News from Greece and on Greek issues
Check here for up-to-date Greek news stories, especially on issues that may affect your travel plans.
Athens Riots
Athens Riots - Pictures of the Athens Riots
Athens Riots - Pictures of the Athens Riots
Post-Riot Travel to Greece - Safety Concerns
December 2008 riots are leaving many travelers with the question - is it safe to go to Greece now?
December 2008 riots are leaving many travelers with the question - is it safe to go to Greece now?
Beheading in Santorini
A savage beheading tears apart the quiet village of Vourvolia on the Greek island of Santorini.
A savage beheading tears apart the quiet village of Vourvolia on the Greek island of Santorini.
Translated Headlines from Greek Newspapers
The ANA-MPA homepage offers a link to daily translated headlines from many local Athens newspapers, a handy way to see what the other papers are talking about.
The ANA-MPA homepage offers a link to daily translated headlines from many local Athens newspapers, a handy way to see what the other papers are talking about.
Explosion Rocks U.S. Embassy in Athens
AN explosion ahs struck the U.S. Embassy in Athens, Greece, on January 11th, 2007.
AN explosion ahs struck the U.S. Embassy in Athens, Greece, on January 11th, 2007.
Today's Headlines from Greece
Check the top news sources from Greece for today's headlines and news.
Check the top news sources from Greece for today's headlines and news.
Church Chides Athens on Brothels
From eKathimerini, the Greek Orthodox church protests a possible plan to loosen regulations on the city's brothels in time for the Athens Olympics in 2004.
From eKathimerini, the Greek Orthodox church protests a possible plan to loosen regulations on the city's brothels in time for the Athens Olympics in 2004.
Thessaloniki Riot Arrests
Anarchists and anti-capitalists find themselves in hot water.
Anarchists and anti-capitalists find themselves in hot water.
Quake Toll Rises
From CNN, more information on the earthquake in Turkey and ongoing rescue efforts.
From CNN, more information on the earthquake in Turkey and ongoing rescue efforts.
Earthquake Hits Southeastern Turkey
An earthquake strikes in Turkey, killing at least 100, including many students at school. Rescue efforts are underway for others trapped in rubble. From Netscape.
An earthquake strikes in Turkey, killing at least 100, including many students at school. Rescue efforts are underway for others trapped in rubble. From Netscape.
Travel Restrictions Lifted on Cyprus
How long will it last?
How long will it last?
Does Royal Olympic Owe You Money?
The Greek cruise line rescinds a controversial fee. Also, information on their new "Foodie" cruises for 2003.
The Greek cruise line rescinds a controversial fee. Also, information on their new "Foodie" cruises for 2003.
Mayor-Elect of Athens Wounded in Ambush
Dora Bakoyianni, mayor elect of Athens, narrowly escapes injury in a daylight ambush - saved by reaching down for her purse at a potentially deadly moment. From Ekathimerini.com.
Dora Bakoyianni, mayor elect of Athens, narrowly escapes injury in a daylight ambush - saved by reaching down for her purse at a potentially deadly moment. From Ekathimerini.com.
New Dialing Codes
The final phase of Greece's revamped dialing codes takes effect. Check this official schedule of the changes - you may want to take this with you to Greece, as posted phone instructions may lag behind the reality.
The final phase of Greece's revamped dialing codes takes effect. Check this official schedule of the changes - you may want to take this with you to Greece, as posted phone instructions may lag behind the reality.
Guilty Planespotters return to Greece
The final verdicts in the case of British "planespotting" tourists convicted of spying in Greece come to the courts.
The final verdicts in the case of British "planespotting" tourists convicted of spying in Greece come to the courts.
OA to Suspend Aussie Flights
Olympic Airlines delays cancelling Australian flights, but still intends to cut service down under.
Olympic Airlines delays cancelling Australian flights, but still intends to cut service down under.
Greek Farmer Claims UFO Landing
Is Greece drawing tourists from even farther away? This farmer, and other witnesses in the village of Prini think so.
Is Greece drawing tourists from even farther away? This farmer, and other witnesses in the village of Prini think so.
Greece Welcomes a Tomb Raider
Angelina Jolie and company invade the island of Santorini. If you're traveling to Oia, take note.
Angelina Jolie and company invade the island of Santorini. If you're traveling to Oia, take note.
Greeks Search for Woman Terrorist
Greece is looking for a tall, blonde, left-handed woman who may have assisted in November 17th terrorist activities.
