Coronavirus NEWS

Throughout the course of the Coronavirus pandemic Crete Escapes have endeavoured to keep our customers informed on the changing situation in Crete.

That said, we are not a public information website and would recommend anyone seeking details regarding travel and entry requirements to Greece to visit the government website.

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/greece/entry-requirements

Please get in touch if you have questions regarding a future or existing booking with us. Click here to browse our properties and view live availability for each.

2021 News

17TH SEPTEMBER 2021

The UK government has announced that the current travel restrictions will be simplified with new rules applicable from 4am on Monday 4th October as follows;

the current traffic light system of red, amber and green will be replaced with a red list only and all other destinations open and clear for travel, including Greece/Crete.
fully vaccinated travellers will no longer be required to take a PCR or rapid flow antigen test for re-entry to England.
fully vaccinated travellers will still be required to take a day 2 PCR test on returning home but this will be replaced with a cheaper lateral flow test towards the end of October (date to be announced).
Non-vaccinated travellers are still required to take a test prior to returning home, a day 2 and day 8 test and self-isolate for 10 days when you get home, unless you opt into the Test to Release Scheme.

5TH AUGUST 2021

The UK government's travel review sees Crete remain on the amber list which means no quarantine on the return to the UK for double vaccinated travellers. See our news item dated 10th July (below) for more information.

10TH JULY 2021

Quarantine dropped / change in testing requirements for adults who have had 2 doses of an NHS administered vaccination

There was welcome news from The UK Government on Thursday (July 8th) regarding quarantine and testing for travellers returning to the UK (England) from amber listed countries of which Greece inc Crete, is one.

Quarantine - All adults who have received 2 doses of a vaccine administered by the NHS, at least 14 days prior to arrival, no longer need to quarantine on their return to the UK, with effect from July 19th.

Children are exempted from quarantine if they are travelling with their fully vaccinated parents.

Anyone over the age of 18 who is not fully vaccinated with still need to quarantine for 10 days following arrival into the UK. Day 1 starts on the day following arrival.

Testing - Pre departure - All adults and children aged 11 to 18 will still need to take a pre departure test. For the majority of our clients staying in The Apokoronas area of Crete there is a clinical lab in Kalyves where testing (PCR and rapid lateral flow) is available without the need to make an appointment. Details will be provided on booking documentation we send to you.

Testing - after return to the UK - All adults and children 5 years and over will need to take a pcr test on or before day 2 of arrival back into the UK. Anyone over the age of 18 who is not doubly vaccinated, will need to take another pcr test on day 8 unless the "test to release" option has been chosen. In those circumstances a pcr test is required on day 5 and if that is negative, the quarantine period ends on day 8.

Children under the age of 5 are exempted from testing.

2ND JULY 2021

The experience of returning clients in June 2021

We would just like to thank Crete Escapes for our recent lovely relaxing 10 days holiday at Villa Thio Koritsia. In spite of the extra form filling and testing it was more than worth it. The villa was probably the best we have ever stayed in - certainly the stunning views and pool couldn't have been better. The villa cleanliness and covid precautions were reassuring and with case numbers so low in Crete we felt very safe - more so than on any holiday in the UK at the moment. And going to an amber country meant empty airports, half empty planes and no queues. Getting a lateral flow test to come back was also easy. But most of all we would like to thank you for your help, patience and advice. We are very aware that as a travel company you must be going through a terrible time. When we booked the holiday last year none of us thought we would still be in such uncertain times. We had three flight cancellations, had to keep slipping our dates to accommodate new flights and different airports and were unsure what to do waiting on the government's changing traffic light system. In all of that you were always understanding and helpful and we are very grateful and hope we will be booking another holiday to Crete with you in the not too distant future - June 2021.

29th JUNE 2021

UK nears agreement with EU on vaccine passports

We understand that a deal on mutual Covid passport recognition between the UK and the EU is nearing completion. Once this has been completed, it is expected that fully vaccinated travellers will see a return to a relatively 'normal' summer albeit with testing requirements still in place.

