Greece tempts tourists back with half-price discounts and family deals on flights

Greece is tempting tourists back with discounts and family deals on flights for travel from now through to October.

Greece's all-important tourism economy shuddered back to life in June as borders reopened, ferry services between the islands resumed and the first flights carrying international passengers landed in Athens and Thessaloniki. Now as all airports in the country revive operations Greece's national carrier Aegan Airlines is attempting to lure passengers with summer and autumn promotions.

Under one such promotion, passengers can buy a plane ticket to anywhere in Greece and get a second ticket at a 50% discount. The promotion applies to both economy and business class tickets, and to international direct and connecting flights to and from Greece. The deal is valid on tickets purchased for any dates between now and October. 

Aegean Airlines also has a bunch of deals for families. When an adult buys a ticket, an accompanying infant between 0 to 2 years old travels with a 90% discount, while children between the ages of 2 and 12 can travel with a 50% discount on plane tickets. The deal also includes one free extra baggage for the family. All deals are valid on flights with both Aegean Air and its subsidiary Olympic Air.

Bars and restaurants have opened along the famous Matogianni Street in Mykonos ©Anastasios71/Shutterstock

Holidaymakers have been dipping their toes into Greece's beaches and bars under enhanced health and safety measures. Social distancing guidelines apply almost everywhere and drones are patrolling the skies over beaches to spot any rule-breakers. Museums, cultural institutions and sites like the Acropolis have reopened and restaurants are also accepting visitors, seating people in open-air terraces, with tables spaced out two meters apart.