That’s the finding of a new report by Tesco Bank, which discovered that the average family would spend £2,054 on food, accommodation and tourism during a week in Athens and £1,819 during a week in Bodrum, Turkey. A week buying exactly the same items would come to £2,309 in Brighton.

The cheapest destination was Sofia in Bulgaria which would cost almost £988 less over the week than the same holiday in the UK. It was also cheaper to visit Cyprus, Hungary, Slovenia and Poland.

Sofia was found to be the cheapest place to buy suntan lotion, visit a zoo, buy beach accessories and meals at a cafe.

Budapest was the cheapest place to buy ice cream, Faro in Portugal was the cheapest for drinks at a cafe and Barcelona was the cheapest for buying souvenir T-shirts.

Ironically, Brighton was the cheapest place to hire a car – an expense many Brits won’t need to pay! The report didn’t take into account the costs of getting to the resort, but the cost of petrol and the cost of budget airline flights may be roughly equivalent for many Brits.

The average cost of a week’s holiday came to £2,076 across all destinations surveyed, 2% than last year, but the most expensive items - car hire and accommodation - rose by as much as 6%.

Total costs per destination (£):

- Reykjavik, Iceland 3,383
- Rome 2,836
- Barcelona 2,375
- Dubrovnik, Croatia 2,333
- Nice, France 2,320
- Faro, Portugal 2,262
- Brighton 2,209
- Athens 2,054
- Bodrum, Turkey 1,819
- Ljubljana, Slovenia 1,750
- Limassol, Cyprus 1,739
- Budapest 1,455
- Warsaw, Poland 1,315
- Sofia, Bulgaria 1,221

From Yahoo Travel

Free Internet Access in Chania

2010-06-16T11:59:00.011+03:00

The city of Chania has set up free Internet access via wireless broadband for residents and visitors across the city. As announced during a press conference, the Hania Dimos (Municipality) provide 5 free wireless broadband internet access points in the city, using the infrastructure of metropolitan fiber optic network developed in collaboration with the Technical University of Crete.

The free access points can be found at:

The Municipal Market Square

The Kipos

Dikastirio Square (The Courthouse Square)

1866 Square

Koum Kapi Beach

The points chosen are traditional places of high activity and visitors, and the network will soon be extended to other busy areas of the borough.

The connection is made through the metropolitan fiber network as part of “Kallikrates” and has already extended to other municipalities around Chania.

Vice Chancellor of the University, Yiannis Paterakis, said, "The infrastructure is done, the TUC and the city started the development and secured the funding in 2005."

Free wireless Internet access is also provided by the Municipality at the tourist office on the ground floor of the Muncipality hall (Dimarxeio) and at the municipal library.

From: AP-MPA news

Blue Flag Beaches in Crete 2010

2010-06-02T13:07:00.010+03:00

421 Greek beaches and 9 marinas are awarded the European Union Blue Flag for 2010. Of these, 96 are in Crete(nearly one quarter of the total for Greece).

Here's the complete list of the 2010 Crete Blue Flag beaches:

CHANIA [27]

Municipality Pelekanou

Pacheia Ammos

Chalikia

Limnaki

Grammeno

Voulismeni

Municipality Kolymvariou

Kolymvari

Municipality Platania

Maleme

Gerani

Platanias

Platanias /Limanaki

Municip. Neas Kydonias

Stalos

Ag. Apostoli 1

Ag. Apostoli 2

Chrissi Akti

Agia Marina

Kalamaki

Municipality Chanion

Nea Chora

Municipality Akrotiriou

Marathi

Stavros

Agios Onoufrios

Kalathas

Municipality Armenon

Maistrali

Kalyves Xyda

Kyani

Municipality Vamou

Almyrida

Municip. Georgioupolis

Kavros

Perastikos

RETHYMNO [13]

Municipality Rethymnis

Rethymno 1

Rethymno 2

Rethymno 3

Rethymno 4

Platanias Β/Rethymno 6

Municip. Geropotamou

Panormos/Limni

Lianos Kavos Lavris

Bali Varkotopos

Bali Livadi

Municipality Finika

Damnoni

Plakias

Souda

Municipality Lambis

Agia Galini/Istero Varkotopi

IRAKLIO [14]

Municipality Gaziou

Ellinoperamata

Fodele

Ammoudara 1

Ammoudara 4

Ammoudara 5

Municipality Chersonissou

Limenas Chersonissou 5

Agios Georgios 1

Agios Georgios 3

Anissaras

Agios Georgios 2/Panagia Rizi

Drapanos

Municipality Mallion

Potamos

Potamos A

Municipality Tympakiou

Matala

LASITHI [42]

Community Vrachasiou

Boufos

Municip. Agiou Nikolaou

Poros 1

Poros 2

Elounda

Pigaidakia Eloundas

Schisma

Elounda 1

Driros

Chiona

Plaka

Chavania 2

Agios Nikolaos 1

Agios Nikolaos 2

Agios Nikolaos 3

Ammoudi

Kitroplateia

Ammos/Marina

Almyros

Ammos/Dimotiki

Pilos

Ammoudara

Voulisma

Agios Panteleimonas

Municipality Sitias

Sitia 1/Galliko

Sitia 2/Petra

Sitia 3/Karavopetra

Municipality Itanou

Vai/Finikodasos

Kouremenos

Chiona

Kato Zakros

Municipality Lefkis

Vourlia

Limanaki

Municipality Makri Gialou

Analipsi

Makrygialos/Langoufa

Municipality Ierapetras

Ierapetra 1 /Dimotiki

Ierapetra 2 /Dimotiki

Agia Fotia

Myrtos

Koutsounari /Agios Ioannis

Koutsounari 2

Katharades 1

Nisos Chrysi

http://www.eepf.gr/blueflag/awards2010

Golf in Greece - New Travel Book

2010-05-30T18:35:00.007+03:00

Coffee Table Travel Book on “Golf in Greece”
Travel writers Burke and Euser bring Greek golf to the “shelves” of international bookstores and offer insight into what is no doubt the latest big travel investment in Greek tourism in recent years. This full-colored hardback is written in both Greek and English.

