15 Facts You Need To Know About Greece

When we think of Greece, we think of the great philosophers, the Mediterranean climate, ancient history, art, culture, sumptuous monuments and its myriad islands. But have you ever heard of its many traditions or sometimes unusual facts? If not, keep scrolling to discover some of my favorite anecdotes about this fascinating country!

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1. The official name of Greece is “the Hellenic Republic”

The Hellenic Republic, Hellas or Hellada are all official names for the country. But we call it Greece! Why?

First of all, to better understand the origin of these names, we need a bit of mythology.
Hellen, son of Deucalion and Pyrrha, and grandson of Prometheus, was the first to be born after the disastrous flood that left only two survivors – his parents. He eventually became the ancestor of all the peoples of Greece, calling themselves “Hellenes” and their land “Hellas”.

But the name Hellenes was later banned under the Roman and Byzantine empires, and the country became known as Graecia (Greece). Attempts were made to change the country’s name again, but the clergy objected and the country remained as it is today.

Yet many inhabitants call their land Hellas, keeping their history and culture close to their hearts.

2. Third-largest producer of olive oil

With hundreds of millions of trees all over Greece, it’s not surprising that the country features in the top 3, is it? Olive oil is to the Greeks what cheese is to the French.

Mainly used for cooking – in fact, I don’t know a single person in the country who doesn’t have this golden liquid in their kitchen – olive oil also has other important meanings for the Greeks.

Its many uses, whether in ancient times during sporting competitions as a gift for the victors or during religious ceremonies, make it a sacred tree. Oh, and let’s not forget that olive oil has many benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties, healthy fats…

So now you know why this tree and its fruit, a symbol of prosperity and peace, are so deeply rooted in the country’s history and tradition.

3. A country with thousands of traditional dances

Over 4,000 to be exact! You’ll no doubt be familiar with some of them, as many popular dances are performed in groups, circles or lines, with one arm on the shoulder of the other. Each region has its own dance and choreography.

One of the most famous, the Kalamatiano, whose roots go back to antiquity, has a playful rhythm where the dancers, in a circle, hold hands and perform this folk dance in a very lively manner.

So, the next time you’re in Greece, why not join in one of these traditional dances and learn a few steps while enjoying a fun and memorable night out?

4. A mountainous country

With over 300 mountains in such a small country, covering 70-80% of its territory, who’d have thought that Greece was made up of more than just seas and islands? These figures make it one of the most mountainous countries in Europe (top 5).

But that’s not all, as the country that boasts 6,000 islands and islets actually has just 227 inhabited islands. That’s a LOT of choice for your next adventure in beautiful Hellas!

5. The world’s only inhabited caldera is in Greece

Speaking of inhabited places, did you know that Santorini (see my post on the island here) is the only caldera, or volcanic cauldron, in the world where people live?

Greece is home to many volcanoes, some of which are still active, but Santorini is the only island where, despite numerous eruptions, the inhabitants have decided to stay, making it one of Greece’s most popular destinations. And when you see its pretty villages and breathtaking views, you might just fall in love with the island too!

Did you also know that some believe Santorini could be the lost Atlantis?

6. A tradition more important than birthdays

We all love to receive gifts and celebrate a new year in our lives, at least when we don’t have to put all the candles on the cake, which reminds us that we’re no longer 16.

In any case, you may find it amusing that in Greece, name days are, in fact, feast days considered more important and therefore more celebrated than birthdays themselves.

So, what are name days? Simply put, it is the day of the saint after which you were named and the day where all your friends, neighbors and relatives will pay you a visit and honor you.

And if, like me, you don’t have a name day, don’t worry, there’s Agion Pandon Day on June 18, when everyone who doesn’t have a saint in their name can celebrate too!

If you’re curious about when your name day is, here‘s a calendar!

7. Tourists represent more than three times the country’s population

Its proximity to Europe, sunny climate, beautiful islands and affordable prices (depending on the season) make it one of the most visited countries in the world.

What’s good for the country’s economy can be quite difficult for locals who can’t really travel in their own country, with so many tourists and soaring prices during the summer. Plus, mass tourism also has an unfortunate impact on nature, particularly on the islands, and also creates an increase in pollution.

Fortunately, and if you’re looking for a more authentic experience, there are still a few ways to avoid the crowds: by traveling off-season and visiting unspoilt, little-known gems!

8. A shining country

Considered the summer capital of the world – yes, you heard me right, and it makes perfect sense when you consider that the country averages 250 days of sunshine a year – its topography surrounded by the sea, delicious cuisine and an atmosphere that’s both relaxed and friendly, make Greece an unsurprisingly popular destination.

