Greece imposes curfew and music ban on Mykonos party island

Organisers of private gatherings of more than 20 people also risk fines of up to $236,000

The number of Covid-19 cases on Greek party island Mykonos have quadrupled in the past week. Unsplash

Visitors to the Greek party island of Mykonos will have to contend with a new set of restrictions.

Greece announced on Saturday that it was imposing a five-hour curfew on the island, from 1am to 6am, effective immediately and in place until July 26. Bars, clubs and restaurants have also been banned from playing music, after a surge in local Covid-19 cases.

“We call on the residents, visitors and business owners of our beautiful island to follow the measures faithfully ... so that the spread of the virus can be swiftly checked and Mykonos can return to normal,” deputy civil protection minister Nikos Hardalias said.

One of Greece’s most popular travel destinations, Mykonos attracts more than a million visitors each summer, largely because of its beaches and world-famous nightlife. But Covid-19 cases on the island have quadrupled to more than 300 in the past week.

The growing number of private parties being held in villas on the island have been alarming authorities. Organisers of private gatherings of more than 20 people now risk fines of up to $236,000.

Visitors arrive in Mykonos, Greece. Courtesy Bloomberg

Mykonos's Mayor Konstantinos Koukas said the new measures were “unfair” and “misguided”. On Facebook, he wrote: “Mykonos cannot be the only island where music won't be heard ... the only thing this will achieve is that visitors will go to another island.”

Greece has experienced a steady climb in Covid-19 infections in recent days, largely attributed the more contagious Delta variant. Only 41 per cent of Greeks aged over 15 are fully vaccinated.

Restrictions only allowing people who have been vaccinated to be served at indoor restaurants, bars and cafes went into effect across Greece on Friday. The government has launched Covid Free GR, an application that can scan European digital vaccination certificates, to help businesses screen customers and comply with the measure.

Greece reopened its borders to tourists on May 14, just in time for the summer season. UAE travellers arriving in Greece are currently required to present either a negative PCR test, taken no more than 72 hours before arrival, or a negative antigen certificate taken no more than 48 hours before arrival.

The UAE and Greece have established a travel corridor, meaning fully vaccinated travellers, including those with the Sinopharm vaccine, do not have to present a PCR test, as long as their second jab was taken at least 14 days prior to arrival. Travellers will also not need to quarantine when returning to Abu Dhabi.

All visitors must fill in a Passenger Locator Form at least one day before travelling and may be subject to random testing at the airport.