ABOUT GREECE
Greece is the southernmost of the countries of the Balkan Peninsula. It has the longest coastline in Europe and the Mediterranean climate. It is known for thousands of islands, each with their own history and stereotypes. Santorini is thought by some to be the lost island of Atlantis and is also known as the ‘Island of Love.” Mykonos is famous for its windmills and gets a ‘party island’ stereotype. Zakynthos is home to the famous shipwreck beach. Crete is the largest island and contains ruins of Knossos, the capital of the Minoan civilization. Each island is special in their own way and each has plenty to discover.
Greece is famous for its piercing blue skies, endless sandy beaches, friendly locals, ancient ruins, cuisine and music. It is also a country of mountains, 80% of its land area being mountainous. However, Greece also has a variety of other diverse ecosystems including forests, grasslands, wetlands and, of course, coastal habitats. Some of the most common and iconic plant species to be found in Greece are the olive trees, cypress trees and Mediterranean shrubs.
Greece is commonly referred to as the “Cradle of Western Civilization,” having been the birthplace of democracy, philosophy and literature. Greece is also famous for their sports, both the Olympic Games and the Marathon having originated there. Athens, the capital of Greece, is one of the oldest cities in Europe. Greece is famous for its archaeological sites, including the Acropolis, the Palace of Knossos, Poseidon’s Temple in Sounio and the Sanctuary of Delphi, just to name a few.
Greek culture is centered heavily around the idea of “philoxenia,” prioritizing hospitality, generosity and warmth with friends, family and strangers alike. Another aspect of Greek culture is their cuisine. It is common to share food at restaurants, also known as “tavernas,” ordering many small dishes rather than each person getting their own.
Advice before volunteering in Greece
Although English is widely spoken, particularly in tourist areas, learning some basic Greek phrases will certainly help you to connect with the community. Greek people are very appreciative when you attempt to learn their language. This will be especially helpful if your project is in a more rural area or on one of the islands. Learning to read the alphabet will help you be able to get around as well.
Remember to respect and adapt to the local culture while in Greece as well. Getting outside your comfort area and fully immersing yourself in the local culture will give you the most rewarding experience possible.
Be sure to check with your doctor and the Pasteur Institute for any recommended medications/vaccines as well.
What is the most common form of volunteering in Greece?
Greece is one of the major entry points for refugees and migrants into Europe and there is therefore a lot of volunteering that can be done to help these people. Environmental conservation and animal rescue are also important areas in which volunteering efforts are focused. Community development is another common form of volunteering in Greece. Overall, whatever your passion is regarding volunteering, chances are, Greece will have an opportunity for you to help.
How to get a visa to volunteer in Greece
Most European nationals do not need to obtain a visa in advance to volunteer in Greece for stays of under 90 days. However, for stays over this length of time or for those not eligible to travel without a visa, check the official website for more information: https://www.mfa.gr/en/visas/
VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES IN GREECE
Volunteer opportunities in Greece range from animal conservation to coastal protection and community development.
Our volunteer opportunities in Greece are mainly in the realm of wildlife protection and eco-volunteering. You can join an international volunteering project on a sea turtle protection program. Turtle nesting sites are on the coastline in Kyparissia. There you will have the opportunity to contribute to the conservation of the loggerhead turtle, including monitoring and protecting the nesting site from predators or possible flooding.
Discover and join volunteer opportunities in Greece!
If you are a part of the EU, you do not require a visa. If you are outside of the EU, you can stay without a visa for up to 90 days.
For any international project, Freepackers Care requires the subscription of a travel insurance including the coverage of accidents, diseases, repatriation and includes civil liability in case of damage to third parties.
You can subscribe online with our partner CHAPKA, which offers 5% discount with this link. If you subscribe to another insurance, we will ask you to send us a copy of your certificate in English.
For complete protection during studies or an internship abroad, you can subscribe to Cap Student insurance online by following this link. This insurance also includes civil liability in the context of an activity abroad.
