Posted by 🚬 What will be the rules in 2026?
Greece was long considered the “smoker’s paradise of Europe”—hardly any other country had as many cigarettes smoked per capita.
But that has changed dramatically in recent years: Since 2019, a strict smoking ban has been in effect in all public indoor spaces, similar to Germany.
Nevertheless, the reality is often more relaxed—Greece remains a country where smoking is still permitted in many places, especially outdoors and in smaller tavernas.
In this article, you will learn:
where you can and cannot smoke in Greece,
how strictly the smoking ban is enforced,
what penalties you can expect,
and what the rules are regarding e-cigarettes and hookahs.
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1. The smoking ban in Greece – officially strict
The current Greek smoking ban law dates from 2019 (Law No. 4633/2019).
It prohibits smoking in all enclosed public spaces, including:
Restaurants & Taverns
Bars & Cafés
Hotels & Receptions
Public Buildings & Government Offices
Airports, Buses, Train Stations
Hospitals, Schools, Universities
Taxis & Public Transportation
This explicitly includes e-cigarettes and hookahs indoors.
💡 Goal: Greece aimed to reduce its high smoking rate (formerly over 35% of adults).
2. Reality: How strictly is the smoking ban enforced?
Officially: very strictly.
In practice: it depends on the location.
In Athens, Thessaloniki, Heraklion, Rhodes Town, etc., the smoking ban is largely observed.
In smaller towns, mountain villages, or on islands, there is more tolerance – especially during the off-season.
Many taverns have covered outdoor areas (open sides) – smoking is usually permitted here.
👉 Rule of thumb:
If the room is enclosed and air-conditioned, smoking is prohibited.
If it’s open to the street or has a draft, smoking is often tolerated.
3. Penalties for violations
The penalties are officially high – and are directed against both guests and operators.
| violation | Penalty for smokers | Penalty for operators |
|---|---|---|
| Smoking indoors | 50–500 € | 500–10.000 € |
| Repeated violations | bis 500 € | License revocation possible |
| Smoking in a car with children | 1.500 € | – |
💡 In practice:
The police rarely conduct checks, except in cities or in response to complaints.
In tourist areas, authorities pay somewhat closer attention to compliance during peak season.
4. Smoking in Taverns, Restaurants & Bars
This is the most frequently asked question – and here’s the simple answer:
| Location | Allowed? | remark |
|---|---|---|
| Indoor areas (closed) | 🚫 forbidden | This also applies to e-cigarettes. |
| Open terraces / balconies | ✅ allowed | mostly smoking area |
| Semi-open taverns (open side walls) | 🔸 often tolerated | a legal gray area |
| Bars / Clubs (at night) | 🚫 officially banned | In practice, it is sometimes viewed loosely. |
👉 Tip:
If you see ashtrays on the table, smoking is allowed or tolerated.
Otherwise, it’s best to ask:
“Can I smoke here?” – almost all restaurant owners understand English.
5. Smoking on the Beach
Smoking is allowed on the beach, but:
Cigarette butts don’t belong in the sand,
many beaches (e.g., in Crete, Santorini, Naxos, Rhodes) now have smoke-free sections,
ashtrays are mandatory on organized beaches with sun loungers (usually small containers attached to the parasol).
💡 Tip:
Bring a pocket ashtray or an empty container – they’re even sold at many beaches.
Some municipalities, such as Vari-Voula-Vouliagmeni near Athens and Chania in Crete, have official “Smoke-Free Beaches.”
6. Smoking on Balconies & in Hotels
🏨 In hotels:
Rooms: mostly non-smoking, but some hotels have smoking rooms.
Balcony: permitted unless explicitly prohibited in the room.
Lobby & Reception: strictly prohibited.
In apartments or Airbnbs:
Smoking is almost always allowed on the balcony or terrace.
Indoors, the landlord decides.
Tip: always ask first – “Smoking allowed on the balcony?”
7. Smoking in Cars
A nationwide ban has been in effect since 2019:
🚭 Smoking in cars is prohibited when children under 12 are present.
Penalty: €1,500, double that for bus or taxi drivers.
The rule is occasionally enforced in cities, but rarely in rural areas.
8. E-Cigarettes & Vapes in Greece
E-cigarettes (“vapes”) are legally treated like tobacco products.
Sale to minors is prohibited.
Vaping is prohibited indoors (same law).
Outdoor use is permitted, including on beaches and in cafes.
Liquid refills are available at tobacconists and kiosks (periptera).
💡 Attention:
Some e-liquids containing nicotine are more expensive in Greece than in Germany – 10 ml often costs €6–8.