I might just pack my bags and move there, what do you think?

9. A late eating schedule

The Greeks, and in general all of Southern Europe, tend to eat quite late, and when I say late, I don’t mean a late dinner at 8pm, but rather at 10pm, which is a kind of late snack for me. If you’re wondering about lunch, they have it between 2 and 3 pm.

The fact is that in Greece, you won’t see busy restaurants and busy waiters until that time. So, if you want to have the place to yourself, it might be a good idea, but you won’t get a chance to sample the unique, convivial atmosphere.

But why such a late hour? Mainly because of the heat, as summer lasts quite a long time (around 6 months), and also because meals are considered a gathering where you take the time to enjoy the company of friends or family.

A useful tip to know the next time you visit Greece and want to have a small lunch at noon, isn’t it?!?

10. A napping tradition

As I said before about different meal times, this point is quite similar because, in Greece, you’ll most likely encounter closed stores and empty streets between 2pm and 5pm. During this period, the locals take a well-earned siesta to recharge their batteries and recover from their lunch.

It’s also a good way to avoid the scorching sun and high temperatures!

However, this practice is not so obvious in tourist areas, but rather in small villages. So don’t be afraid if you venture off the beaten track and into picturesque towns, as you’ll probably feel like you’ve stepped into a ghost town. On the contrary, you’ll have the area to yourself and plenty of time to explore every nook and cranny of the many alleyways you’ll stumble upon.

11. Cinderella Greek style

There are actually many traditions surrounding Greek weddings, but here are two of my favorites!

First, the groom buys the bride’s shoes and gives them to her. Then, the Koumbaro (or best man) delivers the shoes to the bride, who “argues” with the Koumbaro and insists that the shoes are too big for her. The Koumbaro then fills the shoes with money until the bride can wear them comfortably (money symbolizes wealth and good luck for the bride and groom).

The second is the part where all the bridesmaids write their names on the soles of the bride-to-be’s shoes, carefully choosing the one on the right or the one on the left because, at the end of the reception, the soles with the most worn names are supposed to be the next to get married.

What do you think? Pretty cool wedding traditions, don’t you think?

12. A symbol to ward off evil

I’m sure you’re already familiar with the piercing blue eye that can be found in every souvenir store in Greece in the form of pendants, bracelets, key rings…

It’s worth noting that the evil eye (or mati) dates back to classical antiquity, when eyes were considered to be deadly instruments capable of harming people. It is said that evil can simply be caught by someone’s jealousy, for example, an evil look, and this is why the evil eye charm was created.

It also makes an excellent gift, as it symbolizes protection and peace!

13. Spitting for your own good

The title sounds weird, I know, but wait, I’ve got a good explanation!

Imagine a local talking to you and saying “You’re really pretty” or “You seem like a nice person” and you see him spit on you, or at least in your direction! It’s pretty shocking, I mean, one second you feel like you’ve made a new friend and the next they’re spitting on you! But, as I understand it, it’s not because they resent you or don’t like you, but simply because they want to protect you from harm and any form of jealousy or misfortune.

Sound familiar? It makes sense, because this one is also linked to the evil eye. So rest assured, the next time you witness something similar, you’ll know that it’s more likely than not that it’s for your own good!

14. Whitewashed houses only for aesthetic purposes?

When I first saw the beautiful whitewashed houses, I thought it was because they exuded a certain charm, but also because they reminded me strongly of the colors of the flag.

But I was wrong! I’ve since learned that the reason behind the whitewashed houses was far more unfortunate. In fact, in 1938, the country suffered a cholera outbreak and, to prevent the disease spreading, the Greek monarch decided that all houses should be whitewashed. Limestone, which was the main component of the paint, was also considered a powerful disinfectant, and this is the story behind it.

Since then, it is said that people have continued to paint their homes white, as this color reflects heat and helps cool temperatures indoors.

But what about blue? Because it was the cheapest color at the time and everyone could afford it!

And now you know how it all happened and can totally show off your knowledge the next time someone brings up the subject of Greece!

15. Sundays are special

Remember nap times and special meals? Well, Sundays are on another level! A bit like France, Greece is a quiet day on Sundays. It’s a day when most of the big stores are closed and only the small cafés, restaurants… are open.

You can feel that the atmosphere is different: people are gathered around a meal with family and friends, or chatting amongst themselves on a bench in the nearby square.

Sundays can be confusing for visitors used to the busy streets of their home country, as the atmosphere is much calmer in Greece. But you know what? It’s actually for the best, as you’ll be able to mingle with the locals more easily and learn more about their way of life!

Anything else you’ve experienced in Greece? Any tips for future travelers? Feel free to share your opinions in the comments!

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