Posted by ⚡ Everything You Need to Know (2025)
Planning your holiday in Greece and wondering if you need an adapter, whether your charger will work, and what to expect during power outages?
Don’t worry – Greece uses the same type of electrical outlets as Germany.
However, there are a few minor differences you should be aware of to ensure your camera, phone, and hairdryer work flawlessly on your holiday.
This article will tell you:
which types of outlets are used in Greece,
whether you need an adapter,
what the voltage is,
how to save energy and protect your devices,
and what to do during power outages or when traveling on islands.
1. Electrical Outlets in Greece – Compatible with Europe
Two types of electrical outlets are used in Greece:
Type C (Europlug – two round prongs)
Type F (Schuko plug – two prongs + grounding contacts on the sides)
These are identical to the outlets in Germany, Austria, and most EU countries.
👉 This means:
You don’t need a travel plug or adapter if you’re coming from Germany, Austria, or Switzerland.
Only British, US, or Swiss Type J plugs require an adapter.
2. Mains voltage and frequency
| feature | Greece | Germany | remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tension | 230 volts | 230 volts | identical |
| frequency | 50 Hertz | 50 Hertz | identical |
| Socket types | C & F | C & F | compatible |
💡 Conclusion:
All German electrical appliances work perfectly in Greece – without adapters or voltage converters.
3. Where there are small differences
Sometimes electrical outlets differ slightly in design or depth, especially:
in older buildings,
in small guesthouses on islands,
or in basic vacation rentals.
In these cases, thick Schuko plugs (e.g., hair dryers, laptop power adapters) might not fit perfectly.
Solution: a small, flat travel adapter or Europlug extension cord – costs €3–5 and works almost everywhere.
4. Devices you can use without worry
Anything with a Euro or Schuko plug works without problems:
Smartphone chargers
Laptop/tablet
Camera batteries
Razors/toothbrushes
Hair dryer (provided it’s 230V)
Chargers for power banks or drones
💡 Tip:
Many hotels and apartments now have USB ports – but always bring your own power adapters anyway.
5. Adapters & Power Strips – When They’re Useful
Even if you don’t need an adapter, a small travel power strip or power bank is worthwhile because:
Outlet sockets are often less numerous (many older buildings).
In hotels, they are often hidden behind furniture.
You often want to charge several devices at the same time.
Recommendation:
Multi-USB charger (4 ports, 2 A).
Compact travel power strip with surge protection.
Devices with surge protection are ideal because power fluctuations are more common in Greece than in Northern Europe.
6. Power Outages – No Need to Worry
Short power outages (1–5 minutes) occasionally occur in Greece, especially:
on small islands,
during strong winds,
or in peak season when air conditioning is running.
💡 What to do:
Connect an important device (e.g., laptop) to a power bank.
The Wi-Fi router usually restarts after 2–3 minutes.
In hotels, it rarely takes longer than 10 minutes.
Longer outages (several hours) are very rare and are resolved quickly.
7. Power Outlets on the Greek Islands
The electrical infrastructure is the same on all the islands (Crete, Rhodes, Naxos, Santorini, Corfu, Paros, Zakynthos, etc.).
However:
On very small islands (e.g., Koufonissi, Folegandros, Symi), the power supply can occasionally fluctuate because electricity is delivered via submarine cables or diesel generators.
This can affect sensitive electronics (laptops, cameras).
Therefore, an adapter with surge protection or a power bank with a buffer function is recommended.
8. How reliable is the electricity in Greece?
The power grid has been modernized, but it is not everywhere up to German standards.
In new hotels and apartments, residual current devices (RCDs) and grounding are standard; in older buildings, they are sometimes not.
Tips:
Don’t plug in electrical devices with wet hands.
Don’t use power strips in the bathroom.
Don’t leave hair dryers and straighteners unattended.
Secure childproof electrical outlets (adapters are available).
Greece uses the European grounding standard, so all modern appliances are protected.
9. Electricity Costs & Energy Prices (for vacation rentals)
Interesting for tourists who are staying longer or renting apartments:
| Year | Electricity price (average, €/kWh) | remark |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | €0.28 | Energy crisis |
| 2023 | €0,22 | slightly decreased |
| 2024 | €0,20 | stabilized |
| 2025 | €0,19 | current (average) |
Greece makes extensive use of solar and wind energy.
Many houses have solar panels, especially for hot water – this explains the small hot water storage tank (“boiler”) in apartments.
💡 Tip:
If you’re staying in a vacation rental for an extended period, you can shower for free during the day – hot water powered by solar energy!
