
## Guide to Greece

**Where is Greece? History of Greece? Tourism in Greece? Greece Tourism 2020? Greece Tourism 2019? Should I visit Greece? Attractions in Greece? Greece population? Travelling to Greece?**

Greece is a country located in Southeast Europe. As of 2018 the population was around 11 million. The capital and the most populated city in Greece is the city of Athens, then it is followed by Thessaloniki. Greece has a significant geographic location at the intersection of three continents: Europe, Asia, and Africa. Among the Mediterranean countries Greece has the longest coastline and about 2000 islands. The number of inhabited islands is 227. Greece is a country surrounded by the seas, Ionian Sea in the west, Aegean Sea in the east, Mediterranean and Cretan Sea in the south.

Greece is viewed as the origination of democracy and the cradle of Western civilization. Additionally, Western drama, literature, philosophy, political science, significant part of scientific and mathematical principles firstly have come out in Greece. Furthermore, Greece is the birthplace of the Olympic Games. Philip II of Macedon ruled the present-day Greece in the 4th  century B.C. but his follower Alexander the Great conquered a significant part of the old world, from Balkans to India. The rise of Greek culture and impact was picked in this period of ancient history. Greece was attached by Rome in the second century B.C., turning into a vital aspect of the Roman Empire and its successor, the Byzantine Empire, which received the Greek language and culture.

### Tourism in Greece

Tourism is the major sector of Greece economy by representing 1 out of 4 directly and the other 1 part might be said in directly. In 2018 and 2019 Greece was visited by more than 35 million travelers and this number is 3 times bigger than the country’s population. Simply we can say almost the 40-50% of Greece economy is directly and indirectly dependent on the tourism sector. Hotels, restaurants, pubs, clubs, airways, ferry companies, travel agencies, tour operators, transfer services, shops and many others are strictly attached to the inbound tourists.

The tourism sector in Greece in 2020, not only Greece but also the whole World, has taken a severe hit by Covid-19. For the first 7 months, the revenue in Greek tourism sector dropped 86% comparing the previous year. Despite the flight restrictions have been loosened for the summertime, the vigorous fall could not be hindered. Most of the hotels have not opened their gate to the tourists even after the lockdown. Due to the ongoing jeopardy in Coronavirus Pandemic and the fear of the second wave have already eradicated the hope of many touristic service providers for the rest of 2020. In this period, some touristic companies have found the opportunities in the crisis and they have updated their systems or made more compatible with the new World order.

Why you should visit Greece? We use many philosophical, medical, and mathematical terms in our daily life which have their roots in Greek. There are many Hollywood movies based on the mystical stories of Ancient Greece. Anyone of us has already seen Greece maybe not literally but spiritually. When you see the Acropolis you will remember this is the birthplace of democracy and civilization that we discuss at schools, The Olympus Mountain will remind you the God Zeus and his god/goddess sons and daughters, Temple of Parthenon – the Goddess Athena, Delphi – the God Apollo, Cape Sounion – the God Poseidon, Thessaloniki will spirit up Alexander the Great and you will vision his adventurous invasions from Macedonia to India. You will depicture the battle, at least the movie, 300 Spartans with the King Leonidas against Persian Army when you are listening his story in front of his Statue. This is merely one reason to visit Greece.

Furthermore, Greece has unique islands with their breathtaking landscapes, seascapes, natural wonders, fabulous beaches, and ambiances. The most renowned volcanic island of Greece is Santorini having one of the largest volcanic eruptions in history. The caldera is the remnant of volcanic eruption and has a splendid view from the island. Red and black beaches, island wine, and spectacular views of Santorini are the reasons making this island distinguished and favorite travel destination for the people all around the world. The other island is Mykonos which is one of the most well-liked Greek islands for its beautiful scenery, cosmopolitan atmosphere, and its picturesque architecture. With luxury hotels dotting the narrow streets of Mykonos, travelers can relax and enjoy the blue domed churches, whitewashed houses, and breathtaking sandy beaches. There are many others and we can say a lot about them but not to extend the subject much I would like to just mention their names: Crete, Rhodes, Kefalonia, Corfu, Naxos, Ios, Milos, Paros, Kos, Tinos, Anafi, Amorgos, Zakynthos, Mytilene and etc.

