Report it and claim it within a few days. Few holders publish how long they keep items, and after one year Greek law lets an honest finder keep it, so a late claim risks losing it for good.
What Greek law says
- Whoever finds a lost item must tell the owner or the police without delay (Civil Code art. 1081).
- The finder can keep it safe or hand it to the police. Perishable items go to the police, who can sell them (art. 1082).
- The finder can ask the owner for their costs and a finder’s reward: 10% of the value up to €1.50, 5% from €1.50 to €29, and 2% of anything above (art. 1086). On a €1,000 laptop that is about €21.
- One year after the police were told, the item belongs to the finder, unless the owner has come forward (art. 1088).
What this means for you
- Report the loss to the place and to the police straight away — then your claim is on record if the item turns up.
- Give a precise description: brand, colour, marks, contents, serial number or IMEI.
- If a finder contacts you, a small reward is normal and set by law; you don’t owe more.
How long holders keep items
Published periods:
| Who holds it | Kept for | Then |
|---|---|---|
| Finder under the Greek Civil Code (Art. 1081-1088) | Finder keeps the item; one year after the police are notified the finder acquires ownership, unless the owner became known | Ownership passes to the finder (Art. 1088). Perishable or costly items go to the police, who may sell them at public auction (Art. 1082) |
| Minoan Lines | 2 months on the ship, then a further 6 months at company headquarters | |
| STASY (Athens metro) lost property, Syntagma | No period stated | Unclaimed items are eventually handed to the Greek police |
Which bus, metro or train?
Which port?
Updated 14 October 2026
Found it and need it delivered?
Once the office has your item, ask a courier we recommend to get it to you, in Greece or abroad.
Family-run Athens courier since 1988. Sends parcels within Greece and abroad, helps with customs clearance, and can store extra bags for travellers and deliver them later. Ask for a price on their website.
We recommend services we think are useful; some may pay us a fee if you book. Prices and terms are set by the service, so check them before you book.