ATHENS, MAY 2010 – Just as The Dunes Course at Costa Navarino (part of the largest tourism development project in Greece in recent years) gets ready to open to the public, a new book “Golf in Greece” (www.golfingreecebook.com, 186 pp, $28.00) brings to light the history and current status of the sport, hitting the shelves of major bookstore outlets in Greece and the United States.

Golf in Greece is a golf book and travel guide in one. Athens. Corfu. Rhodes. Crete. Olympia. Messinia. The reader travels to Greece's seven existing golf courses and beyond to nearby beaches, archaeological sites, casinos, spas, vineyards, resorts, restaurants, hiking trails and more... continued

From Hellenic News of America

Ferries from Crete to Gavdos

2010-05-27T20:28:00.012+03:00

Gavdos Island, located to the south of Crete, is the southernmost Greek Island and the southernmost point in Europe. The tiny island is home to only about 50 inhabitants year round. There aren’t any hotels although there are limited numbers of rooms for rent. However, you might end up camping right on the beach.

The only way to get to Gavdos is by ferry from Chora Sfakion (1hr 15 mins) or Paleochora (3hr 30 mins) in South West Crete.

Click here for the Crete - Gavdos ferry timetable & more information.
Source: Why Go Greece

Battle of Crete

2010-05-19T15:56:00.001+03:00

Battle of Crete Programme 2010
Chania area Memorial Services

Monday 17th May

Nea Hora Harbour, Chania 18.30hrs. With the Mayor of Chania, Kiriakos
Virvidakis.

Tuesday 18th May

Souda - 11.00 am. Souda Municpality

Armeni - 19.00hrs. Armeni Municipality

Wednesday 19th May

Chora Sfakia - 11.00 a.m. Memorial service.

Gouvernetou Monestery, Akrotiri. 19.00hrs. Memorial service.

Thursday 20th May

Kolimbari - 11.00a.m. Army Cadets Memorial

Kokkino Horia 18.30 hrs. Memorial service

Friday 21st May

Chania Old Harbour, Firkas Fortress. 10.00 a.m. Raising of the Flag at the
site of the Battle of Crete Exhibition at the Naval Museum.

Galatas - New Zealand Memorial 19.30hrs. With the Mayor Of Nea
Kydonias Emmanuel Stamatakis.

Saturday 22nd May

Alikianos, Dimos Mousouron. 11.00 a.m.

Souda Bay War Cemetery, Souda. 18.00hrs. Memorial organised by the
British Embassy.

Sunday 23rd May

Metropolis Church, Halidon St, Chania. 11.15a.m. Memorial Service

German War Cemetery, Maleme. 13.00hrs. Memorial organised by the
German Embassy.

Maleme Airfield 19.00hrs. Memorial Service followed by parachute jumping
by the Pan-Cretan Free Divers (short event).

Programme details from the Chania Prefecture

Announcement from British Embassy Athens re UK Passports

2010-05-04T18:14:00.007+03:00

From the British Embassy Athens:

We want to alert you to an important change to British Embassy passport services in Greece. From 8 May 2010, the British Embassy in Athens will no longer issue UK passports. After this date, all British passport holders resident in Greece will need to send passport applications to the regional UK Passport Processing Centre based in Madrid, Spain.

The new Regional service is part of a global rationalisation of the UK’s overseas passport production. The regional centres will help reduce costs of producing passports overseas and increase document security. The UK Passport Processing Centre aims to process correctly completed applications within 10 working days from date of receipt. As applications will need to be sent by post/secure courier to and from Madrid, applicants will need to apply at least 4 weeks before travelling. As applicants can apply up to nine months before their passport expires – this time will be added to their new passport – offering flexibility to apply at a time of their choice. Full details of the new procedures, including what type of documentation and photographs must accompany an application, and how to check on the status of applications, can be found at: ukingreece.fco.gov.uk

Anyone who has an urgent and unavoidable need to travel to the UK may still be able to get an Emergency Travel Document from the British Embassy and Consulates in Greece for a one-way trip to the UK. Once in the UK a full passport must be issued before travelling abroad. If you need urgent assistance you should contact the British Embassy Consular Section at: Tel: +30 210 7272 600 or email: consular.athens@fco.gov.uk.

Finally, we assure you that the British Embassy in Athens and its Consulates throughout Greece will continue to provide assistance to British residents and visitors who need our help. We have a professional and high performing Consular team and the changes to the passport service should free up more time to allow them to meet the growing demand for other forms of consular assistance.

Regards
British Embassy, Athens

Further information can be found on the British Embassy's FAQ's About the New Process

Author of 'The Island' bestseller shuns Hollywood

2010-05-02T11:49:00.008+03:00

The filming of the serialisation for Greek TV of Victoria Hislop's best selling book, The Island, started in December 2009 (see my blog post January 2010)

It now emerges that Victoria Hislop has rejected an offer of about £300,000 from Hollywood to turn her debut novel about a leper colony off Crete into a blockbuster film, according to the Sunday Times today:

Keen to preserve the integrity of the book and to give something back to the Mediterranean island on which it is based, Hislop has instead allowed one of Greece’s main television channels to dramatise her story for a fraction of the fee.

“Some were offering me high six-figure dollar sums for the rights,” said Hislop, whose follow-up novel, The Return, set in Spain, has also been a success.

After spurning Hollywood, the author settled for “far less” from Mega, the Greek broadcaster, which is turning The Island into a 26-part drama that has just started filming.

“I really don’t mind,” said Hislop. “What I wanted, and will now get, is a chance to have a say in the TV series.

“Of course it is the writer’s script, but I feel much happier with some of my input and knowing that the Greeks, who took the book to their heart, will care about making the series and keep loyally to the plot.

“I was simply not happy with the approaches from America. I was worried what might happen to my story and my characters.”

