US airline companies in 2022 will start direct flights to Greece earlier than in any other year, Greek Tourism Minister Vassilis Kikilias announced.

Following a meeting with US Ambassador Geoffrey Pyatt at the ministry in Athens, Kikilias said that American airline companies this summer will operate 14 direct flights every week between eight large US airports and Athens International Airport (AIA).

According to the minister, direct flights from the US to Athens will start on March 7.

Greece recently lifted the mandatory Covid-19 testing before travel requirement for fully vaccinated travelers coming from the United States.

During his meeting with Ambassador Pyatt, Kikilias said he expects Greece to attract more Americans this year after the Greek authorities scrapped the rule.

The Greek tourism minister also said that bookings from the US to Greece this year were up compared to the same period in 2019. He also informed that the ministry is exploring ways to attract more tourist flows from America to Greece.

According to Bank of Greece data, the number of travelers from the US to Greece during January-November 2021 rose by 266 percent (to 382,000) year-on-year and their spending was up by 603.4 percent to 598 million euros.

In 2019, Greece saw over 1.1 million arrivals from the US.

Originally published on: news.gtp.gr

The Greek Tourism Ministry announced that direct flights from Canada to Athens will begin on April 2.

The announcement followed a meeting between Greek Tourism Minister Vassilis Kikilias and Canada’s Ambassador to Greece Mark Allen at the ministry in Athens.

According to the tourism ministry, Canada’s direct flights to the Greek capital will be carried out for the first time until the end of November, as opposed to previous years when they usually stopped in October.

Minister Kikilias welcomed the development, which he said, combined with the recent lifting of the Covid-19 test requirement for fully vaccinated travelers from Canada, is expected to attract more visitors from the Canadian market.

On his part, Ambassador Allen informed the Greek minister of Tourism that Canada was adjusting its Travel Health Notice from a Level 3 to a Level 2, meaning that the government will no longer recommend that Canadians avoid travel for non-essential purposes.

According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, the Government of Canada will begin a phased easing of travel restrictions as of February 28.

Originally published on: news.gtp.gr

Although we know Greek history and mythology is loved all over the world, probably not many would guess that a Greek Mythology Museum exists in South Korea. What makes this museum all the more interesting is that it’s not even on the Korean mainland, but on the holiday destination of Jeju Island.

The museum itself is modeled after classical Greek architecture, featuring a row of columns outside and replicas of ancient Greek statues and famous paintings depicting scenes from Greek mythology.

The impressive museum is divided into seven large galleries that are all focused on one aspect of Greek mythology, such as the “Olympus Galley,” the “Love Gallery,” and the “Hero Gallery.”

Each gallery features spectacular white-plaster replicas of imposing ancient sculptures, as well as information regarding Greek mythology and history in both Korean and English.

It even features a replica of an ancient Greek village that visitors can explore, as well as historically accurate costumes they can wear, which help to transport them through time back to ancient Greece.

In the “Olympus Gallery,” replicas of famous ancient Greek sculptures of the gods line the room, along with copies of famous paintings depicting stories from Greek myth. Visitors can learn about each of the twelve gods and admire the artwork displayed in the museum.

The site is also home to a number of replicas of important items from Greek mythology, such as the Trojan Horse, albeit on a smaller scale. The museum also features interactive displays about zodiac signs and the constellations and even explains the Greek myths behind many of the constellations.

To read this article in full, please visit: greekcitytimes.com

United Airlines resumed its daily nonstop seasonal service between Athens International Airport (AIA) and New York/Newark.

Flight UA125 departs Athens Airport daily at 12:15 pm, arriving at Newark Liberty International Airport at 4:15 pm the same day. The return flight, UA124, departs Newark daily at 5:15 pm, arriving in Athens at 10:10 am the following day (all times local).

United’s service from Athens to New York/Newark is currently operated with Boeing 767-400 aircraft and as of May 7, the route will be operated with Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner aircraft.

The service is planned to operate until October 29 and will be joined next month by United’s daily nonstop seasonal service from Athens to Washington D.C., set to start on May 7.

Seasonal service between Athens and Washington D.C.

Flight UA983 will depart Athens daily at 11:50 am, arriving at Washington Dulles at 3:15 pm the same day. The return flight, UA982, will depart Washington daily at 5:10 pm, arriving in Athens at 9:55 am the following day (all times local).

United’s service from Athens to Washington Dulles will be operated with Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft.

To read this article in full, please visit: news.gtp.gr

Cyprus has opened its first underwater archaeological park, offering visitors a glimpse of history at one of the eastern Mediterranean’s best preserved ancient harbors.

The now-submerged harbor lying off the ancient city-kingdom of Amathus was constructed between 312/311 BC and 294 BC when Cyprus was the focus of conflict between the two successors of Alexander the Great. It was probably constructed as a naval base because of its narrow entrance, though experts say its combined commercial use cannot be dismissed either.

Over the centuries, it has developed into a natural reef where marine life thrives.

Originally published on: ekathimerini.com

Romance means different things to different people. For some it’s embarking on wild adventures, for others it’s a city break packed with sightseeing, while many simply want to spend their alone time on a white sand beach. With such variety in what couples are looking for in their getaway, Big7Travel put together a list that covers all basis.

To do so, they’ve taken where popular honeymoon and mega-moon destinations, the most loving countries, the most popular proposal spots, romantic things to do, and how current travel trends complement romance into account.

Here are the top 10 best places for couples in the world:

1. Mexico
2. Buenos Aires, Argentina
3. Paris, France
4. Bequia, St Vincent
5. Seville, Spain
6. Veneto, Italy
7. Maldives
8. Jordan
9. Santorini, Greece
10. Cappadocia, Turkey

Why is Santorini romantic?

Santorini is considered romantic due to its stunning views of the Aegean Sea and the famous sunset in Oia. The island's whitewashed buildings, blue-domed churches, and cobblestone streets create a picturesque atmosphere, perfect for couples. In addition, there are many high-end restaurants and luxurious resorts that cater to couples seeking a romantic getaway. The unique and intimate setting of the island makes it a popular destination for honeymoons, anniversaries, and romantic vacations.

To read this article in full, please visit: greekcitytimes.com

Explore Athens with great articles about the best bars in the northern suburbs, popular places to eat and drink, and the ‘Best Of The Best!’

 

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Learn about Athens' architecture, how the city was named, and what to do for one day in Athens with young kids!

 

 

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Find the best kid-friendly islands close to Athens, the best family beaches in the city, and get all the summer tips for visiting Athens with the kids.

 

 

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