Τhe British press, print and digital, is singing the praises of Greece during the months of March and April, expressing optimism about the opening of the Greek tourist market after recent announcements at ITB 2021, the world’s leading tourism trade fair, by the Greek Minister of Tourism Harry Theoharis.

With the support of the Greek National Tourism Organization – United Kingdom and Ireland, impressive features and reports have appeared in Britain’s most popular media outlets, urging the British to discover the unknown beauties of mainland Greece throughout the year, and to choose the Greek islands for special travel experiences.

National Geographic: a feature on the “miracles of mainland Greece”

The leading British travel magazine, the UK edition of National Geographic Traveller, will appear on newsstands in April with a cover story titled “Greece,” and subtitled “Discover the wonders of the mainland and unspoilt peninsulas, ancient ruins, vibrant cities and monuments steeped in myth.” The publication will include an 18-page special feature on Greece titled: “Inside the Greek mainland” and subtitled: “From the fortified castles of Macedonia to the scenic peninsulas of the Peloponnese, we explore the stories, sights and experiences of the Greek mainland. This is the country’s cultural compass – the sun around which its 6,000 islands orbit– home to exquisite classical monuments, world-class hiking, rich wildlife, sun-drenched coastlines and the vibrant cities of Athens and Thessaloniki.”

This special feature consists of texts and rich photographic material on Halkidiki, the villages of Zagori, the wineries of Naoussa, the oracle of Delphi, Thessaloniki, Athens, the Mani, Monemvasia, and agro-tourism destinations – farms that also function as accommodation locations.

At the same time, parts of this feature will appear in the magazine’s online edition covering topics that include:

• Hiking around the Drakolimnes area in the region of Zagori in mountainous northwest Greece.
• Exploring the three scenic peninsulas of Halkidiki.
• Visiting the wineries of Naoussa in northern Greece.
• Discovering Delphi, the heart of ancient Greece.
• A guide to Thessaloniki, Greece’s offbeat second city.
• Five of the best farms to stay at in Greece, from the Peloponnese to Central Macedonia.

Three important endorsements

At the same time, travel reports in three of the most important and reputable British newspapers, The Telegraph, The Times and The Independent, are recommending Greek destinations for British travelers this year, and showcasing our country as an ideal ski destination.

The Telegraph selects 15 Greek islands

A travel report in The Telegraph that leads with: “Which is the perfect Greek island? Here are 15 of our favorites” points out that Greece is strongly supportive of the restart of tourism, exempting those travelers who have already been vaccinated from quarantine and allowing those who present negative diagnostic tests entry to the country.

The following islands are recommended as the best choices for:

• Beaches: Zakynthos
• Impressive/otherworldly landscapes: Tinos
• Water sports: Lefkada
• Nightlife: Rhodes
• Views: Santorini
• Villas and monasteries: Skopelos
• Traditional life: Karpathos
• Mind and spirit: Skyros
• Couples: Symi
• Hiking: Andros
• Tranquility: Koufonisia
• Food: Crete
• Hotels : Mykonos
• History: Delos
• Families: Corfu.

“The Times” highlights Greece’s ski resorts

An editorial in The Times titled “Anyone for Greek mythology with their apres-ski?” recommends Greece as a ski destination.

It notes that, while in the collective tourist consciousness Greece is only beaches and islands, geographically it is also a country with mountains and 24 amazing ski resorts. Most are too small to cater for more than locals, but some are as good as those in Scandinavia or Eastern Europe. The columnist describes in detail her experience at the ski resort of Parnassos and her visit to Delphi and Arachova.

The Independent: Planning a modern Odyssey

On the website of The Independent is a feature focusing on Greek destinations that are particularly attractive to the British public; the article is titled: “Five ways to plan your next Greek Odyssey” and it suggests:

• Best destination for hipsters: Mykonos
• Best destination for families: Halkidiki
• Best destination for romantics: Santorini
• Best destination for all tastes: Corfu
• Best destination for culture: the Peloponnese.

This article was first published in Greek on moneyreview.gr.