The 2026 Social Tourism Program is being implemented earlier than ever before. Starting May 18, the initiative paves the way for affordable vacations for thousands of beneficiaries, supporting the national effort to extend the tourist season in Greece.
With a boosted budget reaching €50 million, this year’s DYPA program will distribute 300,000 vouchers, covering a 13-month period. The primary goal is to stimulate domestic tourism and provide substantial incentives for vacations, even during peak seasons.
Accommodation and Destinations: Where to Stay for Free
The philosophy of this year’s program focuses on supporting disaster-affected regions and highlighting island destinations. Beneficiaries can choose accommodation from the DYPA “Provider Registry,” with the duration of stay scaled as follows:
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General Program: Up to 6 nights with a small private co-payment.
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Island Greece (Lesvos, Chios, Samos, Leros, Kos, Rhodes): Up to 10 nights with zero financial burden for the beneficiary.
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Special Care Areas (Northern Evia, Evros, Thessaly – excluding Sporades): Up to 12 nights completely free of charge.
Increased Subsidies and Ferry Tickets
A major highlight of the 2026 program is the 20% increase in subsidies during high-demand periods. Specifically, rates will be increased during August, the Christmas holidays (15/12/26 – 14/01/27), and the Easter period (23/04/27 – 09/05/27).
Furthermore, the program covers ferry travel. The private co-payment for ferry tickets is set at 25%, while individuals with disabilities (AMEA) are entitled to free transportation.
Eligibility and Participation Criteria
The program is addressed to private-sector employees (with contributions to DYPA) and registered unemployed individuals on the DYPA digital registry (with at least three months of continuous unemployment).
The income limits for application are set as follows:
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Single: Up to €16,000.
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Married: Up to €24,000 (increased by €5,000 per child).
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Single-parent families: Up to €29,000 (plus €5,000 for each child after the first).
The final selection of beneficiaries will be based on a point system that considers social and economic criteria (disability status, number of children, income), giving priority to those who have not received a voucher in the previous two years.
