Welcome to my Greek Islands COVID-19 Travel Updates
I am documenting the situation on the Greek Islands with regular Greek Islands COVID-19 Travel Updates. I started on May 11th from my home island Aegina and I am now traveling through the Greek Islands giving you insider information about what is going on.
In my quest I hope to help all travelers by answering questions like: Is it safe to travel? How are the ferry schedules? Is accommodation available?...
Travel Update #7 | July 30th, 2020
You might be interested: Best Greek Islands for 2020
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You might be interested: Best Greek Islands for 2020
Travel Update #6 | June 18th, 2020
This is the transcript. For the full content please click on the link above to watch the video or watch it on YOUTUBE.
Hello, and YASSOU everybody, this is Andonis, the Greek Island Guru with yet the 6th Greek Island COVID-19 Travel Update.
After spending an entire week on the beautiful Cycladic island of Milos, the island with the most stunning beaches in Greece, I want to give you all an insider look at what to expect.
I’ll touch subjects like:
- What is it like to travel by ferry?
- How did I find accommodation?
- What was it like being one of the few tourists on the island?
- What are the most amazing things one can do on Milos?
You might be interested: Best Greek Islands for 2020
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Ferry situation
I took the ferry 2 times, one going to Milos, where I embarked a large ferry with my family and the second time coming back with a catamaran two days ago.
As you can see from the footage, both vessels were lightly occupied, considering we are in June when ferries are usually packed.
What surprised me pleasantly were two things:
- all staff was wearing masks;
- that every second seat was blocked so that passengers cannot sit close to each other;
All in all, my experience traveling by ferry was enjoyable, and I felt safe and protected.
You might be interested: Best Greek Islands for 2020
Accommodation on Milos During COVID-19
Well, as I mentioned in my previous updates, I believe that the way to go in 2020 in Greece is apartments and not hotels.
I prefer much more having my own private space, as opposed to having to go through lobbies, receptions, common areas, and pools.
So what we did is we searched Airbnb for a beautiful 2 bedroom apartment which we found for 55€ a night, discounted from originally 90€ a night.
Then, before booking, we made sure to send a message to confirm that they are open for business, and when we got the confirmation, that was it.
And you know, as usual for Greece, we had an excellent relationship with the owners who were super sweet and were bringing us local dishes almost daily.
They were friendly, discreet, you know, the ingredients of an excellent stay, right?
On Milos island during covid-19, june 2020
We arrived at Milos on June 8th, about a week before the airports opened up for the first 20 countries to be let in Greece.
As you can imagine, we were amongst very few tourists.
Now, how did that feel?
AMAZING, because we had all the beaches for ourselves!!!
No problem with parking, crowds, finding that small bit of shade on a Greek Island beach, right?
We even had the privilege to enjoy SARAKINIKO beach by ourselves. Have a look below.
This beach is THE most incredible scenery that I have visited—really unparalleled beauty.
And enjoying this in the middle of June, in Greece, with the warm weather, well that is truly PRICELESS.
sarakiniko of milos
My Take on travelling to greece in 2020
So, all in all, we feel incredibly privileged and rewarded from our visit to Milos right when the Greek Islands opened up for tourism, and I can only recommend to all of you watching to not miss this opportunity.
Don’t be scared to come to Greece.
The sun and the beautiful weather are all we need to boost our immune system for the coming winter.
And I really, truly believe that if you manage to visit, you will see Greece as uncrowded as you never saw before.
And as you will never see again.
And now, let’s enjoy some of the stunning scenery that Milos has to offer.
Thank you for reading my latest Greek Islands covid-19 update, see you next week
That’s it, dear Greek island friends.
I salute you from Athens, where I had to come for a couple of days.
My family has stayed on Milos, where I am going to join them tomorrow morning.
We are set to visit more islands in the coming weeks, first Sifnos, then we will go to Santorini and after that who knows.
Actually, I know, but I’m keeping it a surprise to all.
Promise to have more exciting news and footage on the next update.
In the meantime, get on the computer and start planning your unforgettable trip to Greece in 2020!
If you need inspiration go to my site and read my latest blog post-Best Greek Islands for 2020
Yassou
Travel Update #5 | June 9th, 2020
This is the transcript. For the full content please click on the link above to watch the video or watch it on YOUTUBE.
