Wave hello to some post-lockdown vacation inspiration.
According to global media company Forbes, two beaches in Greece are among the 10 safest destinations in Europe for those planning to holiday during the coronavirus pandemic.
It has been written dozens of times that this year's tourist season will very different to what we are used to.
Greece, a predominantly tourist destination for the summer, has another incomparable advantage this year in attracting tourists- the low number of coronavirus cases thanks to early lockdown efforts.
Last week, Greece was ranked second in the world for the Blue Flag quality award list of beaches, marinas and sustainable tourism boats.
On Tuesday, Forbes published a list of the 10 safest beaches in Europe, based on research by EBD (European Best Destinations in Europe) which is under the umbrella of the Commission's EDEN (Excellent European Destinations) network.
The selection is based on various criteria such as low ratio of coronavirus infection, (from 10- to 600-times fewer cases), the size of the beaches and the number of square meters available on the beach per person.
From Greece and Portugal to Lithuania and Poland, the list include the longest beaches, some of them more than 100 kilometres, where “even at the peak of the season, keeping your distance will not be a problem, for safe holidays.”
Preveza and Corfu featured on the list:
#1 Preveza
One of the European countries least affected by coronavirus (up to 50 times fewer cases than any other European country), Greece already has taken many safety and health measures into account, shops and restaurants. For example, air conditioner filters are changed after each stay and a distance of four meters is compulsory between each beach umbrella.
“Known for its excellent value for money, Preveza, in the northwestern side of the country at the mouth of the Ambracian Gulf, is called the ‘anti-St. Tropez: hotel, restaurants and café charges are affordable and this summer the deckchairs are free (and cleaned between each traveller). Greece has also cut taxes on flights, trains, buses and many services to attract travellers,” EBD reports.
Monolithi beach, the main beach of Preveza, is 22 kilometres long and up to 80 meters wide. This beach is Europe’s longest.
Hotels and shops of Preveza are reopening starting July 1. No quarantine requested.
#5 Halikounas Beach, Corfu
“Blessed by the gods,” Corfu is one of the greenest Greek islands, with exceptional flora and fauna and Halikounas is one of its largest sandy beaches.
As mentioned above (#1, Preveza Beach), Greece appears as one of the safest destinations in Europe. The government is also taking specific measures for safe vacationing such as social distancing on beaches, room disinfection, air conditioner replacement filters in rooms after each stay, temperature measurement on arrival at the airport, availability of masks and numerous hospital beds. (Greece has more hospital rooms per capita than Ireland or the United Kingdom.)
International flights are planned to restart on July 1. No quarantine requested.
*Source: Forbes
