Cultural Differences to Know Before Moving to Greece

Published on October 1, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Greece, the cradle of Western civilization, attracts many expatriates each year drawn by its Mediterranean climate, rich historical heritage, and art of living. However, settling in this country with millennia-old traditions requires a good understanding of cultural differences to avoid faux pas and integrate harmoniously. Let’s dive into the subtleties of Greek culture to best prepare for your expatriation.

Philotimo, the soul of Greek society

At the heart of Greek culture lies a unique and difficult-to-translate concept: philotimo. This term, literally meaning “love of honor,” encompasses notions of dignity, respect, generosity, and duty toward the community. It’s an implicit code of conduct that guides social interactions and defines what it means to be a “good Greek.”

Philotimo manifests in many aspects of daily life. For example, it’s not uncommon to see Greeks spontaneously offer help to strangers in need, or invite acquaintances to share a meal without expecting anything in return. This natural generosity can surprise expatriates accustomed to more individualistic societies.

To integrate, it’s crucial to understand and adopt this mindset. This involves:

• Being attentive to others’ needs and ready to offer help
• Showing generosity and hospitality toward friends and neighbors
• Respecting elders and family traditions
• Actively participating in community life

By adopting these behaviors, you’ll show that you understand and respect the fundamental values of Greek society, which will greatly facilitate your integration.

The art of Greek communication

Communication in Greece is a subtle art that goes well beyond simple words exchanged. Greeks are known for their expressiveness and animated gestures, which are an integral part of their way of expressing themselves. For an expatriate, adapting to this communication style can represent a challenge, but it’s also an essential key to building authentic connections.

Body language, a second language

In Greece, body language is almost as important as spoken words. Greeks use their hands a lot to express themselves, and some gestures have specific meanings that are useful to know:

• Nodding up and down means “no,” while a quick sideways head movement means “yes” – the opposite of many Western countries
• The gesture of an open hand toward someone’s face is considered very insulting
• Tapping your pocket means someone is stingy

It’s important to observe and learn these non-verbal codes to avoid misunderstandings and better understand communication nuances.

The art of conversation

Greeks love to converse and debate, often passionately. Discussions can be lively, with frequent interruptions and raised voices, which might be misinterpreted as aggressiveness by foreigners. In reality, it’s simply an expression of engagement and passion in conversation.

To integrate, don’t hesitate to:

• Actively participate in discussions, even if your Greek isn’t perfect
• Express your opinions openly and honestly
• Not take disagreements or heated debates personally
• Learn a few local expressions to enrich your conversations

Physical proximity and contact are also important in Greek culture. Hugs, kisses, and back pats are common, even between people who don’t know each other well. This closeness might seem invasive to some expatriates, but it’s a sign of acceptance and friendship.

Greek time: an elastic concept

One of the most striking cultural differences for many expatriates in Greece concerns the perception and management of time. The notion of punctuality and planning differs considerably from that of many Western countries, which can be a source of frustration if unprepared.

Time flexibility

In Greece, time is perceived more flexibly and fluidly. This approach is reflected in many aspects of daily life:

• Social appointments are often considered suggestions rather than strict commitments
• Arriving 15 to 30 minutes late to a dinner with friends is common and generally accepted
• Business opening hours can be approximate, especially in small towns

This time flexibility also extends to the professional world, though to a lesser extent. Meetings might start late and extend beyond the scheduled time. Deadlines are often considered indicative rather than strict limits.

To adapt to this conception of time, it’s important to:

• Develop greater patience and flexibility in your expectations
• Build margins into your schedule for potential delays
• Not show irritation at delays, which are generally not perceived as disrespectful

The Mediterranean rhythm of life

The Mediterranean climate strongly influences the rhythm of life in Greece. Days are often structured differently from what expatriates might know:

• The siesta (or “mesimeri”) is a respected tradition, especially during hot summer months
• Meals are eaten later: lunch around 2-3 PM and dinner rarely before 9 PM
• Evenings extend late, especially in summer, with social gatherings that can last until the early morning hours

This daily structure might require some adaptation time, but it also offers the opportunity to fully enjoy Greek social life. Embracing this more relaxed rhythm of life can be one of the most enriching experiences of your expatriation, allowing you to discover a new art of living.

Traditions and customs: a living heritage

Greece is a country where traditions and customs play a central role in daily life. For an expatriate, understanding and respecting these practices is essential to integrate harmoniously into Greek society.

Festivals and celebrations

The Greek calendar is punctuated by numerous religious and national holidays, each with its own traditions. Among the most important:

• Orthodox Easter: the biggest holiday of the year, celebrated with processions, family meals, and unique traditions like the custom of breaking red eggs
• Oxi Day (October 28): commemorating Greece’s refusal of the Italian ultimatum in 1940, with parades throughout the country
• Carnival (Apokries): a festive period preceding Lent, particularly lively in cities like Patras

Participating in these celebrations is an excellent way to immerse yourself in Greek culture and build connections with the local community.

Superstitions and popular beliefs

Greece is a country where superstitions and popular beliefs remain vibrant, even in modern urban areas. Some practices might surprise expatriates:

• The “evil eye” (mati): the belief that an envious glance can bring misfortune, often countered by wearing blue amulets
• Spitting three times (symbolically) to ward off bad luck
• Avoiding passing salt directly hand to hand, which is considered to bring bad luck

While you’re not required to adhere to these beliefs, respecting them and not ridiculing them is important for maintaining good relationships with your Greek hosts.

