Latest news with #Poseidon
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
6 Rare Coins Worth Hundreds That Are Highly Coveted by Coin Collectors
It's hard to believe, but those old coins in your grandma's attic could actually be treasure. For collectors around the country who are passionate about the special histories and aesthetics of these coins, they're priceless — though they do have to put a cost to these coins, sometimes in the hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Explore More: For You: Of course, if you think you have any rare or high-value coins in your possession, your best bet is to take them to a professional collector to get them evaluated. And there are some coins that they might be especially excited to see under the magnifying glass. Here are six coins worth hundreds that are highly coveted by coin collectors. This famous coin dates all the way back to Ancient Greece. One side of the coin shows a soldier riding a horse, and the other depicts a tale about the son of Poseidon riding a dolphin sent by his father after a shipwreck. While you might think a highly coveted coin from ancient Greece would cost millions of dollars, the U.S. Gold Bureau listed it for only $795 late last year. If any organization — other than a numismatics society or other coin collecting group, that is — would know about sorting through old coins, it's Goodwill. The Goodwill blog devoted one piece specifically to coins that collectors would love, and it included the 2004 Wisconsin state quarter known for a unique error — an extra leaf on the corn stalk. Collectors love the distinct look and rarity of these coins. Today, you can find them on eBay for prices like $849. Find Out: According to Gainesville Coins, the 1914-D Lincoln Wheat cent had a very low mintage in its series for its year. The rarity of this coin makes it worth at least $175 to collectors. Also known as the Winged Liberty Head dime, this model, which was minted in 1916, is as beautiful as it is rare. Gainesville Coins shared that there were only 264,000 coins minted, which means collectors are especially glad to see this coin that bears the visage of the Roman god Mercury in front of them. These coins can go for around $800. Precious metals dealer Apmex is currently selling one in almost good condition for $832. Gainesville Coins called the Peace Dollar a 'beloved' model, and it's not hard to see why with its elegant and inspiring design. The coins from the 1921 mintage were created with a high relief design that was beautiful to look at but not exactly conducive for everyday use, requiring the relief to be lowered. Gainesville Coins priced them at $125 at least. Rare Collectibles TV is selling one for nearly $240. Did you know that before 1933, gold coins were minted as everyday money? They were, and Gainesville Coins shared that these coins are 90% pure gold. They're popular with coin collectors and gold investors alike. According to Gainesville Coins, these can go for at least $150. More From GOBankingRates Surprising Items People Are Stocking Up On Before Tariff Pains Hit: Is It Smart? The Most Expensive Disney Merchandise Ever Sold -- and Who's Buying It 8 Common Mistakes Retirees Make With Their Social Security Checks This article originally appeared on 6 Rare Coins Worth Hundreds That Are Highly Coveted by Coin Collectors Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Metro
17-05-2025
- Metro
I spent 96 hours in 'little London', where life is easier
There are many obvious contenders for a city break in Europe, but with tried and tested destinations pushing back against tourists, I took a gamble on Gothenburg. With rainy winters, ties to Britain dating back 200 years and dozens of proper pubs, the port is affectionately known as Sweden's 'Little London'. If it sounds dull, it's not — this understated but slick city is enjoying a resurgence as an alternative place to visit. And, with every passing hour of my four-day trip to 'Stockholm's rougher cousin', it was easier to see why. Gothenburg is less than a two-hour flight from London, and the favourable rate of the Kroner against the Pound means prices are 30% less than