Responsible tourism in Greece
Back then we believed, as we still do, then when a country's economy is on its knees, the best way to support the people there is by booking a vacation, and making sure that your money makes its way to local businesses. Avoid all-inclusive resorts, and chain restaurants. Stay local, eat local, buy local instead.
As Greece emerged from the financial crisis, tourism receipts picked up and have not stopped growing since. After all, this has always been one of Europe's most desirable vacation destinations. But while that increase in spending is welcome, it brings with it its own challenges.
Our Greece Vacations
Archaeology vacation in Greece
A small-group archaeology tour of Greece
Luxury gulet cruise in the Aegean
5 star services while cruising the Greek Islands in luxury
Walking vacation in Crete
Hike the Samaria Gorge and enjoy the beaches and simple life
Luxury Greek Island vacation
Organic country estate by the sea on Greek island of Ithaca
Peloponnese highlights tour, 7 days
The most complete round trip of the Peloponnese
Peloponnese family activity vacation in Greece
Ultimate family multi activity vacation in Greece
Liveaboard diving and sailing vacation in Greece
Combine a sailing and diving adventure in the Greek islands
Greece biking vacation, archaeology tour
Discover Greek history and the Greek seaside beauty by bike!
Athens tailor made vacation in Greece
Explore Athens, living the true life of the Athenians!
Cyclades sailing & walking vacation in Greece
Combine a sailing & hiking adventure around the Cyclades
Walking vacation in Corfu, Greece
Hillside villages, whitewashed monasteries and quiet beaches
Cyclades walking vacations in Greece
A gently active vacation in the Cyclades
Kefalonia, Lefkada & Ithaki hiking vacation
Walk with us and explore the lush, green Ionian islands
Greece hiking vacation, Kythnos
Hiking vacation on Kythnos, a beautiful Greek island in the Cyclades group
Hiking vacation in the West Cyclades, Greece
Walk & explore the authentic Serifos, Sifnos & Milos islands
Cyclades hiking vacation, Greece
Walk ancient paths and enjoy stunning Cycladic sceneries
Multi activity vacation in Greece
A multi activity vacation in Greece
Self drive vacation in Northern Greece, hike & tour
Macedonia & Epirus - sightseeing & walking in ancient Greece
Peloponnese turtle conservation vacation, Greece
Sea turtle volunteering on stunning Greek beaches
Brown bear tracking in Northern Greece
Track wild bears & explore the wilderness with park rangers
Tailor made vacation in Greece
Create your own personalized tour fitted to your needs!
Naxos and the small Cyclades walking vacation, Greece
Walk and discover Naxos and the unspoilt Small Cyclades
Greece yoga vacation
Yoga vacation in unspoilt Pelion, Greece by the sea
Laconia biking vacation in Greece
A fantastic seaside biking tour in south Peloponnese!
Greek biking vacation
Superb cycling from Athens around mainland Greece
Greece in 7 days archaeology tours
A complete tour of Greece and its archaeological sites.
Ithaca sea kayaking skills vacation, Greece
Kayaking escape in a gorgeous Greek island.
Mani vacation in the Peloponnese in Greece
An unconventional destination for alternative travelers
Northern Greece hiking vacation
North Greece Unique Experience. Hiking Vikos,Meteora,Olympus
Southern Greece walking vacations
Experience the essence of Southern Greece! Walking & Culture
Wildlife & environment
Overtourism
The Greek economy has been in the doldrums for some time now, and the financial crisis, which began in 2010 and from which the country only began to emerge in 2017, only worsened the effects. Harsh austerity measures resulted in thousands becoming homeless, many more entering poverty, and immense social strain. Yet through it all, one part of the economy kept ticking over. Tourism.Greeces tourism industry contracted significantly during the financial crisis of course, but with no fewer than 18 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, hundreds of idyllic islands, world-famous archaeological ruins, a sumptuous Mediterranean cuisine and a wealth of activities available from hiking and cycling to watersports and small ship cruising, it was never going to fall from favour. In recent years, lower rates aimed at driving tourism receipts, coupled with fears over terrorism in rival destinations such as Turkey, Tunisia and Egypt, have seen tourism bounce back in a big way. Officials reckon that a new job is created for every 30 tourist arrivals.
With infrastructure being overwhelmed during peak travel months, Greece is now looking to move away from its three pillars of tourism approach: Sun, Sand and Sea to alleviate pressure on the most popular places such as Santorini. It’s to be hoped that encouraging people to visit lesser-known islands and mainland destinations will help to spread the income from tourism, while also reducing demand on overstretched resources.
What can you do?
Travel out of season. The peak summer months of July and August can be ridiculously hot and crowded anyway, so you’re far better off avoiding them if you can. May, September and October are glorious in Greece, promising warm sunny weather.
When researching where to go, look further afield than ever-popular islands such as Santorini, Crete and Corfu. You may need to take a slightly longer ferry journey, but the rewards are worth it: far fewer people around, pristine natural settings, and the sense of fresh discovery.
Sources: Telegraph, Guardian