Greece, with its rich history, cultural heritage, and natural beauty, offers a unique travel experience and is one of the most attractive countries in Europe. This country, boasting millennia of culture and history, combines traces of ancient civilizations, unforgettable monuments, and magnificent natural landscapes. Dynamic capital cities like Athens, as well as the tranquil, romantic atmosphere of islands such as Santorini and Mykonos, offer travelers both cultural and recreational opportunities. This unique blend tells a different story at every corner, leaving an indelible mark in the memories of its visitors.
Athens is considered the heart of Greece, and this city, enriched with ancient monuments, encompasses the harmony of both history and modern life. Magnificent structures such as the Parthenon and the Acropolis keep the rich legacy and traditions of ancient Greek culture alive. The narrow streets of the city and the historic Plaka neighborhood reflect both the daily lives of the locals and the interests of tourists. At every step, you can feel the harmonious blend of ancient legends and modern life.
The Greek islands, especially Santorini and Mykonos, are famous worldwide and attract millions of travel enthusiasts every year. Santorini has become a symbol of romantic trips with its white houses, blue domes, and magical sunsets. This island captivates everyone with its deep blue sea and naturally magnificent landscapes. Mykonos, on the other hand, stands out with its vibrant nightlife, expansive beaches, and unique architecture, blending traditional and modern lifestyles.
Other regions of the country are also distinguished by their own beauty. The natural parks, mountainous areas, and cool coastal shores in northern and western Greece provide travelers with opportunities to relax and engage in active sports. Enjoying meals prepared from fresh fish and seafood at coastal restaurants showcases the richness of the local cuisine. Every flavor is presented to travelers as a part of the country’s cultural heritage.
Furthermore, Greece’s cultural events and festivals revive the warm hospitality and ancient traditions of the local people. Through museums, archaeological excavations, and historical monuments, visitors embark on a journey into the deep past of the country and become acquainted with ancient stories. Such culturally rich events offer not only a tourist trip but also an experience that enriches the soul.
In conclusion, traveling to Greece is not merely a geographical exploration but also an opportunity to experience a harmonious blend of culture, history, and nature. Every step will lead you to new discoveries, unforgettable memories, and delightful impressions. Exploring every corner of this mystical and beautiful country will add color to your life and turn into a unique adventure that will remain in your memory for a long time. Let’s take a look together at the must-see places that are considered the treasures of this country.
Athens: Journey to the Past
The capital of Greece, Athens, is a city famous for its ancient history. When visiting Athens, the first place to see is undoubtedly the Acropolis. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Acropolis was built during the time of Pericles and includes famous architectural masterpieces such as the Parthenon. Gazing at the city’s panorama from the Acropolis will build a bridge between history and modernity for you.
In Athens, you can also visit historical sites such as the Ancient Agora, the Temple of Zeus, and the Panathenaic Stadium. While strolling through the narrow streets of the city, it is essential to experience the delicious food and meze in traditional Greek tavernas. Athens attracts attention not only with its history but also with its vibrant nightlife and modern art centers.
Santorini: The Dance of Blue and White
When Greece is mentioned, the image of white houses, blue domes, and an endless blue sea immediately brings Santorini to mind. This volcanic island, with its romantic ambiance, is an ideal destination especially for honeymoon couples. The most famous village on Santorini, Oia, is renowned for its sunsets. Every evening, hundreds of people gather in Oia’s narrow streets to watch the sun descend into the Aegean Sea.
Santorini is famous not only for its landscapes but also for its wine. Wine tours are organized on the island, giving you the opportunity to taste local wines. Additionally, you can visit unique beaches such as Red Beach and Black Beach.
Mykonos: Nightlife
Mykonos is one of the most famous tourist islands in Greece. This island is particularly known for its nightlife. Mykonos Town (Chora) is the main center of the island, where colorful houses, narrow streets, and boutique shops await you. While wandering through the streets, you will experience the beauty of traditional Greek architecture.
Mykonos is also famous for its well-known beaches such as Paradise Beach and Super Paradise Beach. These beaches are ideal for relaxing during the day and for joining parties at night. Mykonos is a perfect destination for those seeking both relaxation and entertainment.
Delphi: The Center of Greek Culture
Delphi was one of the most important religious centers of ancient Greece. The Temple of Delphi, located here, is dedicated to the god Apollo and was home to the renowned oracle Pythia, one of the most famous seers of the ancient world. Delphi attracts attention not only for its historical significance but also for its natural beauty. Situated on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, the surrounding views will astonish you.
