Best eSIM for Greece 2026

Greece has a way of humbling your expectations in the best possible way. You think you're going for the sunsets and the ruins, and then you find yourself hopelessly lost down a cobblestone alley in Chios with no data, no Google Maps, and absolutely no idea which ferry goes where. We've been there. Not Chios specifically, but that exact moment of "I really need the internet right now" in a foreign country – and it's not fun.

The good news is that in 2026, staying connected in Greece is genuinely easy. An eSIM loaded before you board your flight means you land in Athens with data already working, no SIM card kiosks, no language barriers at a phone shop, and no getting charged €40 for a plan you don't understand. Here's exactly what we recommend.

The short answer: Holafly's Greece eSIM with code ADAMANDLINDS saves you 5% and gets you unlimited data on Greece's 3G/4G/5G networks from the moment you land.

Why You Need an eSIM in Greece (Not a Local SIM)

Greece is a beautiful logistical puzzle. The mainland is one thing, but the moment you start island-hopping -- Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, Rhodes, Corfu -- you're relying heavily on Google Maps for ferry terminals, port locations, and navigation through towns that haven't updated their signage since approximately 1987. You need reliable data, and you need it everywhere.

Local SIM cards from Cosmote, Vodafone Greece, or Wind Hellas can work well, but buying one means finding a store during opening hours (good luck during siesta), presenting your passport, waiting while someone sets it up, and then figuring out whether your phone accepts a physical nano-SIM. An eSIM sidesteps all of that. You buy it online, scan a QR code, and it's done.

For families especially, the convenience factor is massive. Nobody wants to troubleshoot a SIM card swap at Athens International Airport with jetlagged kids and a trolley full of luggage.

Our Top Pick: Holafly eSIM for Greece

We've tested eSIMs across 30+ countries over the past few years, and for Greece in 2026, Holafly is our clear recommendation. The unlimited data model is the right fit for Greece travel -- you're using navigation constantly between islands, you're pulling up restaurant reviews on the fly, and if you have kids, someone is definitely streaming something on a device at some point.

Use code ADAMANDLINDS at checkout to save 5% on any Greece destination plan.

Holafly Greece eSIM Pricing

All plans include unlimited data on 3G/4G/5G networks. Hotspot sharing is included at 500MB/day, which is enough to keep a tablet connected for navigation and light use.

Note on calls and SMS: Holafly eSIMs are data-only. You'll use WhatsApp, FaceTime, or any other VoIP app for calls, which is what most travelers are doing anyway. No surprises there.

Staying longer than 30 days? If you're spending a month or more in Greece or doing an extended European trip, Holafly's monthly global plans are significantly better value. The Light Plan runs $49.90/month (25GB) and the Unlimited Plan is $64.90/month -- both accessible through this link, and our code ADAMANDLINDS saves you 10% (double the usual discount) on monthly plans.

What to Expect from Mobile Coverage in Greece

Greece's mobile infrastructure is solid in urban areas and tourist hotspots. Athens, Thessaloniki, Santorini, Mykonos, Heraklion, and Rhodes all have strong 4G coverage and increasingly 5G in city centers. The networks you'll roam on with Holafly include the major Greek carriers, giving you reliable coverage across the country.

Where coverage gets patchier is in the remote interiors of larger islands, mountainous regions, and some of the smaller, less-touristed islands. If you're planning to hike in the Samaria Gorge in Crete or explore the deep interior of Peloponnese, expect signal to be intermittent. Download offline maps in Google Maps or Maps.me before you head out -- this is good advice regardless of which provider you use.

Ferry crossings between islands will drop your data connection for stretches. This is normal and nothing specific to your eSIM.

Greece eSIM vs. Local SIM Card: Which Is Actually Better?

This comes up a lot, so let's settle it. A local SIM card from Cosmote or Vodafone Greece can offer competitive pricing if you're staying for several weeks and want a Greek phone number. However, for most travelers visiting for 1-3 weeks, an eSIM wins on convenience every single time.

For the overwhelming majority of Greece visitors, the eSIM wins. The price difference over 7-14 days is minimal, and not having to hunt down a SIM card store when you land is worth something real.

Does the Holafly eSIM Work in Both Greece and Turkey?

Yes -- this is one of the most common questions we see. If your itinerary includes both Greece and Turkey (a popular combination, especially for Aegean cruises), Holafly's Europe plan covers Greece, and there's a separate Turkey plan. The cleanest solution for a combined trip is Holafly's regional Europe eSIM, which covers 40 countries including Greece, or buying separate country-specific eSIMs for each destination.

For Greece and Italy together, the Europe plan handles both seamlessly, covering mainland Italy, the islands, and Greece in a single eSIM. This is the plan we'd reach for if we were doing a multi-country Mediterranean loop.

Get the Europe eSIM here and use ADAMANDLINDS for 5% off.