Hello, and YASSOU everybody, this is Andonis, the Greek Island Guru with yet the 5th Greek Islands COVID-19 Travel Update from the Cycladic island with the most incredible beaches of Greece.
Does this ring a bell?
We arrived yesterday with an almost empty ferry.
Ferries are traveling without crowds
For those of you who are curious about whether the ferries are crowded, I have shot some video so you can get the picture.
As you can see, the ferries are traveling pretty empty, so no reason for concern.
Since our voyage was 7 hours long, we opted for a cabin and look at what an excellent cute little room we got.
Ferries are operating to all destinations now
The Ferries are operating to all destinations now, with less density than usual.
Rest assured, though, you can get to all destinations in Greece, even the most remote islands.
Check out the Ferry schedule here.
Have a look at this one, Kimolos, where our ferry stopped over yesterday.
This is Kimolos island
How is the situation on the greek island we arrived to?
Now, back to our island.
We wanted to find out how are the Greek Islands in June 2020.
It has very few tourists, in fact, the nice lady who owns the apartment that we rented told us we are among the first tourists of the summer.
When we arrived at the port yesterday, we saw a few people, mainly locals.
You might be interested: Amorgos, the island with the deepest blue waters in the Aegean.
Usually, at this time of the year, except for the tourists, you would see many Greeks, but not this time.
And as you can imagine, this is excellent news for us as we get the beaches all for ourselves.
Have a look at this one from today.
And this one from the first day.
Best advantage of traveling to the Greek Islands during cOVID-19: accommodation prices and choice
Now, what is ,in my opinion, the most significant advantage of all? Well, definitely, the accommodation choice that you get and the good prices.
To have an idea, we managed to rent a 2 bdr apartment for €55/night. This is a spacious apartment that we found through Airbnb originally listed for 90€/night.
Restaurants are slowly opening-up
Restaurants and cafeterias are opening up, this meaning that you will find plenty of options and as I said probably be one of the few guests so you will be taken well care of.
I don’t know about you, but my wife and I like it this way.
Worldometer: Greece ranked second in regards to cases per capita
Lastly, I could not end this without an update from Worldometer:
- Greece has a total of 183 deaths, maintaining the second position in the EU regarding total cases per capita
- and the 8th place in regards to total deaths per capita
So, really encouraging news for all of you out there and us here who can’t do without the taste of the Greek Islands in our summer.
Thank you for reading my latest Greek Islands covid-19 update, see you next week
Make sure you are getting all the new information by connecting to my Facebook page
Thank you for watching, and please don’t forget to like, share and subscribe so you can help me grow this channel.
In the meantime, stay safe, and see you all soon in Greece!
Yassou
Greek Islands COVID-19 Travel Update #4 | June 1st, 2020
This is the transcript. For the full content please click on the link above to watch the video or watch it on YOUTUBE.
Hello, and YASSOU everybody, this is Andonis, the Greek Island Guru with the 4th of my Greek Islands COVID-19 Travel Updates.
I hardly can believe that this is the 4th consecutive week I’m making such a video, and I’d like to thank you all watching.
Since we are at that, please make sure to like, share, and subscribe.
Today I have a lot to cover as Greece is gearing up for the upcoming opening of its borders on June 15th.
I will give you a lot of new information about flights, hotels, car rentals, archaeological sites, yachts and more.
1. Worldometer stats
First, let’s start some stats.
Here is an update from Worldometer:
- Greece holds 175 deaths, with no new deaths in the past 3 days;
- This number places Greece in the second position in the EU in regards to total cases per capita;
- Whereas, in regards to total deaths per capita Greece finds itself in 9th position;
2. Ministry of Foreign affairs releases
Now, we have some fresh news coming out from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarifying the flight situation, that I believe you will all find helpful.
According to those, the initial list of 19 countries to be allowed on June 15th now becomes 29 countries.
Entry will be only through Athens and Thessaloniki airports, and then, from July 1st, direct international flights will be permitted at all other airports around the country.
I also read that random Spot Covid-19 tests for visitors will be conducted using swab tests.
There will be no quarantine required for arrivals from these 29 countries.
3. Travelers arriving from airports of affected areas
Now, something important.