It has emerged that talks are now well advanced on recognising the NHS app as a compliant vaccine passport across the EU. This will allow border control officers to read a QR code to confirm vaccination status.

17th JUNE 2021

Anyone looking to travel to Crete from somewhere other than the UK can now find information specific to their homeland on our International Travel page. This will be regularly updated as tourism resumes in spite of the Coronavirus pandemic. Click here for more information…

There is speculation in this morning's media that quarantine and some testing requirements may be relaxed for fully vaccinated travellers to the UK. This is positive and exciting news when taken together with the speeding up of the UK vaccination programme to potentially fully vaccinate all over 40's by the end of July. Keep watching this space...

14th june 2021

We are aware that many airlines are compressing their flight schedules to Crete (Chania and Herklion airports) due to weak demand or cancelling flights altogether until late June/early July. If your flights have been affected we will try to assist you by helping you find alternative flights and/or amend your villa booking dates by one or two days free of charge, subject to availability. Please note RyanAir are flying regularly to Chania once or twice a week from the following UK airports - Leeds Bradford, Manchester, East Midlands, Birmingham, London Stansted and Bristol.

MAY 20TH 2021

The UK Government are taking a careful approach to the return of overseas travel hence the small number of countries currently on the green list. The next review is expected to be announced on the 31st May (effective from the 7th June) however since the 17th May it is no longer illegal to travel overseas and the traffic light system covers the requirements you need to take to gain entry back into the UK. In addition, the FCDO are not advising against non essential travel to the island of Crete therefore we now expect all holidays from the 19th June onwards to go ahead as planned. If you are due to depart from this date and choose not to travel your booking will be subject to the cancellation charges in your booking terms. NB; our standard cancellation charges will only apply from the latest date your final balance is due to be paid eg; deferred due date is 2 weeks prior to arrival at the villa = loss of the full rental.

We will closely monitor the situation including travel restrictions for those customers travelling from outside the UK and further updates will continue to be posted here as necessary.

May 10th 2021

The UK Government announced on Friday 7^th May the welcome news that overseas travel is no longer illegal and therefore will resume from Monday 17^th May 2021.

A traffic light system of countries will operate as follows:

Green: no quarantine on return but a pre-departure test, as well as a PCR test on return to the UK.
Amber: quarantine for 10 days, as well as taking a pre-departure test and two PCR tests unless you choose Test to Release.
Red: 10-day stay in a managed quarantine hotel paid by each person as well as a pre-departure test and two PCR tests.

Disappointingly the whole of Greece has been placed on the amber list despite the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) not advising against travel to the island of Crete.

We understand the colour coded lists will be reviewed every 3 weeks with the next announcement due by Monday 31^st May and every 3 weeks thereafter. Any changes to these lists should be effective 7 days after the review date. Furthermore we expect a ‘flashing list’ to be issued for those countries at risk of dropping from green to amber or amber to red.

Clients due to travel up to and including Friday 18^th June 2021:

We expect once travel resumes that there will be more certainty and confidence will grow but for those clients due to depart in the next few weeks we are offering to switch your deposit paid to a booking later this year or 2022, subject to availability. Our standard amendment fee of £50 will be waived but prices for the revised dates will apply.

We are aware that some of you may wish to continue with your travel plans, particularly if your travel date or return date to the UK is after the 7^th June when Crete may be added to the green list. If this is the case, your final balance must be paid no later than 14 days prior to arrival at the villa (unless we have already notified you otherwise) so we can make sure the villa accommodation is ready for your arrival. Please note if you need to alter your current dates slightly due to changes in airline scheduling or having to book alternative flights we will do our best to assist you.

You will receive an email from us by Wednesday 12th May which will require action from you.

