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The Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO) is leading the way in sustainable tourism in Greece, connecting eco-conscious travellers with innovative green projects across the country. Whether you’re exploring nature trails in Greece, enjoying authentic local cuisine, or visiting plastic-free islands, you can experience Greece’s rich culture while supporting environmental preservation and community-based tourism.
Central to these efforts is the Sustainable Greece Platform, an essential online resource showcasing the best of eco-friendly accommodations and renewable energy-powered destinations in Greece. The platform highlights inspiring sustainability projects, practical tips for responsible travel in Greece, and real stories from locals making a difference.
Designed especially for UK travellers, the platform encourages visitors to explore Greece sustainably—embracing authentic experiences that protect the environment and support local economies.
Discover how you can enjoy unforgettable eco tourism in Greece and contribute to a greener, more vibrant future for this beautiful Mediterranean country
Eco-Friendly Hotels in Greece: Sleep Sustainably, Wake Inspired
Greece is quickly becoming a top destination for eco-friendly hotels and sustainable tourism. Across the country, resorts and hotels are adopting green practices that reduce environmental impact, support local communities, and offer authentic experiences for travellers seeking responsible travel options.
Many eco-friendly hotels in Greece prioritize local sourcing, featuring fresh ingredients from nearby farms and small businesses to craft menus rich in regional flavors. This practice reduces transportation emissions, supporting both the environment and local communities. Sustainable dining is also key, with a focus on organic, seasonal produce and “à la minute” meal preparation to minimize food waste while ensuring fresher, more personalized dining experiences. This approach not only delights guests with authentic tastes but also boosts local economies and preserves Greece’s culinary traditions.
Resorts and hotels are investing in renewable energy sources like solar and geothermal systems, alongside smart water management techniques to reduce consumption, recycle water, and operate more efficiently. These efforts significantly lower their impact on Greece’s fragile ecosystems.
Plastic reduction is another key focus. Eco-conscious accommodations are replacing single-use plastics with sustainable alternatives, such as filtered water refill stations, reusable containers, and eliminating disposable utensils and straws. These small changes add up, especially during peak travel seasons, to make a big difference.
By choosing eco-friendly hotels in Greece, travellers contribute directly to the preservation of the country’s natural beauty and cultural richness. Supporting sustainable accommodations means enjoying a more meaningful visit while helping Greece build a greener, more resilient tourism future.
Sustainable Celebrations: Traditions with a Greener Twist
Exploring Greece isn’t just about stunning views—it’s about embracing the local way of life. One of the most authentic experiences a traveller can enjoy in Greece is attending a “panygheri”—a traditional music and cultural festival. These vibrant community celebrations, held throughout the summer in villages from mountain hamlets to small islands, blend music, dance, religion, food, and fellowship—offering travellers a genuine taste of Greece’s rich heritage. While joyful, these events can also generate waste. Fortunately, communities are embracing sustainable event practices to reduce their ecological footprint —like replacing plastic cups with handmade pottery and adding compost bins.
A great example of this sustainable shift comes from the Cycladic island of Schoinoussa, where locals reimagined their annual Fava Festival through an eco-conscious lens.
Visitors can enjoy meaningful experiences that leave behind memories instead of waste, making responsible travel in Greece more rewarding than ever.
Consumer Local Food & Drinks: Taste Greece, Sustainably
In Greece, eating well goes hand-in-hand with protecting the planet. Choosing local, seasonal, and plant-based foods helps reduce your carbon footprint while supporting small-scale farmers and preserving centuries-old culinary traditions.
The slow food movement is thriving here, with markets and restaurants focusing on regional ingredients, sustainable cooking, and zero-waste practices. Thessaloniki, a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, is a shining example for its abundant natural produce (the sweetest pine tree honey, the creamiest yoghurt), authentic flavours, fusion of cultural influences (Greek, Jewish, Balkan and Ottoman) and a thriving culinary industry which employs thousands of people. In the foodie city, new sustainable initiatives are addressing food waste by introducing compact composting methods suited for balconies, courtyards, and small gardens, while also partnering with schools, councils, and the public to shift everyday waste habits.
