The latest news in brief for visitors to Crete.
Latest news from Crete
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Shooting with attempted murder in Amari
Newsflash from Tuesday, February 18, 2025
An incident of attempted murder occurred on a Saturday afternoon in a village in the Amari region, causing significant unrest in the local community. Two brothers were working in an agricultural area when the event unfolded. One brother, aged 32, left the site in his truck, taking his wife and their two young children, ages eight and three, intending to check on their livestock.
During their journey, the family’s vehicle encountered another car occupied by a father and his son. The young passenger exited the vehicle, armed with a shotgun, and fired at the truck carrying the family. Fortunately, no injuries or damages resulted from the gunfire. Soon after, the assailants headed towards the field where the younger brother, aged 23, remained with the landowner and a worker. Witnesses reported that the second son of the shooter was waiting on foot, tracking the movements of the two brothers while the others approached.
When the father and his son arrived at the scene, the father allegedly verbally attacked the younger brother. The son then aimed the shotgun and fired from approximately ten metres away. The young man was lucky to escape unharmed, jumping into a ravine to evade the shot. This alarming event has stirred conversations and concerns among the people of Rethymno and surrounding areas, highlighting the need for safety and vigilance in rural communities.
Further details about this dramatic situation can be found in the report on Rethymno: Kαρτέρι θανάτου.
‘Polar weather’ comes to Crete
Newsflash from Sunday, February 16, 2025
From next Thursday (20 February), polar air will reach Crete and temperatures will drop to around 5° Celsisu, with snowfall from an altitude of 700 metres and very strong and locally stormy northerly winds towards the Aegean. The south of Crete is particularly affected by this air current, as the wind there is downward and stronger.
Snowfall on Crete
Newsflash from Sunday, February 9, 2025
The cold weather that has prevailed for several days (5° Celsius below the normal average for this time of year) has led to snowfall near Omalos (Chania):
New Two-Zone Electricity Pricing Starts February 1st
Newsflash from Friday, January 24, 2025
Attention Crete residents and visitors! Get ready for a shocking change in your electricity bills. Starting February 1st, 2025, a new two-zone system of reduced electricity prices will be implemented across the island.
This innovative pricing structure aims to encourage energy conservation and support Crete’s ongoing renewable energy projects. Expect lower rates during off-peak hours, giving you more control over your energy costs.
Don’t get left in the dark! Stay tuned to CreteTip for a detailed breakdown of the new pricing zones and tips on how to maximize your savings.
In the new system, there will be a meridian zone and a night zone, whose times in winter will differ from those in summer.
In particular, the timetables per zone and season, which apply on all days of the week, are as follows:
Times in winter, from November to March:
– Meridian zone: 12:00 am – 3:00 pm
– Night zone: 2 am – 5 am
Times in summer, from April to October:
– Meridian zone: 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
– Night zone: 2 am – 4 am
In the first phase, the new two-zone system of reduced electricity prices is aimed at consumers who have a suitable meter and an active two-zone (night-time) tariff (meter with the option of recording in two zones or a new smart meter).
Existing supply contracts that provide for reduced tariff hours will remain in force and will automatically take over the new hours if this is possible due to the technical specifications of the installed meters.
In any case, the consumer is entitled to terminate the supply contract free of charge within three months of the ministerial decision coming into force.
Greece Slashes Bank Fees
Newsflash from Tuesday, January 21, 2025
As of today, Greece has implemented significant reductions in bank charges, making financial transactions more affordable for both locals and visitors. Here’s what you need to know:
– Zero fees for online bill payments to public services and utilities
– Transfers up to €5,000 now capped at just €0.50
– Free cash withdrawals in areas with limited ATM access
– Reduced charges for POS transactions
– Free top-up of prepaid cards up to an amount of 100 euros.
This move aims to ease the cost of living and boost economic activity across the country, including popular tourist destinations like Crete.
