Greece

ATHENS, Greece — Kimberly Guilfoyle, a former California prosecutor, television personality and close ally of President Trump, officially took office Tuesday as the first U.S. female ambassador to Greece.

Guilfoyle, 56, who was once engaged to Donald Trump Jr., presented her diplomatic credentials to Greek President Constantine Tassoulas after being sworn in Sept. 29 in Washington.

The former Fox News host’s arrival comes as the United States works to boost liquefied natural gas exports to eastern Europe through Greek port facilities.

U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum are expected in Athens this week for talks focused on expanding Western gas exports to war-torn Ukraine through a modified multinational pipeline network.

Guilfoyle and the visiting officials are scheduled to meet with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and attend ministerial meetings organized by the Washington-based Atlantic Council.

Since 2018, Greece and the United States have strengthened military ties, including expanding U.S. access to Greek bases and increased involvement of American defense contractors in Greece’s multibillion-dollar armed forces modernization program.

Guilfoyle attended a black-tie welcome reception over the weekend in Athens. Joined by local business leaders and several Cabinet members, she took part in a lively Greek dance — linking arms with other guests and keeping pace as the music sped up.

“I know we will do amazing things for these two exceptional countries,” she told attendees. “I will not disappoint the United States of America. I shall not disappoint Greece.”

At Tuesday’s ceremony, Guilfoyle presented her credentials after the new ambassadors from Norway, Harriet Berg, and Canada, Sonya Thissen.

A Canadian man living in the UK recently travelled to Newcastle for the first time and was blown away by the city and the surrounding area

Discovering new parts of the UK can reveal some truly stunning sights, from hidden forests to quaint villages boasting top-notch independent coffee shops. However, one Canadian man’s first visit to Newcastle has left locals scratching their heads after he likened a part just outside of the city to the sunny beaches of Greece.

Matt Giffen, originally from Canada but now residing in the UK, recently embarked on his first-ever trip to Newcastle and the surrounding Tyne and Wear area. Keen to explore beyond the city limits, Matt sought out a beach, and his social media followers directed him towards Tynemouth.

Located just eight miles from Newcastle, Tynemouth is easily accessible via the Tyne and Wear Metro, which is precisely how Matt travelled. Within half an hour, he was soaking up local attractions, including the Tynemouth Market, held at the station every weekend.

In a TikTok video documenting his journey, Matt praised Tynemouth for its “wholesome vibes” and suggested it seemed like a “very nice place to live”.

Before hitting the beach, Matt indulged in a classic British dish of fish and chips from Longsands Fish Kitchen, accompanied by a pot of curry sauce.

He remarked: “Can I just say, everyone here is so friendly. It’s like a little pixie fairy town here, it’s not a real place.”

When Matt finally reached King Edward’s Bay, he was taken aback by the tranquillity and cleanliness of the beach. Despite the overcast skies, he even compared the sandy shore to Greece.

He questioned: “Why has nobody told me that the UK has beaches like this? It’s probably so busy here in the summer.”

While enjoying the beach, Matt savoured three oysters from Riley’s Fish Shack, a local eatery perched on the edge of the bay that serves food all year round.

But King Edward’s Bay isn’t Tynemouth’s only beach, and Matt took a brief stroll to Long Sands Beach to give his followers a glimpse of the larger seafront. Capturing footage of surfers, he likened the beach to the renowned Bondi Beach near Sydney, Australia.

He exclaimed: “It’s giving the British version of Bondi Beach.”

Viewers were astonished to learn that Matt, a frequent traveller around the UK, had visited Newcastle and Tynemouth. Many expressed delight that he was sampling local cuisine.

One individual commented: “Thank you, pal! Tynemouth and Whitley Bay are what make us proud of the North East. To be literally 30 mins on a metro near the beach and a city and have the diameter of Newcastle United fans is why we are proud of where we are from. Thank you for putting this on your platform.”

Another chimed in: “I am loving Americans discovering UK food and realising that it isn’t bland and horrible!”

The biggest difference between the Denmark game and the one at Hampden – as well as emphatic friendly wins over Slovakia and Bulgaria and the first qualifier against Belarus – was that the Danes did not allow those young talents to flourish.

They were not afforded anything like the same time and space – something Scotland will have to learn from.

Don’t expect Jovanovic to abandon his new commitment to this potentially golden generation as a result of that wake-up call.

If Karetsas is fit to start, the likelihood is that he, Konstantelias and Tzolis will once again support Benfica’s Vangelis Pavlidis.

In midfield, 31-year-old Dimitris Kourbelis was given the nod over another teenager, Christos Mouzakitis, against Denmark, but the 18-year-old could well reprise his role alongside Christos Zafeiris, both of whom operated well at Hampden.

At the back, Dinos Koulierakis is already an established first choice at just 21 and goalkeeper Konstantis Tzolakis, 22, has started the first two qualifiers having also played the double-header against Scotland.

The line-up has not varied greatly since and one bad result will not change that, so Scotland will be up against familiar opponents.

They just have to make sure they use the lessons from March and September to their advantage in order to keep up the positive start to World Cup qualification.

Athens, Greece – Greece has drawn criticism and concern from rights groups and a United Nations office after passing what it considers to be the European Union’s strictest refugee deportation policy earlier this month.

The law was put to use on September 12, when three Turkish citizens were convicted of illegal residence and handed stiff jail sentences. Two men were given two years of imprisonment and fines of 5,000 euros ($5,870), while the third, aged 19, the youngest of the group, was handed a 10-month prison sentence.

Athens plans to test-drive the law through a likely minefield of legal challenges in the coming months. Humanitarian organisations say the measure unfairly includes children and stigmatises refugees and migrants as criminals.

Greek Minister for Migration and Asylum Thanos Plevris told Parliament on September 2 that the law was “the strictest returns policy in the whole EU” and claimed there was “a lot of interest from European countries, especially EU members, to adopt this law as a law that will force an illegal migrant to return”.

Rights groups, which are gearing up to challenge the legislation, say it far outshoots a draft Returns Regulation the European Commission wants to make binding on all member states by June 2026.

The new law has shortened deadlines and raised penalties for unauthorised residence.

For example, rejected asylum applicants will be fitted with ankle monitors and given just two weeks to remove themselves voluntarily. If they do not, they face, like the two Turkish nationals, a 5,000-euro ($5,870) fine and between two and five years of confinement in closed camps.