they were two years ago. English is spoken fluently almost everywhere. Here is a comprehensive itinerary for a long weekend that covers everything you should do, at surprisingly affordable prices. Gothenburg's Landwetter airport is close to the city, and a 30-minute ride on one of the regular buses (£9) takes you to three central locations. Next to the stop in the heart of the event district is Gothia Towers, a basic but comfortable hotel with rooms from £79 per night. It's a solid base for exploring the city that won't break the bank. Opposite is the Liseberg, one of Europe's leading amusement parks, known for its great rides, concerts and gardens. If that's not your thing, a short walk is the Grand Boulevard Avenyn, modelled on Paris' iconic Champs-Élysées. An imposing statue of Poseidon overlooks the upscale boutiques and trendy restaurants lining the street. Gothenburg is served by an efficient and well-connected network of trams and buses that run out to Magasinsatan, a stylish neighbourhood of Swedish brands, interior design stores and second-hand shops — something the country as a whole does incredibly well.c A day in Sweden would not be complete with fika , the delightful custom of enjoying coffee and cake with a friend. The most popular choice is a traditional cinnamon bun, and the best stop in Gothenburg is De Matteo. Rested and refuelled, move on to Stora Saluhallen, a character-filled market with 40 shops and restaurants where you can find a surprisingly reasonable lunch. For something more refined, head back to Gothia Towers and take the lift to Heaven 23, a rooftop restaurant with a panoramic view and superb food. The £45pp price for three courses (without wine) is worth every penny. Rise early and take a tram to the central Harbour Lilla Bommen for a guided boat tour with Stromma. The two-and-a-half-hour cruise costs £32 (or £42, with lunch) and sails past the scenic islands of Gothenburg archipelago. The fare is simple but tasty, although it was difficult to hear the English commentary above the noise of the ship. Back on dry land, the Gothenburg Museum of Art (£5.45 entry fee) has an extensive collection from the 15th century to today, with significant Nordic and international work including masterpieces by Rembrandt, Picasso and Van Gogh. On a warm day a lovely perch is the outdoor café, but when I visited in March the chill drew me to the bar and a conversation with 21-year-old barman Mat, who really loved his hometown. For Mat, Gothenburg's appeal is not just that everything works, as I could see in the way everyone calmly navigated the complex mix of pedestrians, bikes, trams, buses and cars. It's also because, in his words, even the little things function so well. Something I didn't have time to try but comes highly recommended is an afternoon at Pachanga Pool Club and Spa, located inside Jacy'z Hotel and Resort. On TikTok, the spa has caught the attention of 'extreme day trippers', who fly out from the UK and come back on the same day. Some content creators claim to have got there and back for £79, with spa entry adding £29 extra. To end the day, it's hard to look past a 'treat yourself' dinner at one of Gothenburg's five Michelin-starred restaurants. I opted for SK Mat and Manniskor, which serves divine four-course meals of that begin with haddock and wasabi, smoked cheese, salted green tomatoes, and Red Char with roasted onions and almond oil. The main dish was lamb with ramson, grilled tomatoes, broccoli and sherry vinegar and a dessert of toffee ice cream with raspberry foam, hazelnuts and sorrel. It was an amazing experience and the price was… Michelin star. A change of pace now, and on to the World of Volvo in the centre of the city. Entrance is free for the main space and for children, but there is a cost of £15 for adults to enter the exhibition area. Few things inspire pride in a Gothenburger more than this iconic car company. Sweden is famed for its engineering and the car is a Swedish symbol of excellence. My enthusiastic guide Paul gave me the corporate history, beginning with the need for excellent design and engineering to combat Sweden's harsh roads and climate. Many