Messinia Gains Global Attention After New York Times Recognition for 2026

Greece has long been associated with sun, sea, and unforgettable island landscapes, but Tripadvisor’s 2026 beach rankings offer a fresh reminder of just how powerful the country’s appeal remains. This year, Greece has made an especially strong impression, with four beaches appearing among the world’s top 15. Even more striking is the role of Crete. Two of the top three beaches in the world are located on the island: Elafonisi in second place and Balos in third.


A third Cretan beach, Falassarna, also appears in the global top 20, ranking 11th. Alongside them, Paleokastritsa in Corfu takes 14th place, giving Greece one of the strongest national showings in the ranking. At the very top of the list is Isla Pasión in Mexico, praised for its tropical scenery and distinctive natural shape. But while Mexico may hold first place, Greece clearly dominates the podium, with Crete claiming two of the three highest positions.

Law 5293/2026 introduces a framework that redefines the role of the notary in property transfers in Greece. The notary is designated as a “one-stop shop” for the completion of transactions involving the transfer of property rights. The provisions apply to transfers arising from sale, donation, parental gift, or inheritance.

HGTV’s new series World’s Bargain Dream Homes taps into a familiar idea: what if starting over somewhere new didn’t require an unlimited budget?

The show follows Americans searching for affordable homes overseas, typically working with a ceiling of around $150,000 — an amount that, depending on location, can stretch further than many expect. Premiered on April 14, the series spans a range of destinations across Central America and Europe, including Costa Rica, Panama, France, Italy, and Greece. Each episode pairs buyers with local real estate professionals, offering insights not only into the properties themselves but also into what everyday life might look like in each location. In the Crete episode, the property search is guided by Dion Gavriilidis, Managing Partner of Elxis.

If you still think of Greece as a strictly summer fling — sunburn, sandals, and Santorini sunsets — it might be time to update your mental itinerary. According to a recent story by journalist Ilias Bellos in Kathimerini, the country is steadily, and rather cleverly, reshaping itself into a year-round destination.


Let’s start with the data. According to Visa, foreign visitors in Greece increased their card usage by 12% in 2025, while the number of tourists using Visa cards rose by 13%. These figures point to steady growth in both arrivals and spending, as well as a broader shift toward digital payments. Beyond convenience, this trend offers a clearer picture of how visitors engage with the Greek tourism economy throughout the year.


A notable shift is also taking place beyond the peak summer months. Growth is no longer concentrated in July and August, as spending during the off-season continues to rise. February 2025, in particular, recorded the highest percentage increase, highlighting a gradual reduction in seasonality. This trend suggests that Greece is steadily expanding its appeal as a year-round destination, rather than relying primarily on summer tourism.