1Do Indians need a visa for Greece?
Yes. Indian passport holders require a Schengen Short-Stay Visa to visit Greece. Applications are submitted through VFS Global centres across India. The standard fee is €80 (approx ₹8,000) plus VFS service charges. Processing takes 15–30 days. Apply at least 4–6 weeks before your planned departure.
2Is Greece expensive for Indian tourists?
A 7–10 day Greece trip costs approximately ₹2.0L–₹4.0L per person including flights (₹45K–₹85K), Schengen visa (~₹8K), hotels (₹6K–₹18K/night), food (₹3K–₹7K/day), ferries, and activities. Athens offers good value; Santorini and Mykonos are premium. Overall, Greece is cheaper than France or Switzerland but slightly more than Eastern Europe.
3How long is the flight from India to Greece?
Flights from India to Athens take 11–15 hours with one layover, typically via Dubai, Doha, Frankfurt, or Istanbul. No direct flights operate from India to Greece. Turkish Airlines and Qatar Airways often offer competitive fares and smooth connections.
4What is the best time to visit Greece from India?
May–June and September–October offer the best balance of pleasant weather, manageable crowds, and reasonable prices. July–August is peak summer (hot, crowded, expensive). December–February is mild but ideal for city breaks and museum visits, not beach holidays.
5Is Greece safe for Indian tourists?
Greece is very safe for Indian travelers. Violent crime is rare. Petty theft (pickpocketing, bag snatching) occurs in crowded tourist spots, metros, and ferries. Use hotel safes, stay aware in Syntagma/Plaka, and avoid unlicensed taxis. Island communities are exceptionally welcoming.
6Do Indians need a transit visa for Greece flights?
Transit via UAE, Qatar, Turkey, or non-Schengen countries does not require a separate transit visa. Transit through any Schengen airport (Frankfurt, Paris, Amsterdam) requires a valid Schengen visa, even if you stay airside. Book routes accordingly to avoid visa complications.
7What is the Schengen visa fee for Indians?
The standard adult Schengen visa fee is €80 (approximately ₹8,000–₹8,500 depending on exchange rates). Children aged 6–12 pay €40. VFS Global service charges (~₹2,500) and courier fees are additional. Payment must be in INR at VFS centers.
8What plug type is used in Greece?
Greece uses Type C (2-pin round) and Type F (Schuko 2-pin with grounding clips) outlets at 230V/50Hz. Indian 2-pin plugs work without an adapter. Indian 3-pin plugs require a universal travel adapter. Most modern chargers support 100–240V and work seamlessly.
9Can I use Indian Rupee or UPI in Greece?
No. The official currency is Euro (EUR). UPI is not available. Carry a multi-currency forex card or exchange USD/INR to EUR at authorized money changers. International Visa/Mastercard debit and credit cards are widely accepted. Cash is useful for small tavernas and island markets.
10What is the national dish of Greece?
Moussaka is widely considered Greece's national dish — a baked casserole of layered eggplant, potatoes, spiced minced meat, and rich béchamel sauce. It represents Mediterranean comfort food and is served in homes and traditional tavernas across the country.
11What is the time difference between India and Greece?
Greece is 3.5 hours behind Indian Standard Time (IST). It follows EET (UTC+2) in winter and EEST (UTC+3) during daylight saving time (late March to late October). When it is 12:00 PM in Athens, it is 3:30 PM in India.
12Can vegetarian Indians find food in Greece?
Yes, Greece is highly vegetarian-friendly. Traditional dishes like spanakopita, gemista, giant beans, fava, and fresh salads are naturally vegetarian. Tavernas clearly mark veg options. Feta, yogurt, and olive oil are staples, making vegetarian dining easy and delicious.
13Which is better for first-time visitors — Athens or Greek Islands?
Combine both. A first Greece trip typically includes 2–3 days in Athens (Acropolis, museums, Plaka) and 4–5 days island-hopping (Santorini + Mykonos/Naxos). If time is limited, prioritize Athens + one island for the most balanced cultural and scenic experience.
14Is Greece better than other European countries for Indian tourists on budget?
Greece offers strong value compared to Western Europe. Ferries replace costly domestic flights, local tavernas keep dining affordable, and mid-range hotels provide excellent quality. Total trip costs (₹2.0L–₹4.0L) are competitive, making Greece one of the most accessible European destinations for Indians.
15Does Destination To Plan offer group tour packages to Greece?
Yes. Destination To Plan offers customised group and family tour packages to Greece from India including flights, Schengen visa assistance, island ferries, guided tours, hotels, transfers, and curated experiences. Contact us via the inquiry form below or visit our
Greece tour packages page for details and pricing.
