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Volunteer Programs in Greece

Greece was hit hard by the financial crisis, leaving lasting impacts on communities and deepening the gap between wealth and poverty. Today, international volunteers play a key role—especially in English education and environmental conservation—helping support recovery and build a more sustainable future. Your time and skills can make a meaningful difference in rebuilding and preserving Greece’s cultural and natural heritage.
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40 Volunteer Programs in Greece

GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

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GoEco - Top Rated & Award Winning Volunteer Programs Abroad

GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with award-winning and ethical programs selected by sustainable travel experts. Since 2006, tens of thousands of volunteers have taken part in projects and internships worldwide, focusing on wildlife and marine conservation, education, and medical initiatives. GoEco operates in over 50 countries, providing unique cultural immersive experiences that aim to make a positive impact on the environment and society. The organization also offers internships and academic programs for students. GoEco provides safe and meaningful experiences while promoting sustainable travel and reducing carbon emissions.

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International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

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Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!

At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 96 countries who want to make a meaningful difference while exploring the world. With 300+ projects in 40+ destinations, IVHQ offers the widest selection of volunteer programs globally—from Teaching and Childcare to Wildlife Conservation, Medical Outreach, and Environmental Sustainability. Since 2007, IVHQ has supported over 147,000 volunteers on life-changing journeys. We specialize in fully-hosted volunteer trips that are safe, affordable, and accessible—starting from just $20 per day. Your experience includes airport pick-up, accommodation, meals, and round-the-clock support from our local teams. With flexible booking options and no change fees, planning your volunteer adventure has never been easier. Our programs run year-round and are available for 1 to 24 weeks across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Pacific, South and Central America, North America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. Volunteering with IVHQ is about more than giving back—it’s about growing, learning, and building genuine global connections.

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GVI

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Volunteer with Turtles in Greece

Join conservation efforts along the west coast of Greece, where GVI partners with a local organisation to protect loggerhead turtles and their breeding sites. You will monitor nests and turtles, build protective structures, and collect data. With your assistance, the growing awareness of these turtles will lead to better protection for them, ensuring more hatchlings join the population each year. Combine your conservation efforts with learning about the arts and culture of the country. Traverse archaeological sites, medieval ruins, fortresses, and learn about ancient olympic history. Or, develop your palate with local dishes before exploring nearby mountain terrain and heading back to your beachside campsite for the night’s nesting activities. With short- and mid-term contributions, you are supporting the long-term goal of the project, and assisting in measuring our contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, including: Goal 14: Life Below Water, Goal 15: Life On Land, Goal 17: Partnerships For Goals, and Goal 11: Sustainable Cities And Communities.

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Volunteer World

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Volunteer World: Best Volunteer Abroad Programs Worldwide

Looking to apply your talent and expertise to a good cause? Find a program that matches your interests and skills through Volunteer World! We are the largest volunteer abroad comparison platform around the globe, enabling you to seek and compare offers from major travel agencies as well as smaller grassroots NGOs and local specialists in more than 80 countries. All these with just one click! Find projects in wildlife, teaching, community development, and several other areas. Simply choose your desired destination and desired travel date, and our search engine will compare the best volunteer abroad programs on your behalf. Whether you wish to gain experience at a wildlife sanctuary in South Africa or teach English at a monastery in Nepal, we've got you covered. Volunteer World guarantees a quick and easy application. We will guide you through this process, as well as help plan your next meaningful trip. We provide free access to quality-checked projects and flexible options. And if anything goes wrong, we've got your back with our qualified support team and our refund guarantee.