Clients due to travel between Saturday 19^th June until Friday 11th July 2021:

We will defer your final balance to 14 days prior to your arrival at the villa pending the outcome of further government reviews (stated above) as the situation is likely to change. In accordance with our booking terms, you may alter your villa booking now to dates later this year. Our standard administration fee of £50 will apply.

Clients due to travel from Saturday 12^th July onwards:

We politely ask that you refrain from contacting us about your booking at the present time unless it is urgent. We will contact you if necessary once we have dealt with our clients who are travelling earlier. Thank you for your patience.

This is a very uncertain period for international travel however we are being as flexible as possible with our clients during this time. Please refer to our Covid-19 guarantee 2021 for further details.

May 8th 2021

The latest UK Government announcement on Friday 7^th May gave the welcome news that international travel will restart on the 17^th of May 2021 with a traffic light system in operation. We are currently reviewing all the details and the impact on villa bookings over the coming weeks.

We appreciate this is an uncertain time for our clients however we would be grateful if you could avoid contacting us whilst we consider all the information as we do not get any advance notice of the Government plans and therefore unlikely to be able to answer your concerns and queries at the present time.

Please be assured if you are due to travel from the 17th to 31^st of May we will be contacting you next week. For departures from the 1^st of June onwards, we politely ask you to be patient whilst we deal with clients travelling earlier.

We will continue to post regular updates on our Help and Advice page and in the meantime, thank you for your patience and understanding.

April 20th 2021

Grant Shapps has announced international travel is expected to resume from May 17th. The Transport Secretary also confirmed plans for a traffic light system, ranking countries according to their current COVID threat level. Find out what that means and why there is cautious optimism Crete will be given the ‘green light’ in our newest blog. Click here to read the article.

March 10th 2021

In a huge boost for the travel industry, Greece has announced plans to welcome tourists back to the country and its islands by May 14th.

Speaking at the IBT Berlin Tourism Fair, the nation’s Tourism Minister, Haris Theoharis, revealed anyone who had been vaccinated, showed antibodies or returned a negative test for Cornavirus would be welcomed.

Theoharis also updated virtual attendees on plans for a Europe-wide vaccination certificate. Despite initial reluctance, it appears as though the digital pass will be ready come the summer.

Stay tuned to the Crete Escapes website for more updates.

View our villa listings here.

February 4th 2021

The Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, is quoted in the Greek media, forecasting a strong rebound in Greek tourism in 2021. Speedy vaccination drives in key markets, including the UK, will pave the way for tourists to return he says.

Greece has created its own standard vaccination certificate and is pushing for an EU wide certification system which could be electronic. Mr Mitsotakis said certificates would not be mandatory for visitors this summer. According to Greek media, Mr. Mitsotakis plans a bilateral agreement with the UK for mutual recognition of vaccination certificate.

Greece has reiterated that travellers with a vaccination "pass" would not need to quarantine.

2020 News

November 6th - Travelling to Crete during COVID-19, Customer Testimonial...

Hello, I hope you are well. I am sorry for not sending this soooner but here is my feedback for you.

We booked with Crete Escapes in 2019 and due to the fact that we had such a positive experience with them, we decided that if we were going to book a holiday with all the uncertainly around Covid19, then it would only be with them. We took a punt and booked flights when Crete wasn't even open to visitors from the UK in the hope that this would change. We booked the same villa that we had stayed in the year before which is not what we usually do. However, as we loved the villa and the area and we were already taking a risk with booking an overseas holiday, we wanted to have the resassurance that if the trip did go ahead, we knew that we weren't going to be disappointed. The communination from Crete Escapes was brilliant and they managed to reduce the levels of anxiety by responding to matters as they arose and understanding how clients were feeling. We didn't have to pay the final balance until a month before the arrival date with the promise that if travel restrictions were imposed, then we would receive all our money back apart from the deposit which was more than fair.

The villa (Stephania) was beautifully clean and the people who were maintaining the property and grounds were wonderful and respected all the Covid guidelines.

