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efhernandez_

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Hi guys, i've been following the covid situation in Greece pretty carefully because I really want to visit this year. They just announced that people have to quarantine in their hotel or in a home for 7 days. Does anyone have any ideas about what this will be like? Or have any ideas about how to make this bearable?
 
Try getting an Airbnb instead of a hotel and stocking up on groceries. Many hotels in Greece don't have room service, and food delivery like ubereats isn't popular in Greece like other countries. Your best bet is to be comfy in a nice rental home. Good luck! And try to get some fresh air.
 
Hello, the quarantine recommendation won't be a requirement after May.
 
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Hello, the quarantine recommendation won't be a requirement after May.
Wow!! That's such a weight lifted off my shoulders, thank God (I'll still be super careful tho)
 
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Wow!! That's such a weight lifted off my shoulders, thank God (I'll still be super careful tho)
It was the same last year and even know some travelers are excluded from this (from Israel)
 
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Hi guys, i've been following the covid situation in Greece pretty carefully because I really want to visit this year. They just announced that people have to quarantine in their hotel or in a home for 7 days. Does anyone have any ideas about what this will be like? Or have any ideas about how to make this bearable?
People who I know that have gone to Greece during these times have found it no big deal to quarantine, BUT they've actually had relatives there to stay with. I do know, however, that the officials have been very strict about enforcing the quarantine. Staying in an AirBnB on the beach and getting delivery sounds great. However, that would mean you need to stay multiple weeks to feel fulfilled... I know Celestyal Cruises are starting in May...if you took a cruise, I'm wondering if you have to quarantine before getting on the ship. It will be interesting to see how the travel industry is going to deal with all this.
 
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People who I know that have gone to Greece during these times have found it no big deal to quarantine, BUT they've actually had relatives there to stay with. I do know, however, that the officials have been very strict about enforcing the quarantine. Staying in an AirBnB on the beach and getting delivery sounds great. However, that would mean you need to stay multiple weeks to feel fulfilled... I know Celestyal Cruises are starting in May...if you took a cruise, I'm wondering if you have to quarantine before getting on the ship. It will be interesting to see how the travel industry is going to deal with all this.
Hmmm...that's an interesting point. I'm also curious about the cruises (I feel like they might make an exception). Although I would be very careful on a cruise ship and only consider going if you're vaccinated. It might be difficult to receive medical attention if you're going from small island to small island.
 
Hmmm...that's an interesting point. I'm also curious about the cruises (I feel like they might make an exception). Although I would be very careful on a cruise ship and only consider going if you're vaccinated. It might be difficult to receive medical attention if you're going from small island to small island.
Usually cruise ships have a doctor on board equipped to take care of emergencies. Although I so want to visit our ancestors' villages, we just haven't wanted to go through all the stress of figuring out how to get there and where to stays even before the pandemic. As a result, we've gone on several cruises to Greek islands, but it just doesn't cut it staying in the likes of Santorini for 9 hours before having to move on. We've become cruise people. However, I hope to figure out how to comfortably do more mainland travel.
 
I just heard that the Tourism Minister in Greece recently said: “Tourists will be welcome if, before travel, they are either vaccinated or have antibodies or test negative.” Seems like getting fully vaccinated before you go is the easiest approach.
 
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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?

The best ancient ruins beyond Athens?

Everyone knows about the Acropolis — it’s magnificent, no question. But Greece is filled with other ancient sites that deserve just as much attention. From the mystical energy of Delphi to the massive ruins of Mycenae, every region seems to have its own ancient heartbeat.

Some travelers swear by Olympia for its peaceful atmosphere and connection to the first Olympic Games. Others say Epidaurus, with its perfectly preserved theater, is an experience unlike any other. And then there’s Vergina, where you can see the royal tombs of Macedon — haunting and awe-inspiring.

I’m curious: which ancient ruins outside of Athens made the biggest impression on you? Did you feel a special energy, or were you struck by the landscape surrounding them? Share your favorite sites, hidden gems, or photos from your travels through Greece’s ancient past!

Family Car Services for First Timer in Boston

Hi everyone, I’m planning a family trip to Boston from Athens and was searching for car service from options airport to my hotel online. While exploring, I came across Blue Nile Livery. I also noticed their service is featured on Google and even highlighted on Forbes, along with positive reviews on several travel sites. Based on what I’ve seen there, their service seems good to me... Since this trip is with my family, I want something safe, comfortable, and punctual for airport transfers and city travel. I’d love to hear from anyone who has used a ride service in Boston. Do you think this would be a good choice for family travel?

Islands near athens i can visit in a day

There are several fantastic options for islands near Athens that are perfect for a day trip. They are mostly located in the Saronic Gulf and are easily accessible by the high-speed ferry catamaran from the port of Piraeus, or by powerboats.

Here are the top recommendations, with estimated travel times:

Top Day Trip Islands from Piraeus (Athens' Port)

Aegina: Closest and most popular. Known for the Temple of Aphaia, beautiful port town, and its famous pistachios.40 minutes
Agistri: Small, quiet, and very green, with beautiful beaches and clear waters. Great for relaxing or cycling.50 - 55 minutes
Moni: Small non inhabited island, full of wildlife, deers, peacocks, squirrel. Very close to Aegina, accessible by small boats from Perdika village.
Hydra: Famous aristocratic, car-free island. Beautiful stone mansions, elegant harbor, and you get around by foot or donkey/water taxi.1 hour 20 minutes
Poros: Green island with a picturesque town built amphitheatrically around the port. Separated from the Peloponnese by a narrow strait.1 hour 5 minutes.

Other Options

Kea (Tzia): Closer to the mainland, but you depart from the port of Lavrio (about an hour's drive from Athens). It's a quieter Cycladic island with a rich history and hiking trails. About 1 hour (from Lavrio).
Kythnos (also sometimes called Thermia) is a beautiful Greek island in the Cyclades archipelago, known for its authentic, laid-back atmosphere, thermal springs, and unique beaches. About 1 and a half hour from Lavrio.

Day Cruises: You can also book a popular 3-Island Cruise that typically visits Aegina, Moni, Agkistri or Hydra, Poros, and Aegina in one long day. This allows you to get a taste of all three, though you'll have limited time on each.

Important Tip: Always check the latest ferry schedules and book your tickets in advance, especially if you plan to travel on a weekend or during the peak summer season, as travel times and frequency can vary. If you have the budget, also consider a private boat tour on a powerboat.

Can someone help me explain to someone filoxenia?

There are certain concepts that are so deeply woven into who we are as Greeks that they almost defy translation, and filoxenia is one of them. It’s something we just know. I had a non-Greek friend ask me to explain it the other day, and I found myself pausing. How do you describe something that’s more of a feeling than a word?

Is it hospitality? Kindness? Generosity toward strangers? Yes, but it’s also more than that. It’s opening your home, your table, and your heart without expecting anything in return. It’s treating a guest like family, even if you’ve just met. It’s an instinct, a pride, a reflection of who we are.

So I’m curious, how would you explain filoxenia to someone who’s never experienced it?
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