Discover Greece

24/03/2025

Greece Extends Visa Program for Turkish Visitors to Aegean Islands Until 2026

Greece has announced the extension of its visa program for Turkish nationals, allowing them to visit 12 Aegean islands for up to seven days. This initiative, which aims to improve relations between the two countries, will now run until April 2026.

Greece has announced the extension of its visa program for Turkish nationals, allowing them to visit 12 Aegean islands for up to seven days. This initiative, which aims to improve relations between the two countries, will now run until April 2026.Key TakeawaysVisa program extended until April 202

21/03/2025

Santorini

Ah, Santorini, how could we leave you off the list? This ancient isle in the Cyclades is known for its whitewashed, hilltop villages seated above azure waters. Created after a volcanic eruption, its beaches also feature multi-colored lava pebbles and cliffs.

https://www.aol.com/24-most-beautiful-islands-world-155100946.html

21/03/2025

Paros

This sun-drenched Greek island is home to some of the most unique stretches of beach in the world. This historic isle on the Aegean Sea features architecture that dates back thousands of years, charming yet cosmopolitan villages, exciting water adventures, and a thriving food and beverage scene.

https://www.aol.com/24-most-beautiful-islands-world-155100946.html

21/03/2025

Crete

Thanks to Greek mythology, Crete has been immortalized as a mystical island that was the birthplace of Zeus. Besides history and folklore, Crete offers some of the world's most swoon-worthy beaches and views of the Aegean.

https://www.aol.com/24-most-beautiful-islands-world-155100946.html

18/03/2025

Canada and Greece have officially signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at enhancing tourism between the two nations. This agreement is part of Canada’s broader strategy to strengthen ties with European Union countries and diversify its tourism markets beyond the United States.

Key Takeaways
The memorandum focuses on institutional cooperation and the exchange of tourism-related data.
It aims to promote recreational travel and cultural ties between Canada and Greece.
The agreement reflects a growing trend of Canada seeking partnerships with EU nations.
Details of the Agreement
The memorandum was signed earlier this week and is expected to facilitate:

Institutional Cooperation: Enhancing collaboration between tourism authorities in both countries.
Data Exchange: Sharing information related to travel trends and tourism statistics.
Best Practices: Collaborating on climate action initiatives within the tourism sector.
According to Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, this agreement is a significant step towards boosting tourism and economic prosperity for both nations.

Economic Context
The trade relationship between Canada and Greece has been on the rise, bolstered by the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement. In 2024, bilateral merchandise trade reached approximately $645.8 million, indicating a robust economic partnership that this new agreement aims to enhance further.

Statements from Officials
Mary Ng, Canada’s Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development, emphasized that the agreement will make it easier for citizens of both countries to explore each other’s cultures and landscapes.

Tourism Minister Pascale St-Onge added that this partnership will strengthen cultural ties, allowing for a richer exchange of experiences between Canadians and Greeks.

Future Prospects
Wayne Smith, a director at Toronto Metropolitan University’s Institute for Hospitality and Tourism Research, predicts that Canada will continue to sign similar agreements with other EU countries. He noted a noticeable shift in travel patterns, with more Canadians looking to visit Europe and Europeans considering Canada as a viable travel destination.

Smith remarked, "Both Europe and Canada have realized that an overdependence on the U.S. marketplace is not healthy for their economies."

Conclusion
The signing of this memorandum marks a pivotal moment in Canada-Greece relations, particularly in the tourism sector. As both nations look to diversify their tourism markets and strengthen economic ties, this agreement is expected to pave the way for increased travel and cultural exchange in the years to come.

https://balkaneu.com/canada-and-greece-forge-new-tourism-partnership/

18/03/2025

Greece and Italy Suffering from Over Tourism Get Rare Heatwave Warning and Travel Alert, What You Need To Know

A rare and intense early-season heatwave is sweeping across parts of Southern Europe, with Greece and Italy registering record-breaking temperatures in the middle of March, transforming spring tourism dynamics and accelerating summer-like travel activity weeks ahead of schedule.

