Posted by ☀️ Everything you need to know 2026
Greece is one of the sunniest countries in Europe – with over 300 days of sunshine a year.
That sounds idyllic, but it can quickly become dangerous: The sun in Greece is more intense than in Central Europe, and the UV radiation is significantly higher.
Many vacationers underestimate this and get sunburned on the very first day.
But this is easily avoidable – with the right sunscreen, the appropriate sun protection factor, and a little caution.
In this article, you’ll learn:
how strong the sun really is in Greece,
which sunscreen you need,
when and how you can best protect yourself,
and where you can buy good products.
1. Sun and Climate in Greece
Greece is located in the southeastern Mediterranean – the sun is much higher here in summer than in Germany, and the air is drier.
| Month | Average temperature | Hours of sunshine per day | UV index |
|---|---|---|---|
| April | 20 °C | 7 | 5–6 |
| May | 25 °C | 9 | 7 |
| June | 30 °C | 10 | 8–9 |
| July | 33 °C | 11 | 9–10 |
| August | 32 °C | 11 | 9–10 |
| September | 28 °C | 9 | 7–8 |
| October | 24 °C | 7 | 5–6 |
💡 The UV index indicates the intensity of ultraviolet radiation.
A value of 6 or higher is considered “high,” and 8 or higher is “very high”—and Greece falls into this category for almost the entire summer.
This means:
Sunburn can occur within 15–20 minutes, especially around midday.
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2. Why the sun is more dangerous in Greece than at home
Many tourists underestimate the sun because it feels pleasant in the warm breeze.
But the Greek sun is treacherous because:
the UV radiation is more intense (due to the southern latitude),
the sea reflects up to 25% of the radiation,
and the wind reduces the feeling of heat – you often notice the sunburn too late.
In addition: The ozone layer is somewhat thinner in Greece than in Central Europe, which further intensifies the radiation.
3. UV Radiation in Numbers
Greece has some of the highest UV levels in Europe.
| Location | Maximum UV index in summer | Comparison to Germany |
|---|---|---|
| Athens | 9–10 | 6–7 |
| Crete (Heraklion) | 10–11 | 6 |
| Rhodes | 10 | 6 |
| Santorini | 11 | 6 |
| Corfu | 8–9 | 5 |
| Naxos / Paros | 10 | 6 |
| Thessaloniki | 8 | 5 |
Conclusion:
In summer, the sun is up to twice as strong as in Germany – and dangerous for unprotected skin.
4. Which sunscreen is the right one for Greece?
The most important thing on holiday: sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF) – at least 30, better 50, especially at the beginning of the holiday.
| skin type | Recommended SPF | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Very fair skin, children | 50+ | High protection, apply several times a day |
| Normal skin | 30–50 | In summer, always 50 at midday. |
| tanned skin | 20–30 | Only with shorter hours of sunshine |
| Dark skin | 15–25 | Protection is still needed |
💡 Tip:
In Greece, the sun is strong even in the shade – UV rays penetrate clouds and awnings.
5. When and how to apply sunscreen correctly?
Before sunbathing:
Apply at least 20–30 minutes beforehand.
Amount: An adult needs approximately 30–40 ml per application (about two heaped tablespoons).
Reapply:
Every 2 hours, and always after swimming or drying off.
Don’t forget your ears, feet, neck, and scalp – classic sunburn spots.
Lip care:
Use a lip balm with SPF 30–50 – especially on boats or at the beach.
6. When is the sun strongest?
The most dangerous time is between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM.
During this time, you should avoid direct sunlight – wear shade, a hat, sunglasses, and a t-shirt.
| time | UV intensity | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| 8–10 a.m. | low to medium | ideal for beach start |
| 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. | very high | Avoid or seek shade |
| 4–6 p.m. | decreasing | safer, but still strong |
| 6–8 p.m. | small amount | pleasant evening sun |
💡 On islands with light-colored sand (e.g., Naxos, Elafonissi, Mykonos), the sand reflects additional light – so be especially careful to protect your eyes and face.
7. Buy sunscreen – bring it with you or buy it there?
Both are possible, but sunscreen is expensive in Greece.
| product | Price in Greece | Price in Germany |
|---|---|---|
| Brand cream (Nivea, Garnier, etc.) | 14–20 € / 200 ml | 8–12 € |
| Pharmacy brands (La Roche-Posay, Avene) | 20–28 € | 15–20 € |
| Children’s sunscreen | 15–25 € | 10–15 € |
| After-sun | 10–15 € | 6–10 € |
💡 Tip:
Sunscreen is a classic tourist item in Greece – so it’s best to bring it from home.
Air travelers are allowed to take small bottles (max. 100 ml) in their hand luggage; larger quantities must be packed in checked baggage.
8. Natural & Eco-Friendly Sunscreens
More and more vacationers are making sure their sunscreen is reef-safe – meaning it doesn’t contain any substances that harm marine organisms.
