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Γεια σας! Hello! Welcome to Greece - the southernmost country in Europe. It is divided into the mainland, the peninsula south of the mainland called the Peloponnese, and the thousands of islands in the seas around it.

Greece is one of the oldest countries in Europe, with a history going back thousands of years. Ancient Greek culture influenced Western civilization in many areas including architecture, the arts, government, language, literature, philosophy, and much more. Let's take a look at 10 fun facts about Greece.

(c) Can Stock Photo / PeterHermesFurian for map

1. The Acropolis of Athens was a runner-up for the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Acropolis means "high city" in Greek. There are many throughout Greece, but the most famous one is the Acropolis of Athens. Situated high above Athens and surrounded by stone walls, the fortress protected the ancient city from attacks. Important buildings were constructed as a monument to the greatness of Athens. The Parthenon was built as a temple to Athena, the goddess of wisdom and war and for whom the city of Athens was named. Other important buildings included the Temple of Athena Nike and Erechtheion, a temple dedicated to both Athena and Poseidon.

The Parthenon and most of the other buildings were destroyed over time by earthquakes and different occupying forces, including the Persian and Ottoman Empires. Major restoration continues to date, and many historical objects are being moved to the new Acropolis Museum that opened in 2007 to prevent further damage from pollution. The Acropolis of Athens was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987.

Browse more photographs, and take a virtual tour at Air Pano.

2. The Greek alphabet was the first to use vowels.

The Greek alphabet is over 2,500 years old. There are 24 letters, seven of which are vowels. The word "alphabet" comes from the first two letters alpha and beta.

Many English words come from Greek words, especially ones beginning with ph (photograph, philosophy). For example, philos means love and sophia means wisdom, so philosophy means love of wisdom. Hippo means horse and potamos means river, so hippopotamus means river horse. Many Greek letters are used in science and math. For example, the delta is used to represent a difference or change in quantity.

Use the Greek alphabet to write the names of Greek gods. Print this worksheet from Primary Resources.

3. The Olympic Games originated in Ancient Greece.

The first Olympic Games were held in 776 BC in Olympia near Greece's southwest coast. They were held every four years and lasted five days. The Olympic Games were in honor of Zeus - god of the sky and leader of the Greek gods. Events included running, wrestling, chariot races, boxing, horse races, and the pentathlon. Winners were presented with crowns of olive made from the branches of the sacred olive tree.

Women were not allowed to compete in the Olympics. A separate festival for women, called the Heraia, was held every four years in honor of the goddess Hera, the wife of Zeus. Girls of different ages competed in running events.

The ancient Olympics ended in 393 AD when the Roman emperor banned them. The modern Olympics began in 1896 by a French educator who believed the world would have more of a chance for peace if they gathered to play sports. He designed the five rings that represent the Olympic Games. The rings stand for North and South America, Africa, Asia, Europe and Australia. Athens most recently hosted the Summer Olympic Games in 2004.

4. Name Days are more widely celebrated than birthdays.

Most common Greek names are based on religious saints. On the days that a saint is celebrated in the church, anyone named after that saint celebrates his or her "Name Day." For example, on May 21 Constantin and Helen are celebrated. All Constantines (or variations such as Costa, Gus, Dino) and Helens (Ellen, Eleni, Lena) are wished a Happy Name Day by family and friends.

5. Beware of the Evil Eye!

Evil eye is believed to be a curse that is given by a glare that has negative intentions. Anger, envy, jealousy can cause the evil eye curse. The curse can cause bad things to happen to the person who received the curse, such as a string of bad luck or illness. Wearing a special charm called a mati (meaning "eye" in Greek) is believed to help prevent the curse from ever happening. They are found in homes and offices, on jewelry and keychains, and often over a baby's crib.

6. Finding a coin in your slice of the New Year cake is lucky.

Vasilopita is a Greek cake eaten during the new year celebrations. It is named after Saint Basil (Agios Vasilis) whose Name Day is January 1. A coin is baked into the cake, and the person who gets the slice with the coin in it is believed to have good luck in the coming year. The slices are served in a particular order. It begins with serving the oldest person down to the youngest person in attendance, and then symbolic slices are cut for family members or friends not in attendance, the house, the church, charities, etc. The top of the cake is decorated with powdered sugar.

