4-Xtremes – Part 16: cultural monuments and abandoned ruins in Greece

While many places in Europe are subject to cloudy skies and minus temperatures, we can report sunshine and 17 degrees Celsius. And where is weather like that possible at this time of year? In Greece! As we still hadn’t been able to travel into Turkey, we decided to leave Bulgaria and head directly to this south-eastern EU country.

This was on condition that we had valid, negative covid tests. So we drove to Sofia, Bulgaria’s capital and looked for a large hospital. While we had to wait the 24 hours for our results, we camped somewhere on the outskirts of the city. At one time we used to make the effort to find nice places to stay overnight wherever we were. Now we know that that is not always possible. For example, when you’re in the commuter belt of a large city like Sofia in bad weather. Then it’s best to park somewhere where it’s allowed and it’s reasonably bearable.

Borders are best crossed in the morning! 

The test results arrived the next day: negative! We had hardly received the official, stamped document and we were already on the road, heading in the direction of the only border to Greece open to tourists at the time, near the village of Kulata. As you never know how long it will take to cross the border and what to expect there, we prefer to tackle the problem early in the morning and stay overnight close to the border beforehand.

Several other travellers had advised us to go and visit the hot springs at Rupite not far away. We spent the evening in simple pools, dug into the ground – all with water at different temperatures – until we were all wrinkled. What a luxury! The next morning we filled our water and diesel tanks and ate something. You’re much more relaxed with a full stomach.

Always have your permit to hand!

We were still a little nervous though. Because some Swiss friends who are also travelling in a truck were refused entry to Greece although they had fulfilled all the conditions. However everything was very easy and proceeded correctly. We had to do another rapid covid-19 test which was also negative – and were allowed to cross the border.

Greece has been in lockdown since November. You can only travel beyond a certain radius with permission and for an important reason. As a result the main roads are empty and most of the villages are eerily quiet. We are very selective when changing location and think twice about whether shopping is really necessary. We always have our permit with us in paper form. As the police are usually to be found at road junctions.

In the coming weeks in which many tourist sights will probably remain closed, we want to above all explore the Greek coast and its nature. Our next destination is the Peloponnese peninsula. There is a lot to explore there – and we can continue to keep an eye on how the options for our travel itinerary develop. From Greece there are several options for travelling further by ferry. More on that subject next time, perhaps.

Photos: 4-Xtremes