Greece has become a popular place to get tattooed. It has skilled artists, prices that are usually lower than in Northern and Western Europe, and the chance to get a tattoo while you are on holiday. If you live in Greece and are planning your next piece, or you are visiting and want a tattoo from your trip, this guide shows you what to expect and how to budget.
Prices in Greece depend on the same things as anywhere else. Size, style, placement, the artist's experience and the studio's location all play a part. Most of the real prices on Inkjin come from Greek artists, so the figures below are a good guide to what you will actually pay. For the general picture, see the tattoo cost guide.
How much does a tattoo cost in Greece by size?
Size has the biggest effect on the price, because a bigger tattoo takes longer. Here is what Inkjin artists usually ask for a ready-made design.
- Small tattoos (up to about 5 cm), like a symbol, a date or a small icon: most cost €80-€140.
- Medium tattoos (about 6-12 cm), like a detailed flower, a small animal or a short line of text: most cost €140-€200.
- Large tattoos (about 13-20 cm), like a piece covering part of the forearm or the shoulder blade: most cost €220-€350.
Half sleeves, full sleeves and back pieces are custom projects done over several sessions, and they cost more. For this kind of work, many Greek artists charge a day rate for a long session of six to eight hours instead of an hourly rate. As a rough guide, day rates in Greece are often around €300-€400, which is usually less than you would pay in London or Berlin. If you book several sessions with the same artist, ask whether they offer a package price.
Is it cheaper in Athens, Thessaloniki or on the islands?
Athens has the most studios and the widest range of artists and prices. Many studios are in central areas like Exarchia and Psyrri, and studios in more expensive areas such as Kolonaki or Glyfada often charge a little more because of higher rent. Thessaloniki has a strong tattoo scene of its own, and prices there are often a bit lower than in Athens.
The islands are usually more expensive, especially in summer. Studios on Mykonos, Santorini and Crete see high demand from visitors in peak season, and running a business on an island costs more. A higher price there does not mean better work. If cost matters to you, get tattooed on the mainland before or after your island trip.
What changes the price of a tattoo in Greece?
Many artists in Greece charge by the hour for larger work. As a rough guide, hourly rates are often somewhere between €40 and €70, and most artists have a minimum of about €50 for small pieces. Newer artists and apprentices sit at the lower end. Established artists with a strong portfolio and a busy schedule sit at the higher end. Detailed styles that need advanced technique, like realism, Japanese or micro-realism, usually cost more.
Color tattoos usually cost more than black and grey, because they need more passes, more ink and more time. Custom designs cost more than flash, because the artist spends time drawing your idea before the session. Some studios charge a small design fee and take it off the final price if you go ahead. Most artists also ask for a deposit to hold your date. The deposit guide explains how that works.
Getting a tattoo in Greece as a tourist
Many visitors from across Europe now plan a tattoo as part of their trip to Greece. In summer, book at least two to three weeks ahead, as good artists fill up fast. Most Greek artists speak good English, so talking through the design and placement is easy. Bring reference pictures and agree on the price before you start.
The Greek summer makes aftercare harder. Sun, salt water, pools and heat can all slow healing and fade a fresh tattoo. Stay out of the sea and pools and keep the tattoo out of direct sun until it has fully healed, which usually takes at least two weeks. If your holiday includes beach days, get tattooed at the end of the trip. Most studios in Greece sell aftercare products and can give you instructions in English. The aftercare guide has the full routine.
How to find a good tattoo artist in Greece
Most people in Greece find artists on Instagram. On Inkjin you can browse Greek artists, compare styles and book without needing a social media account. Look for photos of healed tattoos, not only fresh ones. Read the studio's Google reviews, and ask to see the studio before you book. Whatever the price, a clean studio comes first.
Watch out for studios that will not show you how they sterilize their equipment, artists who push you toward a bigger piece than you want, and prices that look too good to be true. On Inkjin, a small design from a Greek artist usually costs €80-€140. If someone offers a detailed sleeve for a few hundred euros, ask yourself what corners are being cut. The best Greek artists are usually booked weeks ahead. For more warning signs, read tattoo artist red flags.