successful car models are on show but there are also glimpses of the failures. A plastic sports car was abandoned after only 67 had been produced, but a vehicle designed by a woman-only team produced many ideas which were then put into the mainstream. Exhibits are child-friendly, and the museum is also a great place to eat. A high-standard buffet available during the week is £12.00 for an adult and £6.50 for children. My only regret was that I had not scheduled this trip for a Monday as it is one of the few local attractions open when most of the museums are closed. Dinner that night was at Natur, a restaurant of extremely high quality without a high price, and rather romantic too. It's ideal for sober-curious travellers or anyone not interested in booze, as the drinks made from berries and non-alcoholic beers were exceptionally tasty. Full of atmosphere, one of the most famous buildings in Gothenburg is the 1874 Feskekörka (the fish church), which has recently reopened after an extensive renovation. This market hall is a must-visit for those who love seafood. It gets its name from its architecture: pointed arched windows and no partitions or pillars, so it really looks like a church. There was a choice of two delicious 'catch of the day' lunches at £10, including coffee. More Trending From there, make your way on foot to the Haga area, Gothenburg's oldest neighbourhood, dotted with charming shops and cosy cafés. @goteborgcom 10 must-dos in Gothenburg that you simply can't miss out on 😍 🎡 Visit Europe's best amusement park @Liseberg ☕️ Take a Swedish Fika break in Haga 🖼️ Visit the splendid Gothenburg Museum of Art ⚓️ Take a day trip to the Gothenburg archipelago 🌇 Take in the city view from Skansen Kronan 🍺 Try Gothenburg's local craft beer 🦈 Explore the ocean, rainforest and space at @Universeum Science Centre 🛍️Shop Swedish design and vintage fashion 🍽️ Eat fish and seafood straight from the ocean 🌹 Visit world-class parks and gardens Read the full guide at (link in profile). #gothenburg #göteborg #sweden #thisisgbg #traveltok #gothenburgthingstodo #liseberg ♬ City Lights (Lofi) – 808godz For my last visit before departure, I squeezed in an hour at the Science Museum, Universeum, starting at the top floor around the four climate zones of Earth. The abiding memory is of the aquaria and the reptile house, including a fun but shocking model of how a snake bites. Then brief visits to the space exhibits on the fourth floor and the chemistry lab and models of the human body one floor below. All proof that the recommended three hours for a visit if anything was an underestimate. Appreciation was well expressed by the delight on the faces of the many children visiting. How to get there London Manchester and Edinburgh airports have flights direct to Gothenberg. From London: Ryanair – Stansted. British Airways – Heathrow. Norwegian – Gatwick. Prices from £34 return with Ryanair. Best time to go Between May and September for good weather and to experience the city's lively atmosphere. June until August is the busy peak tourist season. Where to stay Gothenburg is one of Europe's most sustainable hotel cities. Gothia Towers: A set of three towers serviced by spectacular lifts providing dozens of rooms with a fabulous view of the city. Excellent breakfasts. Standard rooms from £79(2 pp sharing and breakfast & wifi included) and premium rooms from £108 (2pp sharing and breakfast & wifi included). Dorsia Boutique Hotel: Standard room from £174 (2pp sharing and breakfast & wifi included). Service is five-star. Radisson Blu Riverside Hotel: This hotel is across the river from the city, so you need to take a 10 min ferry + 5 min tram to get to the centre – that's why it's a bit cheaper. Standard room from £58 (2pp sharing, breakfast not included.) MORE: The 'trendy' suburb Londoners are flocking to — while it's still affordable MORE: Campaigner wins court battle that could see Brockwell Park festivals cancelled MORE: US supermodel worth $25,000,000 spotted in Morley's chicken shop in Brick Lane
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Yahoo
Olive oil tourism is taking off in Greece. Here's where to taste it.
