The CEV Beach Volley European Cup Final 2025 was completed with absolute success at TUI Magic Life Candia Maris in Heraklion, Crete, from November 6 to 9, under the auspices of the Metaxa Hospitality Group. The event attracted the interest of beach volleyball fans from all over Greece and Europe, offering unique spectacle and top-level matches.
The CEV Beach Volley European Cup Final 2025, held in the second week of November in Heraklion, was a true celebration of European beach volleyball, hosting top athletes and raising the bar of competition and entertainment to the highest level. The good weather, the five specially constructed beach volleyball courts, the excellent facilities of TUI Magic Life Candia Maris, and the unique Cretan hospitality of the Metaxa Hospitality Group created ideal conditions for matches on the sand, generating a memorable atmosphere for both athletes and spectators. At the same time, the event once again showcased Crete as an emerging international sports tourism destination, confirming its potential to host high-level sporting events.
Four days filled with beach volleyball
This year’s event, which contributed significantly to the international promotion of the sport, featured national teams from 12 countries. Spectators had the opportunity to attend the matches free of charge, filling the stands. With top clubs from France, Spain, Serbia, the Netherlands, Hungary, Slovenia, Austria, the Czech Republic, Lithuania, Ukraine, Romania, and Greece, the tournament brought some of the most prominent representatives of European beach volleyball to Crete. It was an impressive gathering of elite athletes, who turned every set into a unique experience, offering thrilling matches, strong emotions, and unforgettable spectacle.
Golden sets, golden moments in the final
In the women’s category, the Ukrainian club Sunrise Beach Sports Academy, led by European champion Tetiana Lazarenko, claimed the European title by defeating the Hungarian club EDRA Tata with two victories, one of which came after a dramatic tie-break. The Ukrainian team displayed excellent teamwork and composure, reaching the top of Europe, while the Lithuanian club KBC Oxyklinika won the bronze medal after a golden set victory over Spain’s CV Majadahonda. In the men’s category, the French club Re Beach Club, from the small island of ?le de R? in western France, was crowned European champion after defeating the Dutch team ZVH Zevenhuizen in a thrilling final decided by a golden set, bringing an impressive close to a high-level event.
See detailed results here:
https://www.cev.eu/beach/european-cup/2025/final/men/#matches
https://www.cev.eu/beach/european-cup/2025/final/women/#matches
Crete on the global map of sports tourism
The hosting of the CEV Beach Volley European Cup Final 2025 in Heraklion once again highlighted Crete as a leading international sports tourism destination. The flawless organization, warm hospitality, and great interest from fans across Europe significantly enhanced the island’s—and Greece’s overall—image as an ideal location for major sporting events.
Crete hosted a demanding Olympic sport, confirming its place on the world map of sports tourism. An event is truly successful when it transforms its destination into a stage of experiences, attracts travelers from diverse markets, and tells a story that travels far beyond the competition itself—just as the CEV Beach Volley European Cup Final 2025 in Heraklion did, establishing Crete as a hub for European and international beach volleyball.
Statements by officials
Metaxa Hospitality Group CEO Mr. Andreas Metaxas stated:
“It was our honor and pleasure to host at TUI Magic Life Candia Maris, a member of Metaxa Hospitality Group, one of the world’s greatest beach volleyball events, the CEV Beach Volley European Cup Final 2025. The modern facilities of our hotel, as well as the professionalism, experience, and dedication of our people, fully met the high standards of such a top-level sports event. This year we celebrated 50 years since the founding of Metaxa Hospitality Group, and in this important year, we are especially pleased to have strengthened the foundation for Crete to emerge as an international, high-standard sports tourism destination. We would like to express our sincere thanks to our co-organizers—the Region of Crete, the Hellenic Volleyball Federation, and the Municipality of Malevizi—for their excellent collaboration and trust. The success of this event proves what we can achieve when we join forces to promote Greece as a global destination for sports experiences.”
