Imagine this: you have returned from the beach, tired and satisfied, ready for an afternoon rest, and in the apartment next to yours, a group of people has just started making noise and singing loudly, with the music turned up to the maximum. We have received many complaints about this. Many of us completely understand people who have relaxed a bit more and indulged in the wonderful feeling of letting go of all constraints, but… we still need to consider others.

These situations are not only unpleasant, but also illegal.

Afternoon Rest Culture - “Siesta” in Greece

In Greece, there is a deeply rooted culture of afternoon rest. In many places, especially on the islands and in the countryside, the afternoon siesta is part of daily life. Businesses close around 2 pm, people return home to have lunch and rest. During that time:

  • there is no noise on the streets,
  • power tools are not used (drills, chainsaws…)
  • even motorcycles and cars are rarely heard.

Even without laws, silence is a behavioral norm. Greeks respect it – and the same is expected from tourists.

House Rules in Greece (“Ώρες κοινής ησυχίας”)

According to Police Regulation 3⁄1996, from April 1st to September 30th, silence is mandatory during the following times:
Afternoon rest: from 3:00 pm to 5:30 pm
Night rest: from 11:00 pm to 7:00 am

What is not allowed:

  • Work or other activities that create noise.
    In exceptional urgent cases, when postponement is not possible, with a specially justified approval from the chief of the relevant police station, carrying out works, especially those of general interest, which generate noise, may be allowed.
  • Use of musical instruments or devices such as radios, cassette players, or televisions at a high volume, as well as shouting, noisy dancing, and any other noisy activities in residential or other private spaces.
  • Singing, shouting, using musical instruments, radios, cassette players, and televisions on the streets, squares, and public places in residential areas, as well as inside public transport vehicles.
  • Loud games in taverns, billiard halls, or other public places, as well as shouting and loud conversations of visitors in those establishments.
  • Loud conversations and arguments at vehicle stations (buses, taxis, etc.), loading and unloading of goods from or into cargo vehicles generating noise, as well as noisy operation of stationary vehicle engines.
  • Use of sirens or other sound devices and security systems without the existence of an emergency reason, as well as their trial activation. These rules apply to everyone – both local residents and tourists.

Rules also apply in accommodations

Regardless of whether you are in a hotel, apartment, or campsite, respecting house rules is a legal obligation. In most accommodations, the house rules are posted either at the entrance of the accommodation/hotel or on the doors of each room/apartment/studio. Sometimes it is printed and left in the rooms on the table. In any case, even if it is not posted, it is implied to be respected.

In case someone does not comply and there is noise, often other guests themselves react by addressing the “noisy” tourists or informing the owner about it. The owner in these situations reminds of the house rules. If the discomfort continues, the owner has the right to call the police.

Although it rarely happens, there are penalties for disturbing public order, as in all societies. The offense is treated according to Article 12 of Law 1481⁄1984 and can result in:

  • Imprisonment up to 5 months, or
  • Fines up to 150 daily units

This is a flexible system that allows for fairer penalties – proportional to income. The amount of the fine is not fixed, but depends on the income of the offender.

One unit could be, for example, 10, 20, or more euros – depending on the income of the perpetrator.

We have not heard of anyone paying a fine or going to jail. The fines are prescribed and high due to cases of cafes and bars that do not respect these measures in the long term. Such examples are widespread throughout Greece, and are not unknown in our country or others. For tourists, we have never heard of them being fined, but we have heard of warnings being issued and owners having trouble “calming them down”.

It is important to understand that vacation is a shared space for relaxation. Remember – relaxation yes, but not at the expense of others.

Reminder: when is silence mandatory in Greece?

From April 1st to September 30th:
Afternoon: 3:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Night: 11:00 pm - 7:00 am

Why follow these rules?

  • For your family and other tourists
  • For the accommodation owners
  • For Greek law
  • For basic culture of respect

Vacation is for enjoyment, but also for mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.

Frequently Asked Questions about House Rules and Silence in Greece

1. Do the rules about silence apply all year round?
The rules are legally prescribed and enforced throughout the year with differences in timing during the summer and winter periods.
2. What is the penalty for breaking house rules in Greece?
Penalties include imprisonment up to 5 months and fines of up to 150 monetary units (which can be 10, 20, or more euros depending on the judge’s assessment).
3. Do the rules of silence also apply to children?
Yes, the rules apply to everyone, including children. Parents are expected to respect house rules and quiet their children during silent periods.
4. What to do if a neighbor in the accommodation does not respect house rules?
First, try to talk to the neighbor. If the noise continues, inform the accommodation owner. If that does not help, the owner will take action and may contact the local police.

Related articles that may be useful:
Avoiding unpleasant situations in Greece
Accommodation problems in Greece – what to do