The writer, who owns a house on Crete with her husband, Ian Hislop, editor of Private Eye magazine, will even have a small speaking part in the drama. “I’ve been learning Greek for the past couple of years,” she said. “I’m fairly fluent now.”

She also said the deal did not preclude secondary rights being sold to a British film or TV company at a later date.

Timesonline

Blue Star Ferries new route Piraeus - Chania

2010-04-24T10:04:00.010+02:00

Shortly after 10pm last night, the ship 'Blue Horizon' moored in Souda after it's maiden voyage on the Piraeus - Chania route.

The Blue Horizon ferry, belonging to Blue Star Ferries of the Attica Group, will travel daily between Piraeus - Chania and vice versa.

The "Blue Horizon" has capacity for 1505 passengers, 900 cars or 130 trucks and 70 cars, and has two restaurants, bars, shops, swimming pool, playground, lounge and airseats,

Ticket prices for a car start from 56 euros, foot passengers from 19 euros.

The route will run daily as follows:

Chania (Souda) – Piraeus Daily Dep. 23.00 hrs Arr. 06.15
Piraeus – Chania (Souda) Daily Dep. 14.45 Arr. 22.00 hrs

Website & online bookings:
www.bluestarferries.gr

Illegal conversions - Altered homes solution unveiled

2010-04-10T14:07:00.006+02:00

After months of discussions, the government yesterday unveiled its plans to introduce a scheme that will allow homeowners to pay a penalty to protect illegally converted parts of their homes from demolition and channel the proceeds toward the creation of more green spaces.

Environment Minister Tina Birbili presented the details of the program, according to which owners can declare areas of homes which were originally planned as balconies, garages or basements but have since been turned into living space, known as “imyipaithroi” (semi-open) in Greek.

In return for paying a penalty, the homeowner will be given documents that will allow him or her to continue using this space for the next 40 years without threat of demolition or further fines.

The size of the penalty will be calculated according to ... continue (from ekathimerini).

Welcoming the first tourists to Chania

2010-04-07T15:45:00.007+02:00

Platanias, Chania, welcomed the first tourist to the region yesterday with traditional music, dance and local delicacies.

The event was organised by town councilors, the president of the hoteliers' association and local residents. Visitors were offered lamb on the spit and other traditional foods.

Welcoming the guests, the mayor of Platanias George Tsagarakis, said "today we celebrate not only the opening of the new season, but also Easter and spring. We encourage you to enjoy sun, sea, natural beauty, ancient sites and get to know our history. Do not forget to taste the cuisine and wines of the island. Forget your worries and your problems, and know that we will always be here to welcome you. "

CRETE VISITORS
Thousands of visitors came to Crete for Easter, but few chose to stay in hotels. Most were guests at the homes of relatives or friends.
In Chania from Holy Monday to noon on Good Friday, according to data from the Souda Port and International Airport of Chania "Daskalogiannis", 12.700 visitors arrived in Chania, approximately the same levels as last year. However, room reservations are down by 10 to 15% and that is why many hotels have not yet opened.
The President of the Hoteliers Association of Chania, Nikos Korakas, said "The county had many visitors. Judging by the occupancy of ships and planes we have a large turnout of visitors, mainly Greeks." The majority did not stay in hotel rooms, and Mr Korakas estimated that the occupancy of city hotels was down 50% on Easter last year (perhaps due to the early date of Easter this year).

Rethymno
In Rethymnon, hotels fared worse than Chania, and many hotels remained closed over Easter due to lack of bookings.

From: Haniotika Nea

Easter Saturday and The Holy Fire

2010-04-03T13:28:00.012+02:00

A 'miracle' that is unknown in the West
The miracle of the Holy Fire is almost unknown in Western Europe. In Protestant areas it may, to a certain extent, be explained by the fact that there is no real tradition of miracles; people don't really know in which box to place the miracles, and they rarely feature in newspapers. But in the Catholic tradition there is vast interest in miracles. Thus, why is it not more well known? For this only one explanation suffices: Church politics. Only the Orthodox Churches attend the ceremony which is centered on the miracle. It only occurs on the Orthodox date of Easter and without the presence of any Catholic authorities.

ON EASTER SATURDAY, at noon, the Orthodox Patriarch, or any other Orthodox Archbishop, enters the Holy Sepulchre in the church of Resurrection in Jerusalem, recites special prayers and remains waiting. Sometimes the waiting is long, sometimes short. The crowd, in the darkened church, repeats continually with a loud voice: "Lord, have mercy" (Kyrie eleison). At a certain moment the Holy Fire flashes from the depth of the Holy Sepulchre in a supernatural way, miraculously, and lights up the little lamp of olive oil put on the edge of it. The Patriarch (or the Archbishop), after having read some prayers, lights up the two clusters of 33 candles he is holding, and begins to distribute the Holy Fire to the multitude of pilgrims, who receive it with great emotion, accompanied with the pealing of bells, acclamations, and an unbridled enthusiasm.

Article continues (from) HolyFire.org (2008/2009)

Μεγάλη Εβδομάδα - Holy Week

2010-03-30T16:56:00.001+02:00

Easter is the biggest celebration of the year in the Greek Orthodox Calendar.
Greek Easter falls on Sunday 4th April 2010 and this week, leading up to Easter, is known as Μεγάλη Εβδομάδα or Holy Week, or the literal translation The Big Week.

Preparations for Easter are already in full swing; houses, churches, garden walls and village pavements have been whitewashed and churches decorated with flowers.

Throughout Holy Week church services take place daily and many will fast, excluding all meat, fish, eggs and oil from their diet, in order to take holy communion.

This week Cretan women will bake koulourakia, tsoureki and kalitsounia, dye eggs red and prepare for the big Easter celebration from midnight on Saturday.

Read more about the daily preparations throughout Holy Week on my Greek Easter hub.

Greek Independence Day March 25th

2010-03-25T09:09:00.000+02:00

Today is the Anniversary of Greece's Independence Day, and coincides with the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary.

On 25th March 1821 the Bishop of Patras, Germanos, raised the Greek flag at the monastery of Aghia Lavra in the Peloponnese, an act that marked the beginning of the war of Independence.

