Why Greece is Europe's top holiday destination right now

If you're concerned that the pandemic has spoiled your dream of clear skies, sparkling seas, golden sunshine, and the freshest al fresco meals – rest assured, it hasn’t.

Greece has made significant strides to tailor its tourism experience in the face of the pandemic. So far, it's paying off, even as other European spots struggle with a resurgence of cases.

Thanks to its relatively low infection rates, visiting Greece right now feels almost like stepping into a place where COVID-19 never existed.

With a few simple health measures in place, the pristine, uncrowded beaches, crystal-clear waters, and charming seaside tavernas still offer the genuine Greek escape that will wash away those pandemic blues.

At the moment, Greece isn't open to everyone. It has limited access to travelers from EU countries and a few other select nations, though officials have suggested that US visitors (excluding Tom Hanks, of course) might be allowed in before summer ends.

Travelers are required to submit pre-arrival documentation with accommodation details. Upon arrival, random testing will be carried out, and if any passengers test positive, they may be quarantined for 14 days.

Airport screenings

Despite some pre-flight jitters on July 16 – one of the first flights from London to Athens after the UK travel ban was lifted just a day before – the journey went smoothly.

Passengers generally followed the rules, wearing masks throughout the British Airways flight. Immigration checks included documentation, but there was no indication that anyone was subjected to COVID-19 testing.

This doesn't mean testing isn't happening. Greece acknowledges that travelers might bring infections with them, but it is determined to control any outbreaks to protect its crucial tourism sector for the rest of the summer.

Once you step out of the airport, Greece is ready and waiting, just as it always has been.

Majestic hillsides dotted with cypress trees, olive groves, and citrus orchards lead down to soft sandy beaches and deep blue waters. Each evening, a mesmerizing sunset casts a soothing palette of oranges and pinks across the sky and landscape.

Hotels and guesthouses are going the extra mile to ensure guests feel secure. Check-in desks are shielded with screens, staff are wearing masks, and in some cases, gloves and full plastic face shields—even if they’re not the most comfortable.

“I feel like I’m about to go scuba diving in this,” says Takis Zotos, who runs the Pension Marianna guesthouse in Nafplio, a popular tourist town on the Peloponnese Peninsula, sweating under his plastic face shield.

Hand sanitizers are readily available—found in hotel lobbies, outside rooms, inside rooms, and even in small bottles in the bathroom next to the complimentary shower gel and shampoo. TV and air conditioning remotes are sometimes encased in plastic wraps.

Signs and floor markings are diligently placed to encourage a two-meter social distancing rule, though it isn’t always practical. The one-at-a-time breakfast service, replacing the usual buffet, remains a challenging logistical experiment in progress.

A classic welcome

While hoteliers might worry about guests potentially bringing in the virus along with their beachwear, they’re not letting it show.

The warm welcomes, even from visitors arriving from virus hotspots like the UK, feel authentic. Greek hospitality remains strong despite Covid-19, although there is a need for some caution.

“For Greeks, not being able to shake hands is like losing an arm,” says Zotos, who runs his impeccably clean guesthouse (with a Covid-19 training certificate proudly displayed at reception) alongside his two brothers.

Restaurants are also taking measures. Tables are disinfected between diners, and bottles of hand sanitizer can often be found next to the salt and pepper.

Most waitstaff are equipped with masks or small plastic guards that cover the lower face. However, in crowded tourist areas, it’s not uncommon to see masks missing, worn under the nose, or simply hanging off chins.

Even in secluded mountain villages, waitstaff at small roadside tavernas can be spotted wearing full protective gear, braving the midday heat.

Low risk

Dining out in Greece does require some trust, but with most meals served outdoors and COVID-19 cases remaining low, the risk is minimal.

In the streets, there’s little indication that a global pandemic is unfolding. Few people, whether in tourist areas or local neighborhoods, are wearing face masks or maintaining social distancing. However, shopkeepers tend to follow the guidelines.

At Greece’s numerous historic sites, face mask regulations apply for indoor exhibits. The irony, though, is that these attractions are largely empty due to the downturn in tourism caused by the pandemic.

While this is a blow to Greece’s tourism industry, it offers a magical experience for visitors who can explore ancient wonders without the usual crowds.

At the ancient Epidaurus theater, a stunningly acoustically perfect venue that has hosted performances for over two millennia, a few lucky tourists were able to enjoy the rare opportunity to perform in a completely empty amphitheater.

Masks are mandatory on all public transportation, including the ferries that connect the islands. There’s also extra paperwork required for travel by ferry.

Deserted beaches

Masks are not required on Greece’s many beaches, and with visitor numbers currently much lower than usual, social distancing is hardly an issue.

While this could become a concern on some of Greece’s smaller islands or in more heavily tourist-driven destinations, around the Peloponnese, most beaches were largely enjoyed by just a few local bathers.

This region of mainland Greece, easily reachable via a new fast toll road from Athens, is arguably one of the country’s top spots for Covid-era tourism. It’s traditionally less crowded than the islands but offers an abundance of beaches and historical landmarks.

With towering mountains, lush countryside, scenic driving routes, and charming inland and coastal towns, this area has everything needed for the perfect road trip.

Notable highlights include the historic Byzantine fortress town of Mystras, the stunning beaches of Elafonisos Island, the picturesque port town of Gythio, the medieval fortress town of Monemvasia, and the rugged Mani Peninsula—a place of dramatic coastal roads, secluded coves, and mountaintop villages, far removed from the crowds.

Greece may eventually experience the crowded beaches seen in Spain and other parts of Europe. It could face a resurgence of COVID-19 cases due to the reopening of its borders and may have to cut the summer season short.

Right now, with the cicadas serenading the warm olive trees, the sun sinking into the gleaming Mediterranean, and the cool condensation dripping down a chilled bottle of Mythos beer, it’s the ultimate escape from the world.