The Irish low-cost carrier and its combative CEO, Michael O’Leary, are once again shaking up Europe’s low-cost tourism landscape, this time by withdrawing routes and reducing winter operations in Greece amid an ongoing dispute over airport charges and taxes. The move will reportedly remove around 700,000 seats from the market.

Ryanair has blamed the “German-run Fraport Greece monopoly and Athens Airport” for charging what it describes as “hopelessly uncompetitive costs”, and says this has resulted in a “devastating loss in off-peak winter connectivity”.

The cancelled routes are from Thessaloniki to Berlin, Chania, Frankfurt-Hahn, Gothenburg, Heraklion, Niederrhein, Poznań, Stockholm, Venice Treviso, Zagreb, Milan Malpensa and Paphos.

The airline has also withdrawn aircraft from Chania and Heraklion. However, Ryanair has suggested that it could resume operations at the closed bases and on the withdrawn routes after the 2026–27 winter season.

The airline is putting the blame squarely on Fraport Greece, accusing the airport operator of refusing to implement the Greek government’s November 2024 decision to reduce the Airport Development Fee (ADF) by 75%, from €12 to €3 per passenger. Ryanair had welcomed the measure at the time as a “wise” decision that would “directly stimulate year-round connectivity and tourism across Greece”.

It further alleges that Fraport has not only failed to pass on the reduction but has instead increased charges to levels that are now 66% above pre-pandemic rates, effectively pocketing the surcharge.

Ryanair also claims that Athens International Airport is set to raise charges again this winter.

“Consequently, Greek airports are no longer competitive in the off-peak shoulder and winter months, when the tourism industry’s reliance on low-fare connectivity is most acute,” the airline said in a statement.

The situation, Ryanair argues, has left it with “no choice” but to reallocate capacity to more competitive markets such as Albania, regional Italy, and Sweden, where airports have passed on savings linked to government tax reductions.

Tirana in particular has become a major new base for the airline, while Italy was successfully pressured by Ryanair and other carriers into scrapping parts of its “addizionale municipale” aviation tax.

Fraport Greece, which manages 14 airports across Greece as well as major European hubs linked to its parent company in Frankfurt, rejected the allegations, saying Ryanair’s decision was “exclusively related” to its commercial strategy and economic considerations.

“Any claims linking this decision to airport charges or the airport development fee imposed by the Greek state are entirely unfounded,” the company said.

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The operator also stressed that it has invested more than €100 million in upgrading Thessaloniki airport.

Ryanair has warned that it could hold back broader expansion plans in Greece, including the launch of 50 new routes over the next five years, arguing that such growth “can only be delivered if airport charges are frozen and the 75% Airport Development Fee reduction is passed on to passengers at all airports”. Otherwise, it said, Greece risks missing out on future tourism investment.

Greece is far from the first European market in which Ryanair has engaged in war and conducted aggressive policies over airport costs and aviation taxes. Earlier this year, the airline announced cuts to routes across multiple European airports, blaming rising airport fees, air traffic control costs and government aviation taxes. These reductions affected routes across the Balkans, Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain, impacting millions of travellers.

L’article Ryanair cuts 12 routes and closes Thessaloniki base in Greek fees dispute est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

On these protected beaches, businesses are no longer allowed to place sunbeds, umbrellas, tables or chairs for commercial use. Visitors will not be able to rent water sports equipment such as jet skis, pedalos or kayaks either. Loud music, large organised events and cars driving on the sand are also prohibited. However, the beaches remain open to the public, and small mobile stands selling drinks and snacks are still allowed to operate.

The aim of these measures is to protect Greece’s natural environment and preserve the beauty of its coastlines. Many of the selected beaches are home to important ecosystems, including rare plants and animals. Authorities say that increasing pressure from tourism, combined with the effects of climate change, has made stronger protection necessary. By limiting human impact, the government hopes to maintain these areas in their natural state for future generations.

A number of the beaches included in the ban are part of the Natura 2000 network, a European system of protected areas. This programme is designed to safeguard habitats and species that are considered valuable or at risk. On these beaches, the rules are even stricter, as any activity that could change the natural shape of the coastline or harm its ecological function is not allowed. This also means that hotels cannot create private beach sections or build permanent structures nearby.

