Alcohol prices & blood alcohol limit in Greece

product	Price 2025 (€)	remark
Mythos Beer 0.5 l can	1,10	Standard brand
Fix Hellas 0.5 l can	1,00	local brand
Alfa Beer 0.5 l	1,20	mild lager
Retsina 0.5 l bottle	2,80	resinous white wine
Red wine (local)	5–7	from the Peloponnese, Crete
White wine (local)	4–6	Santorini is expensive
Ouzo (0,7 l, 40 %)	9–12	well-known brands: Plomari, Mini
Tsipouro / Raki (0,7 l)	9–11	clear, strong
Whisky 0,7 l	20
Vodka 0.7 l	16
Rum 0,7 l	17
Energy Drink 250 ml	1,50	popular for mixing

4. Alcohol in Tavernas, Bars & Clubs

In tavernas:

House wine is inexpensive (0.5 l from €4),

Beer usually €3–4,

Cocktails €7–10,

Long drinks €6–8.

In tourist clubs (e.g., Mykonos, Santorini), however:

Beer €6–7,

Cocktails €12–15.

💡 Tip: In small villages, alcohol is significantly cheaper and often homemade.

5. Alcohol Tax & Prices Compared to Other EU Countries

Greece has average alcohol taxes compared to other EU countries:

💡 Result:

Alcohol is cheaper in Greece than in Germany, especially wine and beer.

6. Blood Alcohol Limit for Driving in Greece

The legal blood alcohol limit is:

🚗 0.5‰ for regular drivers

🚙 0.2‰ for novice drivers (less than 2 years of driving experience)

🚲 0.2‰ for motorcyclists

This means:

Even one glass of wine or one beer can be too much, especially in the heat and on an empty stomach.

💡 Recommendation:

0.0‰ while driving – better safe than sorry.

7. Penalties for Driving Under the Influence

Fines in Greece are high, tiered according to blood alcohol level:

💡 Attention:

The police conduct regular breathalyzer tests, especially in tourist areas (e.g., Crete, Rhodes, Halkidiki, Athens).

Tests are mandatory – refusal will result in the same penalties as for a blood alcohol content over 1.1‰.

Fines can change, be increased, etc.

8. Police & Checks

Checks usually take place at night and on weekends.

They are particularly frequent near clubs, resorts, and ferry ports.

Moped and motorcycle riders are also regularly checked.

💡 Tip:
If you’re out partying in Greece, take a taxi, bus, or walk – fines are hefty.

9. Alcohol and Boating

The blood alcohol limit for operating a boat is 0.5‰ – violations can result in hefty fines and license revocation.

This also applies to small motorboats that don’t require a license.

💡 This is especially strict on islands like Mykonos, Santorini, Kos, and Crete, where many boating accidents occur.

10. Alcohol & Minors

In Greece:

Selling alcohol to anyone under 18 is prohibited.

However, checks are infrequent – ​​especially in tourist areas, where enforcement is lax.

Nevertheless, a shop or bar can be fined (up to €5,000) for violations.

💡 Young people mostly drink beer or shandy; hard liquor is less common.

11. Public Places & Alcohol

Drinking in public is not prohibited as long as you behave respectfully.

You can drink alcohol on the beach, in the park, or on the waterfront promenade.

However, noise, glass bottles, or littering will quickly lead to complaints.

💡 In tourist cities (e.g., Athens, Thessaloniki, Rhodes Town), tolerant but respectful behavior is expected.

12. Alcohol and Religion

The Greek Orthodox Church permits alcohol in moderation—wine even has symbolic significance in the culture (e.g., on holidays).

However, drunkenness is viewed negatively in society—Greeks rarely drink large amounts at once, but rather enjoy it in a relaxed manner and with food.

💡 Drinking culture:

Slow, convivial, with a meal. Hardly any “binge drinking” like in Northern Europe.

13. Popular Greek drinks