Greece has restarted regular ferry services to the islands, while restaurants and bars are also back open for business as the country accelerates efforts to salvage its tourism season.
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Travel to the islands had been generally off-limits since a lockdown in late March, with only goods suppliers and permanent residents keeping access.
But the country's low infection rate in the COVID-19 pandemic has prompted the government to start the holiday season earlier than expected, on June 15, as other Mediterranean countries - including Italy, Spain, and Turkey - are grappling with more deadly outbreaks.
Distancing regulations and passenger limits have been imposed on ferries and at restaurants, while state-run health services to combat new coronavirus cases are being expanded to the islands, with intensive care space being provided on five islands: Lesbos, Samos, Rhodes, Zakynthos, and Corfu, along with existing facilities on the island of Crete.
Tourism is a vital part of the Greek economy, with a direct cash contribution of more than 10 per cent, and broad secondary benefits. More than 34 million visitors travelled to Greece last year, spending 18.2 billion euros ($A30.34 billion), according to central data.
Australian Associated Press
