Volunteer in Greece: Support Communities, Protect Wildlife, and Explore the Islands

When you think about volunteering in Greece, you may soon be counting gyros as you fall asleep. And while it’s true that the rich cultural landscape across the Greek islands is alluring enough to attract you like a magnet, there are plenty of ways to give back to a nation that has offered the world so much. 

Between volunteering with vulnerable populations to helping protect the environment, volunteer programs in Greece are truly diverse. Here are some things to know about spending time in Greece and the volunteer projects that connect you with meaningful work.

Know Before You Go

Greece is a sun-soaked nation in Southeast Europe, comprised of thousands of islands. The exact number of islands in Greece is actually debated, with estimates ranging as high as 6,000. The capital of the country is Athens, a city that boasts a more concentrated history than most places on earth. But Greece is known for more than the Acropolis and Parthenon of Athens — its famous black sand beaches and the lively atmosphere of Mykonos also draw in quite the crowds.

For a country as beautiful and tourist-heavy as Greece, you may be wondering why they would need international volunteers. The truth is that tourism has taken a toll on parts of Greece, especially coastal regions. Greece is considered a hotspot for biodiversity, and its animals are facing extinction as their natural habitats are threatened. Aside from tourism, industries like fishing and forestry are also affecting native species. This has created a demand for eco-volunteers in Greece: you can learn about the dynamic ecosystem while helping to preserve it. Greece also hosts many refugees, particularly from Syria and Afghanistan, who are awaiting placement in new home nations.

What else can you expect during your time in Greece? The country is quite rainy in the winter, though the temperatures remain mild with an average of 52 degrees. By August, the high temperature can reach about 92 degrees on average. The diet in Greece has a few staples: olives and olive oil, eggplant, lentils, yogurt, fish, and lamb.

Volunteer Programs in Greece

International Volunteer HQ

Volunteer in Greece with International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) and explore the history and beauty of Athens and Alonissos. Choose from meaningful projects like animal care, community support, marine conservation, and more, all aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Volunteer Opportunities in Greece

• Animal Care in Athens: Help protect and care for abandoned animals in local shelters, providing them with the attention and love they need to find forever homes. Volunteering in this project allows you to make a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable animals, offering a safe space and a brighter future for those in need.
• Community Support in Athens: Work alongside local NGOs to support refugees and asylum seekers, helping them gain new skills, secure employment, and integrate into Greek society. This project is vital for empowering individuals and communities through education and personal development.
• Content Creator for Impact in Athens: Use your creative and technical skills to support NGOs in Athens by developing marketing materials and online content. Your work will help boost the visibility of important causes such as social inclusion and environmental conservation, contributing to long-term sustainability efforts.
• Ethical Fashion in Athens: Support sustainable fashion initiatives by working with non-profits that recycle and upcycle clothing. This project also creates employment opportunities for refugees and survivors of human trafficking, offering a positive way to promote both environmental responsibility and social inclusion.
• Homeless Support in Athens: Assist local organizations in providing aid and services to homeless individuals in Athens. You’ll be part of a team working to improve the health and well-being of some of the city’s most vulnerable residents, helping them regain stability and dignity.
• Marine Conservation in Alonissos: Dive into the crystal-clear waters around Alonissos and contribute to vital marine conservation efforts. Volunteers gain hands-on experience in underwater clean-ups, environmental research, and practical conservation activities, making a real difference in protecting Greece’s marine ecosystem.
• Refugee Support in Athens: Work in host centers for refugees, providing a safe and creative environment for young refugees through arts, sports, and social activities. By offering these opportunities, you’ll help create a positive space for young people to learn new skills, express themselves, and foster a sense of community.

With trusted local organizations, you’ll experience Greece’s culture while making a lasting impact. Programs range from 1 to 12 weeks, offering accommodation, meals, and 24/7 support. Whether solo or with family, IVHQ ensures a rewarding, immersive experience for volunteers aged 18 and up.

