What is Greece Famous For?

Greece, also known as the Hellenic Republic in international contexts and official documents is a country in Southeast Europe. The famous Greek king, Alexander the Great had large empires stretching from Western Asia to north west India. Athens, the capital of Greece, was a powerful civilisation and empire. Greece is the birthplace of Western civilisation where democracy, Western literature, major scientific and mathematical principles, and Olympic Games evolved.

If you are visiting Greece for the first time and wondering what Greece is famous for, it is a great place to enjoy history, culture, and nature. There are many stunning beaches, cultural heritages, and flavourful dishes you will fall in love with. But before you get carried away with planning and dreaming about your vacation, keep in mind that your trip may get interrupted due to flight delays or health issues. Therefore, it is essential to have an international travel insurance plan from Bajaj General Insurance for peace of mind.

What is Greece Famous For?

Greece is famous for its culture and heritage, Greek cuisines, natural beauty and geography, theatre and literature, and ancient civilisation. Explore the top places to visit in Greece and understand what Greece is famous for.

Culture

The culture in Greece is a mix of ancient traditions and modern lifestyles. Most Greeks follow Orthodox Christianity. The Greek Easter (Pascha) is an important cultural festival celebrated with great enthusiasm. The celebrations continue for a week and each day features different Orthodox traditions. People fast, offer prayers at the Church, have feast after 40 days of fasting, and families and friends come together for music, dance, and joy. Did you know that Greek culture is family-oriented and weddings are hosted with more than 1000 guests!

Heritage Sites

Are you aware that Greece is home to 18 UNESCO World Heritage Sites? These sites are unique and internationally recognised.

• Acropolis of Athens: The Acropolis of Athens is a high city in Greece that is located on a hill. It was built on a high area for defence and as a residence for rulers.
• Archaeological Site of Olympia: The site was dedicated to Zeus, the King of Gods, according to Greek mythology. The Olympia was built for conducting Olympic Games in Greece once in every four years from the 8^th century BC to the 4^th century AD. These sports promoted unity among the people of Greece.

Greek Cuisines

The Greek cuisines use local ingredients like olive oil, herbs like oregano, mint, vegetables, seafood and grains.

• Souvlaki: It is made from tender pieces of meat and grilled vegetables.
• Greek salad: Also known as horiatiki is made from cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, cheese, olives and oregano, olive oil and lemon.
• Moussaka: It is a potato or egg-plant based dish made with layers of lamb meat.
• Baklava: It is a layered dessert prepared with chopped nuts and honey.
• Gyros: This famous dish is made with grilled meat and served wrapped in pita bread.

Natural Beauty

Did you know that there are more than 6000 beautiful islands in Greece? Santorini is famous for volcanic beaches, the Melissani caves feature an underground lake, Mount Olympus is a mountain with lush green forests and panoramic views, and the National Marine Park of Zakynthos protects the endangered tortoises.

Geography

Greece is a mountainous area with a long coastline. In fact, 80% of Greece is made up of mountains. It is also filled with peninsulas and islands. There are fertile plains and forests as well. 38% of forests are coniferous and 62% are broadleaf trees.

Theatre

In Greece from 700 B.C, a theatrical culture flourished. Live stories based on myths and comedies were performed in ancient Greek theatre. Modern Greek theatre is a mix of creative ideas and ancient roots and integrates new styles. While ancient theatres were outdoor, modern theatres are indoor and more varied in design.

Literature

Greek literature witnessed Archaic period, Classical period, Hellenistic and Roman periods, and modern Greek literature. Literature included poetry, drama, prose, history, etc.

Ancient Civilisation

The Greek civilisation was made up of independent states like Athens and Sparta. The mountainous region of Greece led to the development of these separate states. The Greeks invented democracy, excelled in Math and Science, and left a lasting impact on architecture and literature.

Things to Keep in Mind While Visiting Greece

These tips will help you have an enjoyable experience:

• Temperature: In summer, the temperatures are around 25°-30° while winter temperatures are around 3°-10°. If you are visiting Greece in the summer, pack light clothes. Carry warm clothing during winters. Always keep a water bottle with you to keep yourself hydrated during the summers. You will also find many public taps.
• Treat Greece’s historical objects with respect: Do not disrespect Greek heritage and monuments.
• Wildlife: Be aware that wildlife includes venomous snakes like vipers.
• Shopping: Before buying, be careful of the prices and do not fall into the tourist trap.
• Planning properly: In Athens, if you want to visit the Acropolis, go in the early morning hours. As Acropolis is situated on top of a hill, going early can help to avoid the scorching afternoon heat.
• At the beach: If the wind is blowing towards the sea, do not go swimming far away from the beach. The waves may drift you away from the safety of the beach.

Securing Your Travel With Bajaj General Insurance Travel Insurance

In spite of following all safety rules, emergencies may crop up any time. You may face problems like loss of baggage, passport, or may need medical aid. That is why having international travel insurance from Bajaj General Insurance is essential. Bajaj General Insurance offers medical emergency coverage in case of illness or accidents, compensation for lost baggage or passports, added covers like trip cancellation and delay coverage, and 24/7 travel assistance. If you’re applying for a Schengen visa, having travel insurance is mandatory, and Bajaj General Insurance offers plans that meet all Schengen requirements. You can easily buy travel insurance online in just a few clicks.

Conclusion

Greece is famous for its history, culture, food, and beautiful islands. It is a place where ancient traditions meet modern life. When you visit Greece, you will love exploring old ruins, enjoying beaches, or tasting new dishes. For Indian travellers, reaching Greece is easier than ever with many flight options and visa support. But travel can sometimes bring surprises like delays or health issues. To stay worry-free, it’s better to have Bajaj General International Travel Insurance. It keeps you protected so you can enjoy your trip without stress.

FAQs

1. What is the most famous thing in Greece?

There are many things in Greece that are famous like beaches, ancient history and heritage, theatre and arts.

2. What are the popular things that I can buy in Greece?

You can purchase popular items like handmade leather sandals, olive wood products, ceramics, jewellery, natural sea sponges, etc.

3. What type of jewellery can I buy in Greece?

You can go for handcrafted gold or silver jewellery with gemstones like amethyst.

4. Is Greek coffee good?

Greeks use a different method to prepare coffee. It helps to retain the antioxidants and nutrients, making it healthy.

5. Do I need a Schengen visa to travel to Greece?

Yes, Indian citizens need a Schengen visa to travel to Greece for short-term stays, such as tourism or business.

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***Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to changes. Please consult an expert before making any related decisions.