Greece– A Quick & Quirky Guide
Official name: Hellenic Republic (Ελληνική Δημοκρατία)
Area: ~131,900 km² – mainland plus thousands of islands (over 6,000, but only ~200 inhabited)
Population: ~10.5 million (2024)
Location: Southeastern Europe, bordering Albania, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, Turkey, and surrounded by the Aegean, Ionian, and Mediterranean Seas
Form of government: Parliamentary republic
Head of State: President Katerina Sakellaropoulou
Head of Government: Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis
Capital city: Athens – ~3.2 million (metro ~5 million)
Time zone: Eastern European Time (UTC+2 / +3 in summer)
Official language: Greek
Currency: Euro (€)
EU member: Yes, since 1981
Schengen area: Yes, since 2000
Top 10 Largest Cities (population approx.)
- Athens – ~3.2 million
- Thessaloniki – ~1.1 million
- Patras – ~215,000
- Heraklion (Crete) – ~140,000
- Larissa – ~145,000
- Volos – ~145,000
- Rhodes – ~115,000
- Chania (Crete) – ~108,000
- Kavala – ~75,000
- Corfu Town – ~37,000
Popular Tourist Cities & Regions
- Athens: Acropolis, Parthenon, and endless history.
- Santorini: Iconic white-and-blue villages, sunsets to die for.
- Mykonos: Beaches, nightlife, and cosmopolitan vibes.
- Crete: Mountains, beaches, and legendary cuisine.
- Rhodes: Medieval towns, knights, and sun-soaked coastlines.
- Thessaloniki: Food heaven, Byzantine churches, and youthful energy.
- Peloponnese: Ancient ruins, castles, and rugged landscapes.
Climate
Mediterranean: hot, dry summers (30–40 °C in some areas), mild, wet winters (10–15 °C on the mainland, cooler in the mountains). Basically, pack sunscreen and a hat… or two.
Culture & Daily Life
- Hospitality (Philoxenia): Greeks take welcoming seriously — expect food, coffee, and endless chatter.
- History everywhere: From ancient ruins to Byzantine churches.
- Festivals: Music, religious, and local celebrations — almost every weekend has something.
- Relaxed island life: Time moves slower, especially on the islands.
Food & Drink
- Classic dishes: Moussaka, souvlaki, tzatziki, spanakopita.
- Seafood: Fresh from the Aegean or Ionian seas.
- Street food: Gyros and pita for on-the-go feasting.
- Drinks: Ouzo, tsipouro, Greek wines, and frappé coffee.
- Desserts: Baklava, loukoumades, galaktoboureko.
Summary
Greece is history, sun, and Mediterranean cuisine on steroids. From the ruins of Athens to the beaches of Santorini, from mountain villages to vibrant tavernas, it’s a country that feeds your body, mind, and soul. Expect sunshine, seafood, and some seriously epic sunsets.