In Delphi, you can also visit the Delphi Archaeological Museum to learn more about ancient Greek culture. This museum houses many valuable artifacts discovered during excavations in Delphi.
Meteora: Monasteries Rising to the Skies
Meteora is one of the most unique places in Greece. Here, the monasteries built atop high rock formations will astonish you. Meteora, meaning “suspended in the skies,” truly lives up to its name. These monasteries were built by reclusive monks during the Middle Ages and hold great significance both religiously and architecturally.
There are six active monasteries in Meteora, and the most famous among them is the Great Meteora Monastery. Visiting these monasteries will take you on both a historical and spiritual journey. Additionally, the natural beauty of Meteora will captivate you. The paths winding between the rocks and the breathtaking views provide an ideal setting for photography enthusiasts.
Greek Islands
Greece consists of hundreds of islands and islets. Each island has its own unique features and attractions. Crete is the largest island in Greece and carries traces of ancient Greek culture with landmarks like the Palace of Knossos. Rhodes, on the other hand, is famous for its medieval castle and beautiful beaches.
If you are looking for a calm and relaxed environment, islands such as Naxos and Paros might be ideal for you. On these islands, you will have the opportunity to be immersed in nature and relax.
Greek Cuisine
When traveling to Greece, you cannot leave without tasting the local cuisine.
Traditional Greek dishes such as moussaka, souvlaki, tzatziki, spanakopita, and baklava will suit your taste. Additionally, you can also try traditional beverages like Greek wines and ouzo.
Chatting with the locals in Greece’s small cafes and tavernas is an excellent opportunity to learn more about their culture and way of life. Greeks are renowned for their hospitality and will not hesitate to invite you into their homes.
Greece will tell you a different story—from the ancient streets of Athens to the romantic sunsets of Santorini, from the vibrant nightlife of Mykonos to the mystical monasteries of Meteora. If you wish to experience this story by traveling to Greece, you must first obtain a Greece Travel Visa.
Types of Greek Visas
You can undertake your journey to Greece—one of the Schengen countries—through a Greek Schengen visa. The reasons for applying for this type of visa include tourism, visiting family or friends, business trips, medical examinations or treatments, short-term studies, exchange programs, and other similar temporary circumstances. In recent years, many young people have chosen Greece for long-term studies (such as undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral programs lasting more than 90 days) or to work permanently in an institution here; in these cases, they can apply for a Greek national visa based on official invitations or acceptance letters from the relevant education and work authorities.
Greek Travel Visa
Similar to other Schengen countries, the Greek Schengen visa is available in both single-entry and multiple-entry versions. Additionally, you can apply for either a short-term visa that covers only your first trip or for a multiple-entry, long-term visa. This choice depends on your travel purpose and itinerary. In any case, we recommend that you make your initial entry into the Schengen area from the country that issued your visa, namely Greece. Otherwise, if you disregard this during your visa application and attempt to enter the Schengen area from another country with a Greek visa, the border service of that country might, though rarely, return you and refuse entry. Such cases have been observed in many instances, and we advise you to avoid this risk.
Document Requirements for the Greek Schengen Visa Application
When applying for a Greek Schengen visa, you must submit the following documents:
- The original of your foreign passport and a copy of its first page
- If available, copies of your previous visas and entry–exit stamps
- A copy of your ID card
- A certificate from your employer* and, if available, a salary slip (for students, a certificate from the educational institution*)
- An employment certificate from the electronic government portal*
- A bank statement* and extract from the bank account in your name (detailed information regarding the amount is provided below)
- If available, extracts of properties in your name* and a copy of your vehicle’s tax passport
- Proof of your marital status* (if you are married, your marriage certificate; if you have children under 18, their birth certificates and/or, if your marriage has been annulled, a copy of the document regarding the annulment)
- Two biometric photos sized 3.5x4.5 with a white background
- Flight booking confirmations for your trip
- Hotel reservation confirmations for your trip
- Travel insurance in accordance with Schengen rules that fully covers your trip
- An application form filled out in English
- A printed version of the document confirming your appointment, as provided by the system
- If applying for a visa related to a business trip rather than tourism, an official invitation letter concerning the business, event, or meeting
The documents marked with an “*” must be submitted to the embassy in English. If any document’s original language is not English, each such document must be translated and notarized into English before submission.