Avoid creams containing:
Oxybenzone, octinoxate, or octocrylene – these destroy coral and seagrass.
Nanoparticles – these are difficult to biodegrade.
Recommended brands:
Biosolis, Alga Maris, Eco Cosmetics, Weleda Sun.
On islands like Crete or Naxos, you can now also find these products in organic shops or pharmacies.
9. Clothing & Accessories as Sun Protection
Sunscreen is important – but not enough.
Clothing often provides better and more sustainable protection.
Hat or cap: essential, especially for children.
UV shirts: ideal for swimming, especially for sensitive skin.
Sunglasses: with UV 400 protection – cheap lenses without protection are more dangerous than no protection at all.
Lightweight cotton clothing: protects shoulders and back.
💡 Especially on boats or hikes, many people underestimate the sun – wind + sea = double the radiation.
10. Children & the Sun
Children’s skin is extremely sensitive.
Rule:
Under 3 years old, no direct sun, shade whenever possible, and protective clothing.
For older children:
SPF 50+
Hat with neck protection
T-shirt while swimming
Stay in the shade at midday
After-sun products with aloe vera or panthenol soothe the skin after a day at the beach.
11. Avoiding and Treating Sunburn
Despite all precautions, it happens quickly: a red neck, shoulders, and nose.
First aid for sunburn:
Get out of the sun immediately!
Cooling: lukewarm water or a damp towel, no ice!
Apply after-sun lotion or aloe vera gel generously.
Drink plenty of fluids to replenish lost fluids.
Don’t continue sunbathing, even if it looks better in the evening.
If you develop blisters, fever, or a severe burning sensation: consult a pharmacist or doctor.
12. Sunscreen & Swimming
Sunscreen washes off easily in the sea or pool.
Even “water-resistant” only means that after 40 minutes in the water, about half of the protection remains.
Therefore:
Reapply sunscreen after every swim.
Dry yourself before applying sunscreen – wet skin reduces its effectiveness.
Use after-sun lotion after swimming to help your skin recover.
13. Sun Allergy & Skin Reactions
Some people react to the sun with itching, blisters, or redness – especially at the beginning of their vacation.
This is usually a sun allergy (Mallorca acne).
Helps:
High SPF (50+), preferably mineral-based.
Antihistamine cream or zinc ointment.
Gradual acclimatization: Increase by 15 minutes per day.
14. Sun & Medication
Many medications make the skin more sensitive to light – for example:
Antibiotics,
Antidepressants,
Blood pressure medication,
Pain relievers (ibuprofen, diclofenac).
Those taking such medications should use additional sun protection or consult their doctor beforehand.
15. Sun in Spring & Autumn
Even in spring (April/May) or autumn (October), the sun is strong in Greece.
Many underestimate this because the air temperature is milder – but the UV radiation remains high (index 6–7).
So even outside the peak season:
Use SPF 30,
Seek shade at midday,
Protect your lips and ears
16. Sunscreen Prices & Brands in Greece
Sunscreen is available everywhere in Greece – but the prices are higher than at home.
| Point of sale | Selection | Price level |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacies | large selection, brand-name products | expensive |
| Supermarkets (e.g. AB, Lidl, Sklavenitis) | Standard brands | medium |
| Souvenir shops / kiosks | small bottles, tourist prices | very expensive |
| organic shops | sustainable sunscreens | expensive, but good |
💡 Best option:
Buy sunscreen in Germany and bring it with you – cheaper and more familiar.
17. Sun & Health – Vitamin D & Well-being
The sun also has its positive sides:
It increases vitamin D production,
lifts your mood,
strengthens the immune system.
But just 10–15 minutes a day is perfectly sufficient – longer sunbathing offers no additional benefit, only risks.
18. Myths about sun and tanning
| myth | Truth |
|---|---|
| “I don’t need protection, I’m already tanned.” | False – a tan offers little protection against UV radiation. |
| “You won’t get a tan under a parasol.” | Wrong – up to 50% of the radiation gets through. |
| “The sun is harmless in the afternoon.” | Wrong – still very strong until 4 pm. |
| “Sunscreen prevents tanning.” | Wrong – it only slows it down, but it protects the skin. |
19. Environmentally Conscious Sunbathing
Sunscreen easily ends up in the sea – up to 25% of the applied amount is washed off while swimming.
This can harm seaweed and fish.
Therefore:
Choose organic sunscreen without chemicals.
Rinse off before swimming if you’ve applied a lot of sunscreen.
Use after-sun products without microplastics.
20. Conclusion – Enjoy the Sun, but with Respect
Greece is the land of sunshine – but the sun there is stronger than it seems.
With the right preparation, sunscreen, and a little mindfulness, nothing stands in the way of a safe, healthy vacation.
👉 In short:
Always use SPF 30–50,
Avoid the midday sun,
Bring your own sunscreen,
and listen to your skin.
Then the sun remains what it should be:
A pleasure – not a danger.