Greece and Italy eSIM: Using One Plan for Both

The Holafly Europe plan covers 40 European countries, including Greece, Italy, Spain, France, Germany, and more. If you're doing a broader European trip -- Athens to Rome, for example, or a Mediterranean cruise with stops in multiple countries -- a single Europe eSIM is far more convenient than juggling multiple country-specific plans.

The pricing is identical, so if there's any chance you'll cross into another European country, just get the Europe plan. It's the same price and far more flexible.

How to Set Up Your Holafly eSIM for Greece

Setting up is straightforward, and you can do it days before your trip so there's one less thing to manage at the airport.

1. Go to holafly.sjv.io/9LZrV0 and select Greece (or Europe) as your destination.
2. Choose your plan duration based on your travel dates.
3. Apply code ADAMANDLINDS at checkout to save 5%.
4. After purchase, you'll receive a QR code by email almost instantly.
5. On your phone, go to Settings > Mobile Data (or Cellular) > Add eSIM and scan the QR code.
6. Label the new line "Greece" or "Travel" so you know which to enable.
7. Keep your home SIM for calls and texts, and use the Holafly eSIM for data.
8. When you land in Greece, toggle on data roaming for your Holafly line.

That's it. The eSIM activates when it first connects to a local Greek network, and your countdown begins from that moment.

Device compatibility: Holafly eSIMs work with eSIM-compatible iPhones (iPhone XR and newer), Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy, and most flagship Android phones from 2019 onward. Check Holafly's compatibility guide if you're unsure about your specific model. Also confirm your phone is unlocked -- carrier-locked phones may not work with international eSIMs.

Is Airalo Better Than Holafly for Greece?

Airalo is a well-established eSIM provider and a frequent comparison for Holafly. Here's where they actually differ for Greece travel. Airalo offers data-capped plans, meaning you buy a set amount of gigabytes (say, 3GB or 10GB) rather than unlimited. For a week in Greece where you're streaming navigation, using translation apps, and occasionally pulling up videos for kids on a long ferry crossing, data caps can create anxiety.

Holafly's unlimited model removes that anxiety entirely. You don't have to police your data usage or worry about running out on day five of a seven-day trip. For the slight price premium, that peace of mind is worth it to us -- especially traveling as a family of five.

If you're a light data user who just needs occasional navigation and messaging, Airalo's capped plans can be cheaper. But for most travelers, unlimited data at Greece's pricing is the better call.

Tips for Staying Connected While Island-Hopping

Greece's island-hopping culture is one of the best things about visiting, but it creates some connectivity quirks worth knowing about.

Ferry terminals in major ports like Piraeus, Heraklion, and Rhodes typically have decent 4G coverage. On board the ferries, you're often at sea and signal drops significantly -- especially on longer crossings like Athens to Crete (8-9 hours overnight) or Athens to Rhodes. Download your entertainment, offline maps, and any reading material before you board.

Smaller islands like Hydra (which bans motor vehicles) and some of the Cyclades outer islands have lighter coverage. On Hydra especially, you're walking everywhere, so offline maps are essential. The data signal that exists tends to be slower 3G rather than 4G.

Santorini and Mykonos, despite being busy tourist destinations, have solid coverage throughout -- you'll have no problem navigating the caldera rim in Santorini or finding your way around Mykonos Town.

Frequently Asked Questions About Greece eSIMs

Which eSIM is best for Greece?

Holafly is the best eSIM for Greece in 2026 for most travelers. It offers unlimited data on 3G/4G/5G networks across Greece, including the islands, with plans starting from $3.90/day. Use code ADAMANDLINDS for 5% off at checkout. The unlimited data model is ideal for navigation-heavy island-hopping itineraries.

What is the best SIM card in Greece?

For most visitors, an eSIM is more convenient than a physical SIM card. If you specifically need a local Greek phone number, Cosmote is Greece's largest carrier with the widest domestic coverage. For data-only needs, Holafly's eSIM is easier to set up, works before you land, and doesn't require visiting a store.

Is Airalo better than a local SIM for Greece?

Airalo offers data-capped plans that can be cheaper for light users. A local Greek SIM from Cosmote or Vodafone may offer better value for long stays (30+ days) where you also need a local number. For most 1-3 week visits, an eSIM like Holafly is more convenient and comparably priced.

Does Holafly work in Greece?

Yes. Holafly works throughout Greece including Athens, Thessaloniki, Crete, Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes, Corfu, and most other popular destinations. Coverage uses major Greek carrier networks. Remote island interiors and mountain regions may have limited signal, as with any provider.

Can I use one eSIM for Greece and Italy?

Yes. Holafly's Europe regional eSIM covers 40 countries including both Greece and Italy at the same price as a Greece-only plan. If you're visiting multiple European countries, the Europe plan is the smarter choice.

Can I use Holafly as a hotspot in Greece?

Yes. Holafly's Greece and Europe plans include hotspot (tethering) at 500MB per day of shared data. This is enough to keep a tablet or laptop connected for navigation, email, and light browsing while on the go.

FTC Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely use and trust.