Greece
Travel Destination – Greece
Greece combines classical history with modern European comfort. From the Acropolis in Athens to the white-washed villages of the Cyclades and the rugged mountains of northern Greece, the country offers archaeological treasures, vibrant cities, and relaxed island life. Visitors can explore UNESCO World Heritage sites, sail between Aegean islands, or enjoy café culture in bustling squares.
As a member of the European Union with a well-developed healthcare system, Greece provides a high standard of medical care in major cities and tourist regions. Nevertheless, thoughtful travel health planning remains important. Seasonal infections, heat exposure, road safety, and routine vaccine-preventable diseases can still affect travellers. Prior preparation helps ensure a smooth and healthy journey.
Health Risks
Pre-travel preparation
Before travelling to Greece, a travel health consultation can help to review your vaccination record, update routine immunisations, and discuss individual risk factors based on your age, medical history, and itinerary.
Ideally, seek advice six to eight weeks before departure. This timeframe ensures adequate protection if any vaccines are recommended. Even if travel is imminent, a last-minute consultation can provide general health strategies for long flights, summer heat exposure, and managing chronic medical conditions overseas.
Discuss your travel plans in detail, including island hopping, hiking in rural areas, visiting refugee reception centres, or attending large festivals to allow your travel doctor can tailor health recommendations appropriately. Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical care and repatriation. Carry sufficient prescription medication in original packaging, along with a copy of your prescriptions.
Insect avoidance
In addition to mosquitoes that can transmit West Nile virus, ticks in some parts of Greece may carry infections such as Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever and tick-borne encephalitis. Sand flies can also transmit Leishmaniasis.
Take precautions against insect and tick bites, particularly from late spring through early autumn. Higher insect exposure can occur in rural areas, and hikers, campers, and travellers spending extended time outdoors should implement preventative measures.
To reduce the risk of insect-borne diseases, apply repellent containing DEET or picaridin to exposed skin and reapply as directed. Wear long sleeves, long trousers, and closed footwear outdoors, and consider treating clothing with permethrin for additional protection. Perform thorough tick checks after outdoor activities and remove ticks promptly with fine-tipped tweezers. Choose accommodation with screens or air-conditioning where possible, and minimise outdoor exposure during peak biting times, particularly at dusk and overnight when sand flies and mosquitoes are most active.
Food and water hygiene
Greek cuisine features fresh vegetables, olive oil, seafood, grilled meats, and dairy products such as feta and yoghurt. Food safety standards are generally high, and tap water is safe to drink in most mainland urban areas. However, on some islands and in remote regions, bottled water may be preferred due to mineral content or taste.
Gastroenteritis can still occur, particularly during summer when food is exposed to hot weather. Wash hands before eating, choose food that is freshly prepared and served hot, and take care with buffet or street food that may have been sitting unrefrigerated.
Our Travel Doctors
Our fully qualified doctors have an interest in travel medicine and immunisations. And they know travel. Their expert advice will be tailored for you, your travel companions and your trip.
Which shots do I need for Greece?
Measles
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Measles is a virus that is easily spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can remain in the air, making transmission easy in enclosed or crowded environments. Symptoms typically begin with fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes, followed by a characteristic spreading rash. Complications can include pneumonia and brain inflammation.
Outbreaks continue to occur globally, including in Greece. All international travellers are recommended to be fully vaccinated against measles prior to travel. For most Australians born during or after 1966, this means two documented doses of a measles-containing vaccine, usually given as the combined measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine. Ensuring immunity is particularly important when transiting through international airports, using public transport, or visiting busy tourist attractions.
Influenza
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Influenza is a contagious viral respiratory infection that spreads through droplets and close contact. Symptoms can include fever, sore throat, cough, muscle aches, fatigue, and headache. While many cases are mild, influenza can lead to further complications, particularly in older adults, pregnant women, young children, and people with chronic medical conditions.
In Greece, influenza activity usually peaks during the European winter months of December to February, but cases can occur at any time of year. Travel itself increases exposure risk due to time spent in airports, aircraft cabins, cruise ships, and crowded indoor spaces. Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for travellers aged six months and older, ideally before departure.
COVID-19
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COVID-19 is a viral respiratory illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, transmitted mainly through airborne particles and close contact. Symptoms vary from mild cold-like illness to more severe disease involving breathing difficulties and systemic complications.
COVID-19 continues to circulate globally, including in Greece. International travel increases exposure risk because of prolonged indoor contact with others. Travellers should ensure they are up to date with COVID-19 vaccination in line with current Australian recommendations. Booster advice differs by age group and individual health risk, and a pre-travel consultation can clarify whether additional doses are appropriate before departure. People aged 75 and over are recommended booster vaccination every 6 months, and those aged 65 to 74 are recommended boosters annually.
Routine vaccinations
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Routine vaccinations protect against diseases that remain present worldwide, even in countries with developed health systems such as Greece. Before travelling, ensure routine immunisations are up to date, boosters may be recommended for conditions such as diphtheria, tetanus or pertussis, also called whooping cough. Depending on age and vaccination history, other vaccinations should be reviewed, such measles, mumps, and rubella, as well as polio, chickenpox (varicella), and shingles. Hepatitis A and hepatitis B may be advised based on risk factors and itinerary plans. Vaccination recommendations may vary for travellers spending extended periods overseas, visiting remote areas, or engaging in higher-risk activities.Confirm with your travel doctor which vaccinations are recommended for you for your itinerary.
Greece
Other health risks in Greece
Gastroenteritis
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Although less common than in many developing destinations, gastroenteritis remains the most frequent illness affecting travellers to Europe, including Greece. Symptoms may include diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, nausea, and vomiting, typically developing within one to three days of exposure. Treatment focuses on maintaining hydration, preferably with oral rehydration solutions. Most cases resolve on their own within a few days. Medical review is recommended if symptoms are severe, persistent, or accompanied by fever or blood in the faeces.
Non-infectious conditions
Crime and unrest
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Petty crime, including pickpocketing and bag snatching, can occur in crowded tourist areas and on public transport, particularly in Athens and other major centres. Demonstrations and strikes also occur at times and may disrupt transport services. Avoid large gatherings, monitor local media, and follow instructions from authorities. Checking Smartraveller updates before and during travel is advisable.
Altitude sickness
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Most travel in Greece occurs at sea level or low altitude. However, mountainous regions on the mainland, including areas near Mount Olympus, reach elevations above 2,400 metres. While significant altitude sickness is uncommon for typical travellers, those undertaking rapid ascents for trekking should be aware of symptoms such as headache, nausea, and fatigue. Gradual ascent and allowing time for acclimatisation reduce risk.
Deep vein thrombosis
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Long haul flights from Australia to Greece often involve extended periods of immobility, increasing the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT can develop when slow blood flow in the legs leads to clots in the deep veins.
To lower risk, walk regularly during flights, perform calf exercises while seated, and maintain hydration. Travellers with additional risk factors, such as previous clotting events, recent surgery or certain medical conditions, should seek personalised advice before departure. Compression stockings may be recommended in some cases.