In addition to historical and leisure tourism, Greece is visited by pilgrims to follow the footsteps of Saint Paul. It is a pilgrimage tour and takes about 8 days. To complete their service, pilgrims visit the destinations of Kavala (Mt. Athos), Thessaloniki (Phillipi, Amphipolis, Veria, Vergina), Kalambaka (Meteora Monastries), Ancient Corinth and Athens.

| ![Myrtos Beach in Kefalonia](https://media-greeceferries.fra1.digitaloceanspaces.com/images/blog/serpentine-road_small.jpeg) | ![Meteora Panaroma with Monastries](https://media-greeceferries.fra1.digitaloceanspaces.com/images/blog/meteora_small.jpeg) | ![Temple of Apollo](https://media-greeceferries.fra1.digitaloceanspaces.com/images/blog/temple-of-apollo_small.jpeg) |
|--|--|--|
| ![Mykonos](https://media-greeceferries.fra1.digitaloceanspaces.com/images/blog/copy-of-little-venice-mykonos_small.jpeg) | ![White Tower in Thessaloniki](https://media-greeceferries.fra1.digitaloceanspaces.com/images/blog/white-tower-in-thessaloniki_small.jpeg) | ![Delphi-Theatre](https://media-greeceferries.fra1.digitaloceanspaces.com/images/blog/delphi-theatre_small.jpeg) |
    

Guide to Greece


## Coronavirus in Greece

Greece was one of the fastest nation taking measures among countries facing the corona virus outbreak. Following the first cases seen in late February 2020, quarantine measures began to be implemented in the country as of March 22. As a result of the measures that have become more rigid in the country over time, the number of daily cases was reduced to 5-20, and death toll sometimes didn’t change, sometimes increased merely 2. However, as a result of the measures, economic activities in the country, especially tourism, came to a standstill. All other businesses were closed, except for grocery stores, hospitals and pharmacies.

After a successful process management, it was thought that re-transition to normal life was necessary both economically and socially. At first, businesses were allowed to open gradually, of course, by protecting various measures such as the use of masks in the public space and inside the businesses, and then sitting in cafes and restaurants on the condition of maintaining social distance. During this time there was no significant increase in the number of cases and deaths. However, after the lifting of flight bans to Europe and some limited countries for tourism purposes, which was launched at the beginning of July 2020 and extended as of July 15, the number of cases started to increase sharply. As of September 23, the average number of cases per day in the last week was 314, while the number of deaths per day was 5.6.

The data that remained below 4000 cases and 200 death toll until 15 July shows the total number of cases as 15,928 and the death toll as 352 as of 23 September [(https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/country/greece/](https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/country/greece/)).
    

Coronavirus in greece


## Seat and Cabin Types on Greece Ferries

**What are the types of seats in ferries? What are the cabin types on Greece Ferries? What are the meanings of on deck (deck lounge), economy, air seat, silver, club or platinum in Greek Ferries? What is a 4-berth cabin, internal or external cabin?**

While some Greek Ferry Companies use the same or very similar names for the same type of seats and cabins in ferries the other some are able to use different names. However, sometimes even the common names can cause confusion for the passengers at the time of booking. The purpose of this article is to assist ferry travelers to get rid of this confusion.

Please read the definitions below to understand of the common names that are used for the seats and the cabins on a ferry. Similar or other names used for the seats and cabins in ferries are given in the following table.

#### On Deck:

To travel on deck means there isn’t any private seat for the traveler. The traveler can have a seat on any chair or armchair in cafeteria, bar, restaurant or outside plastic chairs but not the numbered seats inside. Out of season times for on deck passengers to find a place to sit is not a problem but the season time it could be difficult to find a place to sit.

#### On Deck Discounted:

This is the same type of accommodation like on deck but one difference, these tickets are non-refundable. This accommodation is the cheapest way of traveling on a ferry. It is not available consistently because it is up to ferry company itself. Ferry companies make some on-deck tickets as discounted according to the season and demands.

#### Numbered Seats:

These types of seats have numbers on them and each one is denominated to a particular passenger. The most common name of numbered seats is air type seat. As you understand from the name, these are adjustable and comfortable seats like in a plane. There are specific fields in a ship assigned for air type seats. These air seats are divided into 3 classes as standard, business and first class/VIP. The business and the first-class seats are in different floors and they have their own bars, the comfortability of those seats in terms of size, technology and surface structure are better than the standard ones. You can see the different sayings of these seats in the following table.

#### Sleeper Cabins:

The most comfortable and convenient way of traveling on a ferry is to book a cabin. Clean sheets and towels, air condition, private bathrooms (WC + Shower) are present in each cabin. Most of the cabins are designed for 4 people and the beds are bunk beds. There are 2 and 3 bed cabins, they have single or double beds. If you don’t book a whole cabin then you are supposed to stay with people of the same sex as you.

