Greece’s Social Tourism Program Extension For 2025–2026, Adding New Regions, More Subsidized Nights, And Extended Deadlines

Published on December 5, 2025

Greece’s Social Tourism Program for 2025–2026 is set to make waves by offering an extended reach across new regions, more subsidized nights, and longer deadlines for participants. This exciting expansion aims to make Greek tourism more accessible to a broader range of citizens, with the goal of boosting domestic travel and supporting the local economy. By increasing the number of subsidized overnight stays and extending the program’s deadlines, the government hopes to attract more participants, including families, seniors, and low-income individuals, to explore the beauty and culture of Greece in a more affordable and inclusive way. The extension of the program and the addition of new regions are expected to revitalize lesser-known destinations, further spreading the benefits of tourism across the country.

Greece’s Social Tourism initiative, which offers subsidized holidays for eligible workers and unemployed individuals, has been extended for the 2025–2026 period, marking a significant development in the country’s effort to promote tourism accessibility and support its citizens. The extension increases the program’s duration from 12 to 13 months, providing beneficiaries with more time to enjoy the benefits of the scheme. Under this extension, participants now have until 30 June 2026 to use their accommodation and ferry vouchers, offering them enhanced flexibility in planning their holidays.

This extension aims to address the needs of households seeking a more relaxed and organized holiday experience, while also enhancing the overall quality and accessibility of the program. It is designed to allow beneficiaries to take advantage of subsidized holidays at their convenience, contributing positively to both their well-being and the tourism sector. The Social Tourism program is managed by the Public Employment Service (DYPA), which is responsible for administering the scheme and ensuring that eligible participants can make use of the various benefits on offer.

The main feature of the Social Tourism initiative is its provision of subsidized accommodation. Under the updated program, eligible beneficiaries can book up to six nights at participating accommodation providers that are listed in the DYPA registry. The scheme typically requires only a small personal contribution from the participants, making it an affordable option for those in need. This initiative is expected to help many people who might otherwise find it difficult to afford a holiday, giving them the opportunity to experience Greece’s rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and beautiful islands.

In addition to the six-night accommodation benefit, certain regions in Greece, particularly those that have been affected by natural disasters or are known for their picturesque island destinations, offer even more generous support. These regions provide extended stays at no additional cost, further enhancing the appeal of the program. For instance, destinations such as Leros, Lesvos, Chios, Kos, Samos, and Rhodes offer up to 10 free nights for beneficiaries, while other regions, such as Northern Evia, and areas in Magnesia, Karditsa, Larissa, Trikala, and Evros, provide up to 12 free nights.

This initiative encourages both domestic tourism and travel to regions that may be less frequented by international tourists, helping to boost the local economy and support the recovery of areas that have faced hardships. By providing free or heavily subsidized accommodation, the program also ensures that more people can experience the natural beauty of Greece, whether they are visiting its islands or exploring its mainland regions.

The Social Tourism program also includes increased subsidies for accommodation during high-demand periods, such as the summer months and popular holiday seasons. Accommodation subsidies are increased by 20% during peak periods, including:

• August
• 15 December 2025 to 14 January 2026 (Christmas period)
• 3 April to 19 April 2026 (Easter)

This increase in subsidy helps make travel more affordable for those who wish to visit Greece during these busy times. It also provides an incentive for people to plan their holidays during peak seasons when travel costs are typically higher. This support is particularly beneficial for families or individuals who may otherwise struggle with the high cost of accommodation during the summer and holiday periods.

In addition to the accommodation subsidies, the program extends its benefits to ferry travel, offering financial support for the transportation of beneficiaries between islands and regions. Ferry tickets are subsidized under the program, with beneficiaries required to contribute only 25% of the fare. This makes it easier for people to travel around Greece and explore its various islands, which are an integral part of the country’s tourism offering.

Furthermore, the program provides a special benefit for people with disabilities, offering ferry tickets free of charge. This is an important measure that ensures equal access to the country’s tourist destinations for people with mobility challenges, allowing them to enjoy the beauty and culture of Greece without financial barriers.

To help participants navigate the program, DYPA has published provisional lists of eligible participants, which can be accessed on its official website. This allows individuals to confirm their eligibility and begin planning their holidays as soon as possible. The Social Tourism portal also provides additional information and updates on the program, ensuring transparency and ease of access for all interested parties.

Overall, the extension of Greece’s Social Tourism program for the 2025–2026 period is a significant move to support domestic tourism, provide affordable travel options for eligible individuals, and boost the local economy. With increased accommodation subsidies during peak travel times and enhanced ferry travel benefits, the program is poised to make holidays more accessible for a broader group of people. Whether visiting the islands, exploring cultural landmarks, or simply enjoying Greece’s natural beauty, beneficiaries can now look forward to an unforgettable experience, made possible by this forward-thinking initiative.

Greece’s Social Tourism Program for 2025–2026 will be extended to include new regions, offer more subsidized nights, and provide longer deadlines, aiming to make travel more accessible to a wider range of citizens while supporting local economies and boosting tourism.

For more information on eligibility and how to apply for the program, individuals can visit the official DYPA website and the Social Tourism portal, where they can find all the details necessary to make their holiday plans a reality.