It’s been two years since the last ferry ran from Turkey to Greece before closing indefinitely due to pandemic precautions, but tourists are now once again able to travel by sea between the two neighbouring destinations.
The ban on ferry services, which were halted for two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, was lifted on February 7, and the restriction also applies to private yachts sailing between Turkey’s Aegean coasts and the Greek islands.
Ferry routes that have, or will resume shortly include those from Bodrum to Kos, Çeşme to Chios, Fethiye to Rhodes, Ayvalık to Lesvos and Kuşadası to Samos.
Most of these ferry services leave in the morning and return the same afternoon, making a quick day trip to Greece and vice versa an option for many locals and international tourists to both countries.
During a day trip, many visitors choose to enjoy some lunch, have a coffee, or walk around the port area and shops- while others prefer to stay overnight or for longer to experience more of the islands.
Ferry destination options between Greece and Turkey are expected to increase over the next few months, as international visitor numbers start to grow and the weather warms up.
As the Easter holidays approach, Greece has announced that as of today, March 15, international visitors will no longer be required to fill out a Passenger Locator Form (PLF).
“As of Tuesday, passengers arriving in the country from any destination overseas do not need to fill in the online PLF form before arriving in Greece,” stated the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority on Monday.
Those who hold a valid European Union digital COVID-19 certificate do not need to present proof of a negative pre-arrival COVID-19 test. This includes travellers from the EU and Schengen zone; as well as 33 other non-EU destinations that have joined the EU digital COVID Certificate system.
The 33 additional non-EU destinations include Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Cabo Verde, El Salvador, Faroe Islands, Georgia, Israel, Iceland, Lebanon, Liechtenstein, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Panama, San Marino, Serbia, Singapore, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tunisia, Togo, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Uruguay, and the Vatican.
Travellers from the United States, Australia, and Canada can also enter Greece by showing one of the following: proof of vaccination, proof of recovery certificate ( that passenger has had the virus in the last 180 days), or a negative COVID-19 PCR test administered 72 before departure or a negative antigen test administered no more than 24 hours prior to departure.
Visitors from all other countries still need to present proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test administered 72 before departure or a negative antigen test administered no more than 24 hours prior to departure.
Visitors from all other countries still need to present proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test administered 72 before departure or a negative antigen test administered no more than 24 hours prior to departure.
Other Entry Rules into Greece
Random rapid testing on arrival
All international visitors to Greece, regardless of vaccination status, may be subject to a random COVID-19 rapid test at the airport.
If a passenger is selected for a rapid test and is positive for the coronavirus, they must quarantine for five days at home or in a temporary facility as indicated by Greek authorities.
Wearing Masks at Airports
At the arrival and departure areas inside airports, as well as during all domestic and international flights, staff and passengers are required to wear a face mask at all times.
Passengers are also required to comply with instructions of airport and airline staff responsible for supervising, crowd management and passenger assistance, in order to maintain the necessary distances and to ensure safe boarding/disembarkation to avoid overcrowding.
For all the latest travel requirements to Greece head totravel.gov.gr
Qatar Airways has announced it will launch flights direct to Santorini, starting June 7, 2022- just in time for the peak summer season.
This famous Greek Cycladic island will be Qatar Airways’ third Greek route along with Athens and Mykonos. The airline will also relaunch its seasonal flights to Mykonos during the same week.
The three flights per week will operate every Tuesday, Saturday, and Sunday.
“We are pleased to add Santorini to our global network in 2022, with this exciting new destination joining Athens and Mykonos to become our third gateway to this beautiful country. This expansion will further solidify our relationship with Greece,” said Qatar Airways CEO, Akbar Al Baker.
The Qatar flights will be operated by Airbus A320 aircraft, with 12 seats in Business Class and 132 seats in Economy Class.
The schedule is as follows:
Saturday and Sunday – Doha (DOH) to Santorini (JTR) – departs: 7:50 arrives: 12:20
As the flawless facade of Kavala city presented itself when we were approaching the city, one of my friends exclaimed “It feels as though we are on a ferry approaching an island, doesn’t it?” We didn’t have to respond to her question as she already knew the answer. Kavala may be on the Greek mainland, but it most certainly has that island vibe!
Once popular for its tobacco trade, Kavala boasts a remarkable collection of buildings scattered around the city, where people used to trade, process, and store tobacco in the 20th century. The city has everything you could want for a weekend getaway: a picturesque facade with colorful houses, a bustling waterfront lined with traditional Greek tavernas and cobbled streets built amphitheatrically around the bay to stroll through in the evenings.
