In the Mediterranean, Greece has lots of old stuff and beautiful views. You can see ancient ruins in Athens and chill on sunny beaches on the islands. You can visit cute little villages, eat tasty Mediterranean food, or relax by the Aegean Sea.

Greece is like a big museum where stories from long ago feel real among olive trees and blue waters. Whether you want fun, rest, or to learn, Greece has it all, and you'll want to return. So, pack your bags and explore Greece's fantastic magic!

What I Need to Know About Greece's Drinking Culture?

In Greece, drinking is a big deal. It's how people hang out, celebrate, and have fun with friends and family. They enjoy various drinks like wine, beer, and local spirits. This love for drinking goes way back to ancient times when the Greeks thought wine was a gift from the gods. They drank it during religious events and meals. Plus, they even used wine as medicine and in cooking.

What do I need To Know About Customs Regarding Drinking?

• Greek Drinking Traditions Made Simple

  Do what the Greeks do when visiting Greece. The following summarises the main features of Greek drinking traditions:

• Drinking Is All About Being Together

  Drinking alone is okay, but Greeks love sharing drinks with friends. It's a time for chatting and enjoying each other's company. And where there's alcohol, there's always tasty food like mezze. The go-to drinks for socialising are usually Ouzo or Tsipouro.

• Finish Before Refilling

  It's polite to finish your drink before getting another. If you can't end, that's okay, but refilling while you still have a drink is considered rude.

• Cheers to Good Health!

Before taking a sip, Greeks always toast. The Greek way of saying "Cheers" is "Yiamas!" meaning "to our health!" Then, clink glasses together and drink up.

• Take Your Time

Greeks savour their drinks, especially Ouzo. They always take their time. Since drinks are just part of the fun, focus on your friends, not just your glass. If you're going too fast, take a breather and. let your friends catch up.

What Is Greece's Legal Minimum Drinking Age?

• In Greece, you have to be 18 to drink alcohol, just like you have to be 18 to drive. It doesn't matter where you're from – as long as you're 18 or older, you can buy and drink alcohol in Greece. Selling alcohol to anyone under 18 is against the law, and companies can get in big trouble if they do. So, if you look young, be prepared to show your I.D. to prove your age.

• The legal drinking age is the same in every city in Greece, so you don't need to worry about different rules in places like Corfu or Athens. If you're asked to prove your age, ensure you have your passport, national I.D. card, or another valid I.D. handy to avoid any problems. Across Europe, drinking ages vary between 16 and 18, which is lower than in the U.S. Most countries stick to 18, but some let you drink mild alcohol from age 16.

What is a Greek drink scam?

This scam typically unfolds in a bar, where an unsuspecting individual is approached by a friendly person who introduces them to an attractive companion.

The companion requests an expensive drink, priced between €50 to €100. After purchasing the drink, the victim is presented with a hefty bill. If the victim disputes the bill, they may face intimidation or threats of violence from others in the bar.

Another version of the scam involves a person being lured into a bar through a small talk on the street before falling victim to the same scheme.

How Can I Avoid Greek Drink Scams?

To prevent being a victim of these scams, Certain eateries and bars in Greece employ deceptive tactics to overcharge customers. Staff members may attempt to promote products without disclosing prices or presenting menus, indicating a potential for inflated prices.

It is advisable to always review the menu before placing an order. This simple precaution can help prevent unsuspecting customers from being taken advantage of.

Does My ID Card Still Matter?

Many places like restaurants, bars, clubs, or cafes usually don't ask for your I.D. in Greece. But since Greek laws say you have to be 18 to drink alcohol, if you look young, they might ask for your I.D. That's why it's a good idea to have your I.D. card or passport on you when you're planning to have some drinks.

What Are The Most Popular Alcoholic Beverages In Greece?

If you need help deciding what to drink in Greece, don't worry! Here's a quick rundown of the top Greek alcoholic beverages and when to try them:

1. Ouzo: Ouzo is Greece's most famous alcoholic drink, with a distinct anise flavour. It's typically enjoyed during or after meals, served with ice or water, and paired with small plates of mezze like olives, cheese, and seafood. It's best enjoyed with the company and when you have plenty of time to savour it.

