Volunteer Tourism the New Luxury? Good Causes in Greece

In an ever-changing world where speed and abundance are portrayed as the sole purpose in life, an emerging form of tourism reveals that travelers, especially from younger generations, are searching for far more than sea and sun.

This new type of tourist is reshaping the global tourism landscape. Ladies and gentlemen, meet the voluntourist: cause-driven, socially conscious, and hungry for meaning. And these modern explorers aren’t just snapping selfies; they’re planting trees, rescuing turtles, marking trails, and cleaning beaches. And they’ve started doing it in Greece now, too.

Over the last few years, more and more travelers are choosing to combine their holidays with volunteer work. This way, they not only make a difference, they also gain new skills, connect with like-minded individuals, and experience the rewarding feeling of knowing that their time and energy are helping humanity and the planet.

Greece has also begun to attract volunteers for all sorts of meaningful causes in recent years. Most are drawn to projects dedicated to wildlife conservation, reforestation, social inclusion, and environmental protection.

TO BHMA International Edition has selected organizations where you can volunteer for a good cause. Most of the groups require no background or special experience; they just need people to support their mission.

The Growth of ‘SAVE’ Travel

Volunteering while traveling used to be something people did right out of high school, but mature travelers, and not just Gen Z and millennials, have begun to feel the need to do something rewarding during their holidays. This desire is paving the way for a new tourism segment dubbed SAVE (Social, Academic, Volunteer, Educational) travel.

According to Travel and Tour World (TTW), the focus is now turning to purpose-driven experiences as travelers increasingly seek meaningful engagement through education, community service, and cultural exchange.

TTW analysts estimate that Europe’s volunteer tourism–or voluntourism –market will be worth $24.9 billion by 2032, growing at a 9.3% annual rate. Greece, along with Spain, Italy, and Portugal, is leading the charge.

Spain’s Valencia, for example, has integrated environmental volunteering directly into its tourism strategy, encouraging visitors to help prevent forest fires and protect marine ecosystems. Similar initiatives are now gaining ground in Greece.

On the policy level, the EU is pushing youth engagement through platforms like the European Youth Portal, which offers information on volunteering opportunities under programs such as Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps.

Why Volunteer in Greece?

With its impressively rich biodiversity and deep-rooted cultural heritage, Greece is uniquely positioned to cater to this rising form of tourism. In 2024 alone, the country welcomed 40 million tourists, who generated €21.6 billion in revenues. Recognizing the need for sustainable development, Greece’s Tourism Ministry is increasingly prioritizing sustainability and special-interest travel, including voluntourism.

From marine conservation and reforestation to wildlife protection and citizen science, Greece offers a wide range of initiatives that need helping hands: no experience is required, just a willingness to give back.

Where to Volunteer in Greece

Here are some of the many organizations in Greece that welcome international volunteers:

ARCHELON – The Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece is dedicated to the protection of the loggerhead sea turtle. Volunteers help monitor sea turtle nests, raise awareness, and support rescue efforts on Zakynthos and Crete as well as in the Peloponnese.

The Hellenic Ornithological Society is active in conservation and scientific research projects concerning birds. Activities include bird monitoring, research, and awareness-raising.

Medasset – Mediterranean Association to Save the Sea Turtles works to protect sea turtles in their natural habitats in the Mediterranean Sea. Medasset welcomes volunteers on the ground, as well as e-volunteers who can support the cause by offering their skills, free time, and knowledge through internet-based teamwork.

MOm – The Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk Seal focuses its efforts on the conservation of the endangered monk seal (Monachus monachus). MOm welcomes volunteers as part of its annual Summer Volunteer Public Awareness and Sensitization program and its Monk Seal Rehabilitation and Reintroduction project, on Alonissos island.

The Pelagos Cetacean Research Institute, which is part of Tethys, focuses on whale and dolphin research in Greek seas. This organization invites “citizen scientists” to join whale and dolphin research expeditions. No prior experience is necessary, just passion.

HELMEPA (the Hellenic Marine Environment Protection Association) was initially founded by Greek seafarers and shipowners to demonstrate their commitment to safeguarding the seas from ship-generated pollution. Today, under its motto “To Save the Seas”, it welcomes volunteers for activities including beach cleanups and awareness-raising.

iSea – Marine Conservation & Coastal Cleanup focuses its work on marine ecosystems, plastic pollution, and marine species conservation around Greece. Volunteers support the field teams in research, habitat restoration, and public awareness campaigns.

Healthy Seas is active in many locations across Europe and in Greece. Volunteers, including divers, help recover “ghost nets” (abandoned fishing gear) and marine debris across various coastal locations in the country.

Wildlife Hospital Aegina (EKPAZ) is based on the island of Aegina. Volunteers can work in Athens, Thessaloniki, Aegina or elsewhere in Greece. Activities include rescue and rehabilitation of injured wild animals and birds, as well as helping out in the organization’s construction needs.

ANIMA – Hellenic Wildlife Care Association supports animal rescue. The group welcomes the support of volunteers all year round, but needs for its First Aid Station increase in the spring and summer. Duties range from animal rescue, care, and releases to tree-planting, habitat restoration and transport.

Callisto – Wildlife and Nature Conservation Society works to protect bears and wolves and preserve their populations and habitats. It also operates a Bear Emergency Team (BET). Volunteers are invited to join its summer programs and duties include emergency wildlife response, awareness-raising events, environmental education, and field work.

ARCTUROS is widely known for its bear and wolf conservation efforts. Today, it also focuses on the protection of wildlife and natural habitats. It also runs youth exchange and European Voluntary Service (EVS) programs in Northern Greece.

WWF Greece works to help local communities conserve the natural resources they depend on; transform markets and policies toward sustainability; and protect and restore species and their habitats. It also welcomes volunteers for a number of its conservation programs including citizen science programs and tree-planting initiatives which run at numerous sites across Greece including Crete, Zakynthos, Lake Kerkini, and Zagori in Northern Greece.

Elix has been working to promote volunteerism and strengthen the organized volunteer movement since 1987 through its wide range of volunteer work programs in Greece and abroad. Activities focus on environmental protection, cultural heritage conservation, and strengthening social inclusion.

Volunteering, the New Luxury

For many, true travel luxury now means giving back, connecting, and creating lasting change. Voluntourism does just that: it’s a powerful way to protect the planet, one act at a time. Whether it’s tracking bears in the wild Pindos Mountains or setting a healed hawk free on Aegina, these once-in-a-lifetime experiences leave behind more than memories, they make you a part of something greater.