The results were announced by the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature, which is responsible in Greece for the institution of the Blue Flag, and once again Greece is in a very high position, not only for the cleanliness of beaches and seas but also for the organization of the coasts. . More specifically, the Blue Flag awards this year 581 beaches (36 more than last year), 15 marinas (compared to 16 last year) and 6 tourist boats.
By regional unit, the “champion” with a big difference is Halkidiki with 87 Blue Flags, followed by the regional unit of Rhodes with 55 Blue Flags this year compared to 49 last year. At the same time, Crete has won the remaining places with the regional unit of Lassithi having 41 this year compared to 40 last year, Chania 36 against 33, Heraklion 31 against 29, and Rethymnon with 20 against 18 last year. The top ten is completed with Attica and 18 Blue Flags, the regional unit of Kefallinia with 17, and Lesvos with 7. Tails of the List with only one blue flag are the Regional Units of Andros, Evros, Ithaca, Mykonos, and Tinos.

The Blue Flag identifies the coasts that meet several 33 conditions (38 for marinas and 51 for tourist boats) and can be removed during the year if it is proven that they no longer meet these conditions. The Blue Flag Program was Founded by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), which is also the International Coordinator of the program and is based in Denmark, with 73 member countries from around the world. In Greece, you are represented by the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (EEPF), which this year closes 70 years of uninterrupted action in environmental interventions and nature protection programs. The Ministry of Environment also supports the program.

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In a joint statement, the two bodies abolish the recommendation for mandatory use of the mask in these cases but point out that this remains one of the best precautions against the transmission of the coronavirus.
The new recommendation will take effect on May 16, but the announcement reminds us that the rules for the mask will continue to vary depending on the airline. For example, it is noted that on flights to or from destinations where the mask remains mandatory on public transport, its use should be encouraged.
The announcement also emphasizes that vulnerable passengers should continue to wear a mask, regardless of regulations, ideally type FFP2 / N95 / KN95, which offers a higher level of protection than a simple surgical mask.
The update of the protocol considers the latest developments in the pandemic, in particular, vaccination levels and naturally acquired immunity, as well as the accompanying lifting of restrictions in a growing number of European countries, the two said.
“While there are still risks, we have seen that non-pharmacological interventions and vaccines have allowed our lives to begin to return to normal. “While the mandatory use of a mask in all cases is no longer recommended, it is important to keep in mind that, along with physical distance and good hand hygiene, it is one of the best methods of reducing transmission,” said the head of the ECDC. Andrea Amon.
For his part, EASA Executive Director Patrick Ky stressed that a significant step towards smoothing air travel was being made. “However, passengers should behave responsibly and respect the choices of others around them. “A passenger who coughs and sneezes should consider wearing a face mask to reassure those sitting nearby.”

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“We are expanding the routes and opening new destinations in Greece from the USA” stressed the Minister of Tourism Vassilis Kikilias at the Athens and Macedonian News Agency after the successive teleconferences held on Monday, May 2 with senior executives from all three American, Delta Airlines, American Airlines, United Airlines.

As Mr. Kikilias stated, “the aim of the teleconferences was both to make a first assessment of the dynamic movement of the American market so far and to strengthen it in the coming months”, emphasizing that “the bet to start the tourist season earlier than ever was won. We are now doing our best to increase our tourism product and in this context, the teleconferences with the senior executives of the airlines have had a positive imprint as they are already launching larger aircraft with more seats, new destinations while we put conference tourism back on the tourist map from the USA ”.

In a teleconference with Steve Sear, Executive Vice President of Global Sales and Distribution Delta Airlines, Scott Jordn, Managing Director NY Sales, and other Delta executives, which this year started earlier than ever from New York on March 7 and opened for the first time with a direct flight to Boston, discussing ways in which the season could be extended. The company expressed its intention to extend the flights until the end of December to include the Christmas holidays, essentially turning its operation into a 10-month basis. Ways were also discussed to extend the operation in January and February because of the opening of the winter cruise this February. In this context, it was agreed to set up a working group between the company and the Ministry to convert at least one route into a continuous route throughout the year.

In a teleconference with Jim Carter, Managing Director of Global Sales, and American Airlines executives, it was agreed to set up a working group that will go to the company’s headquarters in Texas to present the possibilities of opening new destinations in Greece in 2023-2024, except Athens, with Thessaloniki and Heraklion of Crete being in the first thoughts of the company executives. At the same time, the foundations were laid for the opening of new destinations in the USA, with Miami, Dallas, and, secondarily, Los Angeles entering the agenda. It is reminded that the company this year increased by 80% its availability compared to 2019 and by 48% compared to last year showing its confidence in the Greek tourism product.

