Joysters

07/01/2025

New Year, New Adventures!

Joysters is thrilled to team up with Meni Valle, the celebrated author of bestselling Greek Mediterranean cookbooks, for an extraordinary Food & Photography Retreat in the breathtaking village of Afytos, Halkidiki – coming your way in September 2025!
We’re beyond excited to collaborate with the incredible talents of Stephanie Somebody and Lean Timms to bring this magical experience to life.
🍽️📸 If you adore food, travel, and photography…
If you’re a foodie, photographer, blogger, stylist, writer, or creative spirit… or if you simply crave a few unforgettable days in gorgeous Halkidiki surrounded by inspiring people – this is your moment.
👉 For more details and to secure your spot, head over to:

*Please note $995 is the deposit amount, full prices are noted below Halkidiki and Thessaloniki , Greece You are invited to the Greek Food and Photography retreat set in the picturesque village of Afytos, Halkidiki.  Nestled between lush olive groves and crystal-clear waters, Afyt

22/12/2024

Can't argue with that... :)

12/12/2024

Athens International Tourism Expo 2024.
Joysters are ready to welcome you to our world, a world of non-googlable, authentic experiences!
Come visit us at Stand 238.

09/12/2024

Discover Greece on Two Wheels: The North4Tour Cycling Event, 22-26 May 2025
Cycle through Northern Greece’s hidden gems with North4Tour, the ultimate 5-day cycling experience for enthusiasts of all levels.

Visit North4Tour
Cycling enthusiasts across the world are invited to explore the breathtaking landscapes and cultural wonders of Northern Greece during the North4Tour event, scheduled for 22-26 May 2025. This exclusive, expertly organized cycling experience promises both a challenge and an immersive journey through some of Greece's most scenic routes.

A Unique 5-Day Adventure for Every Cyclist
North4Tour offers participants three curated routes through Northern Greece’s pristine landscapes, combining lakeside views, ancient towns, and mountain vistas. We will start the adventure on the 22nd of May with a welcome dinner. Each day introduces a new route with varying challenges and sights, tailored for both seasoned cyclists and those seeking a unique cycling experience, within a holiday package. We will end with a magnificent party in Nymfaio. After that, we will send everybody off on the 26th of May.

Event Highlights:
Daily Routes: Each of the five days presents a distinct route, varying in distance and elevation to showcase Northern Greece’s diversity. From undulating lakeside rides to challenging mountain ascents, riders can expect a well-rounded experience of the region’s topography.

Fully Supported Experience: North4Tour provides full route support, including mechanical assistance, medical support, and refreshment stations to keep cyclists energized throughout their journey.
Local Culture & Cuisine: Participants will be immersed in the rich culture of Northern Greece, with carefully planned stops at traditional villages and authentic Greek dining experiences that capture the flavors of the region.

Accommodations & Hospitality: Cyclists will enjoy top-tier accommodations each night, from boutique hotels to rustic lodges, ensuring rest and relaxation after each day’s ride.

Why Northern Greece?
Northern Greece, renowned for its natural beauty and cultural heritage, offers the perfect mix of cycling-friendly terrain, temperate weather, and scenic diversity. Cyclists will traverse areas rarely seen by tourists, experiencing the true essence of Greek landscapes. From the peaks of towering mountains to serene lakeside roads, every route promises unforgettable views and exhilarating rides.

Event Schedule
We will have everybody arrive on the 22nd of May. We’ll open with a great dinner.
The next day we’ll ride into the mountains, and enjoy the area to the southwest of Kastoria
On day two, we will head towards the border with Northern Macedonia and really hit the higher altitudes. With a finish in Florina and a stay at a luxury hotel, we’ll be in for a treat.
Day 3 will take us to the great lignite mines and let us finish in a bear sanctuary, where we’ll stay for the afterparty.