Children, more than a fifth of arrivals this year, are not exempt. If people wish to appeal, they have to do it in four days.

“We always claim that it’s not legal to put children in detention,” said Federica Toscano from Save the Children. The law is “not aligned with the [UN] Convention on the Rights of the Child”, and is “absolutely challengeable”.

The Greek Ombudsman, an independent authority monitoring public services, also objected to the law’s maximum reprieve of 60 days, down from 120, so children can complete their school year.

The Ombudsman suggested the law sets out to prove the proposition that all undocumented people are criminals.

Ankle monitors, it said, which are not mentioned in the draft Returns Regulation, “deepen the view of migrants as criminals and put their treatment on a par with that reserved for indictees, convicts and prisoners on leave”.

“Refugees are entitled to effective access to international protection without punishment for violating migration policy,” says the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Under the Geneva Convention, “the quest for asylum … is not a criminal offence, but a human right”.

The EU approves about 45 percent of asylum applications on average.

Of the remainder, 90 percent end up staying on European soil because there is no effective policy to return them, say European officials.

“Without a returns policy, no migration policy has any meaning,” said Greece’s then-migration minister, Makis Voridis, presenting the new proposals in Parliament’s European Affairs Committee on May 15.

Irregular entry into the country has been raised to a felony. Anyone arriving without documents can be detained for two years, up from 18 months.

A provision that legalises anyone after seven years of undocumented residence is being abolished.

Greece’s predicament

Plevris has defended the hardened law, arguing that Greece guards external EU borders.

“It’s easy to defend borders when there’s three or four countries people have to cross to get to you. Compare us to other first reception countries,” he said.

Since 2015, Greece has been the arrival point of 46 percent of more than 2.8 million undocumented people entering Europe, according to UNHCR.

Many have moved on to other EU member states, but because of EU rules, rejected asylum seekers or asylum recipients who lose their protected status would be returned to their country of arrival in the EU for deportation.

Greek officials admit they do not expect refugees and migrants to spend five years in detention. The draconian rules, they say, are designed to force them to return voluntarily once they are convicted.

That is because it is legally difficult to deport anyone forcibly.

The law has a second aim – to deter what Greece views as so-called economic migrants travelling to Europe when there are Geneva Convention signatories closer to home.

“It’s a massive programme that costs a lot of money and involves a whole web of private actors. So I think that would be pretty difficult to set up,” said Hope Barker, who works for the Global Strategic Communications Council, a nongovernmental group seeking to influence environmental and migration policy.

Greece’s Union of Administrative Judges objected that the law did not define flight risk, leaving incarceration decisions to the discretion of the police. The law “needs to provide a comprehensive list of criteria, not an indicative one”, it said.

The Council of Bar Associations of Greece also weighed in with objections to tightened deadlines for appeal and the criminalisation of undocumented entry.

“Danger to life and limb vastly outranks whatever law is broken by entering Greece illegally,” it said.

The EU’s guinea pig?

Repeatedly, these bodies pointed out, the new law violates the existing EU Returns Regulation, which dates back to 2008, but observers of EU migration policy say the European Commission is deliberately allowing Greece to push the boundaries.

“Greece has become something of a testing ground for many EU measures, especially on the Greek islands,” Amnesty International’s Olivia Sundberg told Al Jazeera, citing the Closed Controlled Access Centres built to house thousands of asylum seekers.

“In a lot of ways, Greece is a place that has tested things out before they became EU law, and if they worked well, they were carried over into [EU] directives,” she said.

The EU is now looking for ways to implement returns.

“There is this whole push for what they call ‘innovative solutions’,” said Barker. “So one of these is obviously return hubs in third countries, another is getting people to sign up to voluntary returns,” she told Al Jazeera.

Italy has been testing third-country hubs through a deal with Albania, but Italian courts have ordered some of the asylum seekers sent there for processing returned to Italy.

Greece’s law casts a wider net, suggesting returnees should seek protection in any safe country closer to their country of origin.

But Greece’s Ombudsman has objected to this.

Passing the burden “allows a return process to a country the returnee doesn’t come from, or hasn’t passed through and has no connection to, except that it is geographically close to his country of origin. In this case, it’s no longer a ‘returns’ procedure but a ‘displacement’ procedure”, the Ombudsman said.

Some observers say Europe is in danger of falling short of its own human rights charter.

“Migration is becoming a rule of law issue rather than an implementation of law issue,” said Amnesty’s Sundberg.

Others point out that Europe is an ageing continent in need of more workers to sustain its tax base and social security systems in the coming decades.

“How are we going to create an environment of reception of the people we need, when we take this type of measure?” asked Lefteris Papayiannakis, who heads the Greek Council for Refugees, a legal aid charity. “If you can’t attract them, what’s your next move?”

Besides, he said, the measures exude desperation.

“You’re creating an impression now that you’re not in control. But if we compare the situation now with 2015, or the [flight of] Ukrainians in 2022, it’s a completely different situation,” Papayiannakis said.

“How can you justify being up in arms now about a very small number of migrants compared to the number … you’re going to need?”

The Patriarchate of Jerusalem is one of the most ancient thrones of Christianity. Its prestige lies in its uninterrupted custodianship of the Holy Land, yet its political weight has traditionally been limited compared to Constantinople, Alexandria, or Moscow. In recent years, however, Jerusalem has begun to act with growing assertiveness, repositioning itself on the global Orthodox chessboard. This is not an isolated gesture. It is a coherent strategy that combines ecclesiastical maneuvering with diplomatic calculation.

A measured distance from Constantinople

For centuries, the Ecumenical Patriarchate has exercised a primacy of honor that shaped Orthodox order. Its role became visible one more time after the Ukrainian autocephaly of 2018–2019, which triggered Moscow’s rupture with the Ecumenical Patriarchate and fragmented global Orthodoxy. In this fragile landscape, Jerusalem’s refusal to show customary respect to the Ecumenical Patriarchate, such as during Patriarch Theophilos’ visit to Constantinople while the Ecumenical Patriarch was absent, carried a strong symbolic charge.

In the Orthodox world, protocol is substance and responds to centuries-old traditions and rules. Jerusalem has chosen to highlight its autonomy, presenting itself less as a subordinate throne and more as an equal player that answers primarily to its own pastoral realities.

