Greece is famous and known for sooo many great things!
After spending a month backpacking through this incredible country, I’ve learned a thing or two about why Greece is such a popular destination.
I honestly think I left my heart in Greece. And I really cannot wait to go back and explore some more!
Alas, while I’m not in Greece at the moment, I thought I could still reminisce about all the great things that the country is famous for. And the list is long; white sandy beaches, Greek Salad, The Acropolis, Ouzo, democracy, and much more!
So just sit back, grab a cup of tea, and enjoy learning about this incredible country. Hopefully, you’ll be inspired to visit it someday yourself.
Here is, “30 GREAT things Greece is famous and known for” – let’s go!
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1. Greece is famous for philosophy
Socrates, Plato, Aristotle. Ever heard of them?
The word “philosophy” comes from the Greek words, “philo”, which means love, and “sophia”, which means wisdom. So basically, philosophy is the love of wisdom. And it’s a concept that originated in Greece more than thousands of years ago.
Philosophy is still important today – and probably will be until the end of time. Because no matter the world or time we live in, it’s important to study fundamental questions about our way of life, values, knowledge, and so on. Or else we’ll never evolve.
2. Democracy was born in Athens
In Athens, during the 6th Century BC, a Greek statesman named Cleisthenes introduced a new form of government – democracy!
Democracy derives from the greek word dēmokratia, which consists of “demos”, which means people, and “kratos”, which refers to rule or power. So democracy literally means the rule of people.
Today, democracy is still one of the most popular ways of governing a country, and it’s something that Greece is very famous and known for starting.
3. Greece is home to thousands of islands
Greece is home to many islands. Several thousands actually! I can’t really find the specific number because many islands are tiny and uninhabited. But it’s somewhere between 2000-6000 islands!
However, only between 100-200 of them are actually inhabited.
Many of Greece’s islands are world-famous tourist destinations such as Santorini, Crete, Mykonos and Corfu. But there are also many unexplored islands around the country, which makes it super easy to get off the tourist trail and experience some off-the-beaten-path places of this world.
Related blog post: Things to do in Skopelos Island
It’s also common to go island-hopping in Greece, which means you get to explore several islands in one trip! Check out Ferryhopper.com if you need help to book your ferries from one paradise island to another.
4. Greece is famous for incredible beaches
With Greece’s many islands comes some of Europe’s most incredible beaches!
You’ll find many types of beaches all over Greece, some of them with white sand and some of them full of pebbles, but they all have the beautiful turquoise ocean in common.
I’ve now been to a couple of islands in Greece, and I must admit that the beaches here are as exotic as it gets in Europe! You won’t be disappointed.
5. Seafood is one of the best things to eat in Greece
Let’s talk food! So what food is Greece famous and known for?
First of all, fresh fish!
Apart from its borders at the North, Greece is pretty much surrounded by ocean. So it’s only natural that you can find some of the world’s best and freshest seafood in this country. During my time in Greece, I’ve had sea bream, deep-fried calamari, shrimp saganaki, grilled octopus, taramasalata and much more!
Whether or not you’re a seafood fan, make sure to try some of the dishes above, it’s a great (and yummy) experience!
6. Greece is famous for Greek Salad
One of the most popular salads, which are found on café menus all over the world, is the Greek Salad.
But let’s be honest, if you’ve tried it in Greece, then you know that you can’t find a proper Greek salad any other places. The combination of feta cheese, olives, tomatoes, cucumber, and white onions just taste better in Greece!
If you’re heading to Greece, then make sure to also try the Cretan Salad known as “Dakos”. It’s a salad consisting of fresh tomatoes, feta cheese, and olives on bread. It’s my favorite!
7. Other dishes Greece is known for
Apart from the world-famous Greek Salad and the fresh seafood, Greece is known for a variety of dishes.
So make sure to try the following:
- Tzatziki: A spread made of Greek yoghurt, cucumber, garlic and olive oil.
- Fava: A yellow split pea dipping.
- Gyros: A form of kebab with pork or chicken rolled in flatbread with Tzatziki, fries, and tomatoes.
- Souvlaki: Grilled meat on a stick.