For a detailed schedule, head to our website.
Join Us for an Unforgettable Cycling Experience
North4Tour invites cyclists of all backgrounds to be part of this incredible event. Registration is open now through the North4Tour website. Don’t miss your chance to cycle Northern Greece’s finest routes, enjoy unparalleled support, and make lasting memories with fellow cyclists from around the world.
For more details, visit our website: www.north4tour.gr
Link to the imagery for this press release:

North4Tour - A cycling adventure in Northern Greece
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tzf7ZEJY2ZI

03/12/2024

Joysters participate in Athens International Tourism & Culture Expo 2024.
Come and meet us at Stand 238.
See you there!

29/11/2024

Joysters are humbled and honoured to have contributed to a significant paradigm shift in Western Macedonia and Northern Greece, in General.
See below why.

"...As for gastronomy, Western Macedonia received the highest score, with Crete, the Ionian Islands, the Peloponnese and Western Greece taking joint second."

"According to INSETE, visitors from the US gave the country the highest overall score, close to 10 out of 10, while the British also gave excellent ratings (9)... In addition to the US, the other two major long haul markets also gave very high scores, namely Australia 9.4 and Canada 9.3."

Foreigners gave the country a higher score than the European average at the peak of the tourism season.

27/11/2024

Climate resilience fee

The climate resilience fee will be applied across all tourism accommodations, including hotels, Airbnb-type short-term rentals, rooms for rent, and other hospitality units. The increased fee is structured based on the type and category of accommodation and is set to vary seasonally.

From April to October, the fee will be as follows:

– 1-2 star hotels: 2 euros per night
– 3-star hotels: 5 euros per night
– 4-star hotels: 10 euros per night
– 5-star hotels: 15 euros per night
– Furnished rooms/apartments: 2 euros per night
– Short-term rental properties: 8 euros per night
– Detached homes (over 80 sq m) for short-term rental: 15 euros per night
– Furnished tourist villas: 15 euros per night
– Furnished tourist residences: 8 euros for properties under 80 sq m, 15 euros for those over 80 sq m

A tax bill tabled in Greek Parliament increases the climate resilience fee for hotels and short-term rentals.

14/11/2024

LUXlife Magazine Unveils the Winners of the 2024 Hospitality Awards and Joysters are honoured to be recognised as the...

"Best Bespoke Travel Experience Provider 2024 – Greece".
https://lux-life.digital/winners/joysters-2/

“As always, LUXlife focuses on recognising businesses which provide a diverse range of services from event and hospitality management, restaurants and bars, travel agents, public relations as well as marketing services, to tour operators. LUXlife aims to represent the best talent from this dynamic industry.”

05/11/2024

As autumn settles in, Greece enters a season that has remained close to the heart of its people for millennia—the olive oil harvest. From Kalamata and Crete to the groves of Chalkidiki in Northern Greece harvesting olives is not just an agricultural task but a cultural ritual that reflects the country’s deep connection to the land. This connection dates back thousands of years, with olive oil playing a vital role in ancient Greek civilization and continuing to shape the lives and landscapes of Greece today.

In ancient times, olive oil was more than a staple in the diet; it was the "liquid gold" of the Mediterranean. Used for cooking, medicine, religious rituals, and cosmetics, it became a symbol of peace, strength, and prosperity. The ancient Greeks believed that Athena, the goddess of wisdom, gifted the olive tree to humanity, making it a divine symbol that would grow and spread throughout the ancient world.

Today, olive oil remains a cornerstone of Greek identity and a key element of the Mediterranean diet, recognized globally for its health benefits. Each bottle carries a story—a blend of tradition, respect for the land, and the dedication of generations of families who have nurtured the groves.

Harvest season is a time when communities gather to pick olives, sharing knowledge and celebrating the hard work. The process has evolved, but the essence remains unchanged: capturing the spirit of Greece in each drop of oil.
For travellers in Greece, witnessing or participating in an olive harvest can offer a unique insight into this enduring tradition, bridging past and present in a celebration of nature and culture. Time your visit to Greece with olive oil harvesting season and ask Joysters to organise the experience for you. You won't regret it. :)

Only with...Joysters.

31/10/2024

Corporate Vision Celebrates the Winners of the Global Business Awards 2024 and Joysters are right at the very front!