A visible embrace of Moscow

Parallel to this distancing, the Patriarchate of Jerusalem has cultivated visible proximity with Moscow. Encounters between Patriarch Theophilos and Patriarch Kirill in international forums are carefully staged. They showcase Jerusalem as one of the few Orthodox centers willing to stand with Moscow in public, at a time when the Russian Church is cut off from Constantinople after her own decision.

The significance is twofold. First, Jerusalem gains leverage by being seen with Moscow; it becomes indispensable to those who seek to keep channels open with the Russian Church. Second, it signals to Constantinople that Jerusalem has alternatives. In a polarized Orthodox world, Jerusalem positions itself as the third pole.

Exploiting the Orthodox divide

The fracture between Constantinople and Moscow is the defining fact of the present Orthodox landscape. Since the Ukrainian question, communion has been ruptured, and every inter-Orthodox initiative has become contested ground. Jerusalem has seized this moment. By maintaining relations with Moscow and refusing to follow Constantinople’s spiritual leadership, it elevates itself into a power broker.

The “Amman initiative,” launched by Patriarch Theophilos in 2020, was an early signal. Ostensibly a fraternal gathering, it was interpreted as an attempt to create a parallel framework of Orthodox coordination. The same logic continues today since the moment Jerusalem does not merely mediate, it seeks to shape the system in ways that enhance its own centrality.

Political dimensions and secular diplomacy

This ecclesiastical strategy intersects with secular diplomacy. Patriarch Theophilos’ meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Istanbul, without prior coordination with Athens or Constantinople, revealed how Jerusalem leverages regional power to reinforce its own profile. For Ankara, the encounter offered a stage to project international acceptance. For Jerusalem, it was an assertion of autonomy—the ability to engage heads of state directly, without reference to traditional Orthodox hierarchies.

Such moves demonstrate the Patriarchate’s dual logic. Ecclesiastical autonomy and political visibility. Yet they also risk entangling Jerusalem in agendas that exceed its spiritual mandate. When political authorities instrumentalize ecclesiastical actors, the cost is often borne by the broader unity of the Church.

At the heart of Jerusalem’s maneuvers lies a profound redefinition of legitimacy. The Patriarchate claims that its authority flows not from subordination to Constantinople but from its continuous guardianship of the Holy Land, its role as protector of Christian presence in the Middle East, and its ability to secure survival under adverse conditions. This narrative resonates with local communities and appeals to external partners who view Jerusalem less as a hierarchical institution and more as a political-religious actor with unique assets.

By presenting itself as sui generis, Jerusalem attempts to blur the lines of canonical order. It elevates historical custodianship over primacy of honor and pastoral necessity over hierarchical protocol. This reframing is powerful, but it destabilizes the traditional equilibrium of the Orthodox system.

Jerusalem’s strategy carries immediate benefits but long-term risks. Constantinople interprets distancing as defection. Moscow views cooperation as tactical, not loyal. Regional governments value the Patriarchate’s visibility but also use it for their own agendas. In the long run, Jerusalem risks being perceived less as a bridge and more as an opportunistic actor.

The Greek dimension

Greece remains a critical backdrop. Athens has aligned itself with the Ecumenical Patriarchate, supporting Ukrainian autocephaly and standing by the Fanar, defending its historical and canonical rights. However, Jerusalem invokes Greece whenever it needs legitimacy or support, especially to protect its institutions and heritage. This selective approach exposes Athens to the maneuvers of the Patriarchate without giving it substantial influence, as Greece is projected by Jerusalem as a guarantor but not as a decision-maker.

During the Sinai crisis, the Patriarchate of Jerusalem engaged Greece in a manner that combined dependence with instrumentalization. On the surface, Athens was acknowledged as a historical guarantor of the monastery’s continuity and as the institutional shield necessary for its protection. In practice, however, the Patriarchate pursued its course with minimal coordination and little transparency toward the Greek state. This dual approach created a paradox: Greece was projected internationally as an indispensable partner, yet it was excluded from substantive influence over the management of the crisis. By invoking Greek legitimacy when useful while retaining full control of decisions, the Jerusalem Patriarchate reinforced its own position but left Athens diplomatically exposed.

A REAL life Coronation Street couple have shared a slew of snaps from their dreamy getaway to the posh Greek island of Santorini.

Actress Sally Carman and her co-star husband Joe Duttine appear to have had the trip of a lifetime after jetting off to the sought-after location in the Mediterranean.

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The Abi Webster actress looked glam as she uploaded a series of snaps from hers and Joe’s loved-up getaway.

Joe, who plays Tim Metcalfe, could be seen beaming alongside his proud wife in one of the couple’s shots from the getaway.

Sally simply captioned the snaps with: “Santorini sun.”

It appeared to be no expense spared as Sally shared a photo of the pool at their resort which overlooked the sea and featured a floating bed in the middle of the water.

In another candid snap, Sally looked the picture of happiness as she sipped on a cocktail through a straw as she enjoying a sunset tipple.

She wore a leopard-print headband in the picture and kept her make-up simple.

In one of the other photos, Sally could be seen laid by the front of a boat wrapped in blankets as it appeared she had taken a tumble.

Their Corrie co-star Samia Longchambon commented on the snaps: “Gorgeous every bit”

Another fan added: “Lovely photo of you Sally. Enjoy yourself.”

As fellow soap actress Sue Devaney added: “Oooooooh I want to hug you in all that there cuteness of yours!!

“Stunning stylish sexy Sal in Santorini! So beautiful xx.”

Sally and Joe began romancing one another after meeting on the set of the ITV soap opera.

They tied the knot in Salford in 2022.

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New research suggests that British travellers are forgoing their beloved summer hotspots like Greece and Spain in favour of more far-flung destinations like Thailand

According to new research, some key non-European destinations have enticed Brits away from their typical hotspots this summer.

While Italy, Spain and Greece continue to deal with the repercussions of over-tourism, British travellers are casting their holiday sight further abroad. Virgin Media O2 data suggests that visitors to Spain have dropped by about 9% year-on-year, with anti-tourism protests potentially giving British holidaymakers pause.

Visits to Greece and Portugal are also down by 7% and 5% respectively, the data suggests. Destinations like Thailand, Canada and the US are on British travel radars this year.

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Visits to France were even eclipsed by those of the US this summer, which brought in 17% of British travellers compared to France’s 14%. Canada now accounts for 9% of trips from the UK and the United Arab Emirates has enjoyed 8% of the British tourist allocation.

