Greece Travel Secrets - Blog posts

HOW TO GET FROM SANTORINI TO MYKONOS
Most people who visit Greece head to the islands of Santorini and Mykonos and they rarely fail to deliver. With the white sugar-cube houses, cobblestone streets, incredible bars and restaurants and heaps of things to see and do they remain Greece's most popular...

THE PERFECT GREECE 7 DAY ITINERARY
Planning a holiday to Greece is lots of fun but you can be overwhelmed by the information overload out there especially when it comes to Itinerary planning. We recommended at least 2 weeks in Greece but if you have limited time and one week to spend then this Greece 7...

NAFPLIO HOTELS AND MORE – A COMPLETE GUIDE TO THE GORGEOUS FORMER CAPITAL
The first capital of modern Greece, Nafplio (aka as Nafplion) is a romantic blend of past and present surrounded by postcard-perfect scenery. Loved by locals and visitors alike, it is situated a stone’s throw from Athens and is the perfect destination for either a day...

WINTER IN SANTORINI
Santorini is one of the most iconic Greek islands, as well as one of the most popular summer destinations in Europe. It is famous for its fine sand beaches, pristine scenery, good food, and vibrant nightlife – a few things that draw hordes of tourists to its...

37 OF THE BEST BEACHES IN GREECE
For most people, Greece and the beach go hand in hand like Fred and Ginger. There are so many in fact that visitors are spoilt for choice, but which are the most beautiful? This is our list of the 37 best beaches in Greece to help you plan your next visit. Can you do...

GREECE OFF-SEASON – WHAT TO DO IN GREECE IN WINTER
While Greece is synonymous with dazzling beaches and stunning sunsets it is possible to have a great time in the Greece off-season as well. As the weather cools down, tourist crowds dwindle, and souvenir shops shut their doors. Visiting Greece in winter offers a...

SOLO TRAVEL GREECE
You may think Greece is for couples, families, or maybe even for groups of party-going friends, but it's actually a fantastic destination for solo travellers. Being by yourself may be a daunting prospect, but solo travel Greece is quite viable — even for solo female...

GREEK LAMB KLEFTIKO RECIPE – THE CLASSIC ‘STOLEN MEAT’ DISH
This dish is a another family favourite in our house and is often served for Sunday Roast. It's very easy to make and hard to stuff up. As long as you follow the few steps in the Lamb Kleftiko Recipe you are guaranteed to have a tender, delicious crowd pleaser for...

TOP 10 AIRBNB’S IN MYKONOS – THE BEST FOR EVERY NEED IN 2021
Choosing the best place to stay in Mykonos can be overwhelming with a huge array of accommodation to choose from. This carefully curated selection of Airbnbs in Mykonos helps you work out which are best for different needs - families, parties, events, people with...

VISIT THE CITY OF GHOSTS : WHAT TO SEE IN THESSALONIKI
Layered with history, imbued with culture, and offering up some incredible cuisine, Thessaloniki is a port city that has all the vibrancy you’d expect from Greece’s second city. Once “the co-capital” of the Byzantine Empire along with Constantinople, the city is known...

AUTHENTIC PASTITSIO – OUR BEST GREEK LASAGNA RECIPE
This is probably the most popular dish in our house and is a speciality of my husband John who really enjoys making it. He sends off photos of his work to his Greek friends in an ongoing competition that spans the globe. This is his Greek 'lasagna' recipe and it's...

THE BEST AIRBNB’S IN SANTORINI FOR EVERY NEED
Choosing the best place to stay in Santorini can be incredibly overwhelming. With a plethora of hotels, villas, and houses on the island it is a huge task to work out which one may be right for you. This carefully curated selection of Airbnb's in Santorini helps you...

HOW TO HAVE THE PERFECT SANTORINI HONEYMOON
Santorini is an ever-popular honeymoon destination, and it’s not hard to see why. The stunning and completely unique island has everything you could dream of to kick off your new life together. Offering spectacular views, world-famous sunsets, unusual beaches, wine...

AUTHENTIC GREEK AVGOLEMONO SOUP RECIPE
This dish is a firm family favourite in our house, especially in winter. It's so simple and easy to make and with every food group represented it is highly nutritious, which makes it the perfect comfort food. This authentic Greek avgolemono soup recipe will be a...

