Amidst hesitation and uncertainty, even the time to book these longed-for summer holidays 2021 has come! The global pandemic situation is improving and, finally, the holidays are granted but with all the necessary precautions! Among the destinations, which have always been on everyone’s wishlist, Europe also occupies a notable place on the podium for this Summer, thanks to the beauty of the Mediterranean that every year becomes a paradise for millions of tourists. Among the most popular European destinations, Italy is certainly one of these, thanks to the combination of unique landscapes and beauties combined with excellent food, tradition and a special atmosphere that you will hardly forget. Although all the regions of Italy offer a very valid opportunity to spend a perfect summer vacay (yes, we are biased), among the most sought-after destinations of this summer there are Sardinia and Sicily. Mothers of the Italian islands, their paradisiacal scenarios, cultural heritage and crystal clear waters are the dream of many, both the most loyal and those who “have never had the opportunity to visit them”. But for those who want to go abroad? Beach parties aside, the Balearics and their sunsets overlooking the sea continue to be one of the most popular destinations this year too, combined with the iconic Cyclades and a new entry for lovers of surfing and breathtaking landscapes: Portugal. Here is a brief guide on the areas to prefer in each of these destinations and the current entry rules.
Sicily
In addition to the Sicilian cities such as Catania, Palermo, Taormina, Ragusa, Syracuse and many others, which, if you have never visited them, definitely deserve a mandatory stop, the Sicilian islands are undoubtedly a destination to lose your head. Take a ferry from Milazzo to go to the beloved Aeolian Islands and enjoy the timeless beauties of Lipari, Panarea, Salina, Stromboli, Vulcano, Alicudi and Filicudi. Ten days will be enough to visit them all and immerse yourself in an unforgettable atmosphere that mixes traditions and cultures of the Mediterranean. Among the Egadi islands, the unspoiled Favignana is certainly worth a visit, to be toured entirely on two wheels and enjoying its crystal clear waters and its aperitifs on the beach. Among the wonders of the world, it should be included what has been proclaimed the most beautiful beach in Italy: the Isola dei Conigli in Lampedusa. The island considered a bit the Italian Formentera, is made up of coves in which the boats, it is said, seem to fly for the incredible blue of the sea that merges with the sky, combined with aperitifs on the cliffs where it seems to be able to touch the sun, traditional Sicilian Dammusi and fish dishes to lose your head for.
Entrances to Sicily: Starting from last May 23, the entrances to Sicily are free for all Italian travelers
Sardinia
Among the most popular destinations in Sardinia, especially for lovers of the typical holiday that combines luxury with paradisiacal landscapes, there are undoubtedly the Costa Paradiso and Costa Smeralda, both north of the island. For the arrival in both destinations, the city of Olbia is recommended, as it is the closest. Among the beauties of Costa Paradiso, an obligatory stop is worth: Porto Pollo, a bay with crystal clear waters frequented by many lovers of water sports, the Isola dei Gabbiani and its suggestive sunsets, the beach of Rena Majori and its seabed perfect for a healthy session of snorkeling and the Maddalena Archipelago comprising 60 small islands to visit by boat to fully enjoy their beauty. The Costa Smeralda, on the other hand, is the perfect union of sea and dolce vita. From Budoni to Porto Cervo the landscape is full of wonderful beaches for which to lose your head such as Cala di Volpe, Liscia di Vacca, Rena Bianca, Romazzino and Capriccioli, with white sand and shallow water.
Entrances to Sardinia: Until June 15, who knows that the regulations may change later, the entrances to Sardinia are allowed with the necessary conditions: all travelers are required to register before boarding using a special online form that can be downloaded from the Sardinia Region website. For passengers not yet in possession of a Green Pass, travelers can acknowledge during registration: that 15 days have elapsed since the administration of the first dose of the vaccine, that they have recovered from the SARS-COV-2 infection, that they have undergone the ‘molecular diagnostic examination of the nasopharyngeal swab for covid-19 and / or the examination of the antigenic swab, with negative results performed no later than 48 hours after departure.
Balearic Islands
Ibiza, Formentera, Mallorca and Menorca are not only a party destination and nightclubs, but also incredible places to spend a perfect Mediterranean style holiday. Crystal clear waters, cliffs, typical shops and an iconic hippie mood are the protagonists of Ibiza and Formentera, to be visited together to mix a more urban atmosphere with a more typically maritime one. Among the beaches and coves to visit here, mark: Ses Illetes, Playa de Llevant and Es Arsenal in Formentera and Cala Conta, Cala Salada and Sa Caleta in Ibiza. In Mallorca, on the other hand, a tour of the historic center of Palma is a must and do not miss Cala Agulla, Cala Mesquida and Es Trenc and their beaches and breathtaking panoramic routes. Menorca is the wildest and most unspoiled of these islands and very suitable for adventure lovers, visit Cala Turqueta, Cala’n Bosch, La Vall and Son Saura.
Entrances to Spain: Entry into Spain is allowed from all European countries and countries belonging to the Schengen area, without the obligation of quarantine but there is an obligation to submit a negative PCR molecular test carried out within 72 hours prior to entry.
Cyclades
White and blue are the masters and are considered the Greek islands par excellence. The Cyclades have always been a fixed stop for tourists to discover the most Mediterranean and magical Greece. The archipelago is made up of 220 islands arranged in a circle and immersed in the Aegean Sea. Choosing which one to visit here is really difficult and depends on everyone’s holiday tastes and expectations. Among the favorites and timeless there are undoubtedly Mykonos, Santorini, Antiparos, Paros, Naxos and Ios. All are distinguished by the iconic stretches of blue and white houses on the cliffs, the golden sand, the centuries-old mills and the incredibly clear waters.
Entrances to Greece: in order to spend their holidays in Greece, Italian tourists must meet at least one of these 3 conditions: 1) Have completed the vaccination against COVID-19 for at least 14 days and present a vaccination certificate in English, French , German, Italian, Spanish or Russian. 2) Be negative for COVID-19 by testing, carried out exclusively by PCR method and performed by oral or nasopharyngeal swab within 72 hours prior to arrival in Greece. 3) Have with you a certificate of recovery from Covid-19 within the last 9 months or a certificate of positive result of the molecular PCR test, which at the same time certifies that the patient has recovered from the SARS-CoV-2 virus infection.
Portugal
If until a few years ago, the favorite Portuguese destination was Lisbon, this year in particular it is the south of the country that has attracted the attention of thousands of tourists. The Algarve in particular, with the incredible seaside towns of Faro and Albufeira, has become the destination for every lover of unspoiled nature, waves and magnificent fine sandy beaches. The crystal clear waters are the masters, but beware of the wind, the sea does not exactly have the temperature of that of the Caribbean so if you are particularly cold people you may, in some areas, have to equip yourself with a wetsuit. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, some areas of the Algarve are real nature reserves to visit at least once in a lifetime, enjoying the spectacle of towering cliffs from which to watch some of the most beautiful sunsets you will be able to see.
Entrances to Portugal: Travelers from Italy and from the countries of the European Union, or who make a stopover in mainland Portugal are required to present a molecular RT-PCR test at Covid-19, with a negative result, carried out within the previous 72 hours to the trip, in the absence of which they will not be able to embark.
In general, given the sudden change in current regulations, we always recommend that you always consult the Viaggiare Sicuri website, created by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (www.viaggiaresicuri.it), before traveling.