The news came from an online statement on the Embassy of Greece in London, which said: “We would like to inform you that within the framework of the implementation of the new ESS as of 10 April 2026, British passport holders are excluded from biometric registration at Greek border crossing points.”

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Greek authorities have indicated they will not collect fingerprints or photos for UK travellers as part of the EU’s new border checks.

Follow advice from authorities on the ground

Residents should show their residence documents at passport control pic.twitter.com/YmEKjHjFIA

— FCDO Travel Advice (@FCDOtravelGovUK) April 20, 2026

It was confirmed by Eleni Skarveli, the UK director of the Greek National Tourism Organisation on 17 April, just one week after the formal rollout of the EES across the Schengen area. Greece would exempt British passport holders from biometric registration to ensure “a smoother and more efficient arrival experience,” she said.

Since voting to leave the European Union in the so-called Brexit referendum in 2016, British passport holders have become third-country nationals in the eyes of the bloc. Since 10 April 2026, when arriving at European border checkpoints, all third-country nationals, including Brits, are supposed to register their facial image, fingerprint, passport details, and duration of stay under Entry Exit System requirements. The information is then stored and can be accessed quickly for future visits, to better enable visitor tracking and streamline security processes.

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Though some countries have managed to implement EES without too much disruption, others have seen long queues develop at arrival and departure hubs. The UK’s Port of Dover has put separate EES lanes into place for passengers boarding ferries. There, and at Folkestone and London St Pancras, the Eurostar train terminal, EES kiosks are reportedly not properly linked up to EU or French police systems. At Umberto Delgado Airport in Lisbon, Portugal, has seen the national guard brought in due to excess wait times and disruption, while in Milan over 100 passengers were left behind in security queues by an EasyJet flight to Manchester.

Amid this uncertainty, and after an acknowledgement from EU commissioners that EES implementation hiccups would mean that mitigations remain in effect in some places beyond the 10 April deadline, Greece is taking a different approach to the success of its summer 2026 season—abandoning the biometric registration process for British arrivals altogether.

Why this benefit for Brits and not, say US arrivals? The answer is that Britain is second only to Germany when it comes to source markets for the Greek tourism sector. The UK sent 4.89 million holidaymakers to Greece in 2025, a year-on-year uptick of 7.6%. They spent a whopping €3.74 billion, an increase of 18.5% on 2024. Simon Calder, writing in The Independent estimates that some Greek border points handle up to 2,000 UK arrivals per day in peak season.

Greece has not always had a smooth relationship with the EU, once threatening to leave and tread its own “Grexit” path. As it hopes to welcome a record-breaking stream of UK visitors again this summer, and remains so economically reliant on them then, its solo decision to relax the EU’s EES requirements is hardnosed, though not entirely a surprise.

For older or less digitally-confident travellers, not having to complete EES steps could make all the difference to them choosing Greece as a destination over its rivals. What’s more, letting British arrivals through with no EES registration “is expected to significantly reduce waiting times and ease congestion at airports,” Skarveli said—funnelling those high-spending visitors out of security queues and into hotels, shops, and restaurants where they can begin to splash their holiday cash.

L’article Greece unilaterally drops EU entry-exit registration for UK arrivals est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

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The Ellinikon is designed as a “15-minute city”. This means that residents can access daily essentials such as schools, shops, workplaces, healthcare, and leisure within a short walk or bike ride. The development stretches along 3.5 kilometres of coastline and is set to include more than 8,000 homes, office spaces, hotels, retail areas, a marina, and one of the largest coastal parks in Europe. The former airport site, which had been largely unused and environmentally degraded, is being redeveloped into a mixed-use urban district with a focus on accessibility and sustainability. 

Smart and sustainable city features

The Ellinikon is planned as a smart city where digital systems support daily life and urban services. Smart technologies are integrated into buildings and infrastructure to improve energy and water efficiency. An underground power grid supports the use of renewable energy, while lighting systems adapt to activity levels to improve safety and reduce energy use. Water management systems reuse treated wastewater for irrigation in parks and green areas. A central digital platform and mobile application are intended to allow residents and visitors to access services and information across the district.

