Crete once again takes center stage in international sports, this time welcoming the prestigious CEV Beach Volley European Cup Final from November 6 to 9 at the TUI Magic Life Candia Maris, part of the Metaxa Hospitality Group, in Heraklion.
The tournament promises top-level competition and spectacular performances, bringing together Europe’s elite beach volleyball clubs. At the same time, it strengthens sports tourism and highlights Crete as a leading international destination. The event is part of the official calendar of the European Volleyball Confederation (C.E.V.), co-organized by the Region of Crete, the Hellenic Volleyball Federation (H.V.F.), the Municipality of Malevizi, and the Metaxa Hospitality Group.
The European Cup Teams
The European Cup is a cross-border club competition where teams from across the continent represent their national leagues on the international stage. Participation is based on clubs’ performance in officially recognized domestic championships. Both men’s and women’s teams will take part in the qualifying phase, which has already been confirmed.
Clubs from 24 national federations will compete: Azerbaijan, Armenia, England, Austria, Belgium, Northern Ireland, France, Georgia, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Hungary, Ukraine, Croatia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, and Turkey.
Most federations are fielding both men’s and women’s teams, while Armenia, Czech Republic, England, Netherlands, and Switzerland will participate only in the men’s category. Lithuania, on the other hand, will compete exclusively in the women’s draw.
Among the highlights:
Azerrail Baku, champions of Azerbaijan, return to defend their historic double title won in Montpellier last year.
Greece will be represented by 4 Sports Club Athens, which has already secured its place in the finals.
The remaining finalists — seven clubs per gender — will emerge from the qualifiers scheduled for late September and early October. Group compositions and host venues will be announced in the coming days.
International Visitors, New Opportunities for Crete
Hosting the European Cup in Crete is expected to deliver significant benefits at both local and national levels. The arrival of athletes, coaches, and fans from around the world will boost tourism, extend the season, and generate demand across hospitality, dining, and transport.
Beyond the immediate economic impact, the event enhances Greece’s global image as a premier sports tourism destination and strengthens its capacity to host major international competitions.
Watch the official teaser video of the event here: https://youtu.be/Hxmj5weJkCM?si=ih43YUYXAcsWjid8
Extending the Tourism Season
The TUI Magic Life Candia Maris and the Metaxa Hospitality Group reaffirm their commitment to sports tourism, providing world-class infrastructure, expertise, and experience to host international tournaments such as the CEV European Cup — following the successful Nations Cup held in May.
With the support of the Region of Crete, the Hellenic Volleyball Federation, and the Municipality of Malevizi, the island demonstrates its ability to host top-tier European sports events, further establishing Crete as a global hub for athletic tourism.
This return of another international beach volleyball championship to Greece would not have been possible without the efforts of Technical Director Vaggelis Polymeropoulos and the leading sports marketing and events company in Greece, ActiveMedia Group.
About TUI Magic Life Candia Maris & Metaxa Hospitality Group
TUI Magic Life Candia Maris, part of the Metaxa Hospitality Group, is a luxury beachfront resort in Ammoudara, near Heraklion and the international airport. A five-star, adults-only hotel (16+), it focuses on entertainment, wellness, and active holiday experiences.
Metaxa Hospitality Group is a leading Greek hospitality group celebrating 50 years of continuous operation. Voted “Best Hotel Group in Greece” at the World Travel Awards (2021–2024), it owns and operates luxury five-star resorts in Crete (Creta Maris Resort, TUI Magic Life Candia Maris) and Santorini (Santo Collection Resort & Villas), offering over 1,100 beds.
Founded in Crete in 1975 by the late Nikolaos Metaxas, the group is today led by Andreas Metaxas, who has guided it into a new era of dynamic growth. Widely recognized with numerous international awards and certifications, the group operates on the principles of sustainable development, placing employees, the local community, and guests at the heart of its activities.
