07 May 2026
The Greece tourist tax, officially called the Climate Crisis Resilience Fee, is a small nightly charge—usually ranging from €1 to €15—added to your accommodation cost. This greek tourist tax applies throughout the entire country, including all regions and popular islands such as Crete, Corfu, and Santorini. Understanding this charge in advance helps you plan your travel budget more accurately and avoid unexpected costs at check-in.
This complete guide explains the Greece tourist tax in simple terms so you can manage your trip expenses with confidence and plan your visit more smartly.
Greece has been a popular travel destination for centuries, known for its history, islands, and cultural heritage.
It attracts 40 millions visitors every year
Tourism contributes around 20% of GDP
It generates billions in revenue and supports thousands of jobs
To help manage this high volume of visitors sustainably and maintain public services, the Greek government and Greek authorities have implemented a nationwide tourist tax. Unlike other countries that may apply tourist taxes only in certain regions or cities, Greece enforces this levy across the entire country, with Greek authorities overseeing its collection and compliance. Revenue from the tourist tax is allocated to support sustainable practices, protect the environment, fund infrastructure maintenance, and enhance climate change resilience and disaster recovery. This ensures that both domestic and international visitors contribute to the sustainability of Greece's natural and cultural resources, helping to preserve the quality of public amenities and services for everyone.
The Greece tourist tax is a mandatory daily tax applied to customers staying in all types of accommodation, from budget lodgings to luxury hotels. This daily tax is designed to support sustainability, fund local infrastructure, and reduce environmental pressure caused by tourism. It is an extra expense that travelers should budget for when planning their trip.
Greece applies two main types of tourist taxes:
Climate Crisis Resilience Tax: Introduced in 2018, this tax funds climate change resilience projects and is charged per room per night based on accommodation type and season.
Transient Occupancy Tax: Implemented in 2024, this is a percentage-based tax on accommodation costs, further supporting local infrastructure and preservation efforts.
Made up of two charges: Climate Crisis Resilience Tax and Transient Occupancy Tax
Applies to hotels, Airbnb, and short-term rentals across the entire country, including all cities and islands
Charged per room or property, not per person
Paid by both local and international travelers
Not included in package holidays and must be paid locally during your stay
The tourist tax must be paid in person in Greece and cannot be paid online or in advance
A minor Transient Occupancy Tax (0.5% to 0.75%) may also be calculated locally by municipalities
May be included in booking or paid separately
Rates are usually similar to budget or mid-range stays
In 2025, extended to cruise ship via a disembarkation tax
Separate from the standard 13% VAT on accommodation
The Greece tourist tax is charged per overnight stay, and the amount you pay depends on your accommodation type and the season, with tax ranges varying accordingly. Rates are higher during the high season (April–October) and lower in the low season (November–March).
For hotels, the tourist tax ranges from €0.50 to €15 per night, depending on the star rating and season. Specifically, for 1-2 Star Hotels, the tax is €0.50 per night in low season and €2.00 in high season. For 3-Star Hotels, it is €1.50 per night in low season and €5.00 in high season. For 4-Star Hotels, the tax is €3.00 per night in low season and €10.00 in high season.
Short-term rentals also have varying tax ranges: during high season, the tax can range from €1.50 per night for small rooms to €15 per night for larger properties, while in low season, it starts at €0.50 and goes up to €4 depending on the size of the rental.
| Accommodation Type | Low Season | High Season |
|---|---|---|
| Budget stays (small rooms, short-term rentals) | €1–€2 | €2–€3 (lower rates for small rooms) |
| Four star hotel | €7 | €10 |
| Mid-range hotels | €3–€5 | €5–€7 |
| Luxury hotels | €7–€10 | €10–€15 |
The tax is charged per room per night and is not included in the accommodation charges. Small rooms in short-term rentals incur lower tourist tax rates, especially during high season.
The tax includes:
A flat Climate Crisis Resilience Tax based on accommodation type
A Transient Occupancy Tax(0.5%–0.75% of stay cost), with some areas increasing rates from 2025
The tourist tax in Greece applies to a wide range of accommodation types, ensuring that most travelers contribute to the upkeep of local communities and public services. Whether you’re booking a luxury hotel, a cozy villa, a city apartment, or a short-term rental like Airbnb, the tourist tax in Greece will likely be part of your accommodation cost.
The tax rate varies depending on the accommodation category and the level of comfort or luxury provided. For example, a five star hotel or larger properties in popular destinations can be charged up to €15 per room per night during peak season, reflecting the higher impact these accommodations have on local infrastructure. In contrast, smaller rooms in short term rentals or budget apartments may incur a much lower tax rate, sometimes as little as €1.50 per night.