Mobility within the area is designed to be simple and low-impact. Shared bikes and e-bikes provide an alternative to car use and connect different parts of the development. Sensors, solar panels, and underground networks support the city’s infrastructure without disrupting daily life. Waste is managed at source, with materials reused where possible and organic waste converted into compost. These systems aim to reduce resource use and support long-term environmental goals.

Riviera and coastal living

The Ellinikon Riviera forms the coastal edge of the development. It includes a continuous 1 km public beach, along with walking paths, gardens, and open spaces. The waterfront is designed to be accessible, with areas for relaxation, sports, and social activities. Promenades and pedestrian links connect the coastline with the central park and surrounding neighbourhoods.

Residential developments are spread across the site, offering different types of housing. The Riviera Tower, a 200-metre residential building, will be one of the tallest in Greece and is located close to the waterfront. Other projects include The Cove Villas and The Cove Residences, which provide housing near the sea with direct access to the beach. Little Athens is a new neighbourhood with over 1,000 homes, located near the park and pedestrian areas, and supported by local shops and services. Additional residential complexes, such as Park Rise, Pavilion Terraces, Promenade Heights, Atrium Gardens, Trinity Gardens, and Sunset Groves, combine apartment living with shared green spaces and nearby retail. 

Hospitality, retail, and lifestyle

Several hospitality projects are planned across The Ellinikon. The Mandarin Oriental Athens will include a hotel and branded residences located along the waterfront. The Marina Hotel and Residences will offer additional accommodation near the marina, with direct access to restaurants, shops, and leisure areas.

Retail is concentrated in key areas across the development. The Riviera Galleria, designed by architect Kengo Kuma, will include shops, restaurants, and public spaces along the waterfront. The Ellinikon Mall, designed by Aedas Architects, is expected to become the largest shopping centre in Greece, combining retail with entertainment and leisure. Both destinations are designed as indoor-outdoor environments, with space for events and public use.

Health, education, and community facilities

Healthcare facilities will be located in the Ellinikon Health Park, which will provide services focused on treatment, recovery, and prevention. The site is positioned near major roads and public transport, making it accessible to residents and visitors.

Education is also part of the development. Plans include primary and secondary schools for both local and international students, as well as higher education facilities. These institutions are expected to accommodate several thousand students each year and are located close to sports and cultural areas.

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A strategic partnership between Purdue University and the University of Nicosia (UNIC Athens) will bring a Purdue Regional Office to the UNIC Athens campus at The Ellinikon, supporting collaborative research and academic programs in science and technology.

Parks, sports, and recreation

At the centre of the project is The Ellinikon Park, covering around 2 million square metres. It is set to become the largest green space in Athens and the largest coastal park in Europe. The park will include sports facilities, cultural venues, and areas for leisure and social activities. It is designed to be open and accessible, with space for both organised events and everyday use.

Within the park, the Sports Park will provide facilities for activities such as tennis, football, athletics, and swimming. It will be used by both the public and professional athletes. The Experience Park, already open, covers 75,000 square metres and is built around historic airport structures. It includes playgrounds, fitness areas, and green spaces, and introduces visitors to the broader development.

Why The Ellinikon matters

The Ellinikon follows a broader shift in how cities are planned and developed. It combines housing, workspaces, transport, and public space within a single, connected area. This approach responds to challenges faced by many European cities, including urban density, environmental pressure, and the need for more efficient use of space.

Beyond its urban design, the project is also expected to have a measurable impact on the Greek economy. Estimates linked to the development suggest it could support around 70,000 jobs, while generating significant public revenue over time. The project could contribute around 2.5% to Greece’s GDP and attract up to one million additional visitors each year once fully operational.

By redeveloping a large, unused site into a mixed-use district, the project shows how existing urban areas can be reused rather than expanded outward. Its focus on walkability, green space, and integrated infrastructure aligns with wider European efforts to create more sustainable and liveable cities. As work continues, The Ellinikon offers a clear example of how former infrastructure sites can be reimagined to meet the needs of future urban life.

