In Greece, the mobile market is a competitive battle between Cosmote, Vodafone, and Nova. For February 2026, the focus is on 5G "Unlimited" data and special tourist packs that are highly popular as the early travel season begins.
1. Cosmote (The Market Leader)
Cosmote has the widest coverage, especially on the islands and in remote mountainous areas.
* Tourist Pack: For roughly €12–€14, you can get an "Unlimited Data" pack valid for 30 days. It typically includes a 12 GB roaming allowance for use within the EU.
* What’s Up (Prepaid): This is the most popular sub-brand for younger users.
* Giga Now Week: Unlimited data for 7 days for approx. €8.
* Giga Week: 5 GB for 7 days for approx. €5.
* Contract/GigaMax: Their premium 5G plans (GigaMax Unlimited) start at roughly €70/month, but significant discounts (down to €35–€40) are available if you are an existing Cosmote home internet customer.
2. Vodafone Greece
Vodafone is often the best choice for city dwellers in Athens or Thessaloniki and travelers who want reliable international support.
* Vodafone CU (Prepaid): Similar to Cosmote's youth brand, CU offers "Liquid" plans where you can adjust your balance between data and minutes.
* Unlimited Summer/Winter Deals: They are currently running a February special where you can get Unlimited Data for 1 month for roughly €11–€15 via the My Vodafone app.
* Handset Promo: For Valentine's Day, Vodafone is offering the iPhone 17 with "Vodafone Flex," allowing you to pay in 24 interest-free installments without a fixed-term contract.
3. Nova (The Budget Option)
Formerly known as Wind, Nova is generally the most aggressive on pricing, though its coverage on smaller, remote islands can be slightly less robust than Cosmote's.
* FREE2GO "Super Data": A standout offer for February 2026 is 250 GB for €13.30 valid for 30 days.
* Switching Offer: If you port your number to a Nova contract, they are offering Unlimited 5G Data + Unlimited Calls for approx. €13–€20/month (depending on the length of the promo).
* EON TV Bundle: For residents, adding a mobile line to an EON TV package often results in the mobile line being free for the first 12 months.
4. Comparison for Tourists
If you are landing at Athens International Airport (ATH) today:
* For the best islands coverage: Go to the Cosmote desk. Their "Tourist SIM" is the gold standard for island hopping.
* For the most data for your money: Look for a Nova/FREE2GO kiosk. 250 GB for under €14 is an unbeatable rate for heavy streamers.
* For eSIM convenience: Airalo offers a "Calamobile" (Greece-specific) eSIM starting at $5 USD for 1 GB, while Holafly provides Unlimited Data starting at €19.
5. Important Rules
* Passport Required: You must show a physical passport or EU ID card to buy and register a SIM card in Greece.
* Street Vendors: In central Athens (Omonia/Syntagma), you may see authorized street vendors selling prepaid SIMs. These are legitimate, but ensure they register the SIM to your ID on the spot using their tablet.
1. Cosmote (The Market Leader)
Cosmote has the widest coverage, especially on the islands and in remote mountainous areas.
* Tourist Pack: For roughly €12–€14, you can get an "Unlimited Data" pack valid for 30 days. It typically includes a 12 GB roaming allowance for use within the EU.
* What’s Up (Prepaid): This is the most popular sub-brand for younger users.
* Giga Now Week: Unlimited data for 7 days for approx. €8.
* Giga Week: 5 GB for 7 days for approx. €5.
* Contract/GigaMax: Their premium 5G plans (GigaMax Unlimited) start at roughly €70/month, but significant discounts (down to €35–€40) are available if you are an existing Cosmote home internet customer.
2. Vodafone Greece
Vodafone is often the best choice for city dwellers in Athens or Thessaloniki and travelers who want reliable international support.
* Vodafone CU (Prepaid): Similar to Cosmote's youth brand, CU offers "Liquid" plans where you can adjust your balance between data and minutes.
* Unlimited Summer/Winter Deals: They are currently running a February special where you can get Unlimited Data for 1 month for roughly €11–€15 via the My Vodafone app.
* Handset Promo: For Valentine's Day, Vodafone is offering the iPhone 17 with "Vodafone Flex," allowing you to pay in 24 interest-free installments without a fixed-term contract.
3. Nova (The Budget Option)
Formerly known as Wind, Nova is generally the most aggressive on pricing, though its coverage on smaller, remote islands can be slightly less robust than Cosmote's.
* FREE2GO "Super Data": A standout offer for February 2026 is 250 GB for €13.30 valid for 30 days.
* Switching Offer: If you port your number to a Nova contract, they are offering Unlimited 5G Data + Unlimited Calls for approx. €13–€20/month (depending on the length of the promo).
* EON TV Bundle: For residents, adding a mobile line to an EON TV package often results in the mobile line being free for the first 12 months.
4. Comparison for Tourists
If you are landing at Athens International Airport (ATH) today:
* For the best islands coverage: Go to the Cosmote desk. Their "Tourist SIM" is the gold standard for island hopping.
* For the most data for your money: Look for a Nova/FREE2GO kiosk. 250 GB for under €14 is an unbeatable rate for heavy streamers.
* For eSIM convenience: Airalo offers a "Calamobile" (Greece-specific) eSIM starting at $5 USD for 1 GB, while Holafly provides Unlimited Data starting at €19.
5. Important Rules
* Passport Required: You must show a physical passport or EU ID card to buy and register a SIM card in Greece.
* Street Vendors: In central Athens (Omonia/Syntagma), you may see authorized street vendors selling prepaid SIMs. These are legitimate, but ensure they register the SIM to your ID on the spot using their tablet.
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