Volunteer in Greece

Most Affordable – PMGY’s volunteer abroad programs are designed to be accessible to everyone passionate about making a difference. With low fees and high-impact projects, you can create meaningful change without breaking the bank.

Best Support – From the moment you join PMGY, our dedicated international and local team provide extensive, round-the-clock support to guide and assist you through every step of your incredible PMGY adventure.

Safety Prioritised – Safety is PMGY’s number one priority! We’ve taken every precaution to ensure our gap year programs are as secure and well-structured as possible, giving you peace of mind while volunteering abroad.

Extraordinary Experiences – PMGY gives you the chance to immerse yourself in incredible cultural and travel experiences fully. Create unforgettable memories while making a difference in communities around the world.

Friendships for Life – Your PMGY journey doesn’t just end with unforgettable experiences—it’s also about forming life-long friendships with fellow volunteers from across the globe. Prepare to meet like-minded individuals and make connections that last a lifetime.

Greece Marine Volunteers

As a Greece marine conservation volunteer, you’ll play an important role in protecting extensive seagrass meadows and vital sand dune systems. Gain valuable research experience while discovering the diverse marine organisms that thrive among these protected marine plants. Explore the fascinating sand dunes and their crucial role in combating climate change. Immerse yourself in a rewarding conservation project, learning how these ecosystems contribute to environmental sustainability when you volunteer in Greece.

Background to the Marine & Coastal Conservation Program

Since 2012, we have been dedicated to conservation and research on the stunning Greek island of Kefalonia. Initially focused on protecting sea turtles, our efforts have grown to include marine and coastal conservation. Over time, the local team has closely monitored changes in beach profiles caused by environmental and human influences.

As sea turtles are integral to both coastal and marine ecosystems, our research has expanded to study the protected Posidonia oceanica seagrass meadows and the sand dune systems, both of which are classified as vulnerable on the Red List. This categorisation highlights their significance as indicators of global biodiversity health. These ecosystems not only support the nesting and foraging of endangered sea turtles but also act as crucial biomarkers for climate change.

Posidonia oceanica, also known as Neptune grass or Mediterranean tapeweed, is a seagrass species unique to the Mediterranean Sea. It forms extensive underwater meadows that are vital to the marine ecosystem. However, its conservation status, assessed in 2018 by the European Environment Agency, revealed concerning results. While not immediately at risk of extinction, Posidonia requires urgent policy changes and active conservation efforts to regain and maintain a healthier status. As a Greece marine conservation volunteer, you will play a pivotal role in protecting this vital species and its habitat.

In addition to the challenges faced by seagrass meadows, the coastal sand dune habitats on Kefalonia are also endangered. These dunes are critical for maintaining plant and animal biodiversity and contribute significantly to coastal protection. Despite their importance, there is a noticeable lack of research into the changes affecting these dune systems. This underscores the pressing need for further study and conservation efforts in this area. A significant portion of your volunteer work in Greece will involve conducting habitat surveys and studying these vulnerable dune systems.

PMGY’s volunteer opportunities offer a meaningful way to make a positive impact through marine and coastal conservation. As a Greece marine conservation volunteer, your energy, enthusiasm, and creativity will be vital. By effectively donating your time and skills, you will maximise your conservation efforts and contribute to valuable field research. Greece is our only European destination offering a wildlife conservation program, providing a truly unique and rewarding experience.

Marine & Coastal Volunteer Placement Examples​

Your marine and coastal conservation volunteer program in Greece will take place at one of two stunning locations: the Skala field station in the south or the Svoronata field station on the island’s west coast. Both locations welcome arrivals on Thursdays. Having multiple field stations allows for increased research activities, enhancing efforts to protect Kefalonia’s seagrass meadows and sand dune habitats.

Skala – Located in southern Kefalonia, Skala is a charming village within walking distance of pristine sand dunes and seagrass meadows. Once a traditional fishing village, Skala has evolved into a modern seaside town while retaining its beautiful sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, making it a popular destination on the island. Research in Skala focuses on the Posidonia oceanica seagrass meadows and sand dunes along southeast Kefalonia, particularly in the Skala and Mounda beaches and the coastal marine zone of the Mounda Peninsula.