Travelers arriving from airports of affected areas with high COVID-19 risk, irrespective of nationality, will be subject to compulsory testing and quarantine.
- those who test positive will have to do a 14-day quarantine, while
- those who test negative will still have to do a 7-day quarantine;
You can find the list of these airports in the EASA site, the link of which I’m putting below in the description.
4. Beaches and organized beach clubs | No alcohol
Restrictions, 40 people per 1000m2, towels on top of sunbeds mandatory, cantinas, and beach bars can offer only take-away.
The sale of alcohol is currently forbidden on beaches…well let’s see how that goes.
5. Ferries with mandatory masks
As per the latest announcements from government officials:
- 50% capacity restriction;
- Filling of special questionaire is mandatory;
- Passengers showing symptoms can be refused boarding;
- 1 person allowed per cabin except if it is a family;
Fine €150.00 for not using a mask wherever it is required.
Masks are mandatory in all public transportation, including taxis, shuttle buses, and tourist vehicles.
6. Live performances
To begin after July 15th and can only be outdoors.
1.5m distance to be kept between the audience.
7. Archaeological sites and museums
All archaeological sites are already open on an extended schedule from 8am to 8pm to allow more room for visitors.
“Have a look at this footage from a week ago when I went with my family to the mythical temple of Aphaia on Aegina.”
There is a max number of visitors allowed to enter every hour, and the use of maks is strongly encouraged.
Museums to open on June 15th again with capacity limitations.
From what I heard, AC is only allowed in facilities that have fresh air intakes in place.
8. Open-Air Cinemas with 40% capacity limitation
Everybody’s favorites, opening as of today, June 1st, with 40% capacity limitation and ticket sales stopping 15min before start to allow guests to be seated with sufficient time.
A bit too much, in my opinion, but I’m sure this will be adjusted locally.
9. Rent-a-car and transfers
We have some interest rules here. Although they are allowed, the total number of passengers will be restricted.
These restrictions DO NOT apply to families.
- 2 people in a normal car;
- 3 people in a 6-7 seater;
- 4 people in an 8-9 seater;
The same restrictions apply to transfer cars.
10. Hotels, resorts & campsites - No outside guests
Disinfection rules, check-in check-out window has grown, and outside guests are not allowed.
Pools are allowed with a limited capacity and also sunbeds more spread out.
11. Watersports
Similar restrictions for sanitation and disinfection of equipment apply.
Only members of the same family can share a canoe or any other material.
12. Yachts and sailing boats
I feel that yachts and sailing boats will be even more preferred this year due to the privacy they offer.
Departure and docking on islands were finally allowed for the first time this past Friday, with many sailing out.
There are similar sanitation restrictions in place, plus the rule that no passengers or visitors are allowed to board on intermediary stops.
Closing
All in all, I believe the situation is looking better than last week with the government signaling its clear intention to safeguard everybody’s safety while opening up for tourists the soonest possible.
As you see, the list grew from 19 to 29 in a matter of a week, which I interpret as a sign that more countries could be added faster than initially estimated; for example the UK, which is currently set to be allowed on July 15th.
Make sure you are getting all the new information by connecting to my Facebook page.
I hope you enjoyed my post about Amorgos, the island with the deepest blue waters in Greece, maybe the world
If you did not catch that, you can find the link just below:
This is it, dear Greek island friends.
Thank you for watching, and please don’t forget to like, share and subscribe so you can help me grow this channel.
I’ll have one more update for you next week, probably from some beautiful Cycladic island.
In the meantime, stay safe, and see you all soon in Greece!
Yassou
greek islands covid-19 Travel Update #3 | May 25th, 2020
This is the transcript. For the full content please click on the link above to watch the video on YouTube.
Hello, and YASSOU everybody, this is Andonis, the Greek Island Guru with the 3rd Greek Islands COVID-19 Travel Update.
As always, I’m going to give you all the latest news related to how the Greek islands are opening up for tourism:
- when do international flights start
- how are ferries resuming routes
- dates for hotels
So let’s dive in.
