Greece by the Numbers

📊 Greece by the Numbers

From the turquoise waters of the Aegean to the timeless ruins of Athens, Greece offers a rich blend of culture, beauty, and hospitality. But beyond the stunning visuals lies a landscape of practical insights—key statistics, economic figures, and local metrics that shape every traveler's experience. In this guide, we break down the essential numbers behind a trip to Greece so you can plan smart, stay informed, and enjoy a smoother journey.

General Overview

• Population: Approximately 10.4 million (2024 est.)
• Capital: Athens (Population: ~3.2 million metro)
• Official Language: Greek
• Currency: Euro (€)
• Time Zone: Eastern European Time (EET, UTC+2); Eastern European Summer Time (EEST, UTC+3 in summer)
• Dialing Code: +30

Greece is part of the European Union and the Schengen Area, making it highly accessible for many international travelers. For visa information, see our Visa & Entry Requirements for Greece.

🏙️ Urban Statistics

🧳 Tourism in Numbers

• Annual Visitors: Over 32 million (2023, source: Bank of Greece)
• Top Nationalities: UK, Germany, France, Italy, USA
• Peak Season: June to August
• Average Stay: 8.5 nights
• Top Destinations: Santorini, Athens, Mykonos, Crete, Rhodes
• Travel Spending: Average daily spend per tourist: €84
• Tourism Contribution to GDP: ~20%

Explore more destinations in our Top Destinations in Greece guide.

🌡️ Climate Averages

✅ Best travel months: May–June and September–October
🧳 Pack smart! See Things to Pack Before Your Trip

💶 Economy & Costs

• Currency: Euro (€)
• Average Daily Budget (Mid-range): €80–€150
• Meal at Local Taverna: €12–€20
• Public Transport Ticket: €1.20 (Athens)
• Car Rental (per day): €30–€50
• Museum Entry: €10–€20 for most archaeological sites

Want tips for shopping smart? Check our Shopping Guide in Greece.

🛫 Transportation Stats

• International Airports: 15 (Athens, Thessaloniki, Heraklion, etc.)
• Domestic Airports: 20+
• Ports: 100+ active ports and marinas
• Metro Systems: Athens Metro (3 lines)
• Rail Network: ~2,300 km
• Intercity Bus (KTEL): Serves 80+ destinations nationwide

For more transportation insights, visit the Transportation Guide for Greece.

📱 Digital Life

• Internet Penetration: 93.8% (2024)
• Average Mobile Speed: 85 Mbps (4G/5G widely available)
• SIM Cards for Travelers: Available at airport kiosks and Vodafone/WIND/Cosmote shops
• eSIM Support: Yes, for most modern devices
• Free Wi-Fi Zones: Common in cafes, airports, public squares

Pro Tip: Use local eSIMs or data plans to save on roaming.

🏥 Health & Safety Metrics

• Safety Index (Numbeo 2024): 61.5 (moderate safety)
• Healthcare Ranking (Euro Health Index): 13th in Europe
• Emergency Numbers:
  • Police: 100
  • Ambulance: 166
  • Fire: 199
  • European Emergency Number: 112
• Travel Insurance Recommended: Absolutely—especially for adventure travel. See Adventure & Activities in Greece for more.

🧭 Travel Efficiency

🌍 Environmental Awareness

• Sustainable Tourism Initiatives: Actively growing
• Plastic Bag Ban: Enforced
• Recycling: Available in urban zones
• Eco-certified Hotels: Increasing in islands like Santorini, Paros, and Alonissos
  Learn more in Sustainable Tourism in Greece

🎯 Conclusion

By understanding the numbers behind the nation, you’re better equipped to budget, plan, and enjoy your time in Greece. Whether you're a data lover or just want to travel smarter, these figures help bring your dream trip into focus.

📌 Don’t forget to explore Travel Tips for Greece for even more practical advice.