Greece is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe and a natural choice for Bulgarian tourists. The Aegean and Ionian Seas, thousands of islands, ancient monuments, Mediterranean cuisine, mountains, small traditional villages and some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe allow for a huge variety of trips.
Athens, Thessaloniki, Halkidiki, Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, Santorini, Mykonos, Zakynthos, Thassos and Peloponnese are just some of the possibilities. Greece is suitable for both car holidays from Bulgaria and island adventures, yacht trips, cultural excursions and gastronomic routes.
For Bulgarian citizens no visa required, and the border can be crossed with a valid Bulgarian ID card or passport. Greece is part of the European Union, the Eurozone and the Schengen Area.
Before traveling, check Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria – Greece.
| Indicator | Information |
|---|---|
| Capital | Athens |
| Official language | Greek |
| Currency | Euro (EUR) |
| Telephone code | +30 |
| Climate | Mostly Mediterranean |
| Travel document | Identity card or international passport |
| Visa for Bulgarian citizens | Not required |
| Main places | Athens, Thessaloniki, Halkidiki, Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, Santorini |
| Main experiences | Beaches, islands, ancient history, cuisine, yachts, mountains |
| Traffic on the roads | On the right |
| Currency | Euro |
| MFA Risk Index | Level 2 – increased caution |
No. Bulgarian citizens can travel to Greece with valid Bulgarian ID card, passport or temporary passport.
For a standard tourist trip, an ID card is sufficient.
The document must be valid for the period of travel.
No. For short-term stays, Bulgarian citizens do not need a visa for Greece.
Bulgaria and Greece are members of the European Union and the Schengen Area.
Bulgaria and Greece are part of the Schengen area.
However, tourists should always carry a valid ID card or passport, as identity checks may be carried out.
Before traveling by car, check the current road and border situation.
The official currency is euro – EUR.
Bank cards are widely used, but it is also practical to have cash for small purchases, beaches, and smaller towns.
Yes. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, supermarkets and tourist sites.
In small taverns, beach bars, and remote island villages, it is a good idea to have cash on hand.
Yes. There are ATMs in all major cities and tourist resorts.
On small islands, choices may be limited.
Check additional fees before confirming the withdrawal.
Prices vary significantly depending on the destination and season.
Halkidiki, the Olympic Riviera and some parts of mainland Greece can be relatively affordable.
Mykonos, Santorini, and some luxury island resorts can be significantly more expensive during high season.
Much of Greece has Mediterranean climate with hot and dry summers and relatively mild winters.
Mountainous areas have a cooler climate and receive significant snowfall in winter.
Northern Greece has more pronounced seasonal temperature differences.
For a beach holiday, the most popular period is June – September.
May, June, September, and early October often offer pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists.
For Athens and cultural itineraries, spring and autumn are particularly suitable.
July and August are usually the hottest months.
During heat waves, temperatures can become very high, especially inland and in Athens.
Avoid strenuous hikes and prolonged sun exposure during the hottest hours.
From Bulgaria, Greece is easily accessible by car, bus and plane.
Thessaloniki and Northern Greece are particularly convenient for car travel.
Direct flights or a combination of car/plane and ferry can be used for the islands.
Continental Greece has a good road infrastructure and intercity buses.
The islands are accessible by plane and an extensive network of ferries.
On the larger islands, renting a car provides significantly more freedom.
Greece has one of the most developed ferry networks in the world.
The main ports are Piraeus, Rafina, Lavrio, Thessaloniki, Igoumenitsa, Kavala and numerous island ports.
In July and August, it is advisable to book tickets in advance, especially when traveling by car.
The main attraction is The Acropolis with the Parthenon.
Other places of interest include the Acropolis Museum, the Ancient Agora, Plaka, Monastiraki, Syntagma Square and Lycabettus Hill.
At least 2–3 days are suitable for the main attractions.
Thessaloniki is an excellent destination for a city weekend from Bulgaria.
The White Tower, the seaside promenade, Aristotelous Square, Ano Poli and the Byzantine churches are among the main attractions.
The city is particularly famous for its gastronomy and lively nightlife.
Halkidiki is easily accessible from Bulgaria and offers hundreds of beaches and a large selection of hotels, apartments and campsites.
The peninsula has three arms – Kassandra, Sithonia and Mount Athos.
Kassandra is more touristically developed, while Sithonia is known for its beautiful bays and a more relaxed atmosphere.
Mount Athos has a special autonomous status.
Access is restricted and special permission is required to visit.