Our travel guide to Kavala will help you get the most out of visiting this beautiful city!
How to get there and around
Situated Northeast of Thessaloniki, Kavala’s port is a focal point in the region of Eastern Macedonia and the entry to Eastern Greece, rightly known as ‘The Thermopyles of Macedonia’. You can fly directly from Athens, drive to it from the mainland or take the ferry from one of the islands.
Getting there by air: Kavala International Airport “Alexander the Great” (KVA) is located just 30km outside the city. It serves daily flights from Athens and International flights from England, Germany, Italy and other European countries. Flying from Athens takes an hour and costs a bit less than 100€.
Getting around by car: Hire a car and make the 150km journey from Thessaloniki, the second-largest city in Greece. The journey takes about 2 hours and the ride is quite pleasant as you get to see more of the Aegean and Chalkidiki’s seaside.
Getting around by public transport:Macedonia bus station in Thessaloniki runs bus routes from Thessaloniki to Kavala about 10 times per day. The ticket costs 16€ and the ride duration is 2 hours and 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can take the ferry boat from Thassos and/or Limnos island.
A few ways to ways to soak up Kavala
Ouzo & seafood at the seafront.
The promenade along the waterfront is a lovely place to start exploring Kavala; the air is laden with the aroma of freshly grilled fish and seafood, and people at the ouzeries linger around tables, toasting their glasses and saying ‘Opa’ every now and then. We recommend Apiko, an old-school traditional restaurant with views of the port and the main street.
Get a Greek island feel on the mainland!
Walk around the 16th-century Aquaduct
A walk through the ‘Kamares’ (meaning Arches in Greek) will convince you that Kavala was once a prime city! The Aquaduct is the most characteristic monument in the city, the grandiose arches are 25m tall and have a length of 270 m stretching along the Old City.
Visit the Castle
Enjoy the panoramic views from the top of The Castle of Kavala! Built to protect the city from pirate attacks, the castle of Kavala is one of the city’s most popular destinations to visit. To get there you need to walk through narrow, uphill alleyways, passing old houses and exchanging pleasantries with some of the locals feeding the stray cats. Tip: pack some lunch with you, find a spot to sit and enjoy the views of the city and the port.
Wander through Panagia (Old City)
Wandering through the narrow streets of Panagia will take you a few centuries back as the old tobacco buildings in the area give you the feeling of having instantly travelled in the past. The majority of these beautiful buildings once belonged to tobacco traders – the legacy of the days when exporting tobacco fueled Kavala’s prosperity. Here, you will also find Muhhamed Ali’s house and the Imaret, a Muslim seminary built in 1821 to educate the less fortunate of the city regardless of their religion that has now been converted into a hotel.
Explore the Tobacco Museum
With artefacts and archived material relating to the cultivation and production of tobacco, this museum uniquely presents the history of technology and economy in Kavala and the region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace.
Visit the City Hall
Resembling a miniature Hungarian tower, Kavala’s City Hall is most definitely one of the prettiest buildings in Greece. This Gothic revival building belonged to Hungarian tobacco trader Pierre Herzog, who used it as his residence and place of business. The building was purchased by the Municipality of Kavala in 1937 and since then it houses the City Hall.
Swim at Kalamitsa
Kalamitsa is the nearest beach to Kavala, it has a long sandy stretch and clean, shallow waters that make it ideal to visit with young children. There is a free car park just opposite the beach, plenty of changing rooms to use and cafes to have a nibble if you feel like doing so. There is also Batis beach next to Kalamitsa but the beach opening to the sea is much smaller and often too crowded to find a spot.
Hot sand, reviving water, ice coffee, a sweet little breeze, as you dip in and out of your dreams – in a fantasy-like landscape! This is the time to start planning your trip to Greece, and one of the best ways is to plan according to the beaches you’ll be visiting.
Here we skip out on the most famous beaches that are written about everywhere and focus on other Instagrammable, drone-worthy coastlines with lovely waters that will probably be a little to a lot less touristy. Tip: June and September are the ideal months for a less busy beach vibe.