We had another fantastic holiday on this beautiful island and were able to discover other areas that we hadn't visited during our 2019 stay. Thank you for being a ray of sunshine in what was otherwise a rather stressful year.

October 20^th - As of 4am on Sunday (October 18^th) those returning to the UK from Crete are no longer required to quarantine.

This is great news for holidaymakers, who were previously faced with two weeks’ self-isolation upon their return from the island.

The FCDO is no longer advising against non-essential travel to the region, meaning those booking trips can be safe in the knowledge their insurance will remain valid.

To date there have been 25,802 confirmed cases of Coronavirus in Greece, of which 9,989 people have recovered.

The death toll stands at 520 which, though tragic, is considerably lower than most European neighbours.

September 10^th - We’re conscious travel guidance from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has changed in recent days and will have caused many to postpone plans to holiday in Crete.

If you’re still looking to book a villa holiday with us between now and the end of the season, we’re on-hand to answer any questions you may have about your accommodation, journey and current restrictions in the region.

We’re also looking ahead to 2021 and what we hope will be a return to the kind of holidays we know and love.

Stay tuned for three new villa listings in the coming weeks and check availability for all properties for the next 12 months using our search tool.

One new Coronavirus case was confirmed in Crete yesterday (Wednesday 9^th September), this in the Rethymno region.

September 8^th - In the wake of the British government's decision to add a handful of Greek islands to England's two-week quarantine list from tomorrow morning, it's been revealed there were 156 new confirmed cases across the country yesterday. Of these 4 originated in Crete, all in the Haraklion region.

September 7^th - It has this evening been announced that anyone returning to England from Crete - along with 7 other Greek islands - will need to quarantine for two weeks. The changes come into effect from 4am on Wednesday morning (September 9^th). Please check the Crete Escapes website in the coming days for more on this development.

September 2^nd - As Scotland imposes a two-week quarantine on all arrivals from Greece, a series of measures have been announced for those living and holidaying in Crete.

As of yesterday, there is a ban on all public events including parties, religious festivals and street markets. Any public or private gatherings meanwhile are to be limited to just 9 people and a maximum of 4 can be seated at a single table in cafes or restaurants. This number can be increased to 6 providing those present are immediate family.

Elsewhere face masks are now mandatory in all public places.

The new rules will remain in force until Tuesday 15^th September and come in the wake of a recent spike in Covid-19 infections. Greece as a whole currently has 10,317 confirmed cases.

While Scotland’s First Minister has Nicola Sturgeon has added the country to it’s so called red list from Thursday morning, it’s important to note Greece remains some way short of the 20 infections per 100,000 people that usually triggers such action. At the time of writing the average stands at 13.7.

The British government have tended to announce new travel restrictions on Thursdays. Stay tuned to the Crete Escapes website for any developments.

August 26^th - 168 Coronavirus infections were recorded in Greece yesterday, down significantly on the 284 reported on Sunday. As in Britain, plans are underway for children to return to school across the country and in neighbouring islands such as Crete. Teachers will go back to work on September 1^st with a view to pupils joining them a week later. A final decision will come on Tuesday according to Education & Regional Minister Niki Kerameos.

August 24^th - In order to make every effort to contain the spread of the virus, The Greek Government announced some new measures today which affect the Chania area of Crete (where Crete Escapes villas are located) and which come into effect from 6am on Tuesday the 25th of August until 6am on Tuesday the 1st of September.

The operation of open markets is suspended during this period.
It is mandatory to wear a face mask inside and outside in ALL public places.
The number of diners allowed at one table together is limited to 4 unless the diners are first degree relatives and then it is 6. Bars and tavernas will continue to close between the hours of midnight and 7am.

Please be aware that The Greek Government takes the public health of its citizens and visitors very seriously and therefore failure to comply with the measures is likely to result in a fine.

Check the UK government website for updates - https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/greece

August 24^th- Despite much speculation Greece is still to be added to the UK's two-week quarantine list. The British government have explained the rationale behind adding the likes of Spain, France and most recently Croatia to their so-called 'red list', forcing those returning from holiday in these regions to self-isolate for 14 days.

