Tag: Greece

  • Move Over Greece! France’s Secret Paradise Is The Ultimate Mediterranean Escape

    Move Over Greece! France’s Secret Paradise Is The Ultimate Mediterranean Escape

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    Who wouldn’t want to go to Greece?

    Well, if you ask this past summer’s tourists, perhaps a lot, as they all but melted in the sweltering heat!

    But that’s not the point here, as we have turned our calendars to fall.

    The point is that France has a secret Mediterranean getaway rivaling Greece’s glorious islands with its own.

    Town of Ajaccio on the west coast of Corsica

    The Mediterranean in general is never a bad idea, but you should know the entirety of options before booking your next dreamy vacation.

    Greece? Italy? Maybe Cyprus or Malta? Or perhaps skipping the all-too-familiar Eiffel Tower by diving into France’s gorgeous sunny island of Corsica instead?

    Where Med Vibes Meet A New Take On French Culture

    French culture spreads far and wide, even beyond its vast borders.

    From Canada’s vibrant cities to South America’s French Guyana to North America’s lesser-known slice of French paradise, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, you don’t have to roam the busy streets of Paris to get your French fix.

    Nice waterfront hotel in Corsica

    Corsica, on the other hand, is the best of both worlds.

    You get the feel for France while biding time in one of the prettiest islands in Europe, yet overshadowed by the household names of its alluring neighbors.

    The island already stands out on its own, but you may notice they borrow from the Italian diet and language to the point where Google Translate may be unusable with locals speaking a French-Italian hybrid with touches of Arabic and Spanish (good luck!).

    Bottom line being if the bustling cities of France, or even the packed beaches of the famed Cote d’Azur aren’t your jam, Corsica fills in the gaps and makes for the perfect fall escape.

    Clear Glistening Waters In The Autumn Sun

    Old citadel on pristine Corsica beach

    You can leaf the fall foliage lined streets and sweater weather back home, Corsica is for those who didn’t get enough summer sun and sand.

    The island is truly stunning, where you’ll forget all about the bucket-list islands of Greece or anywhere else pinned on your map.

    Boasting year-round weather pleasantries, fall is no different. According to the Irish Sun, expect temps to hover around an idyllic 70 degrees.

    Corsica’s waters are crystal clear for swimming and shine blue from a distance, perhaps from one of the island’s numerous lovely restaurant patios or hotel balconies.

    Nice waterfront hotel in Corsica

    If you’re missing a sense of city life, Corsica’s capital and main port, Bastia, has you covered.

    While nothing like Paris in terms of size, the pint-sized seaside exudes Old World charm, brimming with timeless cobblestone streets and quintessential French cafes.

    It also provides epic views reminiscent of its Mediterranean counterparts.

    Those who’ve visited say you can’t really go wrong visiting any beach wrapping around the 114 miles of shorelines, but Plage de Palombaggia and Plage de Santa Giulia may take the cake with vivid turquoise waters and soft white sand.

    Of course, many love wasting away in a lounge chair overlooking the vast sea, but Corsica is also popular with the more adventurous.

    Aerial Panoramic View Of Rondinara Beach, An Idyllic Beach In Corsica, France, Bounded By A Turquoise Colored Mediterranean Sea, Southern Europe

    Stand-Up paddleboarding is very common, and it includes SUP yoga, snorkeling, and diving.

    One of the best spots to do so is Scandola Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where one recent visitor claimed, “The most amazing place to visit in Corsica”.

    Captivating History And Divine Food (With Italian Flair)

    You may not know whether to say ‘Bonjour!’ or ‘Ciao!’, but that’s beside the point. Corsica boasts multiple captivating historical sites throughout the island, ranging from architectural marvels and delightful cobbled streets to old citadels perched on the beach.

    Not to mention the storybook villages dispersed throughout the mountains with awe-inspiring hilltop villas and traditional artisan markets. In other words, pack your walking shoes!

    Patrons enjoying cozy eatery in Corsica

    But, if there’s one aspect most of us travel to Europe for, it’s food. Especially, with such culinary icons as France and Italy.

    The same way Bozcaada leans more Greek and Malta leans more Italian, the same goes for Corsica, while not being a complete Sicilian copycat.

    Menus here showcase a blend of Mediterranean influences, but mostly a mix of French and Italian delights, especially when it comes to decadent seafood and wine.

