What It's Really Like To Be A Tourist In Greece Right Now

TravelPulse Staff
by TravelPulse Staff
Last updated: 12:30 PM ET, Tue July 28, 2015

Ninety-six billion U.S. dollars.

That's how much the latest Greek bailout agreement is worth. With many Greeks feeling the effects of banking limitations and economic woes, is it actually a good time to visit Greece?

We have now been in Greece for three weeks. Before our departure - and even during our time here - we heard countless warnings and concerns from friends, family and readers. Is now really a safe time to visit Greece? Should you cancel your trip?

To everyone wondering what it is like to be a tourist in Greece, here's our answer: it's as magical as ever. We speak only as tourists, but from our perspective, everything is business as usual.

As tourists, we've used ATMs without any problems. Many restaurants and shops are still accepting credit cards. We've rented scooters and ridden ferries all without a single hitch. The Parthenon is still standing, cruise ships are still docking daily, and the ancient fortress in Rhodes is as strong as ever.

We arrived in Greece in the midst of the Greek bailout deal. Yet apart from a few protests in Syntagma Square and bringing some extra Euros, we haven't been inconvenienced at all.

In fact, we enjoyed an open air dinner just a few blocks away from Syntagma Square the night protesters clashed with police - and didn't even learn of the incident until the following morning.

Almost 20 percent of Greece's GDP comes from tourism. We know many travelers who have been turned off from going to Greece during this time, but in our opinion, this may be the most important time to go to Greece and spend your money.

Greece is still just a beautiful as ever, and it could use a boost from travelers like us who are ready to enjoy the marvelous food, beaches, history and culture.

Still not so sure? Here are 19 photos that show Greece what it is actually like right now:


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Related Videos

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Webinar
Sani/Ikos Group: Luxury Beachfront Resorts in Greece & SpainTuesday, July 28, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join us for an exclusive webinar introducing Sani/Ikos Group, a collection of luxury beachfront...
Upcoming Webinar
Asia Travel That SellsWednesday, July 29, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse for an in depth webinar on Asia travel. Explore...
Upcoming Webinar
Close to Home, Big Opportunity: Selling Today's Domestic Travel TrendsThursday, July 30, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse for a webinar exploring the growing demand for...
Upcoming Webinar
Sani/Ikos Group: Luxury Beachfront Resorts in Greece & SpainTuesday, July 28, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join us for an exclusive webinar introducing Sani/Ikos Group, a collection of luxury beachfront...
Upcoming Webinar
Asia Travel That SellsWednesday, July 29, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse for an in depth webinar on Asia travel. Explore...
Upcoming Webinar
Close to Home, Big Opportunity: Selling Today's Domestic Travel TrendsThursday, July 30, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse for a webinar exploring the growing demand for...