The people of Greece proclaimed "Freedom or Death" and they fought the War of Independence for 9 years (1821-1829) until a small part of modern Greece was finally liberated and it was declared an independent nation.

Military parades are held throughout Greece and the Islands every year on March 25th to mark the Anniversary.

March 25th is also the Name Day of Evangelos (Vangelis) and Evangelia.

Summer Tourists to Shun Greece?

2010-03-23T17:23:00.012+02:00

A report out this week from Skyscanner.com claims that Turkey is set to take a significant slice of summer tourists from rival Greece following a recent spate of negative publicity after strikes and rioting hit the troubled country.

Skyscanner reports that flight searches to Turkey are 159% higher than flight searches to Greece for travel dates this summer.

"Following serious economic problems, strikes and rioting over the last few months, Greece’s tourist industry looks to take a hit and rival Turkey is well placed to take Greece’s share of the market." say Skyscanner.

“Greece has had a lot of bad press recently and unfortunately it’s coming at a time when many people are booking their summer holidays. News of street clashes and strikes are going to hurt Greece’s tourist industry and Greece’s loss is Turkey’s gain. On the upside, it may mean more offers of cheap flights to Greece as it tries to win back tourists.” said Barry Smith, Skyscanner Co-founder and Market Development Director.
Skyscanner.net

However according to reports here in Crete, tour operators, hoteliers and villa owners are optimistic, with 2010 bookings already up on 2009 levels.

Petrol Prices on Fire

2010-03-17T12:26:00.011+02:00

Petrol and diesel have become even more expensive since 15th March as the new VAT increase (from 19% to 21%) was introduced on Monday. Unleaded petrol prices in Chania yesterday ranged from 1.48 to 1.60 euros a litre. And next weekend costs are expected to surpass 1.60.

The new increase has caused complaints by consumers, but the President of Chania petrol station owners, Vangelis Kotsos, has replied that petrol stations are not profiteering: “From 9th February increases in excise duty have been raised by 14.3 cents the first time, then 8 cents the second time and now the new VAT. The total price increase is around 26 cents, but the refineries have increased their prices by 33 cents.
With the new VAT increase on petrol Monday, prices have risen around 3 cents per litre. So the cost price to petrol station owners has risen to 1.53 for a litre of unleaded petrol.
There are shops which sell petrol below 1.53 euros because the discounts they get from companies is such that they are allowed to sell at, and below, the wholesale price.
But there are stations which do not get any discount and their prices are bound to range from 1 , 60 euros and up. For example, when the cost is 1.53 euros, the 4.5% profit for the owner amount to around 7 cents, so the 1.53 price reaches 1.60. If someone gets a 3 cent discount and passes this on to the consumer they can sell at around 1.58 euros.
These prices are unprecedented, not only in Crete but also for the whole of Greece."

Mr Kotsos said that by next weekend fuel prices in Chania will be from 1.55 up to 1.63 euros.

Receipts for Petrol From April 1st

Receipts for the sale of petrol should go ahead from April, as decided by the Ministry of Finance. Within the next 7 to 12 months, input-output systems will be placed at petrol stations.

President of the Chania petrol station owners, Vangelis Kotsos, said " The owners never had a problem with cash machines, the problem is with the absence of input-output systems. These will be installed with the next 7 to 12 months. Cash registers will be installed by April 1 and will offer receipts to everyone.“

From Haniotika Nea

NOTE: Chania petrol stations will NOT be taking part in the nationwide petrol strike tomorrow, Thursday

Archaeology: Priestesses tombs unearthed on Crete

2010-03-09T17:15:00.011+02:00

An unearthed tomb on Crete reveals a dynasty of priestesses reigned on the isle during the "Dark Ages" of ancient Greece.

In an Archaeology magazine report, writer Eti Bonn-Muller details the results from last summer's excavation of the tomb of Orthi Petra at Eleutherna on Crete, where a team found the burials of a high priestess of Zeus and three acolytes this summer.

"People then may have considered them sorceresses, or intermediaries with the gods," .... read more Article: usatoday.com

Greece backs new round of tax rises and spending cuts

2010-03-03T17:06:00.009+02:00

The Greek government has approved a new package of tax rises and spending cuts to save 4.8bn euros ($6.5bn; £4.4bn) and ease its budget crisis.

The measures include a rise in sales and luxury taxes (VAT up from 19% to 21%. Taxes on petrol & cigarettes to rise again), a 30% cut in the holiday bonuses paid to civil servants, and a pensions freeze.

The EU had called for austerity measures amid fears that Greece's problems could undermine the eurozone... continue (BBC News)

New Tax Rules for 2010

2010-02-16T17:39:00.011+02:00

Ever-changing Greek tax system a factor in crisis

It's a problem all too familiar to Greek business owners: the gnawing uncertainty of what taxes they might owe next year — and whether they'll even be hit by a sudden increase in the bill for last year.

Greece's ever-changing tax system undermines compliance and revenue — and makes a major contribution to the government financial crisis that has shaken the entire European Union and undermined the euro currency.

"With regulations amended or overhauled practically every year for decades, businesses — and the average Greek taxpayer — don't know what to expect from the future, or even from the past.

"You never know what tomorrow's dawn will bring... read more

Last week the Greek government announced their plans for the 2010 tax overhaul, which will include the collection of receipts by individuals in order to obtain their full tax free allowance.

An overview of the new tax rules, including details of the new tax brackets for 2010, is published on the main Living in Crete website: 2010 tax rules

Kathara Deftera - Clean Monday

2010-02-15T17:55:00.015+02:00

Today is Kathara Deftera, or Clean Monday, a Bank Holiday in Greece which marks the end of Apokries and the start of Lent (Sarakosti).

Fasting starts today and traditionally (according to the Greek Orthodox Church) no meat, fish, eggs, dairy products or oil are allowed to be eaten for the next 49 days leading up to Greek Easter

A Lenten picnic and kite flying are the traditions of the day, shown here at Stavros beach against the backdrop of Stavros mountain (of Zorba the Greek fame).