President of the Hellenic Volleyball Federation Mr. Giorgos Karabetsos stated:
“The CEV Beach Volley European Cup Final 2025 in Heraklion was a great moment for European and Greek beach volleyball and marked a key highlight in the 2025 calendar. The event took place in early November in front of packed stands, with tourists showing their keen interest and the sport’s strong potential. Our goal is for beach and snow volleyball events to take place throughout the year, whenever conditions allow. The high level of competition and the enthusiastic audience response show that Greece can host prestigious international events with absolute success. The choice of Crete and TUI Magic Life Candia Maris confirms the island’s dynamic combination of sport and tourism development while supporting our vision of promoting the sport across every corner of the country. I extend my heartfelt thanks to Metaxa Hospitality Group, the Region of Crete, the Municipality of Malevizi, and all contributors who ensured the flawless organization of this high-standard event.”
Sports and sustainable development: A “green” event
The collaboration between ReHORECA, Metaxa Hospitality Group, and the CEV Beach Volley European Cup Final provided an excellent opportunity to highlight the link between sports and environmental responsibility, giving the event a modern, green dimension. The tournament aligned with international “Green Events” standards, applying an Environmental Management System (EMS) and establishing itself as a major eco-conscious sports event in Crete. At the same time, it showcased Metaxa Hospitality Group as a leader in combining hospitality, sports, and sustainable development, reaffirming its commitment to a more responsible and sustainable future.
Beach Volley from Crete to all of Greece
The experience concluded with the live and free broadcast of the matches, allowing audiences around the world to enjoy the action. The games were streamed across Greece and Europe, ensuring broad coverage and direct access for all beach volleyball fans.
Support, safety, and art in this year’s event
The sponsors of the CEV Beach Volley European Cup Final 2025 played a key role in the success of the event. ANEK LINES facilitated the ferry transport of teams, ensuring comfortable and safe travel to and from Crete, while SIXT, a member of the MOTODYNAMIKI Group, provided secure transportation for athletes and organizers across the island. KORRES offered sun protection during the sunny final days, while VIKOS Natural Mineral Water ensured hydration throughout the tournament. The premium-quality DANDALIS coffee energized participants, providing focus and energy throughout the competition. At the end of the matches, specially designed marble trophies, created by Spira Marble Art Gallery and sculptor Grigoris Kouskouris— inspired by the sea of Crete and the spirit of beach volleyball—were awarded to the winners, adding a unique artistic touch that bridged local tradition with the essence of the sport and connected Ancient Greece with the present.
Honors and awards
Special awards were presented to individuals who contributed significantly to the success of the event:
Mr. Stavros Arnaoutakis, Regional Governor of Crete, was honored by Mr. Andreas Metaxas, CEO of Metaxa Hospitality Group.
Mr. Menelaos Bokeas, Mayor of Malevizi, was honored by Mr. Serafim Karouzakis, General Manager of TUI Magic Life Candia Maris.
Mr. Giorgos Gkaggalis, Head of Beach Volleyball, European Volleyball Confederation, received an award from Ms. Maria Papadaki, member of the Board of the Hellenic Volleyball Federation and Beach Volley Committee.
Mr. Giorgos Karabetsos, President of the Hellenic Volleyball Federation, was honored by Mr. Nikolaos Syrigonakis, Deputy Regional Governor of Heraklion.
Mr. Alekos Paraskevopoulos, Beach Volleyball Coordinator of the Hellenic Volleyball Federation, received an award from Ms. Fai Papaioannou, Senior Marketing & PR Manager of Metaxa Hospitality Group.
Official Sponsors and Partners
Official Hospitality Sponsor: TUI Magic Life Candia Maris, member of Metaxa Hospitality Group
Silver Sponsor: ANEK LINES
Official Mobility Partner: SIXT, member of MOTODYNAMIKI Group
Partners: ECOLAB, KRIVEK Group of Companies, SPORTADORE, KORRES
Official Water: VIKOS Natural Mineral Water
Official Coffee Sponsor: DANDALIS Coffee
Educational Partner: Metropolitan College
Health Partner: Cretan Medicare Medical Care of Crete
Supporters: Anatomic Line, Assos Food Solutions, 3F Fasouletos Fresco Fruit, Spira Marble Art Gallery – Grigoris Kouskouris, ReHORECA, Agricultural Cooperative of Lasithi Plateau, and Kalimera Frouta
The event was held under the auspices of the European Volleyball Confederation (C.E.V.) and the Ministry of Tourism, and co-organized by the Region of Crete, the Hellenic Volleyball Federation (E.O.PE.), the Municipality of Malevizi, and the Metaxa Hospitality Group.
