Introduction
Have you been looking for places to visit for your next vacation? Then you might have noticed how many people visit Greece every year. The country has been particularly popular with American tourists so most of the time they ask me this question: What do Greeks think about the US?
In this article we’re going to go over everything Greece, whit it’s such a popular place to visit for people from all over the world and then we’ll tell you what the relationship Greeks have with visitors especially those coming from the US.
Why is Greece so popular
Have you ever wondered why it always seems like Greece is such a hot spot for tourism? From movie stars to sport stars and everyone in between visiting Greece seems like a rite of passage for anyone looking to explore the world, but why is that, why is Greece so popular? Let’s try and break it down and maybe inspire you to visit soon.
Greece has something for everyone
Unlike some other countries Greece enjoys great variety in the things you can do once you’re here, if you want to explore the ruins of an ancient civilization then you got plenty of choices here but you can also enjoy the great weather and relax on the beach.
This variety makes Greece a go to destination for some people, once you come and enjoy this country chances are that in the future you will compare most places to Greece.
For example, someone might tell you to go visit Cancun in Mexico for a great beach experience, but then you do some quick research and while its much closer Greece has better weather, great beaches and the ruins here are just as great (probably better) than the ones from the ancient Mayans.
So, only come here if you’re ready to completely change your standards for a vacation trip for you or your family.
Perfect Weather
Greece is blessed with amazing weather thanks to its Mediterranean location. There is a reason why our entire civilization is kind of based on the ideas of people born here, these people had the entire year to devote to thinking and creating great works of art without the interference of extreme weather.
In Greece the average yearly temperature is between 50°F in the coldest months of December and it goes as high as 84°F in August. Most of the time the temperature in the day is very comfortable with the worst cold at night so it’s not as bad in the day.
This is also one of the main reasons why so many digital nomads choose Greece as a place to work from, with such great weather they can work in peace of long periods of time.
Awesome Food
You have probably heard it before, the Mediterranean diet is super healthy yes but not only is it really good for your body, it’s also really tasty. Greece is not normally marketed as a foodie location like Italy or France is but Its right there next to them.
Some Greek dishes you can try include:
- Souvlaki
- Gyros
- Baklava
- Kalamari
- Spanakopita
- Fava
- Kleftiko
- Pastitsio
- Stifado
- Moussaka
- Dolmadakia
Unique Drinks
There are a bunch of unique drinks from Greece, Ouzo is the most well-known drink but there are many others like Raki (alcoholic drink made of twice-distilled grapes) and Tsipouro (an un-aged brandy).
If you love drinking wine then then make sure to book a trip to Nemea or Santorini as these places have the best boutique wineries in Greece, some of them offer wine tasting tours which you can’t miss.
For those of you that love coffee then rejoice for coffee is a serious business in Greece. The country is completely in love with the drink consuming as much as 5.5 kilos of coffee per capita. These people know a good cup of coffee and they will serve you some of the best stuff.
Beautiful Beaches
With over 6000 islands, Greece is home to some of the most stunning beaches in the entire world. In Greece there is an endless list of idyllic locations that offer a glimpse of how heaven should look like.
It’s not only in the islands that you will find these gems, in mainland Greece there are many great spots to swim and tan. They’re not all as packed as you might think, visit Milos for an underrated beach!
The Ultimate Location for History Buffs
With 18 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Greece is filled with amazing places that are screaming for you to visit. The Acropolis, Delos, Meteora and much more await tourists with an interest in how the ancient Greeks used to live.
In Athens alone you can visit the Acropolis, Ancient Agora and the Temple of Zeus in a couple of days!
What Do Greeks Think About The US
We already established why anyone would love to visit Greece as a tourist, but now we’re going to try and explain how the Greeks feel about tourists specially those coming from the US.
In general Greeks have a very positive attitude towards Americans. There are many reasons why this is the case but if we had to give just a couple it would have to be: great international relations, shared democratic values and many cultural similarities between the countries.
Great International Relations
Greece and the United States enjoy great relations thanks to shared values, long historical ties and even some religious institutions.
Based on common western heritage, these two countries have long considered each other as allies since the first World War. These ties strengthened during World War 2, the Cold War and the War on Terror.
Additionally, the United States has provided significant support to Greece during various periods of its history, such as during World War II and the Greek Civil War. This has fostered a sense of gratitude and appreciation among the Greek people.
The United States is the largest foreign investor in Greece, with more than $5 billion in investments.
Shared Democratic Values
Both Greece and the US have a big interest in democracy as a concept and a way of life. Freedom and the rights of citizens have been a big part of these two countries history for a very long time (much longer in Greece’s case but still). These cultural similarities have contributed to a mutual understanding and respect between the two nations.
Do People in Greece Like Americans
Americans are generally welcomed in Greece with open arms. The Greek people are known for their warm hospitality, a trait deeply ingrained in their culture. This hospitality, known as “philoxenia,” is extended to all visitors, including Americans. Greeks take pride in making their guests feel comfortable and at home, often going out of their way to ensure a pleasant experience.
If that wasn’t enough, the tourism industry is the biggest in the country, as such locals are accustomed to seeing tourists and even helping them. Americans in particular are well liked by most because they’re seen as friendly, sociable and they contribute greatly to the economy of their country.
In general, people in Greece are very polite and open to visitors from all over the world, but because American tourists are so common, they kind of have a special relationship with them and thanks to the internet pretty much every young Greek knows some English.
Can You Get Around Greece with English?
English is widely spoken in Greece, particularly in tourist areas and major cities. Most Greeks, especially the younger generation, have a good command of the English language, as it is taught in schools from an early age.
In addition, many signs, menus, and information boards are available in English, making it relatively easy for English-speaking visitors to navigate the country. However, it is always appreciated when visitors make an effort to learn a few basic Greek phrases. Simple greetings, such as “kalimera” (good morning) and “efcharisto” (thank you), can go a long way in demonstrating respect for the local culture and fostering positive interactions with the Greek people.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are so many reasons why one would choose to pack their bags and come to Greece for a refreshing vacation. From amazing all year weather that is always within the margins of comfort to awesome food Greece has a little bit of everything for anyone.
That makes Greece a prime location for US tourists to visit, and in fact Greece’s economy is primarily based in tourism nowadays with places like Santorini know all over the world for idyllic small white houses and beautiful beaches. Greeks seem to love visitors from anywhere but they have a specific affinity towards US nationals based on shared values like Democracy, a historic connection that goes way back to the first World War and so on.
If you are an American, chances are you can even get by in many of the more touristy areas just fine with English, specially if you attempt to chat with some of the younger Greeks. This makes the country an amazing place to visit, don’t let anything stop you from booking a flight straight to Athens right now, you won’t regret it one bit!
Related
References
- Americans are heaven for us’: the surge in US visitors throwing Greece a lifeline
- I’m an American who visited Greece for the first time. Here are 11 things that surprised me the most.