Lux cabins means the luxury level ones and they have some extra facilities in comparison to the standard one. Extra facilities might be access to a private lounge, king bed, room service, expanded bathroom and tools, hairdryer, balcony or major window with sea view, a flat-screen TV, wardrobe, convertible plug in/out. We strongly recommend our clients to book a cabin for long and night voyages such as from Athens to Rhodes, Kos, Crete or Lesvos.

There are some terms used for cabins:

#### Berth:

It is used as the meaning of a bed. For instance, 4-berth cabin means 4-bed cabin.

#### Inside/Internal/In Cabin:

Ones those do not have window and sea view. The names are used for those cabins are berth-in, berth-inside, berth-internal, inside with facilities.

#### Outside/External/Out Cabin:

Ones those have window and sea view. The names are used for those cabins are berth-out, berth-outside, berth-external, outside with facilities.

#### Pet Cabin:

There is only a limited number of cabins that accommodate pets in ferries. These are determined by each ferry company separately and that might be in or out cabin. There are 3 options to take the pets on ferries; in pet cabin, in kennel or on deck. The first two options are subject to payment. The third one is for free but you are supposed to accompany your pet at all times.

#### Bed in Dormitory:

These are the cabins designed at least for 6 beds and the beds are bunk beds. The cabins in dormitory style for men and women are separate.

| SEAT&CABIN TYPES | Alternative 1 | Alternative 2 | Alternative 3 | Alternative 4 | Alternative 5 | Aegean Speed Lines
| :--------- | :--------- | :--------- | :--------- | :--------- | :--------- | :--------- |
| On Deck Discounted (Non-refundable) | Economy Discounted | Deck Discounted | On Deck Discounted
| On Deck |Economy |Deck | On Deck
| **Numbered Seats**
| Standard Discounted (Non-refundable) | Air Seats Dis. | Economy Seats Dis. | Silver Dis. | Air Type Seats Dis. | Airplane Type Seats Dis. | Economy Discount
| Standard | Air Seats | Economy Seats | Silver | Air Type Seats | Airplane Type Seats | Economy
| Business | Business Air Seats | Business Seats | Hera | Club | Diakekrimenh | Economy Table
| First Class | Platinum | DKN-First Class | | | | Exclusive
| **Sleeper Cabins**
| Cabin Standard | Berth In | Berth Inside | Berth Internal | Inside with Facilities | Internal/Inside
| Cabin Standard (Sea View) | Berth Out | Berth Outside | Berth External | Outside with Facilities | External/Outside
| Cabin Suit (Sea View) | Lux | Berth Junior Suite | Lux Berth | Cabin Suit with Balcony | Berth Lux Cabin
| Cabin Delux (Sea View) | Lux Pure | Berth Deluxe
| Cabin Super Delux (Sea View) | Berth Super Delux
| Cabin Standard Pet | Berth Inside Cabin Pet | Berth Inside Pet | Pet-Berth In
| Cabin Standard Pet (Sea View) | Berth Outside Cabin Pet | Berth External Pet | Pet-Berth Out
| Bed in Dormitory Style | Dormitory Male/Female


Learn about the differences between greek ferry seat types and find out which companies name these seat types accordingly.

Seat and cabin types on Greece ferries


    
## Covid-19 & Travel To Greece

#### What is the last Covid-19 (Coronavirus) rate in Greece?

As of January 2, 2021, The number of total cases is 140.099 and the death toll is 4.957 in Greece ([Worldmeters.info](https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/country/greece/)).

####  Is the mask mandatory in Greece? Is there a fine for not following mask rule?

-   The use of mask is required and mandatory within all sorts of transportation including taxis with 3 passengers limited, supermarkets, retail/food stores, all enclosed shops and salons, hospitals and clinics, public service offices, banks, and elevators.
-   The fine was 150 euros for not following the mask rule in enclosed spaces where it is required. With the last high number of cases and deaths due to the Covid, the mask has been mandatory for not only indoors but also outdoors and the fine for the violation of mask rule has been increased to 300 euros.
-   The Greek Government recently made the declaration of more strict measures for the increase in Covid-19 cases. In regions where the risk level is high consisting of Attica and Thessaloniki,  **masks**  will be mandatory in all locations, including outdoors. Furthermore, between 10:00pm and 05:00am the curfew will be imposed, excluding people who work night hours and in emergencies.
-   Recent news in the country about coronavirus is not really pleasant. As a result of that, the government had declared a lockdown in the country as of November 6 to December 1. However, since the expected result in the beginning of December was not achieved, the government had to extend the lockdown part by part, the last said was until 11th January.