Thailand and Australia both earned 5% of visitors, which may have to do with The White Lotus effect. In fact, the TV series drove so much tourism to Thailand that it threatened to bury one of the paradise islands.

The exceptionally hot weather in the UK this summer could have also influenced why Brits didn’t feel the need to storm their sunny EU holiday destinations.

When it comes to last-minute getaways however, the data shows that convenience is still a top priority for British holidaymakers. Resorts that are a short-haul flight away still saw the biggest influx of travellers. Almost 38% of Brits will take late breaks to Spain while Greece will see 25% and Italy 23%.

Christian Hindennach, chief commercial officer at Virgin Media O2 said of the latest research: “As Brits explore new holiday spots beyond Europe, we’re proud to keep them connected wherever they may roam.

He continues: “From last-minute trips to far-flung adventures, we’re committed to keeping our customers connected without the worry of hidden fees, so they can focus on enjoying their time away.”

That said, months of active overtourism demonstrations across Spain in particular has been bad news for tourism revenue in some parts of the country.

A once busy Spanish city is now “dead” as Brits have reportedly abandoned the destination for other holiday spots.. Footage has surfaced online showing the area’s completely deserted streets.

Laura, who goes by lauratravelvlogs on TikTok, has been chronicling some stark changes in Barcelona this year, having resided there herself for over two years. She noted a significant drop in visitor numbers and, for months, she’s been posting videos of Spain’s vacant streets, silent roads and empty beaches to illustrate the drastic shift in the country’s tourism landscape.

In a recent video featuring eerily quiet roads, Laura questioned: “Sorry, no one can argue that these roads leading up to the beach were not packed in 2023?”

The Greek government is considering extending a ban on short-term rentals. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, speaking at the Thessaloniki International Fair, spoke on the topic of holiday lets

Holidays to parts of Greece may soon get a little trickier if Athens goes ahead with a new crackdown.

The Greek government is considering extending restrictions on short-term rentals to alleviate the strain on the nation’s property market. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, speaking at the Thessaloniki International Fair, said that the possibility of prolonging the ban on new short-term lets in three Athens districts for another year was under consideration.

He also suggested that the ban could be expanded to other regions of the country. To incentivize more property owners to switch from short- to long-term leases, a three-year tax exemption would also be extended in proposed legislation.

“I am open to extending the ban on the inclusion of new homes in short-term rentals outside of Attica, to other popular destinations, and it is something we will decide on in the next one to two months,” the prime minister said.

“The problem has arisen in recent years and is a result of a rapidly growing economy. The problem for the tenant is a benefit for the landlord. We need to see both sides.”

The abundance of holiday lets in the Mediterranean country is causing issues in the housing market. According to ekathimerini.com, official 2024 statistics indicate that the average number of properties available for short-term rentals per 1,000 permanent residents in Greece is 46.

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In the Cyclades, this figure rises to 611 per 1,000 residents, while in the Ionian Islands it stands at 340, and in the Dodecanese at 125.

The Greek government has been wrestling with a surge in short-term lets, driven by platforms like Airbnb, and the urgent need for local housing, reports the Express.

When the ban on short-term rental licences was announced in 2024, Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni cautioned that it could be extended beyond a year. The ban came into effect on January 1.

Tourism brings in billions for Greece, with the country’s beaches, hot weather and warm seas attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. During the nation’s debt crisis following the 2008–09 financial meltdown, residential property values crashed by 42%.

They have since bounced back to the extent where homeownership has become an unlikely prospect for some residents trying to climb onto the property ladder. Estate agent Engel & Völkers Germany reports that Greek prices have kept climbing since hitting rock bottom in 2017, with this upward trajectory persisting throughout this year.

The estate agent has noted that Greece still provides “affordable” and “moderate” pricing compared to other European destinations.

Engel & Völkers, highlighting the dilemma facing the Greek administration, indicated that predictions for the coming year stay “positive”. It continued: “Greece is increasingly positioning itself as a safe and value-stable destination for investments in vacation and lifestyle properties.”

In June Mr Mitsotakis made a commitment to address overcrowding and manage the number of visitors on the country’s islands, including limiting the number of cruise ships allowed to dock.

Mr Mitsotakis acknowledged that the Cycladic Islands were “clearly suffering”, amid complaints from locals about the effect on their daily lives and the cost of living, according to Bloomberg reports.

The Greek Prime Minister has highlighted Santorini as the “most sensitive” to overcrowding, with around 800 cruise ships docking last year, closely followed by Mykonos with 750 in 2023.

In April last year, Athens was rocked by furious protests, with demonstrators reportedly shouting: “They are taking our houses while they live in the Maldives”.

The announcement of Archbishop Damianos’ resignation from St. Catherine’s Monastery in Sinai, after decades of leadership, has brought to light more than an internal monastic dispute. It has exposed a larger power struggle at the intersection of ecclesiastical diplomacy and international politics. The controversy surrounding the monastery, one of the most historic centers of Orthodoxy in the Middle East, has turned into a stage where rival patriarchates, foreign influence, and states assert their presence.

For many observers, Damianos’ departure was not simply the end of an era but the culmination of months of escalating tension between the Monastery, the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, and wider Orthodox dynamics influenced by Moscow.

Jerusalem’s contested claims

At the heart of the dispute lies the claim of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem over Sinai. In its official response, Jerusalem characterized Damianos’ statements as “anti-ecclesiastical” and questioned even the authorship of his lengthy announcement, suggesting manipulation by third parties. Ecclesiastical circles interpret this as a deliberate strategy of delegitimization, portraying the elderly Archbishop as incapable of independent action in order to undermine his authority.

Beyond rhetoric, Jerusalem has consistently sought to present Sinai as canonically dependent on its patriarchal throne, despite the historic sigillion of Patriarch Gabriel IV in 1782, which sealed the monastery’s autonomy. For Damianos and his supporters, such attempts constitute ecclesiastical encroachment and a direct violation of centuries-old canonical order.

Moscow’s shadow over Sinai

Damianos’ final announcement did not spare Moscow either. He accused the Russian Church of fueling division within Orthodoxy and exploiting internal fissures of the Sinai brotherhood. According to his account, networks and organizations aligned with Russian influence attempted to capitalize on the crisis, promoting narratives foreign to Orthodox theology and tradition.