    Start off with a classic Corsican appetizer of Acciughe alla Planca, followed by a plate of Cannelloni accompanied by a glass of local wine, or perhaps sharing an immensely rich charcuterie board.

    According to Micheline Guide, Casadelmar is where you have to dine in Corsica.

    Corsica charcuterie board

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  • Hidden Gem Of Greece: This Sunny Island Boasts Crystal-Clear Waters & Ancient Culture

    Hidden Gem Of Greece: This Sunny Island Boasts Crystal-Clear Waters & Ancient Culture

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    With over 6,000 islands to its name and boasting warmer temperatures year-round, Greece is one of the most sought-after sunny getaways across the pond in the fall.

    Be it the whitewashed villages of Santorini, Mykonos’ unrivaled party scene, or the rugged scenery of Milos, the Aegean will be brimming with visitors this season, but there’s one paradisiacal spot most Americans will skip on their island-hopping adventure through the Ellas heartland.

    Couple Looking Out At Balo Beach, Crete, Greece

    Surrounded by crystal-clear waters and oozing ancient charm, Crete is a stand-alone destination, and if TUI’s latest figures are anything to go by, it is where European sunseekers will be going themselves for that last bit of sunshine before the cold creeps in.

    One Of The Most Popular European Getaways This Fall

    Before you proceed with reading, take a wee second to look up Crete on Google Maps. It’s really south, right?

    For example, in the very south of the vast expanse of blue is the Mediterranean, which is subject to hot winds coming from not only Africa but also the Middle East.

    Needless to say, it’s much, much warmer than your average European destination year-round, but particularly in the fall, when summer-like temperatures can still be recorded along parts of the coast, like Heraklion, Crete’s bustling capital, or the laid-back coastal town of Chania.

    Greek Flag Flying Atop A Ruined Castle In Crete, Greece

    As TUI reports, Greece’s biggest island enjoys ‘mild and comfortable’ weather as late as October, with very little rain expected and long sunny days throughout the month, minus the scorching heat waves and raging wildfires you’d expect in the peak season.

    On average, the average daily temperatures in different parts of Crete will range between 63°F and 73°F in this transitional period, only slightly cooler than summer, yet warm enough to be outside sunbathing, swimming, and taking part in outdoor activities––just remember to pack a sweater for the evenings.

    More Than Just Pretty Whitewashed Towns And Blue Domes

    Monastery In Crete, Greece

    If you’ve looked up Crete on a map, you might have realized it’s much larger than the Greek islands that lie north of it.

    Its size is comparable to that of a mid-size European country: covering an area of 3,219, it is about as big as the state of Delaware and packed with iconic sights.

    While there’s not much to see in Santorini, Mykonos, and the like other than Instagrammable bougainvillea-framed alleys and blue dome churches, Crete is dominated by historically charged sites, some dating back over 2,000 years.

    Knossos Palace In Crete, Greece

    A comprehensive trip to Crete will likely include a visit to Knossos, an archeological complex famous for its frescoed temples, a walk along Chania Port, a colorful fishing village renowned for its Venetian heritage and restaurant scene, and the nearby Roman ruins of Aptera.

    That’s only 3 picks out of Crete’s extensive list of cultural activities that should keep you busy for longer than 2 or 3 days––once again, this is not another tiny stopover island you don’t linger for longer than a weekend on your way somewhere:

    Countless Unique Activities To Take Part In

    Samaria Gorge In Crete, Greece

    Crete is its own destination, and you could easily spend an entire week or two here without ever getting bored: the nature here is simply breathtaking, and if you love being out and about in the wild, this Samaria Gorge Trek is a must-do.

    Starting from Chania, the tour starting from Chania drops you off right at the entrance of one of Europe’s longest gorges for a four-hour trek: though it may be challenging for some, it is surely rewarding, offering views of Crete’s White Mountains and of thousand-year-old forests, from only $35.80.

    Street in Chania

    For the culture buffs out there, definitely book a spot in this Authentic Cooking Class at the foot of the White Mountains, where you’ll learn how to prepare traditional Greek––and specifically Cretan––dishes while learning more about the local History (reservation costs $121.55).