7. A job where you have to stand completely still.

Evzones are the elite Greek soldiers that stand guard in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Each soldier stands guard for about an hour at a time, and three times within 48 hours. They must stand completely still until it is time to switch with another guard. The "changing of the guards" takes place every hour on the hour, 24 hours a day. During the changing, the Evzones perfectly coordinate their moves in slow, deliberate motions to get their blood circulating again. Every Sunday there is a large gathering in front of the Parliament building in Athens for the ceremonial changing of the guard that includes a marching band.

8. Kids everywhere enjoy playing games with their friends. Try this one from Greece!

9. Greek gods were the superheroes of the universe.

The Greeks have wonderful stories (myths) to tell about their many gods and goddesses, heroes, monsters, adventures and battles. Each Greek god had one or more magical powers that they used for a variety of things. The most important god in Greek mythology was Zeus, the god of the sky and the ruler of the Olympian gods. His weapon of choice was the thunderbolt. Others included Poseidon (God of the sea) and Artemis (Goddess of the hunt).

Learn about the Greek gods and goddesses, and read some of the myths at Greek Myths 4 Kids.

10. Thousands of islands surround Greece.

Emerald waters, beautiful beaches and sunsets, quaint villages, and warm and welcoming locals - the Greek Islands are an integral part of the country's history, culture, and traditions. Scattered across the Aegean and Ionian Seas, each island has its own unique charm. The Cyclades islands are known for their whitewashed towns with blue shutters and doors (Santorini) while the Ionian Islands are more known for their greenery and Venetian influence (Kefalonia). The largest Greek island is Crete, and one of the smallest islands is Paxos.

We hope you enjoyed finding out about the beautiful country of Greece.

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10 Fun Facts About Greece - Multicultural Kid Blogs

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by Γεια σας! Hello! Welcome to Greece - the southernmost country in Europe. It is divided into the mainland, the peninsula south of the mainland called the Peloponnese, and the thousands of islands in the seas around it. Greece is one of the oldest countries in Europe, with a history going back thousands of years.

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Greek food is unlike any other type of cuisine in the world. Those who are passionate about it love the fresh ingredients and local spices that blend together into incredible flavors. Whether you're planning to try it for the first time or are a self-proclaimed Greek cuisine enthusiast, learn some fun and little-known facts about it below.

Little-Known Greek Food Fun Facts

1. Lunch is the Biggest Meal

In the states, dinner is typically the large meal that families share together. For Greeks, that biggest meal is their mid-day meal, which they call mesimeriano. This is because shops and schools usually close down during the early afternoon, and everyone comes home to eat. They eat their mid-day meal a little later, around 2 pm, since they do not eat dinner until after 9 pm.

2. Greeks Use the Whole Animal

Rather than eating just the meat itself, Greeks tend to use the entire animal in their cooking. This includes the liver, brains, heart, eyeballs, and gut. Don't worry; if you head to a Greek restaurant your meat dish likely won't include these parts of the animal, but they are commonly found in families' home cooking.

3. Olive Oil Is a Staple

When you think of olive oil, Greece may be the first country that comes to mind. This is because Greeks use it on just about every dish. They dip their bread in it, mix it into salads, cook their meat with it, and put it on their cheese. Olive oil isn't just tasty. It has a great range of health benefits, from reducing your risk of heart disease to reducing oxidative stress!
Yia Yia's Homemade Greek Food is your source for authentic dishes in New York, NY! They have become a favorite local spot due to their high-quality, fresh food at a reasonable price. Whether you're in the mood for souvlaki or a Greek salad, they have it available for dining in, takeout, and delivery. Place your order online or call them at (212) 545-1210 with any questions about their Greek food menu.

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3 Fun Facts About Greek Food - Yia Yia's- Homemade Greek Food - New York

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Greek food is unlike any other type of cuisine in the world. Those who are passionate about it love the fresh ingredients and local spices that blend together into incredible flavors. Whether you're planning to try it for the first time or are a self-proclaimed Greek cuisine enthusiast, learn some fun and little-known facts about it below.

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Before booking your next getaway, learn 25 interesting facts about Greece that will make you want to pack your bags and head to the Mediterranean country. This summer, there has been one European destination on everyone's mind. Greece. Known for its beaches, isles, culture, and ancient history, Greece offers so much to its visitors. But how well do you really know Greece?

Sure you may know many common fun facts about Greece including that is is one of the oldest countries or a thing or two about Greek mythology, but we are diving in to share themost interesting facts about Greece you need to know before your visit.

What is Greece known for?