For ecclesiastical diplomacy analysts, this dimension is crucial. It situates the Sinai crisis within the broader confrontation between Constantinople and Moscow over primacy in the Orthodox world, extending the arena of contestation from Ukraine to the deserts of Sinai. The monastery thus becomes more than a spiritual center; it is a geopolitical outpost in the struggle for influence.

Athens and Cairo as indispensable actors

The role of Greece has emerged as pivotal. Damianos repeatedly underlined that without the active involvement of Athens, the monastery would have faced existential threats. The recent law 5224/2025, combined with constitutional guarantees, was presented as a shield of protection for the monastery’s legal and institutional identity.

At the same time, Egypt remains a decisive interlocutor. The court decision of Ismailia in May 2025 that challenged elements of the monastery’s status placed the issue squarely within the Egyptian legal framework. Damianos himself acknowledged that any durable solution requires a tripartite understanding between Athens, Cairo, and the monastery’s leadership.

This triangular dynamic underscores that the future of Sinai cannot be separated from Greek–Egyptian relations, a strategic partnership already central in the Eastern Mediterranean. The monastery, therefore, becomes both a symbol and a test of bilateral trust.

Ecclesiastical diplomacy at a crossroads

The broader Orthodox world has also been drawn into the crisis. Several patriarchates expressed support for Sinai, including Constantinople, Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Serbia, while Jerusalem remained isolated in its claims. The silence of Moscow, combined with its indirect involvement, reinforced perceptions that Sinai has become a flashpoint in the Orthodox fragmentation that Russia has often been accused of exacerbating.

For Constantinople, Sinai’s autonomy is not negotiable. For Jerusalem, asserting control is both a matter of prestige and regional influence. For Moscow, exploiting divisions serves its wider strategy. And for Athens, safeguarding the monastery is part of its cultural diplomacy and historical responsibility toward the Eastern Christian heritage.

A power game with lasting implications

The resignation of Damianos closes a personal chapter but opens a much larger one. The crisis of Sinai illustrates how monastic autonomy, canonical tradition, and national diplomacy intersect. What appears as an ecclesiastical quarrel is, in fact, a power game of influence that involves patriarchates, states, and international alignments.

The outcome of the succession process, and whether a unified brotherhood can emerge, will determine not only the monastery’s internal cohesion but also the credibility of Greek–Egyptian partnership and the balance within Orthodoxy.

For analysts of ecclesiastical diplomacy, Sinai has become a microcosm of the wider struggle shaping the Orthodox world: the tension between autonomy and control, between local tradition and geopolitical leverage. The desert of Sinai, where Moses once received the Law, is today a battlefield of influence where spiritual heritage collides with political ambition.

The UK has its own version of the Greek islands – and it’s just as beautiful

Every year, Greece attracts millions of tourists from around the globe who are drawn to its crystal clear seas, ancient ruins and charming villages. However, the soaring temperatures and bustling crowds can turn a tranquil holiday into a stress-filled nightmare.

If you’re not a fan of massive crowds and scorching weather but still crave the natural beauty and rich culture that Greece offers, there’s an alternative right here in the UK.

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Scotland’s Hebrides, a paradise for island-hopping, offers everything Greece does, but with refreshing Atlantic breezes instead of baking Mediterranean heat – and far fewer crowds.

While Greece boasts ancient ruins and blue seas, the Hebrides offer mythical 5000 year old standing stones and crystal-clear turquoise waters where waves lap against wide, sandy beaches, reports the Express.

Santorini may have its famous white-washed buildings, but the Hebrides has Tobermory – one of the most colourful villages in the world, where brightly coloured homes line the quaint harbour.

The wildlife alone is reason enough to visit this Scottish archipelago. Atlantic puffins nest on the soaring cliffs above the waves, dolphins skitter across the wake of your boat and majestic eagles soar overhead.

With over 100 islands in the Hebrides, choosing which to visit can be tricky – luckily, they all offer something different and wonderful.

Islay, dubbed the ‘Queen of the Hebrides’, is a must-visit spot. The island is renowned for its unique peaty single malts and is home to over 200 bird species.

From its coastline, you can catch sight of sharks and dolphins, and there’s also the legendary distilleries of Laphroaig and Ardbeg – perfect for a cosy tipple on a chilly autumn day.

For those with a passion for history and culture, make a pit stop at the Isle of Lewis where you can explore the Gothic-style Lews Castle and marvel at ‘Scotland’s Stonehenge’ – the ancient Callanish Standing Stones.

If you’re spoilt for choice or finding it tough to decide, Cruising Holidays is offering a 10-night Scottish Isles expedition that delves deep into this ‘picture perfect’ archipelago.

The journey will take you to visit hidden gems most tourists never see. With a maximum of 220 passengers, this cruise offers a more personal way to experience the islands.

The Scottish Isles expedition starts from £4,171 per person for 10 nights, including all meals and drinks, as well as experiences.

Passengers headed to Greece are urged to keep an eye on Jet2’s website for updates as the airline continues to monitor strike developments that could impact flights

Jet2 has alerted travellers jetting off to Greece tomorrow (Thursday August 28) about planned industrial action which “may impact Greek Air Traffic Control”.

The air carrier confirmed it was keeping a close watch on the situation and currently intends to operate all flights as scheduled. Holidaymakers are advised to check the airline’s website regularly for the latest information.

The industrial action is scheduled to run from 9.30am until 1.30pm local time. The walkout forms part of a broader 24-hour strike organised by public sector union ADEDY.

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It comes in response to a proposed draft law, with fears it could negatively affect trade union, social and political activities, Travel and World Tour World reports.

In a statement on its website, Jet2 said: “We are currently monitoring a planned General Strike in Greece that is due to take place between 09:30 – 13:30 (Greek local time) on Thursday 28 August 2025 and may impact Greek Air Traffic Control.

“Flights operating to/from Greece may be affected during this strike action, however, we are planning to operate all Jet2.com flights as planned so please arrive at the airport on time.

“You don’t need to contact us or take any extra actions – we will continue to monitor this strike action and publish any updates here on our website.” In light of potential disruptions, Aegean Airlines has offered its customers the chance to alter their tickets, reports the Manchester Evening News.

The Greek airline stated on its website: “Due to the possibility of the 4-hour work suspension (09:30–13:30) of air traffic controllers, all passengers holding tickets for Thursday, August 28, 2025, are offered proactively the flexibility to change their tickets for a new travel date until September 30th 2025, without any reissue fee and fare difference or cancel their booking and receive a credit voucher for future use, should they wish to.”