Greece is looking for a tall, blonde, left-handed woman who may have assisted in November 17th terrorist activities.
Greeks Stage Second Raid on Terror
From CNN. A second sweep of another November 17th terror group location reveals documents and weapons.
From CNN. A second sweep of another November 17th terror group location reveals documents and weapons.
Blast in Piraeus
Greek authorities arrest a man injured by his own bomb outside of a hydrofoil office in Piraeus.
Greek authorities arrest a man injured by his own bomb outside of a hydrofoil office in Piraeus.
Brits Trip in Faliraki
From the Daily Telegraph, an account of a wild week of arrests in the increasingly wild resort town of Faliraki on the island of Rhodes.
From the Daily Telegraph, an account of a wild week of arrests in the increasingly wild resort town of Faliraki on the island of Rhodes.
Greek Gods Defended
An organization devoted to the worship of the ancient Greek gods and goddesses has declared the Olympic mascots an unacceptable parody and are suing for 3 million Euro. From eKathimerini.
An organization devoted to the worship of the ancient Greek gods and goddesses has declared the Olympic mascots an unacceptable parody and are suing for 3 million Euro. From eKathimerini.
General Strike Set for Tuesday
A general labor and government employee strike will tangle Greece on Tuesday. Phantis/MPA
A general labor and government employee strike will tangle Greece on Tuesday. Phantis/MPA
Volunteer Opportunities at the Olympics
This official volunteer organization is drawing members from Western Canada to participate in pre-Olympic events and as volunteers in connection with the Games. Free to join.
This official volunteer organization is drawing members from Western Canada to participate in pre-Olympic events and as volunteers in connection with the Games. Free to join.
Greek Military Mobilization Ends
In a turbulent world, a more hopeful note: Greece ends the permanent mobilization of its troops after 28 years.
In a turbulent world, a more hopeful note: Greece ends the permanent mobilization of its troops after 28 years.
Alexander Back in Kabul
In thanks for Greek help in reconstructing schools and assisting in minesweeping operations, the interim Afghan government has named a park for Alexander the Great. From Phantis/MPA.
In thanks for Greek help in reconstructing schools and assisting in minesweeping operations, the interim Afghan government has named a park for Alexander the Great. From Phantis/MPA.
Big Quake Shakes Crete
From Phantis/MPA. A large quake struck Crete; early numbers put it anywhere from 4.8 to 6.1 on the Richter scale.
From Phantis/MPA. A large quake struck Crete; early numbers put it anywhere from 4.8 to 6.1 on the Richter scale.
Olympic Airways Pulls Planes for Fall
From Phantis/MPA. Olympic Airways announced that it will pull three planes to comply with environmental protection regulations.
From Phantis/MPA. Olympic Airways announced that it will pull three planes to comply with environmental protection regulations.
Planespotter's Ordeal
How the courtroom drama played out - and how six lives still hang in the balance as they wait to learn if prison or ultimate freedom is theirs. From the British paper "The Guardian".
How the courtroom drama played out - and how six lives still hang in the balance as they wait to learn if prison or ultimate freedom is theirs. From the British paper "The Guardian".
Update on Virus Precautions
The epidemic may be subsiding; hotel owners prepare to sue various parties for loss of business. From Phantis/MPA.
The epidemic may be subsiding; hotel owners prepare to sue various parties for loss of business. From Phantis/MPA.
Greece Closes All Schools Due to Virus
A mystery virus has forced the extraordinary step of Greece closing all schools from pre-school through university level until the end of the week.
A mystery virus has forced the extraordinary step of Greece closing all schools from pre-school through university level until the end of the week.
Planespotters on Trial
The group of British planespotters who were arrested in Greece and jailed now return to Athens for trial.
The group of British planespotters who were arrested in Greece and jailed now return to Athens for trial.
Athens Airport Makes World's Top Five Best Airports
From Phantis/MPA. The shining new airport receives top marks from IATA. Congrats to everybody in Greece who made this possible!
From Phantis/MPA. The shining new airport receives top marks from IATA. Congrats to everybody in Greece who made this possible!
Athens Hotels to Modernize for Olympics 2004
From the Macedonian Press Agency. Athens hotels are independently modernizing to prepare for the 2004 Games.
From the Macedonian Press Agency. Athens hotels are independently modernizing to prepare for the 2004 Games.