According to recent weather data, temperatures in Heraklion, Crete have soared to 30°C, a figure 13 degrees higher than the seasonal March average of 17°C. The Met Office confirms this climate anomaly, indicating continued upward trends into the weekend, with highs expected to reach 31°C.

This climatic event, marked by scorching WXCHARTS red maps, is signaling not only a shift in atmospheric patterns but also a potential inflection point for spring travel trends across Europe.

Spring Tourism in Greece Surges as Heatwave Invites Early Vacationers
Traditionally known for its mild March weather, Greece now finds itself experiencing early summer conditions, prompting tourists to flock to beaches, seaside cafés, and open-air attractions. In Heraklion, the gateway city to Crete, tourism service providers are witnessing an unexpected surge in activity, weeks before the formal high season begins.

Hotel bookings, ferry ticket purchases, and last-minute flights to the Greek islands have reportedly spiked as travellers from colder parts of Europe look to escape lingering winter chills. Local tour operators and hospitality stakeholders in Crete are ramping up staff and inventory to accommodate this unseasonal but welcome surge in visitor traffic.

Heatwave Boosts Outdoor Tourism, Alters Travel Behavior
From beach lounging to historical site exploration, the unseasonably warm weather has reinvigorated demand for outdoor tourism. Visitors previously expecting a light-jacket spring holiday are now basking in sunshine, sporting summer apparel, and flocking to seaside promenades.

The impact on travel behavior is profound. Day-trip excursions, island hopping, beach clubs, and hiking trails in Crete’s rugged terrain have all seen higher-than-expected visitor volumes. Restaurants, especially those with outdoor terraces, are seeing an early surge in dining activity—typically seen in June or July.

Italy Feels the Heat: Southern Europe Experiences a Widespread Temperature Surge
Italy, too, is grappling with elevated temperatures, as parts of the country including Sicily, Sardinia, and coastal Tuscany experience temperature spikes nearing 29°C. The early warmth is influencing Easter holiday planning, with Italian tour operators reporting increased domestic and regional bookings for seaside destinations.

Travel blogs and influencers are already highlighting the Mediterranean heatwave as a top trending topic, encouraging spontaneous getaways. Rome, Florence, and Naples are seeing a jump in last-minute accommodation queries, as tourists adjust travel calendars to seize early summer vibes.

Climate Travel Implications: Unseasonal Heat Shapes New Tourism Narratives
While the early heatwave is a boon for tourism in the short term, climate experts warn that such unseasonal shifts may be part of a broader climate transformation affecting travel seasons, agricultural cycles, and resource demand in hospitality sectors.

Tourism boards are now faced with rethinking seasonal marketing strategies, as traditional off-peak periods become peak-like, and shoulder seasons collapse into extended summer timelines.

Hospitality Sector Responds to Early Season Surge
In response to the climate-driven tourism wave, hotels in Crete and Southern Italy are fast-tracking summer readiness plans. Pools are opening early, seasonal workers are being recalled, and hospitality services are pivoting to meet early demand for sun-loungers, water sports, and outdoor dining experiences.

Travel technology platforms are optimizing spring offerings to showcase warm-weather destinations such as Greece, Italy, Spain, and Malta earlier than usual.

Airlines and Tour Operators Adapt to Climate-Driven Travel Patterns
Airlines servicing Southern Europe routes are witnessing a noticeable shift in booking patterns, with March and April volumes rivaling summer levels. Airlines like Aegean, Ryanair, and ITA Airways are reportedly exploring capacity adjustments and seasonal route extensions to meet growing demand.

Tour operators are recalibrating travel packages, spotlighting sun-kissed spring escapes, and integrating climate data into itinerary planning. “Spring is the new summer” has become a common phrase among travel marketers across Europe.

