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Do Spanish citizens need a visa for Greece or Santorini?

Spanish citizens don’t need a visa to visit Greece or its stunning islands, including Santorini. You can enjoy a visa-free stay for any period of time. This rule applies whether you're heading to mainland Greece or its iconic islands like Santorini.

Travel rules for Spaniards visiting Greece

With the visa-free agreement, Spanish citizens can explore Greece for tourism, family visits, or short business trips. As part of the Schengen zone, Greece offers seamless travel opportunities without the need for a visa.

What documents do Spaniards need to enter Greece?

Even without a visa, Spanish citizens must carry:

- A passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date.

- Proof of accommodation, such as a hotel booking or host invitation.

- A return ticket or evidence of funds to purchase one.

- Health insurance covering emergencies in the Schengen area.

Top destinations in Greece for travelers from Spain

Athens: explore the historic Acropolis, Parthenon, and vibrant modern culture.
Santorini: famous for its white-washed houses and romantic sunsets.
Crete: discover sandy beaches, mountainous terrain, and ancient ruins.
Meteora: awe-inspiring monasteries perched atop cliffs.
Mykonos: perfect for beaches, nightlife, and luxurious getaways.

Do Spaniards need health insurance to travel to Greece?

Yes, Spanish citizens must have health insurance to visit Greece. Medical treatment in emergencies can be costly, and having insurance ensures that you’re covered. Visit World makes it simple to purchase a policy tailored to your trip.

What should tourists from Spain know before heading to Greece?

1. Plan your visits online ahead of time

Avoid crowds at top spots like the Acropolis by booking tickets with a specific time slot on official websites. It saves you from queues and lets you enjoy the experience more peacefully.

2. Discover lesser-known islands

Swap Santorini or Mykonos for quieter gems like Syros or Amorgos, where you’ll find authentic Greek vibes, stunning views, and more affordable prices.

3. Use must-have local apps

Ferryhopper: plan and book ferries between islands.

Beat: athens' answer to Uber with local drivers.

Eatwith: book cooking classes with Greek chefs for an immersive experience.

4. Try wine tours on the islands

Santorini and Crete have world-famous wineries. Don’t miss trying Assyrtiko wine in Santorini—it’s a taste of volcanic history. Wine tours here are cultural adventures, not just tastings.

5. Celebrate with locals at festivals

Plan your trip during a wine or food festival for a lively, open-air celebration. You’ll meet locals and soak up authentic Greek culture.

6. Seek out hidden beaches

Ask locals or check Google Maps to find secret beaches. Many are only accessible by boat or foot but are worth the adventure.

7. Embrace the siesta

From 2 PM to 5 PM, many shops and cafes close. Use this downtime to relax, read by the sea, or enjoy a laid-back lunch like the locals.

What to try from the local cuisine in Greece: tips for Spaniards

Moussaka: a hearty casserole with eggplant, potatoes, and minced meat, baked to perfection.
Gyros: delicious pita wraps filled with juicy meat, fresh vegetables, and tzatziki sauce.
Dolmades: tender grape leaves stuffed with rice and flavorful spices.
Baklava: a sweet treat made with layers of nuts and honey.
Greek salad: a refreshing combination of fresh veggies, olives, feta cheese, and olive oil.
Souvlaki: grilled meat skewers served with a side of veggies and sauce.

If you do not enjoy visa-free entry to Greece, you may need an airport transit visa.

Please follow the link to see if you need a transit visa: https://travel.gov.gr/

If you wish to travel to Greece with your pet, your pet will need a microchip, proof of rabies vaccination and a health certificate approved by a USDA veterinarian. For more information on permitted ports of entry or if your pet is less than 3 months old, please visit the website for more information:

https://www.mfa.gr/usa/en/services/services-for-greeks/pets-animals.html

If you plan to travel in Europe after arriving in Greece, your pet must be accompanied by a pet passport. You can get a pet passport from an authorized veterinarian in Greece.

Dial 112 to contact any emergency service.

