The most interesting facts about Greece

Greece is one of the most important countries in the history of western civilization. Many historians refer to it as “the Cradle of Western Civilization”, as it was very influential in the past.

Here are some of the most interesting facts you should know before you visit Greece:

The concept of Democracy has its origins in Athens, where the Greek term “demokratia” (Δημοκρατία) translates to “people-power.” Other prevalent political terms, such as monarchy, aristocracy, and tyranny, are also derived from ancient Greek terminology. In the Athenian democratic system, citizens participated directly in voting on legislation and bills; however, this electoral process was exclusively available to male citizens. Furthermore, they possessed the authority to exile politicians for a period of ten years.
Today’s Olympic games are derived from the ancient games, which began in Greece. The Olympic Games originated in Ancient Greece, specifically in a location known as Olympia. According to historical accounts from that era, the event was conducted in reverence to Zeus, the Olympian god. The inaugural competition is believed to have taken place in 776 BC in Olympia, and it was mandated that each Greek state provide athletes to represent them during these games.
The Greek language was established over 5,000 years ago, making it the oldest written language still in use today. This is indeed an impressive record. While you may not be proficient in constructing complete sentences in Greek, it is likely that you are familiar with one or two letters from the greek alphabet. For instance, the symbols beta and alpha that you encountered in mathematics years, ago originate from Greek.
If you love visiting heritage sites you’re in for a treat in Greece. The country is home to 18 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including world-famous sites like the Acropolis of Athens, the Temple of Apollo, Meteora, and the Old Town of Corfu.
Greece is 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!
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 mountainous. According to the Official Greece Tourism Site, Greece is one of the most mountainous countries in Europe!
There are more visitors to Greece each year than the locals who live there. In 2023 alone, Greece welcomed over 36 million people to the country, far exceeding the local population, which amounts to just over 10 million.
The Greek Flag is blue and white, with a white Christian cross on the top left corner, on a blue background. This is because the culture of Greece is highly Eastern Greek Orthodox Christian! The flag of Greece features nine alternating blue and white horizontal stripes. An interesting fact is that these nine stripes represent the syllables in “Eleftheria i Thanatos”, which translates to “Freedom or Death,” the country’s motto. The national flag of Greece boasts a history spanning 200 years, having been originally designed during the Greek War of Independence against the Ottoman Empire, which commenced in 1821. While it has undergone several modifications throughout the years, it has consistently displayed a white cross set against a blue background. The present design was officially adopted in 1978.
Greece has more archaeological museums than any other country globally. Most of these are dedicated to the gods of Ancient Greece, Ancient Athens and Olympia, Ancient Greek art, paintings of Ancient Greece, and more. Many are associated with a living monument, such as the long-standing Acropolis of Athens.
Greece enjoys, on average, more than 250 days of sunshine, or 3,000 sunny hours a year, making it one of the sunniest countries in the world and the sunniest in Europe.
Did you know that Greece has an impressive coastline of 16,000 kilometers (9,942 miles), making it the 10th longest coastline in the world? The coastline is globally renowned for its clear blue waters, sandy beaches, stunning caves, and steep rock formations, providing safe swimming and diving opportunities. Additionally, no part of the country is more than 137 kilometers (85 miles) away from the ocean. That is a significant amount of water!

Greece is renowned for its stunning coastlines, and here, in my humble opinion, are the top six most beautiful ones:

1. Santorini’s Caldera: Famous for its dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and breathtaking sunsets.
2. Corfu Island: Known for its lush greenery, charming villages, and pristine beaches.
3. Milos Island: Offers unique rock formations, hidden coves and vibrant turquoise waters.
4. Lefkada Island: Boasts white sandy beaches, impressive cliffs, and azure waters.
5. Pelion Peninsula: Features a combination of mountains and sea, with picturesque beaches and traditional villages.
6. Mani Peloponnese: Characterized by rugged landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and historical sites.