The teleconference with Darren Scott, Managing Director Atlantic Network planning of United Airlines, and company executives announced the company’s intention due to increased demand to launch a larger aircraft on flights to Athens in the coming weeks, and preliminary discussions were held on the opening of Thessaloniki for seasonal flight in the future.

The common denominator of all the teleconferences was the positive messages regarding the reservations that exist for this year from the American market. It is recalled that the American companies and Emirates offer about 500,000 seats for Athens by the end of October, a number that is expected to increase with the extension of the itineraries and the launch of larger aircraft.

The Minister of Tourism also held a teleconference with the heads of major US travel agencies that handle about 90% of business travelers from the US to promote MICE tourism (conferences, incentive trips, events) to restart this sector as well. had been most affected by the pandemic.

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In more detail, the committee recommended the suspension of the covid pass from 1 May and the resumption of capacity to 100%, the suspension of the EUDCC certificate at the country’s gates, 1 rapid test per week (out of two until now) for unvaccinated workers, except for hospitals and nursing homes that remain 2 rapid tests per week for unvaccinated workers, 1 rapid test (up from 2 until now) for unvaccinated teachers. There will be clarifications from the Ministry of Education.
Regarding the mandatory use of a mask, experts suggest that it remain as a measure for indoor and public transport.
The above measures concern both tourists and their entry into the country.
The Commission’s proposal was accepted by the Government and the details will be clarified in the forthcoming JMC.

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Starting from Vrontado of Chios where rocket warfare is a custom that is observed every Easter. The parishes of Agios Markos and Panagia Ereithiani, as soon as Christ is Resurrected on the night of Holy Saturday, launch thousands of improvised rockets aimed at the bell tower of the rival church. This Rocket War, although dangerous, offers a unique spectacle to the visitors of the Island. This custom dates back to the years of Turkish rule and has evolved to this day.

In Paros Every Easter the representation of the Passion of Jesus takes place. During the procession of the Epitaph in the mountain villages of the island, about 200 people of all ages participate in this custom and bring to life scenes from the entrance to Jerusalem, until the martyrdom of the Crucifixion.

In Corfu, we meet a marriage of Venetian tradition with Orthodox customs. The custom of “Botides“. At noon on Holy Saturday, when the First Resurrection takes place, the people of Corfu throw huge jugs full of water – the boots – from their balconies to the sounds of the island’s philharmonic orchestra playing merry-go-rounds. The ¨botides¨ are large clay jugs with a narrow mouth and handles on the side that help transports them and are decorated with red ribbons.

In the town of Andros on the morning of Holy Saturday, the Lemon festival takes place and visitors have the opportunity to taste the local sweets based on the special lemon variety of the island. On the night of the Resurrection, the inhabitants of the island fill the ¨Masculas ¨ – large cast-iron cannons – with gunpowder, which thunders them in every direction.

In Hydra, on the night of Good Friday, the procession of the Epitaph takes place, in the sea. The Vastazos enter the water up to their knees and rest the feet of the Epitaph in the water, to be blessed and sanctify the waters. The custom was first performed in Kaminia in 1923 and is a prayer in favor of sailors who travel, for quiet voyages and a good return.

The custom of Tinos with the burning Cross, the torches, and the Epitaph of Agios Nikolaos at sea, is one of the most impressive customs of Good Friday. In Chora, the procession of the Catholic Epitaph takes place first and then 7 Epitaphs from an equal number of parishes are gathered on a marble platform, where the Praises are sung, under the echo of the horns of boats and ships.

These are just some of the most impressive customs in Greece for the celebration of Easter. In any case, to be in provincial Greece for the Orthodox Easter and to be able to experience up close the local customs and the traditional cuisine of each place, is an experience that follows you throughout your life.

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The International Aviation Flight Directive, which aims to limit the spread of COVID-19, will run until Sunday, May 1, 2022 and provides as follows:

Travelers with European Digital Certificate COVID-19 and nationals from USA, Australia, and Canada without arrival test: Entry of certified travelers (are nationals) from European Union (EU) and the Schengen Agreement, from Australia, the United States of America (USA), and Canada, as well as from the thirty-five (35) non-EU countries that have joined the EU COVID-19 digital certification system (European Union Digital Covid Certificate, EUDCC), ie the following: San Marino, Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Vatican, Northern Macedonia, Georgia, Switzerland, El Salvador, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Iceland, Israel, Israel Morocco, Montenegro, Moldova, Monaco, Norway, New Zealand, Ukraine, Uruguay, Panama, Cape Verde, Serbia, Singapore, Thailand, Togo, Turkey, Tunisia, Benin, Jordan, Faroe Islands, Faroe Islands Digital Pi COVID-19 certificate, or documents containing information on one of the following:

a) Vaccination certificate valid for up to nine (9) months after the completion of the basic vaccination and without time limit for travelers who have received the booster dose.

b) Certificate of illness lasting up to one hundred and eighty (180) days.

c) Certificate of a negative result, with the PCR method within the last seventy-two (72) hours or alternatively to have been diagnosed negative in rapid test within twenty-four (24) hours before their arrival in Greece.