- Moussaka: Egg-plant and potato dish with ground meat. Kind of looks like a “Greek Lasagna”
- Greek Baklava: A crispy dessert with walnuts and honey.
You can also dive into the Greek cuisine with a food tour! Check out this Street food tour or this Gourmet food tour in Athens. Or why not throw yourself into a Greek cooking class?! There are so many options for you to learn more about the mouthwatering food that Greece is so famous for.
8. Greece is known as a cheap destination
One of the best things about Greece is that it’s known as an affordable destination.
And I can confirm this!
Apart from Bosnia Herzegovina, Greece is the cheapest place I’ve traveled in Europe.
However, it really does depend on where you stay, eat, and drink. For example, it’s much cheaper to go around the mainland of Greece than it is to travel in the islands. Some islands are pretty affordable, whereas islands like Santorini and Mykonos will empty your wallet quickly.
Glenn and I eventually spend €92 per day for 2 people including everything – food, accommodation, transportation, activities etc. So Greece is definitely an affordable destination!
9. Meteora Monasteries is a must-visit in Greece
One of the most famous, beautiful, interesting places in not just Greece, but all of Europe, is the Meteora Monasteries.
The Meteora Monasteries is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that involves 6 ancient monasteries placed on top of cliffs in an extraordinary landscape. It’s located in the mainland of Greece.
Visiting the Meteora Monasteries was the highlight of our trip to Greece, and I cannot recommend it enough!
Related blog posts: Visitor Guide to the Meteora Monasteries & Sunset in Meteora
10. Athens is known as Europe’s oldest capital
It’s said that Athens was founded somewhere between 3000 and 5000 years ago, which makes it the oldest capital in all of Europe!
There is so much to explore in Athens, and it’s a must-visit for those wanting to experience the Greek mythology, architecture, history, culture, and food.
Related blog post: 3-day itinerary to Athens
11. The Acropolis is the most iconic Greek landmark
The Acropolis is one of the most famous monumental complexes and archeological sites in both Greece as well as the whole world. And if you’re going to Athens, then visiting this place is an absolute MUST!
The Acropolis means, “the high city”, and it refers to its strategic location on a limestone hill. This ancient citadel was both a great place to spot the enemy from afar and defend the city of Athens, plus its high location was ideal for building temples for the Greek gods.
Today it’s an incredible landmark, historical site, archeological site, monumental complex, tourist attraction, and much more! The Acropolis has been inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987.
You can either book your entry ticket here or get the Athens Archaeological Combo ticket here. It’s also possible to book a guided small-group tour in Acropolis. Either way, just make sure to stop by Acropolis and explore one of Europe’s most incredible places!
Related blog post: Athens Combined Ticket Review – Acropolis & Beyond
12. Olympus is the tallest mountain in Greece
If you’ve watched Disney’s Hercules movie, then I don’t have to tell you that Mount Olympus is an important place in Greek mythology. Because Mount Olympus it’s the home of the Greek gods!
It’s a 2917 meter high mountain peak, the tallest one in all of Greece, and it’s located on the mainland near the Aegean Sea, south of Thessaloniki.
While I’ve never been there myself, it’s definitely on my hiking bucket list. Hiking to the Olympus Peak takes about two days, and it should be one of the best hikes in Greece! So make sure to put it on your list if you’re a keen hiker. You can either plan ahead and go by yourself or join a hiking tour at Mount Olympus.
13. Greece is one of Europe’s mountainous countries
Apart from being famous for its many islands, Greece is actually known as one of the most mountainous countries in all of Europe.
Around 80% of Greece is actually mountainous terrain. Isn’t that incredible? Read more about it here: Explore the mountains of Greece
14. Greece is known for blue and white colors
When you type in, “Greece” on Google and click on, “pictures” then you’ll see all these white houses with blue colored rooftops and window frames. It’s especially a popular combination in the Greek islands – the Cyclades in particular – but really, you can find these colors on buildings in many places around Greece.
Apparently, there is no romantic reason for this. Painting the houses white actually began as a way of keeping the heat out during the hot summer months. Whereas the blue color just happened because it was cheap and available back when it started.