After your documents are accepted, the embassy may call you during the visa process to request additional documents. In some cases, as part of the Greek embassy’s visa procedure, applicants have also been required to provide a confirmation letter regarding their hotel bookings or reservations.
The amount in your bank account depends on your provided travel dates—that is, the duration of your stay in the Schengen area, the prices of your booked flight tickets and hotels, and other factors. In general, it is advisable to show a minimum amount of 2,500–3,000 AZN (or the equivalent in euros or US dollars) in your bank account for a one-week trip. This amount should fully cover your travel plan. When calculating the amount, it is recommended to plan for a slightly higher figure than the calculated sum, taking into account the cost of your flight and hotel bookings as well as an average daily expense of 70–80 euros per day in the Schengen area.
If you are operating as an entrepreneur, you may submit documents that will replace the employment certificate (a copy of your Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), a certificate issued by the Ministry of Taxes regarding your tax period, and an extract from your company’s registry). If you are unemployed, a student, or if you have another personal sponsor to cover your travel expenses, you must provide a copy of that person’s ID card, an employment certificate (if the sponsor is an entrepreneur, the documents mentioned above), a bank statement and extract from the bank account (this account may be in both your name and the sponsor’s), and if you have a familial relationship, a document confirming this (for example, if you are a parent, your own birth certificate; if you are a sibling, both birth certificates) as well as a sponsorship document. Additionally, if the applicant is under 18 years of age, and if traveling alone or with only one parent, a copy of the exit permit document from the other parent must also be provided.
Please note that each of the documents you submit—such as the TIN, the certificate regarding your tax period from the Ministry of Taxes, the extract from your company’s registry, or the sponsorship document—must be translated and notarized into English.
Greek Travel Visa Procedure
To obtain a Greek Schengen visa, you must apply at the Greek Embassy in Azerbaijan. The visa decision is made by the consul in the embassy’s consular department.
You can schedule a visa appointment for document submission by contacting the embassy at +99412 492 01 19. Your travel dates will be taken into account when scheduling the appointment; the later your travel date, the later your appointment will be scheduled accordingly.
Please note that a brief interview with a consul is conducted at the embassy during document submission. In this interview, you will be asked short questions about your personal life, travel plans, and objectives.
The embassy does not accept documents without a scheduled appointment. The visa application can be submitted at least 6 months before your travel date. Applicants must be present in person when submitting their documents.
The Schengen visa procedure typically takes 5–15 working days to complete. However, the response time may be shorter or longer; it is important to take this into account when applying.
The visa fee is set at 35 euros, and this amount must be paid in the national currency (manat) in cash. The manat equivalent of the visa fee is adjusted by the embassy based on the exchange rate of the day.
Chances of Obtaining a Greek Travel Visa
As with visa applications in any country, your chance of obtaining a visa for Greece depends on your personal profile. The stability of your employment and the normal level of your position, having a monthly income within the standard salary range (it has been observed that individuals earning between 300–500 AZN per month are granted visas), demonstrating that your bank account holds a sufficient amount to cover all your travel expenses, and having factors that tie you to your country (such as property registered in your name, the existence of your family and children) are key factors that increase your chances of obtaining a Greek Travel Visa. For individuals who have not previously obtained a Schengen visa, the Greek embassy is generally considered to be one of the more lenient in granting visas. Our experience shows that even first-time Schengen visa applicants without a travel history are often granted visas by the Greek embassy, provided all other documents are in order. In any case, a prior history of holding Schengen visas is an important factor in increasing your chances of obtaining a visa from the Greek embassy.
Greek Visa Support
At Vizam.az, we are ready to provide you with full support during your application for a Greek Schengen visa. If you choose to use our visa support services, our offerings include scheduling an appointment on your behalf at the embassy, filling out your application form, professionally preparing and submitting your documents, booking flight tickets to cover your trip, arranging hotel reservations or selecting accommodations according to your requirements, preparing a travel tour plan for the visa, providing consultation, and monitoring your visa process. Additionally, we can assist you with the notarized translation and certification of your documents into English; an extra fee of 16 AZN will be charged for each document. Overall, our fee for Greek Schengen visa support services is 79 AZN per person.
You can click here to place your order, or contact us at 010/50/55-3000135 for additional information.
Greece - one of the most prominent fortresses of history, culture, and tourism! Have a pleasant journey!