Svoronata – Situated near Kefalonia’s capital, Argostoli, Svoronata is a quaint beach town close to Ammes Beach, a key site for conservation work. With amenities like mini markets, restaurants, and a nearby swimming pool, the town offers convenience for volunteers. Daily bus services provide easy access to Argostoli for leisure activities. Research on sand dunes and seagrass meadows takes place at Megali Ammos Beach and its nearby area, a short distance from the Volunteer House. A distinctive feature of this field station is the inclusion of coastal bird surveys. These surveys, conducted in key monitoring areas, contribute to Cornell University’s e-Bird Citizen Science database. Volunteers perform timed transects and report incidental sightings of coastal and pelagic birds.

In-water seagrass meadow surveys form a core part of both field stations’ activities. Seagrass meadows play a critical role in mitigating climate change, acting as a larger carbon sink than rainforests. They also provide vital habitats and nursery grounds for marine animals and other organisms. Similarly, sand dunes act as dynamic barriers between the sea and land, offering a specialised ecosystem threatened by development and erosion.

At the start of the season, drones are used to map the coastal and marine study sites, setting the foundation for the research ahead. Since these locations for both dune and snorkel surveys are now well established, volunteers may not always take part in the mapping itself. However, the data collected guides much of the fieldwork, helping identify seagrass meadows and supporting dune studies. Volunteers will still get the chance to learn how drone technology is used in environmental science, adding an exciting element to the experience.

Snorkelling teams collect geotagged photographs of seagrass meadows, which are later analysed to identify species, meadow types, and their current state or changes over time. Similarly, coastal sand dunes are mapped and studied through beach profiling and species identification surveys. These studies examine the dunes’ health and trends while documenting detrimental factors like plastic waste. Volunteers also help collect plastic debris for recycling or disposal during dedicated shifts.

As a Greece marine conservation volunteer, your efforts will help collect vital data and support crucial conservation initiatives. This work aims to better understand the impacts of human activities and climate change on marine ecosystems. The data collected will contribute to one of the most detailed datasets on Kefalonia’s coastal and marine environments, making a tangible impact on their protection and restoration. Join the Greece volunteer program and play an active role in preserving these vital ecosystems while gaining unique insights into marine conservation.

Your Volunteer Role & Typical Work Day​​

As a Greece marine conservation volunteer, you’ll engage in a variety of activities focused on protecting the vital seagrass meadows and sand dune habitats in the Skala and Svoronata regions. Your work will make a meaningful contribution to preserving these ecosystems, which are crucial for maintaining biodiversity and mitigating climate change.

Your conservation activities will begin the day after your arrival and orientation. The first few days will include learning and development, guided by experienced field assistants who will familiarise you with all aspects of the fieldwork. This immersive start will equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to actively participate in the program.

The work involves applying standard scientific methodologies in the field while collaborating with other volunteers. This teamwork helps build leadership and communication skills, providing you with a deeper understanding of the dune and Posidonia ecosystems around Kefalonia. You’ll also gain insight into current climate challenges and their impact on both marine and terrestrial environments, empowering you to spread public awareness about these critical issues.

Your time will be divided between exploring the underwater Posidonia meadows and studying the extensive sand dune systems. While surveying these areas, you’ll identify the species living within them, create topographies, and examine the pressures these ecosystems face. Conservation activities also include beach clean-ups to remove trash and debris, conducting drone surveys, and analysing footage to assess threats. Volunteers based at the Svoronata field station will also take part in coastal bird surveys, recording sightings and contributing to valuable datasets.

Mornings usually involve an early start with in-water seagrass studies and Posidonia surveys. This includes capturing geotagged photos of the seagrass meadows and entering data into the database. Afternoons are typically spent on sand dune conservation, which may involve habitat surveys, vegetation studies, species identification, and collecting beach litter.