Elsewhere, sustainability is also heading underwater. Climate change and human impact has meant invasive, non-native marine species have swum their way into the waters around the Ionian islands. On islands like Paxos, campaigns like Pick the Alien a campaign from marine conservation organisation iSea which encourages local seafood markets, restaurants and shops to sell and consume invasive fish like lionfish, rabbitfish, cornetfish and Atlantic blue crab. Diners can also do their bit over a long lunch by picking a dish supporting ocean conservation.
From farm to fork—and sea to plate—consuming consciously in Greece helps preserve both its natural beauty and rich culinary heritage.
Connect with Communities, Conserve Nature
Travelling in Greece offers more than stunning views—it’s a chance to give back. By engaging in eco-friendly activities and supporting conservation efforts, you help preserve the country’s natural beauty, unique wildlife, and cultural heritage for generations to come.
The National Marine Park of Alonissos Northern Sporades is the largest marine protected area in Europe and the proud home to a population of Mediterranean monk seals.
An underwater playground for divers, the park is of cultural, scientific, and natural significance down to the vast array of plant and animal species, as well as magical archaeological sites such as shipwrecks, and churches dating back to the Byzantine Empire. Local organizations educate visitors and equip communities to protect these gentle creatures through seal-watching guides and emergency response kits.
Over in the Ionian Islands, Zakynthos stands out as a key nesting site for the endangered Caretta caretta (loggerhead sea turtle). ach summer, 80% of the Mediterranean’s loggerhead turtle population returns to Zakynthos’ golden beaches to lay their eggs. The National Marine Park of Zakynthos is at the forefront of turtle protection, installing eco-kiosks along the coast and enforcing night-time light restrictions to avoid disturbing nesting females. Visitors can get hands-on with conservation by volunteering with ARCHELON, the Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece, from May to October. Volunteers monitor nesting activity, protect eggs, and educate the public—all while enjoying an immersive, meaningful travel experience in Laganas Bay.
Whether you join a local project or simply travel with care, your choices matter. Responsible tourism in Greece means protecting what makes it extraordinary.
Protect Nature and Wildlife in Greece
One of the pillars of sustainable travel is to promote destinations whilst protecting the environment and to achieve equality. Greece’s natural beauty is more than just breathtaking—it’s a vital part of the country’s heritage, biodiversity, and identity. Responsible travellers can make a difference and play an active role in preserving these fragile ecosystems by supporting conservation efforts, choosing eco-friendly activities, and respecting the wildlife that calls this land and sea home. Many regions in Greece have local initiatives aimed at protecting the environment and wildlife.
Visiting national parks, conservation centres, and nature reserves directly supports preservation. Entry fees and donations often go toward protecting endangered species and restoring habitats. In Crete, eco-conscious travellers can take it a step further by choosing low-impact, community-based travel.
In Crete, travellers can enjoy a homestay in the village of Agios Ioannis. There, they’ll share traditional meals and locally distilled honeyed raki with their hosts, while listening to live Cretan music under the stars. Overnight stays in family-run guesthouses bring direct benefits to the local economy. Adventurers will also hike through the wild Agia Irini Gorge, ending in the serene fishing village of Sougia—once a hippie hideout, now a tranquil retreat for nature lovers. The trip ends in Chania, a colourful town full of Venetian charm and authentic Greek gastronomy. This carbon-neutral journey is guided by locals, uses sustainable transportation, and supports businesses that prioritize the environment. It’s the kind of travel that gives back—creating authentic memories while protecting Greece’s natural and cultural heritage.
Sustainable travel in Greece isn’t just about seeing beautiful places—it’s about preserving them for generations to come
Contacts and resources
For detailed information, access the GNTO’s Sustainable Greece Platform, browse destination resources, or reach out via official contact channels. Plan your journey, immerse yourself in authentic experiences, and support Greece’s vision for a sustainable future.
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Portland House, 4 Great Portland Street, London, W1W 8QJ, United Kingdom
Tel020 7495 9303
EmailDIRECTOR@GNTO.CO.UK
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