The silvery-green olive trees that blanket Greece are as rooted in its culture as the stars and sea. According to Greek mythology, Athena planted the first olive tree on the Acropolis, triumphing over Poseidon to become Athens' patron goddess—forever cementing the evergreen as a sacred symbol of prosperity. In ancient Greece, Olympic victors were crowned with olive branches, while Homer referred to the antioxidant-rich juice as 'liquid gold' in his epic poems. Today, Greece remains one of the world's top olive oil producers, alongside Spain and Italy, with more than 80 percent of its harvest dedicated to high-quality extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). While olive oil has long been a healthy staple of the longevity-boosting Mediterranean diet, its popularity has surged in the United States recently, fueling a growing curiosity about its origins. As more travelers look to connect with local producers, many are venturing beyond the touristy hot spots. Here's how to best experience the country's thriving oleotourism scene. The main olive oil-producing region on Greece's mainland, the Peloponnese peninsula, is an ideal starting point for any gourmand's adventure. Near the Temple of Zeus at Olympia, a new kind of sanctuary is drawing olive oil enthusiasts. Opened in 2020, The Olive Temple offers farm and mill tours, and hands-on classes in pruning, harvesting, and olive oil soap-making. The Karabelas family, fourth-generation olive growers, also run the neighboring Agriturismo Magna Grecia. Their centuries-old trees—including Olympia's native tsabidolia variety—are organically farmed, but rising temperatures have forced them to adapt. 'Climate change is here, and our discussions with our grandparents bear testimony to that,' says Alexis Karabelas, co-owner of The Olive Temple. In 2021, extreme heat wiped out nearly 80 percent of their production. While olive oil remains their main livelihood, tourism has helped sustain their business. 'Olive tourism is a significant driver of the local economy,' he says. 'It makes us very happy when visitors realize it's not just our family that works together, but also local families, as they meet 20 to 25 employees during their visit.' At the southwestern tip of the Peloponnese, Messenia's golden beaches, scenic trails, and Mycenaean sites have long drawn travelers, but the region's thriving olive industry is just as renowned. Alongside the world-famous kalamata olives, visitors can learn about the resilient koroneiki variety; these withstand dry conditions and yield high-quality extra virgin olive oil. Harvest season begins in October when the olives are still green, producing a flavorful, antioxidant-rich oil. Evidence of olive oil's legacy can be seen everywhere, from ancient storage rooms at the Palace of Nestor in Pylos to hotels offering olive oil-focused experiences. 'In Messenia, we say that for a great dinner, we need good friends, old wine, and always fresh extra virgin olive oil,' says Cristina Stribacu, an olive oil sommelier and local producer who leads olive oil tastings at Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino. Opened in 2023 overlooking the Bay of Navarino, the hotel replanted 2,700 olive trees alongside half-a-million endemic shrubs on its grounds. During tastings in the Three Admirals Lounge overlooking the Ionian Sea, guests warm shot-sized glasses of oil in their hands to enhance its three defining characteristics: fruitiness, bitterness, and spiciness. The region's biodiversity—including the nearby Gialova Lagoon, home to over 270 bird species that aid in pest control—has helped Messenia's olive groves continue to flourish. (How to plan the ultimate coastal Greece road trip) An hour's drive from Athens, near the Isthmus of Corinth, travelers can witness the olive oil harvest year-round at Markellos Olive. The family-run mill began offering tours in 2020 and has since welcomed more than 15,000 visitors from 86 countries. Through its virtual olive oil harvesting experience, guests can don a headset and see the process even in the summer months. 'The vast majority of travelers visit Greece outside the production period, so I wanted to offer an experience where visitors could see all the stages of the process,' says Nikolaos Markellos, co-owner of Markellos Olive. Innovation is at the heart of the company's operation. With climate change impacting production over the past five years, the company is transitioning from the manaki olive variety to the more heat-resistant koroneiki. Plans are also afoot to open a restaurant and a museum. Nearly half of all Greek olive oil is produced on Crete, making the nation's largest island a must-visit for those tracing the delicacy's history back to Minoan times. 'Sea and olive oil are our heritage, fortune, and way of life,' says Aspassia Stavroulaki, owner of Oliving in Crete, which offers tastings in an olive grove near Rethymno. 