Covid-19 Update - Summer 2021
We want you to feel you are in safe hands when you come and stay with us during these unprecedented times.
To that end we provide a guide to what you can expect during your travels to Naxos as well as during your stay at our villa.
We offer a flexible cancellation policy for bookings this summer.
Get in touch for more details: info@villakairosnaxos.com
LATEST NEWS
From 19 April 2021 if you are arriving from the following countries to Greece, you no longer
need to quarantine for 7 days on arrival in Greece, provided you have been fully vaccinated and have a valid Covid-19 vaccination certificate or negative molecular PCR test carried out not more than 72 hours before arrival in Greece.
Check here https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/world.php for an interactive map with information about each country
See this website for FAQ about Covid and travelling to Greece https://greecehealthfirst.gr/
Check the official Greek government information on this link https://travel.gov.gr/#/
All travellers are obliged to complete and electronically submit in advance (at least 24 hours before travel)
the Passenger Locator Form (PLF).
Here are useful links to monitor travelling to Greece and more information on Covid-19 in Greece
Information re Covid-19 in Greece from the official Greek government Public Health Organization or Min. of Foreign Affairs https://eody.gov.gr/en/
Check out the 'Keep Talking Greece' site for the latest information about travel and other items of interest https://www.keeptalkinggreece.com/category/travel/
PCR- TEST - Departing from Naxos
Testing before departure for your home country can be done on Naxos.
Diagnostiki Naxos
PCR test costs 60 euros. Results received the same day
2285027599/ 2285027699
http://www.diagnostiki-naxou.gr/en/home/
FOR MORE INFORMATION OR QUESTIONS CONTACT US DIRECTLY ON info@villaikairosnaxos.com
Travelling to and from Athens
The Greek government has introduced a series of protocols to protect tourists and its own citizens from infection. Chief amongst these is a new Passenger Locator Form which must be completed 48 hours before you fly to Greece. The Greek authorities send you a QR code prior to your flight (It’s normally sent the night before you are due to travel). Airlines will refuse to check you in at your departing airport unless each passenger has completed this form. We personally witnessed several people being denied boarding because of this. The form asks for basic information about your stay in Greece and how you can be contacted. It is GDPR compliant and does not ask you anything unconnected with the prevention of Covid-19 transmission
.
When you arrive at Athens airport Greek border control officers will ask to see your QR code. You can carry this on your phone – there is no need to print it out unless you want to. If you are low risk you are waived through without further delay. If not, you are tested immediately. We arrived on the first day that the Greek border had opened for international flights, and before the agreement of an ‘air bridge’ with the UK. As a result, we were tested. We were asked to join a testing queue at the arrivals hall. The queue was short and socially distanced. Multiple booths had been set up with teams of nurses who took swabs at the back of your throat. It was well organised and very efficient. You receive the results within 24 hours.
It is unlikely you will be tested, given the ‘air bridges’ that have now been agreed between the Greek government and the governments of France, the UK, Germany and other European nations.
Travelling to and from Naxos from Athens
Flying from Athens to Naxos: Once inside the Greek border you are deemed ‘safe’ and will not be asked to take a coronavirus test. Of course, the wearing of face masks remains mandatory while you are in the airport and on your flight to Naxos. Police officers patrol the airport to ensure passengers are wearing face masks.
Taking the ferry from Piraeus or Rafina to Naxos: It is mandatory to wear a face mask in taxis and on public transport in Greece. You are required to wear a face mask while boarding and unboarding the ferry. Once on board, it is up to you whether to keep wearing one. Passenger numbers are restricted so that social distancing is possible.
Travelling from your point of arrival on Naxos to the villa
You will be met by our representative on the island on arrival, who will be wearing a face mask and remain socially distanced. It is up to you whether you wish to continue wearing a face mask while walking around on the island. Most Greeks and tourists do not. This is not a problem as there are not that many tourists and everyone keeps their distance. Our representative is not permitted to drive you to the villa, so you will need to either get a taxi or hire a car to get there. He will drive in front and lead you to the villa. Once you arrive he will show you around and explain the various amenities and take the security deposit of Euro 200 (if you have not already paid this). The security deposit will be returned to you on departure once the inventory check has been completed, provided there is no damage to the property.
Staying at the villa
The villa is completely self-contained with its own private pool and it is unlikely you will see anyone other than our staff during your stay there. Our staff will wear face masks if they have to come inside the villa (but not outside). However, it is unlikely they will need to do this unless there is a problem or you are staying for 2 weeks in which case our cleaners will come to clean the rooms and change bed linen after your first week at the villa.
Going out in Chora and elsewhere in Naxos
The staff in restaurants, hotels, bars, beach bars and shops wear masks and practice social distancing. Tables are set one metre apart (there is a one metre law in Greece). Pretty much everyone else does not wear a mask. As we said previously, this is not a problem due to the low number of tourists on the island currently – as social distancing is easy to practice.
We hope these notes give you some reassurance about your upcoming holiday on Naxos. Please get in touch if you’d like to discuss any of this and our first-hand experience of travelling to Naxos and staying on the island.
WE WISH YOU A WONDERFUL & SAFE STAY AT VILLA KAIROS