Each day offers free time, particularly in the evenings, where you can unwind or join activities such as film and quiz nights. Volunteers typically work around six hours daily, split between early morning and afternoon shifts. There are occasional night shifts on the beaches to monitor light pollution. You’ll also have two days off each week, with flexibility in how these are scheduled, allowing you to explore Kefalonia and enjoy its stunning natural beauty.

Greece Turtle Conservation Volunteers

Become a Greece turtle conservation volunteer and play an active role in protecting endangered sea turtles through hands-on fieldwork. As a conservation worker, you’ll monitor nesting beaches, conduct beach patrol surveys, tag turtles, and assist in hatching rescues. This meaningful experience combines research and conservation, allowing you to adopt established scientific methods while making a real impact. Discover the rewarding opportunity to contribute when you volunteer in Greece.

Background to the Turtle Conservation Conservation Program

Kefalonia, with its sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, is home to a variety of fauna and threatened species. Among these, the loggerhead sea turtle is one of the island’s most fascinating and at risk inhabitants. As the only marine turtle nesting in the entire Mediterranean, Kefalonia plays a crucial role as a breeding ground for this remarkable species.

Sadly, the loggerhead turtles face numerous threats that edge them closer to extinction. Both human and natural factors damage and destroy many of the eggs laid on the island’s beaches. Additionally, turtles often fall victim to hazards such as accidental boat strikes, plastic pollution, light disorientation, and entanglement in fishing gear. These challenges not only affect loggerheads but also endanger other turtle species like green and leatherback sea turtles globally.

Loggerhead turtles are easily recognised by their large heads, reddish-brown shells, and yellow-brown skin. They are also one of the world’s oldest species. The aim of this sea turtle conservation project is clear: to study and protect the endangered loggerhead turtles of Kefalonia and their habitats.

Each year, sea turtles migrate to Kefalonia for foraging and reproduction. Females nest on the island’s beaches up to five times in a single breeding season, primarily at night during the summer months. Each nest contains around 100 eggs, which hatch approximately two months later. Hatchlings emerge at night to make their way to the sea, minimising predation risks. During this time, you and fellow volunteers will focus on safeguarding sea turtle nests from accidental damage.

PMGY’s Greece turtle conservation volunteer program provides an incredible platform to make a meaningful impact. As a volunteer, you will help protect the loggerhead turtles through conservation efforts and field research. The work demands energy, enthusiasm, and creativity to ensure the conservation goals are met effectively.

Volunteering with turtles in Greece offers a unique opportunity to contribute to wildlife preservation while gaining valuable experience. Greece is PMGY’s sole European destination offering a wildlife conservation program, making it a distinctive and rewarding choice for conservation enthusiasts.

Turtle Conservation Volunteer Placement Examples​

Sea turtles nest along the southern coast of Kefalonia, and to maximise monitoring efforts, two field stations have been established at separate coastal locations. Your volunteer work in Greece will take place at one of these locations, which are only a 30-minute ferry ride apart. The specific location of your placement as a Greece turtle conservation volunteer will depend on the start date of your program.

Argostoli – If your program begins on a Sunday, your placement will be in Argostoli, the capital town of Kefalonia. While Argostoli covers several kilometres, the field station is set around a 15 minute drive from the centre. The setup is close to several nesting beaches and offers a beautiful stretch of coastline with narrow sandy bays and striking cliffs. These beaches, which vary in size, are critical nesting habitats for sea turtles. The field station here covers eleven beaches ranging from 100 metres to 1 kilometre in length. Volunteers will work in sub-teams to conduct morning beach surveys, ensuring all locations are monitored.

The bay of Argostoli, which merges into the Koutavos Lagoon, is another focal point of conservation efforts. During the summer, its warm waters attract several sea turtles, often visible in the harbour. Volunteers and tourists alike have the chance to observe these turtles up close, making Argostoli a unique conservation setting.

