Did you know?

A quick look at the key statistics and global recognitions that shape the Greek identity.

Did you know?

A quick look at the key statistics and global recognitions that shape the Greek identity.

General Facts

Blue Flags:

623 in 2025

Ranked 2nd globally for beach quality

Coast Line:

13.676 km

Total Area:

131.676 km²

Islands

6.000 Islands

Climate:

Mediterranean
300+ days of sunshine

Population:

10.482.487

General Facts

Population:

10.482.487

Coast Line:

13.676 km

6.000 Islands

227 inhabited

Total Area:

131.676 km²

Blue Flags:: 623 in 2025

Ranked 2nd globally for beach quality

Climate:

Mediterranean
300+ days of sunshine

Global Recognition

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

> 18 Cultural sites

2 Mixed sites: Natural & Cultural

Protected Areas (Natura 2000)

Natura 2000 Network 446

UNESCO Biosphere Reserves

Global Recognition

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

> 18 Cultural sites

2 Mixed sites: Natural & Cultural

Protected Areas (Natura 2000)

Natura 2000 Network 446

UNESCO Biosphere Reserves

European Identity

EU Member

since 01/01/1981

Currency

Euro (€)

Eurozone Member

since 01/01/2002

European Identity

EU Member

since 01/01/1981

Currency

Euro (€)

Eurozone Member

since 01/01/2002

Logistics & Connectivity

Capital:

Athens

Calling Code:

+30

Top Level Domain:

.gr

Major Cities:

Thessaloniki, Patras, Heraklion

Time Zone:

GMT+2 (EET) / GMT+3 (EEST)

112

European Emergency Line

Logistics & Connectivity

Major Cities:

Thessaloniki, Patras, Heraklion

Time Zone:

GMT+2 (EET) / GMT+3 (EEST)

Capital:

Athens

Calling Code:

+30

Top Level Domain:

.gr

112

European Emergency Line

Useful Greek Phrases

to practice while you stay

Hello / Goodbye

Yia sas

Γεια σας

Good morning

Kalimera

Καλημέρα

Good evening

Kalispera

Καλησπέρα

Good night

Kalinikhta

Καληνύχτα

Thank you!

Efharisto!

Ευχαριστώ!

You're welcome / Please

Parakalo!

Παρακαλώ!

Yes / No

Ne / Ochi

Ναι / Όχι

I don't understand

Den katalaveno

Δεν καταλαβαίνω

Where is...?

Pou ine...?

Πού είναι;

How much does it cost?

Poso kostizi?

Πόσο κοστίζει;

I need help

Thelo voithia

Θέλω βοήθεια

Can I pay by card?

Boro na pliroso me karta?

Μπορώ να πληρώσω με κάρτα;

Where can I exchange money?

Pou boro na allaxo hrimata?

Πού μπορώ να αλλάξω χρήματα;

Everything is fine / OK

Entaxi

Εντάξει

Useful Greek Phrases

to practice while you stay

English

Greek (Phonetic)

Greek Script

Hello / Goodbye

Yia sas

Γεια σας

Good morning

Kalimera

Καλημέρα

Good evening

Kalispera

Καλησπέρα

Good night

Kalinikhta

Καληνύχτα

Thank you!

Efharisto!

Ευχαριστώ!

You're welcome / Please

Parakalo!

Παρακαλώ!

Yes / No

Ne / Ochi

Ναι / Όχι

I don't understand

Den katalaveno

Δεν καταλαβαίνω

Where is...?

Pou ine...?

Πού είναι;

How much does it cost?

Poso kostizi?

Πόσο κοστίζει;

I need help

Thelo voithia

Θέλω βοήθεια

Can I pay by card?

Boro na pliroso me karta?

Μπορώ να πληρώσω με κάρτα;

Where can I exchange money?

Pou boro na allaxo hrimata?

Πού μπορώ να αλλάξω χρήματα;

Everything is fine / OK

Entaxi

Εντάξει

Culture & Traditions

Independence Day

Public Holidays

National Flavors

The Spirit of Greece

Greece

Most Greeks

Culture & Traditions

Independence Day

• March 25th

Public Holidays

• Jan 1st

• Jan 6th (Epiphany)

• Clean Monday

• March 25th

• Orthodox Easter (Good Friday to Easter Monday)

• May 1st

• Whit Monday (Holy Spirit)

• Aug 15th

• Oct 28th

• Dec 25th-26th

National Flavors

• Moussaka

• Dolmadakia

• Savory Pies (Pita)

• Greek Salad (Choriatiki)

• Souvlaki

The Spirit of Greece

• Philoxenia (Hospitality)

• Culture

• History

• Nature

• Music

• Exploration

Greece

is a safe country, but basic safety precautions still apply.

Most Greeks

speak English (especially in tourist areas).

Quick Travel Tips

Tipping

Not mandatory, but a 5-10% tip is appreciated in restaurants for good service.

Water

Tap water in Greece meets EU standards

Quiet Hours

Summer (Apr 1 – Sept 30):

15:00–17:30 & 23:00–07:00

Winter (Oct 1 – Mar 31):

15:30–17:30 & 22:00–07:30

Dining Hours

Lunch starts around 14:00, dinner after 21:00. Most restaurants stay open until late at night.

Quick Travel Tips

Tipping

Not mandatory, but a 5-10% tip is appreciated in restaurants for good service.

Water

Tap water in Greece meets EU standards

Quiet Hours

Summer (Apr 1 – Sept 30):

15:00–17:30 & 23:00–07:00

Winter (Oct 1 – Mar 31):

15:30–17:30 & 22:00–07:30

Dining Hours

Lunch starts around 14:00, dinner after 21:00. Most restaurants stay open until late at night.

EU Entry Rules: EES & ETIAS

What Non-EU Visitors need to know

The EU has moved to a fully digital border system. Here’s what you need to know for a smooth entry into Greece.

Entry/Exit System (EES):

Digital tracking for entry/exit. No more manual stamps. Recorded at automated kiosks.

Biometrics:

Fingerprints and facial scans required on first entry. Data remains valid for 3 years.

ETIAS (Travel Authorization):

Mandatory for visa-exempt travellers (US, UK, CA). Apply online before you fly.

Stay Limit:

The 90-day rule: Max 90 days within any 180-day period.

Pro Tip

Make sure your passport has at least 3 months of validity left beyond your planned departure date!