'The mountainous landscape makes it difficult to apply invasive farming methods, so our soil remains rich and healthy. The natural drainage and diverse flora surrounding the trees enrich the oil's flavors.' Beneath trees ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 years old, visitors learn how olive oil influences local gastronomy, daily life, and familial bonds. (The 31 best Greek islands to visit in 2025) The verdant Ionian island of Corfu is home to over four million olive trees and a rich but often overlooked olive oil heritage. During the Venetian occupation in the 16th century, Corfu supplied olive oil to the Vatican, and many of its towering, centuries-old trees remain. Many of the island's olive groves were abandoned until about 15 years ago when pioneering local producers set out to revive its oleoculture. 'Lianolia was an unknown variety until 2010 or, at best, well-known for being the worst in quality EVOO in the world,' says Spyros Dafnis, co-founder of The Governor, one of Corfu's leading producers. Through innovative processing methods, they earned a world record in 2016 for producing olive oil with the highest concentration of oleocanthal compounds, known for their anti-inflammatory properties. They have since collaborated with U.S. universities on various health studies. Oleotourism is also central to their mission. Visitors can tour their mill in the village of Agios Matthaios, join guided tastings, and explore ancient olive groves—including their 1,500-year-old tree called 'Mitera' (Greek for mother). 'These trees are a living symbol,' says Dafnis. 'Every harvest, we remember what our grandparents used to say: We are like trees. To grow and thrive, we need strong roots.' (Why you should visit Greece's "city of gastronomy") Julia Eskins is a Toronto-based travel writer and editor whose work explores conservation, culture, wellness, and design. Her stories have appeared in publications including Condé Nast Traveler, Vogue, Bloomberg, Architectural Digest, and Time. Follow her adventures on Instagram @juliaeskins.
National Geographic
16-05-2025
- National Geographic
Olive oil tourism is taking off in Greece. Here's where to taste it.
The silvery-green olive trees that blanket Greece are as rooted in its culture as the stars and sea. According to Greek mythology, Athena planted the first olive tree on the Acropolis, triumphing over Poseidon to become Athens' patron goddess—forever cementing the evergreen as a sacred symbol of prosperity. In ancient Greece, Olympic victors were crowned with olive branches, while Homer referred to the antioxidant-rich juice as 'liquid gold' in his epic poems. Today, Greece remains one of the world's top olive oil producers, alongside Spain and Italy, with more than 80 percent of its harvest dedicated to high-quality extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). While olive oil has long been a healthy staple of the longevity-boosting Mediterranean diet, its popularity has surged in the United States recently, fueling a growing curiosity about its origins. As more travelers look to connect with local producers, many are venturing beyond the touristy hot spots. Here's how to best experience the country's thriving oleotourism scene. Visit olive groves near Olympia The main olive oil-producing region on Greece's mainland, the Peloponnese peninsula, is an ideal starting point for any gourmand's adventure. Near the Temple of Zeus at Olympia, a new kind of sanctuary is drawing olive oil enthusiasts. Opened in 2020, The Olive Temple offers farm and mill tours, and hands-on classes in pruning, harvesting, and olive oil soap-making. The Karabelas family, fourth-generation olive growers, also run the neighboring Agriturismo Magna Grecia. Their centuries-old trees—including Olympia's native tsabidolia variety—are organically farmed, but rising temperatures have forced them to adapt. 'Climate change is here, and our discussions with our grandparents bear testimony to that,' says Alexis Karabelas, co-owner of The Olive Temple. In 2021, extreme heat wiped out nearly 80 percent of their production. While olive oil remains their main livelihood, tourism has helped sustain their business. 'Olive tourism is a significant driver of the local economy,' he says. 