Click the pictures to enlarge

See how many kites you can spot below - click to enlarge

Carnival in Akrotiri, Chania

2010-02-14T22:20:00.002+02:00

The 2010 carnival in Kounoupidiana, Akrotiri, Chania was packed on Sunday as hundreds of revellers took to the streets to celebrate.

Click on the pictures for larger size view

There were a few revellers poking fun at the government and Greece's current affairs.
"Fakelaki - Nai. Apodeiksi - Oxi" ('Envelope - Yes. Receipt - No' An envelope being an envelope of cash as referred to in a bribe.)

Even the on duty policemen joined in the 'kefi':

Local businesses provided thousands of souvlakis:

30 Years Without Nikos Xilouris

2010-02-09T18:21:00.011+02:00

Nikos Xylouris (Νίκος Ξυλούρης)
Born 7th July 1936. Died 8th February 1980
Famous Cretan musician, immortalised through his music.

Nikos Xylouris was born on the 7th of July 1936 in Anoghia, on the island of Crete to a family steeped in traditional music. In 1941 his family fled Anoghia for the village of Mylopotamos after the Germans burned his village and returned after Crete was liberated. His talent shone early, and he sang and played the mandolin with his friend Giorgi Kalomoiri. He later learnt to play the Cretan Lyra, and started to tour the villages and towns to play at festivals, weddings and baptisms... read the full article

Tsiknopempti

2010-02-04T09:00:00.001+02:00

Tsiknopempti falls on the second Thursday of Apokries (Carnival) in Greece; today February 4th 2010.

'Tsikna' is the smell of burning meat.. 'pempti' is Thursday, in Greek. It loosely translates as Burnt Thursday, Barbecue Thursday or Fat Thursday.

Tsiknopempti traditionally marks the last week of meat eating until after Lent; old customs saw whole villages barbecuing meat on this day, with the smell of 'burning' meat permeating the air.

It is still the tradition to eat meat on Tsiknopempti, although nowadays it's
the tavernas who cater for the meat feast. You'll find that tavernas and cafes
everywhere are packed and many have live music and a party atmosphere.

The masqueraders start coming out in force this evening. Enjoy!

.

Sea Breeze

2010-02-03T13:41:00.013+02:00

Very windy yesterday. The choppy sea washed right up the beach at Kalathas, Akrotiri, Chania.

Click on the photos to see larger size

Plenty of white caps out to sea-

'The Island' being serialised in Crete for Greek TV

2010-01-27T17:37:00.009+02:00

Victoria Hislop's best selling novel 'The Island' is being serialised for Greek Mega TV and is currently being filmed on location in Crete.

'The Island' is (loosely) based on real events concerning the life of the inhabitants of Plaka and Spinalonga in Crete, who are faced with leprosy (Hansen's disease).

The shooting of the series started in December 2009 by the producers TVE (Tileoptikes Business SA) and Indigo View (a Chania based audiovisual production company). Pre-production began a year ago, with the construction of scenery and costume preparation.

The award-winning movie director, Theodore Papadoulakis, from Chania (his films have won awards both in Greece and 24 international awards abroad) is directing the series.

The adaptation (which is in Greek) of the best seller has been written by Mirella Papaoikonomou, a writer with enormous success in Greek television.

Leading roles will be played by Stelios Maina, as George the boatman, and Katerina Lehou as his wife, a teacher from Plaka who is affected by leprosy and transferred to Spinalonga, leaving behind her husband and two daughters.

The series is being shot on location in Crete at Plaka, Spinalonga, Elounda, Agios Nikolas and Chania.

Haniotika Nea

Ecotourism in Crete

2010-01-25T09:49:00.004+02:00

Ecotourism is environmentally responsible tourism, supporting nature, cultural heritage and contributing to the local community, Travellers should be encouraged to minimise their impact on the eco system and support green practices.

Agrotourism - or agritourism - is an expansion of ecotourism in which visitors are encouraged to partake in farming and agricultural activities.

Crete has much to offer in sustainable tourism through her nature and cultural heritage. Holidays in the ‘real’ Crete are popular amongst the environmentally aware. Renting a village house or farm helps to support the local community and encourages the preservation of architectural heritage through the renovation of.. read the full article

Apokries (already?!)

2010-01-23T12:08:00.007+02:00

Apokries starts early this year, from tomorrow, Sunday 24th January 2010.

The opening of the book of the Triodion, the Three Holy sacraments will take place tomorrow and marks the start of Apokries.

Apokries is the time of the Greek carnival, mardi gras, and lasts for three weeks leading up to Lent. The first day of Lent is called Clean Monday (Kathara Deftera) and marks the start of Lenten fasting.

Throughout the three week Apokries period Greece comes alive with masqueraders, parties and carnivals.

Read all about Apokries week by week here

EasyJet to Chania 2010 - It's Official

2010-01-21T12:34:00.011+02:00

From today EasyJet flights to Chania, Crete go on sale on their website.

The Easyjet flights between Gatwick and Chania start on 23rd May and run until 29th September 2010 according to the first information.

Flights are three times a week on Tuesday, Wednesdays and Sunday

On November 4th 2009 the liklihood of Easyjet flying into Chania in 2010 was publicised in the local Crete daily Haniotika Nea and was covered in this blog entry

Since then, rumours have been flying back and forth in Crete about whether the route was on or off. The local Haniotika Nea confirmed on January 8th that the route was definitely ON, but there had been no news from Easyjet.

The same day, January 8th, Easyjet announced their Gatwick expansion plans, yet did not name the new routes, saying a forthcoming announcement would take place 'in a few weeks'.

We are still awaiting for the 'official announcement' any time soon. Meanwhile the Hania flights are already bookable online. Good news for tourism (and residents) in western Crete!

www.easyjet.com

The Kallikratis Plan – Big local Government changes

2010-01-18T23:11:00.012+02:00

Last Monday, 11th January , the Greek government presented their plan to merge local municipalities, named the 'Kallikratis' plan.

