Santorini is one of the most popular and beautiful destinations in Greece, attracting millions of visitors every year with its stunning views, volcanic landscapes, whitewashed villages and romantic sunsets. But how has the COVID-19 pandemic affected this island paradise and what do you need to know before planning your trip there?
In this blog post, we will answer some of the most common questions about traveling to Santorini during COVID-19, such as:
- What are the current COVID-19 restrictions in Santorini?
- What are the requirements for entry and exit?
- When is the best time to visit Santorini?
- What are some tips for a safe and enjoyable vacation in Santorini?
What are the current COVID-19 restrictions in Santorini?
Greece has been praised for its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, and Santorini was reported to be a safe haven for travelers during the summers of 2020 and 2021. However, as the situation evolves, so do the rules and measures to protect public health and safety. Here are some of the current COVID-19 restrictions in Santorini as of December 2021:
| Restriction | Description |
|---|---|
| Masks | Mandatory indoors in public spaces and on public transport. Not mandatory outdoors. |
| Social distancing | Recommended to keep a distance of at least 1.5 meters from others. |
| Curfew | No curfew in place. |
| Gatherings | Limited to 10 people indoors and 20 people outdoors. |
| Restaurants, cafes and bars | Open with no capacity limits. Proof of vaccination/recovery not required. |
| Museums, archaeological sites and cultural venues | Open with no capacity limits. Proof of vaccination/recovery not required. |
| Beaches and pools | Open with no capacity limits. Umbrellas and sunbeds must be spaced at least 4 meters apart. |
| Shops and services | Open with no capacity limits. |
| Hotels and accommodation | Open with health protocols in place. Guests must present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before arrival or a negative rapid antigen test taken within 48 hours before arrival or a valid certificate of vaccination or recovery from COVID-19. |
| Tours and activities | Open with health protocols in place. Proof of vaccination/recovery not required. |
Note that these restrictions may change at any time depending on the epidemiological situation and government decisions. It is advisable to check the official sources for the latest updates before traveling to Santorini. Some useful websites are:
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The Greek National Tourism Organization:
https://www.visitgreece.gr/en/home/about_covid_19
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The Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs:
https://www.mfa.gr/en/current-affairs/statements-speeches/greece-welcomes-the-world.html
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The Greek Ministry of Health:
https://eody.gov.gr/en/
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The European Union:
https://reopen.europa.eu/en/map/GRC
What are the requirements for entry and exit?
As of May 1, 2022, travelers entering Greece are no longer required to show a certificate of vaccination or recovery from COVID-19 or a negative test result. However, they must fill out a Passenger Locator Form (PLF) at least 24 hours before arrival, which can be found here:
https://travel.gov.gr/#/
. The PLF generates a QR code that must be presented upon arrival. Travelers may also be subject to random health checks at the airport or other entry points.
Travelers exiting Greece must comply with the requirements of their destination country, which may vary depending on their nationality, vaccination status and travel history. Some countries may require a negative PCR test or a rapid antigen test or a certificate of vaccination or recovery from COVID-19 or a combination of these. It is advisable to check the official sources of the destination country for the latest updates before traveling from Santorini. Some useful websites are:
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The International Air Transport Association:
https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/world.php
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The US Department of State:
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/COVID-19-Country-Specific-Information.html
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The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
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The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade:
https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations
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The Canadian Government:
https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories
When is the best time to visit Santorini?
Santorini is beautiful year-round, but the best time to visit depends on your preferences and expectations. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the best time to visit Santorini:
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Weather:
Santorini has a Mediterranean climate with hot and dry summers and mild and rainy winters. The average temperature in summer is around 30 degrees Celsius, while in winter it is around 15 degrees Celsius. The island is also affected by the Meltemi wind, which blows from June to September and can be refreshing or annoying depending on your tolerance. If you prefer cooler weather and less wind, you may want to visit Santorini in spring or autumn, when the temperature is around 25 degrees Celsius and the wind is less frequent. -
Crowds:
Santorini is one of the most popular destinations in Greece and Europe, and it can get very crowded in peak season, which is from June to September. During this time, you may face long queues, traffic jams, higher prices and limited availability for accommodation, tours and activities. If you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy a more relaxed and authentic experience, you may want to visit Santorini in low season, which is from October to May. During this time, you will find fewer tourists, lower prices and more availability for accommodation, tours and activities. However, you should also be aware that some hotels, restaurants and attractions may be closed or have reduced hours in low season. -
Events:
Santorini hosts many events throughout the year that showcase its culture, history and traditions. Some of the most famous events are the Easter celebrations, the International Music Festival in September, the Ifestia Festival in August, which commemorates the volcanic eruption with fireworks and music, and the Red Bull Art of Motion in October, which features freerunning athletes performing acrobatic stunts on the rooftops of Oia. If you are interested in attending any of these events, you may want to plan your trip accordingly.
What are some tips for a safe and enjoyable vacation in Santorini?
Santorini is a wonderful destination that offers something for everyone, from stunning scenery and beaches to rich culture and history to delicious cuisine and wine. To make the most of your vacation in Santorini during COVID-19, here are some tips to follow:
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Book in advance:
Santorini is a very popular destination and it can get fully booked quickly, especially in peak season. To avoid disappointment and secure your accommodation, tours and activities at the best prices, it is advisable to book everything in advance. You can use online platforms like
Santorini View
or <a href=”https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=santorini&lc=l2&date_from=2021-12-01&date_to=2021-12-31&customerSearch=1&search