L’article The Ellinikon: Europe’s new 15-minute Mediterranean city  est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The Greek islands are well-known for their beautiful, sometimes rugged coasts with crystal-blue waters. However, the once-natural coastlines are increasingly touched by development projects that are profoundly changing their outlook. Developing local tourism while preserving the natural aspect of the landscape is thus an ongoing challenge.

When designing Olen, a resort situated on the Greek island of Syros, that challenge was undoubtedly part of Ateno Architecture Studio’s mission. Instead of simply building the seven-suite resort on its cliff-edge overlooking the Aegean Sea, the studio opted for a semi-built-in “amphitheatrical” resort approach.

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The resort is thus half-hidden, using a combination of terraces, subterranean rooms, and skylights to blend the building into its surroundings.

“Olen is located on a remote site on the island of Syros, where the natural landscape still prevails over the built environment. The core design ambition was to preserve this balance, despite the project’s brief calling for a relatively large-scale intervention. The project is not defined by the composition of 3D objects, but rather by the assembly of horizontal and vertical surfaces – terrace planes, retaining walls, and cuts in the terrain – allowing the architecture to read as embedded in the landscape itself”, Elias Theodorakis and Yiorgos Fiorentinos, co-founders of Ateno Architecture Studio, told design media outlet Dezeen.

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An original approach

Instead of opting for a one-level building, Olen was divided into three separate levels: The Plane, The Line, and The Point. A zigzagging walkway connects the three, while the resort becomes more intimate and more exclusive as one descends the pathway.

While the non-hidden side of the buildings is mainly terracotta-hued, on the inside, guests will encounter a combination of natural materials. Stone walls are combined with wooden accents, and the off-white colour of the floors is reflected in the ceilings. Overall, the feeling is one of openness and light, despite its underground situation.

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“Each of our seven suites is a tribute to timeless elegance, inspired by the soulful melodies of Demis Roussos. Designed to harmonise with the raw beauty of Syros, every space offers a unique experience – whether suspended above the Aegean, nestled in nature, or immersed in pure tranquility”, Olen resort writes on its website.

Prices for a stay at Olen start at €268 per night for a two-person suite, including breakfast and access to the resort’s common pool.

L’article Greek island of Syros welcomes new cliff-carved Olen resort est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Bank of Greece figures show inbound traffic increased by 5.6% to hit 37.98 million visitors, compared to 35.95 million in 2024 (not including cruise passengers). But in what is the third consecutive year of growth in the Greek sector, it is the revenue of €23.6 billion, representing a gain of 9.4% year-on-year and therefore outstripping arrivals, that has people talking.

Kefalogianni noted that revenue gains were almost double the growth in arrivals and, with overtourism a concern in many destinations, framed the shift as a positive in terms of the sector’s sustainability. “For the first time, we see revenues growing at a much higher percentage than arrivals. This shows that we are gradually improving in qualitative indicators. This is the direction of qualitative development for Greek tourism,” she said.

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When it comes to source markets, the increase in arrivals from outside the European Union outpaced EU visitor growth by 7.2%. EU arrivals increased by 2.8%, whereas non-EU visitors, including those from the United Kingdom and the United States, grew by 10%.

Germany sent 10.2% more visitors to Greece, reaching a total of 5.95 million; Italy sent 8.6% more, reaching 2.2 million visitors; but France sent 0.5% fewer visitors, dropping to 1.98 million in total.

As usual, the UK proved an important market, sending 7.6% more visitors than the previous year, amounting to 4.89 million in total. What’s more, UK visitors spent a whopping €3.74 billion, an increase of 18.5% on 2024 and one of the highest amounts.

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More Americans went to Greece in 2025, too, with the figures showing a slight increase of 0.2%, taking the total to 1.55 million US visitors. Significantly, they spent €1.72 billion, or 8.5% more year-on-year. Overall, average spending per trip increased by 3.8% in 2024, in line with long-term responsible tourism and economic targets.

