20.10.2023
Aristotle Onassis was one of the most well-known public figures in Greece, the owner of a shipping and cigarette empire and one of the richest men in Greece. Of his belongings was an entire apartment building in New York, a Greek national airline, and the Greek island of Skorpios.
Perhaps his best known possession was his yacht Christina O, one of the most glamorous private yachts ever built. This was his private palace where he threw parties for the rich and famous.
The boat was originally in the Canadian Navy and was built in 1943. It was a part of the Normandy landings and eventually Onassis bought Christina O in 1952 with 9 other ships from a Baltimore scrap merchant.
See Also: Famous Greek People: Aristotle Onassis
Obviously, Aristotle Onassis turned the former warship into a luxury yacht. Ex-King Farouk of Egypt, who was on board Christina O many times, and was known for his luxurious lifestyle, once called the yacht “the height of opulence.”
Each suite on the boat was named after a different island in Greece. For example, the Santorini, Mykonos, Lesbos, Andros, Crete, Rhodes and Corfu suites hosted the guests. Each room had custom wood and stone work with materials from the Greek islands.
The most impressive suite was without a doubt the suite of Onassis. It had 3 rooms - the stateroom, the office, and a luxurious custom bathroom.
One of the most popular areas for guests was Ari’s Bar, with special seats covered with whale skins. The footrests had whales’ teeth and ivory armrests that showed scenes from the Iliad and the Odyssey, Onassis’ favorite books.
In Onassis’s days, inside the boat was an elevator, an operating theater, and a network of 42 telephone lines.
Among the guests on the boat were Marilyn Monroe, Liz Taylor and Richard Burton, Frank Sinatra, Liza Minelli and Rudolf Nureyev. Heads of state and famous businessmen to come on the boat include: John Kennedy and Sir Winston Churchill, the Rockefellers, Rothschilds, Paul Getty, Prince Rainier and Princess Grace.
Winston Churchill famously visited many times, and Onassis gave up his own suite whenever Churchill visited, something he didn’t do for anyone else. Churchill joined for 8 cruises in total.
According to Morley Yachts, Christina O can take up to 34 guests on board in 17 staterooms. At anchor, it can hold 157 guests or for short cruises, so she is ideal for cocktail events or dancing. The most popular place to dance is on the jacuzzi deck, because of the outdoor bar. The dining room has space for 40 people and the biggest suite is now called “the Onassis Suite.”
Perhaps the most famous part of the boat is the restored swimming pool, which comes complete with a minotaur mosaic and can turn into a dance floor.
Christina O is somewhat of an international symbol for Onassis, who used the yacht as a business tool. Today, the boat is still famous. Netflix TV show The Crown features a fleet of yachts in Season 5 Episode 1, and Christina O is part of the fleet along with the Royal Yacht Britannia.
Christina O is available for chartering. The current broker for the yacht is Morley Yachts, who offer charters here.
19.03.2026
Spanning over 1700 km across the southern peninsula and connecting 12 major hiking routes, the Peloponnese Trails network is set to become the Largest Certified Hiking Trail Network in Greece, weaving together landscapes, heritage, and storytelling in a way that is both immersive and sustainable.
18.03.2026
Basements are a familiar feature of many homes across Greece. Traditionally used for storage, parking, or utility areas, these spaces are increasingly being reimagined—sometimes as guest rooms, independent apartments, or even stylish leisure areas. For anyone exploring property in Greece, it’s useful to understand how basements are defined and when they can legally function as living spaces. The rules are quite specific, but once explained clearly, they follow a logical structure.
16.03.2026
Crete and Syros have been named among the most worthwhile Greek island destinations for 2026, according to the international tourism platform Travel And Tour World, which recently published a list highlighting Greek islands that offer visitors a strong balance between quality and price.
The globally recognized tourism publication, widely read by travel professionals, tourism organizations, and travelers around the world, compiled the ranking based on research and travel data. The list focuses on destinations that combine authentic experiences, cultural richness, and natural beauty with relatively accessible prices.
13.03.2026
Greece is preparing to introduce a sweeping reform in the way property ownership and usage are recorded. Through the creation of the Μητρώο Ιδιοκτησίας και Διαχείρισης Ακινήτων (ΜΙΔΑ) — translated as the Property Ownership and Management Registry — authorities aim to create a comprehensive digital record of every property in the country.
The project is being developed by the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (Ανεξάρτητη Αρχή Δημοσίων Εσόδων - ΑΑΔΕ), in cooperation with the Ministry of National Economy and Finance. Its goal is to consolidate fragmented real estate information into a single platform and provide a clearer picture of property ownership and use across the country.
The new registry also featured prominently in discussions at the Property Owners’ Conference organised by the Panhellenic Federation of Property Owners (ΠΟΜΙΔΑ). The event brought together representatives of the government, local authorities, the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (ΑΑΔΕ), the Hellenic Cadastre, and property owners from across the country.
During the conference, the new registry was presented as one of the most significant reforms in the Greek real estate sector in recent years. Speaking at the event, Minister of National Economy and Finance, Kyriakos Pierrakakis, described the initiative as “the most systematic recording of the use of private real estate ever carried out in the country.” According to the minister, the registry will give the state a comprehensive digital overview of the country’s property stock and the way the real estate market actually functions.
03.03.2026
Kalamata is quietly stepping into a new chapter.
In 2026, Kalamata International Airport “Captain Vassilis Constantakopoulos” will connect the Peloponnese to 22 international destinations through 31 direct routes, significantly strengthening the region’s ties with key European markets. For a city long appreciated for its olive groves, relaxed pace, and coastal living, this expanded network signals something bigger: accessibility is no longer a seasonal privilege — it’s becoming a structural advantage.
The announcement follows a record year for inbound traffic. In 2025, the airport welcomed 169,730 international passengers, marking a 25.6 percent increase compared to 2023. This steady rise reflects consistent demand from core European source markets and growing confidence in Kalamata as a destination that delivers both lifestyle and substance.
27.02.2026
Five Greek beaches located in Crete, Corfu, and Rhodes have earned prestigious distinctions at the Tripadvisor 2026 Travellers’ Choice Awards, ranking among the best beaches in Europe and the world. Renowned for their crystal-clear waters, unique landscapes, and exceptional natural beauty, these destinations continue to strengthen Greece’s global reputation as a premier seaside escape.
The TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards are based on millions of reviews and ratings submitted by travelers worldwide over 12 months. The awards highlight travelers’ favorite destinations, hotels, restaurants, and experiences, offering valuable insights for those planning their next getaway.
30.01.2026
Crete has significantly strengthened its position as one of the most attractive real estate destinations in Greece. For the first time, the island’s electricity demand is being fully covered by high-capacity grid interconnections with mainland Greece, combined with locally produced renewable energy sources (RES), as announced in late 2025 by the Greek Independent Electricity Transmission Operator (ADMIE). This energy achievement is a structural upgrade that directly impacts property value, investment security, and long-term growth prospects.
23.01.2026
Messinia, Greece, is attracting growing international attention after being included in The New York Times’ respected list of the 52 Best Places to Go in 2026. Ranked 38th worldwide, Messinia is the only Greek region featured, praised for its natural beauty, cultural depth, and authentic Mediterranean character.
Located in the southwestern Peloponnese, Messinia offers a rare combination of unspoiled coastline, fertile landscapes, and deep historical roots—qualities that increasingly appeal to travellers and long-term visitors seeking a genuine Greek experience.