    Now, if you’re hoping to be on the water at some point, after all, Crete is a Mediterranean getaway, don’t miss out on a sailing trip from Heraklion to the neighboring Dia Island, an uninhabited paradise lapped by seas of turquoise-blue––starting from $79.83, lunch, snorkeling and paddleboarding are all included.

    Pink-Sand Beaches And Natural Mediterranean Pools

    Woman Bathing By The Beach In Elafonisi, An Islet Off Crete, Greece, Southern Europe

    Is Crete still warm enough in the fall for a beach getaway? Darn right it is!

    Think about it: the Med has had all summer to heat up, and now it’s just beginning to cool down as we head into the coldest seasons, so it’s a particularly good time for swimming.

    Water temperatures are around 73.4°F, and unlike summer, the hordes of tourists will have already departed some of the busiest swimming spots, like Elafonissi, the busiest beach on Crete due to its unique, pink-colored sands, and the Caribbean-like, soft-white-sanded Balos.

    Elafonissi beach on Crete island with azure clear water, Greece, Europe

    For the best chance to beat whatever small crowds may gather along the Cretan coast, head to Preveli, near Rethymno, where an inland river flows into the sea, flowing by palm trees and forming a lake close to the Mediterranean: literal Eden.

    Another beautiful beach that looks like a Mediterranean dream come true is Vai, in the Lassithi region.

    A peaceful strip of honey-colored sands wedged between the largest palm tree forest in Europe and aqua waters, it is arguably Crete’s most picturesque natural wonder.

    Crete Can Be A Budget-Friendly Getaway This Fall

    Harbour with fishing boats by the Koules Fortress in Heraklion, Crete, Greece

    We all know that once the peak season’s over, prices across Europe drop significantly, and Crete is no exception: everything from accommodation down to food gets markedly cheaper, whether you’re staying in a touristy town like Heraklion or an isolated coastal village.

    In Heraklion, the cheapest rooms start from a negligible $21 this October at Happy Days, while privately-managed double rooms with terraces can still cost as cheap as $40 per night, as seen on Andy’s Apartment.

    Heraklion, Crete, Greece, Venizelou square

    Inexpensive food is just as easy to come across, with $5-7 gyros sold at pretty much every street corner, and plenty of Mediterranean-style eateries serving freshly-made pasta and seafood for between $15-25: you can rest assured you won’t go hungry in Crete, even on a limited budget.

    Naturally, you can go way above budget on a 4 or 5-star resort, but our point is, Crete can be budget-friendly if you’re not actively looking to splurge on luxurious stays: on average, a budget trip to the island will set you back by an acceptable $926.

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  • These Are The 3 Most Popular Destinations In Greece To Visit This Fall

    These Are The 3 Most Popular Destinations In Greece To Visit This Fall

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    Greece has wrapped up the summer season as Europe’s top destination, surpassing the likes of Spain, France, and even Italy.

    It’s clear that tourists are flocking to the country’s idyllic, white-sanded beaches in record numbers.

    What many of us couldn’t have predicted, though, is the fact that Greece is continuing to attract a remarkable amount of visitors now that the temperatures have dropped and the beaches that filled our Instagram feeds just a few weeks ago have closed down.

    happy woman holding a Greek flag

    According to the INSETE research body, the Mediterranean country is expecting over 4 million international visitors this month, and there are three destinations that have recorded the largest increase in tourists since last year.

    Thessaloniki

    This highly influential port city is set to become Greece’s trendiest hotspot this fall, expecting the biggest visitor arrival increase for September – a jump of almost 20% from the same time last year.

    With an estimated 315,000 tourists arriving this month, Thessaloniki is about to turn into the country’s liveliest hotspot. 

    Aerial panoramic view of Thessaloniki, Greece

    You can expect some of the city’s main attractions (The White Tower of Thessaloniki, Aristotelous Square, The Archeological Museum of Thessaloniki, and the ancient Roman Forum) to be extra busy during weekends, so make sure to plan ahead.

    Aerial drone night shot of Aristotelous square in the heart of Thessaloniki, Greece

    Since Greece is mostly known as a summer destination in the international travel community, the fact that a port city like Thessaloniki can experience such a surge of visitors only once the temperatures cool down might come as a surprise. 

    However, if you ever get to see the city for yourself, you’ll see why it’s so much more than just another resort town.

    For starters, though Thessaloniki lies adjacent to the Aegean Sea, sunbathing in the city is not an option.

