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tomipark

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This is an emerging update that I read on the news! Covid cases have recently increased in Greece, so please be safe and careful while traveling this summer :)

 
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This is an emerging update that I read on the news! Covid cases have recently increased in Greece, so please be safe and careful while traveling this summer :)

Geeez that's scary, be careful everyone!
 
This is an emerging update that I read on the news! Covid cases have recently increased in Greece, so please be safe and careful while traveling this summer :)

I think it's important to get some perspective on these figures. The main hotspots are the main urban centres on the mainland - Athens, Thessaloniki - rather than the majority of islands.

I have just spent the last 3 months on Kefalonia where the case rate has fluctuated between 0 and 30 per 100000 of population. Due to the relatively small population (c35000) a single case changes the case rate by almost 3 per 100000. I have just returned to the UK for a few weeks to a case rate in excess of 300 per 100000.

It's fair to say that I felt a damn sight safer in Greece than I do in the UK or would in feel in most other places around the world.

Greece is trying to find a way out of this economically and has taken the decision to allow more visitors which probably accounts for an increase in figures - sadly they are damned if they do and damned if they don't.
 
I think it's important to get some perspective on these figures. The main hotspots are the main urban centres on the mainland - Athens, Thessaloniki - rather than the majority of islands.

I have just spent the last 3 months on Kefalonia where the case rate has fluctuated between 0 and 30 per 100000 of population. Due to the relatively small population (c35000) a single case changes the case rate by almost 3 per 100000. I have just returned to the UK for a few weeks to a case rate in excess of 300 per 100000.

It's fair to say that I felt a damn sight safer in Greece than I do in the UK or would in feel in most other places around the world.

Greece is trying to find a way out of this economically and has taken the decision to allow more visitors which probably accounts for an increase in figures - sadly they are damned if they do and damned if they don't.
This is a great point, always important to look at these numbers with a critical eye
 
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Any and all COVID updates from people “on the ground” in Greece are much appreciated! Has the vaccination program been accelerated, particularly in the hot spots like Athens, Skiathos, Mykonos and Crete?
 
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Unfortunately, Covid-19 cases in Greece are increasing, here is a good website that contains the Covid case count daily for Greece:


Thanks to all for sharing excellent and important information for all traveling to Greece!
 
Thank you, all, for the updates! Covid cases are increasing everywhere, and even though I am vaccinated, I know that there are instances where I need to be wearing a mask. I would imagine Greece has a similar feeling to it? Are people wearing masks indoors and in crowded settings?
 
I am in Chania; a city that currently has the highest COVID rate in the country. People are required to wear masks indoors in shops. All dining is outdoors, so masks are not required in restaurants. The Open Air Markets are operating; the Old Harbor promenade is very busy especially at night. Although I’ve seen more masks outdoors this week, the majority of people are not wearing masks in crowded outdoor situations. The latest fashion statement seems to be to wear them at your elbow! I was dismayed at first, given that Chania is a red zone, but have decided that the decision to wear a mask is my own responsibility. Hotel owners and wait staff are 100% following all COVID protocols. Two weeks here so far and everything’s been fine! We are very grateful to be here!
 
I am in Chania; a city that currently has the highest COVID rate in the country. People are required to wear masks indoors in shops. All dining is outdoors, so masks are not required in restaurants. The Open Air Markets are operating; the Old Harbor promenade is very busy especially at night. Although I’ve seen more masks outdoors this week, the majority of people are not wearing masks in crowded outdoor situations. The latest fashion statement seems to be to wear them at your elbow! I was dismayed at first, given that Chania is a red zone, but have decided that the decision to wear a mask is my own responsibility. Hotel owners and wait staff are 100% following all COVID protocols. Two weeks here so far and everything’s been fine! We are very grateful to be here!
Thank you so much for the update. Glad to hear that some are following the restrictions. Best of luck to you and stay safe :)
 

When does tourist season end in Greece?

I am planning my next Greek trip.

I want to go in October but the people I am traveling with - we won't be able to to go until mid-October.

I have been to Crete that late in the year and to Athens, but not anywhere else. On our schedule is to visit some of the smaller islands, like Hydra.

Do places like that shut down? My main concern is, will the tourist shops be closed? I love to browse through them and it's part of my enjoyment.

Taking a culinary tour of Greece

I would like to take a tour or create my own itinerary to do nothing but visit Greece to eat all the food. I want to go to some unique and memorable destinations. For many reasons, both Ikaria and Crete are on my list. I will have maybe two weeks in Greece so I truly don't have the itinerary fleshes out. Or if anyone can recommend a tour company, that would be good too.

Some questions:

Best Time to Visit: What's the ideal time of year for such a tour, considering weather, food seasons, and avoiding peak tourist crowds?
Must-Visit Places: Besides the obvious choices like Athens and Santorini, are there any off-the-beaten-path locations that are a foodie's dream?
Local Experiences: Are there particular cooking classes, food markets, or local farms that offer a deeper dive into Greek cuisine and its preparation?
Travel Tips: Any logistical tips for traveling within Greece that might make moving from one culinary destination to another smoother?

Thanks in advance!

Visit the Cyclades Islands - Information and Tips?

I am thinking of visiting some of the Cyclades islands this summer. I've, of course, already done Santorini and Mykonos. I want to do something a bit different.

I am thinking of the following:

- Tinos
- Naxos
- Milos
- Paros

I have some questions:

- When is the best time to visit? I am thinking of going in September.
- Should I ferry hop? That's probably the best way, right?
- How do I figure out where to stay? I love Airbnb - is that an option in Greece?

Thanks in advance!

Last-minute travel tips in Greece

I love to travel to Greece and I do so whenever I can. There's an art to it, though, and I am never really going into it "blind". It's a good idea to start by thinking generally about where you might want to go.

Athens is usually the starting point for most travelers, with its iconic Acropolis offering panoramic views and a history lesson all in one spot. If you're a beach lover, head towards the Cyclades for stunning beaches and the classic, postcard-worthy Santorini sunsets. Or, if it's history you're after, the ruins of Delphi or the ancient city of Mycenae will surely captivate you.

Then, we need to figure out how to get where we want to go. For island hopping, the ferries are an experience in themselves – though if you're time-strapped, consider a local flight to get you to the major islands quickly. On the mainland, a mix of car rentals and public transport can be efficient and economical, especially when visiting sites off the tourist map. Keep an eye on the schedules and book in advance if possible to save time.

Sometimes I rent a car, to be honest it's the easiest for me.

The rest of the details tend to sort themselves out. For example, you can book your lodging as you go along, especially off-peak.

Beaches on Agistri or Spetses?

I am thinking of visiting some of the islands that are fairly close to Athens/Piraeus.

Two of them that you don't hear much about - like Agistri and Spetses - but I heard that they are worth it to visit, especially for the beaches, especially for Agistri.

Which do you prefer?

I have heard about some beaches on Agistri, but not sure what is available in Spetses.

Here are the beaches I heard about in Agistri:

- Aponissos beach - The beach's calm, crystalline waters and soft golden sands offer a perfect respite for swimmers and sunbathers. Surrounded by greenery and rock formations, the charming cove provides a breathtaking backdrop for a day by the sea.

- Skala Beach - he beach is lined with beach chairs and umbrellas available to rent, as well as a variety of water sports to try. The village behind the beach is packed with tavernas, bars, and shops, offering an array of dining and entertainment options for your holiday.

What do you guys think?

skala-beach.jpg
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