If you are thinking to travel to Santorini during COVID time, you might have some doubts.
In the last weeks, I’ve received some questions from you regarding the situation in Santorini during COVID, this post is a sort of F.A.Q., that you can refer to, with some helpful information.
If you are planning to travel to Santorini during COVID, you should have a look at this post where you can find useful info to know before leaving.
Let’s dive into the questions I received!
ARE THERE ANY COVID CASES IN SANTORINI?
No, currently we don’t have any COVID cases.
ARE THERE ANY TOURISTS IN SANTORINI?
The island is open to travelers but it’s not busy! Santorini tourism after (during?) COVID looks like the one of April/May of a busy season. Santorini is quiet and enjoyable, very charming, it’s probably a unique opportunity to visit this year, it has never been so calm since many many years.
IS THE BUS SERVICE WORKING IN SANTORINI DURING THE COVID SUMMER?
Yes! The bus service is up and running! The current schedule runs quite often, for Kamari and Oia (from/to Fira), every 30 minutes and every hour for Perissa and Akrotiri (always from/to Fira). The last buses are around 11pm for Kamari, Perissa, and Oia (around 9pm for Akrotiri). KTEL service website has always an updated timetable.
The use of a mask is mandatory on the bus both for customers and drivers (you could be fined 150 euro).
IS THE USE OF MASKS MANDATORY EVERYWHERE?
The use of masks is mandatory in all indoor spaces, including churches. Don’t forget to wear a mask on taxis and transfers, they also have limited use of air condition, open windows are recommended so that air can be recycled. In open spaces, the use of masks is not imperative but praised, where it’s not possible to keep the social distance
ARE THERE ANY CRUISES IN SANTORINI?
Nope! Or not yet? Lately Greece allowed only few ports to welcome cruises and Santorini is not amongst them, so at the moment we don’t have any cruise.
IS IT BETTER TO BOOK A FERRY IN ADVANCE?
My answer is definitely yes! Ferries, both from/to Greece and around the islands, are not working at full capacity due to the COVID restrictions, so I would highly recommend you to book your tickets in advance if you’re planning to do an island hopping. When on a ferry, the use of the mask is mandatory.
ARE PANIGIRIA ALLOWED TO TAKE PLACE IN THIS COVID SUMMER?
Panigiria are traditional festivals celebrated at churches for the name day of their Saint. They have a significative meaning in the Greek culture and they are a unique occasion to experience if you are traveling in Greece. They involve praying, chanting, live music, traditional dance, food, and local wine, that are offered to anyone attending a Panigyri. As they often get very crowded this year they are not allowed to take place until at least the end of August. This does not mean they are not actually happening, but they do not include the ‘party’ moment of the night, so no music and traditional dance, it would be too risky as they are also attended by elderly people.
Do you have any more questions about traveling to Santorini in this COVID19 summer?
Let me know in the comments!
©OneQuarterGreek/NicolettaBarbata