Sarakiniko, Milos
Have you been to the moon? Here, you’ll find yourself in a scene surrounded by white volcanic rocks as soft as chalk and shaped like other-worldly sculptures. Admire the deep cove with sparkling green waters that turn to shades of blue in deeper parts. While on Milos, make sure to have a swim at Fyriplaka beach, with powdery white sand and turquoise waters, not to mention the impressive cliffs that change colour (from pink to neon yellow) every few meters.
Xi Beach, Kefalonia
A somewhat eerie landscape is located in the area of Palika, south of Lixouri. It took its name from the letter “Xi” in the Greek alphabet because of the shape of the bay where it’s located. But what makes Xi beach stand even more is the unusual reddish-cherry colour of the sand. Here you’ll also find clay that you can slap onto your skin for a DIY spa treatment. The most beautiful time for diving is at sunset when the colour of the sand is enhanced and the scenery becomes exceptionally seductive.
Canal D’amour, Corfu
Between Sidari and Peroulades lies this impressive landscape with turquoise waters, white sculptured rock, caves and small beaches. There’s a legend about the Channel of Eros, especially impressive from above (get your drone out) that says that whoever swims in the narrow passage in front of the beach, will meet the love of his life on the other side.
Seychelles, Ikaria
Greece has its own Seychelles! On an island where the beaches are pretty but unremarkable, this beach stands out for its fine white pebbles mixed with sand, massive white rocks that make the landscape space-like, and crystal clear and deep blue waters.
Giola, Thassos
Giola is a spectacular natural rock pool in the Astris area of Thassos. The height of the rocks, which reach about 8 meters high, and the luscious green waters of Giola – in contrast to the dark blue waters of the sea that surrounds it – make this sea pool very special.
Balos, Crete
Admire one of the most exotic beaches in Greece, considered one of the best in the Mediterranean, Balos in the prefecture of Chania. The sand here glistens with white and red hues. The most incredible shades of blue and green compete in the waters, while the islet of Gramvousa with its Venetian castle makes the scene even more magical.
Mavra Volia (Mavros Gialos), Chios
Landscape like a sci-fi movie! It stands out for its black pebbles due to the inactive volcano Psaronas, as well as the crystal clear icy waters that also get their dark colour from the colour of the pebbles.
Saliara, Thassos
The white-white beach with crystal blue waters, known to foreigners as marble beach, owes its colour to the white stone that adorns the coast!
Porto Timoni, Corfu
These are actually two different beaches in sheltered bays, separated by a narrow strip of land. The smaller one is called Limni, while the larger one is called Porto Timoni. The waters here are turquoise and crystal clear. Nature was in a good mood when it formed Porto Timoni in Corfu!
Trypiti or Gala, Koufonisia
The location of Gala is an indentation in the rock that looks like a hole (in the past the locals called it Tripiti) and inside it hides a small beach! You will find it in Ano Koufonissi, very close to Pori beach. In the area, you can also explore the caves of Xylobatis, as well as the cave “The Eye of the Devil”. Beyond Gala, Koufonisia has a coastline that hides incredible landscapes that seem to belong to this land.
Athens in the spring is an idyllic destination for tourist-free ramblings to parks, museums, neighbourhoods and restaurants. Add the fact that within less than two hours you can hop into a car, bus, or boat and reach somewhere very special for a lovely day trip and you’ve got a winner! Here we put the spotlight on our four favourite places to explore in a day.
Cape Sounio
Head for the southernmost tip of Attica and walk up to the 5th C B.C. Doric Temple of Poseidon, God of the sea, towers on an acropolis with astounding views of the sea on three different sides. Though to be constructed according to Sacred Geometry and according to the metaphysically minded to be positioned exactly under four stars that are the ‘portals of the Universe’ the temple has enchanted thousands upon thousands of visitors throughout the ages, including Lord Byron, who carved out his name on one of the temple’s doorposts. Only around a 50-minute drive from Athens, Sounio is an ideal destination for a sunny springtime day trip. Spend the day by the sea enjoying coffee or a seafood lunch at one of the fish taverns of Lavrio town with its pretty marina and walk up to Temple just before sunset. To explore the surrounding area, head along the Ethnikos Drimos forested road parallel to the road from Sounio to Lavrio and traipse the many paths to come across chapels, ancient wells and a huge crater called ‘Chaos’.