The importance of family

Family occupies a central place in Greek society. Family ties are strong and often extend beyond the nuclear family. This importance manifests in several ways:

• Sunday family meals are a sacred tradition
• Adult children often stay with their parents until marriage
• Grandparents play an active role in raising grandchildren

As an expatriate, you might be surprised by family involvement in personal and professional decisions. Understanding and respecting these strong family bonds will help you better navigate social and professional relationships in Greece.

Social etiquette: codes to know

Mastering Greek social etiquette is crucial to avoid faux pas and create positive relationships. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

Greek hospitality

Hospitality, or “filoxenia,” is a fundamental value in Greece. It manifests in various ways:

• Invitations to homes are frequent and sincere. It’s polite to accept and bring a small gift (flowers, wine, or pastries)
• Refusing food or drink can be perceived as impolite. Even if you’re not hungry, accept at least a small portion
• Greek hosts will often insist that you eat or drink more. A polite but firm refusal will eventually be accepted

Dress code

Dress style in Greece is generally casual, but some rules apply:

• In places of worship, men and women must have shoulders covered and avoid short shorts
• In cities, Greeks dress more formally than in tourist areas. Avoid beachwear outside of seaside resorts
• For formal occasions, the dress code is similar to that of Western Europe

Taboos and sensitive subjects

Some conversation topics can be delicate and are best approached with caution:

• Relations with Turkey and the situation in Cyprus are complex and emotional subjects
• Politics and religion can spark passionate debates. Listen more than you speak on these topics, especially at first
• Avoid negatively comparing Greece to other countries, especially regarding economy or organization

Respect for elders

In Greece, respect toward elders is deeply rooted in the culture. A few points to remember:

• Give up your seat to elderly people on public transportation
• Address older people using formal “you,” unless they explicitly invite you to use informal address
• In family or social gatherings, elders are often served first and their opinions are highly respected

By adopting these social codes, you’ll show your respect for Greek culture and greatly facilitate your integration. Remember that sincerity and good will are always appreciated, even if you make a few mistakes at first.

Professional life: navigating the Greek work world

Adapting to the Greek professional environment can represent a challenge for expatriates. Although many companies, especially in large cities, adopt international practices, some cultural particularities persist in the Greek work world.

Hierarchical relationships and communication

Management style in Greece tends to be more hierarchical than in some Western countries:

• Decisions are often made at the top of the hierarchy
• Respect for authority is important, but personal relationships also play a crucial role
• Indirect communication is common: messages may be conveyed subtly or implicitly

To navigate this environment effectively:

• Respect the hierarchy, but don’t hesitate to build personal relationships with colleagues at all levels
• Learn to read between the lines and understand non-verbal messages
• Be patient in decision-making processes, which may take more time

The importance of personal relationships

In Greece, personal relationships are often as important as professional skills. The concept of “meso” (literally “means” or “intermediary”) refers to using personal contacts to facilitate business or get a job. While this might seem like nepotism to some expatriates, it’s a deeply rooted cultural practice.

To adapt to this reality:

• Invest time in building relationships with your colleagues and business partners
• Participate in company social events, which are often important networking opportunities
• Don’t hesitate to share personal information (within reason) to create bonds

Work hours and productivity

Work hours in Greece may differ from what you know:

• The workday generally starts later and ends later than in northern European countries
• Lunch breaks can be long, especially in small businesses
• Work may sometimes spill into personal time, with calls or messages outside office hours

Productivity is measured differently: presence in the office and availability may be valued as much as concrete results. To adapt:

• Be flexible about hours, while respecting your own boundaries
• Participate in coffee breaks and informal discussions, which are often important information exchange moments
• Focus on building strong relationships as much as achieving your objectives

Practical tips for successful integration

To conclude, here are some practical tips to facilitate your integration into Greek society:

Learn the language

Even though many Greeks speak English, especially in tourist areas, making the effort to learn Greek will be greatly appreciated:

• Start with basic greetings and polite phrases
• Enroll in Greek classes, which are often an excellent opportunity to meet other expatriates
• Don’t be afraid to practice with locals, who will generally be patient and encouraging

Embrace coffee culture

Coffee occupies a central place in Greek social life. Cafés are meeting places for discussion and relaxation:

• Get into the habit of sitting in a café to observe and participate in local life
• Learn to appreciate traditional Greek coffee (ellinikos kafes) and frappé, a Greek specialty
• Don’t hesitate to spend time in cafés, even alone – it’s a common and accepted practice

Participate in local life

Getting involved in the community is an excellent way to integrate:

• Attend local festivals (panigiri) in your neighborhood or village
• Join clubs or associations related to your interests
• Frequent local markets (laiki) to soak up the atmosphere and local products

Adopt the Mediterranean rhythm

Finally, try to adopt the Mediterranean rhythm of life. This might involve:

• Taking time to savor meals, often shared with family and friends
• Appreciating summer evenings on terraces or in local tavernas
• Practicing the art of conversation and social exchange, so important in Greek culture

By following these tips and remaining open-minded, you’ll discover that Greece offers much more than a simple change of scenery. It’s an opportunity to live a rich and transformative cultural experience that will mark you well beyond your stay in this fascinating country.

Expatriating to Greece is an exciting adventure that requires open-mindedness, patience, and a sincere willingness to immerse yourself in a rich and complex culture. By understanding and respecting cultural differences, you’ll not only avoid faux pas but also build deep and authentic connections with your Greek hosts.