Lixouri – If your program begins on a Tuesday, your placement will be in Lixouri, the main town on the Paliki peninsula. Lined with long, south-facing beaches, this area is a nesting hotspot for loggerhead sea turtles. Some beaches are particularly unique, featuring red sand and clay cliffs, each presenting distinct challenges and risks for nesting turtles.

As part of the sea turtle conservation project in Lixouri, volunteers patrol the beaches in the morning to identify tracks left by female turtles during the previous night. These tracks help pinpoint the location of nests, which are then marked and protected. Volunteers also work alongside field assistants to collect vital scientific data to ensure the safety of the nests. During hatching season, volunteers monitor for hatching tracks and conduct nest inventories to assess the success of hatchlings.

While both field stations share a common goal, there are key differences in their conservation approaches. In Lixouri, volunteers patrol the main nesting beaches at night to spot, measure, and tag nesting female turtles. This practice is not feasible in Argostoli due to the scattered nature of its smaller beaches, making it difficult to predict nesting locations.

In Argostoli, observation shifts in the harbour focus on monitoring the feeding and behaviour of adult turtles, which are frequently seen in this area. In contrast, turtle sightings in the Lixouri harbour are less common, although their numbers are increasing yearly. Harbour shifts in Lixouri primarily involve spotting turtles when they do appear.

Despite these differences, your daily tasks on the Greece volunteer program will remain largely similar. Tasks include patrolling nesting beaches, monitoring turtle activity, and collecting data to support conservation efforts. In your free time, you can take the short ferry ride between the two locations to experience and understand the unique environments and challenges at each field station.

Your Volunteer Role & Typical Work Day​

As a Greece turtle conservation volunteer, you’ll play an active role in protecting the endangered sea turtles of Kefalonia and preserving their ecosystems. Your work will involve practical measures such as surveying nesting beaches, safeguarding nests, monitoring the health of the population, identifying threats, and engaging in public awareness campaigns.

Your fieldwork will begin the day after your arrival and orientation. The first few days will focus on training and development, guided by experienced field assistants. Through workshops and practical sessions, you’ll gain the skills and knowledge needed for all aspects of the animal volunteering project.

Beach Surveys – A key part of your fieldwork will be morning beach patrols. You’ll walk along nesting beaches to identify and protect newly laid sea turtle nests. This involves marking and measuring the nests to track their progress through incubation and hatching. Nesting season runs from mid-May to late August, making this the primary period for beach surveys. Your efforts will help prevent accidental damage and ensure successful hatching.

Hatching Rescue & Nest Protection – The hatching season begins around two months after nesting, typically running from mid-July to late October. During this time, you’ll monitor nests closely to ensure they remain safe. As the hatchlings emerge, you’ll help guide them safely to the sea, removing obstacles like light pollution that could disorientate them. You’ll also conduct nest inventories to assess hatching success.

Light Pollution Surveys – Light pollution is one of the greatest threats to sea turtle nests, second only to natural factors like storms. Bright lights from nearby areas can disorientate hatchlings, causing them to crawl away from the sea. You’ll conduct environmental studies to measure light pollution, identify its sources, and implement strategies to mitigate its impact. Raising public awareness and engaging with the local community will also be an important part of your work.

Turtle Tagging – During the mating season, from April to May, you’ll assist with tagging adult loggerhead turtles. This process involves measuring the turtles, assessing their health, and attaching tags to track their movements. By gathering this data, we can better understand population dynamics and overall health, helping to guide long-term conservation efforts.

Other Activities – Your role will also include a variety of other tasks. You’ll monitor sea turtles in the harbour, observing and recording their behaviour. Night shifts may involve guarding nests and assisting with hatchling releases. Additionally, you’ll support data entry, contribute to public education efforts, and raise awareness about the importance of sea turtle conservation.

Field leaders will provide a weekly schedule, giving you a clear understanding of your daily tasks and shifts. To ensure a varied experience, you’ll rotate through different activities, building your skills across multiple areas of conservation and becoming familiar with diverse research methods and fieldwork techniques.

