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Greece

Volunteer opportunities in Greece

Volunteer in Greece on a sea turtle protection programme, helping to monitor and protect loggerhead turtle nesting sites on the coast of Kyparissia.

4 programmes in this country

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Volunteer Opportunities in Greece

Greece is the southernmost of the countries of the Balkan Peninsula. It has the longest coastline in the Mediterranean Basin and a Mediterranean climate. It is known for its thousands of islands, each with its own history and reputation. 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 is known as the “party island”. 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 its 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 its 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.

Good to know before you go

Visa
If you are an EU citizen, you do not need a visa.
Health
Please check with your doctor or a travel clinic which vaccinations you need for your destination. You can also find up-to-date health advice for each destination on the Institut Pasteur website.

Our programmes in Greece

About the destination

About Greece

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 its 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 Greek alphabet will also help you get around.

Remember to respect and adapt to the local culture while in Greece as well. Stepping outside your comfort zone 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 cause you are passionate about, 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 longer stays or for those who are not eligible for visa-free travel, check the official website for more information: https://www.mfa.gr/fr/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 programme. 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!

So, why not you?Travel to be useful, on ground we know.Find my programme

Line drawing: a beach and its turtle, a mangrove, two backpackers, a school on a hillside, a giraffe and an elephant under an acacia