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ECONOMY
Τhe total debt to the social security funds amounts to 47.88 billion euros, while 18.3 billion euros ( 38.22%) were initially entered into some form of settlement but were never collected, as the debtors did not meet the required conditions, according to official data. The highest amount of debt (1.71 billion euros) that is under some form of settlement, has been included in in the 120-installment debt settlement program.
REAL ESTATE
The most expensive Greek island for buying a home is Mykonos in the Cyclades with prices ranging between 5,500 and 12,000 euros per square meter, real estate agency Engel & Völkers data showed. On the other end of the spectrum, the Cycladic island of Andros offers the most affordable options, with prices ranging between 2,000 and 4,000 euros per square meter.
TOURISM
-Bookings and overnight stays in Northern Greece and the Peloponnese declined in July, the presidents of Hotel Associations and other tourist organizations told Naftemporiki. The reductions were recorded both in hotels and in apartments.
-Prassa Beach on the Greek island of Kimolos is the best beach in the world, according to US-based Florida Panhandle, a popular travel agency, which conducted a vast online survey of traveler reviews for beaches worldwide. Separately, Galissas Beach in Syros, Myrtos Beach in Kefalonia, Anthony Quinn Bay in Rhodes and Matala Beach in Crete where included in Tripadvisor’s Best Beaches in Europe for 2024, as part of its annual Travellers’ Choice Awards.
GASTRONOMY
The Greek semi-hard cheese “Kaskavali Pindou/Kaskaval Pindou”, whitish to pale yellow in color, known for its buttery, slightly sour, and salty taste, has been added to the EU Register of Protected Geographical Indications (PGI). Greece enjoys a huge variety of agricultural products with the total number of PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) and PGI products now standing at 116—comprising 80 PDO and 36 PGI items.
GENERAL
The wildfire that broke out on Monday (July 29) afternoon in Evia, between the villages of Petries and Krieza, continues to rage. Five aircraft and two helicopters started air drops, while 205 firefighters with 11 forestry teams, 56 vehicles and a number of volunteers are operating on the spot. At the same time, water trucks of the local government and project machinery are assisting the extinguishing operation, AMNA reported.
