01.10.2023
The island of Skorpios was once the private island of Aristotle Onassis‘, one of Greece’s most successful and infamous businessmen. The island was once known as his paradise and playground, where he organized parties for the rich and famous.
Recently, the island was bought by Russian billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev, who is converting the island into a luxury resort. Between the purchase of the island and renovations, Rybolovlev has already invested millions of euros into Skorpios. Previously, the owner was Athina Onassis Roussel, Onassis’ granddaughter. Nearby is the public island of Lefkada, where a small bridge connects the island to Preveza on the mainland.
Onassis stated in his will that the island would remain in the family as long as they could cover the expenses. Otherwise, if they could not pay the expenses, it would go to either Olympic Airways or the state. When Aristotle Onassis died, he passed the island on to his daughter, Christina. But she died young in 1988, so the granddaughter, Athina, inherited it. In 2013, Athina Onassis sold many of her assets to Ekaterina, the daughter of Dmitry Rubolovlev. As for the island, the deal between Athina and Ekaterina had a long-term lease of Skorpios for 99 years as well as the neighboring island, Sparti. However, the name on the land register will not change, even though the island is leased.
A number of international architecture firms made the designs for the island resort, including Snøhetta from Norway. The same company is known for designing the Library of Alexandria in Egypt, Europe’s first underwater restaurant, and the headquarters of Le Monde in Paris.
The project is expected to create dozens of new jobs, according to a press release by the Greek Ministry of Tourism, Development, and Investment, which approved the development. When complete, the island will include a spa, villas, a sports field, a farm, a vineyard, a helipad, and a dock for large yachts. The project is called “VIP Exclusive Club” and has not yet been completed.
Although the exact amount is not yet confirmed, the resort will likely be available to rent on a weekly basis for over 1 million euros, and the island will not allow more than 50 guests at a time. Even though this Ionian island is now the property of Rybolovlev, Greeks still know Skorpios as “the island of Onassis.” The Rybolovlev family will likely also use the island for private enjoyment for some of the year, and will rent it in the remaining time.
When Onassis bought the island in 1963, it was 3.5 million drachmas (today, about 13,000 euros), according to the Wall Street Journal. He brought in thousands of trees and special plants in order to host glamorous parties on Skorpios. At the time, in Onassis’s days, the island was a luxury. Today, however, it needs a lot of updating to be desirable.
One symbol of the Onassis family remains on the island. The chapel that holds the tombs of Onassis’s family is a reminder of the island’s past. Also still standing is the “Pink House,” a villa built for Kennedy Onassis, where the First Lady spent most of her time on the island.
Rybolovlev, a successful businessman like Onassis, spends millions on real estate, art, and football. He bought Monaco’s football club, AS Monaco, back in 2011. One of his highest-profile purchases is a da Vinci painting worth 127 million euros called “Salvator Mundi”. He sold it a few years later for 3 times the price.
08.04.2026
The Greek government is preparing to introduce a major reform in the way property values are calculated. A new automated system for determining “objective values”, the official property prices used for tax calculations, is expected to launch in early 2027.
31.03.2026
Thessaloniki’s airport is getting busier — in a good way — thanks to easyJet’s latest expansion, which adds two new international routes and strengthens the city’s growing role as a northern Greek travel hub.
On March 29, the first direct easyJet flight connecting Amsterdam and Thessaloniki touched down. Passengers arriving from the Dutch capital were greeted with a warm welcome from airport representatives and airline staff, a gesture that underscored the importance of this new connection for both tourism and business travel.
The Amsterdam–Thessaloniki route will operate twice weekly, every Wednesday and Sunday. It’s a schedule that seems tailor-made for long weekends — whether you’re a Dutch traveler craving Mediterranean sunshine or a Thessaloniki resident plotting a quick escape to canals, bicycles, and stroopwafels.
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.