The Hellenic Air Traffic Controllers’ Association called on controllers to walk out in support of a 24-hour strike by Greece’s main public sector union ADEDY over disciplinary rules set to be introduced for civil employees which are set for a parliamentary vote this week However, Greek carriers Aegean and Olympic Air said flights would go ahead as normal.

According to Greek Travel Pages, only essential flights will be allowed to operate during the work stoppage including:

• International flights crossing the Athens FIR
• Flights carrying heads of state or prime ministers
• Hellenic Air Force missions and scheduled exercises
• Aircraft in emergency situations
• Hospital flights
• Humanitarian aid flights
• Search and rescue operations

One Greek island in the northwest Aegean Sea is famed for its gorgeous weather – even in September.

This stunning little Greek island could be your ideal paradise if you’re seeking a September escape.

As temperatures start to drop across the UK, many Britons will longingly begin contemplating warmer destinations.

Greece remains a beloved holiday retreat for British travellers – and one petite island enjoys glorious weather with September temperatures averaging a pleasant 25C and peak daytime highs reaching 27C.

However, what the charming island of Skiathos in the northwest Aegean Sea is truly renowned for is serving as the backdrop to the enormously successful film Mamma Mia!, reports the Express.

Skiathos features an incredible 60 beaches with sparkling azure waters alongside dense pine woodlands. There’s also a vibrant nightlife scene offering a wealth of culinary hotspots, pubs and nightclubs.

Thanks to its proximity to the airport, beach visitors on the island can also watch commercial aircrafts soaring mere metres overhead.

Greek tourism platform Visit Greece described the island as “paradise on earth” and stated: “Skiathos [is] the most cosmopolitan island in the Northern Sporades.”

The tourism website also noted: “The island is picturesque, unspoilt and blessed with more than 60 beautifully crystal clear waters and beaches.

“The most famous is Koukounaries, which is considered as the third most beautiful beach in the Mediterranean. When you add in its bustling nightlife, it is only natural that the island attracts thousands of young visitors every year!”

Travel bloggers are equally smitten with the destination, with one delighted visitor describing the island as “postcard perfect”.

Lynsey from travel blog lynseysnotebook.co.uk said: “For my first introduction to Greece, Skiathos could not have been more perfect.

“I took ages to decide where I wanted to visit for my first trip to Greece – Rhodes and Zante both looked beautiful – but Skiathos has an authentic charm that I couldn’t resist.”

She added: “While Mamma Mia certainly put Skiathos on the map, it still retains its authenticity and simplicity.”

Meanwhile, travellers have flocked to review website Tripadvisor to rave about this breathtaking destination. One declared that Koukounaries beach has “got to be the best beach in Greece”.

Many Brits fly to Greece for their summer holidays – and one woman who visited the European country shared one thing you should avoid doing if you visit too

It’s well known that summer is the peak season for traveling overseas, particularly because children are on school break and many destinations enjoy their warmest weather during this time. Brits regularly travel to European favourites, including Spain, France, Greece and Italy, to enjoy seaside breaks and outdoor activities, like watersports.

Whilst these countries sit relatively close to the UK, they have distinct cultural customs and practices that might catch tourists off guard. So Alexa, a British holidaymaker in Greece, took to TikTok to share a useful piece of advice for fellow travellers heading to the southeastern European destination.

She shared a video from a restaurant on the Greek island of Skiathos, showing herself seated around a table with friends, who were the only diners there.

Alexa added the on-screen text: “God forbid a girl makes a dinner reservation at 6.30pm in Greece.”

The clip shows her surrounded by lots of empty tables and chairs throughout the venue. In the caption she wrote: “We’ve learned our lesson but still.”

The video has gained two million views, attracted more than 100,000 likes, and sparked hundreds of comments, with most people agreeing that 6:30 p.m. is too early for dinner in Greece.

One local explained: “At 6:30pm in Greece we’re having our afternoon coffee. Dinner is after 20:00.”

Another chimed in: “The earliest we eat dinner here is 8pm.”

A confused European resident exclaimed: “6:30??? As a European that is diabolical! I’m surprised it was even open.”

Another person, familiar with Greek dining habits, added: “My family in Greece eat dinner around 9-10 PM lol.”

A fourth viewer quipped: “Pretty sure that’s not legal… people still at the beach girl..”

Other holidaymakers confessed in the comments section that they were also unaware of the later dining times typical in Greece compared to the UK.

One shared: “The first night we got here we went for dinner at about 7 and it was empty besides one American family.”

A second echoed: “Girl same we were super early.”

However, another viewer saw a positive: “The lesson here is keep booking for 6.30pm so you don’t have crowds lol.”

Travel agent Greeka suggests that locals may have their last meal as late as 11pm, especially during summer when sunset is around 9pm.

Many Greeks prefer to wait until nightfall before having dinner, as they spend much of their day outside soaking up the sunny, warm climate, with temperatures climbing to 35°C.

According to the travel guide, lunch is typically served between noon and 5pm while restaurants see their busiest dinner hours from 8 to 10pm.

It’s certainly a lifestyle that feels quite different!

Greece has suspended processing of asylum applications from people arriving by sea from North Africa since July.

More than 120 refugees and migrants have been intercepted off the island of Crete, according to Greek authorities, the latest in a series of arrivals of people making perilous journeys to Europe from North Africa despite a suspension of asylum claims and a concerted push for tougher detention rules.

Two boats, carrying 58 and 68 people and believed to have departed from Libya, were stopped on Monday, and their passengers were placed under guard at temporary shelters. More than 100 other refugees and migrants arrived on Crete over the weekend after strong winds eased.

Greece’s conservative government last month suspended all asylum claims for migrants arriving by sea from North Africa, a move it argued helped deter crossings that peaked in July at more than 2,500 in a single week.

The ban passed in parliament amid a surge in asylum seekers reaching Crete and after talks with Libya’s Benghazi-based government to stem the flow were cancelled acrimoniously in July.

It also marked a further hardening of Greece’s stance towards refugees and migrants under Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’s government, which has built a fence at its northern land borders and boosted sea patrols since it came to power in 2019.

The government remains at odds with regional authorities in Crete over a plan to build a permanent transit facility on the island. It is preparing draft legislation that would mandate imprisonment for people whose asylum claims are denied and require ankle monitors during a 30-day compliance period before deportation.