The protected beaches are spread across many parts of Greece, including islands and mainland regions. Locations such as Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, Lefkada and the Cyclades are all included. The island of Leipsoi stands out, as it has the highest number of untouched beaches in the country, with more than 20. Another well-known example is Elafonissi Beach in Crete, famous for its pink sand created by crushed seashells.

For tourists, the new rules mean a slightly different beach experience. Instead of renting a sunbed, visitors will need to bring their own towel or sit directly on the sand. While this may reduce comfort for some, it also offers a quieter and more natural setting. Travellers who prefer organised beaches with full services can still find them elsewhere in Greece, as the restrictions only apply to selected locations.

@_pearltravels_ Part 2: 3 Must-See Beaches in Crete. 1-Balos 2-Voulisma 3-Elafonissi Beach #crete #greece #travel #contentcreator #followback @Crete Unlocked ♬ original sound – HYPATON

The move is part of a wider strategy to tackle overtourism and promote more sustainable travel. Greece has faced growing concerns about overcrowded beaches and uncontrolled development in recent years. By introducing stricter rules, the country aims to strike a better balance between tourism and nature protection.

To help visitors navigate the changes, authorities have also introduced tools such as the MyCoast app, which shows which beaches are protected. This allows travellers to plan ahead and choose the type of beach experience they prefer. Similar measures are being considered in other European destinations, showing a wider shift towards more sustainable coastal tourism.

L’article Greece takes action against overtourism with 250 protected beaches  est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

With the summer season just around the corner, Royal Beach Club Santorini comes right on time for those wanting to spend a relaxing day on Santorini’s southern coastline. Starting from 27 April 2026, travellers with Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea can book a spot at the beach club.

“Royal Beach Club Santorini is changing the game in Europe with the easiest way to enjoy the best of the island. Everything you need is already taken care of, from complimentary transportation and the finest Mediterranean flavors to shaded loungers and convenient amenities. And it’s all nestled along a secluded stretch of volcanic black sand beach, with endless views of the Aegean Sea. Soak it all up — this ultimate beach day is just for you,” Royal Caribbean writes about the experience. 

@royalcaribbean Royal Beach Club Santorini is now open and your Euro summer is heating up #RoyalBeachClubSantorini #cruise #greece #bucketlist #travelinspo ♬ original sound – Royal Caribbean

Entrance to the Royal Beach Club Santorini is bookable as part of a shore excursion, known as the Ultimate Santorini Day. During that excursion, guests are taken on a tour around Santorini. Stops include Oia, where travellers get to wander cliffside paths where whitewashed buildings and blue domes spill toward the sea, while a stroll through the village lets them discover charming shops, caldera views, and cascading architecture. Afterwards, cruise travellers visit Santorini’s buzzing capital city, Fira, a mix of dramatic landscapes and vibrant daily life.

Local residents, too, can access the beach club by paying an entry fee. According to the cruise company, local Greek residents will be able to purchase tickets at the door on days that a Royal Caribbean Group ship is in port, based on availability.

What’s included?

The club, located on a stretch of beach characterised by its volcanic black sand, comes with a set of perks. For example, visitors can relax on one of the loungers with plush towels and umbrellas on the beach while listening to the tunes of the on-site DJ. Thanks to the all-you-can-eat buffet and all-you-can-drink bar – featuring draft beer, house wines, and nonalcoholic beverages – there is no need to go hungry or thirsty during a visit. 

According to Royal Caribbean, the food menu features fresh, authentic Greek cuisine inspired by ge flavours of the Aegean. The club also has a Greek frozen yoghurt machine, perfect for a touch of refreshment on a hot summer’s day on the beach.

First announced in November 2025, Royal Beach Club Santorini marks Royal Caribbean’s second beach club world-wide, following the opening of Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in Nassau. The Royal Beach Club Cozumel in Mexico (2026) and Royal Beach Club Lelepa (2027) are likely to be the next to open and are part of a larger move by Royal Caribbean Group to expand its land-based offer. 

