If you’re planning a Greek holiday in 2025, there’s one small fee you should know about before booking your stay—the tourist tax. It applies to hotels, holiday rentals, villas, and even some apartments across Greece. The amount you’ll pay depends mainly on your accommodation type and star rating.
This guide breaks down the latest 2025 rates, who’s required to pay, when charges apply, and exemptions you should be aware of.
What Is the Tourist Tax in Greece?
The Greek government introduced a “climate resilience” or overnight stay tax to support tourism infrastructure and environmental preservation. It’s a nightly fee added to accommodation stays and is paid directly to your hotel, rental host, or property manager.
New Rules and Updates for 2025
While the basic structure of the tax remains, a few updates and clarifications apply in 2025:
- Charges are still per room per night, not per person.
- The rate varies depending on hotel category.
- Short-term rentals (like Airbnb or villas) are included.
- Some cities and islands now enforce it more strictly at check-in.
No major increases have been announced yet, but local municipalities may introduce seasonal surcharges during peak months.
Greece Tourist Tax Rates for 2025
Below are the most common nightly charges:
| Accommodation Type | Rate Per Room Per Night |
|---|---|
| 1–2 Star Hotels / Rooms | €1.50 |
| 3-Star Hotels | €3.00 |
| 4-Star Hotels | €7.00 |
| 5-Star Hotels | €10.00 |
| Villas & Short-Term Rentals | €1.50 – €10 (based on size/classification) |
These fees apply per night, regardless of how many guests stay in the room.
Is the Tax Per Person or Per Room?
In almost all cases, the tax is charged per room, per night. So whether you’re a solo traveler or a family of four, the nightly fee remains the same.
Example:
A couple staying 4 nights in a 4-star hotel:
€7 x 4 nights = €28 total.
Who Has to Pay the Tax?
You must pay the tourist tax if you:
- Stay in a hotel, guesthouse, villa, Airbnb, or serviced apartment
- Book through agencies, booking sites, or directly
- Visit for leisure, vacation, or short-term stays
The property collects the fee during check-in or check-out and transfers it to local authorities.
Exemptions and Reductions
In most cases, the following may be exempt or pay reduced rates:
- Children under a certain age (depends on hotel policy)
- Long-term stays (typically over 30 days)
- Some business travelers (with documentation)
- Students or group bookings (rare but possible)
Always check with your accommodation before arrival if exemptions apply.
When and How Do You Pay?
Most hotels and rentals require payment:
- At check-in or check-out
- In cash or by card, depending on the property
- It’s not always included in the booking price on platforms like Booking.com or Airbnb
To avoid surprises, ask in advance or check the fine print on your reservation.
Tourist Tax by Destination (Quick Overview)
Rates are national, but awareness varies by region. Here’s what to expect:
- Athens – Widely enforced in hotels and rentals
- Santorini & Mykonos – Higher-end stays mean higher rates
- Crete & Rhodes – Similar charges to mainland hotels
- Corfu & other islands – Tax collected at reception or key handover
- Northern Greece – Same rules apply, but rural stays may be more flexible
Common Questions
Do children pay the tourist tax?
Generally, no, since it’s charged per room, not per person.
Is it charged for Airbnb?
Yes, hosts are required to collect it.
Do I pay in cash only?
Many hotels accept cards, but small rentals may prefer cash.
Is there a way to avoid it?
Not unless you qualify for an exemption, such as a long-term stay or specific business travel.
Final Tips for 2025 Travelers
- Always check if your accommodation includes the tax in the total price.
- Keep a few euros in cash in case smaller hotels don’t accept cards.
- For trips longer than a week, factor in the added cost.
- Ask before arrival if you’re unsure about exemptions.
It’s a small fee, but being aware of it ahead of time helps you avoid surprises and stay informed.