    Aerial view of the old Byzantine Castle in the city of Thessaloniki , Greece

    Those who spend their summers here need to travel back and forth to nearby beaches if they want to tan or take a swim.

    Instead of beaches, the city boasts a long, stunning promenade that borders the sea, offering unparalleled views, especially this time of the year. 

    Beware though, that nights can get pretty windy, so make sure to bring a jacket with you if you’re a fan of seaside walks.

    Moreover, Thessaloniki is famous for its rich cultural scene and lively atmosphere, so once in the city, there’s plenty to do and see without having to go to the beach.

    Aside from the more traditional attractions mentioned above, tourists can also enjoy modern exhibitions like the Museum of Illusions (a must-see, in my opinion), the vibrant bar scene, and the many diverse restaurants that offer excellent-quality food at competitive prices.

    White Tower Thessaloniki

    If you don’t have the time to sit down and eat between sightseeing trips, I recommend getting a bougatsa or gyro to go – Thessaloniki is known for being home to some of the best variations of both.

    Shopping enthusiasts will have the time of their lives here. Aside from the numerous shops located near Aristotle Square, they can also find a great outlet center named One Salonica right near the outskirts of the city. 

    Some of the most popular brands in the world (Nike, Adidas, Calvin Klein, Guess, Lacoste, Levi’s, Tommy Hilfiger, etc.) sell their merchandise here at heavily discounted prices,

    Athens

    Though the capital comes in at number two in terms of its increase in visitors from last year (15.4%), it’s still drawing in the highest number of tourists in the country.

    Over 1.2 million people from more than 45 countries are expected to visit Athens this September. 

    Aerial View Of Monastriki Square With The Plaka District And Acropolis Hill Pictured In The Distance In The Evening, Athens, Greece, Southeastern Europe

    Between the Parthenon, the Acropolis, the Ancient Agora of Athens, and the many, many museums that proudly display the city’s rich history, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to filling up your itinerary with cultural landmarks.

    Moreover, the city provides all the perks of spending a fun night out in a gorgeous Mediterranean city without all the extra costs of getting around a place like Rome or Milan

    Rhodes

    The third spot on the list is held by Rhodes, a famous summer hotspot that continues to draw in more than 437,000 visitors a month even as its beaches start to empty.

    The largest of Greece’s Dodecanese islands has apparently recovered from the devastating fires of July, seeing a 7.1% increase in visitors this fall compared to the same time last year.

    Rhodes Greece

    Home to the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the island holds remarkable cultural value that tourists are able to enjoy all year long. 

    Its natural beauty, delectable cuisine, and fun year-round events further explain why tourists are still flocking to the Greek island even though peak season is over.

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  • This Small Island Is The Trendiest Destination In Greece This Summer

    This Small Island Is The Trendiest Destination In Greece This Summer

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    Visiting Greece is a bucket list dream for many. The whitewashed buildings punctuated with bright blue paint, the food, the friendly people, and the beautiful beaches all draw in tourists from around the globe.

    But one Greek island, in particular, has caught the attention of American travelers this year.

    According to AirBnB, Mykonos is the number 1 trending international destination for American travelers this summer.

    Boats in the busy harbor in Mykonos, Greece

    This is particularly surprising because Mykonos is only 6.2 miles long and 9.3 miles wide. Unlike some of Greece’s larger islands, that means that accommodation in Mykonos can be hard to find, particularly during the peak vacation season.

    Despite this, here’s why this small island is so popular:

    Mykonos Is A Party Island

    Although it is small in size, Mykonos is an island that is big on fun.

    During the summer months, Mykonos is famed for its party atmosphere, offering visitors plenty of beach bars and an abundance of dance clubs.

    Beaches such as Paradise and Super Paradise are particularly popular thanks to their bars that blare thumping music. Night clubs such as Void and Moni in the center of Chora give visitors the chance to dance ‘til dawn.

    For these reasons, Mykonos is often compared to Ibiza, the Spanish island which has long had a reputation for being the best party island in Europe.

    people at a bar with drinks

    Mykonos also has a reputation for being a very LGBTQ+-friendly destination, meaning that many of the clubs and bars advertise that they are gay-friendly, and others organize drag queen parties throughout the summer months.

    Mykonos Has Beautiful Beaches

    It would be impossible to discuss reasons why Mykonos is so popular this summer without mentioning its beaches.

