Holidays to Greece by May from Bournemouth Airport

In a bid for tourism Greece is planning to reopen its borders to Brits by mid-May, however there are a few hoops holidaymakers will be required to jump through. 

Tourism minister Haris Theoharis said the country hopes to welcome foreign tourists from May 14, depending on the status of the coronavirus pandemic.

During a virtual appearance at travel trade show ITB Berlin, Mr Theoharis said: “We are approaching the exit from this dark tunnel thanks to the power of the human spirit and the progress of science.

"Please allow me to emphasise that no image could better portray the return to the normality of tourism than the Greek smile, the Greek landscape, the Greek hospitality.

"Regarding 2021 in Greece we are more than optimistic.

"We are ready, we are ready to share the experience of liberation from the unpleasant memories of the pandemic with each and every one of our guests."

He added that a 'pilot' reopening of borders is likely to take place early next month.

What will tourists be required to do on entry to Greece?

Rhodos, Rhodes, Greece (Image - stock)

Greece is one of the most popular summer destinations for UK holidaymakers.

British nationals usually make more than three million visits to the country each year, according to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Nothing has been set-in-stone just yet, but Mr Theoharis explained that visitors will be required to have been vaccinated, had a recent negative Covid-19 test or have coronavirus antibodies.

Will we actually be able to go on holiday in May?

People living in England could be permitted to take foreign holidays from May 17 under Boris Johnson’s road map for easing coronavirus restrictions.

The Government’s Global Travel Taskforce will provide a report to the Prime Minister on April 12 setting out recommendations for how and when overseas leisure trips could resume.

Where does Bournemouth Airport fly to? 

Porto Timoni beach / Corfu (Image - stock) 

Bournemouth Airport flies to more than 20 destinations across Europe and Turkey with flight expected to resume as early as this month. 

Direct flights from Bournemouth Airport to Greece include Corfu, Kefaloia, Rhodes and Zante. 

Corfu

Corfu is an island off Greece’s northwest coast in the Ionian Sea. 

It is defined by rugged mountains and a resort-studded shoreline - it was only united with Greece in 1864.

Flights from Bournemouth Airport to Corfu take around three hours with a direct journey. 

TUI is set to reinstate flights to this destination from 17 May. 

Kefalonia

Argostoli, Kefalonia, Greece (Image - stock)

Sitting west of mainland Greece, the island of Kefalonia is famous for its white sandy beaches mainly accessible by foot only. 

Known for its rugged landscape of sandy coves and hills, the capital Argostoli is built on a hillside overlooking a narrow harbour. 

Flights from Bournemouth Airport to Argostoli in Kefalonia take around three hours and 15 minutes with a direct journey. 

TUI is set to reinstate flights to this destination from 18 May.

Rhodes

One of the largest Greek islands, Rhodes is known for its popular beach resorts.

However steeped in history there are ancient ruins and remnants of its occupation by the Knights of St John during the Crusades. 

There is a flight time of four hours from Bournemouth Airport to Rhodes.

TUI is set to reinstate flights to this destination from 22 May.

Zante

Navagio Beach, or Shipwreck Beach Zante (Image - stock) 

Zakynthos, aka Zante to Brits, is a well-known summer resort.

The capital is centred around waterfront Solomos Square and the island itself is known for its incredible sandy beaches and crystal-clear bright blue waters. 

Direct flights from Bournemouth Airport to Zakynthos take just under three and a-half hours. 

There is a flight time of four hours from Bournemouth Airport to Rhodes.

TUI is set to reinstate flights to Zante from 23 May.