Meanwhile, the travel balance—the difference between money brought in from foreign tourists (exports) and money spent by Greek holidaymakers abroad (imports)—achieved a surplus of €20.25 billion, up 7.77% from 2024. With tourism alone, Greece managed to offset nearly 60% of its trade deficit.

Looking forward to 2026, Kefalogianni saw a bright future for the Greek sector, saying: “The first data for 2026 create optimistic prospects, as another positive year for the sector is looming.”

L’article Record visitor arrivals and tourism revenues for Greece in 2025 est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Elafonisi Beach earned this coveted title by consistently receiving outstanding ratings over a 12-month period.

Split by the sea at its tip, the small Elafonissi Peninsula offers pink-tinged sands, cedar groves, and crystal-clear waters. To the north is a natural lagoon, and to the south, the open Libyan Sea. The beach’s distinctive blush colour comes from the crushed shells of foraminifera, microscopic crustaceans whose remains mingle with the sand to produce what locals describe as an iridescent shore.

In 2025, Elafonissi not only topped Europe’s ranking but also featured among the world’s best beaches. Ultimately, however, it was edged out globally by Mexico’s Isla Pasion. Other global favourites include Banana Beach in Phuket, Eagle Beach in Aruba, and Siesta Beach in Florida.

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The global ranking analysed reviews spanning six continents, 50 countries and over 100 beaches.

TripAdvisor’s European top ten features other Mediterranean favourites: Balos Lagoon and Falassarna in Crete; Praia da Falésia in Portugal’s Algarve; La Pelosa in Sardinia; Platja de Muro in Mallorca; Paleokastritsa in Corfu; Spiaggia dei Conigli in Lampedusa; Playa de Maspalomas in Gran Canaria; and Palombaggia in Corsica. 

Kristen Dalton, President of TripAdvisor’s core business, told Travel + Leisure that the awards reflect ‘the voices of millions of travellers worldwide’. She added that in her family, ‘beaches aren’t just for sunbathing – we like to get out and explore!’ She says that the diversity of this year’s winners ‘showcases everything that a beach trip can offer’. 

At Elafonissi, the contrast is geographical. The eastern side is the most accessible, with sunbeds, umbrellas, a beach bar, showers and parking. To the north, shallow waters form a natural, knee-high lagoon providing calm conditions that are well suited to families with children. At low tide, a sandbar emerges, linking the shore to the small islet opposite. Visitors can walk across it, and even when the sandbar is submerged, the water rarely exceeds knee depth.

@creteunlocked Elafonisi Beach has been crowned best beach in the world by tripsadvisor #crete #greekislands #summervacation #vacationdestination ♬ original sound – 𝐎𝐧𝐥𝐲𝐒𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐬

Beyond the channel, the setting changes again. More secluded bays line the southern edge, offering a quieter alternative to the main beach. Trails wind through protected cedar groves which are marked off to preserve the fragile ecosystem. A small chapel and a lighthouse, rebuilt after the original was destroyed during the Second World War, add historical texture to the area. The area also attracts birdwatchers, as it serves as a resting point for migratory species travelling between Europe and Africa.

While the beach may have found fame in the age of Instagram, its history runs far deeper. In ancient times, the surrounding area was associated with the Moussagorai Islands, where it is believed that a sanctuary dedicated to Apollo Mousagetes, the leader of the Muses, once stood. Over the centuries, the islet was also reputedly used as a pirate hideout.

The name likely derives from elafos (deer) and nisi (island). Although deer no longer roam Crete, except for the dama dama species which is now only found on Rhodes, palaeontological evidence shows that deer once inhabited the island, including an extinct Cretan species dating back to the Pleistocene.

The best months to visit are May and September, when it is warm but not too crowded. By peak summer, the word has well and truly got out.