    There are over 30 different beaches that are accessible to the public on the island of Mykonos. The beaches to the south of the island tend to be organized and luxurious, whilst some to the north are remote and don’t boast any facilities.

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    Agios Stefanos beach, Mykonos, Greece

    What they all have in common is their beauty.

    Psarou Beach is the place to be if you’re looking for decadence and celeb spotting.

    Agrari Beach is the spot if you’re looking for somewhere a little calmer and quieter.

    And Paradise Beach is the most popular beach on the island, attracting the youngest and trendiest crowds.

    Boats in Mykonos port, Mykonos, Greece.

    Unlike other vacation destinations, the beaches don’t empty at dusk here. You can dance from sunrise til sunset on the beach in Mykonos.

    Mykonos Boasts Centuries of History

    Although Mykonos is best known for its beautiful beaches to relax on during the day and clubs to dance in at night, it is also an island with a rich cultural heart.

    You’ll find windmills dotted across the island, lending it an old-world feel. Adventurers can climb the Cynthus Mountain, where Greek legend says that Apollo was born.

    tourists shopping in Mykonos, Greece

    The neighborhood of Little Venice is perhaps the most famous on the island. Here you’ll find rows of medieval fishing houses facing the water, lending the area a romantic and Venetian feel that attracts visitors from all over the world.

    Mykonos Town boasts a labyrinth-style maze of tiny streets hiding colorful shops and restaurants that are each unique. There’s so much to see and do here.

    Mykonos Offers The Best Greek Hospitality

    The Greeks are known for being friendly and hospitable people who welcome tourists into their country.

    This is particularly true in Mykonos, where locals feel that it is a great privilege to be a guest, and therefore tourists are treated very well here.

    You will find that the people of Mykonos are warm and friendly to their visitors, particularly those working within the service industry.

    A Greek salad overlooking the sea in Mykonos, Greece.

    Whether you are dining on seafood that has been freshly caught that day or sitting in a bar with a cocktail to watch the sunset, you’ll find that the people serving you are always attentive.

    And because the vast majority of Mykonians speak excellent English, you won’t find any problems with the language barrier here.

    Mykonos Is Where Luxury Meets Budget

    What makes Mykonos both unique and appealing is that it is an island that appeals to both luxury and budget travelers.

    You’ll find a huge number of five-star resorts and spas here, as well as luxury villas with private chefs and swimming pools. And the ocean is usually littered with yachts full of the rich and famous taking their annual island-hopping vacations.

    A woman enjoying the view from the island of Mykonos, Greece.

    But at the other end of the budget scale, you can find affordable all-inclusive hotels and quaint guest houses. Access to most of the beaches is free. And outside of the most popular and famous resorts, food and drink prices are very affordable.

    There is something for every budget here. And everyone is welcome.

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  • Greece And British Virgin Islands Ease More Covid Rules For Travelers

    Greece And British Virgin Islands Ease More Covid Rules For Travelers

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    Two and a half years into the pandemic, numerous countries are dropping their excessively bureaucratic travel rules and/or easing mandates that have essentially barred tourists from visiting. The latest to have done so are Greece and the British Virgin Islands, two vacation hotspots that seem ready to move on from Covid… At last.

    Young Woman Wearing A White Summery Dress As She Overlooks A Paradise Beach In Zakynthos-Zante, Greece

    The travel industry may be in turmoil amid the wave of flight delays and cancellations, pushing the virus aside and giving us something else to worry about. Irrespective of these more pressing issues, Covid remains a secondary concern, especially when world leaders like the U.S., Canada, Brazil and France are yet to fully lift their own entry requirements.

    Luckily, these two sunny destinations are no longer aligned with them:

    Greece Ends Mandatory Quarantine For Infected Tourists

    Young Female Tourist Taking A Picture Of The Parthenon And Temple Of Athena Nike Atop Acropolis Hill From The Viewpoint At Philopappos Hill, Athens, Greece

    In April 12, Greece scrapped all of its Covid mandates and allowed tourism to resume. Prior to that date, the Hellenic Republic had stood firmly on the side of Europe’s pro-restriction group. Throughout most of the crisis, it barred unvaccinated foreigners from visiting and imposed a series of restrictive measures to keep Covid from being imported from abroad.