Spring Weather Shaping Social Media and Travel Influencer Content
The travel influencer community has seized upon the early Mediterranean warmth, turning social media into a real-time broadcast of sunny beaches, cultural festivals, and al fresco dining in Southern Europe. Hashtags like , , , and are trending globally, providing free digital amplification for these destinations.

This digital content spike is further fuelling demand, especially from millennial and Gen Z travelers, who are driven by spontaneous, experiential travel fueled by what they see on Instagram, TikTok, and travel blogs.

Tourism Boards Rethink Campaign Timing
As temperatures rise, destination marketing organizations (DMOs) across Southern Europe are evaluating campaign timing, allocating marketing budgets earlier in the calendar year to capture new opportunities arising from unseasonably warm periods.

Tourism officials in Crete have begun promoting “Spring Sun Holidays” with themes emphasizing cultural festivals, beach wellness escapes, and pre-summer relaxation getaways, while Italian cities are aligning heritage site promotions with early tourist traffic trends.

Travel Industry Outlook: Adaptation and Opportunity
While the early heatwave provides short-term tourism and hospitality revenue boosts, industry professionals are also treating this as a dress rehearsal for adapting to longer-term climate trends.

The emerging consensus is clear—climate change is no longer a future challenge; it is reshaping tourism calendars today. Travelers are adjusting, the industry is responding, and Southern Europe stands poised to redefine how and when the world travels.

https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/greece-and-italy-suffering-from-over-tourism-get-rare-heatwave-warning-and-travel-alert-what-you-need-to-know/

17/03/2025

Ranked: Europe's cheapest (and most expensive) cities for tourists

5th Cheapest: Athens, Greece
©Xatzidimitriou Anastasia/Shutterstock

With a rich legacy dating back over three thousand years as the heart of Ancient Greece, Athens beckons travellers seeking to explore the well-preserved remnants of an old city through its iconic ruins. Adding to its allure, Athens ranks among the most affordable cities to visit in Europe. A sightseeing bus tour is a convenient way to take in must-see sites like the Acropolis and Parthenon – and with tickets under £20 ($25), it's a cheap way to get around too.

https://www.msn.com/en-ie/travel/tripideas/ranked-europe-s-cheapest-and-most-expensive-cities-for-tourists/ss-AA1AXZeS?cvid=69DB2A4DA6B14E51A8B1D242B7F042EE&ocid=hpmsn =9

14/03/2025

Greece and Canada signed a memorandum of understanding for the cooperation on tourism on Thursday, according to a post by Greece’s Minister of Tourism Olga Kefalogiannis on X.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Tourism Cooperation between Greece and Canada was signed today, further solidifying the excellent bilateral relations between the two countries.

The MoU provides for the exchange of data and information on topics such as innovation and digitalization, tourism investments, education and professional training, best practices in tourism promotion, as well as research and development in the global tourism market and new tourism products and services.

During the meeting with Canada’s Ambassador to Greece, Anna-Karine Asselin, we agreed to focus on the challenges faced by the tourism sector due to climate change, exchanging practices and expertise with the aim of enhancing resilience and sustainability for a more sustainable tourism development.

This new agreement reaffirms the commitment of Greece and Canada to promoting a sustainable and innovative tourism model, strengthening institutional cooperation and creating new opportunities for tourism growth.

https://www.tovima.com/tourism/greece-signs-agreement-with-canada-on-tourism-cooperation/

13/03/2025

Greece is Hot, Hot, Hot for Tourists, Still One of World’s Top Spots

Greece has injected more than $1.3 billion into tourist investments to keep the hordes coming, despite worries about overtourism overwhelming some popular spots and the government continuing to woo luxury resorts and high-end spenders.