L’article Royal Caribbean opens first private European destination in Santorini  est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The news came from an online statement on the Embassy of Greece in London, which said: “We would like to inform you that within the framework of the implementation of the new ESS as of 10 April 2026, British passport holders are excluded from biometric registration at Greek border crossing points.”

Travelling to Greece?

Greek authorities have indicated they will not collect fingerprints or photos for UK travellers as part of the EU’s new border checks.

Follow advice from authorities on the ground

Residents should show their residence documents at passport control pic.twitter.com/YmEKjHjFIA

— FCDO Travel Advice (@FCDOtravelGovUK) April 20, 2026

It was confirmed by Eleni Skarveli, the UK director of the Greek National Tourism Organisation on 17 April, just one week after the formal rollout of the EES across the Schengen area. Greece would exempt British passport holders from biometric registration to ensure “a smoother and more efficient arrival experience,” she said.

Since voting to leave the European Union in the so-called Brexit referendum in 2016, British passport holders have become third-country nationals in the eyes of the bloc. Since 10 April 2026, when arriving at European border checkpoints, all third-country nationals, including Brits, are supposed to register their facial image, fingerprint, passport details, and duration of stay under Entry Exit System requirements. The information is then stored and can be accessed quickly for future visits, to better enable visitor tracking and streamline security processes.

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Though some countries have managed to implement EES without too much disruption, others have seen long queues develop at arrival and departure hubs. The UK’s Port of Dover has put separate EES lanes into place for passengers boarding ferries. There, and at Folkestone and London St Pancras, the Eurostar train terminal, EES kiosks are reportedly not properly linked up to EU or French police systems. At Umberto Delgado Airport in Lisbon, Portugal, has seen the national guard brought in due to excess wait times and disruption, while in Milan over 100 passengers were left behind in security queues by an EasyJet flight to Manchester.

Amid this uncertainty, and after an acknowledgement from EU commissioners that EES implementation hiccups would mean that mitigations remain in effect in some places beyond the 10 April deadline, Greece is taking a different approach to the success of its summer 2026 season—abandoning the biometric registration process for British arrivals altogether.

Why this benefit for Brits and not, say US arrivals? The answer is that Britain is second only to Germany when it comes to source markets for the Greek tourism sector. The UK sent 4.89 million holidaymakers to Greece in 2025, a year-on-year uptick of 7.6%. They spent a whopping €3.74 billion, an increase of 18.5% on 2024. Simon Calder, writing in The Independent estimates that some Greek border points handle up to 2,000 UK arrivals per day in peak season.

Greece has not always had a smooth relationship with the EU, once threatening to leave and tread its own “Grexit” path. As it hopes to welcome a record-breaking stream of UK visitors again this summer, and remains so economically reliant on them then, its solo decision to relax the EU’s EES requirements is hardnosed, though not entirely a surprise.

For older or less digitally-confident travellers, not having to complete EES steps could make all the difference to them choosing Greece as a destination over its rivals. What’s more, letting British arrivals through with no EES registration “is expected to significantly reduce waiting times and ease congestion at airports,” Skarveli said—funnelling those high-spending visitors out of security queues and into hotels, shops, and restaurants where they can begin to splash their holiday cash.

L’article Greece unilaterally drops EU entry-exit registration for UK arrivals est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

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The Ellinikon is designed as a “15-minute city”. This means that residents can access daily essentials such as schools, shops, workplaces, healthcare, and leisure within a short walk or bike ride. The development stretches along 3.5 kilometres of coastline and is set to include more than 8,000 homes, office spaces, hotels, retail areas, a marina, and one of the largest coastal parks in Europe. The former airport site, which had been largely unused and environmentally degraded, is being redeveloped into a mixed-use urban district with a focus on accessibility and sustainability. 

Smart and sustainable city features

The Ellinikon is planned as a smart city where digital systems support daily life and urban services. Smart technologies are integrated into buildings and infrastructure to improve energy and water efficiency. An underground power grid supports the use of renewable energy, while lighting systems adapt to activity levels to improve safety and reduce energy use. Water management systems reuse treated wastewater for irrigation in parks and green areas. A central digital platform and mobile application are intended to allow residents and visitors to access services and information across the district.