    Surprisingly, in the months leading up to summer, Greek Health officials took a U-turn and decided the country would now join other Mediterranean competitors, including Croatia and Montenegro, in reopening the external EU border. Since then, foreigners have been allowed to enter Greece restriction-free, as it was prior to 2020:

    Old Town Kerkyra In Corfu Island, Ionic Islands Subgroup, Greece
    • No vaccination is required
    • No pre-departure or post-arrival tests
    • No quarantine
    • No health registration form

    While this was already incredible news for the travel industry, Greece had retained some of its internal Covid curbs, indicating it was not declaring Covid an endemic disease – just yet. Now, even this is slowly changing, as authorities announce that mandatory isolation for infected tourists has been scrapped.

    You read that right. In case you get infected traveling in Greece, you will not be required to undergo isolation at a government-listed hotel. All quarantine rooms have been converted back into tourist accommodations, and the five-day isolation period for Covid-positive travelers has ceased applying.

    Young Woman Posing In Front Of The White Tower In Thessaloniki, Macedonia Region, Northeastern Greece

    You were infected by Covid during your island-hopping adventure in Greece? No worries! Although you’re advised to isolate until the virus has been cleared, you’re free to carry on traveling as usual, as if you had caught the flu or any widely disseminated respiratory disease treated as endemic.

    You will also not be forbidden from accessing any of the following:

    • Public transport within Greece, including ferries, trains or planes*
    • Museums and cultural sites
    • Restaurants and indoor venues

    *Valid for domestic routes only (e.g. if you’re infected and flying from Greece to a country that requires a negative test for entry, you will of course not be allowed to board the aircraft)

    Despite not being subject to isolation, infected tourists must continue wearing FFFP2 or KN95 face masks if they choose not to quarantine. In other words, Greece’s recent lifting of face masks in all indoor settings does not apply to them, at least until the end of the voluntary quarantine period and/or subsequent negative test.

    The British Virgin Islands Scrap All Entry Rules And Declares Covid Endemic

    The British Virgin Islands (BVI) may not be as popular in the Caribbean as the likes of Jamaica or the Dominican Republic, but it is always a good sign when more nations, however small, let go of their draconian measures. If you’re visiting the BVI on a cruise in the weeks to come, you may be thrilled to learn that you’re no longer treated as a potential health threat for the archipelago.

    Buildings In The Village Of Road Town In The British Virgin Islands

    On July 15, he Commonwealth collective of small islands lifted its only, yet much criticized entry requirement: that of mandatory pre-departure testing, applying to all irrespective to immunization and/or recovery status. Now that testing has been scrapped, there are officially no Covid mandates left to be observed when crossing the BVI border.

    According to Petrona Davies, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, this relaxation is based upon the ‘reduced impact of Covid and the move from pandemic to endemic’. Based on this statement, we can safely assert that the British Virgin Islands is officially leaving Covid behind as it returns to a pre-pandemic state of normality.

    Woman With Yellow Sarong At A Deserted Tropical Beach, Sandy Cay, British Virgin Islands

    Mrs. Davies confirmed that, after two years of living in a state of emergency and the vaccination campaign, the virus is having a ‘very minimal impact’ on the population. Cases may oscillate, but mortality rates have ‘significantly decreased’. She cites the positive health trend as the reason why they are reopening borders and allowing ‘pre-Covid’ tourism.

    In sum:

    • No vaccination requirements (including boosters)
    • No pre-departure testing
    • No post-arrival testing
    • No quarantine
    • No mandatory proof of Covid health insurance
    • No masks indoors or outdoors
    Couple Toasting With Margarita Cocktail In A Teak Lounge Chairs On A Tropical Beach In The Caribbean, White Bay, Jost Van Dyke

    Don’t Forget To Get Insured Of The Relaxed Rules

    These may be exciting times now that Covid is being treated more like a mild disease and less like a major health threat, but we should not let our guards down: international travel is still very much in a state of chaos, from long delays for passport renewal to the spate of cancellations affecting air passengers.

    When flying abroad, make sure you get insured in order to minimize risks of being left stranded, or facing under a financial strain due to flight disruption and other emergency expenses. You can find out more about different insurance policies, including those fit for long-term travel, on this link.