Women are not allowed on the territory of the monastic republic, but tourists can take part in sea cruises along the shores of Mount Athos.
Among the most popular are Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, Santorini, Mykonos, Zakynthos, Kos, Paros, Naxos, Thassos and Lefkada.
Each island has a different atmosphere and tourist profile.
The choice should depend on whether you are looking for beaches, history, nightlife, nature or tranquility.
Santorini is famous for its volcanic caldera, white houses, blue domes and sunsets over the Aegean Sea.
Oia and Fira are the most visited places.
The island is especially popular for romantic trips and honeymoons.
Mykonos is one of the most famous luxury and party destinations in the Mediterranean.
The island combines beautiful beaches, traditional Cycladic architecture, luxury hotels, restaurants and famous beach clubs.
During high season, prices can be very high.
Crete is the largest Greek island and can be a standalone destination for one or two weeks.
Chania, Rethymno, Heraklion, Knossos, Elafonisi, Balos and the Samaria Gorge are among the main places.
The island has its own strong gastronomic and cultural identity.
Corfu offers green nature, beautiful bays and architecture with Venetian influence.
The old town of Corfu is among the most interesting historical centers of the Greek islands.
Paleokastritsa is one of the most popular coastal areas.
Zakynthos is famous for its beautiful coastline and the Caretta caretta sea turtles.
The island offers a combination of beaches, boat trips, and lively tourist resorts.
Some natural areas are protected and local restrictions must be observed.
Yes. Thassos is one of the most convenient islands for car travel from Bulgaria.
It is reached by a short ferry crossing from Northern Greece.
The island offers beaches, mountain villages, taverns and archaeological sites.
Meteora is one of the most impressive religious and natural complexes in Greece.
The monasteries are built on huge rock formations above the Kalambaka area.
Meteora can easily be included in a road route from Bulgaria to Central Greece.
Peloponnese offers an extraordinary variety of history, beaches and mountainous areas.
Mycenae, Epidaurus, Olympia, Nafplio, Monemvasia and Mystras are among the main attractions.
The region is excellent for a road trip.
For a first cultural trip, you can choose:
Thessaloniki – Meteora – Delphi – Athens – Peloponnese.
For a summer vacation, the following can be combined:
Athens – Mykonos – Paros – Santorini.
Greek cuisine is among the most recognizable Mediterranean cuisines.
Main products are olive oil, vegetables, cheeses, fish, seafood, meat, olives, fresh herbs and yogurt.
Different islands and regions have their own local specialties.
Try it moussaka, souvlaki, gyros, tzatziki, Greek salad, saganaki, octopus, squid and fresh fish.
Popular desserts include baklava, orange pie, and loukoumades.
Local cheeses and olive oil are also an important part of the cuisine.
Ouzo is one of the most recognizable Greek drinks.
Tsipouro, local wines and mastiha from the island of Chios are also popular.
Greek cold coffee – frappe or freddo espresso – is part of everyday life in the summer.
Yes. Tips are customary, but not required in a fixed amount.
In restaurants they are often left around 5–10% with good service or the bill is rounded up.
A small tip can also be left for taxis, hotels, and excursions.
Greece is one of the most visited tourist countries in Europe.
The Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs defines the country as level 2 – increased attention.
In tourist areas, one should be especially careful of pickpocketing, theft, and fraud, which are typical of large tourist centers.
Yes. During the hot and dry summer months in Greece there is a real risk of forest fires.
Follow the warnings of the Greek authorities and do not enter areas that are closed due to fire.
In extreme temperatures, check the situation immediately before traveling.
The European emergency number is 112.
Police – 100.
Emergency medical assistance – 166.
Fire department – 199.
Yes. Bulgaria has embassy in Athens.
There is also Consulate General in Thessaloniki, which is especially important for the large number of Bulgarian tourists in Northern Greece.
Current contacts are published on Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria – Greece.
If a document is lost or stolen, you must file a report with the Greek police.
Then contact the Bulgarian Embassy in Athens or the Consulate General in Thessaloniki.
To issue a temporary passport, a document from the Greek police certifying the absence of the document is required.
Yes. Greece has a well-developed mobile infrastructure.
Bulgarian SIM cards can be used according to the rules for roaming in the European Union and the terms and conditions of the respective operator.
On some small islands and remote beaches, coverage may be weaker.
Yes. You can check the available offers at Airalo.
For Bulgarian tourists, however, roaming in the EU often makes using your own SIM card more convenient.
Check your mobile operator's terms and conditions before traveling.