Mornings typically involve an early start, with volunteers cycling to the beaches for monitoring and surveys. Afternoons are free for relaxation, exploring the local area, or escaping the heat. Conservation work resumes in the early evenings, with occasional night shifts. Volunteers work six days during their first week and five days in subsequent weeks. Daily transport to your fieldwork site, whether by bicycle, on foot, or by minivan, is included in the program.

Flights

After confirming your place on a PMGY volunteer program, we strongly advise that you book your flights as early as possible. This will help ensure that you get the lowest airfare. You can choose to book your flights independently or we can help you with arranging them.

To join our Greece volunteer program, you should book your flights to Kefalonia International Airport on the selected start date. The airport code is EFL. Volunteers in Greece can arrive within the designated pickup windows on their start date.

Travel Insurance

Importantly, having an appropriate travel insurance policy during your time abroad is essential. Therefore, it is mandatory for all of our international volunteers to be appropriately covered across all of their trip dates. This includes your travel to and from the host country, as well as any onward travel. Although PMGY does everything to ensure your trip is safe, inevitably things can go wrong. Therefore, having a travel insurance policy in place helps you effectively deal with any problems you may encounter during your time away.

We have partnered up with Howden Insurance to create an affordable and comprehensive optional policy. This has been designed with our international volunteers in mind, to cover our participants for all of their travel essentials. The policy is available to anyone across the globe, up to the age of 65 years. The document will cover you for your time on any PMGY destination. You can purchase PMGY Travel Insurance during your online application or you can contact us directly to arrange it.

Our International Team works tirelessly to provide extensive support leading up to your volunteer or gap year trip. From our online chat service to email support and telephone conversations, we’re always ready to assist. All international volunteers with PMGY receive a comprehensive Volunteer Handbook, which serves as your ultimate guide for planning your volunteer trip abroad. This detailed handbook includes everything from visa guidance to suggested packing lists, ensuring you’re well-prepared for your adventure.

We also have dedicated Facebook groups for each of our volunteer destinations. These groups are a fantastic resource where you can connect with our international and local team, as well as past, present, and future volunteers. They provide a valuable platform for sharing experiences, asking questions, and staying updated with community news year after year.

Sometimes, it’s hard to imagine yourself volunteering abroad without having been there yet. To help manage expectations and give you a clear picture of what to expect, we offer a variety of engaging and informative videos on our PMGY YouTube Channel. These clips offer a visual insight into life as a PMGY volunteer. In addition, don’t miss our webinars, which run on selected Tuesdays at 4pm UK time. Our International Team provides invaluable advice in these sessions, tailored to help you prepare for your trip.

Each webinar is designed with a specific focus. Our Pre-Departure Webinar covers all the essentials you need to know before joining us abroad. The Program Preparation Webinar is project-specific, offering detailed advice and insights about your placement. Finally, our Safety Webinar provides top tips for managing your safety and wellbeing while volunteering abroad. For those simply curious about PMGY, we also run an Introductory Webinar. This session introduces our organisation, background, goals, and the volunteer and gap year travel opportunities we offer overseas.

Our Greece volunteer program is based in Kefalonia, a short distance from the island’s main airport and around 6 hours away from Athens in mainland Greece. Often described as the jewel of the Ionian Sea, Kefalonia is known for its green mountains, remarkable beaches and crystal clear waters. It offers a peaceful yet engaging setting for volunteers looking for a memorable experience.

PMGY’s volunteer opportunities in Greece are delivered by our dedicated and highly experienced in-country local team. Every team member is fully vetted by our International Team, ensuring that your experience is both safe and rewarding. Our local community network provides the structure and support you need to make the most of your time on a volunteer abroad program with PMGY. From arranging your accommodation and meals to coordinating airport pick-up, in-country orientation, and 24/7 emergency support, our team ensures that every detail is covered, leaving you free to focus on making a difference during your volunteer experience in Greece.

