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"Record-breaking FIDE Youth Chess Championship in Rhodes sparks controversy and fierce competition!"

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"Record-breaking FIDE Youth Chess Championship in Rhodes sparks controversy and fierce competition!"

"Record-breaking FIDE Youth Chess Championship in Rhodes sparks controversy and fierce competition!"
Thrilling conclusion at FIDE World Cadets & Youth Chess Championship in Rhodes, Greece - 430+ competitors battle for glory!

Charlotte Hilding

Sep 15, 2025

Trivia Questionâť“

In ancient times, the Colossus of Rhodes was one of the Seven Wonders of the World. This massive statue was dedicated to which Greek sun god?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

The FIDE World Cadets & Youth Rapid & Blitz Chess Championship 2025 in Rhodes, Greece recently concluded with over 430 participants from 48 countries competing in various age categories.

Winners were crowned in all 24 tournaments after 22 rounds of intense competition.

The closing ceremony was attended by distinguished guests and parents.

Winners like Ksenia Norman and Ergali Suleimen expressed their pride and goals for the future.

Norman aims for the WIM title and a rating of 2200-2300, while Suleimen looks to achieve the IM title after already becoming a Fide Master.

The tournament was praised for its organization and professionalism.

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Rhodes faces mounting tension as unauthorized business expansions threaten public beach access, despite strict Greek regulations.

 

Many establishments have built unlicensed structures and extended sunbed zones into the sea, prompting anger among locals and tourists alike.

 

Greek authorities have stepped up enforcement efforts, deploying drones and launching the MyCoast app to empower citizens to report violations directly.

 

Yet, incidents at Elli Beach and Anthony Quinn Beach—where legal boundaries have been grossly exceeded—highlight ongoing challenges.

 

These expansions threaten constitutional rights and harm compliant operators, while damaging fragile ecosystems through illegal construction and seaside sunbeds.

 

Regulations mandate that 70% of beaches must be sunbed-free (85% in conservation zones), with hefty fines up to €60,000 for violators.

 

With enforcement still inconsistent, Rhodes exemplifies the struggle for sustainable tourism, environmental stewardship, and fair public access along Greece’s prized coastlines.


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At Mama Sofia, dining is about more than food.

It’s about creating the perfect experience — with exceptional cuisine, fine wines, attentive service, and a family atmosphere that makes everyone feel at home.

The recipe for success here is no secret: fresh ingredients, fair prices, and the dedication of Mrs. Sofia, Mr. Sotiris, their sons Stavros and Giannis, and the next generation of the family.

Together, they carry forward a tradition of hospitality that keeps locals and visitors coming back year after year.

Discover authentic Rhodes dining, where every plate and every smile tells a story — only at Mama Sofia.

Santorini, famed for its sweeping views and lively atmosphere, is facing a sharp tourism slump after a spate of earthquakes in early 2025 raised safety worries among potential travelers.

 

British holidaymakers have especially reduced their visits, impacting a group that long fueled the island’s summer bustle.

 

The recent tremors, peaking at magnitude 5.3, led to a temporary evacuation of thousands, light building damage, and a lingering sense of unease, even with no casualties reported.

 

With visitor arrivals reportedly down 20–25%, Santorini’s famed streets and local businesses appear much quieter than usual, straining the island’s tourism-driven economy.

 

Even cruise ships are rerouting, as highlighted by the VIKING STAR’s last-minute switch to Crete.

 

Greek officials, drawing lessons from Rhodes’ wildfire recovery, have unveiled a €1 million marketing campaign to restore traveler confidence and highlight Santorini’s enduring appeal.

 

Nevertheless, the outlook remains uncertain as summer unfolds.


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Q&A Questions

Q: What are the best beaches to visit in Rhodes?

A: - Some popular beaches in Rhodes include Tsambika Beach, Lindos Beach, and Faliraki Beach.


Q: What are the must-see historical sites in Rhodes?

A: - Some must-see historical sites in Rhodes include the Acropolis of Lindos, the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes, and the ancient city of Kamiros.


Q: What are some traditional dishes to try in Rhodes?

A: - Some traditional dishes to try in Rhodes include souvlaki, moussaka, and baklava.

đź’ˇ Answer to Trivia Question:
The Colossus of Rhodes was dedicated to the Greek sun god, Helios.
Rhodes Spotlight

© 2026 Rhodes Spotlight.

Rhodes Spotlight is your guide to life, culture, and community on Greece’s largest Dodecanese island. From local news and hidden gems to events, dining, and history, this newsletter shines a light on everything that makes Rhodes unique. With a warm, welcoming tone, it’s designed to keep residents and visitors connected to the island’s heart and soul.

© 2026 Rhodes Spotlight.