Aegina
In just 40 minutes on a flying dolphin vessel, you’ll find yourself on the pretty, historical and culturally charming Saronic island of Aegina, famous for its delicious local pistachio variety (make sure you try the unforgettable pistachio ice cream sold at the port). Spend the day wandering through the town or take a horse-drawn carriage ride and enjoy views of the sea as you chow down on fresh fish and ouzo. Right outside scenic Aegina Town, with its attractive neoclassical architecture, visit the Temple of Aphaia, one of Greece’s most important ancient sites. Also, within walking distance from the centre of town is the Christos Kapralos Museum, the old studio of one of Greece’s most famous sculptors. To get a feeling of local culture, visit the Orthodox church of Agios Nektarios, dedicated to Greece’s first modern saint and patron saint of Aegina. Explore the villages of Agia Marina and especially Perdika in the southwest part of the island, where you’ll feel you’ve teleported to the Cyclades because of the picturesque, whitewashed houses and streets decorated with colourful flowers. From Perdika you can hop onto a boat for a 10-minute ride to Moni islet where you can admire protected animal inhabitants, including peacocks and deer, and the emerald waters that surround it. Don’t miss out on Paleochora, the island’s ancient capital, an old Byzantine town where you’ll see the remnants of 38 chapels. Also well worth a visit is the archaeological site of Kolona, characterised by the Doric column and the remains of the Temple of Apollo.
Acro Corinth & Ancient Corinth
On your way to these two beautiful and important historical destinations stop at the Corinth Canal, a narrow canal (around 7km across and 8m deep) that marks you’ve started your journey into the Peloponnese region. A strategic trading spot in ancient times, the canal connected the Ionian and Aegean seas. In the modern city of Corinth, you’ll find ancient (chiefly Roman) ruins among streets, tourist shops and eateries. Visit Ancient Corinth, where the likes of Pausanias, and St Paul, who taught the gospel of Christ have trodden. At the ancient site, admire the seven remaining columns of the Temple of Apollo, the North Market, the South Stoa, Lechaion Road, and the theatre and the Asklepion. Just half an hour’s drive away, you’ll reach Acrocorinth, especially lush and photographable in springtime, with increasingly wondrous views as you rise higher and higher up the hill, stopping to explore Medieval and Ottoman fortifications. The Natura 200 habitat of 540m-high Acrocorinth is an excellent place to trek uphill to take in spanning views of ancient Corinth and the sprawling Peloponnesian landscapes all around. From here, drive to Lake Stymphalia to enjoy even more natural beauty with ancient roots.
Nafplio
South of Corinth (and two hours drive from Athens) is Nafplio, the first capital of modern Greece and one of the country’s most quaint destinations. With a perfect combination of seaside life, neoclassical Venetian architecture and labyrinthine paved roads, Ottoman and Byzantine buildings, including the fortress of Palamidi (find out for yourself; is it really a whopping 999 steps to reach up there?) that crowns the town, it makes for a dreamy day trip. Explore the Old Town with Syntagma Square and Old Admirals Square, chic little stores lining the Great Road, cafes and restaurants, and don’t miss out on the Archaeological Museum, the Byzantine Church of the Virgin Mary’s Birth, the Peloponnesian Folklore Foundation Museum, the Old Mosque on Syntagma Square and the Palace of Justice.
The first Mandarin Oriental resort will open its doors in Greece at Navarino Bay, an integrated resort area at Costa Navarino, in the region of Messinia, southwest Peloponnese, amidst a breathtaking 140-hectare natural landscape, overlooking the historic Bay of Navarino.
Greece’s first Mandarin Oriental to open at Navarino Bay
Set to open in 2023, the beachfront luxury resort will feature 99 guest rooms, including 48 spacious earth-sheltered pool villas, all with outdoor terraces and stunning sea views, along with five restaurants and bars. Crafted by renowned Greek architects, Tombazis & Associates Architects and K-Studio, the unique design is aligned with Costa Navarino’s sustainable principles, featuring planted roofs blending into the natural topography of the land and the use of local materials.
Additionally, this ultra-premium resort is set to feature a 1,500 m2 spa and fitness centre with a stunning 25 m indoor-outdoor pool and sweeping sea views, complemented by state-of-the-art heat experiences and Mandarin Oriental’s signature wellness therapies in specially designed indoor treatment rooms and outdoor pavilions.
The project is owned and developed by TEMES, a leading developer and operator of high-end tourism and real estate destinations in Greece.