Your orientation for your volunteer program in Greece will take place on the evening of your arrival day. The local team will spend a couple of hours introducing you to life in Kefalonia, covering the “dos and don’ts”, local culture, and an overview of the project structure.

The orientation will continue with an introduction to the local language and safety advice to ensure you feel confident and prepared for your volunteer opportunity in Greece. Our team will lead a detailed presentation outlining all aspects of the conservation work, including the origins of the project and a brief history of the island.

You’ll also meet the field leaders and field assistants, who will explain their roles and expectations for participants on the program. They will be your main points of contact throughout your experience, offering guidance and support.

The rest of the evening is free for you to relax, catch up on sleep, and get to know your fellow participants. You’ll have an early start the next morning, as your volunteer project in Greece officially begins. Expect a hands-on learning experience in your first week, as you receive practical training and immerse yourself in the turtle conservation project.

Please make sure you arrive into Kefalonia International Airport (EFL) on your Sunday, Tuesday or Thursday start day.

Day 1 (Arrival & Orientation)

Welcome to Greece! You will be met at Kefalonia Airport by a member of our local team. They are usually easy to spot in their bright coloured tops, blue for turtle conservation participants and green for those joining the marine and coastal conservation program. A name sign may also be used when needed to help you find them easily.

Travel times to your accommodation vary based on your project location. If you arrive on Sunday, the journey will take around 10 minutes. If you arrive on Tuesday and are heading to Lixouri, expect a 40-minute journey, including a 30-minute ferry ride across the bay. Volunteers arriving on Thursday and heading to Svoronata will reach their accommodation in 5 minutes, while those based in Skala will have a 40-minute journey to the southernmost point of the island.

Your orientation for your volunteer program in Greece will take place on the evening of your arrival day. The local team will spend a couple of hours introducing you to life in Kefalonia, covering the “dos and don’ts”, local culture, and an overview of the project structure.

The orientation will continue with an introduction to the local language and safety advice to ensure you feel confident and prepared for your volunteer project in Greece. Our team will lead a detailed presentation outlining all aspects of the conservation work, including the origins of the project and a brief history of the island.

You’ll also meet the field leaders and field assistants, who will explain their roles and expectations for participants on the program. They will be your main points of contact throughout your experience, offering guidance and support.

The rest of the evening is free for you to relax, catch up on sleep, and get to know your fellow participants. You’ll have an early start the next morning, as your volunteer experience in Greece officially begins. Expect a hands-on learning experience in your first week, as you receive practical training and immerse yourself in the turtle conservation project.

Days 2-5 (Training & Volunteering)

Your first week will involve comprehensive hands-on training at the conservation project. Early each morning, you’ll head to project sites alongside fellow volunteers and field assistants. Your daily schedule will be assigned during orientation, outlining your project shifts and activities.

Throughout the first week, you’ll rotate across all project shifts under the supervision of the field team. You will gain practical experience in all aspects of conservation, ensuring you feel confident and well-prepared for the rest of your placement. The field leaders will be available on-site to offer guidance and support throughout the day. Expect to volunteer for at least four hours daily, with morning shifts starting early.

Sea Turtle Conservation

Your mornings will begin at sunrise, cycling to nesting beaches to monitor turtle tracks and protect new nests before tourists arrive. Additional morning activities may include harbour shifts and turtle tagging.

The afternoon is typically free for you to relax, swim, or explore the town, as this is the hottest part of the day. Volunteer shifts resume later in the afternoon, focusing on beach profiling and sand sifting.

On some nights, you may take part in overnight light pollution surveys, camping under the stars on the beach. Don’t forget to bring a sleeping bag! Your evenings are generally free to enjoy the local culture and nightlife in Kefalonia.

Marine and Coastal Conservation

Mornings begin at sunrise, with volunteers cycling to Skala and Mounda beaches, or making their way on foot or by bike to Ammes Beach in Svoronata. Early shifts focus on Posidonia seagrass surveys, capturing geotagged underwater photos to monitor marine habitats.

