Sunseekers have flocked to Greek beaches and tourist spots as much of the country’s lockdown restrictions are lifted.
After months of stay-at-home orders due to the coronavirus, Greece has re-opened its famed museums and tourist destinations while relaxing restrictions on movement and shopping on the mainland in recent days.
Athenians were able to gather to watch the sun set on Areopagus Hill, with the Lycabettus Hill in the background on Saturday evening.
Tourists and local Athenians watch the sunset on Areopagus Hill, with the Acropolis in the background, on May 23,
People enjoy a day at Kavouri Beach on May 23 in Vouliagmeni, Greece. Greece reacted early to curb the spread of Covid-19 but the pandemic wreaked havoc for international travel, dealing a damaging blow to the country’s tourism sector
Sunbathers enjoy a day at Kavouri Beach, some 20km south of Athens, on Saturday
Others flocked to nearby beaches to enjoy the May sunshine and swim in the sea.
People were seen enjoying a day out at Kavouri Beach, some 20km south of Athens, this weekend.
Greece reacted early to curb the spread of Covid-19 but the pandemic wreaked havoc for international travel, dealing a damaging blow to the country’s tourism sector.
Greece – a destination favoured by British holidaymakers – was put on a six-week lockdown in March in a bid to slow the spread of deadly coronavirus.
Businesses were shut as soon as the country recorded its first Covid-19 death and travel to the islands, such as Mykonos and Santorini, was restricted.
Tourists and local Athenians watch the sunset on Areopagus Hill, with the Lycabettus Hill in the background, on Saturday evening, above and below
After months of being on lockdown due to the coronavirus, Greece has opened its famed museums and tourist destinations while relaxing restrictions on movement and shopping on the mainland in recent days
Locals climb the Areopagus Hill with the Acropolis in the background to watch the sunset
Tourists and local Athenians watch the sunset on Areopagus Hill, with the Lycabettus Hill in the background, on May 23
But organised beaches – those with ticketed entrances and organised sunbeds – reopened on May 16 following official advice.
Normally year-round hotels and restaurants are to resume operation in Greece on June 1 with strict distancing rules.
Two fatalities from COVID-19 were reported in Greece during the most recent 24-hour period, bringing the death toll to 171, health authorities announced Saturday.
A couple shares a tender moment near the Tower of the Winds historical landmark, as tourists and locals stroll through the Monastiraki neighborhood on May 23
People stroll through the Monastiraki neighborhood on May 23 in Athens, Greece, above and below
Cyprus will reopen its airports to commercial flights on June 9 but British tourists will be banned from entering the country
Another three new infections have been recorded since Friday afternoon, raising the nation’s total to 2,876. The number of patients on ventilators stands at 20, while 99 have left intensive care.
Greek authorities say they have performed 152,998 tests for the disease.
Cyprus will reopen its airports to commercial flights on June 9 but British tourists will be banned from entering the country.
People enjoy a day at the beach on May 23. Greek authorities say they have performed 152,998 tests for the disease
People enjoy a day at Akti Vouliagmenis beach resort on May 23. Meanwhile, Spain has told foreign tourists that the country ‘will be waiting for them’ from July, but it is unclear whether this will apply to UK citizens
Sunbathers gathered at the Akti Vouliagmenis beach resort on May 23
Transport Minister Yiannis Karousos said that airports would reopen to commercial flights after nearly three months of lockdown.
Britain and Russia are the island’s two largest tourist markets but both are not on the initial lists amid concerns has not been sufficiently contained in those countries.
Meanwhile, Spain has told foreign tourists that the country ‘will be waiting for them’ from July.
Spain’s decision to open the holiday mecca in just over a month’s time comes a day after the UK government urged Britons not to book their holidays as they will be forced to quarantine for 14 days on their return.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has told foreign tourists that the country ‘will be waiting for them’ from July
The holiday mecca will open up its borders in just over a month’s time giving hope to Britons wanting to spend the summer in the Costas. Pictured: A woman walks past a closed-off beach in Benidorm
Tourists and locals returned to bars and terraces in Benidorm after the government relaxed lockdown measures last week
Mr Sanchez told the nation yesterday: ‘Spain receives each year more than 80 million visitors.
‘That’s why I’m announcing to you that from the month of July the entry of international tourism to Spain will restart in safety.
‘Foreign tourists can now start planning their holidays here.’
Whether Britons will choose to take advantage of Spain’s easing of lockdown remains to be seen.
The government’s strict quarantine regimen will come into force on June 8.
Home Secretary Priti Patel yesterday confirmed that all arrivals to the UK must self-isolate for 14 days on landing.