So, You Want to Go to Greece? We Asked a Travel Expert Everything You Need to Know

When Greece first announced earlier this year that it would open its borders to fully vaccinated Americans (and those with a negative PCR test) in late spring, bookings for Greek vacations began to sky rocket across the country. Virtuoso travel advisor Ronnie Liadis says between re-bookings of 2020 trips and people desperate for an international getaway after more than a year at home, many hotels across the Greek Isles have reached full capacity for September. We asked Liadis what we need to know about traveling to Greece this year and a few destinations we may want to consider to avoid crowds of tourists.

Greece Travel Requirements

Liadis says the borders to Greece are open to fully vaccinated Americans and she recommends keeping a laminated copy of a vaccination document or on a photo stored on your phone as some arrivals will be subject to spot-checks at the airport. The borders are also open to those with proof of a negative PCR test within 72 hours prior to arrival. All travelers will need to fill out a Passenger Locator Form at least 24 hours prior to arrival and departure. Downloading the Visit Greece app is suggested for making following protocol easy.

It's important to stay up-to0date with Greece's mask and social distancing guidelines as you prepare to travel as well. As of the date of publication, the country requires wearing masks in public places and social distancing. Additionally, all shops, restaurants, and museums are open at limited capacity, so it would be useful to make reservations where you can.

Where to Travel in Greece

Liadis says she is visiting Greece for herself in early June to discover the travel trends and be able to best assist her clients looking to travel to the country. She says Athens, Santorini, and Mykonos are the most popular destinations across Greece's 1,000-plus islands and will likely be the hottest travel spots for international travelers this year.

"The small, more remote islands are more spread out and have smaller hotels, which is preferred for this summer," she says. "Naxos and Paros are two islands in Cyclades that aren't as built up and the small hotels there offer plenty of space so guests feel comfortable." Liadis also notes that Halkidiki, a beach resort area in Northern Greece is an excellent travel destination, offering a luxurious Greece experience without the crowds.And while Turkey and Italy are both close by, Liadis advises travelers to tame their wanderlust and stick to staying in Greece for the duration of their trip.

"Greece has so much to offer from ancient history, magnificent beaches, charming villages, and local cuisine that I recommend seeing more of Greece and keeping another country for another trip. There are more than 1,000 islands and every on has its own personality. You can never be bored in Greece." Discover a few of our luxury travel recommendations, below, for experiencing the best of Greece while avoiding the crowds.