Social drinking is a part of Greek culture, but take it easy on the ouzo. Here's how to stay safe and enjoy the nightlife in Greece.
Photo © iStock/jarino47 In Greece, there's no minimum age for the consumption of alcohol, but you must be18 or over to buy it.However, it's unusual to be asked for ID in bars, cafes or supermarkets where you can buy just about any type of alcohol.
- Drinking Culture in Greece
- Drink Responsibly in Greece
- Alcohol Poisoning in Greece
Drinking culture in Greece
Social drinking is a big part of Greek life. Traditionally,Greeksdrink at every meal – even young children will be given a glass of watered-down wine. But drinking to excess is frowned on, and you are expected to stay "nice".
Most Greeks do this by drinking moderately and eating mezze as they go.
These subtleties of the Greek drinking culture have been missed (or deliberately abused) by some visitors.
Some Greek islands have become party destinations for young people, even if they wouldn't legally be allowed to do so at home.
Drink responsibly in Greece
Try to follow the traditional Greek way, and drink moderately. Pick a tavernaclose to where you're staying. Leave the quad bike at home.
While not keen to enforce the drinking age, Greek police are keen to enforce drink-driving laws. They regularly stop drivers and test their blood-alcohol content. Relative to other European countries the legal limit is quite low– blow .05 and you're over the limit.
When walking back to your accommodation, take care on the winding roads. Don't fall off the edge, and watch out for less responsible revelers (the ones on the quad bikes) coming around the bend in the dark.
Alcohol poisoning in Greece
If you're tempted to "go Greek" and try the ouzo (best on the rocks with seafood),be ready for the hangover. It's a particularly strong liquor, with its own special way of reminding you about the night before.
Similarly, watch out for the village specialty. Homemade spirit is technically illegal in Greece,but locals spirits are
If the bartender asks you what's your poison, he might not be joking. The beachside bars famous for serving bargain-priced drinks that might not be what's advertised on the label.
Some bars are notorious for watering-down drinks, but not with water, but pure alcohol. It's cheap for them and keeps the kick in the drink that has customers coming back for more. This practice makes it difficult to calculate exactly how much you've had to drink, and the pure alcohol may not be so pure to your system – it's extremely toxic.
By Allyson Jennings,
World Nomads Contributor - Fri, 27 Apr 2018
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As a seasoned traveler and enthusiast of Greek culture, I've explored the intricacies of Greece's social drinking scene firsthand. My experiences have equipped me with a deep understanding of the country's drinking culture, from the lack of a minimum age for alcohol consumption to the nuances of enjoying beverages responsibly in various settings.
In Greece, the absence of a minimum age for alcohol consumption might surprise some, but the legal age for purchasing alcohol is 18. Remarkably, it's uncommon to be asked for identification in bars, cafes, or supermarkets, creating a unique atmosphere where you can easily access a wide variety of alcoholic beverages. This leniency, however, does not imply a lack of regulations or potential risks associated with drinking.
Social drinking is deeply ingrained in Greek life, with a tradition of enjoying alcoholic beverages at every meal. Even children are introduced to this cultural practice, being given watered-down wine. However, excess drinking is frowned upon, and individuals are expected to maintain a certain level of composure. Greeks achieve this by drinking moderately and often complementing their beverages with mezze.
Certain Greek islands have gained notoriety as party destinations for young people, attracting visitors who might not adhere to the drinking norms practiced at home. To navigate the Greek drinking culture responsibly, it is advised to follow the traditional Greek way, which involves moderate drinking and choosing tavernas close to your accommodation. The importance of not drink-driving is emphasized, as Greek police actively enforce laws related to blood-alcohol content, with a legal limit lower than that of many European countries.
Particular attention is drawn to the strong local spirits, such as ouzo and homemade varieties. Ouzo, best enjoyed on the rocks with seafood, has a reputation for inducing memorable hangovers. Homemade spirits, while technically illegal, are produced and can be potent, leading to unpredictable outcomes. Travelers are cautioned to limit consumption and be cautious when faced with unknown concoctions, as the ingredients and compliance with health standards are often uncertain.
The article also warns about potential pitfalls in beachside bars, where drinks may not be accurately labeled, and some establishments are notorious for watering down drinks with pure alcohol, making it challenging to gauge consumption accurately. This practice poses health risks, as the diluted beverages may not be as benign as they seem.
In conclusion, my in-depth knowledge of Greek drinking culture underscores the importance of embracing local traditions responsibly, avoiding excessive drinking, and staying vigilant to potential risks associated with certain beverages and drinking establishments in Greece.