What is the situation now
1. Worldometer facts
First, let’s start with an update from Worldometer:
- As of now, Greece holds 163 deaths, up 11 deaths from last week
- This number maintains Greece as the best performer in the EU in regards to total cases per capita
- Whereas, in regards to total deaths per capita we are one of the top performers
2. New Flights Regulations
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency issued travel guidelines on May 21st regulating all flights. According to these:
- passengers have to make a COVID-19 declaration and hand it over at boarding;
- Use of masks is mandatory with substitution every 4 hours of flight;
- Staff is to use masks and gloves;
- Uniforms to be changed daily;
3. Ferries resumed routes today
Ferries to all islands finally opened up today.
This means that everyone who is in Greece can travel to the Greek islands.
Now, let us see how and when all of you people out there can come.
4. Important dates for foreigners
As per the latest announcements from government officials:
- June 15th opening of all hotels;
- Also, on the same date, international flights will be restarting, initially, allowing entrance to 19 countries. I’ve read that Germany could also be included in this initial list making it the 20th country, but I have not confirmed this yet. I’ll let you guys know once I have a reliable source on this;
- The second batch of counties will be let in by July 1st. These are all those with a positive COVID-19 track record;
- Lastly, all countries with a negative performance are set on hold until July 15th. This includes the United Kingdom; however, the Government has stated that these dates will be re-assessed every 15 days, meaning that there is hope this date could be pulled forward;
- So, my dear Brits, hold your hopes up;
5. Greece 2nd in bLUE FLAGS worldwide
Let’s see some good news now.
In the yearly BLUE FLAG Quality award list, Greece scored second place in the world after Spain, with 497 beaches attaining the quality award.
Closing and recommendations
Closing, I would like to give you all my 5 cents.
People, do not despair.
I believe that Greece will be an absolute bargain for vacations this year and both you and we could take advantage of this.
What you have to do, basically, is try to get here. And that is the tough part.
After you are in Greece, you will find it will be a year, particularly non-crowded and cheaper than usual.
The Government has already announced generous cuts in taxes in tourism products, food, drinks, accommodation, etc;
So, I expect this season to be an appealing time to visit Greece, COVID apart.
If you also put into this mix the fact that Greece is the BEST performer among all travel destinations in Europe, well, this makes Greece pretty irresistible, right?
As I said in my previous videos, avoid busy destinations and large hotels.
If you choose air-bnbs, apartments and small lodges, you know, the typical small family run complexes with 5 rooms or so, then you will be fine.
Also, avoid busy destinations. I would definitely not go to places like, you know, Faliraki, Hersonissos, the town of Rhodes, the town of Chania, the town of Naxos, Agios Nikolaos in Krete etc.
On the contrary, I would go to the small villages of our stunning islands.
Here is where I'm taking my family
In fact, me and my family are planning to visit really small islands that are always uncrowded anyways like Antiparos, Koufonisia, Folegandros and Amorgos.
If you would like to get a tip, check out my recent blog post regarding an astonishing island that I have visited and love, which is perfect for this year.
Pick small islands with fewer crowds.
That’s it, dear Greek island friends.
Please make sure to like, share and subscribe so you can get notified about future posts and videos;
AND help me reach more people and inform them too about the situation.
I’ll have one more update for you next week.
In the meantime, stay safe, and see you all soon in Greece!
Yassou
Greek islands covid-19 travel Update #2 | May 18th, 2020
Hello, and YASSOU everybody, this is Andonis, the Greek Island Guru with the 2nd of my Greek Islands COVID-19 Travel Updates.
I’m going to give you all the latest news, what is the plan for flights, ferries, and hotels, when they are going to open up, and how this is going to be phased out.
So let’s see what’s happening.
What is the situation now
To start, I wish to make clear to all of you living outside of Greece that the government is extremely keen to re-open tourism.
Also, what is more, important to know is that Greece is the best performer in Europe in regards to Total Cases per capita.
Also, the total death number is low, at just 163 at this moment.
I’m saying that right from the beginning so that you guys who are interested in visiting Greece in the summer know that officials are determined to keep everybody safe.
Now, fresh releases came out in the past week, so let’s go over them:
Flights
Last Wednesday, the European Commission adjourned and set up a suggested framework of guidelines for EU members.
Let’s see what do we have:
- Travel restrictions to be lifted initially for those countries that have managed to contain the spread of the virus best. Greece is obviously favored by the decision;
- Use of mask mandatory in all aircraft;
- no need to leave the middle seat empty on planes;
- Flights into the EU remain banned until June 15th;
- No food or drinks to be served in flights;
- UK travelers to be restricted for longer due to different health protocols applicable;
- A virus-free certificate dated less than 72hrs before a flight was pushed by Greece but was not adopted. However, such a document might be requested from Greece unilaterally.