From the population to ancient history, for centuries Greece has been one of the most popular and interesting countries in the world. The Greek culture and lifestyle are craved by international visitors who after experiencing just days in the coastal paradise, never want to leave. Learning these interesting facts about Greece and its history, food, culture, and more will make you want to visit the country, travel like a local, island hop from the mainland to Santorini to Milos and beyond, and give Greece a top spot on this year's bucket list.

Ancient Greek History

Fun Fact 1: Ancient Greece refers to 700-480 B.C. It's no surprise that Greece has one of the oldest and longest histories, but one of the biggest misconceptions is that the period most famous for architecture, art, and philosophy is the Archaic or Ancient Greek period. However, it was in fact the Classical Age (480-323 B.C.). Ancient Greece is responsible for advances in art, technology, and poetry. One of the most interesting facts about Greece's Ancient Greek period is that it was during this time in which the city-state was invented.

Fun Fact 2: Athens, the capital of Greece, is Europe's oldest capital. Athen's origins date back as far as 3,400 years ago making it one of the oldest cities in the entire world.

Fun Fact 3: The first known democracy began in Athens around 500 B.C. This democracy allowed citizens to directly vote on laws.

Fun Fact 4: The first ancient Greek games were held in 776 B.C. in Olympia. The tradition of the games lasted until 393 A.D. and did not return until the first Olympic Games in Athens, Greece, in 1896.

Fun Fact 5: The two major Greek poems, the Odyssey and the Iliad by Homer were written during the ancient Greece period.

Greek Mythology & Architecture

Fun Fact 6: Greece has the most archeological museums in the world. Some of these museums include the most famous, Acropolis in Athens, The Archeological Museum of Rhodes, National Archeological Museum, and many more.

Fun Fact 7: Greece is home to 18 UNESCO World Heritage sites including the Acropolis, Mount Athos, Old Town of Corfu, and Medieval City of Rhodes. According to the official list, there are 14 locations that are currently pending consideration for becoming a Greek UNESCO World Heritage site.

Fun Fact 8: Greek mythology is still relevant in Greece today. There were twelve Olympic gods celebrated in Ancient Greece, including Zeus, leader of the Olympians, Hera, Zeus's wife and sister, and Athena, goddess of wisdom, defense, and war. The famous Hercules, a son of Zeus, was not actually a Greek god but is still known as the greatest hero in Greek mythology.

Fun Fact 9: Athena defeated Poseidon to become the guardian of Athens. They each gave the city a gift, Athena an olive tree and Poseidon water in the form of a spring. The people of Athens thought the olive tree was much more useful as it could provide food, oil, and wood.

Fun Fact 10: Columns are very symbolic of Greek architecture. There are three main types of columns used to build Greek temples and structures. They are Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian.

Greek Isles

Fun Fact 11: Greece has over 5,000 islands. These islands are spread throughout the Aegean Sea and are some of the most popular destinations to visit in the world. Only 200 of these islands are populated.

Fun Fact 12: Crete is the largest Greek Island. The entire island is 3218.548 square miles (8836 square kilometers) and has a population of over 630,000 people. In comparison, Halki is the smallest inhabited Greek island and is only 11 square miles (28 square kilometers).

Fun Fact 13: Greece has 85% of sunshine a year, meaning the country has 300 days of sunshine per year.

Fun Fact 14: Santorini Island is an active volcano. The last eruption recorded was in 1950. Santorini is also commonly known as the most popular Greek Island to visit.

Fun Fact 15: Many houses in the Greek isles are white-washed with blue doors and roofs. That color is believed to keep evil spirits away.

Bonus Fun Fact: Amid the Coronavirus pandemic, Corfu and Preveza, Greece, were named two of the European Best Destination 's safest cities to visit in summer 2020.

Greek Culture & Lifestyle

Fun Fact 16: Athens has the most theatrical stages in the world. More than New York's Broadway or London's West End. There are a total of 148 theatrical stages in Athens.

Fun Fact 17: 98% of Greece's population are ethnic Greeks. 40% of the entire population resides in the capital city, Athens.

Fun Fact 18: Ikaria is one of the five blue zones in the world. Blue zones were founded by Dan Buettner. The concept of a blue zone is based on people living longer and happier lives based on the average lifespan of the population in the area is one of the longest in the world.

Fun Fact 19: There are over 4,000 official traditional dances throughout Greece.

Fun Fact 20: Greek grandparents usually live with their children's family until they pass away. There are very few retirement homes in Greece, so grandparents will live with the family of their children for the rest of their lives.

