Summer in Greece: Post-lockdown Guide
The winds of change are flowing through Europe and borders are opening again ready to accept travellers from throughout Europe and hopefully the world in due time. One of those well-travelled and loved countries is Greece.
There are many ways to discover Greece. It is a country with endless beaches and crystal clear water, passionate people, music and food and rich ancient history. It is full of culture and diverse nature.
In this blog, we deal with the Greek regulations and travel options, as well as some travel tips!
International travel
Greece has opened its land borders with Athens and Thessaloniki airports open for travel from some countries. Domestic life is almost completely back to normal.
Medical exams may occur at the airport. If this is the case, visitors must isolate themselves for 24 hours until the test result at the address given on their Passenger Location Form (PLF). If you test positive for Covid-19, you must remain isolated in the special quarantine hotels for 14 days.
Rules inside the country
Face masks are mandatory on public transportation (including flights and ferries), airports, taxis, all medical facilities, and elevators. Wearing face masks is strongly recommended in other closed rooms.
Hotels, shops, bars and restaurants are open. Public health regulations apply to visiting shops, bars, restaurants and other public areas, including limiting the number of customers.
If you think you have symptoms, you should avoid visiting local healthcare facilities and contact a doctor remotely to find out if a test is recommended. This is likely to entail costs for retrieval, testing and testing that you have to pay.
Greece travel secrets
Greek island jewels
The Greek mainland is surrounded by hundreds of islands and islets. There are activities for every kind of visitor. From island hopping to water sports in Naxos, a historic visit to the old town of Rhodes, the nightlife of Mykonos and the black beaches of Santorini.
Many islands are accessible by plane, but you will usually have to make a stop in Athens. More information and flight tickets can be found here. If you are on a tight budget, you can also reach the islands by Greek ferry (but the journeys can take a long time). Many of the ferries depart from Athens from the main port of Piraeus.
The Samaria Gorge
The 16 km long gorge of Samaria is located in the national park of Samaria in the White Mountains in Crete. This majestic gorge is at the top of the to-do list for many visitors to Crete. The towering cliffs and narrow passages make the 5-7 hour walk an exciting experience.
The easiest way to reach the island is by air or by ferry from Athens. The start of the trail is south of Omalos, the end is in the coastal village of Agia Roumeli. If you don't feel like an hour-long walk, you can start in Agia Roumeli and do a short lap.
Monumental Greece
Greece is home to some of the most impressive and important ancient buildings in the world. The Acropolis in the capital city of Athens dedicated to the goddess Athena, dominates the centre of the modern city with its size, elegance and ancient history. The most well-known myths of ancient Greece, the greatest festivals and several decisive events in the city's history are all connected to this building.
Further north, between mountains, is the mystical Delphi. It is an impressive ancient religious site where the Delphi oracle was said to be housed. Delphi can be reached from Athens by rental car or bus. There are also day trips from Athens to Delphi.
The Heraklion Knosos Palace is located in Knosos on the island of Crete, often referred to as the oldest city in Europe. The palace is the largest of all Minoan palace buildings. It was built from blocks of blocks, had many floors and was decorated with still visible frescoes.
To visit the Acropolis, Delphi or the Palace you can buy tickets online and on-site. There are also days when the visit is free. More information about free entry days, opening times, tickets and prices can be found here.
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Magical Melissani
The beauty of the Melissani lake and cave is rare and unique. The lake on the island of Cefalonia was once a place of worship for the nature god Pan and the nymph Melissani. Visitors can reach the lake through an underground tunnel and explore it by boat and guide. The cave has water and a mystical blue-green sheen and the walls of the tunnels are covered with stalactites.
The easiest way to reach Cefalonia is by air over Athens. You can also reach the island by ferry from other cities. To visit the Melissani lake and cave, you can book various tours online.
Passion for food
Greeks love to eat with a Mediterranean passion. Souvlaki, Moussaka, Greek meze, olive oil, wines and much more - Greece is a paradise for gourmets! From chic restaurants in the capital to covered markets like the Modiano market in Thessaloniki and street food markets (in Greek Laiki-Agora) that can always be found anywhere near you.