Can you fly your drone in Greece?

Two separate things are easily confused here. Registration as a drone operator is required as soon as your drone weighs 250 g or more, or has a camera or sensor able to capture personal data — so it covers many sub-250 g drones too, unless they qualify for the toy exemption. The Operator Certificate competency certificate is something else: you need it once your drone weighs 250 g or more, or carries a C1 or higher class mark. A camera drone under 250 g therefore needs registration, but no exam. You get the certificate by passing an online theory test with Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA), and it is then valid across the whole EASA area, not just here.

Yes — EU drone rules apply to visitors too. If you are already registered as a drone operator in another EASA country, that registration and your A1/A3 certificate (also A2) are valid in Greece as well. Coming from outside the EASA area, you register once — in the first EASA country where you plan to fly, here with Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA). Every designated archaeological site in Greece is a no-fly zone without prior permission — this covers many famous tourist spots such as the Acropolis. Check the DAGR map before flying, and expect filming permits to involve the Ministry of Culture.

The short version: Maximum 120 m above the ground (EASA Open Category). On top of that: Register as a UAS operator (free), if the drone weighs 250 g or more or has a camera. Also: A1/A3 online training is required – minimum age 16. These are central aviation rules — location-specific airspace, land, nature, privacy and photography requirements can also apply in Greece, so always check the official sources.

What you need to avoid are the restricted zones — typically around airports, prisons, military areas and protected nature. You'll find the official map for Greece under Sources below, and the DroneKoll app shows current NOTAMs (temporary airspace restrictions) for Greece.

Drone flying in Greece is regulated by Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA), which handles both the rules and the airspace. Their official pages are linked under Sources below — that is where changes appear first.