Greek Cuisine

Fun Fact 21: A typical meal in ancient Greece always included bread, olives, and wine.

Fun Fact 22: Lunch is called "mesimeriano" and it is the most important meal of the day in Greece.

Fun Fact 23: The famous term, the "Mediterranean Diet" is based on food patterns that originated in Crete, Greece. It's impossible not to eat well when visiting this island in Greece. And the country as a whole. The Mediterranean Diet includes vegetables, olive oil, nuts fish, grains, and a low intake of red meat.

Fun Fact 24: Wine making in Greece has been a tradition for 4,000 years. There are over 600 wineries in Greece.

Fun Fact 25: Olive oil is a staple thanks to the thousands of olive trees in the country. Greece is known to be the country with the most olive oil consumption per capita in the world.

Bonus Fun Fact: Greece officially reopened for tourism on June 15 and began allowing international travelers on July 1st.

What new things did you learn about Greece? Now that you know the most interesting facts about Greece, it's time to pack your bags and explore the beautiful Mediterranean destination. Start by booking one of Greece's most affordable hotels and vacation rentals on CuddlyNest.

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25 Interesting Facts about Greece and the Isles - CuddlyNest

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Before booking your next getaway, learn 25 interesting facts about Greece that will make you want to pack your bags and head to the Mediterranean country. This summer, there has been one European destination on everyone's mind. Greece. Known for its beaches, isles, culture, and ancient history, Greece offers so much to its visitors.

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Our Southern European road trip brought us to Greece. As we travelled around the landscape of beaches and mountains, by road and on foot, visiting tiny villages and ancient sites we constantly rediscovered the rich stories of this land. There are so many reasons, both ancient and modern, why Greece has continuously maintained its position as a top travel destination since tourism began. So here are a collection of facts about Greece - A beautiful nation and the nurseryland of our culture.

Facts about Greece - Introduction

Greece enjoys ideal weather, beautiful beaches and dynamic sea views dotted with the picturesque blue silhouettes of uncountable islands. From Tzatziki to Souvlaki - Greek food is delicious and unpretentious. The ancient Greeks developed the earliest roots of western civilisation, including art, science, philosophy, architecture, written language, democracy, theatre, storytelling and poetry. Their civilization stretched throughout the Mediterranean from Spain in the west to Ancient Troy in modern Turkey in the east - (Alexander the Great even got as far as India), and this has left us with numerous cultural sites to explore - each one rich in stories and fascinating facts.

But first, let's look at Modern Greece:

Greece - The Modern Nation
Hellas or Greece?
The Greeks don't refer to their country as Greece, but as Hellas or Hellada. The English word Greece comes from the Latin "Graecia", which translates as "The land of the Graeci". This was the name of the first western Greek tribe that the Romans conquered when extending of their empire in this direction.
The Hellenic Republic
The official name of the country is the Hellenic Republic since the abolition of the Greek monarchy in 1973.
The Flag
The national flag of Greece, is popularly known as the " sky blue and white." It comprises nine equal horizontal stripes of blue alternating with white, and with a white cross on a square blue ground covering five of the stripes in the top corner nearest the pole.

The nine stripes are said to represent the number of syllables in the Greek phrase Eleftheria i Thanatos, translating as Liberty or Death, the battle cry of the final revolt against the Ottoman Occupation in 1821.

Unlike most national flags, there is no official shade of colour stipulated. Any blue may be used.

The population of Greece is 11 million, over 40% of whom live in Athens. Greece has the world's most-native population with about 98% of the entire country's population coming from native family.
It's a long way to the Sixth City
According to Australian census, with over 150,000 people being of Greek origin, Melbourne has the largest Greek population of any city outside Greece. That makes Melbourne the sixth biggest city in the world counting by its Greek population.
Greek Language
Greece's official language is Greek and it's spoken by almost the entire population. The Greek language is recognised as impenetrable by English speakers in the phrase " It's all Greek to me. " However, many English words such as "photograph" and "telescope" have Greek origins.
Greek Alphabet
Like Thailand, Greece has its own alphabet. Some Greek letters are similar to the Latin alphabet used by western Europe and the Americas, whilst others are similar to the Cyrillic alphabet used by the Russians and several post-soviet states.