Mobility within the area is designed to be simple and low-impact. Shared bikes and e-bikes provide an alternative to car use and connect different parts of the development. Sensors, solar panels, and underground networks support the city’s infrastructure without disrupting daily life. Waste is managed at source, with materials reused where possible and organic waste converted into compost. These systems aim to reduce resource use and support long-term environmental goals.

Riviera and coastal living

The Ellinikon Riviera forms the coastal edge of the development. It includes a continuous 1 km public beach, along with walking paths, gardens, and open spaces. The waterfront is designed to be accessible, with areas for relaxation, sports, and social activities. Promenades and pedestrian links connect the coastline with the central park and surrounding neighbourhoods.

Residential developments are spread across the site, offering different types of housing. The Riviera Tower, a 200-metre residential building, will be one of the tallest in Greece and is located close to the waterfront. Other projects include The Cove Villas and The Cove Residences, which provide housing near the sea with direct access to the beach. Little Athens is a new neighbourhood with over 1,000 homes, located near the park and pedestrian areas, and supported by local shops and services. Additional residential complexes, such as Park Rise, Pavilion Terraces, Promenade Heights, Atrium Gardens, Trinity Gardens, and Sunset Groves, combine apartment living with shared green spaces and nearby retail. 

Hospitality, retail, and lifestyle

Several hospitality projects are planned across The Ellinikon. The Mandarin Oriental Athens will include a hotel and branded residences located along the waterfront. The Marina Hotel and Residences will offer additional accommodation near the marina, with direct access to restaurants, shops, and leisure areas.

Retail is concentrated in key areas across the development. The Riviera Galleria, designed by architect Kengo Kuma, will include shops, restaurants, and public spaces along the waterfront. The Ellinikon Mall, designed by Aedas Architects, is expected to become the largest shopping centre in Greece, combining retail with entertainment and leisure. Both destinations are designed as indoor-outdoor environments, with space for events and public use.

Health, education, and community facilities

Healthcare facilities will be located in the Ellinikon Health Park, which will provide services focused on treatment, recovery, and prevention. The site is positioned near major roads and public transport, making it accessible to residents and visitors.

Education is also part of the development. Plans include primary and secondary schools for both local and international students, as well as higher education facilities. These institutions are expected to accommodate several thousand students each year and are located close to sports and cultural areas.

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A strategic partnership between Purdue University and the University of Nicosia (UNIC Athens) will bring a Purdue Regional Office to the UNIC Athens campus at The Ellinikon, supporting collaborative research and academic programs in science and technology.

Parks, sports, and recreation

At the centre of the project is The Ellinikon Park, covering around 2 million square metres. It is set to become the largest green space in Athens and the largest coastal park in Europe. The park will include sports facilities, cultural venues, and areas for leisure and social activities. It is designed to be open and accessible, with space for both organised events and everyday use.

Within the park, the Sports Park will provide facilities for activities such as tennis, football, athletics, and swimming. It will be used by both the public and professional athletes. The Experience Park, already open, covers 75,000 square metres and is built around historic airport structures. It includes playgrounds, fitness areas, and green spaces, and introduces visitors to the broader development.

Why The Ellinikon matters

The Ellinikon follows a broader shift in how cities are planned and developed. It combines housing, workspaces, transport, and public space within a single, connected area. This approach responds to challenges faced by many European cities, including urban density, environmental pressure, and the need for more efficient use of space.

Beyond its urban design, the project is also expected to have a measurable impact on the Greek economy. Estimates linked to the development suggest it could support around 70,000 jobs, while generating significant public revenue over time. The project could contribute around 2.5% to Greece’s GDP and attract up to one million additional visitors each year once fully operational.

By redeveloping a large, unused site into a mixed-use district, the project shows how existing urban areas can be reused rather than expanded outward. Its focus on walkability, green space, and integrated infrastructure aligns with wider European efforts to create more sustainable and liveable cities. As work continues, The Ellinikon offers a clear example of how former infrastructure sites can be reimagined to meet the needs of future urban life.