During the hottest part of the day, you will have free time to swim, relax, or visit local cafes. Afternoon shifts include sand dune habitat assessments, vegetation studies, species identification, and beach clean-ups.

Volunteers will also take part in training sessions on using GPS systems, entering data, and classifying photos. Those based in Svoronata will have the added opportunity to carry out coastal bird surveys.

Should you need assistance, the local team is available all day at the Volunteer House. Weekly activities such as quiz nights and movie nights are organised for volunteers.

Days 6-7 (Days Off)

Your days off are your opportunity to explore Kefalonia. Whether you want to relax on Myrtos Beach, visit Fiskardo for a cultural experience, or try adventure activities, there is something for everyone. The local team will be happy to help plan your weekend trips and offer travel advice.

If you wish to extend your time on the island after completing your placement, you are encouraged to stay longer to explore Kefalonia.

During your first week, there is a lot of training and workshops to complete. Therefore, you will have only one day off in week one, except for Skala and Svoronata volunteers, who typically receive two days off.

For the rest of your placement, you will generally have two days off per week. The project runs seven days a week, so volunteers are assigned different days off to ensure continuous conservation efforts.

Volunteers in Svoronata usually have set days off together each week, while in other locations, days off may vary.

The Following Weeks

Your remaining weeks will follow a similar routine, with volunteering five days per week. The conservation project runs daily, so volunteers are needed year-round to support ongoing research and fieldwork. Your days off will allow you to rest, travel, and make the most of your time in Greece.

The local team is available throughout your stay, whether you need travel advice, have lost your phone, or just want someone to talk to.

Last Day

As your volunteer experience in Greece comes to an end, it’s time to say goodbye to the team and fellow volunteers. If you are heading home, the team can help you arrange your return airport drop-off. If you are continuing your travels around Greece, they will be happy to provide tips and recommendations for your journey ahead.

For many first-time travellers, heading abroad can feel both exciting and daunting. At PMGY, we take every precaution to make our volunteer projects in Greece as safe as possible. While no experience can ever be 100% risk-free, our robust safety measures provide peace of mind for both volunteers and their families.

Every program has been personally inspected and approved by a PMGY director. We’ve lived in the Volunteer House, experienced the orientation, and worked on the projects ourselves. Through frequent visits and daily communications, we’ve built strong, trusting relationships with our local team, ensuring that all programs meet our high standards.

In the unlikely event of an issue, volunteers have access to several layers of support:

• PMGY Local Team
• Project Staff
• PMGY International Team

Our programs are continually monitored to evaluate volunteer experiences and ensure high standards. We rely on volunteer feedback to make ongoing improvements to improve volunteer opportunities in Greece. Safety and security are regularly assessed, and participants are encouraged to raise concerns with our local or International Teams, allowing us to resolve issues promptly and effectively.

Pre-Departure and In-Country Guidance

To ensure you’re fully prepared, PMGY provides comprehensive pre-departure guidance and an in-depth safety briefing during your orientation. Our local team cover all the essentials, including project introductions, emergency procedures, tips for using local transport, and cultural differences. Volunteers also receive a full list of important contact numbers, ensuring you always know who to reach out to.

General Safety Tips

While our local team work hard to ensure your safety, we encourage volunteers to follow these general tips for an even more secure experience:

• Be modest with jewellery worn in public.
• Avoid drinking tap water.
• Stay vigilant in crowds or near beggars; distractions may be used to target you.
• Be discreet when handling money in public.
• Plan your journeys carefully, especially at night, and know your destination in advance.
• Use only reputable transport providers; recommendations will be provided during your orientation.
• Stay in groups at night and avoid walking alone in dark or isolated areas.
• Keep valuables safe, especially when heading out of the accommodation.
• Be cautious of traffic, always looking left and right before crossing roads.
• Never accept food or drinks from strangers.

By following these guidelines and the advice provided by our in-country teams, you’ll be able to enjoy a safe, enriching, and memorable experience at your volunteer project in Greece.