####  Can I travel to Greece? What are the flight restrictions to Greece?

Residents from European Union (EU) and some additional countries can travel and fly to Greece. As of 2 January 2021 pursuant to the recommendation of European Union Council ([the list of non-EU countries](https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2020/08/07/lifting-of-travel-restrictions-council-reviews-the-list-of-third-countries/)) and the national determination, the additional countries are Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Lichtenstein, New Zealand, Australia, South Korea, Thailand, Singapore, Rwanda, Japan, China. Andorra, Monaco, San Marino and Vatican residents will be considered as EU residents.

-   China is depended on the reciprocity principle.
-   Passengers of flights required to have a negative molecular test result (PCR) for COVID-19: Bulgaria, Romania, UAE, Malta, Belgium, Spain, Albania, North Macedonia and Hungary (as of September 16), from Czech Republic (as of September 28) and Poland as of October 3 to Greece.
-   PCR must be performed up to 72 hours before the entry to Greece.

The residents of other countries can travel to Greece only under the essential travel conditions.

_As of 11 November 2020, all foreign nationals traveling to Greece will be required to have a negative molecular test result (PCR) for COVID-19 conducted up to 72 hours prior to their arrival in Greece. This includes Greece’s air and land arrivals._

#### What is the essential traveler?

Greek citizens, permanent residents of Greece, and travelers for essential professional reasons (health/medical, business, urgent family business, international protection) are counted as essential travelers.

####  What are the requirements from travelers?

The Greek Government has declared the conditions for travelers of the countries allowed to travel to Greece since July 1 of 2020. All travelers, allowed to travel to Greece, must fulfill the Passenger Locator Form (PLF) 48 hours before entering the country. The form contains of detailed information on traveler’s point of departure, the duration of previous stays in other countries, and the accommodation address during stay in Greece, at least for the first 24 hours. Each family is required to submit one PLF.

For the passengers from the countries mentioned before need to have PCR COVID-19 test 72h before departure.

_As of 11 November 2020, all foreign nationals traveling to Greece will be required to have a negative molecular test result (PCR) for COVID-19 conducted up to 72 hours prior to their arrival in Greece. This includes Greece’s air and land arrivals._

#### What is the process of Passenger Locator Form (PLF)?

Upon the completion of a PLF, travelers will receive a confirmation email. At the beginning of (at midnight) their expected arrival date in Greece, travelers will receive the PLF with their special Quick Response (QR) code and will be informed by email (the QR code will be given by a connection in the confirmation email). On viewing the confirmation text, passengers boarding or embarking on the previous day of arrival will be permitted, so they will receive their QR code during their flight or journey.

#### What are the requirements for PCR COVID-19 test obligators?

Only visitors who bear a negative RT-PCR test result document will be allowed into the country by the border authorities. Children under 10 years of age are not subjected to PCR testing obligations. Travelers will also have to complete and apply their PLF form and may, upon arrival at the Greek border, be subject to random checking. The documents must be written in English and carry the traveler ‘s name and passport / national identification number.

The laboratories conducting the RT-PCR tests should be:

1.  National Reference laboratories
2.  National Public Health Laboratories or
3.  Private laboratories which are accredited from the respective national accreditation authorities.

Documents which do not follow the standards above will not be recognized. The forgery of documents is punishable by Greek law.

####  What are the last measures in Greece for Covid-19 (Coronavirus)

Because of the last increased Covid-19 cases, day by day the Greek Government makes a new the declaration of more strict measures. Due to that we would like to give you each novel news about the measures with their date respectively.

**—2021—**

**January 2**: More strict measures will be mandated from 6am January 3 to 6am January11.  _Suspended operations_: The “click away” shopping method in retail stores, the operation of bookstores, hairdressers, nail salons and vehicle inspection services (KTEO).  _Banned activities_: Fishing and hunting, outdoor public ceremonies, moving out from 9pm to 5am excluding night workers, health reasons and walking a pet. Sunday services will be carried out in churches provided that to apply necessary precautions.

**—2020—**

**December 7**: The Greek Government spokesman Stelios Petsas declared on Monday; schools, restaurants and courts in Greece will stay closed and the night curfew (21:00/05:00) will be in action until January 7.

**December 4:** As of 11 November 2020, all foreign nationals traveling to Greece will be required to have a negative molecular test result (PCR) for COVID-19 conducted up to 72 hours prior to their arrival in Greece. This includes Greece’s air and land arrivals.

Due to the recent unpleasant news about coronavirus in Greece, the government has declared a lockdown in the country as of November 6 to December 1. However, since the expected result in the beginning of December was not achieved, the government had to extend the lockdown for another 2 weeks untill December 14, 2020.