L’article The Ellinikon: Europe’s new 15-minute Mediterranean city  est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The Greek islands are well-known for their beautiful, sometimes rugged coasts with crystal-blue waters. However, the once-natural coastlines are increasingly touched by development projects that are profoundly changing their outlook. Developing local tourism while preserving the natural aspect of the landscape is thus an ongoing challenge.

When designing Olen, a resort situated on the Greek island of Syros, that challenge was undoubtedly part of Ateno Architecture Studio’s mission. Instead of simply building the seven-suite resort on its cliff-edge overlooking the Aegean Sea, the studio opted for a semi-built-in “amphitheatrical” resort approach.

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The resort is thus half-hidden, using a combination of terraces, subterranean rooms, and skylights to blend the building into its surroundings.

“Olen is located on a remote site on the island of Syros, where the natural landscape still prevails over the built environment. The core design ambition was to preserve this balance, despite the project’s brief calling for a relatively large-scale intervention. The project is not defined by the composition of 3D objects, but rather by the assembly of horizontal and vertical surfaces – terrace planes, retaining walls, and cuts in the terrain – allowing the architecture to read as embedded in the landscape itself”, Elias Theodorakis and Yiorgos Fiorentinos, co-founders of Ateno Architecture Studio, told design media outlet Dezeen.

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An original approach

Instead of opting for a one-level building, Olen was divided into three separate levels: The Plane, The Line, and The Point. A zigzagging walkway connects the three, while the resort becomes more intimate and more exclusive as one descends the pathway.

While the non-hidden side of the buildings is mainly terracotta-hued, on the inside, guests will encounter a combination of natural materials. Stone walls are combined with wooden accents, and the off-white colour of the floors is reflected in the ceilings. Overall, the feeling is one of openness and light, despite its underground situation.

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“Each of our seven suites is a tribute to timeless elegance, inspired by the soulful melodies of Demis Roussos. Designed to harmonise with the raw beauty of Syros, every space offers a unique experience – whether suspended above the Aegean, nestled in nature, or immersed in pure tranquility”, Olen resort writes on its website.

Prices for a stay at Olen start at €268 per night for a two-person suite, including breakfast and access to the resort’s common pool.

L’article Greek island of Syros welcomes new cliff-carved Olen resort est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Bank of Greece figures show inbound traffic increased by 5.6% to hit 37.98 million visitors, compared to 35.95 million in 2024 (not including cruise passengers). But in what is the third consecutive year of growth in the Greek sector, it is the revenue of €23.6 billion, representing a gain of 9.4% year-on-year and therefore outstripping arrivals, that has people talking.

Kefalogianni noted that revenue gains were almost double the growth in arrivals and, with overtourism a concern in many destinations, framed the shift as a positive in terms of the sector’s sustainability. “For the first time, we see revenues growing at a much higher percentage than arrivals. This shows that we are gradually improving in qualitative indicators. This is the direction of qualitative development for Greek tourism,” she said.

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When it comes to source markets, the increase in arrivals from outside the European Union outpaced EU visitor growth by 7.2%. EU arrivals increased by 2.8%, whereas non-EU visitors, including those from the United Kingdom and the United States, grew by 10%.

Germany sent 10.2% more visitors to Greece, reaching a total of 5.95 million; Italy sent 8.6% more, reaching 2.2 million visitors; but France sent 0.5% fewer visitors, dropping to 1.98 million in total.

As usual, the UK proved an important market, sending 7.6% more visitors than the previous year, amounting to 4.89 million in total. What’s more, UK visitors spent a whopping €3.74 billion, an increase of 18.5% on 2024 and one of the highest amounts.

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More Americans went to Greece in 2025, too, with the figures showing a slight increase of 0.2%, taking the total to 1.55 million US visitors. Significantly, they spent €1.72 billion, or 8.5% more year-on-year. Overall, average spending per trip increased by 3.8% in 2024, in line with long-term responsible tourism and economic targets.

Meanwhile, the travel balance—the difference between money brought in from foreign tourists (exports) and money spent by Greek holidaymakers abroad (imports)—achieved a surplus of €20.25 billion, up 7.77% from 2024. With tourism alone, Greece managed to offset nearly 60% of its trade deficit.

