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

Greek Presidential Guard officer, Athens
Greek Presidential Guard officer, Athens | © Robin/WikiCommons
Ethel Dilouambaka

Holidays in Greece conjure images of beautiful beaches bordered by turquoise waters, fascinating cities filled with historic monuments and museums, healthy and delicious cuisine and most likely, smiling faces. This is what Greece is all about: hospitable and friendly locals willing to show visitors the beauty of their country. Here are some reasons why Greek people make visiting Greece an unforgettable experience.

They are hospitable

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.

Enjoying Greek cuisine at Geia Mas

They have a strong sense of family

They know delicious food

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.

Greek salad

They have a peaceful nature

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.

They know how to party

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.

Carnival party

They want to show people a good time

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.

They are passionate

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.

Greek fans

They are resilient

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.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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