If you’re planning a trip to Greece and expect to enjoy a drink or two, it helps to know the rules first. What is the legal drinking age in Greece? The answer is 18, but ID checks do happen—especially in clubs and tourist nightlife areas.
In this guide, you’ll find a clear breakdown of Greece’s drinking laws, whether you need to carry ID, how public drinking works, drink-driving limits, and what to expect from Greek drinking culture on both the islands and the mainland.
| Topic | Greece (practical summary) |
|---|---|
| Minimum age to buy alcohol | 18 |
| ID checks | Possible—more likely if you look young, in clubs, and in nightlife/tourist areas |
| Selling alcohol to minors | Illegal; penalties can include large fines and other sanctions for venues |
| Drink-driving BAC limit | 0.05% standard; 0.02% for novice + professional drivers (often including motorcycles) |
| Public drinking | Often tolerated in many places, but local rules/enforcement vary; disorderly behaviour is the bigger risk |
The legal drinking age in Greece is 18 and applies nationwide. Anyone over 18—including visitors from countries like the U.S., where the drinking age is higher—can legally purchase and consume alcohol in Greece.
Selling alcohol to anyone under 18 is illegal, and businesses can face steep fines and other penalties if caught. Because of this, you may be asked to show photo ID, particularly if you look young or are drinking in clubs or busy nightlife areas. Carry a passport or EU national ID to avoid problems.
Greece does not have different drinking-age rules by city or region, so the legal age is the same everywhere—from Athens to Corfu.
Across Europe, legal drinking ages vary between 16 and 18 depending on the country and type of alcohol, but 18 remains the most common minimum age.
In recent years, Greece has tightened enforcement around underage alcohol sales, with more consistent age checks in tourist areas and late-night venues.
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Do I Need My ID Card
In Greece, many venues may not check everyone’s I.D., but you can be asked to show a valid photo ID—especially if you look under 25.
In my experience, the most consistent checks tend to happen at clubs and busy nightlife venues, while relaxed tavernas may not ask unless you look very young.
Because alcohol sales to under-18s are illegal, anyone who looks young may be asked for ID. Carry a passport or EU national ID when going out.
What Should I Know About the Drinking Culture in Greece
Drinking is a big part of Greek life and culture, as it’s a way to socialize, celebrate, and enjoy your loved one’s company. From a glass of wine to beer to local spirits, Greeks enjoy quite a vast array of alcoholic beverages.
This deep-rooted drinking culture can be traced back to the country’s ancient history. During antiquity, wine played a major role in social and religious life and was commonly consumed in many settings. Besides, the ancient Greeks used wine as medicine and as an ingredient in various recipes.
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What Are The Most Popular Alcoholic Beverages In Greece
If you don’t know what to drink in Greece, you needn’t worry! Here is a brief list of the most popular Greek alcoholic drinks and when to try them:
Ouzo
The most famous Greek alcohol, Ouzo, is the anise-flavored national drink of Greece. The traditional Greek way to enjoy this drink would be during or after meals and served with ice or water. It’s customary to have small plates of mezze, such as olives, cheese, and seafood with Ouzo.
We recommend you try Ouzo when you aren’t alone – as it’s customary to drink it with others – and have plenty of time to spend. It also makes a fantastic souvenir!
Tsipouro
Tsipouro is a Greek grape spirit—sometimes made with anise, sometimes without—so it may or may not resemble ouzo depending on the bottle. However, tsipouro is typically stronger and more flavourful than Ouzo. If you have already tried Ouzo and loved the flavor, it might be time to try tsipouro.
Greek Wines
As mentioned earlier, Greeks are known for their delicious traditional wines. Since the country has a long history of winemaking, they have a vast variety of wines with different flavors. Romantic evenings or fancy dinners are the perfect setting for having a few glasses of Greek wine – don’t forget to buy a few bottles as souvenirs.
Greek Beers
If you enjoy a beer with your burger, you’re lucky! Most Greek restaurants have many beers on their menu, including lagers, ales, and craft beers. Whenever you want to drink something lighter than Ouzo or less fancy than wine, go for Greek beers.
What Is Mezze
Mezze is a large selection of appetizers served on small plates and consumed with meals and – usually – spirits. Mezzes are important in Turkish, Greek, Albanian, Armenian, Balkan, and Persian cuisines.
POPULAR FOODS SERVED AS MEZZE
- Hummus
- Taramasalata
- Tzatziki
- Melitzanosalata
- Salads
- Falafel
- Calamari
- Kibbeh
- Grilled Meats
- Seafood
- Cheeses
- Olives
Mezzes are usually served with drinks, such as tsipouro or Ouzo.
It is customary to start with lighter dishes like dips and spreads. Grilled meats and seafood often come afterward. Using bread is a must to scoop up dips and spreads better.