'It makes us very happy when visitors realize it's not just our family that works together, but also local families, as they meet 20 to 25 employees during their visit.' Sip, swirl, and savor Messenia's iconic olive oil At the southwestern tip of the Peloponnese, Messenia's golden beaches, scenic trails, and Mycenaean sites have long drawn travelers, but the region's thriving olive industry is just as renowned. Alongside the world-famous kalamata olives, visitors can learn about the resilient koroneiki variety; these withstand dry conditions and yield high-quality extra virgin olive oil. Harvest season begins in October when the olives are still green, producing a flavorful, antioxidant-rich oil. Evidence of olive oil's legacy can be seen everywhere, from ancient storage rooms at the Palace of Nestor in Pylos to hotels offering olive oil-focused experiences. Olive oil tastings, shops, and experiences can be found all throughout Greece. Photograph by Laurent Fabre, Figarophoto/Redux 'In Messenia, we say that for a great dinner, we need good friends, old wine, and always fresh extra virgin olive oil,' says Cristina Stribacu, an olive oil sommelier and local producer who leads olive oil tastings at Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino. Opened in 2023 overlooking the Bay of Navarino, the hotel replanted 2,700 olive trees alongside half-a-million endemic shrubs on its grounds. During tastings in the Three Admirals Lounge overlooking the Ionian Sea, guests warm shot-sized glasses of oil in their hands to enhance its three defining characteristics: fruitiness, bitterness, and spiciness. The region's biodiversity—including the nearby Gialova Lagoon, home to over 270 bird species that aid in pest control—has helped Messenia's olive groves continue to flourish. (How to plan the ultimate coastal Greece road trip) Experience a virtual harvest near Athens An hour's drive from Athens, near the Isthmus of Corinth, travelers can witness the olive oil harvest year-round at Markellos Olive. The family-run mill began offering tours in 2020 and has since welcomed more than 15,000 visitors from 86 countries. Through its virtual olive oil harvesting experience, guests can don a headset and see the process even in the summer months. 'The vast majority of travelers visit Greece outside the production period, so I wanted to offer an experience where visitors could see all the stages of the process,' says Nikolaos Markellos, co-owner of Markellos Olive. Innovation is at the heart of the company's operation. With climate change impacting production over the past five years, the company is transitioning from the manaki olive variety to the more heat-resistant koroneiki. Plans are also afoot to open a restaurant and a museum. Explore Greece's ancient olive groves in Crete Nearly half of all Greek olive oil is produced on Crete, making the nation's largest island a must-visit for those tracing the delicacy's history back to Minoan times. 'Sea and olive oil are our heritage, fortune, and way of life,' says Aspassia Stavroulaki, owner of Oliving in Crete, which offers tastings in an olive grove near Rethymno. 'The mountainous landscape makes it difficult to apply invasive farming methods, so our soil remains rich and healthy. The natural drainage and diverse flora surrounding the trees enrich the oil's flavors.' Beneath trees ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 years old, visitors learn how olive oil influences local gastronomy, daily life, and familial bonds. (The 31 best Greek islands to visit in 2025) Harvest season begins in October when the olives are still green Photograph by bewolf design, Getty Images More than 80 percent of Greece's olive harvest is dedicated to high-quality extra virgin olive oil. Photograph by Kamila Kozioł, Getty Images Discover Corfu's olive oil renaissance The verdant Ionian island of Corfu is home to over four million olive trees and a rich but often overlooked olive oil heritage. During the Venetian occupation in the 16th century, Corfu supplied olive oil to the Vatican, and many of its towering, centuries-old trees remain. Many of the island's olive groves were abandoned until about 15 years ago when pioneering local producers set out to revive its oleoculture. 'Lianolia was an unknown variety until 2010 or, at best, well-known for being the worst in quality EVOO in the world,' says Spyros Dafnis, co-founder of The Governor, one of Corfu's leading producers. Through innovative processing methods, they earned a world record in 2016 for producing olive oil with the highest concentration of oleocanthal compounds, known for their anti-inflammatory properties. They have since collaborated with U.S. universities on various health studies. Oleotourism is also central to their mission. Visitors can tour their mill in the village of Agios Matthaios, join guided tastings, and explore ancient olive groves—including their 1,500-year-old tree called 'Mitera' (Greek for mother). 'These trees are a living symbol,' says Dafnis. 'Every harvest, we remember what our grandparents used to say: We are like trees. To grow and thrive, we need strong roots.' (Why you should visit Greece's "city of gastronomy") Julia Eskins is a Toronto-based travel writer and editor whose work explores conservation, culture, wellness, and design. Her stories have appeared in publications including Condé Nast Traveler, Vogue, Bloomberg, Architectural Digest, and Time. Follow her adventures on Instagram @juliaeskins.