L’article Europe’s best beach for 2025 is a pink-sand paradise on the tip of Crete est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Although tourists tend to be charmed by cats roaming around their holiday destination, stray cats can be a real issue for the animals and those living locally alike. As cats don’t have natural predators in many places around the globe, one non-neutered couple can soon lead to a true invasion of furry beasts, who are often plagued by hunger and sickness due to a lack of care.

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The Cycladic island of Syros, like many other Greek islands, has historically been dealing with a stray cat problem. And while there are still cats left roaming the streets, over the years, Syros has become an example of how to deal with strays for many other locations around the globe, thanks to two sanctuaries: Syros Cats and God’s Little People Cat Rescue.

Both organisations are doing everything they can to make life a little easier for stray cats in the region. By rescuing abandoned animals, organising feeding programmes, providing veterinary care, and putting cats up for adoption, they are tackling the issue little by little and have been doing so for over 20 years.

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Halftime tourist, halftime cat rescuer

However, as is to be expected, caring for so many cats does require a lot of work. Both centres mainly rely on volunteers to get the job done, and they are thus regularly looking for extra hands. In order to make the offer more appealing and more accessible to all, Syros Cats has come up with quite an attractive offer for those who would like to spend some time on the island, whether as a (flexible) digital nomad or as a working tourist.

The cat sanctuary offers their long-term volunteers (who stay for a month or longer) free accommodation, utilities, and breakfast in return for five hours of their time per day, five days per week. While those with training or experience as a veterinary nurse are particularly welcome, all cat lovers can apply, as soon as they are reliable, self-sufficient, and turn up on time.

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“We’re looking for helpers who already have some work experience. If you’re under twenty-five, it’s unlikely you’d be able to demonstrate the level of self-sufficiency and initiative that we need. We usually have about four volunteers at any one time, often from very different backgrounds and all parts of the world and you need to be tolerant and accepting of differences in customs, race, gender and belief, that you may encounter here and in Greece”, the organisation explains.

While applications for 2026 are closed, cat lovers can apply for 2027 starting from September. Applications can be submitted online and should include a motivation letter, curriculum, and any relevant cat care experience. Keep in mind that transportation, food other than breakfast, and travel insurance are to be paid by the volunteers.

L’article Greek island offers free housing to cat sanctuary volunteers est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Earlier in 2025, the Royal Caribbean Group announced the upcoming opening of its first Royal Beach Club experience. While that first beach club is scheduled to open in The Bahamas in December 2026 and will be known as the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in The Bahamas, other land-based openings are already in the making.

Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas, Labadee in Haiti, the Southernmost Hotel on Earth, The Cormorant at 55 South in Chile (2026), Royal Beach Club Cozumel in Mexico (2026), Perfect Day Mexico (2027), and Royal Beach Club Lelepa (2027) are all in the pipeline and will be expanding Royal Caribbean Group’s land-based offer. The next Royal Beach Club, however, is scheduled to open during the Summer of 2026 on the Greek island of Santorini.

“Expanding our Royal Beach Club Collection to include Santorini – one of the world’s most popular and beautiful locations – is a bold step forward in growing our vacation portfolio from two to eight by 2028, giving guests more ways to have unforgettable experiences with us. We’re thrilled to connect guests with Santorini’s gems – from its iconic villages to the Aegean Sea’s famous beach club culture – creating a balanced, authentic island experience”, said Jason Liberty, president and CEO at Royal Caribbean Group.

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The Ultimate Santorini Day

Once open, the Royal Beach Club Santorini will welcome guests from both Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises. The beach club will be a part of the so-called Ultimate Santorini Day, during which guests will get to explore and get to know the island. Travellers will have the choice to start their day at the village of Oia, the capital city of Fira, or at the Royal Beach Club. According to the cruise company, this will allow them to alleviate congestion throughout the island by better distributing guests arriving in Santorini.

“Santorini is an incredible destination that our guests love to explore, and with this new beach club, we are able to bring the best of what the island has to offer with the signature service Royal Caribbean is known for”, stated Michael Bayley, president and CEO at Royal Caribbean.