Earlier this month, at least 26 people died after two boats sank off the southern Italian island of Lampedusa.

That disaster, also involving people travelling from Libya, was the latest to befall refugees and migrants making the perilous Mediterranean crossing from Africa to Europe.

Rights groups and United Nations agencies have also documented systematic abuse against refugees and migrants in Libya, including torture, rape and extortion. In February, Libyan authorities uncovered nearly 50 bodies from two mass graves in the country’s southeastern desert, in the latest horror involving people seeking to make it to Europe through the North African country.

Since the beginning of this year, 675 people have died in the central Mediterranean while trying to make the crossing, Filippo Ungaro, a spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees in Italy, recently said.

France has been suffering its largest wildfire in at least 50 years, according to disaster officials.

Firefighters in southern France have warned that a huge fire they have been battling, which spread across an area bigger than Paris, could reignite as the region continues to face a scorching heatwave.

Authorities on Sunday said hot, dry winds and a heatwave would make the work of firefighters even more hazardous.

The fire has ravaged a vast area of France’s southern Aude area, larger than the size of the nation’s capital, killing one person and injuring several.

“It’s a challenging day, given that we are likely to be on red alert for heatwave from 4:00pm (14:00 GMT), which will not make things any easier,” said Christian Pouget, Aude’s prefect.

The fire is no longer spreading but is still burning within a 16,000-hectare area, the chief of the region’s firefighter unit, Christophe Magny, said on Saturday, adding it would not be under control until Sunday evening.

The blaze will “not be extinguished for several weeks”, he said.

Some 1,300 firefighters were mobilised to prevent the blaze from reigniting.

Temperatures this weekend are expected to hit 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) in some areas, while Monday is forecast to be the “hottest day nationwide”, according to national weather service Meteo France.

In Saint-Laurent-de-la-Cabrerisse, a 65-year-old woman was found dead on Wednesday in her home, which had been engulfed in flames.

Authorities said one resident suffered serious burns and four were lightly injured, while 19 firefighters were hurt.

The blaze – the largest in at least 50 years – tore through 16,000 hectares (40,000 acres) of vegetation, disaster officials said.

Emmanuelle Bernier said she was “extremely angry” when she returned to a devastating scene on her farm, with 17 animals lost in the fire.

“I will definitely change jobs. This will change my whole life,” she told the AFP news agency, with her property now housing just a few geese and two sick goats.

Prime Minister Francois Bayrou visited the area last week, calling the wildfire a “catastrophe on an unprecedented scale”.

“What is happening today is linked to global warming and linked to drought,” Bayrou said.

Fires burning elsewhere in Europe

Elsewhere in Europe, fires also rage, with experts stating that European countries are becoming more prone to such disasters due to intensifying summer heatwaves linked to global warming.

Italian firefighters on Sunday tackled a wildfire on Mount Vesuvius, with all hiking routes up the volcano near Naples closed to tourists.

The national fire service said it had 12 teams on the ground and six Canadair planes fighting the blaze, which has torn through the national park in southern Italy since Friday.

In Greece, emergency services brought numerous fires under control over the last two days, but new outbreaks are likely, due to a lasting drought and strong winds, civil protection officials said on Sunday.

The region southeast of Athens was particularly hard-hit, with almost 1,600 hectares (4,000 acres) of agricultural land, forest and scrubland destroyed, according to the meteorological service.

Numerous villages had to be evacuated as a precautionary measure, and about 400 people had to be rescued. On Friday, a man died when his remote house was engulfed by flames.

Santorini has been described as one of the most beautiful islands in the world, but is it worth a visit? I took a trip to the popular Greek island to find out.

Santorini, with its unique beauty and geological marvels, is far from overrated in my opinion. The island’s breathtaking landscape was shaped by one of history’s most significant volcanic eruptions, resulting in towering cliffs encircling a caldera, atop which sit traditional Greek towns painted in white, boasting stunning sea views.

The dreamy images of Santorini that most people conjure up are likely of Oia or Fira, the island’s capital. As my friends and I began planning our trip, we discovered how these two locations were often bustling with tourists. To escape the flurry of tourists, we opted to stay in two lesser-known towns, both brimming with charm and beauty.

Our visit to Santorini took place in July, at the height of summer, when the island was teeming with visitors and the scorching sun left us nursing some rather painful burns.

Despite the crowds, Santorini lived up to its reputation as a picturesque paradise, just as it appears in countless social media posts. However, it’s worth noting that other towns on the island were significantly less crowded than Oia and Fira.

Perched on the rim of an extinct volcano, Oia offers stunning views of the azure ocean from its many cliffside buildings. This is the Santorini you’ve seen on Pinterest.

However, Oia is often so crowded that it can feel claustrophobic when navigating the popular spots. Snapping photos without queuing or being surrounded by people was challenging, but not impossible.

Just a 20-minute journey from Oia will land you in Fira. The cliffside walks offer breathtaking views, and there are plenty of nooks to explore, along with intriguing shops and eateries to try out.

Here, blue church domes rise majestically against a backdrop of white, and as long as you’re appropriately dressed, you can sneak a peek inside some of Fira’s numerous churches.

The broader streets are frequently teeming with visitors – the square outside the cathedral can become jam-packed – but veer off the busier routes and you’ll find serene, shaded pathways where only a few cats wander.

To avoid the hustle and bustle of Santorini, we opted to stay in Vothonas and Perissa instead of Oia and Fira, which turned out to be a brilliant decision. Given the less-than-stellar public transport in these areas, we rented a car, making the entire island easily accessible.

Vothonas, a mere 10 minutes from Fira, is a charming traditional Greek village with hardly any tourists. If you’re seeking a tranquil and relaxing holiday setting, this is the place to be.

The village is nestled in a picturesque ravine and features traditional houses carved into rocks. A leisurely walk around the paved lanes reveals white-domed churches and traditional homes.

If you’re on the hunt for scrumptious, genuine Greek cuisine bursting with flavour, Vothonaki in Vothonas is a must-visit. We stumbled upon this hidden gem thanks to a local’s recommendation.

Should you choose to lodge here, I’d suggest renting a car or quad bike for commuting, as taxis can be pricey and buses are few and far between.

