Social Tourism Program Offers Holidays in Greece to 300,000 Beneficiaries: See How You Can Get Yours

Social Tourism Program Offers Holidays to 300,000 Beneficiaries

Greece's Public Employment Service (DYPA) launches its 2026-2027 social tourism program, providing vouchers for affordable vacations to 300,000 eligible workers and unemployed individuals. This year's initiative extends to 13 months, from May 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, giving participants an extra month compared to previous years.

Key Eligibility Criteria

Eligible applicants include private sector employees at the application deadline, e-EFKA insured individuals contributing to unemployment branches within the prior 12 months, and unemployed registered in DYPA's digital registry for at least three consecutive months. Beneficiaries encompass children aged 5-18 (as of January 1, 2026), disabled children over 18 (67%+ disability), spouses who are indirectly insured, and necessary escorts for those with 67%+ disability certified by public authorities.

Application Process Details

Applications open exclusively online via gov.gr with TAXISnet codes, starting Wednesday, April 22, 2026, staggered by the last digit of the applicant's AFM (tax ID). AFM ending in 0: April 22-23; ending in 1: April 24-25; all others (2-9): April 26-27. Selection occurs via scoring (moiriodotisi), with the public invitation expected on April 22.

Vacation Duration and Free Stays

Stays range from 1-6 nights across Greece, extendable to 10 nights on Leros, Lesbos, Chios, Kos, Samos, and Rhodes, or up to 12 nights in select mainland areas like Istiaia-Aidipsos, Mantoudiou-Limnis-Ag. Annas in Evia, and regions in Evros and Thessaly (excluding Sporades). Completely free accommodation (zero private contribution) applies for up to 10 nights on those islands and 12 nights in the specified mainland municipalities.

Voucher Values and Ferry Subsidies

Voucher amounts vary by stay length, location, accommodation type/category, season, determined per the official decision (see FEK). Ferry travel subsidies cover 50% for general population and 100% for 50%+ disabled individuals; private contributions are 25% of standard economy fare (or 50% if discounted). These rates hold throughout the program, ensuring subsidies plus provider discounts never exceed 100% of the fare.

Participation Rules and Providers

Participants select from DYPA's registries of tourist accommodations and ferry providers, using vouchers only within the program period. Misuse leads to exclusion from the next two programs, except for large families, 50%+ disabled applicants, or those with disabled dependents. The program empowers choice while promoting access to less-visited areas through extended free stays.