Our English word "Alphabet" derives from "Alpha Beta" the first two letters of the Greek alphabet, although in modern Greek the second letter Beta (Which looks like a "B") is is pronounced like an English "V". In modern Greek, the sound of English "B" is spelt using the two Greek letters for MP.
Literacy
There is over 95% literacy level throughout the country, which is a dramatic rise, compared to 30% reported in the 1950s.
Religion in Greece
The official religion of modern Greece is Greek Orthodox Christianity, with 98% of the entire population identifying as practicing Orthodox Christians. Like their alphabets, Greek and Russian Christianity are both similar. I was once told by a Russian that their early bishops brought some of the Greek letters with them together with the Orthodox practices, but I don't know if there is truth in that.
Saints
St Andrew and St George, the patron saints of Scotland and England, are also patron saints of Greece.
National Holidays in Greece
Greece has two National Holidays annually. The 25th of March to mark independence from Ottoman (Turkish) rule in the early nineteenth century, and the 28th of October, which celebrates the first allied victory of WW2 against the German-Italian axis when Greece successfully resisted Italian invasion.

Facts about Greek Geography
Geo-Physical Regions
The country is divided into three geo-physical regions: the mainland north of Corinth, the Peloponnese, which is the large southern peninsula joined to the mainland by the narrow isthmus of Corinth and its islands . . .
Greek Islands
The Greek islands are literally uncountable. The number ranges from about 1,200 to 6,000 depending on the size of the smallest island which qualifies for the name. The number of inhabited islands is again unclear, with estimates ranging between 150 and 250. The names of many of the larger ones well known as historic sites and tourist destinations. Some best-known names include Crete Lesbos Rhodes Santorini, Mykonos, and Corfu. Santorini is home to one of the coolest bookshops in the world.

Santorini - popular tourist destination and one of the Blue Cities around the world

Rivers and Mountains
Numbers of navigable rivers in Greece: zero! There just isn't enough distance between the mountains and the coast for a river to get together what it takes to become navigable by boats. Nearly 80% of the landmass of Greece is hills and mountains. The highest mountain is Mount Olympus on top of which was once the palace of the ancient gods.
Wiggly Coastline
Despite being only the world's 95th largest country by area, Greece's coastline makes the top ten at 14,000 km. - not far short of China's.
Climate in Greece
Greece is the sunniest country in Europe and among the sunniest on the planet, enjoying an average of about 250 days of sunshine a year.
Biodiversity
Greece has one of the richest varieties of wildlife in Europe. It has 116 species of mammals, 18 species of amphibians, 59 species of reptiles, 240 species of bird, and more than a hundred species of fish. This puts it at the opposite end of the scale from Iceland. When we went there we learnt that the first colonists found only one mammal on the island, the Arctic Fox.
Marble
Some of the temples we visited have solid white marble columns. Greece's quarries supply about 7% of all marble production worldwide.

Facts about Ancient Greece and Myths in Greece's History

The Minoans - The Earliest Greek Civilisation

The first great civilization in Greece grew up on the island of Crete. The Minoans had their palace at Knossos where wall paintings dated at about 2,000 BC show acrobats making somersaults over charging bulls.

Cyclopean Masonry

The Minoans were conquered by the Myceneans from the Peloponnese in 1450 BC. We visited the ruins of Mycenae, a magnificent hill fortress built from stones so big that they could only have been lifted by giants known as Cyclopses. Some of the walls at Mycenae are 8m thick and some of the stones are as big as 2m high or long. How the Ancient Greek manage to build the walls we learn in Ancient Greek Technology Museum in Athens.

Early Culture and Shopping Lists

Over the next millennium, what we now call Greece developed as about 1,500 independent city states each with its agricultural lands and fortress or palace. Most of the time these city states traded peacefully with each other and with the outside world, and were secure enough to find time for creative arts and the development of the first writing. Some of the earliest written records we have today were shopping lists scratched onto clay - well not shopping lists exactly but palatial accounts of the numbers of animals and foodstuffs procured for some celebration. The soft clay was accidentally burnt in a fire that destroyed the palace of Nestor, and so it was preserved for twentieth century archaeologists to decipher.

The Gods and the Origins of the World - Greek Mythology

The best remaining archaeological sites from these times leading up to about 500 BC are temples erected to honour the ancient Greek Gods. With enough wealth from the new inventions of agriculture and trade to give the ancients a bit of spare time, they developed a series of stories about the origins of the earth, the earliest super-beings known as Titans and the conquest of the Titans by the Gods. The stories then continued by investing the twelve major Gods and their numerous mortal and immortal offspring with characteristics and super-powers. The stories didn't stop there. They continued in a vast complex soap opera of feuds and comedies. The actions of the Gods came to account for everything that the ancients found in their world from the cycle of the seasons to bee stings; from art to agriculture; and from love to war.

