Holiday prices slashed by 65% as Spain and Greece prepare for tourists – but experts warn they are unlikely to go ahead

TOUR operators are slashing holiday prices by as much as 65 per cent as countries including Greece and Portugal prepare to welcome tourists this weekend.

Half of British drinkers starting earlier in the day during Covid-19 crisis

Global Drug Survey finds big rises in binge drinking and poor health during lockdown Coronavirus – latest updates See all our coronavirus coverage Britons have been drinking earlier in the day than people from most other nations during the coronavirus pandemic, a survey has revealed. Nearly 47% of Britons who drink reported doing so earlier in the day than in February, compared with 23.3% in Greece at the other end of the spectrum, an interim report for the Global Drug Survey (GDS) shows.

Travel restrictions: Greece will allow return of British tourists in June

Britons WILL be able to fly to Greece this summer after the UK was initially blacklisted

Britain has 13 high-risk airports including Gatwick, Heathrow and Stansted. But Edinburgh, which before the pandemic had direct flights to Greece, is not considered high-risk.

Greece to open up in two weeks – but not to UK tourists

Holidaymakers will be randomly tested for coronavirus

Coronavirus: Greece to open up in two weeks, but not to the UK

Tourists from 29 countries will be able to visit Greece from 15 June, but not travellers from the UK.

Greece to open airports to arrivals from 29 countries from June 15

Greece said Friday it would reopen its airports in Athens and Thessaloniki to arrivals from 29 countries from June 15, the start of the tourist season.

Turkey says may begin oil exploration under Libya deal in three-four months

Turkey may begin oil exploration in the eastern Mediterranean within three or four months under a deal it signed with Libya that was condemned by others in the region including Greece, Energy Minister Fatih Donmez said on Friday.

Britain left off 'safe list' of countries free to holiday in Greece

UK fails to fit ‘epidemiological profile’ demanded by Athens, which has kept Covid-19 in check Greece might be high on the list of many people’s summer holiday destinations, but for Britons dreaming of getting away the country will be out of reach for some time yet.  The UK was not included on a list of 29 countries released by Athens on Friday deemed to fit an “epidemiological profile” that makes travel from them relatively safe.  Continue reading...

Cyprus offers to cover cost of holidays affected by coronavirus

Free healthcare for Covid-19 patients and hotel expenses for dependents will give island unbeatable edge, it says Coronavirus – latest updates See all our coronavirus coverage The battle to lure tourists to the Mediterranean is hotting up with Cyprus declaring it will go one step further than its competitors, footing the bill for anyone whose holiday is ultimately ruined by coronavirus.  The island says its decision to pick up the tab for infected tourists – providing free healthcare for Covid-19 patients and all hotel expenses for their dependents – will give it an unbeatable edge.  Continue reading...

Greece to allow visitors from 29 countries from June 15, but not UK

The popular tourist destination was quick to impose a lockdown.

12 amazing hotels for the best all-inclusive holidays to Greece

Turkey, Greece spat over border policy and treatment of refugees

Turkey's foreign ministry says Greece is misleading public opinion by manipulating facts.

Graffiti on wall of grand Pompeii villa suggests it was owned by Roman general who conquered Greece

The word 'Mummia' is etched into a wall of the villa.

Greece to welcome Germans, Cypriots, Israelis in first wave of visitors

Greece will allow travellers from around two dozen countries including Germany, Cyprus and Israel to visit from mid-June without having to be quarantined, government officials said, part of a gradual easing of coronavirus lockdown restrictions.

Queen received 'inappropriate' wedding present - and strangely practical gift

The Queen, who was Princess Elizabeth at the time, married  Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark at Westminster Abbey on November 20, 1947, and the couple were sent 2,583 presents from well-wishers

Greece ready to welcome tourists as refugees stay locked down in Lesbos

In Moria, Europe’s largest migrant camp, tensions are rising as life is more restricted and the threat of Covid-19 is ever present Coronavirus – latest updates See all our coronavirus coverage Children fly kites between tents in the shadow of barbed wire fences as life continues in Europe’s largest refugee camp.