An Olympic Greek "Skeleton"
Dual Greek-American WTO rescue worker makes an Olympic bid on a little-known daredevil sport. From eKathimerini.
Dual Greek-American WTO rescue worker makes an Olympic bid on a little-known daredevil sport. From eKathimerini.
New Plan for Olympic Airlines
As a crucial sale falls through, the Greek government reveals a new plan to save the beleaguered airline. Phantis/MPA.
As a crucial sale falls through, the Greek government reveals a new plan to save the beleaguered airline. Phantis/MPA.
Turkish quake does not affect Greece
From Phantis/MPA. The major earthquake in Turkey should not cause aftershocks in Greece.
From Phantis/MPA. The major earthquake in Turkey should not cause aftershocks in Greece.
Aussie suitor may take Olympic Air
From "Kathimerini". Australia-based IAS may take over the ailing national airline.
From "Kathimerini". Australia-based IAS may take over the ailing national airline.
Attica Zoological Park
All the news on the new zoo near the airport at Spata. From the "Athens News".
All the news on the new zoo near the airport at Spata. From the "Athens News".
English May Travel to Greece for Health
As Britain deals with a surgical backlog, some English patients may find relief at the hospitals of Greece. From the "Athens News".
As Britain deals with a surgical backlog, some English patients may find relief at the hospitals of Greece. From the "Athens News".
Sea Quake Shakes Aegean, Kos, Astypalea
A major quake deep under the earth's surface made the Aegean shudder Monday. Phantis/MPA.
A major quake deep under the earth's surface made the Aegean shudder Monday. Phantis/MPA.
Phone System Changes in Greece
From Phantis/MPA, an example of how to dial using the new phone area code system.
From Phantis/MPA, an example of how to dial using the new phone area code system.
Athens Airport Snowed In
Heavy snow has closed the Athens Airport for the fourth consecutive day. From Phantis/MPA.
Heavy snow has closed the Athens Airport for the fourth consecutive day. From Phantis/MPA.
Greece Responds to "60 Minutes" Terrorism Report
Greek spokesman Christos Protopapas responds to a program many Greeks consider inflammatory, especially on the eve of the Prime Minister's visit to the U.S. From Phantis/MPA.
Greek spokesman Christos Protopapas responds to a program many Greeks consider inflammatory, especially on the eve of the Prime Minister's visit to the U.S. From Phantis/MPA.
State of Emergency Declared
Bad weather traps motorists in cars; many main roads are shut. From Phantis/MPA.
Bad weather traps motorists in cars; many main roads are shut. From Phantis/MPA.
Greeks Want, Fear Euro
While Greeks favor the Euro switch, they worry over the transition period. From Phantis/MPA.
While Greeks favor the Euro switch, they worry over the transition period. From Phantis/MPA.
Snowbound Train Passengers Rescued
Passengers on a derailed train outside Thessaloniki are rescued by ATVs after enduring a freezing night. From CNN.
Passengers on a derailed train outside Thessaloniki are rescued by ATVs after enduring a freezing night. From CNN.
Icy Winter Grips Northern Greece
Surprisingly cold temperatures have literally frozen Greece; 500 villages are cut off.
Surprisingly cold temperatures have literally frozen Greece; 500 villages are cut off.
"Spies" Released
From Phantis/MPA. The fourteen planespotters are released on bail as the charges are reduced to misdemeanors.
From Phantis/MPA. The fourteen planespotters are released on bail as the charges are reduced to misdemeanors.
The End of the Drachma
January 1st is the formal end of the drachma (though a dual-currency grace period extends into February) - here's what to do with your old coins and bills, plan your traveler's checks, and more. From "The Telegraph".
January 1st is the formal end of the drachma (though a dual-currency grace period extends into February) - here's what to do with your old coins and bills, plan your traveler's checks, and more. From "The Telegraph".
Samos Declares State of Emergency
Heavy rains have washed cars to sea and flooded houses and shops; Olympic flights are cancelled (11/29). From Phantis/MPA.
Heavy rains have washed cars to sea and flooded houses and shops; Olympic flights are cancelled (11/29). From Phantis/MPA.
Distraught Wife Travels to Greece
Perdita Morris takes up a sad vigil waiting for the release of her planespotting husband.
Perdita Morris takes up a sad vigil waiting for the release of her planespotting husband.
"Prostitutes, gypsies" kind to Brit wife in prison
From the Daily Telegraph, more on the Britons accused of spying - apparently an organized airplane buffs tour gone very awry.