Athens and Democracy in Ancient Greece

The most powerful city states included Athens, Sparta, Thebes, and Corinth.

The city of Athens named itself in honour of the virgin Goddess of wisdom, craftsmanship, and victory, Athena. Athena won the city from her rival the sea god Poseidon, by a poll of the Gods. The Goddesses voted for Athena, and the Gods supported Poseidon. Athena won by one vote which made Poseidon so angry that violent sea storms threatened the city until he could be pacified. The price that he demanded was that from then on, women should not vote, and so when the citizens of Athens invented the new system of rule known as democracy, only men were allowed in the ballot.

Europe's Earliest

Although Athens is famous for its history in the first millennium BC the city's earliest origins were a couple of thousand years older than that, making Europe's oldest capital city.

The Ancient Olympic Games

By the time Athens invented democracy in about 500 BC, the Olympic Games had already been going for over two hundred years and they would continue every 4 years uninterrupted for another nine centuries after that! The first games were held in the Pelponese to honour Zeus and the Olympian gods, and featured only running, but additional events including, long jump, discus, javelin, wrestling, and chariot racing were gradually added. The place where they were held is called Olympia though it is nowhere near Mount Olympus.

The Modern Olympic Games

The ancient Olympic Games were banned by the Romans in 393 AD, because in honouring Zeus they were un-Christian. But in 1894 a Frenchman thought of reintroducing them in Paris in 1900 to celebrate the new century. His idea was so popular that he was persuaded to bring his plans forward so that Athens could hold the first Olympics in 1896, 4 years before the Paris Olympics of 1900.

Two Thousand Years of Foreign Rule

As we all know from the "300" movies, the ancient Greeks repelled Xerxes and his vast Persian army. Several centuries before that, they had won the Trojan War against Ilium (Turkey) with their famous wooden horse, however they weren't so lucky against the Romans. Greece was conquered by the Roman Empire in the 2nd century BC. The Roman Empire took Turkey too and Constantinople (modern Istanbul) subsequently became the heart of the new Byzantine (Christian) empire including Greece. Constantinople fell to the Moslem Ottomans in the fifteenth Century, and several centuries later, after over two millennia under foreign rule, Greece won independence in 1832.

The Marathon

A runner named Pheidippides ran 150 miles in about 500 BC from Marathon to seek help from the legendary Spartans against Xerxes and the Persians. After the Greeks won, Pheidippides ran 25 miles back from Marathon to Athens to announce the victory. And long distance running had gained a new name.

Ancient Greek Armour

The Ancient Greeks lived in what we call the Bronze Age, so their armour was made not of steel but of bronze, an alloy of copper and tin. Bronze isn't as strong as steel, so you need more of it to give the same protection, which is why Ancient Greek soldiers carried about 33 Kg of armor in battle.

Facts about Tourism in Greece and its Famous Sites

Destination of Choice

Approximately 16.5 million tourists visit Greece annually. More than its total population. Tourism contributes almost 16% of Greece's national income. (GDP)

The Grand Tour

In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, any British family who could afford it would send their sons on a grand tour of Europe when they reached 21 to give them a grounding in culture and classics. Surprisingly perhaps, Greece was not on the Grand Tour's standard itinerary. The GT beaten track went as far as Naples in Italy as its furthest point. It seems the young British aristocracy got their Classical Greece to fix from the Greek temples at Paestum on the Italian west coast which incidentally are better preserved than almost any Greek temples in Greece with the exception of perhaps being the Temple of Hephaestus in Athens.

Archaeological Sites and Museums

Greece has one of the biggest lists of archeological sites in the world. Not a scientific study but judging by the list in Wikipedia, maybe more than any other. What is clear is that with over 100 archaeological museums, Greece leads the world.

When we visited some of the sites in Athens in the summer we were delighted to find tortoises roaming about them. Unfortunately, they were no longer there when we revisited in the new year. I guess even the mild Greek winter is cold enough for tortoises to hibernate.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Greece has 18 UNESCO World Heritage site s. Sixteen of these sites are listed for their cultural criteria including the Temple of Apollo, the Acropolis of Athens, and the Medieval City of Rhodes. The other two, (Mount Athos and Meteora), are inscribed as UNESCO heritage sites for both their cultural and natural significance.