Yomiuri Shimbun
16-05-2025
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Booming Tourism, Climate Change Threaten Albania's Coast
AFP-Jiji A pine tree toppled by erosion on the coast of Kune near the city of Lezhe, Albania. Photos were taken on April 15. TIRANA (AFP-Jiji) — Albania's coast is being hit by a double whammy of climate change and chaotic tourist development. From Velipoja in the north, where the waves are swallowing a century-old forest, to the tourist hotspot of Golem, where galloping construction of hotels and restaurants is accelerating erosion, the country's often spectacular Adriatic coast is under threat. 'Out of Albania's 273 kilometers of coastline some 154 are affected by erosion,' urban planning specialist Besjana Shehu told AFP. Tourism in the Balkan nation is booming, from 5.1 million visitors in 2018 to 10.1 million in 2023. But new hotels, restaurants and beach bars are also taking their toll on nature. Rising sea level due to climate change is further complicating the situation. In Velipoja, a protected area close to the border with Montenegro, the sea is advancing more than five meters a year. It has already eaten 210 meters into the coastal forest, threatening an entire ecosystem that cannot live in salt water. Dozens of pine trunks lie strewn on the sand, many uprooted by violent storms late last month. 'Velipoja Park is shrinking,' warned Agim Dardha, head of the protected areas agency for the Shkodra region. 'In the past 10 years alone it has lost more than 30 hectares,' he said. Death of an island Franz Jozeph island, at the mouth of the nearby Buna River, still figures on the maps and tourist guides. But it actually vanished in 2012 after being swallowed by the sea. AFP-Jiji Dikes built along the coast to curb coastal erosion in Durres. Named by Austrian cartographers in 1870 after Emperor Franz Joseph I, the island was made up of rich alluvial soil. Located only 150 meters from the coast, its 19.5 hectares were covered with trees and wild vegetation. 'A paradise for many species of seabirds, a haven of peace for us too … it is totally gone,' lamented Lule Coli, who runs a small beach bar nearby. The construction of dams and hydroelectric power plants in the area hastened its death, said Ervis Krymi, geography professor at the Shkodra University. In Kune, a few kilometers further south, locals are also worried. There are more big storms every year, and the shore now looks like a tree graveyard. 'As a result of climate change in recent years, the sea has become very aggressive, advancing towards the land at a frantic pace that exceeds all forecasts,' said Jak Gjini, an environment expert. In some areas it is pushing 20 meters inland every year, he added. Flooding Communist-era bunkers built along the coast in the 1970s have disappeared under the waves. But the storms also took small seaside bars run by locals. The force of the sea was so strong the sandbag barriers they put up were useless. 'There used to be two bunkers here. Now they're submerged,' said Vera Faslliaj, who runs a small restaurant called Poseidon, named after the Greek god of the sea. AFP-Jiji Trees uprooted by coastal erosion on the beach of Velipoja near the city of Shkoder 'The sea is coming and will take everything … in four or five years there won't be anything left here,' she added. Albanian authorities say that rising sea levels pose severe flood risks to many of the country's urban areas. By the end of the decade more than a third of coastal areas will suffer direct consequences of flooding, according to the national civil protection agency. In Golem, just south of the resort city of Durres, hotel owners are worried about the authorities' seeming indifference to finding solutions and curbing uncontrolled building along the coast. 'The sea cannot wait for the authorities to wake up,' hotel administrator Edvin Dule said. Around 70 meters of Golem's beach has been lost in the past 16 years. Hotels springing up like mushrooms have further exacerbated the erosion and are shrinking the beaches on which they depend to attract tourists, locals say. 'It's a very worrying phenomenon that directly impacts the economy and tourism,' Dule said. 'If we cannot offer what tourists expect — umbrellas, deckchairs and activities on the sand — we reduce the quality of what we offer, which will translate into lower visitor numbers.'