How Greece moved early and decisively to keep Covid-19 out

Serial rapist breaks back in Corfu cliff fall on run from police

Dimitris Aspiotis, captured on new charges after jail for sexual assaults on British women, severely injured in ravine A serial rapist plunged from a cliff and broke his back after police flushed him out of his hideout following a two-week manhunt on Corfu. Dimitris Aspiotis – dubbed the beast of Kavos after receiving a 53-year-sentence for sexually assaulting six British women – had been released early from a half-century prison term but was wanted on fresh charges.

Greece's islands reopen after coronavirus lockdown in bid to salvage summer tourist season

Travel to the islands had been generally off-limits since a lockdown in late March.

Ryanair to add back Europe flights, launches fare sale as Spain, Italy, Greece, others reopen to tourists

Ryanair, which touts itself as Europe's largest low-fare airline, will operate 40% of its normal flight schedule in July, the company announced.

Ryanair to add back Europe flights, launches fare sale as Spain, Italy, Greece, others reopen to tourists

Ryanair, which touts itself as Europe's largest low-fare airline, will operate 40% of its normal flight schedule in July, the company announced.

Travel restriction updates: Greece could block British arrivals unless UK infection rate falls

Greece fears border standoff with Turkey over migrants' return

Turkey says migrants may return to frontier as countries emerge from lockdowns Coronavirus – latest updates See all our coronavirus coverage Greece fears a fresh standoff on its border with Turkey after the Turkish foreign minister suggested migrants and refugees would shortly return to the frontier as the two countries emerge from coronavirus lockdowns. Speaking to a local television station in Antalya, Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu said: “Due to the pandemic, the movement of migrants has slowed down.

Serial Rapist Who Was Released Early Arrested on New Rape Charge on Resort Island in Greece

He had been convicted in 2012 of raping three female tourists in the same area

Coronavirus latest: at a glance

A summary of the biggest developments in the global coronavirus outbreak Follow our latest coronavirus blog for live news and updates Key developments in the global coronavirus outbreak today include: Continue reading...

Meet the adorable rescue dogs who have just flown over to the UK for a better life

The pooches were found in shelters in Greece.

Life after lockdown in Athens: 'The marble had space to breathe'

With Greece slowly opening up again, the crowd-free Parthenon looks more monumental than usual – even with its ‘keep safe distance’ yellow stickers During our ockdown in Athens, one thing remained reassuringly constant: the Parthenon was still standing tall, watching silently over the empty city.

Europe’s Debt Reckoning May Mean Tough Choices on Who to Tax

(Bloomberg) -- Europe’s leaders may be united on the need to throw money at economies during the coronavirus crisis, but they have yet to confront how to pay for it all.That reckoning could force governments across the region into tough choices about where to lay the burden among voters already disillusioned with political establishments -- a decade after the global financial crisis presented them with previous bills to settle.Europe’s austerity experiments since then, from Greece to the UK, provide cautionary tales of either the economic damage or electoral fatigue that spending cuts can cause.

Coronavirus news you may have missed overnight as Tory MPs turn on Cummings and schools to reopen despite serious concern

UK focuses on prime minister's senior aide, while Japan and Greece announce easing of some lockdown measures

Travel updates: Greece restarts ferries as it tries to salvage tourism season

Coronavirus news – live: Greece reopens island ferry services and restaurants as Australian children return to school

Follow the latest updates

Greece reopens island ferries, cafes in tourism restart

Greece restarted regular ferry services to its islands Monday and cafes and restaurants were also back open for business as the country accelerated efforts to salvage its tourism season.

The Latest: Greece makes a bit to save its tourism season.

— Greece restarts regular ferry services to the islands in bid to salvage tourism season.