Although it has many aspects, the main element to Kallikratis is the plan to do away with the 76 prefectures that currently span the country and replace them with 13 larger regions. Similarly, 1,034 municipalities will be whittled down to less than 370.

In the case of Crete, for example, the four prefectures of Crete (Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion, Lassithi) will be become one prefecture for the whole of Crete. The number of municipalities (dimos) will be decreased and merged into larger Dimos’ – for example in Chania the Dimos’ of New Kydonia, Souda, Akrotiri would no longer exist and they will become part of Dimos Chania.

The plan is named Kallikratis after one of the two architects who worked on the Parthenon. Apparently the government chose to name the municipality restructure plan after Kallikratis in order to stress "its revolutionary character".

Prime Minister George Papandreou today said the government is determined to proceed with the "Kallikratis" reform and merger plan in public administration and local government, stressing that "the Greek people voted us into office to make changes, not patches". He said the plan has wide acceptance among the public and emphasised the critical importance of the Kallikratis plan for local government, saying this would bring about fundamental and much-needed reforms to public sector administrative structures.

There is opposition to the plan amongst other political parties, and even within Papandreou’s own PASOK party, where some ministers’ main worry appears to be that the politicians who are elected heads of the 13 regions will have too much power and influence.

It is intended that the programme will be ratified by May at the latest, with local government elections to take place on 14th November 2010 under the new set-up of fewer municipalities. The new municipal and regional authorities will then be created on January 1, 2011 with the newly elected officials.

Sources:ANA-MPA, ekathimerini

Viking sets up Greek airline

2010-01-14T14:19:00.006+02:00

Viking Airlines has started a Greek operation and is launching a three times weekly service from Manchester to Athens with onward connections to Iraq from February 1.

The new arm of Sweden-based Viking Airlines AB is called Viking Hellas Airlines and is based in Athens.

Its Manchester-Athens route is targeting leisure tourists. The connections to Iraq will target Iraqi ex-pats, and eastern Europeans looking for work in Iraq.

Viking Hellas also has agreements with Olympic Air and Aegean Airlines to provide connections from Athens to Greek cities and islands, the eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East.

Travel Trade Gazette & more

Jobs in Greece 2010

2010-01-10T14:57:00.031+02:00

Jobs in Greece 2010
Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, Kos, Ios, Paros, Zante, Mykonos, Santorini. Summer jobs in the Greek Islands.

Looking for work in Greece this summer?

Each year there are thousands of summer jobs in Greece and the Greek Islands. If living and working in Greece is your dream this summer, start planning and take action now ..
Go to Summer jobs in the Greek Islands

Crete & Greece in Top 10 Travel Destinations 2010

2010-01-05T10:06:00.010+02:00

The tourism industry in general took a big hit in the 2009 recession, with booking numbers dropping significantly across the Euro zone in particular with the devaluation of the pound.

The outlook for 2010 is a little more optimistic as thousands who stayed at home in 2009 say they will travel abroad in 2010.

Co-operative Travel, the UK’s biggest chain of independent agents, said bookings for the top 20 summer 2010 destinations have risen sharply in the past three months

Trevor Davis, director of retail distribution at Co-operative Travel, said: “As the holiday sector recovers, the battle for bookers will intensify, with firms seeking to increase their market share after a challenging 12 months.”

The Turkish resort of Dalaman has seen an 82 per cent increase in bookings and has taken over from Majorca as the No. 1 destination in 2010.
Majorca is now in second place, with Orlando, Florida, third, the Spanish Costa Blanca fourth and the Greek island of Crete fifth.

Meanwhile, the Lonely Planet guides recently unveiled the fifth annual collection of the world’s best journeys, destinations and experiences for the year ahead with the Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2010. Greece is listed in the Top 10 Countries for 2010 (the others are El Salvador, Germany, Malaysia, Morocco, Nepal, New Zealand, Nepal, Suriname, USA ). About Greece, Lonely Planet say “Seldom does a travel destination satisfy the blurbs that shout ‘has something for everyone’ - but Greece truly does. Whether you’re there to poke around ancient ruins, soak in the sun on idyllic beaches, or party till you drop, Greece will leave you clamouring for more."

Related Reading,Crete Travel articles:
Crete's Top Ten Destinations & Attractions

Five Islands to visit off the Crete coast

Getting Married in Crete

Happy New Year

2010-01-01T11:41:00.007+02:00

Happy New Year and best wishes for 2010.

From Chania, Crete, 1st January 2010 New Year

Olive Growers’ Claims Prompt Investigation

2009-12-31T16:52:00.003+02:00

Exaggerated subsidy claims in Crete have led to questions about fraud among agricultural cooperatives across southern Europe.

"VAMOS, CRETE — Myth-making has been part of life on Crete since the Greek goddess Athena was credited with growing the first olive tree on this rugged Mediterranean island.
But even the gods would have been pushed to conjure up a harvest as big as the one claimed by a group of olive growers around this tiny, rustic town."

Read the full article by By STEPHEN CASTLE, New York Times

Merry Christmas From Chania

2009-12-24T00:05:00.000+02:00

Καλά Χρηστούγεννα σε όλους!

Christmas - New Year 2009 -2010 Events

2009-12-17T20:30:00.000+02:00

Programme Events for Chania

"Christmas City" takes place at the Old Customs House, Chania Harbour from Wed 23rd December to Wed 6th January.
Open daily except 25th December, 31st December and 1st January.
Hours: 10 am - 2 pm and 5 to 9 pm

The Christmas City programme includes the folowing events:

Wednesday, 23rd December
6.30 pm Construction Figurines Shadow Theater
8 pm Christmas shadow theater show with Nikos Blazakis.