10. Hot Water & Electricity in Everyday Life
In Greece, hot water is often heated electrically, either:
via a boiler, which is activated by a switch in the bathroom,
or via a solar thermal system (especially on islands).
So, if you’re in a vacation rental and don’t have hot water:
Turn on the switch labeled “Θερμοσίφωνας” (Thermosífonas).
Wait 15–20 minutes.
Then turn it off – otherwise, the electricity will continue to run.
This saves energy and protects the boiler.
11. Electricity and Safety When Charging Devices
Many travelers charge multiple devices simultaneously – cell phone, camera, tablet, e-reader.
Keep the following in mind:
Never overload electrical outlets.
Do not leave chargers on the bed or sofa (fire hazard).
Never leave power banks in direct sunlight.
For expensive devices (laptop, drone): Use surge protectors.
💡 Especially in hotels, where many guests draw power at the same time, the voltage fluctuates briefly – this is normal.
12. Reducing Electricity Consumption on Vacation
Small habits help conserve electricity and protect the environment:
Only run the air conditioning when necessary (each hour = ~1 kWh).
Turn off lights when you leave.
Unplug chargers after charging.
Check the refrigerator temperature (often set too cold).
Use devices with solar charging capabilities (e.g., for cell phones).
This is not only environmentally friendly, but it also extends the lifespan of your appliances.
13. Electricity Grid & Energy in Greece – An Overview
Greece is increasingly producing its electricity from renewable sources:
approx. 40% solar and wind power,
30% natural gas,
20% hydropower,
The remainder: oil (mainly on islands).
Many islands are connected to the mainland via submarine cables (e.g., Crete since 2022).
This improves stability and reduces emissions.
14. Electricity in a Motorhome or While Camping
Campsites in Greece generally have CEE connections (blue sockets, 230 V).
You will need:
CEE cable (3-pin),
possibly a CEE to Schuko adapter,
and an extension cord (25 m is ideal).
The electricity supply is reliable, but not every campsite has enough power for an air conditioner or electric grill – it’s best to check beforehand.
15. Plugs and Power on Planes and Ferries
Many travelers to Greece combine flying and ferry travel.
On planes: Power outlets are rarely available; bring a power bank (max. 100 Wh).
On ferries: mostly Euro sockets (Type C/F), 230 V. Available in cabins and lounges.
Ideal for charging mobile phones or laptops during long crossings.
16. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
➡️ Do I need an adapter in Greece?
No, not for German devices.
➡️ Do razors and hair dryers work?
Yes, provided they are 230 V devices (standard in the EU).
➡️ Are there power outages?
Rare and usually short.
➡️ Can I charge overnight?
Yes, but it’s best to place chargers on a stable surface (not on the bed).
➡️ Does every accommodation have power outlets in the bathroom? Almost always, but in old houses sometimes only in the bedroom.
17. Practical packing list for electricity & electronics
| Device / Accessories | Why useful |
|---|---|
| 🔌 Multi-plug / travel adapter | Hotels often have few electrical outlets. |
| ⚡ Power bank (10,000-20,000 mAh) | Ideal for power outages |
| 🔋 USB charger (multiple ports) | Saves space |
| 🪫 Adapter CEE ↔ Schuko (camping) | For motorhome holidays |
| 🌞 Solar power bank | For beach days or island hikes |
| 🔌 Surge protection adapter | Protects laptop and camera |
18. Using Electricity in an Environmentally Friendly Way
Greece is sunny – ideal for solar energy.
Many travelers now use solar power banks or portable solar panels.
Advantages:
No need to charge at the hotel.
Ideal for campers, boats, and hikers.
Environmentally friendly and sustainable.
19. What to Do If the Power Goes Out
What to Do:
Stay calm – it usually only lasts a few minutes.
No light? → Use a flashlight or your phone’s light.
Keep the freezer closed (it will keep things cold for 3–4 hours).
Don’t plug in any devices during voltage fluctuations.
In remote villages, neighbors or landlords usually inform you immediately if the power outage lasts longer than expected.
20. Conclusion – Electricity in Greece is Simple
Greece has a modern power grid that is compatible with Germany’s.
You don’t need adapters, converters, or anything to worry about.
However:
Some power outlets are difficult to reach,
power outages occur occasionally,
and solar water heaters need to be switched on manually.
👉 In short:
Outlets: Type C & F (as in Germany)
Voltage: 230 V
Adapter: not needed
Power grid: stable
Tip: Bring a power bank and a small power strip.
This way you’ll be perfectly prepared for sun, sand, and electricity. ⚡🇬🇷