Festivals are where Greece's identity shines brightest.
- Its coastline stretches about 13,600 km, among the longest in the world.
- Greece lies in Southeastern Europe at the southern tip of the Balkan Peninsula on the Mediterranean.
- The capital, Athens, is the political and economic hub and the birthplace of Western democracy.
Greeks value family, hospitality (philoxenia) and long shared meals.
Orthodox Easter is the most important celebration of the year.
Notable festivals
Most of the population follows Greek Orthodox Christianity, shaping festivals and daily life.
- Greek cuisine is known for olive oil, feta cheese, moussaka and Greek yogurt.
- UNESCO sites such as the Acropolis, Delphi and Olympia are spread across the country.
- Traditional music features the bouzouki, and the sirtaki dance is familiar to visitors.
- Greek uses its own alphabet and is one of the oldest languages still spoken.
- Wine and ouzo are traditional drinks at gatherings.
Holiday customs
Greece is the cradle of philosophy, democracy, drama and the Olympic Games.
The official language is Greek, while English is widely spoken in tourism and larger cities.
Greece counts more than 6,000 islands and islets, of which roughly 200 are inhabited.
Festive food
It has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, sunny winters.
A European Union member since 1981 and part of the eurozone, Greece uses the euro (EUR).
Greece belongs to the Schengen Area, allowing free movement across much of Europe.
For newcomers
Island-hopping is mainly by ferry, so book ahead in high season.
Street food such as souvlaki and gyros is popular and affordable.
Santorini is famous for whitewashed, blue-domed houses overlooking the Aegean Sea.
Need a tailored roadmap?
Viking Global Group walks with you from paperwork to settlement. Call +849.219.219.88 or email [email protected] for a free consultation.
Related articles
- Travel in Greece: top destinations and experiences
- Launching a business in Greece on a residency track
- Culture & People
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the biggest festival?
Major festivals are listed above.
Can newcomers join festivals?
Ways to take part are suggested above.
Which customs should I respect?
Key customs are noted above.
Information is for reference and may change under the latest official policy. Please contact us for current regulations.