Global report: Muslims face curfews ahead of Eid amid Covid-19 crisis

Pandemic subdues Ramadan festivities as Taliban declares ceasefire; Spain and Greece to welcome tourists Coronavirus – latest updates See all our coronavirus coverage Muslims worldwide prepared to celebrate Eid under lockdown, with the strictest governments bringing in 24-hour curfews for the holiday – but across the world the slow march is continuing out of coronavirus quarantine. For the first time since the beginning of the outbreak, China said it had recorded no new cases of the virus; Spain joined Greece in saying it would be reopening to foreign tourists from July, and also said its football league would start again next month.

When can Brits go on holiday to Spain, France, Portugal, Greece and Turkey?

Here's the latest from these popular holiday destinations.

Holiday hope for Brits as Spain and Greece 'safe corridors' could open by July

Ministers are hoping to strike coronavirus quarantine-free travel pacts with countries including France, Spain and Greece in time for the summer holidays, according to reports

Tensions soar as Turkish troops invade Greece occupying piece of land on contested border

TURKISH troops have invaded Greece and have occupied a small piece of land on the contested border as tensions grow between the two countries, according to reports.

Could the Coronavirus Bring Europe Back Together?

After three months of chaos and deaths caused by the pandemic, the continent, led by Germany and France, is giving convergence another try.

Turkish troops invade Greece and occupy a small patch of land on contested border

TURKISH troops yesterday invaded Greece and occupied a small patch of land on their contested border.

Coronavirus travel: Airport tests and hotel quarantine for Greece arrivals

Greece's tourist season begins in June - but how easy will it be for travellers to get into the country?

Andre Bent murder trial: Vasilios Ofogeli jailed for murder

"Remorseless" Vasilios Ofogeli, then aged 16, fled to Greece within hours of the murder.

News: Greece prepares to reopen tourism sector for summer season

In a televised address, Greek prime minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, confirmed the domestic tourism season would begin on June 15th, with international arrivals to follow.

Coronavirus: Greece to reopen tourism season in June, PM says

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis says his country has shown that it is a "passport of safety".

Greece opens for international tourists in July – and cuts VAT on transport and coffee

Domestic tourism season begins 15 June, with first international holiday flights touching down 16 days later

Greece to allow overseas holidaymakers from July 1

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said visitors would be subject to sample coronavirus testing.

The new rules you will have to follow on holiday – latest country-by-country guide including Spain, Portugal and Greece

GOING on holiday will be a very different experience, even after lockdown.

Greece will allow international flights into the country from July 1

Greece will allow international flights to return to its tourist sites from July 1, the country's prime minister said today.

Greece offers to waive 14-day quarantine for UK tourists

The country's tourism minister, Harry Theoharis said that it would waive its requirement for visitors to places like Corfu if the same was done for Greeks arriving in the UK, speaking to the BBC .

Hope for British holidays as Greece offers to waive 14-day quarantine

Greece's tourism minister said they will waive the 14-day quarantine if the UK does.

Travel restrictions live: Greece could be first 'air bridge' holiday link

Global report: Italy reopens cafes as Spain prepares for return of tourists

Greece welcomes visitors to Acropolis, malls and zoos; some businesses reopen in Ireland Coronavirus – latest updates See all our coronavirus coverage Italians enjoyed their first meal out for two months on Monday, as the country eased lockdown restrictions, with bars, restaurants and cafes back in business and St Peter’s basilica in the Vatican open for visitors. After a gruelling lockdown period during the coronavirus pandemic, Italy was once again able to sip cappuccino and cold beers – albeit at a physical distance from other customers.

Second royal wedding CANCELLED this month due to deadly pandemic

PRINCESS Theodora of Greece and Denmark has had to cancel her wedding to American lawyer Matthew Kumar due to the coronavirus pandemic.

In Pictures: Workers who leave home to help others stay healthy

Essential workers in Greece leave their houses, risking their health, to work during the coronavirus lockdown.

Crowds flock to the beach as heatwave hits Greece

Beachgoers in Greece try to cool down as temperatures approach 40 degrees Celsius.

