A glass of wine, a beer, or even a simple cocktail in Greece costs significantly more in 2024 than in many rival tourist destinations, according to new Eurostat data released in June 2025 and analyzed by the Hellenic Association of Drinks Companies (SEAOP). The figures confirm that Greece remains among the most expensive countries in Europe when it comes to alcoholic beverages.
Greece ranked as the third most expensive country in the European Union, with a price index of 154, 54% above the EU average. Across 36 countries surveyed, including the EU, EFTA, and candidate states, Greece placed sixth.
Even more striking, Greece emerged as the priciest country in the Mediterranean, outpacing key competitors such as Croatia (125.6), Malta (125.3), Cyprus (119.2), Portugal (109.1), France (102.3), Spain (90.5), and Italy (83.9).
Industry experts attribute the high prices primarily to Greece’s steep excise duties, combined with the value-added tax. Excise duty on alcoholic beverages is 35% higher than the EU average, according to SEAOP.
In recent years, excise hikes have driven taxes to account for roughly one-third of the final price of a drink. When VAT is included, taxes make up about 55% of the retail price of a typical alcoholic beverage—50% for traditional spirits like tsipouro and tsikoudia and 57% for ouzo.
Eurostat’s index shows striking differences across the continent. In 2024, Iceland topped the list with a price index of 285.1—nearly three times the EU-27 average. Norway followed with 225.8, while Finland, the most expensive EU member state, stood at 210.4.
At the other end of the spectrum, Italy recorded the lowest prices with an index of 83.9, followed by Germany (86.7) and Austria (89.7).
Source: Tovima.com