Looking forward to 2026, Kefalogianni saw a bright future for the Greek sector, saying: “The first data for 2026 create optimistic prospects, as another positive year for the sector is looming.”

L’article Record visitor arrivals and tourism revenues for Greece in 2025 est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Elafonisi Beach earned this coveted title by consistently receiving outstanding ratings over a 12-month period.

Split by the sea at its tip, the small Elafonissi Peninsula offers pink-tinged sands, cedar groves, and crystal-clear waters. To the north is a natural lagoon, and to the south, the open Libyan Sea. The beach’s distinctive blush colour comes from the crushed shells of foraminifera, microscopic crustaceans whose remains mingle with the sand to produce what locals describe as an iridescent shore.

In 2025, Elafonissi not only topped Europe’s ranking but also featured among the world’s best beaches. Ultimately, however, it was edged out globally by Mexico’s Isla Pasion. Other global favourites include Banana Beach in Phuket, Eagle Beach in Aruba, and Siesta Beach in Florida.

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The global ranking analysed reviews spanning six continents, 50 countries and over 100 beaches.

TripAdvisor’s European top ten features other Mediterranean favourites: Balos Lagoon and Falassarna in Crete; Praia da Falésia in Portugal’s Algarve; La Pelosa in Sardinia; Platja de Muro in Mallorca; Paleokastritsa in Corfu; Spiaggia dei Conigli in Lampedusa; Playa de Maspalomas in Gran Canaria; and Palombaggia in Corsica. 

Kristen Dalton, President of TripAdvisor’s core business, told Travel + Leisure that the awards reflect ‘the voices of millions of travellers worldwide’. She added that in her family, ‘beaches aren’t just for sunbathing – we like to get out and explore!’ She says that the diversity of this year’s winners ‘showcases everything that a beach trip can offer’. 

At Elafonissi, the contrast is geographical. The eastern side is the most accessible, with sunbeds, umbrellas, a beach bar, showers and parking. To the north, shallow waters form a natural, knee-high lagoon providing calm conditions that are well suited to families with children. At low tide, a sandbar emerges, linking the shore to the small islet opposite. Visitors can walk across it, and even when the sandbar is submerged, the water rarely exceeds knee depth.

@creteunlocked Elafonisi Beach has been crowned best beach in the world by tripsadvisor #crete #greekislands #summervacation #vacationdestination ♬ original sound – 𝐎𝐧𝐥𝐲𝐒𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐬

Beyond the channel, the setting changes again. More secluded bays line the southern edge, offering a quieter alternative to the main beach. Trails wind through protected cedar groves which are marked off to preserve the fragile ecosystem. A small chapel and a lighthouse, rebuilt after the original was destroyed during the Second World War, add historical texture to the area. The area also attracts birdwatchers, as it serves as a resting point for migratory species travelling between Europe and Africa.

While the beach may have found fame in the age of Instagram, its history runs far deeper. In ancient times, the surrounding area was associated with the Moussagorai Islands, where it is believed that a sanctuary dedicated to Apollo Mousagetes, the leader of the Muses, once stood. Over the centuries, the islet was also reputedly used as a pirate hideout.

The name likely derives from elafos (deer) and nisi (island). Although deer no longer roam Crete, except for the dama dama species which is now only found on Rhodes, palaeontological evidence shows that deer once inhabited the island, including an extinct Cretan species dating back to the Pleistocene.

The best months to visit are May and September, when it is warm but not too crowded. By peak summer, the word has well and truly got out.

L’article Europe’s best beach for 2025 is a pink-sand paradise on the tip of Crete est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Although tourists tend to be charmed by cats roaming around their holiday destination, stray cats can be a real issue for the animals and those living locally alike. As cats don’t have natural predators in many places around the globe, one non-neutered couple can soon lead to a true invasion of furry beasts, who are often plagued by hunger and sickness due to a lack of care.

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The Cycladic island of Syros, like many other Greek islands, has historically been dealing with a stray cat problem. And while there are still cats left roaming the streets, over the years, Syros has become an example of how to deal with strays for many other locations around the globe, thanks to two sanctuaries: Syros Cats and God’s Little People Cat Rescue.

