Despite Greece being one of the hottest tourist destinations for Brits in 2025, new research commissioned by The Real Greek has revealed a surprising gap in knowledge about this Mediterranean gem. While 55% of Brits recognise Greece’s major contributions to Western civilisation, many still link the country to its past, with 15% of people picturing ancient Greek gods when asked what they associate most with the country.
The survey, which polled over 2,000 UK adults, uncovered surprising gaps in awareness about Greece’s contributions to the world. Shockingly, more than a third (37%) of respondents were unaware that the Olympics originated in Greece, while 61% didn’t realise amphitheatres came from here, and 51% didn’t know that Greek philosophy laid the foundation for modern thinking. Over two-thirds (73%) had no idea that the Greek alphabet was the basis for many Western writing systems.
In an effort to challenge these widespread misconceptions, The Real Greek is launching an interactive quiz inviting Brits to test their knowledge of Greek culture, history, and contributions. To sweeten the deal, 10,000 free souvlakis are up for grabs — rewarding top scorers and even those who need a little help. Plus, Londoners can scan QR codes on posters across the city to claim their free souvlaki and join in the fun.
“Greece is often reduced to myths and ruins but its influence reaches far beyond that. We wanted to encourage Brits to explore the rich and ongoing contributions Greece has made to everything from science and sports to the arts and cuisine. This quiz is a fun, interactive way to learn more while enjoying a taste of Greece with a delicious free souvlaki!”
Laura Mimoun, Chief Marketing Officer at The Real Greek
The study also found that while 79% of Brits are familiar with Aristotle and 75% know of Socrates, nearly a third (29%) have never heard of Plato. Additionally, 43% recalled learning about Ancient Greece in school.
In terms of travel, over half (52%) of Brits have never visited Greece, though 70% expressed interest in going, with ancient history (46%), sunny weather (45%), and Greek food (43%) as the top reasons for wanting to visit.
Greek cuisine continues to be a favourite among Brits, ranking among the UK’s top five, with 25% naming it their preferred choice, following Italian (50%), Chinese (36%), and Indian (33%). More than a quarter (29%) of Brits enjoy Greek food at least once a month, with popular foods including feta cheese (35%), Greek salad (35%), and olives (31%). However, traditional dishes like taramasalata (11%), dolmades (10%), and spanakopita (9%) remain less familiar.
The quiz, available on The Real Greek’s website, offers a chance to learn more about Greece’s cultural, historical, and culinary legacy. After completing the quiz, participants will be rewarded with one of 10,000 free souvlakis.
