The latest news in brief for visitors to Crete.
Latest news from Crete
Stay up to date: For the latest updates on these stories and other news from Crete, bookmark our page, sign up for the daily newsletter or follow us on social media:
* Facebook
* Instagram
* Reddit
* Linkedin
* Pinterest
* RSS feed
German man runs amok in Malia on Easter weekend
Newsflash from Tuesday, April 22, 2025
Late on the night before Easter Sunday, things got tense on the main street of a busy tourist area in Malia. A 31-year-old man from Germany, living in a two-storey house, started acting out and didn’t stop for almost four hours.
He threatened to jump from the building and kept tossing stones and chairs at police officers who were just trying to calm him down. Police from the local station, along with riot units, quickly sealed off the area.
Two police negotiators showed up around midnight to try talking the man down. Firefighters and emergency medical teams hung around nearby, just in case things went south and someone got hurt.
Background of the Individual
About a month before all this, the man was arrested after domestic violence and ended up in a psychiatric unit. He was evaluated by professionals, but for whatever reason, they decided he didn’t need to be hospitalized.
Development of the Event
Earlier that day, before things really escalated, the man started tossing tennis balls from his house at people sitting outside a café bar, where his girlfriend and flatmate worked. That was enough for the café crowd—they called the police.
When officers arrived, his behavior got worse. He switched to hurling bigger objects, like chairs.
He was clearly agitated, moving between the floors of his home and shouting threats. The language he used wasn’t exactly polite, either.
Defensive Measures Taken by the Man
He turned his home into a kind of fortress, locking himself inside and blocking the main entrance with heavy furniture. He didn’t stop there—he piled up large items against the rooftop door too.
And, just to make life harder for anyone trying to get to him, he poured oil on the stairway inside the building. That’s a level of determination you don’t see every day.
Police Response and Negotiation Efforts
As the night dragged on, the man’s intense behavior finally started to taper off. Officers from the local station tried talking him down, hoping to end things without trouble.
Not long after, specialized police negotiators stepped in and spoke to him directly. They took their time, managing to build some trust and nudging him closer to a peaceful outcome.
The 31-year-old was arrested and taken back to the psychiatric hospital. The Greek police are now considering initiating deportation proceedings against this person as they consider his case to be dangerous.
Update: The rescue operation of the Dutch tourist in the Samaria Gorge was not completed until around 2.30 a.m. on Tuesday morning
Newsflash from Tuesday, April 22, 2025
It’s not every day you see images like these from the Samaria Gorge. The rescue of a young man unfolded over several tense hours, and honestly, you can almost feel the adrenaline just looking at the photos.
Crews worked their way through rough terrain, battling exhaustion and nerves. The effort involved more than just physical strength—it took real grit.
Locals and tourists alike watched, some holding their breath, as the rescue team moved in. There’s something about these moments that sticks with you, isn’t there?
No one quite expected the operation to last as long as it did. But the determination on display? That’s what really stands out.
The young man was injured in a remote, steep area near the Samaria Gorge in Crete.
Rescue teams worked for over five hours to carry him on a stretcher along a difficult uphill path. The terrain was hazardous, so every step had to be deliberate.
An ambulance and a doctor waited at Xyloskalo, where they picked him up at 1:30 AM.
A helicopter from Athens was also sent to assist, but it just couldn’t reach the location in those conditions. Sometimes, nature just doesn’t cooperate.
The injured man suffered cuts on his head and bruises on his arms and legs. Thankfully, his life wasn’t in danger.
During the long transport, he often drifted into drowsiness from exhaustion. Rescuers stopped many times, trying to keep him awake and to catch their breath themselves.
He was alone when he fell but managed to walk for a while. Later, he was found by Greek hikers who contacted emergency services through the 112 system.
This call set off the large rescue operation that ended in the early hours.
The firefighting service reported the mobilisation of 18 firefighters from various specialised mountain and forest units to search and rescue him.
Their combined efforts got the injured man to the hospital late at night.
Key information about the rescue:
Detail |
Information |
|---|---|
Location |
Near Samaria Gorge, White Mountains |
Duration of carrying |
Over 5 hours |
Time ambulance picked him up |
1:30 AM |
Helicopter involvement |
Helicopter sent but unable to land |
Injuries |
Head wounds, arm and leg bruises |
Condition |
Not life-threatening |
Rescue team composition |
18 firefighters, mountain rescue teams |
Initial discovery |
By Greek hikers, reported via 112 |
Young tourist falls from a height of 25 metres in the Samaria Gorge
Newsflash from Monday, April 21, 2025
Ongoing Rescue Effort – Helicopter Deployed
A young man from Holland hiking alone in the Samaria Gorge suffered a fall from about 25 metres. He sustained serious injuries during the accident.