“We are delighted to be opening our first property in Greece in Costa Navarino and look forward to sharing this striking combination of unspoiled landscape, olive groves, pristine beaches, and authentic Greek culture in the region with our guests,” said James Riley, Group Chief Executive of Mandarin Oriental. “We are pleased to partner with TEMES, the group that has been responsible for the creation of Costa Navarino as a bourgeoning tourism destination.”
Located in the heart of Messinia
“Mandarin Oriental is renowned for delivering exemplary service and exclusive experiences in some of the most noted properties around the world,” said Achilles V. Constantakopoulos, Chairman of TEMES. “We are proud to have the Group bring their hospitality expertise for the first time to Greece, signifying the further growth of Costa Navarino, which is becoming a top international destination to visit and to live”.
Guests of Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino will also benefit from the destination’s other resort areas, and experience a vast range of outdoor activities, from biking and hiking to rock-climbing, tennis, and water sports, as well as three more signature golf courses. Additionally, a variety of dining venues and leisure activities are available across Navarino Dunes and Navarino Waterfront.
Moreover, Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino will be adjacent to Navarino Agora, an open marketplace with retail, artisanal street food, open-air cinema, and authentic local experiences by day and night.
As of Monday, February 7, 2022, travellers to Greece with a European vaccination certificate can enter the country without showing a negative COVID-19 test, as the country prepares to open early for the summer season- marking March 1 as the day that the industry begins to officially welcome international visitors.
On Friday, Greece’s Health Minister Thanos Plevris announced, “Starting Monday, February 7, those entering the country with a European certificate will do so without a mandatory test.”
Tourism Minister Vassilis Kikilias supported Greece’s decision on easing travel restrictions for European Union citizens, as the country plans on opening the tourism sector earlier than ever.
“Our country is taking all the vital steps this year to welcome our visitors for the summer season, earlier than ever before, as of March 1,” Minister Kikilias said.
“Greece sends a strong message of security to its visitors with a valid European Covid Certificate. The decision follows a number of measures that facilitate potential travellers to plan their visit to Greece,” added Kikilias.
Greece welcomed more than 7.2 million tourists during the January to November period of 2021, however, the government is hoping these numbers increase to pre-pandemic times, with record levels of 2019, when travellers to the country spent more than 18 billion euros, according to receipts.
For non-European citizens, it should be noted that so far, 33 non-EU countries (and territories) have joined the EU Digital COVID Certificate system, based on EU equivalence decisions.
The COVID certificates issued in those 33 countries (and territories) are accepted in the EU under the same conditions as the EU Digital COVID Certificate. These countries are: Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Cabo Verde, El Salvador, Faroe Islands, Georgia, Israel, Iceland, Lebanon, Liechtenstein, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Panama, San Marino, Serbia, Singapore, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Tunisia, Togo, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and the Crown Dependencies (Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man), Uruguay and The Vatican.
Greek family-owned and based in Athens, Variety Cruises, the world’s largest small ships cruise line, has created a new 8-day itinerary for 2022 that will take a small group of guests around some of the most beautiful unexplored Greek islands.
With a focus on boutique travel and off-the-beaten-track itineraries, this unique Unexplored Greek Islands cruise is designed to allow guests to discover unknown gems with rich history, incomparable light, translucent water, and heavenly beaches.
From the 1st of July through to the 16th of September 2022, Variety Cruises’ Callisto ship will set sail for ten stunning Greek island destinations. Departing from the port of Piraeus in Athens, it will head straight to Cape Sounion, for sunset cocktails and a welcome dinner under the ancient Greek temple of Poseidon.
“This cruise offers a more nourishing side of Greece, a taste of true Greek culture. These are places where people take pride in offering hospitality – in line with the ancient custom of filoxenia, love of strangers – and where things are done with meraki, love and soul. A cruise voyage unraveling the most authentic Cycladic and Dodecanese islands of Greece,” says the team at Variety Cruises, who are there to help each guest experience a great getaway that caters to personal taste and preferences.
With only 34 guests on board, the intimate cruise ship then arrives at the island of Ikaria, one of the world’s famous Blue Zones. Once the ship docks, guests are guided as to where they can explore authentic villages, hikes in wild landscapes, or a dip in one of the eight natural thermal springs. For something less adventurous, they can take part in cooking classes or have a coffee with some of the friendly locals.
