Market Guide

Website Localization for Greece: Practical Guide

When localizing your website for the Greek market, special requirements must be considered. The Greek language uses its own alphabet, requiring technical and design adjustments. Google dominates search, and the GDPR also applies in Greece. This guide helps you understand the key points.

el: Official language: Greek
EUR: Currency: Euro
GR: Google dominates

Greek Alphabet and Unicode

The Greek language uses the Greek alphabet with 24 letters. For correct display on your website, using UTF-8 as the character encoding is essential. UTF-8 supports all Greek characters as well as special characters and diacritical marks such as accents. Ensure that your database, HTML pages, and CSS files are encoded as UTF-8. Otherwise, letters may appear as question marks or boxes. Test the display on different browsers and devices to ensure consistent rendering.

Fonts and Rendering

Choose fonts that fully support the Greek alphabet. Many common web fonts such as Arial, Times New Roman, or Google Fonts like Roboto and Open Sans are suitable. Ensure that the font also correctly displays accents and the final sigma. Use a clear, readable font size. For a high-performance website, optimize fonts, for example by subsetting to load only the required characters. Also test readability on mobile devices.

URL Transliteration

For URLs containing Greek letters, transliteration into Latin letters is recommended. Use a standardized method such as ISO transliteration or ELOT 743. This keeps URLs readable and search-engine friendly. Avoid umlauts or special characters in the URL. Instead, use hyphens between words. The transliteration should reflect the sound of the Greek word, e.g., 'Ελλάδα' becomes 'ellada'. Ensure consistency throughout the entire website.

Search Engine Optimization for Greece

Google is by far the most used search engine in Greece. Therefore, optimize your content specifically for Google search with Greek keywords. Use the Greek language in titles, meta descriptions, and alt texts. Ensure correct grammar and spelling to gain users' trust. Build local backlinks and register your website with Google Search. Consider the cultural specifics and holidays in Greece.

GDPR and Data Protection

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) applies in all EU member states, including Greece. You must meet the same requirements when collecting and processing personal data. This includes a clear privacy policy, user consent for cookies, and the ability to delete data. Note that the Greek Data Protection Authority (HDPA) monitors compliance. This section does not replace legal advice; consult a specialist lawyer if in doubt.

Market Entry Checklist

Use UTF-8 as character encoding
Choose a font that supports Greek
Transliterate Greek URLs into Latin characters
Optimize content with Greek keywords for Google
Set up GDPR-compliant cookie consent
Test display on different devices

Depiction of Greek letters Alpha and Omega

Frequently Asked Questions

Which character encoding should I use for Greek content?

UTF-8 is the recommended encoding as it correctly displays all Greek letters and special characters. Ensure that databases, HTML, and CSS are encoded in UTF-8.

How do I handle URL transliteration?

Transliterate Greek URLs into Latin letters according to ISO standard, e.g., 'Ελλάδα' becomes 'ellada'. Use hyphens and avoid special characters for better SEO.

Is the GDPR applicable in Greece?

Yes, the GDPR applies in all EU member states, including Greece. You must provide a privacy policy, consents, and deletion options. This note does not replace legal advice.

Ready for This Market?

We localize your website linguistically, technically, and culturally – with native-speaker review and a fixed price. Request a non-binding quote.

Request a non-binding quote