Joysters

04/06/2026

Nothing beats getting videos like this from the field!
A massive thank you to our amazing travellers for this shoutout from sunny Paros. Knowing we helped design your perfect Greek vacation means the world to us.
Most of you know Joysters as the go-to specialist for the authentic, untamed magic of Northern Greece, but we’ve got the whole map covered! From the quiet mountain villages of Epirus to speedboats in the Cyclades, we design seamless, end-to-end itineraries for your exact travel style.
Thank you again for trusting us with your adventures. 💙

Have you traveled with us before? Drop your favorite trip memory in the comments below!

19/05/2026

Celebrating a graduation in Northern Greece sounds like a truly memorable and unique graduation gift even if it’s raining... :)
Choosing Northern Greece over a typical coastal destination shows a focus on connection and atmosphere. It is a place that forces you to slow down, disconnect from screens, and focus on the family dynamic. Celebrating a graduation there is less about the "activity" and more about the shared experience of being in a place that feels like a hidden treasure.
Let’s hear why Amy, Katie and Thad opted for Northern Greece.
Click on the video below for more.

06/05/2026

A combo of both worlds - One Unforgettable Solo Journey in Greece

What does it look like to bridge the gap between Mexico and Greece as a solo female traveller? For Isa, it looked like 12 days of pure, unfiltered discovery.
At Joysters, we recently had the pleasure of crafting a bespoke itinerary for Isa, taking her from the largely unknown, non-googlable Northern Greece to the sun-drenched, olive-clad landscapes of the South.

The North vs. The South
Isa didn’t just stick to the postcards. She experienced the duality of the Greek soul:
The North: The deep history and vibrant street life of Thessaloniki and the stone-built wonder of the Zagori villages.
The South: The ancient echoes of the Peloponnese and the crystal-clear serenity of the hidden coastlines.

The "Safety" Factor
One of the most common questions we get from our female travellers, especially those coming from as far as Mexico/USA is: "Will I be safe?"
Isa’s experience was a resounding yes. Beyond just security, she found a sense of Philoxenia (the love of strangers) that made her feel at home. Whether navigating mountain trails or enjoying a late night dinner in a bustling city square, the feedback was consistent: she felt respected, and entirely at ease.

The Rising Trend of the "Solo Seeker"
While Joysters has largely been a hub for small groups and couples, we’ve noticed a fascinating trend as of late. Solo traveller requests have been steadily increasing, a trend that speaks to a growing desire for undiluted autonomy and deeper connection, perhaps.

Travellers aren't just looking for "trips" anymore; they are looking for personal milestones. Isa’s journey proves that with the right curation, traveling alone doesn’t mean being lonely - it means being fully present.

Are you seeing a rise in solo exploration in your circles? I'd love to hear your thoughts on why more women are choosing to navigate the world on their own terms.

10/04/2026

An Easter Like No Other
​Authentic - Traditional - Atmospheric.

​While most of the world thinks of Greece as a summer destination, Scottie and Dan, Kathryn and Mack, two American couples are discovering the magic of a Northern Greek Easter in the village of Nymfaio.

​There’s something transformative about being in the mountains when the spring blooms hit the beech forests.

Forget the crowds. Here, it’s all about:

​The Backdrop: Mist-shrouded emerald peaks and the crisp, high-altitude air that tastes like the very first day of spring.

​The Taste: Homemade pites (pies) and the legendary hospitality of the Vlach people.

​The Moment: Standing outside the historic, stone-built Church of Saint Nicholas at midnight, holding a flickering beeswax candle as the "Holy Light" spreads through the crowd against the backdrop of the darkened mountain peaks.

​Check out the video to hear them talk about why Nymfaio has completely redefined their idea of Greece!

07/04/2026

We are bustling with excitement because our next wonderful group of travelers is landing very soon!

​While they are in the air, we are already on site, ensuring everything is beyond perfect. We have secured the most breath-taking views where the mountains meet the water (just look at those clouds!), and found the most charming, rustic spot for their midday break.

​But here’s a Joysters secret: the true magic happens behind the scenes.
​While fine tuning the last details, we make sure to practice what we preach: the very best travel planning is done over a feast of exquisite local meze! We are currently savoring these incredible flavors (cured meats, fresh dips—oh my!) to make sure our guests have the absolute best culinary introductions.
Watch this space...

30/03/2026

New EU Entry/Exit System Rolls Out, Changing Travel for Non-EU Passengers

Τhe European Union rolls out a new border control system starting March 30, which will change how non-EU travelers enter and exit the Schengen area.
The new Entry/Exit System (EES), introduced under EU regulation, replaces passport stamping with a digital process that records travelers’ personal and biometric data each time they cross external Schengen borders.

See both pictures below for details (traditional border control points & self service machines).

