Seven Easy Strategies for Ethical Traveling in Greece
Responsible Travel in Greece: A Guide for Eco-Friendly Adventures
Traveling to Greece offers a wealth of cultural experiences and natural beauty, but it's essential to do so responsibly. Here's a guide to help you navigate Greece while supporting local culture, reducing plastic waste, and protecting nature.
Support Local Culture and Economy
To preserve the cultural and natural heritage of Greece, consider visiting lesser-known destinations such as Alonissos, Kalymnos, Halki, and Thessaloniki. These locations are part of Greece's sustainable tourism initiative. Dine at family-run tavernas serving regional products, like Assyrtiko wine in Santorini, to support the local economy. Travel during the off-peak seasons to reduce overcrowding and support small businesses when tourism demand is traditionally low.
Reduce Plastic Waste
Single-use plastic bottles heavily pollute beaches and marine life in Greece. Bring and use a filtered reusable water bottle, such as the Grayl Geopress, to avoid single-use plastic bottles. Refill from local taps where safe, using filtration if necessary.
Protect Nature and Wildlife
Participate in eco-conscious activities and certified wildlife tours that observe animals in their natural habitats without disturbing them. The National Marine Park of Alonissos is an excellent example of a sanctuary to support conservation efforts while enjoying nature responsibly. Respect natural environments by staying on designated trails and avoiding harmful behaviors like littering or collecting plants.
Consider Sustainable Tourism Fees and Policies
Be aware of Greece’s new Sustainable Tourism Development Fee, starting in July 2025, especially if arriving on cruises. These fees help fund preservation projects and responsible tourism management in busy sites like Santorini and Mykonos.
Summary Table for Responsible Travel in Greece
| Focus Area | Actions & Places | Benefits | |-----------------------|----------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------| | Support Local Culture | Visit Alonissos, Kalymnos, Halki, Thessaloniki; dine at local tavernas; travel off-peak | Preserve culture, aid local economy | | Reduce Plastic Waste | Use filtered reusable water bottles; avoid bottled water | Protect marine life, reduce pollution | | Protect Nature | Engage in ethical wildlife tours, visit marine parks like Alonissos | Conserve biodiversity, minimize habitat damage | | Sustainable Tourism Fees | Pay cruise levies, support government preservation efforts | Long-term protection and maintenance of popular destinations |
By following these guidelines, you contribute to preserving Greece’s natural beauty and cultural authenticity for future generations while having a meaningful and eco-friendly travel experience. Remember, collecting shells or plants from protected areas like Samaria Gorge (Crete) is not allowed.
In addition to the above, consider staying at eco-friendly accommodations like Milos Cove, offering luxury accommodations with a minimal environmental footprint, or Eumelia Organic Farm & Guesthouse in Laconia, offering eco-friendly accommodations and experiences such as olive harvesting. Taking a cooking class in Paros can provide a cultural exchange experience using local Cycladic recipes. For those interested in sea life, snorkeling in Alonissos Marine Park can offer opportunities to observe monk seals. And, if you're concerned about turtle nest disturbance, volunteering with Archelon in Kalamata and Zakynthos is an alternative.
Embrace environmental-science by choosing eco-tourism activities, such as wildlife tours and snorkeling in Alonissos Marine Park, to learn about marine life and support conservation efforts.When planning your travel lifestyle in Greece, integrate science-based knowledge of climate-change by staying at eco-friendly accommodations like Milos Cove and Eumelia Organic Farm & Guesthouse, promoting sustainable living and minimizing carbon footprint.*Support the continued growth of environmental-science in Greece by participating in volunteer programs, like Archelon in Kalamata and Zakynthos, focusing on turtle conservation and reducing human impact on wildlife habitats.