Greece uses standard European sockets and a voltage of 230 V.
Bulgarian chargers can usually be used without an adapter.
In Athens and many parts of mainland Greece, tap water is usually safe to drink.
On some islands, tourists prefer bottled water because of taste, mineral content, or local water supply issues.
Follow the accommodation's recommendations.
Yes. Greece is one of the most popular family destinations for Bulgarian tourists.
Halkidiki, Thassos, Crete, Corfu, Rhodes and many other areas offer shallow beaches, family hotels and apartments.
Road access to Northern Greece is an added advantage.
Yes. Santorini, Milos, Paros, Corfu and the small Cycladic islands are excellent for romantic trips.
Boutique hotels, sea views, and traditional villages make Greece a popular honeymoon destination.
For Athens or Thessaloniki they are suitable 2–4 days.
For an island vacation, 7–10 days are usually appropriate.
For a combined route through several islands or mainland Greece, it is a good idea to plan at least 10–14 days.
Olive oil, olives, honey, spices, ouzo, mastic, local wines, ceramics, and natural cosmetics are popular purchases.
Each island also offers its own local products.
Santorini, Meteora, the Acropolis, Nafplio, Mykonos, Milos, Zakynthos and the traditional villages of the Cyclades offer some of the most recognizable views.
The Greek islands are especially beautiful early in the morning and around sunset.
Yes. Greece has a developed tourist infrastructure and a wide choice of transportation and accommodation.
Athens, Thessaloniki and the popular islands are easy to organize on your own.
For smaller islands, check ferry connections in advance.
The official language is Greek.
In tourist areas, English is widely used.
In Northern Greece, in some places you can meet people who also understand Bulgarian.
Yes. The Bulgarian driver's license is valid in Greece.
Traffic is on the right.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs warns that the Greek traffic police impose serious fines and administrative measures, so the restrictions and rules must be strictly followed.
Bring a valid driver's license, registration documents, and valid car insurance.
In the event of a traffic accident, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommends that the Greek traffic police be called.
Check tolls, route and current conditions before departure.
For a standard tourist trip from Bulgaria, special travel vaccines are usually not required.
It is recommended to wear European Health Insurance Card and additional travel medical insurance.
Greece offers practically unlimited opportunities – Halkidiki, Thassos, Crete, Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes, Corfu, Zakynthos, Athens, Thessaloniki, Meteora and Peloponnese.
Through Journey Group You can check the options for hotels, plane tickets, ferries, rental cars, individual vacations, island itineraries, yacht adventures and organized programs in Greece.
Available seats, program and price are confirmed upon request.
Check the validity of your ID card or passport, hotel reservation, ferry or plane tickets, and travel insurance.
When traveling by car, check the validity of your car insurance, current road conditions, and any restrictions or strikes.
During the summer, keep an eye on heat and forest fire warnings, especially if you are planning mountain hikes or visiting remote areas.
Before departure, check Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria – Greece. For additional mobile connectivity, you can check Airalo.
Yes. Bulgarian citizens can cross the Bulgarian-Greek border with valid Bulgarian ID card, passport or temporary passport.
A visa is not required for tourist travel.
Thassos is one of the most convenient options, as the island is reached by a short ferry ride from Northern Greece.
Lefkada is also an interesting option because it is connected to the mainland and can be reached by car without a standard ferry transfer.
June and September often offer an excellent combination of warm seas, pleasant weather and fewer tourists.
July and August are the busiest and usually the hottest months.
Crete and Rhodes are suitable for tourists who want a combination of beaches, history and developed infrastructure.
Santorini is suitable for a romantic trip, and Mykonos - for luxury and nightlife.
Yes. Island hopping is one of the best ways to travel in Greece.
Combinations between the Cyclades islands are particularly convenient, for example Athens – Mykonos – Paros – Naxos – Santorini.
Yes. Greece is not just a summer destination.
In the mountainous areas there are winter centers such as Parnassus, Kalavrita and Vasilitsa, while the mainland offers excellent opportunities for winter and mountain tourism.
Greece is one of the most diverse and easily accessible destinations for Bulgarian tourists – Halkidiki and Thassos for a car holiday, Santorini and Mykonos for island adventures, Crete and Rhodes for a longer vacation, Athens and Thessaloniki for city tourism and Meteora and Peloponnese for cultural itineraries.
For Bulgarian citizens no visa is required and you can travel with a valid ID card or passport.
Journey Group can assist with hotels, plane and ferry tickets, rental cars, individual itineraries, yacht trips and organized vacations in Greece.
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