In Greece, 112 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and can connect the subscriber to:

by the police
Fire brigade
Emergency medical service
Coast Guard
National hotline for children SOS.

For information and advice on Greek customs regulations, visit the Customs website:

https://www.aade.gr/customs

If you are not a citizen of a country that is a member of the European Union, you will need to obtain an International Driving License (IDL) before renting a car in Greece. If you plan to drive your own car, you need a valid registration and proof of international insurance in addition to the IDL (check with your insurance company beforehand).

There are 2 ways to rent a car in Greece. One of them is online, where you can reserve the right car before your trip. Another option is to contact a car rental provider that is located in the area you plan to visit.

To rent a car, a minimum driving experience of at least 1 year is required. The minimum age is 21 years (for some types of cars – 25 years).

The maximum age for renting a car in the country also varies, but most often they allow you to rent a car under the age of 70.

1. Adapt to the Greek time

Greeks tend to hold a healthy Mediterranean belief that most things can be put off until tomorrow and nothing needs to be done in a hurry - the Spanish "mañana" is equal to the Greek "avrio". So don't expect fast service in restaurants or smooth transportation.

2. Entrance fees

All major ancient monuments, as well as most museums, charge an entrance fee ranging from €2 to €12, with an average cost of about €3. Entrance to all public monuments and museums is free on Sundays and holidays from November to March.

3. Outside of Athens, Greece is not very adapted for people with disabilities

Access for travelers with disabilities has improved somewhat in recent years, but most accessible attractions, hotels and restaurants tend to be located in Athens. While access to beaches has improved, much of the rest of Greece remains inaccessible to wheelchair users, and the abundance of stones, marble, slippery cobblestones and stepped alleys create unpleasant obstacles. People with visual and hearing impairments also rarely receive adequate services.

4. Carry cash and do not rely on cards or ATMs

As part of the EU, Greece uses the euro. In restaurants, service charges are usually included in the bill, and although tipping is not expected, it is always appreciated and a few coins can be left if the service was good. Taxi drivers usually expect you to round up the fare.

Keep in mind that ATMs on the islands can lose connection for a day or two, making it impossible for anyone (including locals) to withdraw money. It's a good idea to have some extra cash with you in case this happens during your visit.

5. Drink plenty of water and remember how dangerous the sun can be

On many islands in Greece, tap water is still safe to drink, but not recommended - ask if you are in doubt. Keep a supply of bottled water on hand for hydration as well as safety; many tourists underestimate how hot it can be in Greece, and heat strokes and serious sunburns are common on beaches with little shade.

6. Pickpocketing and other petty crimes are common in public places

The main risks of theft in Greece are pickpockets in major cities and theft of belongings while vacationing on busy, popular beaches (leave your passports in hotel safes). Never leave your belongings unattended and do not leave bags hanging from the back of the seat where you cannot keep an eye on them.

The Tourist Police work in cooperation with the regular Greek police. Each Tourist Police office has at least one English-speaking officer. If you need to report your passport stolen or lost, contact the Tourist Police first and they will be the translators between you and the regular police.

7. Emergency number for tourists

Of course, when you go on vacation abroad, you don't want to think that something will go wrong. And emergency numbers are something we don't usually use. As a foreigner traveling to Greece, it doesn't make sense to write down all the emergency numbers you might need. Therefore, keep a single number: 171 (the number of the local tourist police).

This is a special police unit trained to deal exclusively with helping tourists who encounter problems in Greece. They can help you with any problem: from finding a doctor to resolving disputes. And, of course, they can help you with anything related to local legislation. They are available 24/7 and although they mainly deal with Athens issues, you can call them from anywhere in the world.

And the most important thing is that they all speak English, but there is a high probability that they speak other languages as well. So save this number before you travel to Greece: 171.

Sources:

https://letterstobarbara.com

https://www.roughguides.com

Representations of Greece in the countries of the world.

Visa

Idioma

Tráfico vehícular

código de teléfono

Divisa

Covid

Insurance policy

Validez mínima del pasaporte