Greece

Cities to Visit in Greece

Featured Cities in Greece

Santorini (Coming Soon)

Crete (Coming Soon)

The colors of the Greek flag, known as “Galanolefki” (blue and white), have deep symbolic meaning and are proudly displayed throughout the country. You’ll see these iconic colors everywhere in Greece, from official buildings to the distinctive architecture of the Cycladic islands.

Blue represents the sea and sky that surround the Greek peninsula and islands, embodying the maritime tradition of this seafaring nation. White symbolizes the purity of the Greek independence fighters’ cause and the white-capped waves of the Aegean Sea.

The flag features nine equal horizontal stripes (five blue and four white) with a blue square in the upper left corner containing a white cross. The nine stripes represent the nine syllables of the Greek freedom fighters’ motto “Ελευθερία ή Θάνατος” (Freedom or Death), while the cross symbolizes the importance of the Greek Orthodox Church in the nation’s history and identity.

Adopted officially in 1978, this design has become an enduring symbol of Greek pride, resilience, and the country’s ancient democratic traditions.

Greek

Greek is the official language of Greece and has the remarkable distinction of being the world’s oldest recorded living language, with over 3,400 years of documented history. Modern Greek descends directly from Ancient Greek, though pronunciation and some vocabulary have evolved over the centuries.

While English is widely spoken in tourist areas, major cities, and islands frequented by international visitors, you’ll find that knowing a few Greek phrases enhances your family’s experience tremendously. The Greek alphabet may look intimidating at first, but many letters are recognizable as the origins of our own alphabet, making learning basic words a fascinating cultural lesson for children.

Greeks are famously hospitable and appreciate visitors who attempt even simple greetings like “Καλημέρα” (Kalimera – Good morning), “Ευχαριστώ” (Efharisto – Thank you), or “Γειά σας” (Yassas – Hello). When venturing to smaller islands or rural areas, where English might be less common, these phrases become even more valuable.

Bringing a small phrasebook or language app can turn everyday interactions into delightful cultural exchanges and help your family navigate menus, transportation, and local customs throughout your Greek adventure.