- Check-in, check-out areas to be re-organized to avoid crowds;
- Lastly, it was made clear that this framework is not mandatory, it is a guideline, and each state is to create its own tactics. We are waiting to see Greece’s this week.
Ferries will reopen on May 18th & May 25th
Greek ferries will get back on May 25th, while ferries to Krete to be released one week earlier, today the 18th.
Nevertheless, there will be emergency restrictions applied until June 15th. These are:
- Capacity will be capped at 50-55%;
- Passengers need to hand over a filled-in health statement on boarding;
- A distance of 1.5m for boarding and disembarkation;
- Distances kept on all bus-style seats;
- The use of masks is mandatory, as in all public transportation in Greece;
- Temperature control and special health certificate to all incoming passengers through Italy;
Hotels
For hotels, it looks much less complicated. We have two dates now:
- On June 1st Hotels that have a 12-month operation are to re-open;
- On June 12th all remaining hotels, which means the seasonal ones and basically almost all the island hotels will re-open;
Beaches
Organized beaches opened up this past weekend with greater distances between the sunbeds, and I’m sure everybody welcomes this new restriction, right?
Restaurants & Cafes
We have two possible dates for restaurants. May 25th or June 1st, however we will know more in a few days.
From what I understand, authorities believe that the risk of contagion is substantial when you have food and drink involved.
So they need more time to come up with the exact seating percentage of total capacity to be utilized and the final sanitation rules.
Note that the Food and Beverage sector is a crucial part of our economy as it employs a large number of seasonal workers who depend on the summer to pay the years bills.
Closing remarks & My advice
My friends, as you can see, the situation still remains very volatile, with changes to plans happening daily.
In general though as long as Greece is continuing its amazing job to contain the pandemic, tourism will re-open.
My advice to all of you outside of Greece who hope to make it this year: well, just take a different approach.
I would certainly suggest that you avoid large busy destinations with many big hotels.
I actually read that the buffets are probably not going to open up this year.
Pick small islands with fewer crowds.
We have so so many unbelievable beautiful islands that are perfect for this occasion.
Really, we have so many options. Note that Greece’s predominant accommodation is apartments and rooms to-let, small B&Bs with no receptions, lobbies etc.
I personally can’t wait for June to come so I can get my family and go to some amazing islands.
If you want to get some destination inspiration, check out my newest blog post, where I suggest the best islands for 2020 amid coronavirus.
Stay safe, and see you all soon in Greece!
Yassou
greek islands covid-19 Travel Update #1 | May 11th, 2020
This is the transcript. For the full content please click on the link above to watch the video on YouTube.
Hello everybody, this is Andonis reporting straight from the beautiful island of Aegina with an update on the travel restrictions due to the COVID-19 containment efforts.
What is the situation now
Like most islands, the lockdown has limited maritime travel to just one ferry per day, bringing supplies and the people who can prove they commute for work.
Other than that, visitors are not allowed to the Greek Islands, not even Athenians or other Greeks who own summer houses here.
Since the lockdown in late March, only people who can prove that their principal residency is on the islands can be on the islands.
So, if you are somewhere in the world, don’t be sad that you cannot visit the islands, because even Greeks cannot do that.
Latest government news
Now regarding the latest news coming from the government, it seems that the situation will continue for the entire month of May.
Experts are evaluating the situation day by day and, it looks like the island connections will re-open starting in June.
The Plan is for island connections to re-open on June 1st
More than that, I read yesterday that the plan is for ferries to run at a 50% capacity.
So, it remains unknown how this will develop during the peak summer period and how the routes will be serviced.
Closing remarks & My advice
Note that the COVID pandemic is very much under control in Greece as the authorities have performed an excellent job to contain the spread right from the get-go, something that has made all of us incredibly proud.
My advice to those of you reading this now and wondering when you can possibly visit our charming country is: stay safe and follow the news.
And, my best guess is that you should probably plan your visit to Greece for July onwards.
2 Responses
Very informative and interesting Andonis, thank you for giving us this information
You welcome Darren