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Rustic Pathways

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Greece: Island Turtle Conservation with Rustic Pathways

Protect endangered sea turtles while basking in the sun on the beautiful Greek island of Kefalonia. Get an in-depth look at conservation efforts, both on land and water. Snorkel in crystal clear waters and explore white sand beaches as you learn how to save turtles amid growing manmade and natural threats. Our Greek Island Turtle Conservation takes students to a part of Kefalonia Island, where endangered loggerhead turtles migrate every spring for food, mating, and nesting. You’ll work with survey teams that regularly walk along the beaches to protect nests while monitoring vulnerable seagrass meadows and dunes that are important for the turtles. It’s a unique opportunity for students interested in environmental science and nature. Combine the popular Northern Italy Adventure and Greece Island Turtle Conservation programs for one epic experience! Start your journey exploring the highlights of Northern Italy: the sights, the foods, the history, and more. Then jump to the Greek Island of Kefalonia and dive into the life of a marine conservationist as you help protect endangered sea turtles.

Terra Sylvestris

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Kalamos and Kastos Sustainable Development Program

Are you interested in collaborating with a local community, focusing on the development of a permaculture initiative as well as protection of biodiversity in an off-the-beaten location known for its global importance? In that case, sign up for a Sustainable Development Program - a field volunteer program that aims to help educate and inspire people from around the world about sustainability and nature conservation. It is based in the Kalamos Island biological field station, and you will work according to a pre-agreed plan. Throughout the program, you will immerse in one of the few grassroots biodiversity conservation projects in Greece, in an area of outstanding natural beauty. You will gain hands-on experience in monitoring wildlife and plant populations as well as in the field of permaculture and sustainability in a Mediterranean but also international context.You will also get to see how it is like to be part of an organization working towards achieving a variety of sustainability goals and be part of a multicultural environment and at the same time be a member of the local community of our islands.

Travel For Teens

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TFT: Greece and Italy - Island Service and Italian Adventure

Spend a week on the Greek island paradise of Corfu, where we will spend our mornings working at a local farm and helping out the community and local orphanage. Projects vary and are based on need but you may find yourself working at a food bank or clothing donation store and helping out with the animals on the farm. In addition to your service work, we will experience everything Corfu has to offer! Explore castles, try your hand at watersports, snorkel the bright blue sea, learn a thing or two about creating your own Greek feast, and hit the best boutiques for shopping! So join us this summer for a spectacular island service project and Italian adventure in Greece and Italy!

Projects Abroad

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Medical Internship with Projects Abroad

Doing your medical and healthcare internship abroad with Projects Abroad can provide a number of benefits, including: * Gaining hands-on experience in a global healthcare setting * Developing essential medical skills * Witnessing healthcare challenges and solutions first-hand * Contributing to community health outreach programs Internships are also designed to be tailored to your interests so you can focus on a particular area of medicine or healthcare. Additionally, you may be able to shadow experienced doctors and nurses. These experiences can help you decide if a medical career is right for you and strengthen your resume or medical school application. Visit our website now or get in touch to learn more.

Dimitris Farm/Vineyard

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14-Day Culture and Volunteer Program: Athens, Greece

This program combines cultural immersion, historical exploration, and meaningful volunteer work in the vibrant city of Athens. Participants will have the opportunity to contribute to the lives of vulnerable individuals while experiencing Greece's rich heritage and beauty. Itinerary Week 1: Orientation and Cultural Immersion Days 1-3: Arrival in Athens, orientation, and cultural immersion activities. Explore the Acropolis, visit the National Archaeological Museum, and participate in a Greek cooking class. Days 4-7: Volunteer at a local orphanage or homeless shelter. Engage in activities such as tutoring, playing games, organizing events, and providing companionship to the children and adults. Week 2: Mega Greece Tour and Volunteer Continuation Days 8-10: Embark on the Mega Greece Tour, visiting iconic sites like Argos and Mycenae. Learn about ancient Greek history, mythology, and culture. Days 11-14: Continue volunteering at the orphanage or homeless shelter, deepening your connection with the community and making a lasting impact.