Joysters
Best Socially Sustainable Travel Experience Provider
2024 - Northern Greece
Client Service Excellence Award 2024
Global Business Awards

"In its eighth year, the Global Business Awards continues to recognise and reward those going the extra mile for their clients and sectors – truly elevating our experience on a global scale. We are thrilled about our winner’s accomplishments and know that their success stories will serve as an inspiration to others."

Thank you ever so much Corporate Vision!

21/10/2024

Ai vs Senses...
Ai may be a very useful tool, but experiencing life requires us to trust our senses.

Ai may be a very useful tool, but experiencing life requires us to trust our senses.Only with... Joysters.

14/10/2024

What an incredible year it has been so far, crafting authentic and unforgettable experiences for travelers exploring the beauty of Greece, with a special focus on Northern Greece!

From the USA, Canada, the UK, and Scandinavia to our own Greek travellers, we’ve been honoured to welcome visitors from around the world. Whether it’s honeymooners, solo adventurers, or groups of friends and families, every journey was tailored to create memories that last a lifetime.

This year, we went above and beyond, even fulfilling unique requests that brought out the very best of Greek culture and hospitality.

Thank you to everyone who trusted us to be a part of your adventure—we can’t wait to welcome more of you in the future!

08/09/2024

Top Chef Canada Season 9 Winner, Chef Erica Karbelnik on a gastronomic journey to Northern Greece, discovering the authenticity and uniqueness of it all.
From learning how to make phyllo from scratch to making "Kopton" (the Byzantine ancestor to Baklava), to preparing "Kykeon" (a porridge type of drink - breakfast in ancient Greece).

The true identity of a destination is reflected in its culinary tradition, in the food locals cook and in the drinks they drink.
From smells that emerge from every corner, to the flavours that are dominant.

Special thanks to Food & Paths for preparing the recipes and to Παραδοσιακός Ξενώνας Αργυρώ for hosting us and assisting us with all their team.

Only with...Joysters

11/08/2024

In recent weeks thousands of protesters have taken to the streets in various destinations (mainly Spain), calling for curbs on mass tourism and a rethink of a business model that they say has pushed up housing prices and driven local people out of cities.

Joysters' business model has been- right from the beginning - based on a sustainable approach, one that's disruptive for the existing status quo in Tourism, while being supportive of the local communities and the natural and social environment they operate in.

-Instead of depriving locals of their resources, Joysters offer them more.
-Instead of driving local business and locals away from their home towns in pursuit of better opportunities elsewhere, Joysters help them thrive where they live.
-Instead of promoting cheaply obtained and mass produced produce/products, Joysters help local communities raise awareness of locally produced produce/products that compliment and enhance locally offered experiences.

Greece, with its breathtaking scenery, where visitors may enjoy some of the most diverse flora and fauna in Europe and engage in memorable activities, ranging from bird watching and mountain hiking to wine tasting and culinary experiences, combined with authentic lodging has started attracting travellers who seek out-of-the-ordinary experiences and care about the sustainability of local communities.. and Joysters are right at the very heart of it all.

03/08/2024

Checking new venues for our discerning travellers is always exciting as we envisage the next life-time experience for them.
Life is all about the right perspective...

Joysters Handpicked experiences.

02/06/2024

Joysters Handpicked experiences - Syvota, Epirus Region
And remember, with Joysters finesse and authenticity go hand in hand.

10/05/2024

People, like Patty below, keep on asking us if we only craft immersive trips in Northern Greece. The simple answer is no, not only in Northern Greece, though Northern Greece is our speciality.

" Hi Nick. Hope you and family are well! This is Patty. I keep thinking of you because I’m trying to plan a trip with my husband in Oct and another trip with my daughter again (lucky girl, right?!) in Sept. The trip you planned for us last Sept was the best trip of my life! So many spectacular memories that I think of often! I’m wondering if you plan travel in other countries beside Greece."

We have started crafting experiences of a lifetime for our travellers also in places like Athens, Nafplio, Delphi, the Ionian Sea islands, as well as selective few Aegean islands like Santorini, Paros, Naxos and Crete.

Only a few things last forever. Memorable experiences is one of them. Joysters are in the business of creating them...