Greeks return to beaches in heatwave, but keep umbrellas apart

For many in Greece, it was a first foray into a big public venue since the country began easing its lockdown earlier this month, and it also coincided with the first heatwave of the year.

Coronavirus World Live Coverage: Greece, Italy, China, Netherlands

The movement of schoolchildren back to their home villages raises virus fears in Nigeria.

Greece, Italy and France reopen beaches as coronavirus lockdown eases

Scores of people flocked to the beaches, to make up for time spent indoors and to capitalise on the timely arrival of one of the first heatwaves of the year.

Greeks return to beaches in heatwave, but keep their umbrellas apart

For many people, it was their first foray into a big public venue since Greece began easing its lockdown earlier this month, and it also coincided with the first heatwave of the year.

I flew to Greece and began solo IVF. Then the world shut down

Undergoing fertility treatment at any time is a peculiar experience.

The Unaccompanied Migrants Who Only Remember War

The agony and anxiety of living in a migrant camp.

Ubisoft's educational Assassin's Creed tours are free until May 21st

Starting today through to May 21st, the standalone versions of Ubisoft's Discovery Tour: Ancient Greece and Discovery Tour: Ancient Egypt are free to download on PC as part of the company's Play Your Part, Play at Home campaign to help teachers and s...

Coronavirus travel advice: will the summer holidays be cancelled? Travel updates from France, Spain, Greece, TUI, Ryanair and more

The UK and France could be possible, but Spain looks less likely, while TUI looks ahead to a later and longer season

Death of man on Turkey-Greece border must be investigated, MEPs warn

More than 100 MEPs have written to the European Commission president calling for a formal investigation into the death of a Pakistani man on Turkey's border with Greece in March.

Turkey accuses five nations of forming 'alliance of evil'

Turkey on Tuesday accused Greece, Cyprus, Egypt, France and the United Arab Emirates of seeking to form an “alliance of evil” after these countries issued a joint declaration denouncing Ankara’s policies in the eastern Mediterranean and Libya.

Unaccompanied children among 50 migrants flown into UK from Greece

A group of 50 asylum-seekers and migrants, including 16 unaccompanied children rescued from camps, have flown into the UK from Greece to be reunited with their families.

British tourists could holiday in Greece without restrictions from June 1, says Greek government

British tourists could holiday again in Greece from June 1, according to the Greek government.

Refugee families reunited in UK after rescue flight from Greece

Vulnerable people from Greek refugee camps reunited with close family at Heathrow Some 47 highly vulnerable migrants have arrived in the UK on an “unprecedented” family reunion flight from Greece. British refugees travelled to Heathrow to greet nephews, brothers, husbands and wives after Monday’s flight brought people from Syria, Somalia and Afghanistan to join close family in the UK.

European countries begin easing coronavirus restrictions as nations emerge from lockdown

France and Belgium emerged from lockdowns, the Netherlands sent children back to school and Greece and Spain further eased restrictions.

Europe’s Battle-Hardened Nations Show Resilience in Virus Fight

Countries such as Croatia and Greece, which took early measures to stop the outbreak, have generally been aided by cooperation from citizens galvanized by tough recent experiences of war or financial disaster.

'Finally, at last': vulnerable migrants to leave Greece for UK

Group including teenagers Walid and Mustafa will be reunited with relatives after grim experiences Until last week Walid and Mustafa had never met.

Global report: Covid-19 lockdown rules relax in European nations amid confusion in UK

Boris Johnson criticised for vague blueprint; China reports more infections in Wuhan; Belgium and Greece also ease some measures Coronavirus – latest updates See all our coronavirus coverage Millions of people across Europe are set to embrace a relaxation of stay-at-home rules on Monday, as countries around the world plot their way tentatively through the coronavirus crisis. In France, from Monday members of the public were able to walk outside without filling in a permit for the first time in nearly eight weeks, teachers will start to return to primary schools, and some shops – including hair salons – will reopen.