Abbey Road Programs

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Odyssey: Greek Islands Adventure | Summer Program for Teens

This exciting adventure will take our students to some of the best destinations on the Greek islands and mainland Greece, introducing them to one of the oldest, richest, and most awe-inspiring cultures of the world. Our students will marvel at the natural beauty of Crete and the Cycladic islands, washed by the turquoise waters of the Aegean sea, the colorful seaside villages, and some of Europe’s most spectacular beaches. They will learn about Greek history, mythology, and culture in a fun and engaging way, based on our Experiential Learning Method. The students will also participate in community service projects with our Greek partners, protecting animal habitat and fighting deforestation, sea pollution, and climate change. Key Details: Dates: July 10 - July 24 Locations visited: Crete, Santorini, Naxos, and Athens Housing: Hotels and student apartments

Involvement Volunteers International

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Refugee Humanitarian Work in Greece

Help refugees from a nearby camp find essential clothing and toiletries in our 'free shop'. We run a pop-up shop outside the camp for unaccompanied minors, which is a top priority. This project has had a positive impact on one of the most vulnerable groups in the camp. Refugees can select non-food items such as clothing, shoes, hygiene products, and blankets in our free shop. Children under 2 years old can also receive strollers. Additionally, we provide services such as printing and laminating important documents. A detailed induction will follow the general orientation, explaining the system and various roles in the free shop. The shop opens with a minimum of 5 volunteers and closes every Friday if the coordinators deem it necessary. Our warehouse is divided into four areas: storage, free shop, office, and local shop-plastic area. It serves as our central hub for sorting, storing donations, and running operations.

Pacific Discovery

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Greece & Croatia Mini Semester | Pacific Discovery

Adventure, Culture, and Purpose: Grow, Connect, and Explore the Mediterranean Sail the Aegean, wander ancient cobblestone streets, and awaken your sense of purpose on this six-week journey through Greece and Croatia. Island-hop among sun-soaked shores, explore ruins that tell the stories of ancient civilizations, kayak hidden coves, and immerse yourself in vibrant local cultures. Learn traditional crafts and cuisine alongside locals, practice teamwork while sailing between islands, and reflect on your growth with a close-knit group of like-minded peers. This program blends adventure, cultural immersion, and hands-on learning to build confidence, resilience, and clarity about your path forward. Whether you’re taking a gap year, seeking an alternative to study abroad, prioritizing ethical travel, building skills and leadership, or craving authentic cultural experiences, this journey meets you where you are—helping you grow, connect, and discover meaning. This isn’t just travel—it’s a transformative experience that shapes your story.

Bright Light Volunteers

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Global Service Learning Program

Learn, serve, and lead with Bright Light Volunteers in a country of your choice. Our Global Service Learning (GSL) program is designed for passionate middle and high school students, exposing them to various aspects, including cultural and social, of their host community. Participants not only broaden their knowledge but also develop a deeper understanding of local, national, and global issues. They gain insight into the interdependency and interconnectedness of people and communities, becoming equipped to act responsibly and effectively toward a more just and peaceful world. Additionally, they develop a range of skills outside a conventional classroom environment. If you’re interested in joining our movement and becoming a global citizen, get in touch with us today for more information.

Natucate

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Volunteering in Greece - Animal Welfare

Support animal welfare in Southeast Europe! Travel to magnificent Greece and help care for vulnerable cats in an animal sanctuary southeast of Athens. Together with other international volunteers, you will be based in the beautiful Attica region and assist the dedicated on-site team with the sanctuary’s daily operations. You will help feed the cats, clean litter boxes and the facility and, of course, pet and play with the cats. Moreover, you may become involved in fundraising events, community work, and social media activities to help spread the word and raise awareness of the importance of animal welfare. On your off days, you get the chance to explore the fascinating Attica region and other parts of awe-inspiring Greece. Gain experience working with animals in need, and contribute to a good cause as an animal welfare volunteer.

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Project Manaia - Marine Research Expeditions

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Sailing Research Expedition with Project Manaia

Do you want to be part of an international crew aboard and help with data collection underwater? We will teach you the necessary skillset for habitat mapping, species Identification and mapping of their distribution, and spotting Marine Megafauna, such as dolphins, whales, and turtles. As a volunteer aboard, you will be a part of the research team, which means snorkeling, measuring seagrass meadows, looking for species, taking pictures and videos of all the different organisms you see, and learning to identify them! While sailing, you will also be standing watches—spotting whales and dolphins and trying to take the best possible pictures of them for Photo Identification with our partner organizations. You will be living aboard a 21m sailing boat with up to 9 more people, giving everyone enough space to find a quiet corner when needed but also enough social areas to live and work together. During your stay, we generally move every other day for a 4-5 hour sail to the next location, which gives us enough time to map and check the underwater world in each location properly and have a look onshore as well if wanted.

