 It’s been announced that Marriott are expanding their list of hotels in Greece, in notable Greece tourist locations. As well as Athens, Crete and Paros, a new Marriot will open for Zakynthos tourists.
The new Hymnos, Luxury Collection Resort & Spa is due to open on Bouka Beach, close to Tsilivi, Zakynthos in 2026. Estimated to have 94 rooms, the hotel’s focus will not only focus on Luxury, but on heritage and natural immersion, according to the latest press information. It is hoped that the resort will attract high end clientele to its luxury premises whilst also promoting sustainability. There’s no official opening date for the Hymnos, Luxury Collection Resort & Spa other than "2026" at present, and we wait for further updates. Source: Marriott International The photo is a rendering of the intended hotel, Hymnos, Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, copyright of Marriott International.
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 The Greek authorities has announced new measures to protect Apatites Paralies (Untrodden Beaches) beaches. These are beaches that need environmental protection to keep them in their natural state. The regulation to protect them enhances previous environmental safeguards to ensure that the beaches are preserved, with no commercial use and limited human impact.
The expansion of this new regulation means that the number of “untrodden beaches” in Greece has expanded from 238 to 251 sites, with 13 new ones added. These important beaches can be found in areas of the Natura 2000 network, which is a European Union-wide network of protected areas that’s been created to protect valuable species and habitats facing threats from modern life and tourism. The 13 new beaches added to the list include: Ano Koufonisi: Pori and Italida beaches Corfu: Halikounas beach Lefkada: Kastro beach Crete: seven beaches in the area of Hania, including Vienna beach Messolonghi: two sites in the Messolonghi Lagoon National Park. The full list of "untrodden beaches" can be found here, unfortunately there are no “untrodden beaches” on Zakynthos. What are the rules for “untrodden beaches”? These 251 beaches are designated under these regulations to help preserve any that have specific geomorphological, or ecological value, including ecosystems, habitats, native flora and fauna. Several things are prohibited on these highly protected beaches, including:
It’s great to see more protection for those places that need it. Government officials said this is an important step to ensure the continued protection of Greece’s coastline continues, in the days of ever-growing tourism. Source: Government report / local Greek news  It’s been announced in the last week that tourism related revenue in Greece has exceeded €1 billion, January to February 2026. So far, Greece has recorded a 2.4% increase in numbers for February arrivals which stand at 811,585. A 1.7% increase has been recorded for combined overnight stays at hotels, campsites, and short-stay collective accommodations in February, which stands at 1,764,853. The number have been compared with February 2025, according to the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT).
Greek City Times published a further breakdown of numbers as follows: “Foreign visitor arrivals rose 1.9 percent year-on-year, with overnight stays up 0.9 percent. Domestic travelers posted stronger growth, with arrivals climbing 2.7 percent and overnight stays increasing 2.2 percent. Greek residents accounted for the larger share of activity, contributing 64.7 percent of total arrivals and 60.2 percent of overnight stays across all accommodation types. The average length of stay stood at 2.2 nights. Travel receipts reached €1.006 billion in January–February, marking a 70.7% increase compared with the same period in 2025. The growth reflected higher spending from both EU and non-EU visitors. Receipts from residents of EU-27 countries rose by 74.3% to €477.5 million, while income from non-EU countries increased by 70.0% to €516.3 million. Within the eurozone, receipts climbed by 68.6% to €407.9 million, while visitors from EU countries outside