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To allow for the opening of the Royal Beach Club Santorini in the Summer of 2026, the Royal Caribbean Group will be renovating an already existing club on the island. That renovation will include “upgraded amenities thoughtfully designed to blend with the natural landscape and incorporate sustainable materials”. 

The opening of the new beach club comes at a time when the Greek island is increasingly struggling with the consequences of overtourism. British consumer magazine Which? identified Santorini as one of the European destinations that suffer the most from overtourism, and the Bank of Greece recently declared that almost one in two Greeks could not afford a one-week holiday this summer. New initiatives, such as the introduction of a new cruise tax on Santorini during the peak season, are trying to turn the tide.

L’article Royal Caribbean Group to open beach club on Santorini est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The western part of the Parthenon has the best view. Having removed the restoration equipment from this side has been most noticeable for tourists. The removal, done in late September 2025, allows anyone interested in Greek history to marvel at the ancient shrine. The view highlights the details of the Parthenon’s columns and friezes, showcasing the craftsmanship of ancient Greek architects.

@carkarali What a time to be in Athens! The scaffolding will only be off temporarily until the restoration is completed (estimated to be in 2026). The Parthenon has had scaffolding on it for the past 20 years! This is the first time you can get an unobstructed view of the western facade. #athens#parthenon#greece#acropolis#athensgreece ♬ son original – music vibes

“It is like [visitors] are seeing … a completely different monument,” said Lina Mendoni, Greece’s culture minister, to the Greek radio station Skai. But conservation work is set to resume in November 2025 with the installation of new scaffolding on the western side. According to Mendoni, this replacement scaffolding will be lighter and designed to be less visually intrusive, highlighting that the current pause in work is only temporary.

Preservation work on the Parthenon is projected to end by the summer of 2026, before the scaffolding is going to be dismantled once again, uncovering the iconic view. Then Minister Mendoni said, “The Parthenon will be completely freed of this scaffolding too, and people will be able to see it truly free.”

Parthenon scaffold-free for first time in 15 years. pic.twitter.com/GZhY6wG3r7

— Ictinus ® (@ictinus_x) October 5, 2025

A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, the Acropolis is one of Greece’s most famous and visited tourist destinations. The temple, built from white marble between 447 and 432 BC, worships Athena, the goddess of wisdom and victory. According to local legends, she was the saviour of the city during the Persian wars.

This world-famous tourist landmark is visited by millions every year, with 4.5 million in 2024 alone, according to Greece’s statistical authority. To avoid crowds and contribute to conservation efforts, the government introduced a cap on visitors in 2023. The new limit of 20,000 visitors per day was established to curb the previous average of around 23,000 daily tourists and promote more sustainable tourism.

Those interested in seeing the historic monument have to book a time slot and purchase a ticket.

L’article Athens’ Parthenon free of scaffolding for the first time in 20 years est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

From crisis to recovery

Greece’s tourism sector has made a remarkable comeback after years marred first by its financial crisis and then by the Covid-19 pandemic. According to the Bank of Greece, travel receipts in June 2025 rose by 8.8% compared to the same month last year, with revenues for January – June climbing to €7.66 billion. If the number of visitors only grew by a 0.6% from January till June, the total amount spent per trip increased by 10.0%. There was an increase in travellers from Germany (4.7%), Italy (4.9%) and the UK (11%) and 20% more American tourists.

In June alone, spending by German tourists increased by 18.6% to nearly €595 million, French by 19.9% to around €192 million, Italians by 25.7% with total spending reaching €180 million, and Americans by a dramatic 64.7% to approximately €247 million. There was a decrease from visitors from Russia. 

The cost of overtourism

This upward trend now seems to have reached a wall, not unlike other popular summer destinations in Europe and beyond. Overtourism is bringing visible strain: housing prices driven up by short-term rentals, infrastructure stretched to its limits, local communities struggling to cope, and overbuilding damaging the very character of these destinations. 