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    Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling.  Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories

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  • Record Number Of Direct Flights Happening Between The U.S. And Greece This Summer

    Record Number Of Direct Flights Happening Between The U.S. And Greece This Summer

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    Do you fancy a trip to Greece this summer? It just became far easier for Americans. Delta Airlines is teaming up with Greek carrier SKY Express to offer tourists connections across Greece and Cyprus.

    The new partnership—which began on May 19, 2022—will allow tourists to fly on Delta airlines direct flights to Athens, Greece, before connecting to 34 famous places. 

    These places include:

    • Mykonos 
    • Santorini 
    • Crete 
    • Corfu 

    Delta also offers a record number of direct flights from the United States to Athens—including direct flights to Athens from NYC, Boston, and Atlanta. 

    The Statement From The Airlines

    Perry Cantarutti, Delta’s senior vice president of alliances, said: “Greece is one of the most sought-after destinations this summer for American travelers, and with trade and tourism flows increasing between our countries, Delta’s partnership with SKY express gives our customers more versatility when it comes to planning the perfect Greek getaway,”

    “Customers will be able to hold a single Delta ticket and check their bags from North America all the way to their final destination, providing customers with a seamless service to some of the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean,” he added. 

    delta airlines

    SKY Express operates A320neo and ATR 72600 aircraft. Delta said this “suited to the geographical environment of the Greek islands.”

    In addition, Yiannis Lidakis, the commercial director of SKY express, said: “With one of the youngest fleets and an unrivaled network, this arrangement with Delta will allow customers across the U.S. to connect to the magical charm of the Greek islands,”

    Which U.S Airports Will Delta Fly From?

    Delta will have regular flights to Greece from Atlanta, Boston, New York-JFK, etc. As a result, U.S. tourists can fly directly to Greece instead of flying to another destination in Europe, such as the United Kingdom, then connecting to Greece. 

    However, the connecting flights offered by Delta and SKY Express to popular Greek island resorts from Athens are superb for U.S. tourists.

    As most Greek islands don’t have international airports—even some popular ones—it can be a headache traveling to the Greek islands from outside Europe. During COVID-19 and the subsequent lack of flights, it sometimes took Americans three flights to visit Santorini and Mykonos. 

    This news takes away much of the stress of visiting Greece’s beautiful islands

    tourists shopping in Mykonos, Greece

    What Are Greece’s Entry Requirements? 

    Greece has removed all COVID-19 entry requirements. Therefore, U.S. travelers can visit the nation without testing, mandatory quarantine, proof of vaccination, and passenger locator forms.

    Corfu Old Town Seen From The New Venetian Fortress, Corfu Town, Greece

    Greece has also removed its mask mandate and all other internal restrictions. Greece is completely back to normal for U.S. visitors.

    Although Greece reopened its borders in 2020, entry restrictions were still challenging for two years. Until recently, the nation also had a mandatory vaccine passport for almost all indoor venues, which made Greece highly challenging for unvaccinated tourists. 

    steps in Mykonos overlooking the water in Greece

    Other Airlines Who Fly Directly To Greece

    Thankfully, Delta Airlines isn’t the only airline offering direct flights to Greece this summer. 

    These airlines also offer direct flights from the United States to Greece:

    • Emirates: Emirates will fly directly to Athens from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) this summer. The total flight time will be 9 hours and 10 minutes. Travelers can then arrange their transportation to the islands. 
    • American Airlines: American Airlines will fly directly to Athens from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) this summer. The total flight time will be 10 hours and 20 minutes. American Airlines will also fly directly to Athens from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) this summer, with a total flight time of 9 hours and 30 minutes. 
    • Air Canada: Canadians can fly directly from Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL) to Athens this summer. The total flight time is 9 hours. 
    • United Airlines: United Airlines will fly directly to Athens from Dulles International Airport (IAD) this summer. The total flight time is 9 hours and 45 minutes. 

    Final Thoughts

    Greece is one of the best destinations for Americans in 2021. As the nation grows in popularity, more and more flights from North America are heading to Greece directly.

    Stay tuned for more information on flights to Europe this summer!

    Read More:

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    These 5 Airlines Have Lowered The Cost Of Wi-Fi

    United Launches New Ultra-Fast Bag Check-In Under 1 Minute

    New Direct Flights From the U.S. To Norway Launching This Summer

    Travel Demand is Back to Pre-Pandemic Levels and What it Means To You This Summer

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    Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling.  Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories

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