For centuries, Greece has enchanted travelers with its sun-soaked islands, ancient ruins, and warm Mediterranean hospitality. But in 2024, the country quietly introduced a new “climate resilience” levy aimed at preserving its natural and cultural treasures in the face of climate change. As of 2024 and continuing into 2025, this new tourist tax applies to hotel stays across the country—and while it won’t break the bank for luxury travelers, it’s something savvy visitors should understand before booking their next Grecian getaway.

What Is the New Greek Tourist Tax?

Officially dubbed the “climate crisis resilience fee,” the tax replaces the previous stay-over tax and applies to most short-term accommodations in Greece. The revenue collected is earmarked to support wildfire prevention, climate disaster recovery, and infrastructure improvements—essential efforts for a country that has experienced record-breaking heatwaves and devastating fires in recent years.

But unlike the modest €0.50–€4.00 per night fees of the past, this new system is tiered and more substantial, particularly for those staying in high-end properties.

What Are the Rates?

The climate resilience tax is charged per night, based on the official hotel category (not the nightly room rate). Here’s a quick breakdown:

• €1.50 per night – 1–2 star hotels and accommodations

• €3.00 per night – 3-star hotels

• €7.00 per night – 4-star hotels

• €10.00 per night – 5-star hotels and luxury properties

If you’re staying at a boutique resort or a name-brand luxury hotel in Athens, Santorini, or Mykonos, expect to pay €10 per room, per night, added to your final bill.

How Is It Paid?

The tax is collected directly by the hotel at check-in or check-out, and it must be paid in full before departure. It cannot be prepaid as part of your vacation package or through third-party booking platforms.

While this may seem like a minor inconvenience, many properties have streamlined the process, and experienced travel advisors can help set the expectation so it doesn’t become a surprise at the front desk.

Why the Change?

Greece’s tourism sector is booming. With more than 30 million visitors annually and year-round demand in major destinations, the government saw an urgent need to reinforce infrastructure and prepare for future environmental challenges. Recent wildfires and strain on municipal services in island communities accelerated the conversation around sustainable tourism.

This new fee is part of a broader European trend: balancing the demands of tourism with the realities of environmental stewardship. Similar taxes already exist in cities like Venice, Barcelona, and Amsterdam. But Greece’s version is unique in both its purpose and its transparency—aimed directly at climate resilience rather than general tourism funding.

What Does This Mean for Upscale Travelers?

If you’re used to staying in luxury resorts, villas, or five-star boutique hotels, the €10 nightly fee is unlikely to impact your decision to travel. However, for a couple staying 10 nights, that’s an extra €100—enough to warrant awareness, if not concern.

From a travel advisor’s perspective, this new tax also emphasizes the value of smart itinerary design. Here are a few tips for incorporating this tax into your plans without sacrificing comfort or convenience:

• Consider Shoulder Season Travel: Visiting in May or September (especially if cruising or exploring less-touristed islands) can offset the tax with better room rates and seasonal offers.

• Book Longer Stays in Fewer Locations: The tax is charged per night, not per person. Spending more time in one or two properties rather than hopping every couple of days can provide both better value and a more relaxing pace.

• Leverage Advisor-Only Perks: Through luxury consortia like Virtuoso or Signature, many Greek hotels offer exclusive benefits such as complimentary breakfasts, spa credits, and early check-in/late check-out. These perks often outweigh the added cost of the tourist tax.

Cruise Guests: Are You Affected?

If you’re visiting Greece by cruise ship and not staying overnight in a hotel, this tax does not apply to you. Cruise passengers who dock for the day in ports like Santorini, Rhodes, or Piraeus are exempt unless they book pre- or post-cruise hotel stays.

However, with the growing popularity of luxury cruise extensions—particularly in Athens and Thessaloniki—it’s important to factor in the tax when planning overnight stays.

Will It Deter Travelers?

Unlikely. Greece remains one of the most desirable destinations in the world for upscale travelers, and the modest increase in cost pales in comparison to the enduring appeal of its islands, cuisine, culture, and hospitality.

In fact, some travelers may view the tax as a badge of responsible tourism—a way to give back to the places they love and ensure they remain vibrant and viable for future generations.

Final Thoughts

Luxury travel is about more than indulgence—it’s about connection, impact, and legacy. Greece’s new climate resilience tax is a small but meaningful step toward protecting the very landscapes and heritage sites that make the country so extraordinary. For well-informed travelers, it’s not a deterrent; it’s simply part of the new landscape of conscious travel.

So as you plan your next escape to the Cyclades or a cultural deep dive through ancient ruins, remember to include the tourist tax in your budgeting—not as a burden, but as an investment in Greece’s enduring beauty.