2. Tsipouro: Like Ouzo, Tsipouro is another anise-flavoured Greek spirit but more potent and flavorful. If you liked Ouzo, consider trying Tsipouro.

3. Greek Wine: Greece has a rich winemaking tradition, offering various wines with different flavours. Romantic evenings or elegant dinners are perfect occasions to enjoy Greek wine, and remember to grab a few bottles as souvenirs.

4. Greek Beer: Greek restaurants usually have a selection of lagers, ales, and craft beers for those who prefer beer. It's an excellent choice for a lighter drink or when you're in the mood for something less formal than wine.

Mezze: What Is It?

• Mezze are small plates of appetisers enjoyed alongside meals and drinks, typically spirits, in Turkish, Greek, Albanian, Armenian, Balkan, and Persian cuisines.
• Popular mezze dishes include hummus, taramasalata, tzatziki, melitzanosalata, salads, falafel, calamari, kibbeh, grilled meats, seafood, cheeses, and olives.
• Mezze usually begins with lighter options like dips and spreads, followed by grilled meats and seafood. Bread is commonly used to scoop up dips and spreads.

How much does alcohol cost in Greece?

Alcohol prices in Greece can vary depending on factors like location, type of establishment, and the specific drink you're ordering. Generally, prices for a glass of wine or a beer in a bar or restaurant might range from €3 to €6, while prices for spirits like Ouzo or Tsipouro can range from €4 to €8 or more per serving. However, these prices are approximate and can fluctuate.

Is it allowed for me to drink in public in Greece?

While public intoxication is not encouraged in Greece, there are no specific laws against drinking in public. It's important to behave responsibly and avoid causing any disturbances to the locals. Since Greeks often prefer drinking in private settings, it's advisable to do the same to fully appreciate the local drinking culture, enjoying delicious mezze and spirits in a more relaxed environment.

FAQs:

• What is the legal drinking age in Greece?

  In Greece, the legal drinking age is eighteen.

• Where can I buy alcohol in Greece if I am of legal age?

  You can buy alcohol in Greece if you are of legal age (18 years old) at supermarkets, liquor stores, convenience stores, and licensed establishments such as bars and restaurants.

• What are the penalties for consuming alcohol underage in Greece?

  The consequences of underage drinking in Greece may include legal penalties, fines, confiscation of alcohol, mandatory educational programs, community service, and potential harm to physical and mental health.

• Can I get in trouble for drinking in public in Greece?

  In Greece, public drinking is not illegal, but individuals may face consequences if it leads to disorderly conduct or peace disturbance.

• What are some popular Greek drinks?

  Popular Greek drinks include Ouzo and Tsipouro, Greek wine varieties such as Assyrtiko and Retsina, and Greek beers like Mythos and Fix.

• Is it safe to drink tap water in Greece?

  In most urban areas of Greece, tap water is considered safe to drink. However, it can be wise to sip bottled water in rural or remote areas to prevent potential risks.

• What is the drinking culture like in Greece?

  The drinking culture in Greece is characterised by socialising and enjoying local beverages like Ouzo and wine, often accompanied by mezze (appetisers). It's common to drink in moderation, especially during meals or social gatherings, while public intoxication is generally discouraged.

• Do I need to show my ID when buying alcohol in Greece?

  While it's not always required, if you appear to be under the legal drinking age (18 years old) in Greece, you may be asked to show identification when purchasing alcohol. It's a good idea to carry your ID to avoid potential issues.

• What are some responsible drinking tips for travelling in Greece?

  Some quick responsible drinking tips for Greece:

  1. Drink in moderation.
  2. Respect local laws.
  3. Stay hydrated, and eat while drinking.
  4. Be aware of your surroundings.
  5. Plan safe transportation.
  6. Look out for friends.
  7. Know your limits.
• Can I bring alcohol into Greece?

Yes, you can bring alcohol into Greece for personal use, but there are limits on quantity and specific regulations to check beforehand.