A mere 20-minute drive south-east will land you in the coastal village of Perissa, boasting a unique blend of warm local hospitality, a tranquil beachfront promenade, and mouth-watering Greek fare. With more attractions than Vothonas, Perissa offers all the essentials for a laid-back yet entertaining holiday.

Perissa Beach is an idyllic spot for a leisurely day of sun-soaking and unwinding. The landscape is striking, featuring black sand and deep blue, crystal-clear waters.

Crucially, its location, shielded by Mesa Vouno hill, ensures calm, inviting waters for swimming and shields it from the often strong Santorini winds, even in July.

My overall impression of Santorini is that, while undoubtedly a tourist hotspot, its popularity is well-deserved. However, I can understand how some might overlook this if they don’t adequately plan their island visit.

Santorini has reportedly experienced a drop in visitor numbers this year, particularly following a series of earthquakes earlier this year between January and February. Nonetheless, I believe it’s certainly a destination worth adding to your bucket list.

If you’re seeking a scenic and tranquil getaway to Santorini, I’d strongly suggest lodging in the smaller towns, arranging your own transport and meticulously planning your journey.

Craig Bloomer, 54, died in a horror freak crash while on holiday with his family in Greece – his heartbroken daughter paid tribute to the ‘much-loved’ dad

A “beloved” British grandad tragically died on holiday in Greece following a freak accident.

Craig Bloomer, 54, had travelled to the idyllic island of Corfu, for a family holiday with his two daughters, their partners and kids, but sadly died after a moped incident on July 26. The “much-loved” grandad, from Wolverhampton, on this holiday was the “happiest” he had been since his wife Jane, 53, died two years ago from cancer, according to Craig’s daughter.

The 54-year-old tragically died after he lost control of the moped he was riding and crashed near the village of Agios Mattheos. It comes just days after another British tourist was found dead in a Greece hotel swimming pool.

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Craig was rushed to hospital after the horror crash but was pronounced dead by doctors, according to BirminghamLive. His eldest daughter Rebecca, 32, said: “Our dad’s loss has left a massive hole in our lives.”

The grandad had also travelled with his youngest daughter Danni Perks, 27, but his tragic passing meant the family had to cut their holiday short, returning several days earlier than planned on Tuesday, on July 29.

Craig’s body was flown back to England on Wednesday, August 6, which has allowed the family to begin the ordeal of organising his funeral.

Since his passing, tributes have flooded in for Craig who ran The Cafe in the Low Hill area of Wolverhampton, alongside his two daughters.

Paying tribute to her dad, Rebecca said: “We lost our mum two years ago to cancer. Since then, he has been a bit down in the dumps.

“On holiday, it was the happiest I’d ever seen him, he had a new girlfriend. He was lovely and a proper family man. He liked motorbikes, old cars, going to the pub, snooker, drawing, he was really good at art.”

The heartbroken daughter added: “We own a cafe business which my dad started running after my mum died. The amount of tributes we’ve had off people for dad, saying how lovely he was and what a character he was.

“He was like marmite, you either loved him or hated him – and most people loved him.” Craig’s family has created a GoFundMe page to help with costs following his unexpected death – which has raised over £3,000 so far.

This comes after a mum was tragically killed by a stingray at sea in a horror “freak accident” while on holiday. Judy Kay Zagorski, 57, had been on a boat trip in the Florida Keys but the adventure ended in tragedy.

The mum was killed by a huge spotted eagle ray that jumped out of the water and struck her in the face.

The worst blaze in the town of Keratea on the outskirts of Athens was contained but not out on Saturday, fire brigade spokesperson says.

At least one person has been killed while homes and farmland were destroyed as wildfires stoked by ferocious winds broke out across Greece.

The worst blaze broke out in the small town of Keratea, southwest of Athens, where firefighters discovered the body of a man in a burned-out structure on Friday.

A fire brigade spokesperson said early on Saturday that the fire there was under control but not out, the Reuters news agency reported, as evacuations of at-risk areas continued with strong winds expected to last through the weekend.

Greece and other Mediterranean countries are in an area dubbed “a wildfire hotspot” by scientists, with blazes common during hot and dry summers. These have become more destructive in recent years due to a fast-changing climate, prompting calls for a new approach.

Much of the region around Athens has had barely a drop of rain in months.

More than 200 firefighters backed by 11 water bombers and seven helicopters were deployed to battle the Keratea blaze, Costas Tsigkas, head of the association of Greek firefighter officers, told ERT state television.

“It’s a difficult fire,” he said, citing gusts of wind and reporting that several communities had been evacuated.

Wind gusts of up to 80 kilometres per hour (50 miles per hour) fanned the flames around Keratea on Friday, setting olive orchards alight. Homes were engulfed as locals wearing face masks assisted firefighters. Police went door to door late at night making sure that homes had been evacuated.

Dozens of people were evacuated late Friday from homes and an elderly care centre as the flames neared the nearby coastal resort of Palea Fokea.

Much of the Keratea area smouldered on Saturday morning, and images on local media showed houses gutted by fire.

Other blazes in the region of Ancient Olympia and on the island of Kefalonia appeared to have abated also.

Gale-force winds on Friday also caused the deaths of two Vietnamese tourists who fell into the sea at Sarakiniko beach on the Cycladic island of Milos.

The 61-year-old woman and 65-year-old man were on a cruise ship group visiting the beach, the Greek coastguard said.

“The man and woman were found unconscious in the sea and were taken to the local health centre,” a coastguard spokesperson said.

“The woman fell in the water and the man apparently tried to save her.”

The national weather service EMY said winds of up to 74 kilometres per hour (46 miles per hour) were forecast for Saturday, and the civil protection ministry placed several areas under the highest alert for wildfires, including the Attica region, which includes Athens.

The weather on Friday disrupted ferry travel for tens of thousands of people. A sailing ban on Athens ports was lifted on Saturday.

Blue Zones are five diverse regions where people live longer and stay healthy into their 90s and 100s. Their secrets? Mostly plant-based diets, daily natural movement, strong social ties, and a clear sense of purpose. These simple, sustainable habits keep people active and resilient. As the modern world faces chronic illness and ageing populations, the Blue Zones offer practical lessons on how we might live longer, healthier, and more fulfilling lives.

Presenter: Stefanie Dekker

Guests:
Anna Katsas – Videographer and content creator
Paola Demurtas – Longevity guide
Luigi Fontana – Director, Charles Perkins Centre Clinic