Fun Facts About Greece | Things You Didn't Know!

When you think of Greece, you probably imagine azure blue seas, sun-soaked islands, and ancient ruins. But this beautiful country has so much more to offer.

Greece is a treasure chest full of fun facts that make your trip even more interesting and enriching. We’ve listed a few for you.

Islands: Greece has between 1,200 and 6,000 islands, with around 227 inhabited. A paradise of islands where you can escape the daily hustle and bustle.
Feta Cheese: Nowhere in the world is as much feta cheese consumed as in Greece. The average Greek eats more than 22 pounds of feta per year.
Cleopatra: Cleopatra, the famous pharaoh, was actually Greek and not Egyptian. A surprising bit of history that changes your view of antiquity.
Power Outlets: The power outlets are type C and F. So, you do need a travel adapter for Greece.
Santa Claus: Santa Claus? Actually a Greek from the town of Myra, now located in modern-day Turkey.
Knife Etiquette: Handing a knife directly to a Greek? Don’t do it, it can lead to conflict. Place it on a table first. A small cultural detail with big significance.
Superstition: Leaving a house through a different door than the one you entered brings bad luck to the residents.
Coins in the Car: Throwing coins into a new car brings luck and safety to the driver.
Evil Eye: Greeks strongly believe in the “evil eye” and wear blue beads with an eye on them to protect against it.
Shoe Soles Up: If the soles of shoes are facing up, it brings bad luck. To avoid this, you should turn them over and spit on them repeatedly.

Durex Statistics: According to Durex, Greece is the country where people have the most sex, averaging 164 times a year. An intriguing fact about Greek love life.
Santorini: The Greek island of Santorini has been voted the most beautiful island in the world multiple times. A place of unparalleled beauty and romance.
Traditional Dances: There are over 4,000 traditional Greek dances.
Tourism: Tourism accounts for 20% of Greece’s national product, more than any other developed country. A crucial pillar of the economy.
Spitting to Ward Off Evil: If a Greek hears bad news, they spit three times without actually spitting to ward off evil. When receiving a compliment, they spit once to protect you from the evil eye.
Suicide Rates: Greece has the lowest suicide rate in the European Union. An encouraging statistic in a world full of challenges.
Beans and Souls: Ancient Greeks believed that beans contained dead souls and were therefore inedible.
Name Day: For Greeks, their “name day” (the day they celebrate the saint they’re named after) is more important than their birthday.
Leprosy and Divorce: Until 1983, leprosy in a spouse was a valid reason for divorce in Greece.
Fresh Milk: In Greece, you won’t find UHT milk; the law states that milk can only be sold for five days. A strict freshness principle that preserves the taste of milk.

Democracy: Greece is considered the birthplace of democracy.
Olympic Games: The Olympic Games originated in Greece.
Hellenic Republic: The official name of Greece is the Hellenic Republic.
White Houses and Blue Accents: The square white houses with blue doors and windows in Greece symbolize protection against evil.
Olive Trees: There are about 120 million olive trees in Greece, making it the third-largest producer of olive oil.
Tourists: Approximately 16.5 million tourists visit Greece annually, more than the Greek population of 11 million.
Area: Greece covers an area of 50,949 square miles.
Highest Mountain: The highest mountain is the majestic Olympus, standing at 9,573 feet. The home of the gods, where the clouds kiss the sky.
Political System: Greece has both a prime minister and a president, with the president primarily having a ceremonial role.
Archaeological Museums: Greece has more archaeological museums than any other country. A treasure trove of stories from the past.
UNESCO Sites: The country has 18 UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Mountainous Landscape: A whopping 80% of Greece is covered with mountains, making it one of the most mountainous countries in Europe. A paradise for nature lovers and adventurers.
Close to the Sea: No part of Greece is more than 85 miles from the sea. The water is always nearby.
Flag: The Greek flag has nine alternating blue and white stripes, symbolizing the nine syllables of the Greek motto “Freedom or Death.”
Religious Unity: Greece is one of the most religiously homogeneous countries in Europe, with 93% of the population registered as Christian and 90% as Greek Orthodox. Faith is a cornerstone of daily life.
Mythology: According to Greek mythology, the goddess Athena gave the first olive tree to Athens. A gift that symbolizes peace and prosperity.
Sun and Rhodes: The Greek island of Rhodes has about 300 sunny days a year, making Greece one of the sunniest places in the world.