Today these colored houses are one of the things that Greece is best known for. It’s become a form of trademark that clearly states, you’re in Greece! Plus the Greek flag is also blue and white.
15. Greece is famous for Ouzo
Ouzo is for sure the most famous and well-known spirit in Greece. It’s an anise-flavored alcoholic beverage that’s available all over the country.
Ouzo is of clear color, but once it’s poured over an ice cube or two, it gets a cloudy color. You’re supposed to drink it slowly while enjoying a snack on the side. If you drink it fast like shots, then you’ll get a bad headache the next day because the alcohol percentage is around 40. Auch!
16. Meze is the best way to get a taste of Greece
When you go to a restaurant in Greece, and you order a strong spirit like Ouzo, Metaxa or Tsipouro, then you often get a free accompanied snack called, “meze”. It’s a small bite such as a piece of bread and some java or tzatziki, maybe some grilled vegetables or a courgette ball. It really differs, but it’s often a small bite of one of the the appetizers on the menu.
Drinking strong spirits, and getting these random bites from the menu, are a great way to explore the Greek cuisine.
Also, if you want to buy something on the menu, then it’s not frowned upon if you only order a bunch of appetizers. It’s common in Greece to choose a bit of everything and share it with your friends.
Glenn and I often went to restaurants and ordered 8 appetizers instead of 2 main dishes – such a great way to experience the food!
17. Retsina is a famous type of wine from Greece
Retsina is a type of white wine that’s common to drink in Greece. It has a distinguished smell and taste because it’s made with pine resin.
Most Greek people love it, but for us tourists it’s a hit or miss kind of deal. I don’t like it, but Glenn does. I find that it tastes like someone put pine needles in my drink. But hey, whether you’ll like it or not, I really do urge you to try it! Retsina has been made for thousands of years and it’s a part of Greece’s drinking culture.
18. Greece is known for the Olympic Games
Greece is home to both the ancient and the modern Olympic Games. The ancient Olympic games were held in Olympia in Greece from 776 BC until the year of 385 (or around this period of time). In the ancient times, the Olympics was also athletic competitions that took place every 4 years.
However, it was city states of Greece that competed against each other in honor of Zeus – so in that way the modern Olympic Games are very different.
In 1896, the first modern Olympics Games were hosted in Athens and 14 nations competed against each other in the Panathenaic Stadium. This famous stadium is also home to the Olympic flame. So, if you’re a keen Olympics fan, then I can definitely recommend a visit at the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens.
If you want to keep yourself fit while exploring Athens, then it’s also possible to join a Olympic Games workout and race. It’s a fun, healthy, and different way to explore the incredible Panathenaic Stadium.
19. The Marathon originates from Greece
One of the highlights of the Olympic Games is the Marathon. It’s a 42 kilometer long-distance race by foot. Very tough!
While the name originates from ancient Greece, the race itself was most likely born in the 1986 Olympic Games in Athens. Today, there are hundreds of marathons held around the globe each year, so you don’t have to wait for the Olympics every 4 years if you want to experience a marathon.
20. Greece is famous for the Greek Alphabet
One of the hardest things about being a tourist in Greece is the alphabet. You might have heard about it before: Alpha, beta, gamma, delta, etc.
It’s very different from the Latin Alphabet that’s used around Europe, the US, Australia etc., which means it can be quite hard to navigate a menu card at a local Greek restaurant… However, people in Greece are very friendly, so you can easily ask for help.
21. Greece is known for friendly locals
Before I traveled in Greece, I was told that Greek people are super friendly. And after spending a month in this magnificent country, I must admit that it’s true!
Coming from a country like Denmark which can be rather cold, distant and sometimes outright inhospitable to strangers, I was very hesitant to engage with the Greek people at first. I was thinking, what do they want from me? Why are they so friendly?
After a couple of days, I found that the Greek people seriously just are friendly. There is no alternative motives behind their smiles. Greek people are genuinely hospitable, and I love them for it! Thank you for making me feel so welcome, it’s something Northern Europeans (like me!) could learn from you.