Both organisations are doing everything they can to make life a little easier for stray cats in the region. By rescuing abandoned animals, organising feeding programmes, providing veterinary care, and putting cats up for adoption, they are tackling the issue little by little and have been doing so for over 20 years.

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Halftime tourist, halftime cat rescuer

However, as is to be expected, caring for so many cats does require a lot of work. Both centres mainly rely on volunteers to get the job done, and they are thus regularly looking for extra hands. In order to make the offer more appealing and more accessible to all, Syros Cats has come up with quite an attractive offer for those who would like to spend some time on the island, whether as a (flexible) digital nomad or as a working tourist.

The cat sanctuary offers their long-term volunteers (who stay for a month or longer) free accommodation, utilities, and breakfast in return for five hours of their time per day, five days per week. While those with training or experience as a veterinary nurse are particularly welcome, all cat lovers can apply, as soon as they are reliable, self-sufficient, and turn up on time.

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“We’re looking for helpers who already have some work experience. If you’re under twenty-five, it’s unlikely you’d be able to demonstrate the level of self-sufficiency and initiative that we need. We usually have about four volunteers at any one time, often from very different backgrounds and all parts of the world and you need to be tolerant and accepting of differences in customs, race, gender and belief, that you may encounter here and in Greece”, the organisation explains.

While applications for 2026 are closed, cat lovers can apply for 2027 starting from September. Applications can be submitted online and should include a motivation letter, curriculum, and any relevant cat care experience. Keep in mind that transportation, food other than breakfast, and travel insurance are to be paid by the volunteers.

L’article Greek island offers free housing to cat sanctuary volunteers est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Earlier in 2025, the Royal Caribbean Group announced the upcoming opening of its first Royal Beach Club experience. While that first beach club is scheduled to open in The Bahamas in December 2026 and will be known as the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in The Bahamas, other land-based openings are already in the making.

Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas, Labadee in Haiti, the Southernmost Hotel on Earth, The Cormorant at 55 South in Chile (2026), Royal Beach Club Cozumel in Mexico (2026), Perfect Day Mexico (2027), and Royal Beach Club Lelepa (2027) are all in the pipeline and will be expanding Royal Caribbean Group’s land-based offer. The next Royal Beach Club, however, is scheduled to open during the Summer of 2026 on the Greek island of Santorini.

“Expanding our Royal Beach Club Collection to include Santorini – one of the world’s most popular and beautiful locations – is a bold step forward in growing our vacation portfolio from two to eight by 2028, giving guests more ways to have unforgettable experiences with us. We’re thrilled to connect guests with Santorini’s gems – from its iconic villages to the Aegean Sea’s famous beach club culture – creating a balanced, authentic island experience”, said Jason Liberty, president and CEO at Royal Caribbean Group.

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The Ultimate Santorini Day

Once open, the Royal Beach Club Santorini will welcome guests from both Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises. The beach club will be a part of the so-called Ultimate Santorini Day, during which guests will get to explore and get to know the island. Travellers will have the choice to start their day at the village of Oia, the capital city of Fira, or at the Royal Beach Club. According to the cruise company, this will allow them to alleviate congestion throughout the island by better distributing guests arriving in Santorini.

“Santorini is an incredible destination that our guests love to explore, and with this new beach club, we are able to bring the best of what the island has to offer with the signature service Royal Caribbean is known for”, stated Michael Bayley, president and CEO at Royal Caribbean.

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To allow for the opening of the Royal Beach Club Santorini in the Summer of 2026, the Royal Caribbean Group will be renovating an already existing club on the island. That renovation will include “upgraded amenities thoughtfully designed to blend with the natural landscape and incorporate sustainable materials”. 

The opening of the new beach club comes at a time when the Greek island is increasingly struggling with the consequences of overtourism. British consumer magazine Which? identified Santorini as one of the European destinations that suffer the most from overtourism, and the Bank of Greece recently declared that almost one in two Greeks could not afford a one-week holiday this summer. New initiatives, such as the introduction of a new cruise tax on Santorini during the peak season, are trying to turn the tide.

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