🇬🇷 Greece Info Fiche

Flag  Blue and white stripes with a white cross on a blue square

Population  ~10.3 million

Capital  Athens

Language  Greek (Ελληνικά)

Currency  Euro (€)

Hello  Γειά σας (Yiá sas)

National Day  March 25 — Greek Independence Day, celebrating the 1821 revolution against Ottoman rule

Fun Fact  Greece has more archaeological museums than any other country in the world!

✨ Interesting Facts

• 🏛️ Known as the “cradle of democracy” and birthplace of philosophy

• 🌊 Has one of the world’s longest coastlines (13,000+ km)

• 🏺 More than 80% of Greece is mountains — yet it’s famous for its islands!

• 🎶 Traditional music includes bouzouki, lyra, and folk dances like sirtaki

• 🏖️ Over 300 sunny days a year in many parts of Greece

🧚 Folklore & Symbols

• 👁️ The Evil Eye (Μάτι) — blue charm worn for protection from envy

• 🌿 Olive Tree — sacred symbol of Athena and peace

• 🧜 Nereids — sea nymphs said to guard sailors

• 🕊️ White Dove — symbol of love and purity in Greek traditions

🗿 Famous Monuments & Places

🏛️ Parthenon, Athens  Temple dedicated to Athena, symbol of democracy🏞️ Meteora Monasteries  Monks’ sanctuaries balanced on towering rocks🌊 Santorini  Volcanic island with blue-domed churches and famous sunsets🦁 Lion Gate, Mycenae  Entrance to the Bronze Age citadel, linked to Agamemnon🏖️ Navagio Beach, Zakynthos  White sands with a famous shipwreck

🍽️ Traditional Foods & Drinks

🍽 Dish / Drink	Description	Emoji Feel
🥙 Souvlaki	Grilled meat skewers with pita & tzatziki	Tasty 😋
🥗 Greek Salad	Tomatoes, cucumber, feta, olives, olive oil	Fresh 🥒
🧀 Feta Cheese	Salty, crumbly cheese from sheep/goat milk	Classic 🧀
🍬 Loukoumades	Fried honey dough balls with cinnamon	Sweet 🍯
☕ Greek Coffee	Strong, thick coffee served in a small cup	Bold ☕
🍸 Ouzo	Famous anise-flavored spirit, turns white with water	Cheers 🥂

🎉 Festivals & Traditions

• 🥚 Greek Easter  The most important holiday; red eggs, midnight candles, and feasts

• 🎭 Apokries (Carnival)  Parades, masks, and dancing before Lent

• 🎉 Name Days  Celebrating the saint of your name, often bigger than birthdays

• 🎇 August 15 (Dormition of the Virgin Mary)  Huge celebrations across the islands

🧳 Traveler’s Tips

• ✈️ Best time to visit: May–June & September–October (sunny but less crowded)

• 🏖️ Summer islands: Santorini, Crete, Mykonos, Rhodes

• 🏔️ Winter Greece: Explore Meteora, Delphi, and Athens without the crowds

• 🙏 Etiquette: Say “Yamas!” when toasting; never clink coffee cups; greet with a smile

• 🍇 Must-try experience: Sunset in Oia, island-hopping in the Cyclades, or hiking Mount Olympus