Wanderlust World Wanderlust World Approximately 15,000 Buddhists reside in Greece today. This community includes both native Greeks who have converted to Buddhism and immigrants from countries such as Thailand, India, and Sri Lanka.
Buddhism first reached Greek shores as early as the 3rd century BCE, carried by Indian merchants and monks. However, it remained a minor presence for centuries.
Interest in Buddhism surged during the 1960s and 1970s, fueled by the hippie movement and its embrace of Eastern spirituality. Since then, several Buddhist centers and communities have been established across the country, and the Greek government officially recognizes the practice of Buddhism.