the eurozone contributed €69.5 million. Country-specific data showed mixed trends. Receipts from Germany fell slightly by 0.8% to €66.6 million, while income from France surged by 76.8% to €29.4 million. Revenue from Italy rose by 41.5% to €55.6 million. From outside the EU, receipts from the United Kingdom reached €173.4 million, while those from the United States declined by 13.3% to €92.5 million. Inbound travel also increased significantly. Visitor numbers rose by 38.5% to 2.12 million, up from 1.5 million in the same period last year. Air arrivals grew by 19.0%, while road border crossings surged by 83.9%. Travel from EU-27 countries reached 1.1 million visitors, marking a 49.1% increase, while arrivals from non-EU countries rose by 28.6% to 1.023 million. Travel from eurozone countries increased by 37.3%, while arrivals from EU countries outside the eurozone surged by 129.5%. Among key markets, arrivals from Germany rose by 8.2% to 174,400 travellers, while visitors from France increased by 41.5% to 54,800. Travel from Italy edged up by 3.6% to 83,700 visitors. From non-EU countries, arrivals from the United Kingdom jumped by 56.7% to 164,200, while those from the United States fell by 9.8% to 98,100.” It's an interesting start to Greek tourism in 2026 and we wait to see what the tourism stats are for the reminder of 2026. Source: Local Greek News CABS Operation in Zakynthos seizes caches of Weapons and Ammunition from organised poaching rings4/24/2026  We received a Press release this week from the Committee Against Bird Slaughter (CABS) regarding their operation to seize caches of Weapons and Ammunition from organised poaching rings who’ve been operating in Zakynthos. CABS are a specialised bird protection organisation that tracks and documents illegal bird hunting and trapping across the Mediterranean. By working alongside local law enforcement and the public, CABS aims to end the systematic slaughter of migratory birds. The CABS press statement about their latest operation, is below in English and Greek. ENGLISH PRESS RELEASE The Committee Against Bird Slaughter (CABS) has dealt a significant blow to illegal hunting operations on the island of Zakynthos. During a high-stakes operation on the Vasilikos peninsula this past Saturday, CABS activists and game wardens successfully dismantled a sophisticated poaching site in an area long considered “untouchable”; by local illegal hunters. Following intensive surveillance, CABS reported six hunters operating from hidden hides and chairs within olive plantations on a strategic hilltop. Despite evidence of an organised “spotter” network that warned the poachers of approaching patrols, the operation resulted in:
This operation brings the total number of poachers caught red-handed - or identified immediately following pursuit to 14 individuals since 11th April, the start of the current bird protection camp. While celebrating these enforcement successes, CABS is sounding the alarm regarding the resources allocated by the government, as they fall far short of what is needed to effectively tackle the true scale of illegal poaching in all its forms. “The organised nature and true extent of these crimes is undeniable” said CABS spokesperson Stefania Travaglia. When you have six hunters operating in a single plantation and hundreds of shots echoing across the island, it is clear that the Forest Service and game wardens are neither equipped nor resourced to proportionally combat this level of organised crime. Without a significant increase in specialised training, modern equipment, the authorities will remain one step behind these poaching rings while the Turtle Dove is driven further toward extinction.” The mission comes at a critical time. Zakynthos is currently experiencing the peak migration days for the European Turtle Dove. Favourable winds have brought thousands of these protected birds over the island, leading to what CABS observers describe as a “massacre”. During the weekend, CABS teams recorded hundreds of illegal shots across the island. The organisation is currently compiling video and audio evidence of these instances to submit to the European Commission and national authorities. CABS will remain on the ground throughout the peak migration period to document illegal activity and pressure local authorities to uphold international bird protection laws. Attached photos: 1, Seized weapons and ammunition at the Police station in Zakynthos. 2, CABS activist monitoring illegal hunting in Zakynthos (main image). 3, Game wardens with some of the seized weapons from Vasilikos. 4, Shot Turtle dove recovered by CABS teams (archive).