Action is taken when any country records more than 20 cases per 100,000 for 7 consecutive days. Whereas Croatia hit 27.4 cases per 100,000 last week, exceeding the threshold, Greece currently stands at 14.1.

While the infection rate on the mainland has indeed risen, it remains some way short of the point at which restrictions will be enforced. As of this morning there is no immediate prospect of a two week quarantine being imposed, nor the current air bridge between the two countries being removed.

August 19^th - There were 250 new confirmed cases of Coronavirus in Greece yesterday.

To date 7,472 infections have been recorded, of which 3,804 people have recovered. The country's death toll stands at 232, still one of the lowest in Europe.

Despite talk of the mainland and its islands being added to Britain's two-week quarantine list, no such move has been announced and tourism continues. With villa breaks affording privacy and isolation they represent the safest form of holiday at this time. View our accommodation here...

August 17^th - Speculation continues to mount that Greece will soon be added to Britain's two-week quarantine list. Those travelling to Spain and France already face a fortnight of self-isolation upon their return, as severe steps are taken to control the spread of the virus. The news comes as confirmed cases in Greece topped 7,000 last week.

A number of ministers have though urged the Prime Minister to delay any expansion of the so-called 'Red List' until September to protect family holidays. Be sure to check the Crete Escapes website for any breaking news.

August 14^th - Comments from a guest who has recently returned from Villa Kournedes ...

"We were delighted to be able to go to Crete in the end and had a wonderful holiday. It all felt very normal, much more than here in the U.K."

Click here to read about the Villa Cleaning and Hygiene Protocols re covid 19 in place in Crete.

August 13^th - While Greece's biggest daily spike in Coronavirus infections was recorded on Monday (10^th) it's been revealed that none of these cases originated in Crete. The island remains a safe place to holiday and even attracted Hollywood royalty in the form of Jennifer Lopez last week. Find out what a break in the region looks like in summer 2020 by reading our latest travel diary.

August ^11th - From today late-night curfews are in place for bars and restaurants in Crete, as the Greek government battle to control a rise in Coronavirus cases. Establishments have been ordered to close from midnight until 7am in new measures set to last a week. The death toll in Greece remains a comparatively low 212 but 203 infections were recorded on Sunday, the highest daily number since the start of the pandemic.

Elsewhere it's been announced that passengers from Belgium, Czech Republic, Netherlands, Spain and Sweden will soon need to provide negative Covid-19 test results up to 72 hours before entering the country. These changes come into effect on August 17^th but do not affect British tourists.

August 6^th - Greek officials have moved to quell a sudden rise in Coronavirus cases across the country and spare its islands from similar spikes. Masks are now compulsory in almost all closed spaces, including churches. Only offices with limited access to the public remin exempt.

This weekend anyone wanting to visit a traditional bar or beach equivalent must be seated while visitors will not be permitted into hospitals or retirement homes until next Saturday (August 15^th).

Specialists are confident the new measures will prevent a further rise in infection rates and protect nationals and tourists alike. Discover what a holiday in Crete looks like during the pandemic by reading our latest travel diary.

July 30^th - With talk of a potential second wave of Coronavirus hitting the UK it's worth noting the situation is very different in Greece and Crete. Both are exempt from the FCO's advisory against all non-essential international travel, meaning they are considered safe and visitors will be covered by travel insurance.

4,227 cases have been reported since the beginning of the pandemic and 202 people have died. Whilst tragic, these numbers are considerably lower than many European countries and Greece has been widely praised for its handling of the crisis. There are no signs of a second wave in the region.

July 29^th- Julie is back with her second holiday diary, providing insight on what it's like to holiday in Crete post lockdown. Read her experience of beaches, tavernas and more here.

