Complete Guide to Greece: Visa, Travel, Investment & Important Facts
Your ultimate 2025 Complete Guide to Greece – birthplace of democracy and home to 6,000+ islands. Enjoy 90-day visa-free entry (Schengen), wander Athens Acropolis, sail the Cyclades, and sunset-watch in Santorini. Discover one of Europe’s most popular Golden Visa programs (€250K–€800K real estate), grasp the tourism-powered economy under Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, and savor souvlaki and ouzo. This detailed guide covers everything: top destinations, practical tips, and aviation insights for seamless Greece travel and business.
Introduction to Greece
Greece, with 10.4 million sun-kissed Hellenes, is a Mediterranean legend of whitewashed villages, ancient ruins, and crystal seas — home to the Olympics, philosophy, and the world’s oldest olive tree (2,000+ years). In 2025 it welcomes 35+ million tourists while leading Europe in Golden Visa applications. This guide covers visa-free ease, the famous €250K–€800K residency program, and must-sees like Meteora monasteries for unforgettable Greece travel.
Greece Independence Date
March 25, 1821 – Revolution against Ottoman Empire. Celebrated with parades, traditional dances, and blue-white flags everywhere.
How to Apply for Greece Visa – 90 Days Visa-Free
Full Schengen member → 90 days visa-free in any 180-day period for citizens of USA, EU, Canada, UK, Australia, Japan, etc. ETIAS (€7 online) required from mid-2025. For longer stays: Golden Visa or D-visa.
Greece Golden Visa 2025 – Real Estate Residency
• €250,000 in most regions (e.g. Crete, Rhodes, Thessaloniki)
• €400,000 in mid-tier areas
• €800,000 in Athens, Thessaloniki centre, Mykonos, Santorini
→ 5-year renewable residency permit (no minimum stay). Entire family included. One of the most popular EU residency-by-investment programs.
Top Places to Visit in Greece
- Athens – Acropolis, Parthenon, Plaka
- Santorini – Caldera sunsets, Oia
- Mykonos – Windmills, beach clubs
- Crete – Knossos Palace, Elafonisi beach
- Rhodes – Medieval Old Town (UNESCO)
- Meteora – Monasteries on rocks
- Delphi – Ancient oracle (UNESCO)
- Corfu – Venetian architecture
- Zakynthos – Navagio shipwreck beach
- Nafplio – Greece’s most romantic town
Economic Activities & 2025 Outlook
Nominal GDP ≈ €240 billion, 2.3% growth forecast. Key sectors: tourism (25% GDP), shipping (world’s largest fleet), olive oil, EU recovery funds (€30B+).
How to Buy a SIM Card in Greece
Cosmote (best coverage), Vodafone, Nova at every airport and kiosk. €5–10 starter pack with 10–30 GB data. Passport required for registration.
Who Leads Greece?
Prime Minister: Kyriakos Mitsotakis (New Democracy, since 2019). President: Katerina Sakellaropoulou (ceremonial).
Political Status
Parliamentary republic, full EU/NATO/Schengen member. Stable centre-right government focused on tourism recovery and investment.
Aviation Services in Greece
Aegean Airlines & Olympic Air for domestic hops. Medevac via Swiss Air-Ambulance. Scenic flights over Santorini caldera, helicopter transfers Athens–Mykonos, yacht-helicopter combos in summer.
Culture, Souvlaki & Festivals
Souvlaki, tzatziki, ouzo. Festivals: Athens Epidaurus (summer theatre), Carnival in Patras, Easter on Corfu with fireworks.
Safety & Practical Tips
Very safe for tourists. English widely spoken. Euro currency. Ferries and domestic flights excellent.
Plan Your Greece Journey
From island-hopping to ancient ruins, Greece is eternal. KiliFlying Air offers seamless charter flights and scenic aerial tours across the Aegean.
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