ΔΕΛΤΙΟ ΤΥΠΟΥ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗΣ ΠΟΛΙΤΙΣΤΙΚΗΣΗ Επιτροπή κατά της Σφαγής Πτηνών (CABS) κατάφερε να επιφέρει σημαντικό πλήγμα σε παράνομες κυνηγετικές δραστηριότητες στο νησί της Ζακύνθου. Κατά τη διάρκεια επιχείρησης υψηλού ρίσκου στη χερσόνησο του Βασιλικού το περασμένο Σάββατο, ακτιβιστές της CABS και θηροφύλακες κατάφεραν να εξαρθρώσουν ένα οργανωμένο σημείο λαθροθηρίας σε περιοχή που για χρόνια
θεωρούνταν «απρόσιτη» από τους τοπικούς παράνομους κυνηγούς. Μετά από εντατική επιτήρηση, η CABS ανέφερε ότι έξι κυνηγοί εντοπίστηκαν να κυνηγούν από κρυψώνες και καθίσματα μέσα στους ελαιώνες ενός λόφου. Παρά την ύπαρξη οργανωμένου δικτύου «παρατηρητών» που ειδοποιούσε τους λαθροθήρες για την προσέγγιση περιπολιών, η επιχείρηση είχε ως αποτέλεσμα: ● Την κατάσχεση 5 κυνηγετικών όπλων τα οποία βρέθηκαν επιμελώς κρυμμένα σε πυκνή βλάστηση. ● Την ανεύρεση 484 φυσιγγίων κρυμμένων στην ευρύτερη περιοχή. ● Την ταυτοποίηση και των έξι κυνηγών μέσω οπτικού υλικού. Η επιχείρηση αυτή ανεβάζει τον συνολικό αριθμό των λαθροθήρων που έχουν πιαστεί επ’ αυτοφώρω ή ταυτοποιηθεί σε 14 άτομα από τις 11 Απριλίου, ημερομηνία έναρξης της τρέχουσας εκστρατείας προστασίας πτηνών. Παρά τις επιτυχίες αυτές, η CABS κρούει τον κώδωνα του κινδύνου σχετικά με τους πόρους που διαθέτει η κυβέρνηση, οι οποίοι υπολείπονται σημαντικά όσων απαιτούνται για την αποτελεσματική αντιμετώπιση της πραγματικής κλίμακας της παράνομης λαθροθηρίας σε όλες της τις μορφές. «Ο οργανωμένος χαρακτήρας και η πραγματική έκταση αυτών των εγκλημάτων είναι αδιαμφισβήτητα», δήλωσε η εκπρόσωπος της CABS, Stefania Travaglia. «Όταν έχεις έξι κυνηγούς να δρουν σε έναν μόνο σημείο και εκατοντάδες πυροβολισμούς να αντηχούν σε όλο το νησί, είναι σαφές ότι το Δασαρχείο και οι θηροφύλακες δεν είναι ούτε επαρκώς εξοπλισμένοι ούτε έχουν την επαρκή χρηματοδότηση για να αντιμετωπίσουν αυτό το επίπεδο οργανωμένου εγκλήματος. Αν δε γίνουν σημαντικές βελτιώσεις σε εξειδικευμένη εκπαίδευση και σύγχρονο εξοπλισμό, οι αρχές θα παραμένουν ένα βήμα πίσω από αυτά τα κυκλώματα ενώ το Τρυγόνι οδηγείται όλο και πιο κοντά στην εξαφάνιση». Η αποστολή λαμβάνει χώρα σε μια κρίσιμη περίοδο. Αυτές τις μέρες, η Ζάκυνθος βιώνει την κορύφωση της μετανάστευσης του Ευρωπαϊκού Τρυγονιού. Ευνοϊκοί άνεμοι έχουν φέρει χιλιάδες από αυτά τα προστατευόμενα πτηνά πάνω από το νησί, κάτι που έχει οι παρατηρητές της CABS έχουν χαρακτηρίσει ως «μακελειό». Κατά τη διάρκεια του Σαββατοκύριακου, οι ομάδες της CABS κατέγραψαν εκατοντάδες παράνομους πυροβολισμούς σε όλο το νησί. Ο οργανισμός συγκεντρώνει ήδη οπτικοακουστικό υλικό από τα περιστατικά αυτά, το οποίο θα υποβληθεί στην Ευρωπαϊκή Επιτροπή και στις εθνικές αρχές. Η CABS θα παραμείνει στο πεδίο καθ’ όλη τη διάρκεια της κορύφωσης της μεταναστευτικής περιόδου, προκειμένου να καταγράψει την παράνομη δραστηριότητα και να ασκήσει πίεση στις τοπικές αρχές για την εφαρμογή των διεθνών νόμων προστασίας των πτηνών. φωτογραφίες παραπάνω: 1. Κατασχεμένα όπλα και πυρομαχικά στο αστυνομικό τμήμα της Ζακύνθου. 2. Ακτιβιστής της CABS παρακολουθεί παράνομο κυνήγι στη Ζάκυνθο. (κύρια εικόνα) 3. Θηροφύλακες με μέρος των κατασχεμένων όπλων από το Βασιλικό. 4. Νεκρό τρυγόνι που ανακτήθηκε από τις ομάδες της CABS (αρχείο).  We initially posted about the small possibility of aviation disruption due to news from Fatih Birol on the 16th April 2026, the Chief of the International Agency (IEA), relating to Jet fuel. The original statement is below. We will continue to post about this ongoing news story in rolling updates, so please come back and check the link for further updates. The most recent news will be at the top of the post.