Calling Greece “Europe’s ultimate holiday hotspot,” the site Travel and World Tour said the country “is soaring back onto the global travel map, with tourism numbers roaring past pre-pandemic levels and …one of Europe’s most sought-after destinations.”

https://www.thenationalherald.com/greece-is-hot-hot-hot-for-tourists-still-one-of-worlds-top-spots/

13/03/2025

The beautiful Greek city that's perfect for an April holiday

This stunning Greek city is the perfect place for an Easter break, with pleasant temperatures but without the crowds that descend on Athens each year.

Looking for a holiday to a history-rich city this Easter but without the crowds that descend on Athens before temperatures become unbearably hot? This stunning Greek city ticks all the boxes, with the added bonus of being largely tourist-free, meaning you can explore its stunning landmarks in peace.

Thessaloniki lies in Central Macedonia on the western Chalcidice peninsula at the head of a bay on the Gulf of Thermai. It is the second-largest city in Greece and is considered a cultural hotspot, renowned for its festivals, events and vibrant cultural life. It is built on the foothills and slopes of Mount Khortiátis, overlooking the delta plains of the Gallikós and Vardar rivers, and so offers some of the most spectacular views you'll find in Europe. https://www.express.co.uk/travel/articles/2026415/beautiful-greek-city-april-holiday

11/03/2025

Skyros Holidays has announced new programmes that pay tribute to the island’s storied past while carrying its creative legacy into the future. Located on Skyros, one of the oldest inhabited Greek islands, Skyros Holidays merges centuries-old cultural traditions with modern courses designed to inspire and transform.

Embracing ancient roots
Believed to be linked to legendary figures like Achilles, Skyros boasts a vibrant tapestry of myth, art, and authentic Greek life that has captured the imaginations of visitors for generations. The island’s narrow lanes, traditional whitewashed houses, and unspoilt beaches evoke a timeless atmosphere—setting the stage for holistic retreats unlike any other in Greece.

“Skyros has long been a haven for artists, writers, and philosophers,” says Christine Schulz, Director at Skyros Holidays. “Its ancient heritage has a profound way of illuminating creative potential in anyone who visits. We see it in each guest—there’s an energy here that goes back millennia, and it still resonates.”

Courses honouring tradition & creative growth
Skyros Holidays’ 2025 offerings reflect the island’s enduring spirit of creativity. From masterclasses in comedy writing and personal development to therapeutic yoga sessions, every course is carefully crafted to guide participants on an inner journey—whether they’re seeking to hone their craft, invigorate their wellbeing, or discover a new passion altogether. At the heart of each programme lies an appreciation for Skyros’s roots in storytelling, performance, and community celebration.

Fostering a future inspired by the past
By curating retreats that blend ancient influences with modern perspectives, Skyros Holidays continues the island’s legacy of innovation and artistic expression. The programme line-up spans:

Writing & Art: Workshops drawing on Skyros’s historical connection to mythology and storytelling, guided by facilitators who understand how the island’s timeless mystique fuels creativity.
Holistic wellbeing: Sessions on nutrition, yoga, and personal growth, reflecting the island’s nurturing atmosphere and commitment to gentle, sustainable tourism.
Community & Culture: Encouraging guests to engage with local artisans, taste traditional cuisine, and learn how islanders have preserved their cultural heritage for centuries.
Supporting local heritage & environment
Skyros Holidays remains dedicated to gentle tourism practices—limiting group sizes, sourcing local produce, and collaborating closely with island residents. These initiatives aim to preserve Skyros’s unique character and ensure its creative energy endures for future generations.

“Skyros is more than just a backdrop for our retreats,” adds Christine Schulz. “It’s the essence. Our goal has always been to honour the island’s past while sparking new ideas and insights in our guests. After all, creativity has been at the heart of Skyros for centuries.”

10/03/2025

Jet2 expands Greece programme for summer

Jet2.com and Jet2holidays have announced additional capacity to four destinations in Greece for summer 2025.

Jet2 says it is a response to customer demand for holidays in Rhodes, Corfu, Crete and Kos.