The island of Santorini, for example, has a population of around 15,550 residents yet it welcomes more than 5.5 million visitors annually. This puts heavy pressure on power grids, sewage systems and basic public services. In some cases, the most sought-after destinations are becoming victims of their own success, as crowds drive away the very visitors they attract. Santorini saw a 24.4% decrease in airport arrivals from January to May.

A report from 2024 already stated that ‘in Santorini, even tourists complain about the great number of tourists’.

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Excluded at home

Behind the impressive figures lies the real paradox. As Greece welcomes the world, many locals are excluded from enjoying their own country. The Guardian has dubbed it ‘the Thailand of Europe’, not only for its beaches but also because foreigners can afford the holiday dream while locals are priced out. According to Eurostat, 46% of Greeks cannot afford a one-week holiday, compared with an EU average of around 27%.

Ismini Balale, a 28-year-old Greek told The Guardian that even though she would love to continue the great Greek tradition of August holidays, she cannot. Struggling to make ends meet with a retail salary of €850 a month, she said she could not ‘cough up €200 a night for a room. All my friends are in the same position, and we all have postgraduate degrees’. 

Ferry prices illustrate the challenge: a family of four can spend about €450 on tickets to Aegina, while the average monthly salary stands at €1,380.

A fragile future

Some hoteliers and business owners celebrate record revenues and worry little about the social costs. Others warn that the imbalance could undermine the sector in the long run. Climate change adds another layer of uncertainty. This summer, wildfires on Corfu, Lefkada and Zante forced evacuations and raised safety concerns for visitors.

For now, demand shows no sign of easing – flights and hotels remain heavily booked. The real question is how Greece will manage these pressures in the years ahead. Tourism is the country’s economic lifeline, but without careful planning, the paradox will persist: a booming paradise for visitors, but increasingly out of reach for many Greeks themselves.

L’article The Greek paradox: a tourism surplus but one in two Greeks cannot afford a holiday est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The decision was prompted by a recent incident involving a local bank, which replaced its hundreds of ATMs with machines operated by a third-party company in which the bank held a share. This led to customers being charged a €2 fee on each withdrawal.

The incident quickly reached the parliament, where it came under heavy criticism from the opposition, who demanded action, prompting the Finance Ministry to respond.

Under the new rules, withdrawals from banks that are part of the DIAS interbank system will be completely free of charge. Fees at third-party ATMs will be capped at €1.50, and the charge will be eliminated entirely if there is a direct or indirect shareholding link with the customer’s bank. The same full exemption will apply in municipalities where there is only one ATM, even if it is operated by a third-party company.

The measures also aim to improve transparency and ease of use. All cardholders will be able to check their balance free of charge at any ATM, regardless of their bank or the provider. Digital money transfers, such as remittances, made via web, phone, or internet banking, will incur a one-off charge of €0.50 will be charged, equally applied by third-party providers or banks.

Lastly, the new regulation stipulates that the ban on banks charging their own customers for cash withdrawals will be enshrined in law.

So far, the move has been met very positively online, with some users calling on other European countries to adopt similar policies.

One user on X user commented he was wondering, “if other EU countries will follow suit – ATM fees are the worst.” Others, responding to the Euronews Türkiye post on the measure, wrote: “I hope it serves as an example for the greedy ones among us too’ while another said, ‘Governments that care about their own people are like this!”

Before the ban took effect, the withdrawal charges in Greece were considerably higher, especially for third-party operators or bank ATMs outside the DIAS network. Charges would typically range from €2.30 to €2.70 per withdrawal. Some machines in heavily visited tourist areas charged as much as €5 per transaction.

Greece’s new model places it among the more consumer-friendly regimes in Europe. Turkey’s average fees are about 3.59%, Portugal has a no-charge policy for withdrawals from Multibanco ATMs; however, foreign cardholders often face fees ranging from €3 to €4 from independent ATMs, prevalent in touristy areas. Withdrawals from another bank’s ATM in Germany and Austria range from €1.95 to €5, but many banks in Germany belong to a fee-sharing network of banks that allow free withdrawal from partner bank ATMs.

L’article Tourists in Greece can now make ATM withdrawals free of charge est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.