Saturday 26th December
6 pm Theatrical performance

Sunday 27th December 2009
6 pm Puppet Theatre

Monday 28th December
6 pm Theatrical performance

Tuesday 29th December
6 pm Puppet Theatre

Wednesday 30th December
8 pm Christmas Shadow Theatre performance with Niko Blazak

__________________________________________________________________

Other Events

Saturday 19th December and Sunday 20th December
D. Blasidis Theatre, Xrissi Akti, Chania

8 pm Musical "Oliver"
Christmas concert with the Children's Choir of the Dimos Chanion.

NEW YEARS EVE
Thursday 31st December

CHANIA
New Year's Eve at the Agora (Central Market Place, Hania
22.30 Laiki Orchestra
23.30 Philharmonic Orchestra of Chania
00.00 Midnight - Fireworks

HERAKLION
New Year's Eve at Eleftherias Square, Heraklion
19.30 Cretan music and dancing
21.00 Laika orchestra & songs
23.30 Philharmonic Orchestra of Heraklion
23:55 New Year message from the Mayor
00.01 Fireworks display

____________________________________________________-

Photo:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/robertrex365/ / CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Christmas - New Year Shopping Hours

2009-12-17T19:30:00.006+02:00

The Merchants Association of Chania have announced the following shop opening hours for the Christmas / New Year period 2009/2010 for the town shops.

The major towns in Crete are likely to have the same, or very similar, hours.

Saturday 19th December 9 am to 6 pm

Sunday 20th December 10 am to 8 pm

Monday 21st December 9 am to 2 pm and 5,30 pm to 9 pm

Tuesday 22nd December 9 am to 3 pm and 5.30 pm to 9 pm

Wednesday 23rd December 9 am to 9 pm

Thursday 24th December 9 am to 9 pm

Friday 25th December CLOSED (Christmas Day)

Saturday 26th December CLOSED (Boxing Day)

Sunday 27th December CLOSED

Monday 28th December 9 am to 2pm and 5.30 pm to 9 pm

Tuesday 29th December 9 am to 2pm and 5.30 pm to 9 pm

Wednesday 30th December 9 am to 9 pm

Thursday 31st December 9 am to 6 pm

Friday 1st January CLOSED (New Year's Day)

Saturday 2nd January CLOSED

Sunday 3rd January CLOSED

Monday 4th January 9 am to 2.30 pm

Tuesday 5th January 9 am to 2 pm and 5.30 pm to 9 pm

Wednesday 6th January CLOSED (Epiphany)

Hania welcomes in the Christmas Season

2009-12-15T11:24:00.011+02:00

The switching on of the lights on the Christmas tree in the Market Square and a rich program of dance, music and carols, started the Christmas events in the municipality of Chania on Sunday.

Hania mayor, Mr. Kyriakos Virvidakis, said during his opening speech ‘Citizens, and visitors can enjoy the beauty of the square of the Municipal Market. This year, despite the economic crisis and cuts in Local Government spending, events will be highly upgraded and will include events in the square of the Municipal Market, the Public Garden and the old Customs House from December 23 until January 6. We call upon all citizens, all residents and visitors to enjoy this year's celebrations, happy with their family, with health and peace. I hope that 2010 is happy and productive.”

The Christmas programme includes an ice skating rink and carousels in the market square and a new playground in the Kipos (Municipal Gardens).

The small scating .. sorry skating! ... rink is to the side of the Agora.

2010 Road Tax Greece - Τέλη Κυκλοφορίας

2009-12-11T22:23:00.012+02:00

The Finance Ministry has begun sending notices for the 2010 Road Tax, which must be paid by 15th January 2010. (extended from 31st December 2009).

For cars registered in or after the year 2005, owners will pay less than 2009 prices, but cars that are registered before 31/12/2004 will incur increases due to the 'Green Tax'. Vehicles which were registered on 31/12/1995 or before will pay particularly higher rates, in many cases more than, or equivalent to, the value of the old vehicle!

Road Tax - Τέλη Κυκλοφορίας 2010 – Table of Costs

For cars registered after 1/1/2005
• 786 – 1.357 cc : 94 €
• 1.358 – 1.9228 cc: 184 €
• 1.929 – 2.357 cc: 428 €
• 2.358 cc and above: 562 €

For cars registered from 1/1/2000 to 31/12/2004
• 786 – 1.357 cc: 137 €
• 1.358 – 1.928 cc: 252 €
• 1.929 – 2.357 cc: 521 €
• 2.358 cc and above: 680 €

For cars registered from 1/1/1996 to 31/12/1999
• 786 – 1.357 cc: 162 €
• 1.358 – 1.928 cc: 302 €
• 1.929 – 2.357 cc: 596 €
• 2.358 cc and above: 780 €

For cars registered before 1/1/1996
• 786 – 1.357 cc: 187 €
• 1.358 – 1.928 cc: 352 €
• 1.929 – 2.357 cc: 671 €
• 2.358 cc and above: 880 €

Road tax discs are available from any of 19 Greek banks (National Bank, Alpha Bank, Piraeus Bank, Agricultural, Commercial, Eurobank, Postal Savings Bank, Citibank, Marfin Egnatia, Cyprus General, Millenium, Attica, Aspis, Probank, Proton, FBB, Greek bank LTD, Hellenic Bank)and from the Post Office, on production of the notice from the tax office, which should be automatically sent to your registered postal address (note that if you are registered as non resident for tax purposes the notice may go to your accountant).

After 31st December 2009/12/2009 the issuing of tax discs will be made exclusively by the local tax office.

If you do not receive a notice or if the notice is incorrect regarding your registration number, fees etc, then contact your local tax office.

Source:Xblog.gr
Photo:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kraetzsche/ / CC BY-ND 2.0

Crete Wine Tourism

2009-11-23T20:38:00.006+02:00

Crete has all the requirements to become an ideal destination for wine tourism, which would be linked with individual culinary delights offered by the Cretan cuisine and quality local products.

So said the wine researcher George Makris, speaking yesterday at a workshop held at the exhibition "Oinokritika" organized by the Prefecture of Chania and the Network winemakers Chania - Rethymno.

