Greece has recently announced that it welcomes visitors who have either a Covid test no older than 3 days or have received one of the vaccinations and the safety period after vaccination has elapsed after which protection is likely to have developed. (For 2-dose vaccinations, 14 days after the second vaccination)
However, those who would avoid the expected tourist crowds may also find places in Greece where they don’t have to worry about crowded streets or restaurants.
Even without a pandemic, I myself would rather choose options that deviate from the beaten path, but the epidemic provides even more reasons for those who, now fearing infection, would prefer less popular destinations.
Ikaria - off the beaten path
Ikara is one of hundreds of islands in the Aegean Sea, which has become famous primarily for being a member of the regions conventionally referred to as the “Blue Zone”.
The Blue Zone includes places where the environment contributes greatly to reaching extreme old age, so people have a good chance of reaching the age of 90, or even reaching the age of 100 is not uncommon. These regions are Okinawa (Japan), Sardinia (Italy), Nicoya (Costa Rica), Ikaria (Greece) and Loma Linda (California).
The Ikarian diet is basically plant-based: whole grains, vegetables, fruits, beans, potatoes and olive oil. Daily caloric intake is lower than average, people living here consume little meat but drink a lot of herbal tea.
The island was named after Icarus, who according to Greek mythology flew too close to the sun and then fell into the sea, not far from the shores of Ikaria.
Milos
Although the small volcanic island has many sights of scenic beauty, it did not become famous for these, but for the marble statue of Venus of Milo, discovered in 1820 by an amateur archaeologist digging near the Roman amphitheatre.
The island is characterized by quiet fishing villages, hidden caves, beautiful beaches, moon-shaped public formations, fresh seafood offered in local restaurants and a colourful selection of traditional Greek wines.
It is especially worth visiting here in spring and autumn, because there are really very few during this period and even the weather is pleasant for a Greek voyage of discovery.
Skyros
Among the less touristy islands is also the island of Skyros, where the people who live here still keep their ancient Greek traditions and their lifestyle is not characterized by the hasty worldly urban way of life. Families eat together, spend most of their time together, and here, too, the classic Mediterranean custom is typical, according to which the doors and windows of houses can be easily seen in everyone's life. There are plenty of cafes here, as they are important places for community life, where you can discuss the events of the day with a coffee or an ouzo.
Monemvasia
This mini town built on a small rock island is a really special attraction. Its main attraction is the natural rock fortress, which in a 375 earthquake of our time was largely detached from the peninsula, and as a single entrance one of the rock peaks is connected by a bridge to the eastern shore of the Peloponnese peninsula.
A winding staircase provides the passage between the lower and upper town, but the upper town consists mostly of old ruins, while the lower town is home to local life, and you can also book accommodation here. Walking in Monemvasia feels like time travel, Byzantine churches and stone houses take us even further back to the Greece of bygone times.
Kythira
Kythira - the birthplace of Aphrodite according to mythology - is an almost untouched beautiful Greek island with crystal blue sea, waterfalls and tiny buzzing villages. The island is a perfect place to relax for all those who prefer natural attractions and crowded coastlines. The people here are extremely friendly and have kept their openness.
Folegandros
Folegandros is a tiny Greek island with only 700 people living in winter, this number increases a bit in summer, but it is still much more liveable, quieter here than in the more upscale parts of Greece.
The capital of the island is Chora, it is interesting that it is located on the edge of a 300 meter rock. Rocky sections and sandy beaches alternate in the overall picture.
The people who live here try to preserve the originality of the island and protect it from anything that is too modern or ostentatious or inappropriate. For this reason, for example, neon signs placed over shops are prohibited, only hand-painted company signs can be found here. The locals don’t rush, they like to stop talking to each other or even strangers.
Mount Athos
By the end, I left a really special place, which is interesting in several ways, one of which is that unfortunately women can’t visit, but not even female animals can stay on the peninsula.
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