July 27^th - The announcement that anyone holidaying in Spain will have to quarantine upon their return has understandably panicked those planning a European getaway. No such restrictions are in place for anyone destined for Greece or Crete however, where 5 people have died from Coronavirus in the month of July. While some UK travellers will be asked to take a test on landing, usual, fun-filled activities can be enjoyed. Current preventative measures are as follows:

Adhere to social distancing of 1.5m
Wear face masks on public transport and in closed spaces
Restrict car or taxi travel to just two adults and one driver.

Read our first-hand account of returning to the island here.

July 22^nd - Our very own Julie Houston is currently holidaying in Crete, her first trip to the island since travel restrictions were lifted. In the first of two diary entries she shares her experience of the journey out. Read part one here.

July 22^nd - The Greek government has issued strict guidelines and cleaning protocols for all tourist accommodation as it guards against a rise in Covid-19 cases. You can find further information on villa hygiene and the measures that have been put in place, by downloading this documement:

download pdf Villa Cleaning and Hygiene Protocols

July 20^th - Brits planning a holiday in Crete are being reminded to complete an online Passenger Locator Form (PLF) at least 24 hours before their arrival. The reminder comes in the wake of news some tourists have been hit with £455 fines for forgetting to do so. You can complete your own PLF here.

July 18^th - official statistics from Greece re testing carrried out on passengers arriving on direct flights from the UK. 15th July - 1366 tests carried out. 16th July - 1437 tests carried out - all negative. Additionally, Julie from Crete Escapes flew to Crete on the 18th and reported a journey that was perfectly fine. At Chania airport, in line with all arrivals, Julie and her travelling companion were required to show their QR codes (see below) but neither were tested and were wished a "nice holiday". More to follow from Julie in the coming days.

July 15^th - It's been a long and arduous wait but as of today Britons can once again fly into Greece. Holidaymakers are required to complete an online form 24 hours before their arrival - https://travel.gov.gr/#/. An acknowledgement of the completed form is sent by email and at midnight on the day of travel a QR code will be issued which can be printed or downloaded. The code must be presented at their chosen Greek airport to avoid hefty fines. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has reassured nationals and tourists alike that the opening procedure will be 'continuously evaluated', amid a recent rise in cases. The country's death toll stands at 193, one of the lowest in Europe.

July 9th - It has been a difficult summer in which we have tried to assist our clients as much as we possibly can by deferring final balance payments were travel restrictions caused uncertainty and/or switching deposits to 2021 for those who were barred from travelling due to FCO advice and/or Greece closing its borders to flights from the UK.

We are now pleased to report that the UK government has removed the need for Britons returning to England to quarantine on their return from Greece (effective from 10th July) and the Greek government has announced that direct flights from the UK will be allowed into all Greek airports with effect from the 15th July.

All travel from the 15th July can therefore go ahead and our standard terms and conditions attaching to your booking will apply unless you have been contacted by us directly to advise otherwise.

The situation is subject to change but please be assured we are monitoring developments in the UK and Greece very closely.

For the latest travel information and guidance about travel to Greece please click the link below;

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/greece

2^nd July - Greece yesterday opened its borders to all European travellers with the exception of holidaymakers from Sweden and the United Kingdom, who are unable to fly into the country until July 15^th. Brits hoping to visit Crete later this summer should note that anyone entering Greece is required to complete a mandatory form 48 hours before they land, detailing where they are travelling from and where they will be staying. Random swab tests are also being conducted at airports. The Coronavirus death toll currently stands at 192 in Greece, rising by 2 in the last fortnight.

29^thJune - Greece is in talks with the UK about establishing an 'air bridge' between the countries from mid-July. This arrangement would permit travel between the two nations without any need for quarantine. As part of this agreement it's hoped travellers will be exempt from a mandatory 14-day quarantine period on arrival back in the UK. Revisit this page for the very latest developments.