Luxury hotels, boutique resorts, and larger properties generally face the highest tax rates, especially during the busy summer months. Meanwhile, more modest accommodation types—such as guesthouses, hostels, and small apartments—are subject to lower daily taxes. The tax is typically calculated per room per night, not per person, so the total amount depends on both the accommodation type and the length of your stay.
Because the tax varies depending on the accommodation category and season, it’s worth noting the exact rate before you book. Always check with your accommodation provider or booking platform to see if the tourist tax is included in your room price or if it will be charged separately at check-in or check-out. This helps you avoid surprises and budget accurately for your Greece trip.
The Greece tourist tax is usually not included in your booking price.
It is paid directly at the hotel or accommodation, typically in euros.
The tax is collected in person at check-in or check-out and is charged separately from the accommodation fee.
Payment methods vary: larger hotels may accept card payments, while smaller accommodations may require you to withdraw cash for payment. Using a Wise card or similar service can make it easier to withdraw cash from ATMs in Greece.
Be aware of the exchange rate when paying; always pay in local currency (euros) for a better rate rather than letting your card provider convert the amount.
The tourist tax cannot usually be paid in advance via booking platforms.
The tax is often shown as a separate charge on your final bill, and you should receive a separate receipt as proof of payment—keep this receipt in case of any issues.
There is a legal requirement for guest registration when renting a hotel room in Greece, and accommodations must issue receipts for the climate resilience fee.
While the tourist tax in Greece is widely applied, there are a few special cases and exemptions that travelers should be aware of. For instance, infants under two years old are exempt from the tourist tax when disembarking from cruise ships, making family travel a bit more affordable. Similarly, airline crew members on duty and direct transit passengers are not required to pay the tax, as their stays are considered part of their professional duties or brief stopovers.
If you’re staying with family or friends in Greece, you may also be exempt from the tourist tax, since there is typically no formal accommodation provider to collect the fee. However, these exemptions can change, and the rules may vary depending on the local council or specific Greek destinations.
To ensure you have the most accurate and up-to-date information, always check with local authorities or your accommodation provider before your trip. This will help you understand if any exemptions apply to your situation and avoid any unexpected charges during your stay in Greece.
From 2025, cruise passengers visiting Greece must pay a Sustainable Tourism Fee each time they disembark at a Greek port, calculated per person, per port. This separate tourist tax varies by destination and season, with higher fees for popular islands. Ports like Mykonos and Santorini may charge up to €20 per person during peak summer for disembarkation. cruise ship passengers should be aware of these additional costs when planning their visit.
Peak season (June–September): €20 (Santorini/Mykonos), €5 (other ports)
Shoulder season (April–May & October): €12, €3
Off season (November–March): €4, €1
If passengers stay overnight after disembarking, they may be charged again.
Budget €2–€10 per night for tourist tax—remember, this is an extra expense to factor into your travel budget
Check if the tax is included in your booking
Travel in the off-season for lower rates
Carry small cash in euros for convenience
Keep your receipt as proof of payment
Proof helps avoid disputes, double charges, or future travel issues during entry or exit from Greece
Support sustainable practices during your stay, such as choosing eco-friendly accommodations and minimizing waste
Planning your Greece trip wisely helps you stay in control of your budget and avoid unexpected costs like the Greece tourist tax. By checking accommodation charges in advance and understanding seasonal price differences, you can make better travel decisions.
Smart planning also means choosing the right travel season, comparing stays carefully, and setting aside a small budget for the daily tax—a mandatory fee that varies by accommodation type and season. This daily tax directly supports maintaining public services in Greece, helping fund local infrastructure, disaster recovery, and climate resilience, so tourism growth benefits both visitors and residents. With a little preparation, you can enjoy a smooth, affordable, and stress-free trip across Greece.
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The Greece tourist tax features tax ranges that vary by accommodation type and season, with rates spanning from €0.50 to €15 per night. For example, lower rates generally apply to budget accommodations and off-peak seasons, while higher rates are charged for luxury hotels, villas, and during high season.
The Greece tourist tax is usually charged per room, per overnight stay, not per person.
Yes, the tourist tax applies to all customers staying in Airbnb and short-term rentals, as well as other types of accommodation. This tax is either included in the price or paid separately.
You usually pay the tourist tax in person at check-in or check-out directly at the hotel, and it is charged separately from the accommodation fee.
Greece charges this tax to fund infrastructure, manage overtourism, and support environmental sustainability. Revenue generated from the tourist tax is also allocated to climate change resilience initiatives and disaster recovery efforts, helping Greece adapt to and recover from events like wildfires and floods while maintaining public services that enhance the visitor experience.
