Why visit
Greece pairs Athens's Acropolis with island-hopping. Santorini's caldera, Crete's gorges, Mykonos nightlife, Naxos beaches, and Corfu's Ionian green.
Country · Europe
Greece
historybeachculturefood
At a glance
Location
39.0°, 22.0°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
131,990 km²
50,962 mi²
Country population
10.3 million
78/km²
Subregion
Southern Europe
Currency
Euro (€)
EUR
Dial
+30
Language
Greek
Demonym
Greek
Internet
.gr
UN
Member state
ISO code
GR / GRC
Where in the world
39.0° · 22.0°
Greece
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Did you know
- Greece has more than 6,000 islands but only 227 are inhabited.
- No spot in Greece is more than 137 km from the sea.
- Greek has been spoken continuously for over 3,400 years: the oldest living written language.
- The wheel, Olympics, democracy, jury trial, and theatre all originated in Greece.
Bordering Greece
Traveler notes
- Ferries link the Cyclades in 2–8 hours
- Schengen visa; late-night dining is the norm
- Shoulder months avoid peak heat and crowds
Plan checks
- Start research with the capital Athens, then compare two or three other regions.
- Check passport validity, visa rules, health requirements, and travel insurance for current conditions.
- Verify swim safety, ocean conditions, and water-quality reports by month.
- Reserve top restaurants 2–4 weeks out and plan two standout meals per city.
Signature travel cities in Greece
Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki is Greece's second city. Byzantine walls, Rotunda (Roman mausoleum), Ano Poli's old town, and the country's most celebrated food scene.
Santorini
Santorini is the caldera island. Oia's whitewashed church domes, Fira's cliff-edge restaurants, red and black volcanic beaches, and Akrotiri's Bronze Age ruins.
Explore more
Frequently asked about Greece
What is the capital of Greece?
Athens is the capital of Greece.
What currency does Greece use?
Greece uses the Euro (€), ISO code EUR.
What languages are spoken in Greece?
The primary language is Greek.
Is Greece landlocked?
No, Greece has a coastline.
What countries border Greece?
Greece borders Albania, Bulgaria, Türkiye, North Macedonia.
What is the international calling code for Greece?
The calling code is +30.
When is the best time to visit Greece?
May–Jun, Sep–Oct. Check current weather and local events before booking.
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