Latest update: 22nd April 2026 The latest news, connected to Jet fuel issues and the risk to Summer 2026 holidays has been reported today. This news came from an EU Press conference, where they warned of a “very serious crisis” potentially affecting Europe, due to issue with aviation stocks stating to run low due to the ongoing war in Iran. The EU announced several measures to try and assist with the ongoing issues, including optimising the ongoing distribution of required jet fuel between EU countries to try and prevent airline fuel shortages, assisting with the timing of purchases of products to avoid price rises and other related issues. The EU Commission will also map out Europe’s transport fuels supplies to optimise fuel distribution to avoid shortages. It will also review the EU requirement for countries to be able to hold at leats 90 days of oil stock to include jet fuel requirement. Brussels will also create guidance on how any jet fuel shortages will be dealt with, such as the impact of airlines losing slots due to cancellations. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said, “The choices we make today will shape our ability to face the challenges of today and the crises of tomorrow. Our AccelerateEU strategy will bring both immediate and more structural relief measures to European citizens and businesses.” Dan Jorgensen, the energy commissioner for the EU however said, "Unfortunately, it's very likely that many people's holidays will be affected, either by flight cancellations or very, very expensive tickets. Even if we do everything we can do, if the jet fuel is not there, then it's not there. [Currently] it is primarily a crisis of prices and not yet a crisis of supply, but unfortunately we cannot be sure to prevent a crisis of supply, especially on jet fuel in the future, if the crisis continues." It's also been reported that several airlines have begun to take steps to reduce flight demand. Some airlines are adding a surcharge or raising ticket prices, to cover increase in fuel costs. Lufthansa has announced the cancellation of around 20,000 flights this summer due to the doubling of the price of jet fuel in the last six weeks. Other airlines such as Delta and KLM have also decided to cut some flights on a temporary basis. As previously mentioned, this is a difficult and continually changing situation that no one can control. At the moment there is no indication that flights to Zakynthos are affected and flights are arriving and departing as normal. We’d advise that you keep an eye on updates from your airlines and travel companies, though and we’ll continue to update our members on the situation as soon as we have Older update (posted to Facebook page): 16th April 2026 We’re aware of the latest news from Fatih Birol, the Chief of the International Agency (IEA), relating to Jet fuel. The announcement this morning states that Europe “may have maybe six weeks of jet fuel remaining” with concerns about possible aviation disruption, if current issues with the war in Iran and the blockade of the strait of Hormuz, continue. The IEA chief noted that if the strait of Hormuz is unable to be open and operable soon, then the worst case scenario is that some flights may be cancelled. No specific date, countries or airports have been announced though, and this is just a “maybe” at this stage. It's a continually changing situation that no one can control. Despite the current IEA warning, no one can say IF this will happen. We would urge caution, and advise that people don’t to panic and if you do have concerns about your upcoming trip, please keep an eye on the news and liaise with your travel company for the latest updates. To avoid any further speculation, worry or panic, we won’t approve any further posts relating to this, but will, for now, leave the comments open for members to share valid information. Please however respect members and admin, and refrain from posting anything that will cause member conflict. Combined sources: IEA, EU, Reuters, Bloomberg, the BBC and Sky News  As Greece continues to face increasingly severe wildfire seasons, the government has strengthened its fire prevention framework. One of the most important measures is the mandatory clearing of private land and submission of a formal declaration by property owners.
This article explains the new rules, deadlines, penalties, and how to submit your declaration online. Why Land Clearing Is Now Mandatory. Wildfires in Greece are often caused or worsened by dry vegetation, debris, and neglected plots. Authorities estimate that a large percentage of fires are linked to human activity or negligence. To reduce risk, the government introduced stricter obligations requiring citizens to:
Key Deadlines for 2026. Under the updated rules:
Who Must Comply? The obligation applies to:
What Does “Clearing the Land” Mean? Proper land clearing includes:
How to Submit Your Declaration (Official Government Link) Property owners must submit a declaration through the official government platform: 👉 Submit your land clearing declaration This is done via the National Register of Property Fire Prevention Measures on the gov.gr platform. If you cannot use online services, you can submit your declaration:
 We have some fantastic news for our guests traveling from the UK! While a new digital border system (the Entry/Exit System - EES) is launching across most of Europe this month, the Greek Embassy in London
and the Hellenic Police have confirmed a special exemption that makes your journey to our island much smoother. What’s the news? As of April 10, 2026, the Greek government has officially decided that British passport holders are exempt from the new requirement to provide fingerprints and facial scans when arriving at Greek borders, that means Zakynthos, too. While other holiday destinations in Europe might see long queues for biometric registration, Greece is prioritizing a "smoother and faster" experience for our UK friends. What to expect when you land: According to the latest instructions from the Hellenic Police, here is what you need to do upon arrival at our airport or port:
 British passport holders travelling to Greece should be aware that the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) applies to all non-EU nationals, including UK citizens. Under EES, travellers may be required to provide biometric data (fingerprints and a facial image) on their first entry into the Schengen Area.  Important clarification
A communication published via an official Greek government UK-facing channel has stated that British passport holders are “excluded from biometric registration at Greek border crossing points.” However, this statement is not reflected in EU legislation or broader official guidance, including information from the European Union and the UK Government. At present, there is no confirmed legal exemption for British nationals from EES biometric requirements when entering Greece. ⚠️ Important context (this is where it gets tricky)This statement is not typical of the wider EU policy:
✔️ The exemption is likely temporary or practical — not legalBecause:
On the island of Zakynthos, Easter is not just a celebration — it is a profound experience full of light, faith and traditions passed down from generation to generation. Among the most special Easter customs of our land, Eftazyma stands out: a humble but symbolic sweet bread that carries within it history, effort and love. Zakynthos: The Easter Tradition in Every Home. What are Eftazyma? Eftazyma are traditional sweet breads or cookies, made with simple, pure ingredients such as flour, olive oil, honey or sugar and sesame seeds. What makes them unique is not only their taste, but mainly the way they are prepared. Their particularity lies in the use of chickpea yeast — a natural yeast from chickpeas — and in the process of repeated kneading. The Secret of the Name The name “Eftazyma” comes from the word “seven” and “kneading”. The dough is worked and left to rise seven times. The number seven has special significance in the Orthodox tradition: it symbolizes perfection and completeness it is associated with Creation it expresses the spiritual preparation before the Resurrection Thus, each stage of the process acquires an almost ritualistic character. The Relationship with Easter  Eftazyma are mainly prepared during Holy Week and are an integral part of Easter preparation. Together with the Holy Light and the candle, they are found in every home:
Traditional Eftazyma Recipe Ingredients For the chickpea yeast: 1 cup chickpeas 2 cups lukewarm water 1 tablespoon sugar 2 tablespoons flour For the dough: 1 kilo flour 1 cup olive oil 1 cup sugar or honey 1 teaspoon salt (optional) cinnamon and cloves sesame seeds for sprinkling Preparation 1. Preparation of yeast (24 hours in advance): Lightly crush the chickpeas and mix them with the water, sugar and flour. Leave the mixture in a warm place until it foams. 2. Kneading: Strain the yeast and use the liquid. Mix all the ingredients and knead well. 3. The traditional “seven times”: Let the dough rise and repeat the kneading and resting process a total of seven times. 4. Molding & baking: Shape into small loaves, sprinkle with sesame seeds and bake at 180°C for 25–30 minutes. More than a Recipe Eftazyma is not just an Easter dish. It is:
As the Holy Light illuminates our homes and the candles are lit, Eftazyma reminds us that the essence of Easter lies in the simple things: in faith, in family and in the love we share. Happy Resurrection and Happy Easter! ✨ photo sources:- Facebook public posts, credit goes to their original owner. Dionysios Flemotomos and Soula  Holy Week, the week leading up to Easter, is the most important time in the Greek Orthodox calendar. Our island celebrates it with unique and unforgettable traditions, drawing both locals and visitors from around the world. Holy Week Has Begun – But the Main Celebrations Start Tomorrow! While services and prayers have already started, the highlight of the week begins tomorrow. The events here are unlike anywhere else in Greece – vibrant, deeply spiritual, and full of centuries-old customs that you won’t want to miss. Good Friday – Mourning the Crucifixion On Good Friday, the faithful attend the Service of the Great Hours in the morning, followed by Vespers of the Deposition from the Cross. At 2 p.m., the Crucified Christ is carried in a solemn procession through the streets, adorned with flowers. This moving ritual, accompanied by hymns and bell tolls, invites visitors to reflect and witness the island’s devotion.  Holy Saturday – Lamentations and Anticipation The night of Holy Saturday is truly magical. At around 2 a.m., Matins are held with the chanting of the Lamentations at the Tomb. Early in the morning, the Epitaphios (Funeral Shroud) procession takes place, followed by Vespers and the First Resurrection Service. Late at night, a spectacular procession to Saint Mark’s Square marks the beginning of the joyous celebration of Christ’s Resurrection.
Easter Sunday – The Joy of the Resurrection The highlight of the year is Easter Sunday, beginning at midnight with the Resurrection Service. Witness the lighting of the Holy Flame, join in joyful hymns, and experience the true spirit of Easter celebrated in a way that’s completely unique to our island. Easter Monday – Continuing the Celebration Easter Monday is more relaxed, with Divine Liturgy at local churches such as the Church of Saint George the Latin, family gatherings, and shared meals. Visitors are welcome to join in the festive spirit. Why Visitors Love It From solemn processions to joyous celebrations, Holy Week here offers a one-of-a-kind cultural and spiritual experience. Whether you participate in the services, watch the processions, or simply soak in the atmosphere, these events are unforgettable. ✨ Don’t miss the main celebrations starting tomorrow – an experience of devotion, tradition, and joy you can only find on our island! |
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