Interesting Facts About Greece

The cradle of Western civilisation and one of the world’s favourite holiday destinations, Greece is a land of ancient wonders, sun-baked islands and a proud living culture. Here are some fascinating facts about it.

1. Greece welcomes more than 30 million tourists a year — around three times its own population.
2. The country is overwhelmingly mountainous, with about 80% of its land covered by mountains.
3. Greece has thousands of islands — around 6,000 in all, of which fewer than 230 are inhabited. Crete is the largest.
4. Athens is one of the oldest cities in the world and the birthplace of democracy; the ancient Olympic Games were held at Olympia, and Athens hosted the very first modern Olympics in 1896.
5. Voting is officially compulsory for Greek citizens, and men are required to complete national military service.
6. Greece has a long tradition of sponge diving, centred on islands like Kalymnos, and was for centuries a leading supplier of natural sea sponges.
7. Greek shipowners control the largest merchant fleet in the world by tonnage — a remarkable feat for such a small country.
8. Greece is home to an extraordinary number of archaeological museums and sites, with 18 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
9. Mount Olympus, the mythological home of the gods, is the country’s highest peak at 2,917 m.
10. Popular islands like Rhodes, Corfu, Santorini and Mykonos draw visitors from around the world each summer.
11. Greek cuisine is built on olive oil, fresh vegetables, herbs, seafood and grilled meats — and its famous feta cheese is made mainly from sheep’s milk, with some goat’s milk.
12. Metaxa, a smooth blend of brandy and Muscat wine, is the country’s signature spirit, alongside the aniseed-flavoured ouzo.
13. The vast majority of Greeks are Orthodox Christian, and Easter — not Christmas — is the most important celebration of the year.
14. Greece enjoys some 250 days of sunshine a year, one of the sunniest climates in Europe.
15. The Greek language has been written and spoken for over 3,000 years, one of the oldest living languages in the world.

FAQ

What is Greece best known for?
Ancient sites like the Acropolis, its thousands of islands, whitewashed villages and beaches, Mediterranean food, and endless summer sunshine.

When is the best time to visit?
May, June, September and October offer warm weather and thinner crowds; July and August are hottest and busiest.

What is the main airport?
Athens (ATH) is the main hub, with island airports like Heraklion, Rhodes, Santorini and Corfu busy in summer.