Refugee Support Europe

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Refugee Support Europe Volunteers

Become part of our global community of more than 1,000 volunteers and help transform lives in as short as two weeks! Treat refugees with dignity and play an instrumental role in our efforts to help rebuild their lives. Spend a transformative and life-changing time with us while supporting a range of activities from the day you arrive and every day after that. We are currently focusing our efforts on the UK, Greece, and Cyprus. And you’ll volunteer where you can make the biggest impact. We will also set up an operation in Moldova, on the Ukrainian border. Click on “Visit Website” or inquire now to get updates. Our volunteer opportunities are open to everyone from all walks of life. You don’t need any qualifications to join; you just need to smile. We ask for a minimum commitment of two weeks.

Bronx Familia Animal Shelter

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Transform Lives: Volunteer with 300 Rescue Dogs in Crete

We are Bronx Familia Animal Shelter, located on the beautiful island of Crete, Greece, where we care for over 300 rescued dogs who have been given a second chance at life. Many of our dogs were rescued from streets or difficult situations where they faced hunger, abuse, or neglect. Here, they enjoy a safe and loving home. Our shelter relies on passionate volunteers to help with daily care, feeding, cleaning, and socializing the dogs — an essential part of their rehabilitation. They also assist with maintenance and other projects, such as building dog houses, improving enclosures, and helping around the shelter. Life at the shelter is physically demanding but incredibly rewarding, offering hands-on experience in animal care, shelter management, and rescue work. Accommodation and basic groceries are provided, and volunteers have the opportunity to form deep connections with our affectionate and playful dogs. If you are flexible, patient, and love animals, joining us at Bronx Familia is a chance to make a real difference, help rehabilitate dogs in need, and experience the beauty of Crete while contributing to a meaningful mission.

Gaia Research Institute ONLUS

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Dolphin Monitoring in Greece

Since 2009, Gaia Research Institute has been dedicated to marine conservation and cetaceans monitoring in the Mediterranean Sea. This summer camp offers a unique opportunity to take part in a real-world research project focusing on the observation and conservation of dolphins in a very ecologically important marine area. This course is designed to provide participants with the theoretical foundation and hands-on experience necessary to understand and contribute to dolphin research and marine biodiversity protection. Through direct involvement in data collection, analysis, and outreach activities, participants will work directly alongside experienced marine biologists in the field, taking part in boat and land-based surveys, data entry and analysis sessions. It’s more than just an educational program—it’s a chance to join a passionate scientific community working toward protecting marine life in a region facing increasing ecological pressure. Whether you are studying marine biology, pursuing a career in environmental science, or simply passionate about dolphins and the sea, this program offers a meaningful experience in the heart of the Ionian Greek Sea.

Second Tree

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Youth Program Volunteer at Second Tree

We are looking to recruit people for our Youth Program, aimed at young refugees and asylum seekers in the Epirus region of Northern Greece. Available Roles: Children’s English Teacher - In this role, you will be responsible for planning and delivering classes focused on low-level English learning. Ideal candidates must be fun and engaging. While having TEFL or equivalent experience is preferable, it is not essential. Excursion Lead - You will be responsible for planning and leading weekend excursions. This requires an organized and systematic planner who is confident in leading groups of children. Workshop Lead - In this role, you will be responsible for facilitating workshops that can be either thematic, reinforcing the vocabulary learned in English class to make it more practical and interactive, or focused on social and emotional learning, helping students develop their self-awareness through creative and mindful activities. This program requires a minimum commitment of 10 weeks.

