1. Greece is made up of thousands of islands

You’ve probably heard of Santorini, Mykonos and Crete… But did you know that Greece is made up of thousands more beautiful islands? It is estimated that Greece is home to up to 6,000 islands and islets, with only around 200 of them being inhabited.  

2.Greece has 18 UNESCO World Heritage Sites

If you love visiting heritage sites you’re in for a treat in Greece. The country is home to 18 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including world-famous sites like the Acropolis of Athens, the Temple of Apollo, Meteora, and the Old Town of Corfu. 

3.80% of Greece is made up of mountains

When you think of Greece, you probably picture sandy shores, blue ocean, whitewashed buildings and blue domes. But one of the most surprising facts about Greece reveals that the majority of the country is actually mountains. It’s one of the most mountainous countries in Europe, with 80% of the country covered in mountains. Don’t forget to pack a good pair of walking shoes!

4. No part of Greece is more than 137 kilometres away from the ocean

Greece may be 80% mountains… But if you associate a beautiful Mediterranean coastline with Greece, you’re also right! Greece has an impressive coastline of 16,000 kilometres (9,942 miles), making it the 10th longest coastline in the world. Plus, no part of the country is more than 137 kilometres (85 miles) away from the ocean. That’s a lot of water!

5.Greece has a diverse array of wildlife

With all those incredible coastal and mountainous landscapes, it’s no wonder that Greece is home to some of the world’s most unique animals. Some animals are even found only on specific Greek Islands, including seals, turtles, frogs, lizards, snakes, fish, butterflies, mice, and even the Kri-kri (the Cretan Wild Goat). Some fun facts about Greece for birdwatchers – there are 240 bird species in the country. Consider planning your trip for winter as this is when over 100,000 birds and hundreds of birds migrate to the wetlands of Greece each year.

6. More tourists visit Greece every year than the entire Greek population

It’s no secret that Greece is one of the world’s most popular countries to visit. But did you know that over 17 million tourists visit Greece each year? That is almost double the total population of Greece. It’s one of the only countries in the world with tourist numbers that double its population (along with Malta, Cyprus and Luxembourg). Tourism makes up around 20% of Greece’s GDP, which is also one of the highest percentages of any industrialized country. 

7. Greece has more archaeological museums than any country in the world

With more than 110 archaeological museums, Greece takes out the top spot for the most in the world. From the Acropolis Museum and the National Archaeological Museum in Athens to the archaeological sites of Delphi and Olympia, you’ll find some of the world’s most important and remarkable collections of Greek antiquities here.