What Should I Know About The Drinking Customs
When in Greece, you should do as the Greeks do. Here is a list of the most prominent aspects of Greek drinking customs:
GREEK DRINKING CUSTOMS
Drinking Is A Social Activity
You can, of course, drink alone; however, Greeks consider drinking a sociable activity. It’s a way of socializing with people and enjoying each other’s company. That’s why when there’s alcohol, there’s also an endless amount of mezze and food. The traditional alcohol Greece prefers for such a social setting is usually Ouzo or tsipouro.
Always Finish Your Drink Before Ordering Another One
If you’re unable to finish your drink, it’s alright; however, some people may tease you for ordering a refill with a full glass, but it’s not a hard rule everywhere.
Don’t Forget To Toast
Greeks almost always toast before having a drink. The most Greek way to say “Cheers” is by shouting: “Yamas!” (Γεια μας!), which means “to our health!” Then, you can clink your glasses together and begin drinking.
Don’t Rush, Drink Slowly
Greeks love their Ouzo; they always drink slowly and never rush. Since drinks are seen as appetizers to the gathering, you should focus on each other, not your drinks. If you think you’re going too fast, take a break and wait for your friends to catch up with you.
How Can I Avoid Greek Drink Scams
Some restaurants or bars in Greece have various strategies to rip off their customers. In tourist-heavy areas, some places may try to upsell items without clearly stating prices or pointing you to a menu. In such cases, you should suspect it may be overpriced. The best way to avoid these scams is to never order anything before reading the menu.
Can I Drink In Public Places In Greece
Public drinking is often tolerated in many places, but rules and enforcement can vary by city/area, and disorderly behaviour can lead to police involvement. However, you should behave well and avoid causing any trouble to locals.
Since public drinking norms vary by place, we recommend keeping it low-key and prioritising bars/tavernas where it’s clearly acceptable. This way, you can truly enjoy local drinking culture with the tastiest mezze and best spirits you can find.
If you’re unsure, avoid drinking on public transport and follow local signage/rules in parks, beaches, and squares. The bigger risk isn’t “a drink in your hand”—it’s noise, nuisance behaviour, or ignoring local restrictions.
Drinking In Greece FAQs
DRINKING IN GREECE FAQs
Here are some common questions about drinking and alcohol in Greece.
What is the legal drinking age in Greece?
In Greece, the legal age to purchase alcohol is 18 years old. This applies to locals and tourists alike and is consistent across the country.
Will they ask me for my I.D. in Greece?
Yes, you may be asked to show identification, especially if you look under 25. While some venues don’t check everyone, enforcement around underage alcohol sales has tightened in recent years, particularly in clubs and nightlife areas. Carry a valid photo ID (passport or EU national ID) if you plan to buy alcohol or go out drinking.
Can my parents or legal guardian let me drink in Greece?
Greek law is strict about selling or serving alcohol to under-18s in public venues. What happens in private homes is less clearly defined and not typically policed, but that doesn’t make it officially legal. In practice, at family gatherings, some minors may be allowed to sip homemade wine with parental consent. For example, I had my first glass of wine at age 16, given by my father on the island of Lesbos at a family gathering.
What is Greece’s national drink?
Ouzo is Greece’s national drink. It’s an anise-flavoured spirit traditionally enjoyed with mezze.
How do you say “cheers” in Greek?
“Γεια μας!” (Yamas!) is a common way to say “cheers,” and “στην υγειά μας” means “to our health.” Making eye contact during a toast is customary.
Is there any drinking etiquette in Greece I should be aware of?
Drinking in Greece is a social activity and is usually done slowly and alongside food. Moderation is valued, and public drunkenness is generally frowned upon.
Can you buy alcohol at supermarkets in Greece?
Yes. Supermarkets in Greece sell wine, beer, and spirits, making it easy to buy alcohol while grocery shopping.
What non-alcoholic drinks are popular in Greece?
Popular non-alcoholic options include Greek coffee, herbal teas, fresh fruit juices, soft drinks, and mineral water. Greek coffee, in particular, is a strong and traditional preparation worth trying.
What hard liquor choices does Greece offer?
In addition to ouzo, Greece offers spirits such as tsipouro (with or without anise), raki, and Metaxa. These vary in flavour and strength depending on the style and producer.
What is the legal limit for drunk driving in Greece?
The BAC limit is 0.05% for most drivers and 0.02% for novice drivers and professional drivers (including motorcycle riders in many cases). If you’re driving, it’s best to stay well below these limits.
What are the drink-driving laws in Greece?
Driving over the legal BAC limits is illegal, and penalties increase as BAC rises. Consequences can include fines, licence suspension, and imprisonment. Greece enforces drink-driving laws strictly.
Are there legal consequences for drinking in public in Greece?
Public drinking is often tolerated, but rules and enforcement vary by location. Disorderly behaviour, noise, or nuisance drinking can lead to fines or police involvement, so it’s best to drink responsibly and follow local rules.