**5 November**: According to the  [news](https://greece.greekreporter.com/2020/11/05/greek-pm-announces-nationwide-lockdown-till-november-30/), the Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis addressed to the nation on 5th of November (Thursday) and announced that a nationwide lockdown will be imposed from November 7 until November 30 because of the vital increase in corona virus cases.

Just a few days before the lockdown announcement, some new measures such as the closure of restaurants, bars and cafes were already declared but the delivery service. From the beginning of the lockdown only the supermarkets, pharmacies, pet shops, bakeries, butcher shops and the shops with delivery services stay open. Middle and high school will be closed and online education will take place. Kinder gardens and primary schools will remain open. Citizens are supposed to send SMS with the reason to go out, they will be able to go out after the permission received.

**As of 26 October**: In regions where the risk level is high consisting of Attica and Thessaloniki,  **masks**  will be mandatory in all locations, including outdoors, even in restaurants until clients get seated. Furthermore, between 12:30am and 05:00am the curfew will be imposed, excluding people who work night hours and in emergencies.

The capital city of Greece is Athens and It takes place in the region of Attica.

From September 21 until October 4, the following additional restrictive measures are taken in Attica which have been announced by  [the local authorities](https://www.civilprotection.gr/el/simantika-themata/ta-nea-metra-gia-tin-attiki):

-   Maximum 9 people is allowed for indoor and outdoor gatherings. Areas where special distance measures apply, such as health stores, are excluded.
-   All concerts are suspended, both outdoors and indoors.
-   Cinemas are suspended.
-   Weddings and funerals are restricted with the maximum number of 20 people.
-   To protect vulnerable groups or are 65 years and older, it is recommended:

1.  To limit the next 14 days their movements, if it is necessary, always taking the appropriate protective measures,
2.  To avoid contacting people other than their family,
3.  To avoid traveling by public transport.

-   To protect the health of workers:

1.  Mandatory teleworking at 40% for employees in the Private and Public Sector.
2.  Transportation to/from work in three waves to the public sector at 7:00, 8:00 and 9:00 am.
3.  Transportation for Private sector employees in four waves within two hours of the start and the end of working hours.

From September 16 until September 30, the following additional restrictive measures have been announced by  [the local authorities](https://www.civilprotection.gr/el/simantika-themata/se-kathestos-epidimiologika-epivarymenis-periohis-kai-epitirisis-i-pe-trikalon)  for Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, Thessaloniki, Larissa, Corfu, Karditsa, Rethymno, Lassithi, Paros (and Antiparos), Santorini, Volos, Rhodes and Kos:

-   Ban on the operation of restaurants and entertainment venues from midnight until 7 in the morning.
-   A maximum of 50 people for all public and social events and gatherings, except those to which special rules apply, such as in restaurants, theaters, cinemas.

Finally, it is noted that in the regime of special restrictive measures remain: Chania, Heraklion, Halkidiki, Zakynthos, Lesvos, Pella, Pieria, Imathia and Kilkis, as well as Mykonos:

-   Suspension of any kind of public events,
-   Prohibition of public or private gatherings of more than nine people,
-   Maximum limits of four people per table in restaurants (six people if they are immediate family),
-   Mandatory use of face masks indoors and outdoors.

#### Can I take COVID-19 Test by myself in Greece?

Yes you can.

-   At major hospitals in Greece,
-   Athens Eleftherios Venizelos Airport (at Arrivals level between entrances 2-3).
-   Testing of which the average cost is between 100-120 is paid by the individual being tested.
-   COVID-19 hotline (Nation. Public Health Organ.) at 1135 for guidance and for medical care.

####  Additional Info:

-   Please visit  [gov.gr](https://travel.gov.gr/#/)  for detailed information on PCR test requirements, depending on departure point and port of entry into Greece.
-   Both air, land or sea tourists will be subject to random testing upon arrival. Travelers transfer to their final destination upon being checked. In the case of a positive outcome, costs covered by the Greek State will be contacted and put on a 14-day quarantine.
-   Travelers are mandated by boat and airline companies to complete a health status questionnaire, submit to a temperature check, and wear a mask.
-   For the time being there is no lockdown on a countrywide or a local basis but with the increase in cases and death toll, local authorities can impose curfew with little or no advance warning.
-   Travelers should be ready for the possibility that, with little or no advance warning, the Greek Government would apply additional travel restrictions.## Covid-19 & Travel To Greece

    

Read the latest news about Covid-19 related to Greece and learn the measurements. 