From July 1, 2020, all regional airports in Greece will be open again and all direct flights will be allowed without restrictions. Random tests take place at the airport. Do you want to fly earlier? Then we have good news! From June 15, you can already fly to Eleftherios Venizelos / Athens airport. You will be tested at the airport. Have your original vacation plans been cancelled? And are you still looking for a beautiful destination for this summer? Then we recommend the following places in Greece.
Culinary highlights Crete
Wine in Heraklion
Who wants to go on a wine adventure should be in Heraklion! 68% of all vineyards in Crete are located here. Crete has 18 indigenous grape varieties and a wine history dating back 4,000 years. Not surprising because the island has an ideal climate for wine:a cool winter and dry summer in combination with the Mediterranean sun.
There are two wine routes that you can follow in Heraklion. Both routes start in the city and take you to different wineries. Be sure to discover the Liatiko grape. This exclusive red grape gives the wine a spicy and floral scent and a unique sweetness. You should definitely taste the amazing PDO Sitia and Dafnes wines, which are made from this grape! The grapes are harvested in July. Fun to be with.
Bring a large suitcase! Because you will need space to take wine back… Yamas!
Chania:Valhalla for foodies!
Is eating well while traveling a priority for you? Then you can now put Chania on your list! You will find plenty of cozy restaurants and taverns where you can eat the most delicious grilled octopus, mezes, fried cheese, sweet pastries and so on! But during your trip you can also improve your cooking skills in Chania. Ever heard of the Mediterranean diet?
The Cretan cooks with all the right ingredients such as extra virgin olive oil, grains, fish, legumes, vegetables and fruit. Research has shown that this diet is extremely healthy. And the Cretan knows how to make finger-licking dishes with these ingredients.
In Chania you can follow various cooking workshops where you learn, among other things, how to bake the most delicious bread, sprinkled with pepper oil, tomato and olives.
Kali Orexi!
Rhodes for adventurers
Jeep Safari
It's going to be a bumpy ride! Rhodes is loved by many Dutch people, because of the medieval city, the impressive color of the sea and the wonderful beach. But did you know that there is also adventure in Rhodes?
Book a Jeep Safari and drive 'off road' to the 'Seven Springs', a green gorge with 7 sources and streams. The daredevil among us also takes a walk through a dark tunnel, which is about 75 cm wide and 1.7 meters high, to eventually arrive at a lake. Drive on and discover even more nature in Rhodes and be sure to stop by a beekeeper to taste local honey.
Windsurfing
Are you hungry for more adventure after the Jeep Safari? Then windsurfing might be the challenge for you! The coast of Rhodes and in particular Prasonisi Beach is known for the dry northwesterly wind, ideal for wind and kite surfers.
On Prasonisi Beach you will find two sandy coves that end on an island. The drive to this island is already fantastic! You drive over a hill and from the top Prasoni Beach comes into view:waves from the right and shelter from the wind and calm seas from the left and surfers everywhere!
Will this be your first time? Then you can also follow a beginners course here.
Corfu from the water
Luxury boat trip
Do you prefer to go through the summer with the wind in your hair? How about sunbathing on the deck of a catamaran? Would you like to enjoy the sunset at sea with a glass of wine in your hand? You can make beautiful boat trips from Corfu!
You start in the harbor 'Gouvia' and if you have a sailing license you can choose to rent a sailboat and sail around the island. You can also rent boats with a skipper, so you only have to have an eye for the beauty around you.
Cruise and take in views of villages like Nissaki and Kalami, and stop at secluded coves for a refreshing swim. Put on your snorkel and spot the underwater life of Corfu, after which you will be served a typical Greek meal on the boat.
Paxi / Antipaxi for Photographers
Can't get enough of sailing? Then a boat trip to the nearby islands of Paxi and Antipaxi is highly recommended! From Corfu Harbor you sail for about 1.5 hours past the historic fortress and see the mountains of the mainland fade into the distance. Then the impressive cliffs of these two islands meet you. For photographers:love at first sight!
Once you have arrived, you can enjoy the paradisiacal beaches, stroll among the olive tree-filled mountains or take an exotic dip.
Zakynthos:Water Paradise
Hello white sandy beaches, hello gigantic cliffs, hello beautiful sunset and hello bright, brightest brightest blue sea ever. Welcome to Zakynthos! The most beautiful beach of Zakynthos is Navagio. And do you want to go home with the most beautiful photo of this beach? Then you have to go to the top of the cliffs! To get here you have to walk to the parking lot via the asphalt road between the villages of Volimes and Anafonitria. Here you will find a large balcony with the ultimate view of Navagio beach and the shipwreck. The sea at Navagio has an ultra light blue color due to the sulphurous caves around the beach. Beautiful photo guaranteed!
Ready for a new view? Then get on the water! The water sports options in Zakynthos are endless! How about water skiing in the beautiful bays? Or is it not fast enough for you? Then race over the water with a jet ski.
But the 50 shades of blue are best discovered from a great height:go paragliding and enjoy a breathtaking view of the sea and the island.
Caretta Caretta
Did you know that Zakynthos is one of the best places in Greece for spotting the 'loggerhead turtle'? This is one of the largest species of sea turtles worldwide.
On Zakynthos you will find 'The National Marine Park'. This park was established in 1999 to protect the flora and fauna, the Monk Seal and the Caretta Caretta. The area includes the islands of Laganas Bay, and the nesting beaches of the Caretta Caretta
The turtles on Zakynthos lay their eggs from mid-May to mid-August. The turtles bury the eggs in the sand, where they remain for about 60 days. Every year there are about 1200 nests. When the eggs hatch, the turtles crawl out to sea for the greatest adventure of their lives.
Although you cannot go to the protected beach 'Sekania Beach', you have the chance to spot such a special sea creature while swimming on other beaches. Stay at an appropriate distance!
The best of Athens
Brunch overlooking the Acropolis
Do you want to make a time travel? Then visit the Acropolis. For about 2500 years this rock was seen as a sanctuary of the Gods. 80 meters above the city of Athens and on a gigantic rock you will find several temples such as the Parthenon and the Temple of Nike. The ultimate tip for culture and history lovers. And do you want the perfect view of this highlight of Athens? Then you can have a Greek brunch from a great height:10 floors high and start the day with a well-filled stomach.
Do you want to combine history with modern art? Then take a street art tour through the city. You will come across the most colorful creations!
Photo (c):Electra Hotels
Athens Festival
Think you can't go to a festival at all this summer? Then you're wrong! The Athens &Epidaurus festival takes place in Athens. This festival is known as one of the leading cultural events in the world. The whole summer is party time in the capital of Greece.
The program includes epic dramas from antiquity that you can admire in the Epidaurus theater, contemporary art exhibitions, music in the ancient Odeon or Herodes Atticus Theater, dance and more!
On July 18, for example, the 'ERT National Symphony Orchestra, Beethoven Gala' will take place. The orchestra celebrates the 250th anniversary since the birth of Ludwig van Beethoven and presents a gala dedicated to the music of the legendary German composer. The concert will be conducted under the direction of award-winning conductor George Petrou.