For more info, please click the following link: https://lnkd.in/d_5wnN9J

12/03/2026

Greece ranked first among Mediterranean competitors in hotel guest satisfaction during the summer 2025 season, according to a new study by INSETE, the research institute of the Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE).

The report, titled “Hotel Customer Satisfaction Evaluation in Greece and Competing Countries”, analyzed guest reviews from April to October 2025 and compared hotel performance across six destinations: Greece, Italy, Spain, Turkey, France and Cyprus.

The analysis is based on review data collected by Shiji ReviewPro, a platform specializing in hotel reputation management.

Hospitality, cleanliness and gastronomy drive performance!

In mainland Greece, Epirus achieved the highest satisfaction levels with a GRI of 93 percent, followed by Western Macedonia at 90 percent.

Greek hotels ranked first in Mediterranean guest satisfaction in 2025, according to a new INSETE study highlighting strengths in hospitality, cleanliness and gastronomy.

02/03/2026

A Quick Note on Travel to Greece

With a lot of news coming out of the Middle East lately, I’ve had a few colleagues and partners ask about the atmosphere here in Greece. It’s important to clear up any geographic misconceptions:

Geographic Distance
Greece is located in Southeast Europe. We are separated from the Middle East by the Mediterranean Sea and several other countries.

Safety and Stability
Greece remains one of the safest and most stable destinations in the world. Life, business, and travel are continuing exactly as usual.

Business Travel
All international airports, ports, and transit hubs are operating at 100% capacity with no disruptions.

If you have a conference, a business trip, or a holiday planned, rest assured that Greece is as welcoming and peaceful as ever.
Don't worry, the olives are still salty and the views are still perfect. Can't wait to have you here!

Quick FAQ:
Q: Is Greece geographically close to the Middle East conflict?
A: Not at all. Greece is in Southeast Europe. To put it in perspective, Athens is over 1,000 miles (1,600+ km) away from the conflict zones—roughly the same distance as London to Rome!

Q: Are flights or ferries being canceled?
A: No. All international airports (Athens, Thessaloniki, and the islands) and ports are operating on 100% normal schedules.

Q: Is there any "tension" on the ground?
A: Not in the slightest. The atmosphere remains peaceful, and the only thing we’re debating here is whether the sea is warm enough for a swim yet!

Q: Is it safe for families and solo travelers?
A: Absolutely. Greece continues to be ranked as one of the safest destinations globally. Our doors are open and Philoxenia (hospitality) is as strong as ever.

17/02/2026

Beyond Sustainability: Why Northern Greece is the New Frontier for Regenerative Travel

The travel industry is facing a pivotal shift. "Sustainability" (doing no harm) is no longer the ceiling, but rather the the floor. By 2026, the gold standard has become Regenerative Travel - tourism/travel that actively restores ecosystems and revitalizes host communities.
This shift has created a massive competitive advantage for new, previously unknown destinations. Unlike established hotspots struggling to unwind decades of extractive infrastructure, new destinations can build regeneration into their DNA from day one.

The Case for Northern Greece
Northern Greece, with the untouched peaks of Mount Olympus , the stone villages of Zagori, and the rich biodiversity of Epirus and Western Macedonia is the perfect archetype of this "new destination" advantage. It is not burdened by mass overtourism. It holds an authenticity that travellers are desperate for, but it needs a model that protects it as it grows.
Regenerative travel here isn't about just using less plastic or consuming less water, it's about visitor flows supporting preservation efforts (like the bear sanctuaries in Nymfaio) and ensuring economic vitality remains in local mountain communities rather than leaking out to international chains.

The Joysters Catalyst
But how do travelers access these genuine, net-positive experiences without turning them into the next crowded hotspot? This is where Joysters provide critical added value. Joysters aren't just facilitating travel; they are curating connection.
By focusing on shared experiences and deep local integration, Joysters act as the bridge between the conscious traveller and the delicate ecosystems of places like Northern Greece. They ensure that travellers' money act as a healing agent, translating the complex concept of "regeneration" into accessible, joyful journeys for their community.
The future of travel isn't just about where we go, but what we leave behind. Emerging destinations like Northern Greece, unlocked by thoughtful facilitators like Joysters, are leading the way.

What are your thoughts on the shift from sustainable to regenerative tourism?

04/02/2026

This year, we welcomed our first travellers (2 American couples) as early as January - something that hasn’t been the norm until now, yet deeply encouraging, as it confirms that Greece truly is a year-round destination.
While their journey focused predominantly on the southern part of the country, they also ventured into Northern Greece, even if only for a shorter stay. Greece offers some of the most fulfilling experiences throughout the year, not just in the summer months, and it is far more than sea, sand, and islands. Northern Greece, in particular, remains a gem waiting to be discovered—a healing place.
Here’s to an all-year-round season, and happy travels to everyone!