ImpacTrip

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Refugee Support in Lesvos

Assist migrants and asylum seekers in rebuilding their lives through hands-on support, cultural exchange, and meaningful connections. Partnering with local organizations, you’ll provide direct support to refugees, helping them integrate, acquire essential skills, and navigate their new realities with dignity and hope. As a volunteer, you will help bridge the gap between struggle and opportunity, offering education, social support, and hands-on assistance. Your daily tasks will include: - Guiding and accompanying refugees to crucial services, including legal aid and healthcare - Organizing fun and educational activities for children and adults to uplift spirits and foster growth - Connect with refugees in informal settings, providing emotional and social support Why Volunteer? - Create lasting change and be a force of positivity in the lives of refugees rebuilding their futures. - Gain hands-on experience by developing valuable skills in humanitarian work, education, and social services. - Immerse yourself in Greek culture, and discover the stunning landscapes, warm communities, and rich history of Lesvos.

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How to Volunteer Abroad in Greece

Prepare for Volunteering

Set goals

Volunteering in Greece can look very different depending on where you go and what you want to achieve. Setting clear goals will help you get the most out of your experience and make a real impact.

  • Pick your focus. Environmental conservation, education, organic farming, and community development are popular options.
  • Consider your setting. Urban programs often involve social outreach; rural areas focus on sustainability and hands-on work.
  • Know your strengths. Match your skills—teaching, communication, or physical work—to the role.
  • Learn some Greek. It’s not required, but it helps build local trust.
  • Stay intentional. Reflect on what impact means to you.

Understand the benefits

Greece is more than a travel destination—it’s a place where your time and effort can create lasting change. Volunteering here gives you the chance to connect deeply with local communities and natural landscapes.

  • Support real needs. Help with marine conservation, reforestation, organic farming, or youth education.
  • Live like a local. Stay in host homes or rural villages and immerse yourself in daily Greek life.
  • Build global skills. Develop cross-cultural communication, leadership, and adaptability.
  • Boost the environment. Protect Greece’s coastlines, forests, and farms through hands-on action.
  • Experience resilience. See how communities balance tradition with modern challenges.

Things to know

Volunteering in Greece is deeply rewarding—but it’s also a cultural adventure. Keep these tips in mind to get the most from your experience:

  • Placements vary. Programs span urban hubs like Athens to quiet islands and remote villages.
  • Top focus areas. Conservation, organic farming, education, and social empowerment lead the way.
  • Language matters. English works in many programs, but a little Greek shows respect and effort.
  • Visa-friendly. U.S. and EU citizens can typically volunteer without a visa for short stays.
  • Be mindful. In cities, stay alert, avoid flashy valuables, and ask locals for safe travel tips.

Popular Providers

Frequently Asked Questions

Volunteering opportunities in Greece are abundant and diverse. With the presence of various organizations and NGOs, one can easily engage in tasks such as refugee support, cultural preservation, environmental conservation, and education.

Volunteering in Greece is visa-free for US and EU citizens. Citizens of other countries are advised to check the visa policies with a Greek embassy or consulate.

It's important to note that a Schengen visa may be required for some nationalities. The cost for an adult visa is around €80, while a child visa (for ages 6-12) is €40. Keep in mind that fees can differ and there may be extra charges.

Living in Greece is manageable compared to other European Union countries in terms of cost of living. Moreover, Greece is widely recognized for its safe and secure environment, with exceptionally low incidents of serious crimes.

Latest Program Reviews

A life changing experience

December 13, 2025by: Irene Neal - CanadaProgram: Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!
9

I was looking for an escape from my comfortable lifestyle at home in Canada. I wanted to share my passion helping others less fortunate than myself. I searched international volunteering programs, have volunteered in four countries in 2025, and can truly say these experiences have changed my life. How do you feel when an elderly person in a old people's home in Zambia begs you to stay with them and share stories and smiles? What happens to you when the school children in Ghana hug you so tight you lose your breath? What overtakes your mind when you introduce positive ideas to women in an impoverished village in Sri Lanka, and see them take possession of new personal empowerment? Let me tell you. It grabs you by the heart and nourishes your soul. It makes you want to come back again and again. Which is exactly what I plan to do in 2026.

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