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Did you know?
A quick look at the key statistics and global recognitions that shape the Greek identity.
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
20
> 18 Cultural sites
2 Mixed sites: Natural & Cultural
Protected Areas (Natura 2000)
Natura 2000 Network 446
UNESCO Biosphere Reserves
05
European Identity
EU Member
since 01/01/1981
Currency
Euro (€)
Eurozone Member
since 01/01/2002
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
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
• March 25th
Public Holidays
• Jan 1st
• Jan 6th (Epiphany)
• Clean Monday
• March 25th
• Orthodox Easter
• May 1st
• Aug 15th
• Oct 28th
• Dec 25th–26th
National Flavors
• Moussaka
• Dolmadakia
• Savory Pies
• Greek Salad
• Souvlaki
The Spirit of Greece
• Philoxenia
• Culture
• History
• Nature
• Music
• Exploration
Greece
is a safe country, but basic 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.
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 travelers (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!