8 Reasons Why You'll Fall in Love With Greece's People

Whether it’s helping you get to that secret beach on the other side of the island, treating you to a glass of tsipouro to complement your order or feeding you like you’ve never had food in your life at a family dinner, Greeks are a warm and hospitable people who love to show guests and visitors a good time. They will welcome you with open arms if you happen to accidentally crash a wedding in a small village, treat you to a full plate of goodness at the summer Panigiri (a traditional feast celebrated in honor of a saint) or give you a ride to the nearest town if you find yourself stuck in a remote hamlet with no means of transportation. Don’t believe us? Come see for yourself.

Greeks have a strong sense of family. More often than not, you will see a family of three or four generations pile into a taverna for a rewarding meal together. Besides, Greeks love children. If you find yourself in a restaurant with a crying toddler, chances are, the staff and other customers will never give you a hard look due to the disturbance. They will most likely give you a smile and maybe even offer some help.

Greek cuisine is made up of dishes made with the most humble and basic ingredients. And you know what? Simple is good and sometimes even better. All the ingredients shine and even if there is a small pool of olive oil at the bottom of the plate, the food is healthier than most of the cream-heavy, sodium-filled concoctions you will find in most restaurants around the world.

Yes, Greeks are loud and tend to get in everyone’s business. And when things get heated, the volume gets even louder. But you will hardly ever see them fight. They may shout and use big hand gestures, but you will hardly see a fist flying. As hot-headed as they may be, peace is in their blood. Except, of course, if you deal with hooligans at a football game.

Maybe it’s the weather, or simply in their blood, but Greeks love and know how to party. Whether it’s a birthday celebration, a work promotion, a wedding or simply a Panigiri, you can be sure that there will be music, dancing and of course, loads of food. And don’t be surprised if you see people twice your age showing their best moves on the dancefloor while you are barely digesting your plate of food. This is just how Greeks, young and old, celebrate.

If you have a Greek friend, boyfriend or girlfriend, you know that Greeks love to party and have a good time. This becomes even truer when they host guests from other countries. If they take you out, they won’t let you pay for anything (and will even find it rude if you insist) and will make you sure to show you around and take you to the best places.

When it comes to love, cooking or even simply living, Greeks are passionate people. They will speak with passion, cook with meraki, live and party like there is no tomorrow. If you hang out with Greeks or know Greek culture, you just know what we are talking about. If you don’t, you will just have to come and experience it first-hand.

Against all odds, Greeks are resilient. They may be inflicted with the worse economic crisis the country has seen in decades, but you will still see them celebrate the tiniest events of their life as if they were fine. They will still be hopeful and find something positive. Despite having endured hardships, such as dictatorship, corruption or wars, Greeks find their strength within more durable things like family and have an incredible support system, which helps them face the hard days ahead.