HERAKLION – After the successful hosting of Nations Cup in May, Crete is getting ready to welcome yet another top-tier international sporting event, the CEV Beach Volley European Cup Final, which will take place November 6-9 at TUI Magic Life Candia Maris, a member of Metaxa Hospitality Group, in Heraklion.
It is a major celebration that brings together top European teams and offers a high-level spectacle, while also strengthening sports tourism and promoting Crete’s international profile. The tournament is part of the official international calendar and is held under the auspices of the European Volleyball Confederation (CEV), with the co-organization of the Region of Crete, the Hellenic Volleyball Federation, the Municipality of Malevizi, and Metaxa Hospitality Group.
What is the European Cup Beach Volley
The European Cup is a new initiative by the CEV, aiming to strengthen and further develop the sport of beach volleyball. It is a club-based European competition, where teams from various countries represent their national leagues on the international stage. Through this new institution, CEV aspires to expand the scope of the sport beyond traditional international tournaments, giving clubs an active role and creating new opportunities for athletes, national federations, and local communities. Participation is based on the teams’ performance in their national championships, which are officially recognized by the Confederation.
The event includes both men’s and women’s competitions and is designed to complement the CEV’s existing tournament ecosystem, with the goal of promoting the sport at both national and international levels.
The European Cup Final will take place in Crete, where the European champion will be crowned, turning the island into a focal point for the only Olympic sport played on sand.
Watch the official teaser video of the event here: https://shorturl.at/gBzD3.
Benefits for the local economy and tourism promotion of Crete
TUI Magic Life Candia Maris and Metaxa Hospitality Group actively demonstrate their commitment to promoting sports tourism. In cooperation with the Hellenic Volleyball Federation, they possess the infrastructure, expertise, and organizational capability to host a top-tier European sporting event such as the European Cup. This trust is no coincidence. It follows the resounding success of the CEV Nations Cup held in May at the very same modern facilities. Crete and Metaxa Hospitality Group — with the valuable support of the Region of Crete, the Hellenic Volleyball Federation and the Municipality of Malevizi — successfully co-organized a high-standard event comparable to similar international competitions.
With a strategic goal of establishing Crete as a global sports and tourism destination, this event serves as a powerful tool for enhancing the island’s international profile and strengthening its identity in the global tourism landscape.
This sporting event will contribute to extending the tourist season beyond the summer months by attracting visitors during a period that traditionally experiences lower tourist activity. The fact that the European Cup brings together athletes, officials, accompanying persons, journalists, and fans from across Europe boosts the local economy on multiple levels — from accommodation and dining to transportation and local markets.
At the same time, through the promotion of the event in international and European media, Crete is showcased as a destination that uniquely combines natural beauty, tourism infrastructure, and opportunities for quality sports tourism throughout the year.
Another major beach volleyball event comes to Greece, and it would not have been possible without the contribution of Technical Director Vangelis Polimeropoulos through the Best Sports Marketing Agency in Greece, ActiveMedia Group.