The Parthenon Marbles

At the Acropolis Museum, you can see marble sculptures from the Parthenon, but the set is incomplete. Most of the Parthenon marbles are in the British Museum in London where they are known as the Elgin Marbles. These treasures were "collected" by the British Lord Elgin in 1812, whose actions were immediately condemned by Lord Byron and others as "theft and vandalism". The controversy in Britain was so great that it was debated by Parliament, with the outcome that Lord Elgin was allowed to keep his collection. But after two hundred years, the fire hadn't died down. As recently as 2017, Greece threatened legal action against the UK for its return. So far they remain in London Museums. Watch this space.

Facts about Greek Culture

Saints Days and Names Days

The Greeks celebrate names day as do the Poles. This means that as well as celebrating their own birthday, Greeks celebrate the Saint's day of the Saint after whom they were named. Exchanging gifts with family and friends takes place usually on these names days.

Family Culture

Greece holds the world record for adults living with their parents. About 60% of adults between 18 and 34 have not yet left home.

Democracy - by Law!

Greece has compulsory ballots. Voting is required by law for every citizen of 18 or older. Despite the ancient will of Poseidon, this law applies to women as well as men.

Seizing the Bull by the Horns

Not only the Minoan acrobats demonstrated fearless behaviour when it came to bulls. The English saying "to take the bull by the horns" comes from a Greek myth when Hercules saved Crete from a raging bull by doing just that.

People Live Longer in Greece - at least some of them do!

Ikaria is among the world's rare " Blue Zones ". These are the places where for unknown reasons, people tend to live longer. In Ikaria approximately a third of the populations live past 90 years. The reason for such longer life is still unclear. Maybe it's the diet, the water or the lifestyle. Only five places worldwide gain the dubious accolade of being known as Blue Zones.

Be Careful how you Wave

Greeks always wave with their hand closed. They consider it an insult to show the palm with fingers extended.

Greek Superstitions

Are Greeks Superstitious? - yes they are. Very. Here is a sampler of some of superstitions in Greece.

The Evil Eye

The gift shops of Athens, are full of ornaments or jewelry featuring a bright blue eye known as "Mati". According to the superstition, these eyes will protect you from an angry or a jealous person's evil eye curse.

Lucky Coin

'Vasilopita ' is a traditional new year cake and contains a coin. If you find the coin in your slice of cake, then you can look forward to all-year good luck.

Sneezing

If you sneeze, it means that someone is talking about you. Quickly whisper "skordo" (garlic) to make sure they only say good things about you. And you can even find out who it is. Ask someone to choose a three digit number. Add the digits and count along the (Greek) alphabet to find the initial letter of their name.

Plate Smashing

The Greek custom of smashing plates and glasses at weddings is an opportunity for guests to wish the newlyweds good luck with a chorus of "Oopah!" This ritual also symbolizes abundance.

Greek Food and Drink

The national cheese of Greece is the light white salty goats milk Feta you can find in your salad.

Ouzo is a spirit distilled from the remnants of grapes after they have been pressed for wine. With a distinctive licorice flavor, ouzo has about the same potency as whisky or gin and is served chilled and drunk neat. It is also used in many Greek recipes.

Our advice when drinking wine - ask for red. We have had several very nice red Greek wines on our travels. Perhaps it is unfortunate that the first white Greek wine we tasted was Retsina. This wine is flavoured with pine which reminded us of disinfectant. Anyway from that moment on we stuck with red and we weren't disappointed.

Traditional Greek Foods which you should try when visiting Greece is Moussaka, Taramasalata, tzatziki. One of the most popular street food is souvlaki with tzatziki sauce - yummy.

Olives are part of the staple diet in Greece. As the world's third leading producer of olives after Spain and Italy, the Greeks have cultivated olive trees for food, oil, soap and timber since ancient times. Some olive trees planted in the thirteenth century are still producing olives today.

And a Few Random Facts about Greece to Wind Up

Barbarians

The origin of the word barbarian comes from the Greek word "barbaroi', which referred to foreigners who didn't seem to speak properly, because their languages sounded to the educated Greeks like "bar - bar - bar". This reminds us of the Polish and Russian names for the Germans.