GoEco

Join the Greek Island Marine Conservation program in Alonissos with GoEco and make a tangible difference while exploring Europe’s largest National Marine Park. As a volunteer, you’ll engage in coastal and underwater cleanups, contribute to citizen science projects, and participate in recycling seminars. Plus, you’ll have the unique opportunity to earn your PADI scuba certification while discovering Greece’s vibrant marine ecosystem, home to dolphins, turtles, and the endangered Mediterranean monk seal.

Stay in a traditional villa near the beach, enjoy local cuisine, and immerse yourself in Greece’s natural beauty and culture.

Projects Abroad

Embark on a transformative medical internship in Athens, Greece, with Projects Abroad and gain hands-on experience in one of the world’s most historically significant cities. As an intern, you’ll shadow experienced doctors across various medical specialties, learn essential skills through workshops, and immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture.

Stay in comfortable shared apartments, explore Athens’ iconic landmarks, and indulge in traditional Greek cuisine. This internship, designed for pre-med students, offers a perfect balance of clinical exposure and leisure time, helping you stand out in your medical school applications.

Involvement Volunteers International (IVI)

Volunteering in Greece with Involvement Volunteers International (IVI) offers a unique opportunity to explore the beautiful island of Chios while making a real difference. Engage in humanitarian work, community support, and education projects that help rebuild local infrastructure and support refugees. 

Volunteer Opportunities in Greece

• Community Support Projects: Assist local communities by helping to restore schools and public spaces, engage in seasonal activities, and work on essential maintenance projects. Volunteers contribute by painting classrooms, repairing buildings, and supporting local initiatives that enhance the island’s infrastructure.
• Kindergarten and School Support: In the Kindergarten and School Teaching Support projects, volunteers work alongside local educators, helping with daily tasks in classrooms. Activities include arts and crafts, supervising children during breaks, and assisting with general classroom preparation and maintenance. These projects offer an enriching cross-cultural experience while improving the educational environment for children aged 3 to 12.
• Refugee Humanitarian Work: IVI’s refugee support projects address the immediate needs of refugees arriving on Chios from Syria, Afghanistan, and other regions. Volunteers work in warehouses and free shops, distributing essential items like clothing, shoes, and toiletries. The program also focuses on helping vulnerable groups, including unaccompanied minors, by providing necessary supplies and assistance for medical visits.

Volunteers stay in dormitory-style accommodations near local amenities, preparing their own meals or dining locally. By volunteering, you’ll immerse yourself in the rich culture of Chios, contribute to meaningful causes, and enjoy a rewarding and unforgettable experience.

Volunteering Solutions (VolSol)

Intern in Greece with Volunteering Solutions and gain valuable hands-on experience in hospitals and clinics in Athens. Ideal for pre-med, medical, dental, and nursing students, this internship allows you to shadow professionals and observe medical procedures across a variety of departments, including anesthesiology, cardiology, and general surgery.

With opportunities to learn from English-speaking professionals, explore Greek culture, and meet like-minded peers, this program combines clinical exposure with cultural immersion. Interns stay in shared, fully furnished apartments, with weekends free to explore the beautiful city of Athens.

Global Vision International

Global Vision International, otherwise known simply as GVI, is committed to providing people of all ages with a meaningful volunteer experience. 

Their placement in Greece is near Giannitsochori, a seaside resort town that gives way to ancient ruins within just a few miles. No matter your age, your time with GVI as a volunteer in Greece will center on helping rescue and rehabilitate sea turtles. Travelers under 18 have their own volunteer program in Greece with GVI, lasting for two weeks and teaching about marine conservation. 

GVI’s general volunteer program in Greece will have you surveying and recording nesting activity, as well as working to preserve the natural habitat of these precious creatures. A longer internship is also available for six to 12 weeks; you’ll patrol the beach to look for new nests and educate the public about sea turtles, and you may even be involved with excavating and relocating sea turtle nests.

Ready to Travel?

Want to help the world and see the Mediterranean? Volunteering in Greece provides an incredible opportunity to help those in need in a beloved region while making memories to last a lifetime. Explore Greece, volunteer abroad, and make a real difference to the people and animals who call the Mediterranean their home.

Sign up for an account on Volunteer Forever today to get started in your search for an amazing volunteer experience!