9. Shisha & Water Pipes
Shisha (nargile) used to be very popular, especially in Athens and Thessaloniki.
Today, the following applies:
Prohibited indoors, except in licensed shisha lounges.
Permitted outdoors, e.g., at beach bars.
Tourist beach bars (e.g., on Mykonos, Kos, Santorini) often offer shisha in outdoor areas – completely legally.
10. Smoking on Public Transportation
Smoking is strictly prohibited on:
Buses, trains, taxis,
Airports & train stations,
Ferries (indoor areas).
However, smoking is permitted on open-air ferry decks – these areas usually have designated zones with ashtrays.
On trains and subways: smoking is absolutely prohibited, with heavy fines.
11. Tobacco Sales in Greece
Cigarettes, tobacco, and vapes are available everywhere – Greece is a land of kiosks.
| Point of sale | remark |
|---|---|
| Kiosks (Periptera) | Open 24 hours in cities, selling tobacco, lighters, and vapes |
| Supermarkets | usually no cigarettes |
| Gas stations | have tobacco, especially near highways |
| Duty-free shops (airports) | very cheap, especially when leaving the country |
💡 Tip:
Packs have graphic warning images, but many vendors offer cigarettes under the counter without advertising.
12. Cigarette Prices & Brands (2026)
>>> See our article on cigarette prices in Greece
💡 Compared to Germany:
Cigarettes are about 30–40% cheaper in Greece.
13. Import & Customs Regulations
Within the EU, there is a duty-free allowance for personal use; no customs checks within the EU – but:
When entering from non-EU countries (e.g., Turkey, Albania):
max. 200 cigarettes or 250 g of tobacco.
When returning to Germany (from Greece):
no limit within the EU,
but quantities exceeding 800 cigarettes may require proof of personal use.
💡 Better: take a maximum of 2–3 cartons to avoid any issues.
14. Statistics: Greece and Smoking
For decades, Greece was a leader in smoking – according to the WHO, in 2020:
35% of adult men,
25% of women smoked.
Since the introduction of the smoking ban, the percentage has decreased slightly – especially in cities and among younger people.
Nevertheless, Greece remains one of the most smoking-prone countries in Europe.
15. Smoking & Culture – Why It Remained So Widespread
Smoking is part of everyday culture in Greece – coffee, conversation, cigarette.
Many older Greeks have been smoking for decades, and in villages, it’s almost considered normal.
It’s different for the younger generation:
In cities, smoking is less “cool,” and many are switching to vapes or nicotine pouches.
Even in Athens, you can see more non-smoking areas and outdoor cafés with clear separation.
16. Tips for Smokers on Vacation
Bring a lighter or matches – they aren’t available everywhere.
No cigarette butts in the sand – use an ashtray or an empty can.
No smoking in cars with children – heavy fines apply.
Ask in tavernas if smoking is permitted.
E-cigarettes on airplanes: in hand luggage, do not use them.
On ferries, smoking is only allowed outdoors.
17. Smoking at Airports & Hotels
Airports:
Indoors: strictly prohibited.
Outdoors: designated areas with ashtrays, usually in front of the entrances.
Example: Athens & Heraklion: several smoking areas outside the terminals.
Hotels:
Lobby/Restaurant: prohibited.
Balcony/Terrace: permitted unless a “No Smoking” sign is posted.
Some hotels have smoking rooms – rare, but they do exist.
18. Smoking on Ferries & Cruises
On Greek ferries:
Indoor areas: prohibited.
Decks: permitted, usually in designated areas.
On cruise ships (e.g., Celestyal Cruises, MSC, AIDA):
Smoking is only permitted in designated areas on the outer deck.
Cabins and balconies are usually non-smoking.
19. Environmental Problem: Cigarette Butts
Cigarette butts are a major litter problem on Greek beaches – according to the WWF, one of the most common types of waste.
A single butt can pollute up to 1,000 liters of water.
Therefore, there are now:
Smoke-free beaches,
free pocket ashtrays (e.g., in Crete, Rhodes),
and campaigns: “Keep our beaches clean.”
💡 Those who pay attention help the environment and are often rewarded with a smile.
20. Conclusion – Smoking in Greece: Officially strict, practically relaxed
Greece is no longer a smoker’s paradise – but it’s also not a land of prohibitions.
Those who are considerate can smoke without any problems:
outside in taverns,
on the beach,
on balconies,
and in most outdoor areas.
Smoking is prohibited indoors, but many restaurant and bar owners find practical solutions.
The important thing is: respect and consideration.
👉 In short:
Indoors: prohibited
Outdoors: allowed
Beach: usually allowed
Car with children: prohibited
E-cigarettes = same rules
Fines: high, but rare