With negative test entry into Greece regardless of vaccination for all other travelers: All other travelers to Greece, (except EU countries and Schengen Agreement, travelers from Australia, United States of America (USA)), Canada, and the thirty-five (35) non-EU countries that have acceded to the EU COVID-19 digital certification system including their spouses or persons with whom they have entered into a cohabitation agreement as well as their minor children), regardless of their vaccination status, they must have been diagnosed negative by PCR within the last seventy-two (72) hours or alternatively, they must have been diagnosed negative by rapid test within twenty-four (24) hours before their arrival in Greece.

Checks on children from five (5) years and over: The obligation of the conditions for entry in Greece applies to children from five (5) years and over.

A sampling of travelers and temporary restriction of five (5) days in case of an accident: In addition to all international passengers will be sampled (PCR or rapid test) upon arrival. In case the tests find a passenger positive, the quarantine/isolation will be valid for five (5) days, at home or in a suitable place of temporary residence indicated by the competent authorities. The temporary restriction starts from the next day of their diagnosis as COVID-19 coronavirus positive. After five (5) days and if there are no symptoms or the symptoms have improved, with complete remission of the fever for twenty-four (24) hours without the use of antipyretics, the temporary restriction ends. If the fever persists after five (5) days, the temporary restriction is extended until the fever has completely subsided. These passengers are required to wear only a high respiratory protection mask (FFP2 or N95) or alternatively a double mask (surgical and fabric) for at least another five (5) days from the end of the restriction. All foreign passengers must faithfully follow the instructions of the health authorities of our country.

The use of a mask is mandatory: At arrivals and departures inside airports, as well as during air flights, staff and passengers are required to wear a protective mask. Passengers are also required to comply with the instructions of the permanent and temporary staff of airports or airlines responsible for the duties of supervision, crowd management, and passenger assistance, in order to maintain the necessary distances and to ensure safe passage and avoidance. to avoid overcrowding. The control of the above documents is carried out by the employees of the airlines and by sampling by the police authorities. The airlines are obliged to check the traveler before boarding, in order to confirm that he has the necessary documents and in case of violation they have the obligation to repatriate the passenger at their own risk and expense.

The passenger public is reminded that since last Tuesday, March 15, 2022, the obligation to complete the PLF for passengers on international flights has been abolished.

Notes: * Chinese Taipei (not recognized as a state by Greece).

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The Greek beaches that have won the trust of travelers are Monolia in Lichadonissia, or otherwise, the “Seychelles of Greece“, while two places lower, in 8th place, was Elafonissi of Chania and the EBD notes that it is one of the few beaches in the world that surround by pink sand.

Once again one of the best beaches in the world is the popular Porto Katsiki of Lefkada, in 11th place this time while two places lower in 13th place is Agios Konstantinos of Astypalea. 

Explore the Greek beaches at travelgreece365.com

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The summer tourist season in Greece usually starts after Orthodox Easter, which this year falls on April 24th. Greece is expecting a large number of visitors this year, with officials forecasting revenues to hit 80% of 2019 levels, a record year before the pandemic sent trips to record levels.

From May 1 to August 31, the public will no longer be required to show proof of coronavirus vaccination or illness to enter indoor or open spaces such as restaurants, and authorities are also considering removing the requirement to show proof of an EU digital Covid-19 certificate to enter the country. All measures will be re-evaluated in September.

Greece is one of the most popular summer travel destinations in Europe. In 2019 more than 33 million tourists visit the country, mostly from the United Kingdom, Germany and USA. The greek tourism industry accounts for about one-fifth of the economy and employs one-fifth of the people.

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According to Pindar’s ode, the island was born from the union of the sun god Helios and the nymph Rhodes. The cities are named after their three sons. Actis, one of the sons of Heliοs and Rhodes, went to Egypt to build the city of Heliopolis and continue to teach Egyptian astrology.

Rhodes is known worldwide for the Colossus of Rhodes, which was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The Colossus of Rhodes was a bronze statue of Helios that once stood at the port. It was completed in 280 BC and then destroyed by an earthquake in 224 BC. Today there is no trace of the statue. In 1988 the old town was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Rhodes is one of the most unique of all Greek islands. It has a rich history reflected in its many buildings and historic landmarks. On top of that, there are also beaches, museums and many other attractions to keep anyone busy. This is a particularly family-friendly island.

