Drafting an Itinerary for Visa Purposes: how it works in Greece — first-hand

Consulates may view this as suspicious, implying a lack of a genuine travel plan or a fabricated booking, especially considering that many locals leave Athens for the islands during peak season. It is advisable to provide bookings for multiple accommodations, possibly including a resort or island location, to demonstrate a more credible and varied itinerary. While Athens itself can be a valid destination, an extended stay without other confirmed accommodations might raise concerns.

Simplifying the route to focus solely on Greece is recommended. If booking a yacht tour with partial payment, be prepared for potential requests to complete the payment before visa approval. Consider mainland Greece with seaside accommodation as a less complicated alternative to island hopping.

Opting for a single accommodation on the mainland, preferably by the sea, is often less suspicious than a complex multi-island or city-hopping route. Avoid making Athens the primary focus for accommodation during summer unless it's for a brief transit. A well-chosen seaside location can satisfy the 'purpose of visit' requirement and provide a relaxed holiday experience.

While mentioning other countries is possible, explain the rationale (e.g., long travel distance from Russia) in a cover letter, emphasizing Greece as the main focus. This can help mitigate potential concerns from the consulate.