Each day travellers are able to discover a new port of call, a hidden cove with crystal blue waters, a glimpse of ancient history, a rich cultural diversity; with the next stop being the tranquil island of Patmos, home of the Grotto and Monastery of Saint John the Apocalypse. In the afternoon there is another stop off at the hidden island of Lipsi, before finishing the tour of the Dodecanese in Kalymnos– a destination filled with fresh flavours, rich cuisine and history.
With plenty of time for independent exploration, there are many opportunities to jump off the vessel’s platform straight into the Mediterranean Sea for a swim, snorkel or a kayak in a secluded beach or cove. This is especially magical as the ship sails towards the famous Cyclades, where guests are whisked off to private bays that can only be reached by small ships. Guests will be able to experience the authentic beauty of Amorgos, before a stop off at Koufonisia and Iraklia– which feature the most stunning waters.
Serifos island is the last destination on this trip, highlighting the Cyclades’ brilliant light, and steadfast traditions. Enjoy one last swim at one of the island’s remote beaches before heading for the final stop at the port of Piraeus.
About“Callisto”
Callisto has 16 experienced crew on board, hosting 34 guests. The modern ship boasts classic lines and comfortable lounges, as well as spacious dining areas, a library and two decks for sunbathing, shaded areas and outdoor bar and loungers. Guests are able to enjoy 360° views of the unobstructed ocean and can mingle with others in public areas, or enjoy a moment to yourself in the ample deck space, before retreating to one of the 17 ocean views cabins- all offering windows or portholes.
Greece, a long-time favourite destination for tourists worldwide, has a range of airlines ensuring a safe, smooth and comfortable flight for all visitors.
In Greece, there are five main airline carriers – Aegean, Olympic, Sky Express, Ellinair, and Bluebird Airways. Together, these Greek airlines service all the major destinations in the country, with daily services along the busier domestic routes.
To help you choose the best airline for your future flights in Greece, we’ve put together a small guide to Greek airlines.
Aegean Airways
Athens-based airline Aegean Airlines is the largest airline in the country, flying domestically within Greece and between Greece, as well as in Europe and the United Kingdom. Having been named the best regional airline in Europe on many occasions, this 4-star airline offers great service and is one of the safest airlines in the world. The company’s flights are operated by Airbus planes and Aegean became a Star Alliance member in 2010. The airline operates scheduled and charter services from Athens and Thessaloniki; with its main hubs being Athens International Airport, Macedonia International Airport in Thessaloniki and Larnaca International Airport in Cyprus. Aegean’s main destinations within Greece include the busiest routes: Mykonos, Santorini, Corfu and Mytilini. Miles+Bonus is the frequent flyer program of Aegean Airlines and it has three tiers: Blue, Silver and Gold; gold members of Miles+Bonus as well as passengers that travel business class on an Aegean Airlines flight have access to the three Aegean Business Lounges in Athens, Thessaloniki and Larnaca.
Olympic Air
Founded in 1957 by Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis, Olympic was once considered one of the most glamorous airlines in the world. Now named Olympic Air, it was acquired in 2009 by Aegean Airlines. With its main hub in Athens, the carrier continues to operate the domestic routes (some of them in co-operation with Aegean). Some Aegean international flights are also operated by Olympic Air. The airline currently services popular Greek destinations including Chios, Ikaria, Kalamata, Karpathos, Kastelorizo, Milos, Skiathos and Zakynthos. Miles+Bonus is the frequent flyer program of Olympic Air.
Sky Express, headquartered in Heraklion, Crete, was launched in 2005. With a hub in Athens and Heraklion, the airline flies to 35 domestic and eight international destinations. Sky Express is one of the safest airlines in Europe; however, since the company offers cheap flights, it’s considered a budget airline. Named the fastest-growing airline in Greece, destinations include Astypalia, Kalymnos, Corfu, Kozani, Syros, Volos, Paros, Milos, Rhodes, and Mykonos. German charter airline Condor also just announced it has launched a code-sharing agreement with Sky Express for flights to 28 destinations in Greece as of this summer (2022). This will include 17 direct services from Germany to Greece with transfers offered to another eleven Greek destinations.
Ellinair is Greece’s newest airline, which began operating in 2014- offering charter flights. The airline now flies to 32 different destinations and is considered one of Greece’s relatively cheapest and safest airlines. Ellinair has five Airbus aircraft and mainly operates flights to Eastern Europe and Russia from its main base at Thessaloniki and Athens airport, with additional direct flights to international destinations from Corfu airport and Heraklion airport (in peak season). During the summer season, Ellinair operates several A320s, performing charter services in association with major tour operators. The charter flights connect visitors from Greece to Italy, Poland, Israel, Russia, Austria, Germany, Ukraine and other countries.