From the Daily Telegraph, more on the Britons accused of spying - apparently an organized airplane buffs tour gone very awry.
Greece Arrests Brit, Dutch "Tourist Spies"
From Phantis/MPA. A bizarre charge of espionage is levied against 14 Dutch and British men and women held for weeks after being accused of illicitly photographing an airfield.
From Phantis/MPA. A bizarre charge of espionage is levied against 14 Dutch and British men and women held for weeks after being accused of illicitly photographing an airfield.
Bomb at Shopping Mall Injures One
A bomb was set off at a shopping mall near a U.S. bank, injuring a woman worker. From Phantis/MPA.
A bomb was set off at a shopping mall near a U.S. bank, injuring a woman worker. From Phantis/MPA.
Greeks Form New Government
From Phantis/MPA - the new configuration of the cabinet after the reshuffling.
From Phantis/MPA - the new configuration of the cabinet after the reshuffling.
Greek Airlines Cut Flights
Olympic Airways and other Greek carriers announce slashes in service due to the affect of the WTC attack on air travel.
Olympic Airways and other Greek carriers announce slashes in service due to the affect of the WTC attack on air travel.
The Attack: What's the Effect on Greek Travel?
What to expect if you're traveling in Greece right now, plus Greek reactions to the tragic event in the U.S.
What to expect if you're traveling in Greece right now, plus Greek reactions to the tragic event in the U.S.
Greece Will Organize Excellent Olympic Games in 2004
Despite fears, Greece is determined to produce an impeccable Olympic event, the Minister of Culture states.
Despite fears, Greece is determined to produce an impeccable Olympic event, the Minister of Culture states.
Former Sports Minister Faults Olympic Spirit
From the Athens News Daily, Lianis makdes the inflammatory suggestion that the 2004 Games may be betrayed from within.
From the Athens News Daily, Lianis makdes the inflammatory suggestion that the 2004 Games may be betrayed from within.
Turks Save Greek Victim of Skinhead Attack
In Munich, Germany, a Greek man owes his life to the vigorous intervention of Turks who witnessed a brutal skinhead attack. From Phantis/MPA.
In Munich, Germany, a Greek man owes his life to the vigorous intervention of Turks who witnessed a brutal skinhead attack. From Phantis/MPA.
Economy Class Syndrome - 2000 Deaths Per Year?
From the Athens News Daily and the Daily Telegraph, a disturbing look at something the airlines don't talk about.
From the Athens News Daily and the Daily Telegraph, a disturbing look at something the airlines don't talk about.
Earthquake Strikes Athens
From Phantis/MPA. An earthquake generated by the same fault that created 1999's big tremor shakes up Athens.
From Phantis/MPA. An earthquake generated by the same fault that created 1999's big tremor shakes up Athens.
Ferry Executive Commits Suicide
Patelas Sfinias, vice-president of Minoan Flying Dolphins, the owner of the ill-fated ferry the <I>Express Samina</I>, has leapt to his death. Phantis/MPA.
Patelas Sfinias, vice-president of Minoan Flying Dolphins, the owner of the ill-fated ferry the <I>Express Samina</I>, has leapt to his death. Phantis/MPA.
Former King of Greece Awarded Compensation
King Constantine of Greece deserves compensation for assets seized by the Greek government in 1994, the European Court has ruled.
King Constantine of Greece deserves compensation for assets seized by the Greek government in 1994, the European Court has ruled.
Taxi Drivers Face New Rules
New standards are imposed on Athens' cabbies. Will it help? From Phantis/MPA.
New standards are imposed on Athens' cabbies. Will it help? From Phantis/MPA.
Syntagma to Dafni Metro Line Opens
The popular, efficient Metro line has expanded to stretch to Dafni.
The popular, efficient Metro line has expanded to stretch to Dafni.
Mechanical Problems Strand Ferry Passengers, Crew
Another ferry, not on the list, experiences mechanical difficulties and hides in a cove to ride out a storm. Phantis/MPA.
Another ferry, not on the list, experiences mechanical difficulties and hides in a cove to ride out a storm. Phantis/MPA.
Revised Ferry Schedules
Greek Island Hopping is maintaining an up-to-date list of actual ferry schedules during the present crisis. Check here to see how to get where you need to go and what boats are still running.
Greek Island Hopping is maintaining an up-to-date list of actual ferry schedules during the present crisis. Check here to see how to get where you need to go and what boats are still running.