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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 :)
 

First Time Tips to Greece

I've been fortunate enough to visit Greece quite a few times over the years, and recently a friend asked me for advice before their very first trip. It surprised me how difficult it was to answer!

Once you've traveled somewhere often, you start taking a lot of things for granted. I'm not sure what the most helpful tips would be for someone experiencing Greece for the first time.

If you were helping a first-time visitor, what advice would you give? I'm thinking about practical things, cultural etiquette, transportation, money, restaurants, pacing an itinerary, or even little things you wish someone had told you before your first visit.

What are the biggest mistakes first-time visitors make, and what are some experiences you think every newcomer should have? I'd love to pass along some advice from people with firsthand experience.

Best food towns to visit in Greece?

I’ve started realizing that some of my favorite memories from Greece are connected to food more than anything else. Little tavernas, bakeries, seafood by the water, village meals that seemed simple but tasted incredible. It’s making me think that next time I go to Greece, I’d love to plan at least part of the trip around food.

I’m not fully sure yet if I’ll be going this summer, but I’ve been daydreaming about possible places to visit. What towns or regions in Greece do you think are especially great for food lovers?

I’d love recommendations for places known for traditional cooking, local specialties, seafood, baked goods, or just amazing tavernas in general. Islands, mainland towns, mountain villages — all recommendations are welcome.

Would especially love hearing about places that felt authentic and memorable rather than overly touristy.

Places to go for the first time in Greece?

A friend of mine is planning her first trip to Greece, and she asked me what she should prioritize for about 10 days. I’ve been lucky enough to go quite a few times, so I gave her a starting point: Athens for the history, Santorini for the views, and Mykonos for the energy and beaches.

She loved that outline, but she wants to add one more destination to round out the trip. That’s where I started second guessing myself a bit, because there are so many good options depending on what kind of experience she wants.

I was thinking maybe somewhere a little different to balance things out, but I’m curious what others would suggest. If you had 10 days and those three spots already planned, what would be your fourth destination for a first-time visitor?

Is Island Hopping Worth the Effort?

I've been thinking about trying an island-hopping trip the next time I visit Greece, but I'm wondering if it's actually worth the extra planning and travel time. In the past I've usually picked one island and stayed there for the duration of my vacation, which has been relaxing and let me really get to know the area.

Part of me loves the idea of experiencing several islands in one trip since they each seem to have their own personality, food, scenery, and traditions. On the other hand, I wonder if constantly packing, catching ferries, and checking into new accommodations takes away from the experience.

For those of you who have island-hopped, did you feel it was worth it? How many islands did you visit, and did you wish you had spent more time in fewer places? I'd love to hear your itineraries, tips, and whether you'd do it the same way again.

Favorite small towns in Greece?

I realized recently that some of my favorite places in Greece haven’t actually been the major destinations everyone talks about, but smaller towns that just had a completely different atmosphere to them.

Sometimes it’s a mountain village with one main square and old stone houses, other times it’s a tiny coastal town where everyone seems to know each other and life moves slower. A few of the places I still think about most weren’t even places I had originally planned to visit.

I’m curious what small towns or villages have really stayed with people after traveling in Greece. Could be because of the scenery, the food, the people, the history, or just the overall feeling of the place.

Would love to hear everyone’s favorites, especially places that don’t always make the typical travel lists.
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