Local hikers found him and quickly called emergency services through the 112 system. They provided first aid and helped stop his bleeding until rescuers arrived.
Firefighters, specialised rescue teams, and emergency personnel started a mission to reach and assist him. A helicopter from Elefsina was also dispatched to speed up his transfer.
The airlift was planned to take place around 7:00 p.m., aiming to take him to Agios Georgios Hospital in Chania promptly.
Two lost hikers also rescued near Rethymno
Newsflash from Tuesday, April 15, 2025
On the afternoon of Holy Monday, two hikers found themselves in a challenging situation while exploring a gorge in the mountainous region of Mylopotamos, located in Rethymno. They became stranded in an area difficult to navigate, unable to return to a more accessible point.
Upon receiving a call from the stranded individuals, a rescue operation was promptly initiated by the fire department. The team dispatched two vehicles carrying four firefighters to the remote location where the hikers were situated, specifically at the Tumbotos Prinos refuge.
The hikers had reached a notably tricky section of the terrain. The lack of suitable equipment and their growing fatigue prevented them from proceeding any further.
Fortunately, the rescue efforts were successful. The two individuals were brought back safely, although they appeared visibly exhausted from their experience.
In situations like these, it is crucial for outdoor enthusiasts to be equipped with proper gear and to be aware of their physical limits.
Hiking in mountainous areas can be rewarding, but it also poses significant risks.
Key Points for Safe Hiking:
-
Preparation: Always plan ahead before heading into difficult terrains. Familiarise yourself with the area, including potential obstacles and escape routes.
-
Equipment: Ensure you carry appropriate gear. This includes sturdy footwear, navigational tools, and emergency supplies.
-
Physical Condition: Assess your fitness level and choose trails that match your capability. Avoid pushing beyond your limits.
-
Emergency Contact: Inform someone of your hiking plans, including your expected return time.
Awareness of these points can help prevent accidents and enhance safety in the outdoors.
The successful rescue of the hikers in this case serves as a reminder of the importance of preparedness and the helpful role of emergency services.
Injured German tourist rescued from Aposelemis Gorge
Newsflash from Monday, April 14, 2025
Dramatic scenes unfolded today as Cretan Fire Department rescue teams mobilized to save an 62-year-old injured German tourist in the rugged Aposelemis Gorge. The brave first responders navigated challenging terrain to ensure the hiker received medical attention.
This incident reminds us that while Crete’s natural landscapes are breathtaking, proper preparation for gorge hiking is essential!
✅ Always hike with a buddy
✅ Bring plenty of water
✅ Wear appropriate footwear
✅ Tell someone your route
✅ Carry a fully charged phone
Planning to explore Crete’s gorgeous gorges? Visit our website for complete hiking safety tips and the best trails to explore safely!
Have you experienced Aposelemis Gorge? Share your hiking stories below!
Wild West scenes in Rethymno – shots fired in broad daylight in the city
Newsflash from Sunday, March 23, 2025
Shocking incident in Crete yesterday: gunshots were reported in the middle of the day in Rethymno. Although the peaceful streets of this historic town are known for their charm and hospitality, today’s events remind us that unexpected situations can occur anywhere.
According to reports, it was a father, a son and a third person who were arrested by the rushing police. According to police sources, all three were under the influence of alcohol.
In a state of euphoria, one of them started shooting around with a pistol after getting out of their car at 4th Martyrs’ Square.
There was panic among the many passers-by, but miraculously there were no injuries or victims in this incident, which looked like something out of a film.
Fire Near Kounavoi Now Under Control
Newsflash from Saturday, March 22, 2025
Firefighters have made significant progress containing the wildfire that broke out near Kounavoi, Crete. Local emergency teams have been working tirelessly to protect our beautiful island and its communities.
Watch dramatic footage of the firefighting operation showing the brave responders in action as they battle the flames! These local heroes deserve our utmost respect and gratitude.
Stay informed about wildfire safety by following official channels and having an emergency plan ready for your family. Wildfire preparedness can save lives!
Have you witnessed the firefighting operations? Share your experiences in the comments below.
Earthquake 3.3 Richter in the prefecture of Heraklion on Crete
Newsflash from Tuesday, March 18, 2025
A minor earthquake of magnitude 3.3 was felt in the Heraklion area (10 kilometers southwest of Pyrgos) at 9:40 am today, reminding us that Crete is located in one of the most seismically active regions of Greece. Today’s quake, although modest, follows the pattern of regular seismic activity to which the inhabitants of this beautiful island are accustomed.
No need to worry – the buildings on Crete are built to withstand earthquakes and the locals take these events in their stride! In fact, the island has a long history of resilience dating back to ancient times. Remember the massive 5.8 magnitude quake in September 2021? Crete recovered quickly!
