
Photo opportunity: Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis used Santorini as the backdrop as he declared Greece open to tourism once again.

Empty streets: Santorini's narrow streets have been largely deserted during Greece's recent Covid-19 lockdown.

Return to normal: Some of those who live on the island are unsure of whether they want a return to the days when cruise ship passengers crowded ashore.

Quiet and lonely: "We are living in a strange time," says winemaker Petros Vamvakousis. "Everything about the island reminds me of winter. Many restaurants, cafés and hotels are closed. It is summer now and it is extremely strange for Santorini being so quiet and lonely."

'Stopped the machine': "Santorini is one of the most beautiful places on Earth, but I am sure that lockdown was helpful," says Petros Vamvakousis. "It stopped the machine that just created money and did not care about the environment."

Romantic advantage: Santorini's popularity as a honeymoon destination may be to its advantage in protecting guests from infection as accommodations are typically set up for privacy rather than mingling.

A chance to breathe: "My take is that within this catastrophe there will be winners," says Gill Rackham, who runs a restaurant on the island. "Santorini has been given a respite to breathe again... no crowds, no traffic jams... no cruise ships."

Empty beaches: International visitors are expected to return by air to Santorini from July 1, but numbers are likely to be low.

Vital income: Tourism nevertheless remains vital to the island as 90% of its income is derived from visitors.