50 Fun Facts about Greece

Ever wanted to visit Greece? Well, before booking your next getaway, learn more than 50 interesting facts about the country that will make you want to pack up and head straight for this beautiful European destination.

Bordering the Ionian Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, Greece is praised for its eye-popping beaches, bustling islands, amazing food, and rich culture, and it's one of the top tourist destinations in Europe.

But how well do you really know this splendid Mediterranean nation?

Sure you may know many common fun facts about Greece including that is one of the oldest countries or a thing or two about Greek mythology, but we are diving in to share the most interesting facts about the country you need to know before your visit.

Keep reading to learn 50 incredible Greece facts!

What Is Greece Known For?

First, let's learn some basic information about Greece: the country is known for its rich history, especially how it was the birthplace of democracy. Greece is also known for its beautiful blue coastlines and picturesque villages on top of hills.

The Greek islands are a popular destination because they are close to mainland Europe but have unique cultures!

Facts About Ancient Greece

Ancient Greece refers to 700-480 B.C

It's no surprise that Greece has one of the oldest and longest histories, but one of the biggest misconceptions is that the period most famous for architecture, art, and philosophy is the Archaic or Ancient Greek period. However, it was in fact the Classical Age (480-323 B.C.).

Facts About Greek Geography and Cities

Mount Olympus Is The Highest Mountain In Greece

It's also one of the highest peaks in Europe. Located on the border between Thessaly and Macedonia, the mountain rises up to 2,917 meters above sea level.

Greece Is One Of The Most Mountainous Countries In Europe

80% of the country is mountainous. Aside from Mount Olympus, the country is home to other well-known mountains, such as the Parnassus, Taygetos, and Pelion;

Greece Has The Longest Coastline In Southern Europe

Over 60 km of the coastline surrounds Athens!

Greece Is Quite Small

Greece is smaller in size than the state of Alabama, in the USA;

And Athens Is Packed!

About one-third of the Greek population lives in the capital, Athens.

Summer In Greece Is (Very) Hot!

Facts About Greek Mythology & Architecture

Greece Has More Archaeological Museums Than Any Country In The World

Some of these archaeological museums include the most famous, Acropolis in Athens, The Archeological Museum of Rhodes, National Archeological Museum, and many more.

Greece Is Home To 18 UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Including the Acropolis, Mount Athos, Old Town of Corfu, and the Medieval City of Rhodes. According to the official list, there are 14 locations that are currently pending consideration for becoming a Greek UNESCO World Heritage site.

The Acropolis Is The Most Popular Tourist Attraction In Greece

Aside from being one of the most prominent World Heritage Sites in Greece, the Acropolis Of Athens is considered to be the symbol of Athens and Western Civilization.

Greek Mythology Is Still Relevant In Greece Today

There were twelve Olympic gods celebrated in Ancient Greece, including Zeus, leader of the Olympians, Hera, Zeus's wife and sister, and Athena, goddess of wisdom, defense, and war.

Athena Defeated Poseidon To Become The Guardian Of Athens

They each gave the city a gift, Athena an olive tree and Poseidon water in the form of a spring. The people of Athens thought the olive tree was much more useful as it could provide food, oil, and wood.

Columns Are Very Symbolic Of Greek Architecture

There are three main types of columns used to build Greek temples and structures. They are Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian.

There's A Famous Saying Inspired By A Greek Myth

The saying “taking the bull by its horns” comes from the Greek myth of Hercules saving Crete from a raging bull by seizing its horns.

The Acropolis Almost Became One Of The “New 7 Wonders of the World”

But Mexico’s Chichén Itzá made it to the list.

High Heels Are Forbidden In Some Greek Places

It's illegal to wear high heels in Greece when going on a tour of ancient historic sites because you could damage the monuments.

Interesting Facts About Greek Isles And Nature

Greece Has Over 6,000 Islands

These islands are spread throughout the Aegean Sea and are some of the most popular destinations to visit in the world. Only 200 of these islands are populated.

Crete Is The Largest Greek Island

The entire island is 3218.548 square miles (8836 square kilometers) and has a population of over 630,000 people. In comparison, Halki is the smallest inhabited Greek island and is only 11 square miles (28 square kilometers).

Greece Is One Of The Sunniest Places In The World

The country has 85% of sunshine a year, an equivalent of 300 days of sunshine per year.

Santorini Island Is An Active Volcano

The last eruption recorded was in 1950. Santorini is also commonly known as the most popular Greek Island to visit.

Santorini Is The World’s Only Inhabited Caldera

The towns and villages sit densely on top of the mighty cliffs of the caldera (volcano cauldron).

Many Houses In The Greek Isles Are White-Washed With Blue Doors And Roofs

That color is believed to keep evil spirits away.

Mykonos Has An Official Mascot

It's a pelican named Petros!

Mykonos Was Nicknamed “The Island of the Winds”

This happened due to the strong Meltemi winds that sweep through the Aegean Sea.

In Mykonos, Doors And Shutters Are Painted Blue, Green, Or Red

Slanders would paint them according to their profession.

Greece Has Two Pink Sand Beaches

These picture-perfect beaches are Elafonisi, and Balos, in Crete.

The "Mamma Mia" Movies Were Filmed In Greece

The sequel was filmed on the Greek islands of Skopelos and Vis.

Greece Is Home To Many Unique Animals

The country is inhabited by bountiful wildlife. Some animal species, including the Mediterranean Monk Seal and the Cypriot Mouflon, are only found on certain Greek islands.

• Bonus Fun Fact: Amid the Coronavirus pandemic, Corfu and Preveza, Greece, were named two of the European Best Destination's safest cities to visit in summer.

