Greece
More Than Just Old Stones and Blue Domes!
Yia Sas! Welcome to the Land of the Gods
Get ready to fall head-over-heels for a country that’s pure, unfiltered magic.
I’ve been lucky enough to explore Greece more times than I can count, and let me tell you a secret: the real magic isn't just in the ruins you’ve seen in textbooks. It's a feeling. It's the salty air on a ferry as you pull into a tiny island port, the first bite of a real horiatiki (Greek salad) where the feta is creamy and the tomatoes taste like sunshine, and the thrum of a bouzouki as a taverna comes alive late at night.
This is a country that’s literally overflowing with history, but it’s also bursting with a vibrant, modern, and passionate energy. It’s a place of breathtaking contrasts—from the ancient, sun-baked columns of the Acropolis to the whitewashed, blue-domed bliss of the islands. But the real soul of Greece? It’s in its people, who live by a code of warmth and generosity that will stay with you forever.
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Climate and Best Time to Travel
Greece is glorious, but it gets hot and crowded in peak summer (July-August). My golden rule? Go in the 'shoulder' seasons: late spring (May-June) or early autumn (September-October). The weather is a dream, the sea is warm enough for swimming, the crowds are thinner, and you won’t melt while climbing up to a ruin. Winter is for city breaks in Athens, as most islands are closed down.
The Food! (My Happy Place)
Greek food is love on a plate. It’s fresh, it’s honest, and it’s meant to be shared. Forget what you think you know. My number one, must-have delicacy isn't a kebab. It’s Dolmadakia—but not the sad, tinned ones! I mean the fresh, handmade, tender vine leaves, stuffed with a fragrant mix of herby rice and lemon. My insider tip? Drown them in ladolemono (a simple, perfect sauce of fresh lemon juice and high-quality olive oil).
The Culture: Filotimo and Kefi
The vibe in Greece is built on two words. The first is Filotimo, which doesn’t have a direct translation. It’s a beautiful concept of honour, respect, and a deep-seated need to do good and be generous - it’s the reason a taverna owner might give you a free dessert, just because. The second is Kefi, the spirit of joy, passion, and having a good time. It’s that spontaneous feeling that makes you want to get up and dance in the middle of dinner. Embrace it!
Four Unforgettable Greek Adventures
You can’t see it all in one go, but these four moments will capture Greece’s heart.

(Athens) Go Beyond the Acropolis
Yes, you must see the Parthenon; it will take your breath away. Go as soon as it opens to beat the crowds. But my insider tip for Athens is to get lost in Anafiotika. It’s a tiny, secret neighbourhood tucked right under the Acropolis that looks just like a Cycladic island. It was built by workers from the island of Anafi, and it’s a magical maze of whitewashed houses, bright blue doors, and colourful flowers, with the best hidden views of the city.
(Santorini) Find the Real Sunset (Without the Crowds)
The sunset in Oia is famous for a reason, but it's a zoo. You’ll be shoulder-to-shoulder with thousands of people. My secret? Ditch Oia and head to the village of Pyrgos. It’s the highest point on the island, a stunning, sleepy village of winding alleys and old-world charm. Find a spot at Franco’s Café near the top, order a cocktail, and watch the entire island light up in gold, in total peace.
(Crete) Hike the Gorge of the Dead
Crete is a country all by itself, wild, rugged, and fiercely proud. While everyone heads to the (admittedly stunning) Samaria Gorge, I love the Zakros Gorge, better known as the 'Gorge of the Dead'. It’s a more leisurely, more mystical hike through a dramatic canyon where the ancient Minoans buried their dead in the caves above. It ends at the beautiful, quiet beach of Kato Zakros, where you can eat at a taverna with your feet in the sand.
(Meteora) Climb to the Monasteries in the Sky
This is one of the most jaw-dropping landscapes on Earth, and it’s on the mainland. Meteora is a collection of giant, pillar-like rock formations with 14th-century monasteries built precariously on top, as if they’re floating in the air. My tip: don’t just take a bus. Hike the ancient footpath from the village of Kastraki up to the monasteries. You'll feel the same sense of awe and wonder as the first monks who climbed these rocks.
Master the Art of the Freddo
Forget a quick takeaway latte. Coffee in Greece is a sacred, two-hour ritual. The national drink (especially in summer) is the Freddo Cappuccino or Freddo Espresso, a strong, ice-cold, whipped-foam coffee. Order one, find a comfy chair in a kafeneio (coffee shop), and watch the world go by. There is no 'to-go' vibe here.
Go to the Laiki Agora
Want to see where yiayia (grandma) gets her vegetables? Ask your hotel where the local 'laiki agora' (people's market) is. It’s a weekly farmers' market that takes over a whole street with a glorious, noisy, colourful tumble of the freshest fruits, vegetables, olives, and honey. It’s the best snapshot of local life you can get.
Eat Your Main Meal at 10 pm
If you go to a taverna for dinner at 7 pm, you will be eating completely alone. Greeks eat late. I mean, 10 pm is a perfectly normal time to sit down for dinner. The key is to have a late lunch, maybe a siesta, and then embrace the night-time energy. The best atmosphere in any taverna is always after 9:30 pm.
Learn "Yia Mas!" (and What it Really Means)
You’ll hear "Yia Mas!" (Our Health!) as a toast. But it’s more than just "cheers." It’s a celebration of being together. My tip? When you're in a taverna, order a small 'karafaki' (carafe) of ouzo or tsipouro. It will come with a small plate of 'meze' (little snacks). This isn't a pre-dinner drink; this is the event. Sip it slowly, talk, laugh, and toast to "Yia Mas!"
So, What Are You Waiting For?
Greece isn't just a place; it's a feeling you'll want to bottle up and take home.
This is a country that will feed your stomach and your soul. You’ll come for the history and the islands, but you’ll fall in love with the kefi, the filotimo, and the overwhelming sense of joy. You’ll leave with a golden tan, a full belly, and a heart that feels just a little bit bigger than when you arrived. Opa!