If you visit Rhodes do not forget to see the Palace of the Grand Master. It can be found in the old town of Rhodes. Built in the 14th century, it was originally home to the governor and was an administrative center. Constructed with 158 rooms, only 24 are currently open to visitors. Enjoy antique furniture of the 16th and 17th centuries, impressive frescoes by renowned artists, and gorgeous floors paved with a mosaic of ancient Roman and Byzantine art. You’ll be greeted by statues of the Greek and Roman period in the interior yard. Finally, take pleasure in exhibitions and performances that frequent the palace.

Visit the Valley of the Butterflies. This lush valley on the west side of Rhodes is suitable for fascinating fun and adventure. The reserve is named after the Jersey Tiger Butterfly, or Euplasia quadripunctaria, which floods this green valley in spring and autumn. Walk the cool, narrow streets and enjoy the many waterfalls and wooden bridges while watching these wonderful creatures. Take your camera to record this unique excursion and enjoy a lunch soaked in the beauty of nature.

Besides the rich history, it is also beautiful physically, especially on the beaches. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Greece! While you are on this island, you will want to relax and swim on some of these beaches such as Tsambika beach and Agios Pavlos beach.

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The International Aviation Flight Directive, which aims to limit the spread of COVID-19, will run until Monday, April 4, 2022, and provides:

Travelers with European Digital Certificate COVID-19 and nationals from USA, Australia, and Canada without arrival test: Entry of certified travelers (are nationals) from European Union (EU) and the Schengen Agreement, from Australia, the United States of America (USA), and Canada, as well as from the thirty-five (35) non-EU countries that have joined the EU COVID-19 digital certification system (European Union Digital Covid Certificate, EUDCC), ie the following: San Marino, Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Vatican, Northern Macedonia, Georgia, Switzerland, El Salvador, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Iceland, Israel, Israel Morocco, Montenegro, Moldova, Monaco, Norway, New Zealand, Ukraine, Uruguay, Panama, Cape Verde, Serbia, Singapore, Thailand, Togo, Turkey, Tunisia, Benin, Jordan, Faroe Islands, Faroe Islands Digital Pi COVID-19 certificate, or documents containing information on one of the following:

a) Vaccination certificate valid for up to nine (9) months after the completion of the basic vaccination and without time limit for travelers who have received the booster dose.

b) Certificate of illness lasting up to one hundred and eighty (180) days.

c) Certificate of a negative result, with the PCR method within the last seventy-two (72) hours or alternatively to have been diagnosed negative in rapid test within twenty-four (24) hours before their arrival in Greece.

With negative test entry into Greece regardless of vaccination for all other travelers: All other travelers to Greece, (except EU countries and Schengen Agreement, travelers from Australia, United States of America (USA)), Canada, and the thirty-five (35) non-EU countries that have acceded to the EU COVID-19 digital certification system including their spouses or persons with whom they have entered into a cohabitation agreement as well as their minor children), regardless of their vaccination status, they must have been diagnosed negative by PCR within the last seventy-two (72) hours or alternatively, they must have been diagnosed negative by rapid test within twenty-four (24) hours before their arrival in Greece.

Checks on children from five (5) years and over: The obligation of the conditions for entry in Greece applies to children from five (5) years and over.

A sampling of travelers and temporary restriction of five (5) days in case of an accident: In addition to all international passengers will be sampled (PCR or rapid test) upon arrival. In case the tests find a passenger positive, the quarantine/isolation will be valid for five (5) days, at home or in a suitable place of temporary residence indicated by the competent authorities. The temporary restriction starts from the next day of their diagnosis as COVID-19 coronavirus positive. After five (5) days and if there are no symptoms or the symptoms have improved, with complete remission of the fever for twenty-four (24) hours without the use of antipyretics, the temporary restriction ends. If the fever persists after five (5) days, the temporary restriction is extended until the fever has completely subsided. These passengers are required to wear only a high respiratory protection mask (FFP2 or N95) or alternatively a double mask (surgical and fabric) for at least another five (5) days from the end of the restriction. All foreign passengers must faithfully follow the instructions of the health authorities of our country.

The use of a mask is mandatory: At arrivals and departures inside airports, as well as during air flights, staff and passengers are required to wear a protective mask. Passengers are also required to comply with the instructions of the permanent and temporary staff of airports or airlines responsible for the duties of supervision, crowd management, and passenger assistance, in order to maintain the necessary distances and to ensure safe passage and avoidance. to avoid overcrowding. The control of the above documents is carried out by the employees of the airlines and by sampling by the police authorities. The airlines are obliged to check the traveler before boarding, in order to confirm that he has the necessary documents and in case of violation they have the obligation to repatriate the passenger at their own risk and expense.

The passenger public is reminded that since last Tuesday, March 15, 2022, the obligation to complete the PLF for passengers on international flights has been abolished.

Notes: * Chinese Taipei (not recognized as a state by Greece).

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