22. Smashing plates at weddings is a Greek tradition
So this is one of the funniest things that Greece is known for… Apparently, it’s a tradition to smash plates on the floor at Greek weddings. The plates are smashed as a way to express joy and ward off evil spirits.
However, as you can imagine, not only is it a massive waste of plates, but people actually got quite hurt. So plate smashing in night clubs and tavernas has been illegal for many years now.
If Greek people still want to celebrate the tradition then they can either buy specific plaster plates to smash on the floor or throw flowers at each other.
23. The theatre comes from Athens
Greece is famous for bringing the theatre into the world.
The history of theatre dates thousands of years back to the ancient Greek times in Athens. You can easily visit the remains of the world’s first theatre while you’re in Athens. It’s located on the Southern slope of Acropolis and is named the Theatre of Dionysus.
While there are many differences between theatre today and theatre in the ancient times of Greece, they still have the same main purpose in common, which is to be a place of entertainment.
24. Greece is known for olive production
Some people say that Greece produces the best olives in the world. And even though I’m no olive-connoisseur, I must still agree with this statement. The olives in Greece are truly amazing!
The most famous olive from Greece is probably the Kalamata Olive. However, you can find many different types of olives all over Greece, and they’re common to eat as appetizers in Greek restaurants.
Greece is supposedly the biggest olive producer per capita in the world, which means that olives are also an important part of the Greek economy.
So make sure to try some Greek olives and olive oil when you’re visiting this amazing country!
25. Greece is famous for Feta Cheese
Another common thing to eat in Greece is Feta Cheese. In fact, it’s such a dear product to the Greek people that it’s had a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status since 2002. This means that feta cheese is only allowed to be produced in Greece.
Feta is a soft cheese made from sheep milk, which you can find in all Greek restaurants. Try the following dishes with Feta Cheese:
- Greek Salad
- Cretan Salad (Dakos)
- Fried Feta cheese with honey
26. The official name of Greece is Hellas
Did you know that Greece is actually known under another name?
The official name of Greece is the Hellenic Republic – also known as Hellas. The name Greece came from the Romans calling the ancient Greek tribes “Graeci”.
27. Greece is known for the Greek Orthodox Church
90% of the Greek population are Greek Orthodox.
I knew absolutely nothing about the Greek Orthodox church until my visit at the Meteora Monasteries. And I found it very interesting to learn about it.
The Greek Orthodox are christians and believe in the holy Trinity; the father, the son, and the holy spirit. But Greek Orthodox differs from catholics in many ways; the pope doesn’t have authority in Greece, priests cannot give holy communion to anyone but Greek Orthodox, the monks and priests wear black, the architecture and interior of churches are unique, and the way of religious life is in general a bit different.
Try to visit a church during your next trip to Greece and learn more about it.
28. There are cats everywhere in Greece!
All right, this is a bit of a weird one. I have absolutely no statistics or facts to back me up when I say, Greece is full of cats!
Seriously, I don’t think I’ve ever seen this many cats in a country before. Around every corner, on many café tables, and in most hotels, you’ll likely meet some cats! And many of them are stray.
So when we’re talking about what Greece is most known for, I’d say, CATS. If you love cats, you’ll love Greece.
29. Crete is the largest island in Greece
Greece is known for Crete! Crete is the biggest island in all of Greece, and the fifth largest in the Mediterranean Sea.
With its two airports and several ferry ports, Crete is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Greece. It’s known for vibrant cities, beautiful beaches, ancient ruins, great hiking trails, and a delicious cuisine.
30. Greece has many active volcanoes
Did you know that Greece’s most famous island is an active volcano?
I’m of course talking about Santorini here.
In fact, many islands around Greece are known for volcanic activity! Isn’t that fascinating? You can read more about it here: Volcanoes in Greece.
I really enjoyed writing this blog post, and I hope you learned a thing or two about what Greece is famous and known for. Make sure to leave a comment below if I forgot something GREAT about Greece.
If you haven’t been to Greece yet, then I can only hope that this sparked your desire for traveling in Greece. Because in my opinion, Greece is one of the best (and most delicious) countries to travel. Thanks for reading!
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