Yes, in some places, if you follow Greece's EU drone rules and check the DAGR map. Register as an EU drone operator, put your operator number on the drone, and fly below 120 m. Before every flight, Greece requires a check of the DAGR (Drone Aware Greece) map. On Santorini, Rhodes and Zakynthos, the airports and archaeological sites sit in zones that need approval, often refused, and the famous viewpoints are too crowded to fly over.
The rules that apply on every island
- Register with the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority if Greece is your first EU country, or use your existing EU registration. Camera drones under 250 g need this too.
- Under 250 g (US-version Minis, Neo): fly in subcategory A1 without a certificate. Avoid flying over people and never fly over crowds.
- 250 g or more: you need the EU A1/A3 certificate. Drones without a C1 class label, including US-version models, fly in subcategory A3 and must stay 150 m from residential, commercial, industrial and recreational areas.
- Check DAGR before every flight. In yellow and magenta zones, flights are restricted or banned, and approval from the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority usually has to be requested at least 5 working days ahead.
Details are in drone laws in Greece and flying in Europe as a US tourist.
Santorini
- Santorini Airport is on the east side of the island, and its zone covers much of the center.
- Oia and Fira are packed along the caldera rim, especially at sunset. Flying over those crowds breaks EU rules.
- Akrotiri and Ancient Thera are archaeological sites, which are restricted.
Quiet early mornings away from the towns, with a DAGR check, are the realistic option.
Rhodes
- Rhodes Airport is on the northwest coast, near Ialysos and Kremasti.
- Rhodes Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Acropolis of Lindos is an archaeological site. Plan on not flying over either.
- Beaches on the east coast fill quickly in summer.
Zakynthos (Zante)
- Zakynthos Airport sits just south of Zakynthos Town, near Laganas.
- The National Marine Park of Zakynthos protects loggerhead turtle nesting beaches around Laganas Bay. Don't fly over nesting beaches or turtles.
- Navagio (Shipwreck Beach) is popular from the cliffs and by boat. Access to the beach and viewpoints has been limited at times because of rockfalls, so follow posted closures and don't fly over boats and swimmers.
Weather
The meltemi wind blows hard in July and August across the Aegean. On cliff edges and over the sea, a small drone can lose the fight against it. Keep a large battery reserve and fly early.
Insurance and privacy
Carry third-party liability insurance that covers Greece. Greek privacy rules are strict, so avoid filming identifiable people, hotel terraces and private villas.
Which drone to bring
The 249 g DJI Mini 5 Pro flies in A1 without a certificate and has a 1-inch sensor for caldera sunrises. The 135 g DJI Neo is good for quick clips on a boat day where flying is allowed. Pack batteries by the rules in traveling with a drone.
Rules current as of October 2026. This is general information, not legal advice.
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