Located at the crossroads of Europe, Africa, and Asia, Greece boasts the longest coastline of the Mediterranean Basin and 227 inhabited islands.
The birthplace of democracy, Western philosophy, the Olympic Games, Western literature, historiography, political science, and major scientific and mathematical principles, the country retains world-renowned landmarks and historical sites to explore.
In Chalkida, the city of “mad waters” and the administrative and commercial capital of the mainland island of Evia, you can take in Greek culture on pedestrian boardwalks or take in a Greek sunset along the waterfront.
Volunteer in Athens and Mainland Greece
Community volunteering projects can be joined in the main cities. At the Ritsona refugee camp distribution center, a critical dispensary of milk, hygiene products, and clothing, volunteers are needed all year round. The Ritsona camp is one of the largest refugee camps in Greece with more families coming every day. Volunteers operate the distribution center and help families meet basic human needs. This is your opportunity to fulfil fundamental human rights for refugees with compassion, dignity, and humanity.
Volunteer on the Greek Islands
Based on the stunning islands of Greece including places like Santorini, Mykonos and Kefalonia. You can find meaningful short term projects with a focus on animal welfare, the environment and marine conservation.
These exciting projects are a great way to do something meaningful while travelling. The flexible duration of these projects may fit with other travel plans. Volunteers are able to choose between one or even several projects.
Best Volunteer Organizations in Greece
Stepping Stones Animal Foster Home
Stepping Stones is a not-for-profit animal foster home, with a focus on dogs and particularly re-homing puppies. There are always approximately 50 dogs and all the animals are abandoned or stray. The project is run from the home of a British expatriate on the island and comprises a number of dog pounds and kennels.
The ARK Animal Shelter
The Ark is the main animal shelter and rescue centre on the island, with a focus on dogs. There are always 250-300 dogs at the centre. This is a not-for-profit organisation that relies solely on donations and voluntary assistance.
Wildlife Sense
Wildlife Sense Kefalonia is a research and conservation project to study and protect Kefalonia’s endangered loggerhead sea turtles. Wildlife Sense recruit volunteers directly for just two week programmes from June to September.
Wildlife Sense recruit suitable volunteers for this important conservation work and give volunteers the opportunity to take part in this two week programme as part of a longer stay on the island, volunteering with one of our other placements.
Note that the marine project only runs June to September and for this two week project you will stay at one of the Wildlife Sense volunteer houses where food is not provided.
FAQ
Start dates and duration
Volunteers are needed all year round. Minimum stay is two weeks but longer stays are preferable.
Where will I stay?
Accommodation is in dormitory-style shared rooms in either hostels (sleeps up to 8 people with shared bathroom & kitchen facilities) or one of the placement ‘hostels’. The hostel is in the island capital of Argostoli, with fabulous views of the town, the sea and mountains.
Feedback & Reviews
“I felt very accepted and appreciated in the community. By the end of my stay, I felt like Greece really was my home. I built friendships with people — volunteers and locals — I wish to keep for a long time.” Margaret, UK