Shooting in Malades (Heraklion) with two injured
Newsflash from Monday, January 20, 2025
Shots rang out at a feed shop in Malades, Heraklion, leaving two individuals injured in what local authorities suspect may be a revival of an old feud. The incident occurred earlier today, sending shockwaves through the typically peaceful community.
Initial reports suggest that the assailant targeted specific individuals, raising concerns about potential ongoing conflicts in the area. Police have launched an immediate investigation to apprehend the suspect and determine the motive behind this brazen attack.
Both victims have been rushed to nearby medical facilities. Their conditions remain unknown at this time.
Residents are advised to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the local police.
Winter sales on Crete: opening hours and rules
Newsflash from Sunday, January 19, 2025
Bargain hunters and savers take note! The winter sales on Crete have officially begun and bring with them a flood of fantastic offers and discounts. Shops all over the island are opening their doors to eager shoppers looking to grab a few bargains after the holidays.
The most important thing to remember:
– Most shops will be open longer to accommodate the rush of shoppers.
– Discounts of between 20% and 70% on regular prices are expected.
– The sale will last for several weeks, but the best offers will sell out quickly!
On the first and second Sundays of the winter sales, in this case on Sunday 19 and 26 January, shops and shopping centres will be open during the recommended opening hours from 11am to 6pm (shopping centres from 11am to 8pm). In contrast to the shops, only a few supermarkets will be open!
During the winter sales, which last until Friday 28 February, it is pointed out, among other things, that any price reduction announcement is based on the previous price (often referred to as the reference price), on the basis of which the discount is granted. This previous price is the lowest price that the retailer has applied to any of its products in the 30-day period prior to the application of the first discount on 13 January.
Whether you’re a local or a winter visitor, now is the perfect time to explore Crete’s vibrant shopping scene and pick up some incredible bargains. From cosy winter clothes to unique Cretan souvenirs, there’s something for everyone.
Don’t miss out on this shopping spectacle! Grab your wallet and visit your favourite shops in Crete today. Have fun bargain hunting!
Pro tip: Check the opening hours of the individual shops before you head out, as some smaller shops have different opening hours during the sale.
Crass fatal head-on collision in Chania
Newsflash from Sunday, January 12, 2025
On Friday to Saturday night, a well-known local 45-year-old businessman was stopped by the police in Chania and had his driving licence and the registration for his Porsche SUV revoked for drink-driving.
A few hours later, the man, who is also under investigation for domestic violence, rammed head-on at high speed into the small car of a 22-year-old, who died in the crash.
The 45-year-old unconvincing Porsche driver was brought before the investigating judge today, while the three police officers who stopped him a few hours earlier and did not confiscate his vehicle were temporarily detained and must now undergo preliminary proceedings.
Dogs Poisoned on Kissamos Beach – Pet Owners Beware!
Newsflash from Tuesday, January 7, 2025
Tragedy struck near Kissamos as four dogs died after ingesting poisoned bait left on a local beach. This heartbreaking incident has sent shockwaves through the community and raised serious concerns about pet safety in the area.
Local authorities are investigating the matter, but pet owners are urged to exercise extreme caution when visiting beaches or public areas with their furry companions. Always keep your dogs leashed and under close supervision, and be vigilant for any suspicious items or substances on the ground.
If you notice any unusual objects or suspect poisoned bait in public areas, please report it to the local police immediately. Let’s work together to keep our beloved pets safe and prevent further tragedies.
Stay tuned to Crete Tip for updates on this developing story and important safety information for pet owners across Crete.
Report poisoned bait or poisoned animals:
Notification to the forestry and hunting administration. There are two specially trained staffs with two German shepherds who were trained to spot poisoned animals and animal which had died.
The teams are divided into two regions and the telephone numbers of the gamekeepers are:
Gamekeeper Mr. Spyros Nistikaki and Dyck for Eastern Crete (Heraklion and Lasithi). Contact number for reporting cases of poisoning: 6948 512 177.
Gamekeeper Mr. John Grigorakis and Karina for Western Crete (Chania and Rethymno). Contact number for reporting cases of poisoning: 6948 512 153.
