Α religious holiday in neighboring Turkey in tandem with an express visa process for Turkish citizens wishing to visit a several eastern Aegean islands for up to a week has generated highly optimistic forecasts this month for early season arrivals.
Initial estimates have more than 100,000 holiday makers from Turkey expected to visit Lesvos alone this year, up by 20 percent from last year. Roughly 1,700 Turkish visitors arrived at Lesvos’ port of Mytilene on Thursday from the opposite mainland port of Ayvalık with five ferry boat routes.
The Muslim holiday of Şeker bayramı, as it’s known in Turkish, is commemorated this year between April 6 and April 14, meaning it will culminate over the weekend, which marks an auspicious time for travel.
Some 1,000 Turkish citizens landing on Lesvos are expected to issue their visas at the port via the express procedure, something repeatedly requested by tourism and travel professionals on every eastern Aegean island.
No glitches or delays were recorded in Mytilene on Thursday.
Latest News
ELSTAT: Inflation at 3.1% in April
Olive oil (63.7%), fruit (11.6%), fish (10.6%), and mineral water (12.5%) registered the highest increases annually
Greek Sunlight CEO Joins Industry Titans at Choose France Summit
At the heart of the "Choose France Summit" was the discussion surrounding the production of lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries, crucial for the green transition and storage of renewable energy.
Insights into Greece’s Real Estate Landscape; Consumer Expectations and Challenges
The study indicates that while 66% of Greeks find recent real estate price hikes concerning and liken them to a "bubble," over half (56%) still anticipate further increases.
Athens in Top 10 Best Value City Breaks
Every year, Post Office Travel Money compares the costs of short breaks in cities across Europe for UK holidaymakers
Athens Int’l Airport: Americans Lead Total Passenger Traffic in Q1
According to the data processed by AIA, the top 10 in foreign arrivals are dominated by Americans, followed by the British and Germans. Other top nationalities include Cypriots, Italians, French, Dutch, Israelis, Poles, and Turks.
Greek PM Mitsotakis and Turkish President Erdogan Meet in Ankara Today
No major developments are expected, as the key aim of the meetings between the two leaders is to maintain positive diplomatic relations, but Greece is always vigilant for any surprises from the Turkish leader.
New Athens Metro Line Hopes to Alleviate Heavy City Traffic
The massive project is expected to be completed in 2029
National Intelligence Agency DG to Accompany Greek PM to Ankara
Prime Minister Mitsotakis also gave an interview to Turkish newspaper Milliyet regarding his upcoming visit
Draft Bill Eyes Detection of Uninsured, Poorly-Maintained Vehicles in Greece
According to reports, at least half a million vehicles in Greece are uninsured, while the number of those without inspections is unknown
AIA: Passenger Traffic Up by 16.3% in April
Passenger traffic at the Athens International Airport (AIA) amounted to 2.49 million during April 2024