Facts About Greek Culture & Lifestyle

Athens Has The Most Theatrical Stages In The World

More than New York's Broadway or London's West End. There are a total of 148 theatrical stages in Athens.

98% Of Greece's Population Are Ethnic Greeks

40% of the entire population resides in the capital city, Athens.

Greek Grandparents Usually Live With Their Children's Families Until They Pass Away

There are very few retirement homes in Greece, so grandparents will live with the family of their children for the rest of their lives.

The Ancient Greek Alphabet Is The Oldest Written Language Still In Use

The Word "Alphabet" actually comes From Greek, and refers to the first two letters of the Greek alphabet, alpha (α) and beta (β),

You speak Greek and you don’t know it!

The Greek language has contributed to the English vocabulary, and 150.000 of the English words derive from Greek. Examples: economy, academy, paradise, school, poem, and decade, just to name a few.

The Evil Eye Is A Common Greek Superstition

Also known as mati, the "evil eye" is believed to be negative energy, such as jealousy or hostility, and it can cause several bad things, such as headaches, weakness and bad luck. To protect against the harmful energies of the evil eye, Greeks wear a mati pendant, a blue and white eye charm that dates back to the 6th century BC.

90% Of The Population Of Greece Is Christian Orthodox

The Orthodox Church is the third largest branch of Christianity, after the Roman Catholics and the Protestants. There are also Muslims, Jewish, and Catholics in Greece.

In Greece, It’s Common To Celebrate "Name Days" Instead Of Birthdays

Greeks have a holy name calendar, and each day of the year is dedicated to a Christian saint or martyr. According to the Greek Orthodox tradition, when someone is named after one of these holy figures, that saint’s day becomes their “name day”.

“Eleftheria I Thanatos” Is The Motto Of The Hellenic Republic

The sentence means Liberty or Death.

The Greek Flag Is Also Known As The Γαλανόλευκη (galanolefki) or Κυανόλευκη (kyanolefki)

The flag consists of a cross in the upper left corner, and nine horizontal lines of sky blue and white alternated. It’s said that the nine stripes represent the nine syllables of the phrase “'Eleftheria I Thanatos”, but some say they symbolize the nine letters of the Greek word “freedom” (Eleftheria).

In Traditional Greek Weddings, The Best Man Will Shave The Groom

This gesture happens on the day of the ceremony and symbolizes trust.

Interesting Facts About Greek Cuisine

Ancient Greeks Loved Wine

Winemaking in Greece has been a tradition for 4,000 years, and there are over 600 wineries in Greece. A typical meal in ancient Greece always included bread, olives, and wine.

Lunch Is Called "mesimeriano"

This is the most important meal of the day in Greece.

The "Mediterranean Diet" Is Based On Food Patterns That Originated In Crete, Greece

The Mediterranean Diet includes vegetables, olive oil, nuts fish, grains, and a low intake of red meat.

There Are Thousands Of Olive Trees In Greece Since Ancient Times

Greece is also known to be the country in the world with the most olive oil consumption per capita. In fact, many greek women rubbed olive oil into their skin to make it soft.

Greece Is The Third-Largest Producer Of Olives In The World

And it produces more than 430,000 tons of olive oil annually.

Olive Trees Are A Gift From The Gods

According to Greek mythology, the goddess Athena gave the first olive tree to Athens before it spread to the rest of Greece.

Greece Is Also Known For Its Mouthwatering Feta Cheese

Fetta cheese is one of the country’s most important exports. In fact, the cheese was affectionately nicknamed “white gold”.

The Ancient Greeks Believed That Milk Was A Sacred Food

According to Greek mythology, the gods sent the son of Apollo to teach the Greeks the secrets of cheese making.

Quick Facts About Greece:

What to Know Before Visiting Greece

Greece is one of the more accessible European destinations, but a few cultural norms and practical facts make the experience better.

Dress codes at churches and monasteries. Shoulders and knees must be covered to enter Orthodox churches and most monasteries. This applies to both men and women. Many sites sell cheap wraps at the entrance, but it is worth packing a light scarf or sarong. On the islands, walking through a village in a swimsuit is considered rude in areas away from the beach — most locals expect visitors to cover up.

The tipping norm. Tipping is not mandatory in Greece but it is appreciated. 10% at a sit-down restaurant is standard. Leaving coins on the table rather than adding to the card is the local custom. At tavernas, rounding up the bill is common. At a kafeneio (traditional coffee house), leaving small change is the norm.

The meze culture. Greek meals are social and slow. Ordering meze (small plates) to share across the table is the default at a taverna. Many restaurants do not rush diners — you ask for the bill (ton logarismo, parakalo). This is a feature, not slow service.

Island hopping logistics. Greece has 6,000+ islands but only 227 are inhabited. Ferry connections between islands run from Piraeus port (Athens) and take anywhere from 30 minutes (Aegina) to 12 hours (Santorini overnight). Booking ferries in advance in July and August is necessary for popular routes. Fast ferries cost more but cut journey times by half. Hotels in Santorini on CuddlyNest from €65/night.

When to visit. May to June and September to October are the best months for most of Greece: warm (25-28C), far fewer tourists than July-August, and accommodation running 30-40% below peak prices. Athens in July and August is brutally hot (38-42C) and crowded. The Greek islands in July and August are expensive and crowded, but the water is at its warmest (26-28C). The Ionian Islands (Corfu, Kefalonia, Zakynthos) are rainier in winter but functional year-round. Athens hotels on CuddlyNest from €45/night, with the best value in the spring and autumn shoulder seasons.