What to order, how to sip, and where to enjoy it ☕🇬🇷

In Greece, coffee isn’t just a drink — it’s a ritual, a social glue, and a way of life. Whether it’s lingering for hours at a seaside café, catching up with friends in a shaded square, or sipping slowly at home, coffee culture here is deeply woven into daily rhythms.

If you’re visiting Greece, knowing what to order (and how to drink it) will help you fit right in — and maybe even fall in love with the local café lifestyle.

☕ The Classics: What’s on the Menu

1. Frappé – The Original Greek Iced Coffee

Invented in Thessaloniki in the 1950s, the frappé is made by shaking instant coffee, cold water, sugar, and ice into a frothy drink.

Best for: Hot afternoons, people-watching on a café terrace.
Sweetness options:

Sketos (no sugar)
Metrios (medium sweet)
Glykos (sweet)

🧿 Traveler Tip: Don’t stir the foam — it’s part of the fun. Sip slowly with a straw.

2. Freddo Espresso – Cool and Strong

A modern favorite, the freddo espresso is simply a double shot of espresso shaken over ice until foamy. Smooth, bold, and perfect if you like your coffee strong but chilled.

Best for: Espresso lovers who want a summer-friendly version.
Sweetness options: Same as frappé, though many take it sketos for pure espresso flavor.

3. Freddo Cappuccino – Creamy and Refreshing

The cousin to freddo espresso, this version adds cold, frothed milk on top. Light, creamy, and a little indulgent, it’s a crowd favorite on warm days.

Best for: Latte drinkers who want an iced alternative.

4. Greek Coffee (Ellinikós kafés) – The Traditional Brew

Brewed slowly in a small copper pot (briki), this coffee is rich, thick, and served in a small cup with the grounds settled at the bottom. It’s not for rushing — you sip it slowly, often paired with a glass of water.

Best for: Slow mornings, cultural experiences, or cool weather.
Sweetness options:

Sketos – No sugar
Metrios – Medium sweet (most popular)
Glykos – Sweet

🧿 Traveler Tip: Don’t drink the sludge at the bottom — it’s not meant to be consumed.

🪑 The Ritual of Greek Coffee

Coffee is social. Greeks often meet at cafés to catch up, sometimes lingering for hours over a single drink.
Morning vs. Afternoon: Freddos dominate summer mornings; frappés and Greek coffee are common in the afternoon.
Café time is unhurried. Unlike grab-and-go culture, sitting and savoring is the norm.
Order water too. Most cafés will bring it automatically.

📍 Where to Enjoy Coffee in Greece

Seaside cafés: Perfect for freddo cappuccinos and long people-watching sessions.
Village squares: Order a Greek coffee and soak in the local chatter.
Trendy city spots: In Athens or Thessaloniki, cafés double as creative hangouts.
Kafeneia: Traditional coffeehouses where time seems to stand still.

✅ Quick Ordering Phrases

“Ένα φρέντο εσπρέσο μέτριο, παρακαλώ” – One freddo espresso, medium sweet, please
“Ένα καφέ ελληνικό σκέτο, παρακαλώ” – One Greek coffee, no sugar, please
“Με γάλα” – With milk

Final Thoughts

In Greece, coffee is never just about caffeine — it’s about connection, conversation, and slowing down. Whether you’re sipping a foamy frappé on a sunny terrace or savoring a strong Greek coffee in a mountain village, you’re taking part in a beloved tradition that spans generations.

💬 Want More Insider Food & Drink Tips for Greece?

✨ Join our free Facebook group: Inside Greece: VIP Travel Tips & Inspiration
Inside you’ll get:

Café recommendations in every region
Local drink specialties to try beyond coffee
Tips on pairing Greek desserts with your coffee
A welcoming community of Greece travelers & food lovers

Greek Coffee 101: What to Know Before You Order