GreeceCan You Vape in Greece? The Short Answer
Yes, vaping is legal in Greece under EU regulations:
- 18+ age requirement
- 20mg/mL nicotine limit (EU TPD)
- 10mL bottle size limit for nicotine e-liquid
- Indoor vaping banned in public spaces
- Beach bans at many popular tourist beaches
- All flavors legal - No flavor restrictions
Greece is a popular destination for vapers, but you need to be aware of where vaping is prohibited, especially at beaches and indoor venues.
Greece Vaping Laws: The Legal Framework
EU Tobacco Products Directive (TPD)
As an EU member, Greece follows the Tobacco Products Directive:
| Regulation | Limit |
|---|---|
| Nicotine concentration | 20mg/mL maximum |
| E-liquid bottle size | 10mL (nicotine-containing) |
| Tank capacity | 2mL maximum |
| Health warnings | Required on packaging |
| Advertising | Restricted |
Greek Specific Laws
| Law | Effect |
|---|---|
| Law 3868/2010 (amended) | Smoke-free public places, includes vaping |
| Law 4633/2019 | Reinforced indoor smoking/vaping ban |
| Ministerial Decisions | Beach smoking bans (varies by location) |
Regulatory Bodies
- Ministry of Health - Policy and enforcement
- National Organization for Medicines (EOF) - Product standards
- Hellenic Coast Guard - Beach enforcement
- Municipal authorities - Local enforcement
What Can You Buy in Greece?
Available Products
Devices:
- Pod systems
- Disposable vapes
- Box mods and tanks
- All-in-one devices
- Starter kits
E-Liquids:
- 10mL bottles (nicotine)
- Shortfills available (0mg, larger bottles)
- Nic shots
- All flavors (tobacco, fruit, dessert, menthol)
- Up to 20mg/mL nicotine
Pricing
| Product | Price (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Disposable vape | €6-12 |
| Pod system | €20-40 |
| E-liquid 10mL | €4-7 |
| Shortfill 50mL (0mg) | €12-18 |
| Nic shots | €2-3 each |
| Box mod | €40-80 |
Where to Buy
Athens:
- Vape shops in Monastiraki, Plaka, Syntagma areas
- Shopping malls (The Mall Athens, Golden Hall)
- Online delivery
Thessaloniki:
- Vape shops in city center
- Tsimiski Street area
Islands:
- Limited vape shop presence
- Main towns may have 1-2 shops
- Bring supplies, don't rely on island availability
Periptera (Kiosks):
- Some sell basic disposables
- Limited selection
- Convenience option
Where Can You Vape in Greece?
Where Vaping Is Prohibited
Greece has strict indoor vaping bans:
- All indoor public spaces
- Restaurants, tavernas, cafes (indoor areas)
- Bars and nightclubs (indoor)
- Hotels (indoor common areas)
- Airports (entire facility except designated areas)
- Ferries and boats (indoor areas)
- Public transport (buses, metro, trams)
- Museums and archaeological sites
- Shops and malls
- Hospitals and clinics
- Schools and universities
- Government buildings
- Many beaches (see below)
The Beach Vaping Ban
Greece has banned smoking and vaping on many popular beaches:
Beaches with bans include:
- Parts of Rhodes
- Beaches in Santorini
- Some Mykonos beaches
- Halkidiki organized beaches
- Crete - Select beaches
- Corfu - Some municipal beaches
- Athens Riviera - Vouliagmeni, Glyfada areas
How to know if a beach allows vaping:
- Look for signage (🚭 symbol)
- "Απαγορεύεται το κάπνισμα" = Smoking prohibited
- Ask lifeguards or beach staff
- Organized beaches more likely to have bans
- Remote/wild beaches generally more relaxed
Beach penalties:
- €200 fine for smoking/vaping on banned beaches
- Enforced by coast guard and municipal police
- More strictly enforced in peak tourist season
Where Vaping Is Usually Permitted
- Outdoor areas (away from crowds, check for signs)
- Hotel balconies (check hotel policy)
- Private residences
- Some outdoor cafe/bar areas (ask first)
- Remote beaches (use discretion)
- Designated smoking areas at airports
