Greek Tourist Tax 2025/2026 – Everything You Need to Know Before You Go
If you’re planning a Greek holiday in 2025 or 2026, you might have seen mention of the Greek tourist tax. Sometimes it’s called the accommodation tax, hotel tax in Greece, or simply a nightly fee. It’s one of those small details that can catch travellers off guard if they’re not prepared. The good news? It’s simple, inexpensive, and goes straight back into supporting the places you’re travelling to. Here’s what you need to know.
What is the Greek Tourist Tax?
The tourist tax is a government-imposed charge collected by hotels, villas, guesthouses, and short-term rentals across Greece. It’s calculated per room, per night, not per person, which means a couple or family pays the same rate for a single room. Introduced a few years ago, it remains in place in 2025 as part of Greece’s effort to manage high visitor numbers and maintain infrastructure.
Think of it as a small contribution that helps with everything from beach cleaning to waste management, public transport, and local tourism facilities. With over 30 million international arrivals expected again this year, those euros add up quickly for local communities.
Greek Tourist Tax 2025 Rates
According to the official Hellenic Ministry of Tourism guidelines, the current charges are as follows:
The exact amount you’ll pay depends on the category of accommodation. Here are the official rates for 2025:
1–2 star hotels / apartments – €0.50 per room, per night
3 star hotels – €1.50 per room, per night
4 star hotels – €3 per room, per night
5 star hotels – €4 per room, per night
Villas and short-term rentals (Airbnb, Vrbo, etc.) – typically €0.50 to €4 depending on size and classification
It doesn’t sound like much, but over a two-week stay in a 4-star hotel, you’ll be paying around €42 extra — roughly AUD $70. If you’re travelling with family and booking multiple rooms, it’s worth budgeting for.
Who Needs to Pay?
The tax applies to all visitors staying in paid accommodation. This includes Australians, Europeans, Americans, and locals travelling within Greece. Children are not exempt, since the tax is charged per room rather than per person. The only people who won’t encounter it are those staying with friends, family, or in their own property.
How and When Do You Pay the Tourist Tax?
You’ll usually be asked to pay at check-in or check-out. Some properties prefer cash, especially smaller guesthouses, while larger hotels will often add it to your bill so you can pay by card. Don’t expect it to be included in your online booking price, most platforms like Booking.com and Airbnb list the nightly rate separately from the tax.
Why Does Greece Charge a Tourist Tax?
With so many travellers passing through each summer, the tourist tax is a way to ensure visitors contribute to the upkeep of the places they enjoy. Municipalities use the funds for:
Cleaning and maintaining beaches and harbours
Waste collection during peak season
Public transport improvements
Supporting local tourism initiatives
It’s part of a bigger conversation about sustainable tourism in Greece, alongside issues like short-term rental regulations and the rising cost of living in popular destinations. If you’re curious about the broader picture, you can read more in our blog on why Greece is so expensive right now.
How Greece Compares to Other Countries
If you’ve travelled in Europe before, this will feel familiar. Spain, Italy, Croatia, and France all charge similar fees. In fact, Greece’s tourist tax is on the lower side compared to cities like Rome (€7 per night) or Paris (€5+ per night). For most travellers, it’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s good to know before you arrive.
Budgeting Tips for Travellers
A few quick ways to avoid surprises:
Add it into your budget early: If you’re staying 10 nights in a 4-star hotel, add €30–40 to your total trip cost.
Ask before you book: Some accommodations are upfront about the rate, others less so. Always confirm in advance.
Keep some cash handy: Particularly in smaller villages or family-run hotels, cash may be the only option.
Check Airbnb listings: While many hosts now include the tax in their service fee, not all do — so double-check the fine print.
FAQ’S About the Greek Tourist Tax 2025
Do Australians need to pay the tourist tax in Greece?
Yes. The tax applies to all international visitors, including Australians, regardless of travel purpose.
Is the Greek tourist tax included in my booking?
Generally no. Most platforms show the tax separately, and you’ll pay it at the property.
Does the tourist tax apply everywhere in Greece?
Yes, it’s a nationwide policy. From Athens to Crete, Lefkada to Thessaloniki, you’ll encounter it in every official accommodation.
Can I refuse to pay the tourist tax?
No, it’s mandatory. Hotels are legally required to collect it, and you may be denied check-in if you refuse.
How much extra should I expect for a family holiday?
If you’re staying 14 nights in a 3-star hotel, you’ll pay about €21 in total. In a 5-star property, that jumps to €56.
Why is the Greek tourist tax sometimes called the “climate tax”?
Some official communications frame it as a climate resilience contribution, especially since funds can go toward environmental management in high-traffic destinations.
Does the tax change in high season?
In 2025, the rates remain fixed year-round, unlike some other countries that scale fees depending on seasonality.
Planning Around the Greek Tourist Tax
When you’re dreaming of your Greek holiday, a small nightly fee might not feel exciting, but it’s part of the reality of travel in 2025. The Greek tourist tax is straightforward, affordable, and part of travelling responsibly. By paying it, you’re helping to keep beaches clean, ferries running, and towns welcoming for years to come. Think of it less as a tax and more as a small investment in the Greece you want to experience — vibrant, authentic, and ready for the next generation of visitors.
For the latest official information, you can also check the Greek Government Gazette, which publishes updated legislation and announcements.
