Greece’s 2026 tax hikes: what UK holidaymakers will pay extra

From spring 2026, Greece will increase its “climate crisis” tax on accommodation for the third time in three years. UK travellers face per-night surcharges of up to €10 in peak season, with a new levy also hitting cruise passengers. This analysis breaks down the rates, how they compare with other European destinations, and what it means for your holiday budget.

How the new Greek tourist tax works

Greece first introduced a nightly accommodation tax in 2018, then replaced it with a “climate crisis resilience fee” in 2024. Under the 2026 schedule, the tax is charged per adult per night and varies by star rating and season. From March to October, guests at five-star properties pay €10 per night; four-star hotels charge €7; three-star properties €3; two-star €1.50; and one-star or furnished apartments €0.50. In the low season (November to February) rates drop by roughly half. Children under 18 are exempt, according to the Greek Ministry of Tourism’s official guidance.

The tax is collected by the accommodation provider at check-in or checkout and is not included in most online booking prices. UK holidaymakers should expect to pay the surcharge in cash or by card on arrival. The government says the revenue is earmarked for environmental projects and infrastructure to manage the impact of mass tourism.

GOV.UK travel advice for Greece recommends checking with your hotel or tour operator before travel to confirm the exact amount due.

How Greece compares with other European destinations

Greece’s 2026 peak-season rate of €10 for five-star hotels is at the upper end of European tourist taxes. Italy currently charges a variable city tax, typically up to €7 per night in Rome and Venice for five-star properties. Spain’s Balearic Islands levy a maximum of €4 per night, while Barcelona’s surcharge is around €3.50. Portugal’s city tax ranges from €1 to €2 per night, and Croatia’s flat rate is approximately €1.50. Greece’s cruise levy, however, is markedly higher than any other EU country, with Eurostat data showing no comparable per-passenger charge at this level elsewhere in the bloc.

The increases are part of a broader trend across southern Europe. Several Greek islands, including Santorini and Mykonos, have seen visitor numbers surge post-pandemic, leading to strains on water supply, waste management and housing affordability. The Greek government’s stated intent is to shift part of the infrastructure cost onto tourists rather than local residents. According to the European Commission’s tourism statistics, Greece recorded over 36 million international arrivals in 2024, a 15% rise on the previous year.

For UK travellers, the additional cost for a seven-night stay in a four-star hotel during August would be €49 per person. A family of four staying two rooms would pay over €100 extra. While this may not break a holiday budget, it represents a notable increase on the previous year’s rates, which were €6 for four-star properties in 2024 and €4 in 2023.

When and how the tax is collected

The tax is levied by the accommodation provider, not at the airport or border. UK travellers will typically be asked to pay on arrival or at checkout, and it is often listed as a separate line item on the bill. Hotels and apartment owners are required by Greek law to remit the funds to the tax authorities. ABTA’s Greece travel advice notes that the tax may not be included in the price shown by online travel agents, so travellers should check their booking confirmation carefully and budget extra cash or card payments accordingly.

For cruise passengers, the levy is charged per night the ship is docked at a Greek port. The new rate of up to €20 per passenger per night applies to high-traffic islands such as Santorini, Mykonos and Rhodes. In 2025, the tax was introduced at €12 per passenger; the 2026 increase reflects the government’s aim to limit the impact of cruise tourism on fragile island ecosystems. Cruise lines typically add the charge to the passenger’s onboard account, meaning it will appear on the final bill. More detail on Greece’s accommodation and climate-resilience taxes is set out in the Greek tourist-tax breakdown, compiled by hotel-reference site HotelsPedia.

It is worth noting that the tax applies to all stays, including those booked on package holidays. Tour operators such as TUI and Jet2 have confirmed they will collect the surcharge separately, though some all-inclusive resorts may include it in the package price. Consumers should check with their provider at the time of booking to avoid surprises.

What this means for UK holidaymakers

For a two-week holiday in a four-star hotel in Crete or Rhodes during peak summer, the extra cost would be around €98 per adult. A couple would pay nearly £170 (at current exchange rates) in additional taxes alone. Those staying in five-star resorts face a total of €140 per person for a fortnight. While the sums are modest compared to the overall trip price, they represent a cumulative increase of 200–300% compared to the pre-2024 tax regime.

Families will feel the impact less because children under 18 are exempt, but parents still pay the full adult rate. The Which? travel rights guide advises that if a booking was made before the tax increase was announced, the accommodation provider cannot usually add the charge retrospectively unless the terms and conditions explicitly allow it – something travellers should check with their booking platform or tour operator.

Budget-conscious travellers may consider staying in lower-rated properties or visiting during the low season (November to February) when rates are halved. However, many Greek islands have limited services outside summer, so this option is not available for all destinations. For those set on a July or August holiday, the extra cost is now a fixed part of the trip.

Practical steps for UK travellers

• Check your booking confirmation: Most online travel agents do not include the tax in the displayed price. Look for a note about “local taxes” or “resort fees”.
• Budget extra: For a week in a 4-star hotel in peak season, allow €49 per adult. For a 5-star, allow €70 per adult.
• Carry small-denomination euros: Many smaller apartments and villas prefer cash for the tax.
• Ask before you go: Contact your hotel or tour operator to confirm the exact amount and whether it can be paid by card.
• Check your package holiday terms: If your tour operator says the tax is included, get it in writing.

Travellers can also consult Citizens Advice for guidance on disputed charges or unfair contract terms. As always, comprehensive travel insurance is recommended to cover unexpected changes or cancellations.

Sources and further reading

• GOV.UK – Foreign travel advice for Greece
• Eurostat – Tourism statistics (European Commission)
• ABTA – Greece travel advice
• Which? – Holiday rights and travel advice
• Citizens Advice – Consumer rights

Sources checked 2026-06-29.