Athens Vaping Guide
Plaka/Monastiraki:
- Indoor venues prohibited
- Outdoor seating areas vary by venue
- Be discreet in crowded tourist areas
Syntagma Square:
- No vaping in square itself
- Outdoor cafes may allow (ask)
Acropolis/Archaeological Sites:
- Completely prohibited
- No exceptions
Piraeus/Port:
- No vaping in terminals
- Outdoor areas away from entrances
Island Vaping Tips
Santorini:
- Caldera-view restaurants mostly outdoor but check
- Beach bans in effect at popular spots
- Fira/Oia crowded, be considerate
Mykonos:
- Beach clubs vary - ask before vaping
- Town areas crowded, use designated spots
- Hotel policies vary
Crete:
- Heraklion, Chania have vape shops
- Beach enforcement varies by location
- Tavernas - outdoor seating usually okay if you ask
Rhodes:
- Old Town prohibited indoors
- Beach bans at popular beaches
- Lindos - very limited space, be careful
For Tourists
Bringing Vapes to Greece
From EU countries:
- No restrictions on personal quantities
- Stay within TPD limits (20mg/mL)
From non-EU countries:
- Personal use quantities allowed
- Reasonable amount (2-3 months supply)
- Keep original packaging
- Higher nicotine for personal use usually okay
Airport Information
Athens International (ATH):
- No vaping inside terminals
- Designated smoking areas (outdoor) exist
- Duty-free has limited vape options
- Arrive early if you need to vape before flight
Regional airports:
- Similar rules
- Smaller facilities may have outdoor areas
- No vaping inside terminals
Ferry Travel
Greece has extensive ferry networks:
- No vaping inside ferries
- Outdoor decks - Usually permitted (check)
- Long routes (e.g., Piraeus to Crete) - Plan for 8+ hours
- Smaller ferries - May be more restrictive
Accommodation
Hotels:
- Most prohibit vaping in rooms
- Balconies usually okay
- Ask at check-in
- Some boutique hotels more flexible
Airbnbs/Rentals:
- Owner discretion
- Often more flexible
- Check listing details
- Private balconies usually fine
Greece vs. Other Mediterranean Countries
| Country | Nicotine Limit | Indoor Ban | Beach Bans | Flavors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greece | 20mg/mL | Yes | Many | All legal |
| Italy | 20mg/mL | Yes | Some areas | All legal |
| Spain | 20mg/mL | Yes | Barcelona area | All legal |
| Portugal | 20mg/mL | Yes | Few | All legal |
| Croatia | 20mg/mL | Yes | Limited | All legal |
| Turkey | Varies | Yes | Not widespread | Varies |
| Cyprus | 20mg/mL | Yes | Some | All legal |
Penalties and Enforcement
Consumer Fines
| Violation | Fine |
|---|---|
| Indoor vaping | €50-500 |
| Beach vaping | €200 |
| Repeat offenses | Higher fines |
| Archaeological sites | €200+ |
Enforcement Reality
- Tourist areas - More strictly enforced
- Islands in summer - Coast guard active on beaches
- Athens - Municipal police enforce indoor ban
- Local tavernas - May be more relaxed, especially outdoors
- Hotels - Usually strict due to liability
Greece Vaping Laws: Key Takeaways
- Vaping is legal for adults 18+ under EU TPD rules
- 20mg/mL nicotine limit and 10mL bottle size
- Indoor vaping banned in all public spaces
- Beach bans at many popular tourist beaches - €200 fines
- All flavors legal - No flavor restrictions
- Vape shops available in major cities, limited on islands
- Bring supplies - Don't rely on island availability
- Outdoor dining often permits vaping - ask first
- Ferry travel - No indoor vaping, outdoor decks usually okay
- Respect local rules - Signs indicate prohibited areas
References
- EU Tobacco Products Directive – Electronic Cigarettes
- Greek Anti-Smoking Law – Ministry of Health
- Tobacco Control Laws – Greece Summary
Looking for vaping laws in other countries? Check our complete vaping laws guide for more destinations.