Having launched in 2008, Blue Bird Airways is a Greek airline that offers regular and seasonal scheduled flights. The airline is based at Heraklion International Airport in Crete and offers flights to several Greek islands, as well as to other destinations within Europe. With a strong focus on providing scheduled and charter flights from Tel Aviv, Blue Bird Airways’ fleet consists entirely of Boeing aircraft and domestic destinations include Heraklion, Kos, Mykonos, Rhodes, and Thessaloniki. This budget airline only offers Economy Class and doesn’t have a frequent flyer program, nor is it part of an airline alliance.
Set on the Peloponnesian peninsula, right on Koutoura beach, Dexamenes is an architecturally award-winning hotel that has been transformed from a former 1920s industrial winery into a standout seaside retreat.
Boasting stunning surroundings filled with sunflowers, watermelon fields, olive groves, vineyards, and citrus trees, this tranquil spot is the ideal place to unwind, in between visits to nearby archaeological sites, wineries, and historical sites.
Dexamenes is about an hour from Patras city, right next to the town of Amaliada, allowing easy access to the Unesco World Heritage-listed Ancient Olympia – the birthplace of the Olympic Games, as well as the nearby forested mountains of Elis.
Athens’ leading architectural firm, K-Studio, has received a range of accolades for this project that was carried out with the utmost respect for the authentic property’s industrial heritage; and has just been shortlisted for the 2022 European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture – Mies van der Rohe Award.
Materials used throughout the space include terrazzo, concrete, birch-faced ply, and black steel; and although it is modern and minimalist in design, it is nonetheless warm and inviting. Most popular with locals, guests are able to make the most of the sandy beach, which is only footsteps away, before coming back and enjoying a private dinner, art installations, live music performances, and of course wine-tasting.
What makes this place even more unique is the experience of sleeping inside old wine tanks, which have been minimally retouched with steel, engineered glass, timber, and a clean-lined aesthetic. Many of the rooms offer uninterrupted views of the Ionian Sea, while others have views of two huge, weathered tanks and a feature pool. Each has a canopied outdoor area for plenty of R & R, and bathrooms are luxuriously appointed, with showers and textured glass walls. There is also a private villa in a neo-classical style overlooking the Aegean Sea; it features two suites, a room with bunk beds as well as a kitchen- perfect for those with children, or if you are looking at a longer stay.
Dexamenes also boasts a laid-back courtyard, unique yoga space for stretching or meditation, bar-lounge with over 100 wines to choose from, a taverna offering Greek cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients, a history room with details of the authentic surroundings, and a boutique “Bakaliko” store selling local produce to take home after your stay. Local artists also regularly curate exhibitions and installations in the gallery, where you will find handmade ceramics and jewellery pieces, all designed and crafted by local artisans and available in the small gift shop.
Greece is gearing up for what is expected to be an outstanding year in travel for the entire country.
The Greek Tourism Ministry is anticipating the sector will return to pre-pandemic levels in 2022, as officials are working closely with industry leaders to ensure it’s a record year across the board.
In 2019, over 33 million visitors arrived in Greece, up from 24 million in 2015, making it one of the most visited countries in Europe and the world.
And according to Tourism Minister Vassilis Kikilias, this year will see a booming comeback with new projects including upgrading important tourism infrastructure, setting up a crisis management task force, and new training programs for tourism professionals.
The Ministry also stressed the importance of highlighting Greece as a year-round destination, extending the tourism season, promoting lesser-known destinations, attracting higher-quality tourists, promoting cruise travel, attracting tourism investment, as well as focusing on sustainable tourism practices.
So far, the government has approved projects including upgrades to tourist ports, development of winter and mountain tourism, development of wellness and health tourism, training programs for tourism employees, agri-food and gastronomy tourism, diving and underwater tourism as well as making beaches more accessible to those with disabilities.
According to trade publication Travel Pulse, a recent survey by tour operators worldwide revealed key travel trends and top destinations for 2022, with Europe leading the way. Italy is currently ranking as the number one place of interest, Greece, and France tying second, and Ireland coming in at number three.
In another report just released by Greek tourism research group Tourix, Athens is also attracting more and more interest from the United States, Israel, and Cyprus.