Mr. Makris explained that a tourism destination is one aimed at travellers who want to experience the unique beauty of a place, the specific products and the people. Wine tourism is linked to culinary tourism and agro tourism. He added ‘ To my knowledge there are currently 52 wine producers on the island and many of the wineries are already open to visitors. The next thing needed is a basic cooperation amongst the wine makers in Crete to ensure their products become widely known”.

The goal is for tourists to enjoy the scenery, culture, cuisine and wine of Crete and subsequently buy Cretan products off the shelves in their own country.
Source:Haniotika Nea

The Cretan Wine Exhibition ‘Oinokritika’ was held in Chania over the weekend of 21/22 November .

Read more about Cretan wine at Greek Winemakers

Greece scores worst in corruption ranking

2009-11-19T13:30:00.006+02:00

EUOBSERVER / BRUSSELS – Greece is perceived as the most corrupt of EU countries, along with Bulgaria and Romania, an annual corruption perception ranking released on Tuesday (17 November) by Transparency International shows.
Carried out in 180 countries around the world, the 2009 Corruption Perceptions Index measures the degree to which corruption is perceived to exist among public officials and politicians on a scale where 0 is the most corrupt and 10 is graft-free.

Greece's poor score shows that joining the EU does not automatically translate into a reduction in corruption.

The new Socialist PASOK government has revealed that the public deficit data kept by the previous cabinet were embellished. The EU statistics office Eurostat expresses "reservation" on the Greek data in its report on EU government debt levels for 2008.

Urban planning offices, state hospitals and townhalls were identified as the sectors where corruption is the most acute.

Brussels has a special monitoring mechanism in place for Romania and Bulgaria, but it lacks any real leverage on Greece's poor performance in tackling corruption and speeding up lengthy trials.

A proposal included in a list of EU priorities in the field of justice and home affairs - known as the Stockholm programme - asks the EU commission to set up a similar auditing system for all member states and to develop a "comprehensive anti-corruption policy.

The programme still needs the approval of EU leaders at a summit on 10-11 December. Greece, along with other Mediterranean states, is said to be opposed to the monitoring proposal.

Big EU donors such as Germany and the Netherlands are growing increasingly irritated about the potential mismanagement of EU funds in recipient countries, however.
Greece was the largest recipient of community money in 2008. Athens received roughly €6.3 billion, far ahead of Warsaw, in second place, with €4.4 billion. www.euobserver.com

The newly elected left-wing PASOK government in Athens has promised to clamp down on corruption.

During the Pasok rule in the 1980's and 1990's they were perceived as the political party under whose rule corruption in Greece reached unprecedented heights.
New Democracy swept to power in 2004 with promises to end decades of Socialist corruption, but the conservative ND soon faced a number of corruption scandals of their own.

Photograph

http://www.flickr.com/photos/watchsmart/ / CC BY 2.0

Five Islands to visit off the Crete coast

2009-11-15T11:58:00.007+02:00

Crete as a whole has little in common with the much smaller Greek islands, apart from the fantastic beaches and coves; it doesn't generally have the small Greek Island 'feel'. Just off the Crete mainland, however, lie a number of small islets which offer beautiful beaches with just a hint of tourism, and rocky coves steeped in history.

Gavdos, Gramvoussa, Chrissi Island, Spinalonga, Souda Island

Read the article here : Five Islands off Crete

Arkadi Monastery - Remembering the Cretan rebellion

2009-11-09T11:44:00.009+02:00

http://www.flickr.com/photos/wiz-arts/ / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

One of the most heroic episodes in recent Greek history took place this day (8-9 November)in 1866 at the Monastery of Arkadi, Rethymnon, Crete.

In 1866 the Arkadi (Arcadi) Monastery had become the center for an insurrection against the Turks, who had been ruling Crete for some 200 years.

The Turkish pasha at Rethymno had threatened to raze the building if the Cretan revolutionaries did not leave it. In answer, 259 armed men, together with 750 women and children who had taken refuge there, prepared themselves for the unequal fight. Unequal because the Turkish troops numbered about 15,000. The defenders fought bravely, but after three days of battle the Turks broke through into the monastery.

Under orders from the Abbot of the monastery, the Cretans retreated to the cellar and blew up barrels of gunpowder, preferring to sacrifice themselves rather than surrender.

The monastery became a national sanctuary in honour of the Cretan Resistance. November 8th is henceforth the day of commemorative parties, to Arkadi and to Rethymnon. The explosion did not end the Cretan insurrection, but attracted the attention of Europe to the struggle for independence.

Easyjet to fly to Chania from 2010?

2009-11-04T21:31:00.007+02:00

An interesting report from the Haniotika Nea today regarding the possibility of Easyjet flying into Chania from next March:

Negotiations by the Federal Hotel Accommodation of Chania with Easyjet regarding the opening of a route to Chania are apparently moving in a positive direction.
If, ultimately, an agreement is reached with the company and local bodies Easy Jet, which plans to develop its network to other Greek cities, would transfer 15,000 tourists to Chania in the first year.

The President of the Federation of Hotel Accommodation Principle of Chania Prefecture Manolis Giannoulis stated:
"After numerous and persistent efforts over the last six months, the Federation of Hotel Accommodation Principle has come to the final stage of negotiating the operation of EasyJet into Chania. In a recent meeting, 13 days ago, the airport operations manager of the company confirmed interest in flights to Chania. Easyjet has been active in Heraklion over the last few years with amazing results. The company is very interested in Chania as a destination. “

"Generally the next target, in line with the group of the company who visited Chania a few days ago, is to see how to develop the infrastructure of the Airport of Chania. It is a prerequisite that Handling companies should be able to come to Chania airport. We hope that with the release of Handling at Chania Airport, which should have happened a year ago, there will be a significant boost to tourism in the prefecture."

By the end of November, according to Mr. Giannoulis, Easyjet will announce its decisions on whether to implement flights to and from Chania. " The executives who visited Chania are very positive in this direction" he said.

The company would plan to operate flights from the end of March until the end of October, with two to three flights a week from Gatwick Airport in London.

Haniotika Nea