Kefalonia enjoys a beautiful Mediterranean climate, making it the perfect location for outdoor conservation work. The volunteer projects in Greece run during the best weather months, ensuring warm temperatures, long sunshine hours, and minimal rainfall.

Summer is the hottest and driest season, with average temperatures ranging from 23°C to 26°C. In July, the island experiences its peak warmth, with temperatures occasionally reaching 30°C. With almost no rain and plenty of sunshine, summer is an ideal time to enjoy the island’s stunning beaches and outdoor activities.

Spring in Kefalonia is equally pleasant, with cooler yet comfortable temperatures compared to autumn. Springtime is often sunnier and drier, with average temperatures between 12°C and 18°C. The island is quieter than in summer, making it an excellent time to visit for those looking to enjoy a more peaceful experience. The sea temperature gradually rises from 15°C to 19°C, making it perfect for early-season swims.

Autumn offers warmer temperatures than spring, though it does bring more rainfall. The volunteer opportunity in Greece does not run during the winter months, but temperatures remain mild throughout the season. The increased winter rainfall ensures the island stays lush and green for the rest of the year.

Accommodation – Volunteer House

During your time on the Greece volunteer program, you will stay in a Volunteer House located in Kefalonia. Your accommodation will vary, depending on your project location.

All Volunteer Houses are conveniently located near your project sites during the program. This gives you the opportunity to swim, sunbathe, and relax on the beautiful beaches during your free time. The team also organises a weekly social evening at the houses for volunteers to connect and enjoy.

The Volunteer Houses are just a short journey from the main towns, where you’ll find ATMs, supermarkets, and local restaurants. Sharing the house with other participants from around the world provides a great chance to make new friends and create lasting memories.

The accommodation is clean and comfortable, with shared bedrooms for up to six people in bunk beds. Each house has electricity, basic cooking facilities, fridges, a small communal area, and hot water, though this is powered by solar energy and only available at certain times of the day. Bathrooms are shared and equipped with western-style toilets and showers.

A washing machine is available at the accommodation for around 3 euros per wash, and washing lines are also provided. Each room has ceiling fans and windows with mosquito nets, helping to keep the space cool and comfortable throughout the day. Wi-Fi is available in communal areas but is limited to basic activities like instant messaging and social media, with intermittent connectivity. For better access, you can purchase a local SIM card or visit nearby cafes.

Field assistants also live at the Volunteer Houses during your volunteer experience in Greece, ensuring round-the-clock support and security. To reach your fieldwork locations, you will either cycle, walk, or take a minivan transfer provided by the team.

Meals

Meals are not included during your volunteer trip to Greece. However, the Volunteer Houses are equipped with basic kitchen facilities, allowing you to prepare simple meals. Grocery shops are conveniently located nearby and offer delivery services to the accommodation upon request.

Many volunteers take the opportunity to explore local cuisine by dining at nearby restaurants once or twice a week. All field stations are home to fantastic cafes and restaurants, where you can enjoy authentic Greek dishes and experience the rich culture of the region.

On the Greece volunteer program, the cost of your project transport is included in your Program Fee. Some project locations are within walking distance of the Shared Apartment, while others are not. To make your commute easy, the local team will provide you with a bicycle, allowing you to travel to and from fieldwork locations that are not accessible on foot. For sites requiring extended travel or for transporting heavy equipment, you will travel by minivan, ensuring you can efficiently and comfortably reach your fieldwork setting.

PMGY welcomes volunteers of all nationalities and backgrounds. The minimum age to join the program is 18, and there is no upper age limit. All volunteers need to have a good level of English, although it does not need to be your first language. You do not need to speak the local language; however, learning a few words during your time with us will go a long way and greatly enrich your experience!

All participants must provide a clean criminal background check before volunteering abroad with us. No formal experience or qualifications are required—just lots of energy, enthusiasm, and a willingness to prepare!

To confirm your place on a PMGY program, you need to pay a Registration Fee. The remaining Program Fee is due no less than 60 days before your program start date.

For more information on how to join one of our volunteer opportunities abroad, please visit our Application Process.