21^st June - It's been revealed as many as 20,000 hospitality workers have received special Covid-19 protocol training ahead of an expected surge in tourism on the island. The online course was funded by the Regional Authority and has been completed by the likes of cleaners, waiters and even taxi drivers. Greece recorded 3 deaths linked to the virus in the first week of June. The country’s overall number of fatalities stands at 190, one of the lowest in the world. Read our blog for the latest developments.

16^th June - The tourism season in Greece has officially begun however Britons will be made to wait a little longer before holidaying in the region following a late decision to block travel from the UK until July 1st. Tourism Minister Harry Theoharis explained the U-turn was made in accordance with the European Commission’s recommendation to phase out travel restrictions. Check our latest blog for more information.

11^th June - Greece has announced it's cutting VAT and GST on all modes of transport from 24% to 13%. This is an effort to drive tourism back to the country and its islands with cheaper flights. For the very latest on the fight against Covid-19 in the region, read our newest blog.

8^th June - Talks are underway about the creation of Air Corridors, which would allow for easier passage from the UK to European holiday destinations, including Crete. For more information on this and the planned reopening of hotels, read our latest blog.

8^th June - Greece has entered what it's calling the sixth phase of lifting lockdown restrictions across the country. From today casinos, internet cafes, live music venues and nightclubs will reopen, with capacity limited to 60%. Find out more in our newest blog.

2^nd June - Greece has reversed its decision to exclude the United Kingdom from a list of 29 countries from which it will allow tourists this summer. Between June 15^th and June 30^th flights will be allowed into Athens and Thessaloniki solely. International flights will be allowed into all Greek airports from July 1^st however. According to new guidelines, travellers will be required to bed down in a designated hotel upon arrival for testing purposes. If test results are negative visitors will then have to self-quarantine for seven days. If a positive test is given, they will be quarantined under supervision for 14 days. Keep checking the Crete Escapes website for latest developments.

26^th May - Greek officials have today confirmed the country will reopen to international tourists from June 15^th. Obligations to enter a 14-day quarantine period upon arrival will be lifted from June 1^st. There remain doubts as to whether Britons will be welcomed at this point given the UK is still deemed to be one of several "highly contagious" countries. There is speculation Brits may be permitted to travel but asked to isolate for two weeks having reached Greece. Crete Escapes continues to monitor the situation closley. Read our latest blog on the Coronavirus in Crete here.

21^_st May - Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has confirmed Greece's tourism season will begin from June 1^st. Travel to islands such as Crete and Evia from the mainland will be permitted from this date. Charter flights to Greece and its popular tourist destinations will commence from July. It remains to be seen whether the United Kingdom features on a list of approved countries from which Greece will welcome visitors. As of May 21^st there have been 166 deaths nationwide, far fewer than neighbouring regions. Mitsotakis has proclaimed his homeland a "passport of safety, credibility and health". Read our latest blog on the Coronavirus in Crete here.

18^th May - Greece and its neighbouring islands are set to welcome tourists once more from July 1^st. Social distancing rules mean hotel occupancy will be capped at 50% while the likes of beach umbrellas will stand 10m apart. One property on each island will be set aside to isolate holidaymakers showing symptoms of Covid-19. Read our blog on the latest updates here.

14^th May - Civil Protection Deputy Minister for Crisis Management, Nikos Hardalias, has confirmed travel to Greek islands, including Crete, is under consideration and that this may be permitted as early as May 25^th. The news comes after the re-opening of some schools and businesses earlier this week, in what has been labelled the second phase of lifting restrictions.

12^th May - Shopping malls and department stores are set to open in Greece from June 1^st. Social distancing rules will be applied to prevent the spread of the virus. Read our latest blog here.

4^th May - Salons, bookstores, repair shops and sporting goods outlets have all been opened as Greece slowly starts to lift restrictions across the country and its islands. Find out more here.

22^nd April - Minister of Development and Investment, Adonis Gerogiadis, has stated that leading tour operators will direct tourists to Greece when travel restrictions are lifted, given the country's response to the pandemic and comparatively low death toll. Find out more here.