Introduction to Greece

Overview

Both continental and insular, Greece is a mountainous country with many peaks exceeding 2,000 m, found on certain islands (including Crete) as well as on the mainland, with Mount Olympus (2,917 m) as its highest point.

Greece in four tourist regions

• Mainland Greece: From the northern borders to the Peloponnese, sea and mountains meet, offering stunning landscapes and natural areas perfect for outdoor activities. While the region has few seaside resorts, it remains rich in culture and history, with notable sites beyond Athens such as Delphi or the cliff-top monasteries of Meteora and Mount Athos.

• Peloponnese: This vast mountainous peninsula south of mainland Greece is a varied region with numerous ancient sites (several of which are UNESCO-listed), beautiful sea and mountain landscapes ideal for hiking, as well as some lovely beaches for swimming enthusiasts.

• Crete: The largest Greek island is a tourist destination in its own right, particularly appealing to landscape and trekking lovers. But Crete also boasts a strong history and culture, with Minoan sites like Knossos being the most famous. Of course, the island is also renowned for its many beaches and seaside resorts.

• Greek Islands: Greece is among the countries with the most islands in the world—several thousand, a few of which delight holidaymakers. Whether you're looking for beaches, nature, historical or ancient ruins, quiet islands, or lively ones, even party destinations, there’s something for everyone...

Key facts

• Location: In the eastern Mediterranean, facing Turkey.

• Latitude/longitude: 39.00' N, 22.00' E.

• Local time: Heure : 5326

• Capital: Athens

• Nature of the state: Parliamentary republic.

• Official language: Greek.

• Currency: Euro.

• Population: 10,761,523 inhabitants (2018).

• Area: 131,957 km².

• Density: 81.5 inhabitants/km².

• Highest point: Mount Olympus (2,917 m).

• Lowest point: Sea level.

• Coastline: 13,676 km.

• Driving: On the right.

• Flag: [drapeau: Grèce]

Tourism

Tourism, along with the merchant navy, is Greece’s main economic resource, especially since the country has been in crisis. Currently, after a temporary decline, the sector has rebounded strongly, accounting for nearly 20% of national GDP with over 30 million visitors per year (30.123 million in 2018), making it one of the most visited countries in the world. Among these visitors, excluding neighboring North Macedonia, Germans and Britons are the most numerous, followed by Bulgarians and French (1.522 million in 2015). Overall, 90% of tourists are European.

Geographically, while northern and central Greece are the most visited regions, this is primarily because they serve as a transit zone on the Europe-Turkey axis and benefit from visits by Albanian, Turkish, or Bulgarian neighbors. In contrast, tourists from Western Europe most often prefer Athens, Crete, and the other islands (Rhodes, Santorini, Mykonos, the Ionian Islands, etc.), with specific choices varying by nationality. The country welcomes the most visitors between May and September, with over three-quarters of entries occurring during this period.

Travel essentials

• Destination: Suitable for beginner travelers.

• By air: Paris-Athens for 130 € to 300 € round trip.

• Entry requirements: Passport or ID card.

• Currency to bring: Euros.

• Exchange rate:

• Backpacker daily budget: 45 € to 65 € per person.

• Accommodation: Homestays or, alternatively, camping while traveling, all-inclusive resorts, or rentals for longer stays.

• Getting around: Car or bus, plus ferries for inter-island travel.

• Risks: Almost none in terms of health and low in terms of security.

• Best time for climate/crowds/prices: Late April to early June and mid-September to late October.

• Interests (on a ★★★★ scale): Nature ★★★; Adventure ★; Culture ★★★★; Relaxation-holidays ★★★★.

Addresses in France

• Tourist Office: 3 Av. de l'Opéra, 75001 Paris. Tel.: +33 1 42 60 65 75.

• Hellenic Cultural Center: 23 Rue Galilée, 75016 Paris.

• Institute of Neo-Hellenic Studies of Paris (IENH): 19 bis Rue Pierre Fontaine, 75009 Paris. Tel.: +33 1 48 74 09 56.

• Hellenic Bookstore Desmos: 14 Rue Vandamme, 75014 Paris. Tel.: +33 1 43 20 84 04.

Addresses in Belgium, Switzerland, and Quebec

Socio-economic statistics

• "Quality of life": 31/188 (2018 ranking)

• GDP per capita: $27,800 (2018)

• Average monthly income:

• Inflation: +1.1% (2017)

• "Official" unemployment: 21.5% (2017)

• Population below the poverty line: 36% (2014)

• Life expectancy: 80.8 years (2018)

• Migration rate per 1,000 inhabitants: +2.3 (2017)

• Population growth: -0.07% (2017)

• Literacy rate: 97.7% (2015)

• Urban population: 79.1% (2018)

• Press freedom: 74/180 (2018 ranking)

• Political regime: Flawed democracy (39/167 in 2018)

Sources: World Bank, Human Development Indicators, RSF, The Economist, The World Factbook