Food is the fastest door into Greece's culture.
- 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.
Greek cuisine is known for olive oil, feta cheese, moussaka and Greek yogurt.
Greeks value family, hospitality (philoxenia) and long shared meals.
Signature dishes
Greek uses its own alphabet and is one of the oldest languages still spoken.
- Wine and ouzo are traditional drinks at gatherings.
- Greece is the cradle of philosophy, democracy, drama and the Olympic Games.
- Most of the population follows Greek Orthodox Christianity, shaping festivals and daily life.
- Orthodox Easter is the most important celebration of the year.
- UNESCO sites such as the Acropolis, Delphi and Olympia are spread across the country.
Traditional drinks
Traditional music features the bouzouki, and the sirtaki dance is familiar to visitors.
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.
Dining customs
Greece has a population of about 10.4 million, most following Greek Orthodox Christianity.
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.
Street food
Meteora astonishes with monasteries perched atop towering rock pillars.
The best time to visit is late spring and early autumn, avoiding the hot, crowded peak summer.
Vietnamese travellers can obtain a short-stay Schengen visa to visit Greece.
Regional specialities
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.
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Frequently asked questions
Which Greek dishes should every visitor try?
Moussaka, souvlaki and gyros, Greek salad with feta and olives, spanakopita, dolmades, tzatziki, grilled octopus and fresh fish, and desserts such as baklava and loukoumades are essentials. Regional specialities vary widely from island to island.
What defines Greek cuisine?
Greek cooking is classic Mediterranean food built on olive oil, vegetables, legumes, fish, lamb, cheese, herbs such as oregano, and bread. Meals are often shared as a spread of small plates called meze, and fresh seasonal ingredients are central.
Where can visitors eat authentic local food?
Family-run tavernas, fish tavernas in harbour villages, simple souvlaki shops and central markets offer authentic food. Restaurants with touts and picture menus in several languages on tourist streets are usually best avoided. Locals' recommendations are reliable guides.
Is Greece good for vegetarians?
Yes. Many traditional dishes are based on vegetables, legumes, stuffed vine leaves, pies and salads, and Orthodox fasting periods produce many meat-free recipes. Ask about ingredients, since some vegetable dishes may use meat stock or cheese.
What should visitors know about eating times and customs?
Greeks eat lunch late and dinner very late, especially in summer. Restaurants are busiest well into the evening, and meals are unhurried social occasions. Sharing plates is common, and bread and water are often brought automatically to the table.
Information is for reference and may change under the latest official policy. Please contact us for current regulations.