Athens hotel ordered to demolish top floors blocking Acropolis view

Campaigners ‘overjoyed’ at landmark ruling but say review of planning laws still needed A battle over the right to enjoy uninterrupted views of the Acropolis has resulted in a five-star hotel being ordered to demolish its top two floors, in a landmark ruling hailed by residents of Athens. Owned by Coco-Mat, the Greece-based mattress maker, the hotel — whose “breathtaking terrace” had been its selling point — opened its doors barely a year ago.

Greece extends coronavirus lockdown at refugee camps

Migration and asylum ministry did not say why lockdown at camps for migrants and refugees was being extended.

Exclusive: family reunion rescue flight to leave Athens for UK

Greek PM intervenes to help 50 vulnerable asylum seekers reach UK despite ban on direct flights An unprecedented family reunion rescue flight is due to leave Athens, bringing 52 vulnerable migrants, including several minors, to join family in the UK. The flight on Monday is the result of intense efforts by refugee families in the UK with the support of campaign group Safe Passage and the peer Alf Dubs.

Greece remembers anti-austerity riot victims

Greece on Saturday marked the tenth anniversary of a deadly firebomb attack on a bank during anti-austerity riots, as a coronavirus lockdown raised fears of another recession.

Only 20% of Greek hotels could open for summer season – as they are worried about lawsuits from guests

ONLY 20 per cent of hotels in Greece may be able to open ahead of the tourist season, over fears of facing lawsuits if guests catch coronavirus.

Greece hopes to re-open to international tourists from July 1, potentially leaving Spain in the dust

FOR holiday destinations in the Mediterranean, one of the primary concerns in their battle against COVID-19 is how soon they can open back up to tourists.  As summer fast approaches, countries such as Spain are scrambling to save what they can of the season, with regions like Andalucia hoping to open beaches from May 25.

When will holidays resume? Latest travel advice country-by-country including Spain, Greece and Italy

HOLIDAYS abroad are unlikely to happen for a few months still, with the pandemic raging on through Europe.

Greece says it'll re-open to tourists on July 1 as it claims success over Covid-19

With almost a fifth of its recession-battered economy dependent on tourism, Greece wants to start receiving foreign tourists in just a few weeks, according to Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who says the country can take pride in its apparent success in tackling coronavirus.

In the red zone in Sotiria hospital, Athens – a photo essay

Despite the fact that Greece’s hospitals have in recent years born the brunt of austerity measures, the country’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic has been heralded by some as an example to others.

Greek unemployment inches down in February, lowest since June 2011

Greece's jobless rate fell to 16.1% in February compared to a downwardly revised 16.2% reading in the previous month, data from the country's statistics service ELSTAT showed on Thursday.

Brits ‘could miss out on holiday destinations’ as countries make travel alliances

Australia, Austria, Israel, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Greece and New Zealand have reportedly

Brits may be barred from Europe summer holidays 'over how UK dealt with virus'

The UK is slower to slow the spread of Covid-19 compared to other European countries, which could see Brits barred from travelling to popular destinations such as Spain, France and Greece

Crisis-hit hotels in Spain’s Mallorca plead for airport to reopen on JULY 1 amid fears tourists will choose holidays in ‘safer’ destinations like Greece

The president of the Hotel Chains Association said: "Both Germans and Britons are still interested in travelling to the Balearic Islands this summer."

Inside intensive care: how debt-ridden Greece is beating coronavirus – video

Despite a decade-old financial crisis that has crippled its hospitals, Greece appears to be keeping its coronavirus outbreak under control, with a far lower death toll than many other European nations.

Why has eastern Europe suffered less from coronavirus than the west?

Most important reason for discrepancy appears to be implementation of early lockdown Coronavirus – latest updates See all our coronavirus coverage The coronavirus map of Europe makes one thing clear: the richer nations of western Europe have suffered more from the virus than countries in the eastern half of the EU, almost without exceptions. Comparing figures from different countries can be fraught with difficulty, and many factors can potentially skew the numbers.