Tragedy

The word "tragoidia" in ancient Greece has been variously been analysed as either "goat-song." or "wine harvest - song". Whether Greek theatre was associated with goat sacrifice or wine, there seems to be a link with Dionysius, God of theatre, wine and celebration.

Stiletto-Free Zones

There is a law in Greece that you may not wear shoes which could damage historic sites. Since the pressure per square millimetre under a high heel is more than that of an elephant's foot, you might consider leaving your stilettos at home for your trip to Greece.

Interesting Facts about Greeks - Conclusion

These facts aren't the main reasons we loved Greece - rather our pleasure in exploring the country inspired us to dig up the facts. I hope you enjoyed the fun of learning about this wondrous nation and that you enjoy your travels there as much as we have enjoyed ours.
Interesting facts about Greece - Pin it for later
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49 Interesting Facts about Greece you should read before your holiday

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Our Southern European road trip brought us to Greece. As we travelled around the landscape of beaches and mountains, by road and on foot, visiting tiny villages and ancient sites we constantly rediscovered the rich stories of this land.

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It's easy to see why Greece is one of the most amazing vacation destinations. Between the beautiful scenery, friendly people, amazing history, and delicious cuisine, this paradise is one of the most popular tourist destinations on earth. Want to learn more about Greece?
Here's 10 interesting facts about Greece that you probably didn't know!
1. Greece is one of the sunniest places in the world

According to MSN Weather, Rhodes, Greece has about 300 sunny days each year! That's about 3,000 hours of sunshine! Bring that sunscreen... you're going to need it!

2. The Greek Isles are home to over 6000 beautiful islands

While only 227 of them are inhabited, each island has a unique culture and landscape, ensuring that every destination will bring a brand new adventure!

3. Greece is home to 18 UNESCO World Heritage Sites

16 of these sites are based on cultural criteria such as the Temple of Apollo, the Acropolis of Athens, and the Medieval City of Rhodes. The last 2 (Mount Athos and Meteora), are considered to be heritage sites for their cultural and natural significance!

4. 80% of Greece is made up of mountains

When you picture Greece, you might think of the whitewashed buildings and blue domed churches of the cities on the Mediterranean, but the majority of Greece is actually mountains. According to the Official Greece Tourism Site , Greece is one of the most mountainous countries in Europe!

5. Greece has an impressive coastline... about 16,000 kilometers

That's 9,942 miles of pristine blue coastline! 4,660 of those miles are found around the thousands of islands of the Greek archipelago! No matter which island you visit, there is sure to be a captivating view of the mediterranean!

6. Santorini has different color beaches

Santorini is home to black, white and red beaches. The black beaches are thanks to Santorini's impressive volcanic past. The beaches are comprised of black sand and pebbles that become very slippery in the water! Be careful-if you wade in too far, you might end up going for a swim!

7. The Patron of Athens is a Goddess

Athena is not only the Patron of Athens, but also the Goddess of warfare, strategy and wisdom. As the myth goes, Athena was chosen to be the Patron of Athens after she won the people over with the gift of an olive tree. Poseidon offered the city water, but they deemed Athena's gift to be of higher value.

8. Greece is the third largest producer of olives

Speaking of olive trees, Greece produces 2.2 million metric tons of olives each year. The only countries to beat Greece are Spain and Italy! According to True Voyagers, a travel blog, Greece has more varieties of olives than any other country in the world!

9. Greece is home to more archaeological museums than any other country in the world

One of the most well-known museums is the Acropolis Museum located in Athens. Check out Discover Greece's page on the 12 most popular archaeological museums to learn about more of them!

10. Greece has a diverse array of wildlife

Greece is home to many unique animals such as the Beech Marten, the Cypriot Mouflon, and the Mediterranean Monk Seal! Some of these animals are only found on specific Greek islands, making them part of a unique and diverse ecosystem! Not to mention over 100,000 birds migrate to Greece's wetlands each winter.

If you've always wanted to experience the beauty of Greece, join us on Paul W. & Kim's Dream Vacation aboard the Celebrity Reflection September 29-October 13. Call 800-383-3131 today to reserve your spot on this once-in-a-lifetime voyage!

By Kaitlyn Pidgeon

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10 Interesting Facts About Greece - Cruise & Tour

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It's easy to see why Greece is one of the most amazing vacation destinations. Between the beautiful scenery, friendly people, amazing history, and delicious cuisine, this paradise is one of the most popular tourist destinations on earth. Want to learn more about Greece? Here's 10 interesting facts about Greece that you probably didn't know!