It has added more than 17,000 seats to Rhodes, Corfu, Chania and Kos, available from July through to October 2025.

The extra seats are from Bristol, East Midlands, Manchester and London Stansted.

It adds up to an extra weekly flight to Rhodes from Bristol, and additional weekly flights from East Midlands to Corfu Manchester to Chania and Stansted to Kos.

Summer 2025 will be Jet2.com and Jet2holidays’ biggest ever programme of flights and holidays to Greece.

There will be a total of 3.1 million seats on sale between the UK and Greece, with up to 328 weekly departures from the UK at key periods during the summer.

Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays said: “The continued appeal of Greece as a summer destination means we are adding even more choice. We know just how much holidaymakers love these Greek destinations.”

https://www.travelmole.com/news/jet2-expands-greece-programme-for-summer/

10/03/2025

Greece Accelerates Travel Boom with Billion-Pound Tourism Investments and Unstoppable Surge in International Visitors

Greece fuels a travel surge with over £1 billion in tourism investments and record-breaking visitor numbers, transforming into Europe’s ultimate holiday hotspot.

Greece is soaring back onto the global travel map, with tourism numbers roaring past pre-pandemic levels and the nation securing its spot as one of Europe’s most sought-after destinations. In response to this remarkable surge, Greece has approved three game-changing tourism investments totaling over £1 billion, aiming to capitalize on this upward momentum in the travel and tourism industry.

After a turbulent period during the Covid crisis, Greece’s tourism sector has staged an extraordinary comeback. In 2024, the country welcomed an astonishing 35.95 million international visitors—marking a robust 9.8% rise compared to the 32.73 million arrivals recorded in 2023. Industry experts predict this upward trajectory will continue, as investors pour in to seize opportunities in this booming travel market.

Authorities have greenlit large-scale tourism projects on three strategic locations—Petalioi islets near Evia, the Ermionida region of the Peloponnese, and the Astakos area of Western Greece. These high-profile developments are set to redefine Greece’s upscale travel offerings.

https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/greece-accelerates-travel-boom-with-billion-pound-tourism-investments-and-unstoppable-surge-in-international-visitors/

10/03/2025

How to spend a week sailing around Greece's Ioanian islands

A week aboard a yacht, with the help of a local skipper, makes for the ultimate sailing adventure around Greece’s Ionian Islands.

“Ready to tack?” a voice shouts. Before I can ask what that means, the sails flicker and the entire boat suddenly tilts sideways. Dishes and bowls of fruit crash against each other inside the cabin. I grab hold of the railing and laugh nervously, but the smiles on my crewmates’ faces reassure me that this is a good manoeuvre. Moments later, we catch the wind and we’re off. Apostolis Tsiokos, our tanned,silver-haired skipper, is humming along to We Are Sailing by Rod Stewart.

The 52ft monohull yacht, Neifinn, can accommodate up to 11 crew members but, this week, there’s only three of us on board: me, Apostolis and Loïc, a passenger from France. We’re just one boat of the 11-strong flotilla — a convoy of nine other monohulls and a catamaran, with sailors from around the UK, Germany and the US, as well as a lead boat helmed by Sunsail’s local team. We all met yesterday on the island of Lefkada (sometimes known as Lefkas), which sits in the Ionian Sea just off the west coast of Greece. It has deep connections to Homer’s epic poem The Odyssey — German archaeologist Wilhelm Dörpfeld believed modern Lefkada was Odysseus’s ancient Ithaca. Today, the island draws visitors to its many interesting historical sites, and to its golden bays for windsurfing and other watersports.

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/how-to-spend-a-week-sailing-greek-ioanian-sea

22/02/2025

Mykonos island, Greece

📸: arkanto/shutterstock.com

22/02/2025

Agia Galini 🌸

📸 Photo by (IG)

22/02/2025

Meteora, Greece 🇬🇷

📷.in

22/02/2025

7 Secret Greek Islands to Visit. 👇