THE ELITE GREEK PRESIDENTIAL GUARD – THE REMARKABLE EVZONES!
Known for their distinctive uniform, Greece’s mysterious and flamboyant elite Greek Presidential Guard, the Evzones, may initially appear to be a novelty designed to attract tourists but there is a lot more to them than that. The Evzones are an elite military unit and...

THE BEST SOUTZOUKAKIA RECIPE: HOW TO MAKE GREEK MEATBALLS IN TOMATO SAUCE
This is my favourite Soutzoukakia recipe. These delicious meatballs in a rich tomato sauce are great year-round but especially on cold nights when comfort casseroles are so satisfying. This dish was originally from Smyrna ( now Izmir) in Turkey, hence the inclusion of...

YEMISTA – GREEK STUFFED VEGETABLES
A perennial favourite for visitors to Greece and a dish that everyone seems to love is Yemista - Greek stuffed vegetables.There are many variations of this dish and it is one of the best Greek dishes for vegetarians and vegans as it can easily be made without mince....

GREEK MYTHOLOGY PLACES TO VISIT IN GREECE
Greece is well known for its beaches, beautiful islands, and party towns. But this Mediterranean country has also had a significant impact on the Western world. Greece gave us philosophy, art, drama, literature, and even the principles of democracy! With its multiple...

A GUIDE TO SCHINOUSSA ISLAND IN THE SMALL CYCLADES | GREECE TRAVEL SECRETS
Just south of Naxos in the Cyclades Islands in the Aegean Sea is a group of small islands known as the Small Cyclades ( and sometimes the Lesser Cyclades, although there nothing less about them!). One of the more popular ones is the island of Schinoussa, Greece. With...

OUR FAVOURITE GREEK BOUGATSA RECIPE – DELICIOUS CUSTARD PASTRIES
This Greek Bougatsa recipe is easy to make and they are impossible to resist. Make them as big or as small as you like and invite your friends for coffee just as you take them out of the oven.[mv_create key="8" type="recipe" title="Bougatsa"...

THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PELOPONNESE BEACHES
It’s not only the Greek Islands which boast beautiful beaches. Located in the southern part of the Greek mainland, the Peloponnese has stunning beaches that rival any island. With azure waters and long horseshoe-shaped swathes of sand, and few crowds, the ...

GREEK PARTY ISLANDS
Are you dreaming of joining the well-heeled crowds and dancing the night away on a luscious Greek Island? You’re certainly not alone - the summer season always sees an influx of revelers, keen to watch nights become mornings on some of the top Greek party islands....

ONE DAY IN ATHENS – A COMPLETE ITINERARY
Athens is one of the oldest and most fascinating cities in the world. The birthplace of Democracy, Medicine, Theatre and Philosophy offers a lot to see and do. Ideally you would have at least 3 days in Athens to really do it justice but for people who are transiting...

WHAT TO PACK FOR GREECE – FOR WOMEN
Packing for a trip is exciting but often also overwhelming, particularly when visiting a new destination. Many people over-pack and then end up regretting the luggage they have to drag around especially when island hopping in Greece. There are also items that may be...

THE MOST INCREDIBLE OIA SANTORINI ACCOMMODATION!
When planning your trip to Greece and working out the best place to stay in Santorini chances are you have shortlisted Oia as your preferred village. With the iconic blue church domes, jaw-dropping sunsets, and stunning luxury cave hotels it's no wonder it is one of...

THE VERY BEST KEFALONIA BEACHES
Keflonia has some of the best beaches in Greece, in fact, all of Europe! This beautiful, big Ionian island has an awful lot to see and do but its the Kefalonia beaches that many people return for year in and year out. Here are our 14 favorites.Make sure you check out...

FOLLOW IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF ODYSSEUS: VISIT THE ISLAND OF ITHACA,GREECE
In Homer's The Odyssey the Trojan War hero, Odysseus, must face a 10-year battle to return to his beloved wife Penelope at his Kingdom, the Ionian island of Ithaca, Greece. Sailing into the port town of Vathy you can't help but think about what it must have been like...

GREEK PARTY ISLANDS
Are you dreaming of joining the well-heeled crowds and dancing the night away on a luscious Greek Island? You’re certainly not alone - the summer season always sees an influx of revelers, keen to watch nights become mornings on some of the top Greek party islands....

PRIVATE DRIVERS IN ATHENS
When you arrive in Athens after a long flight, there is nothing like seeing a man with your sign with your name on it waiting at Arrivals. And when you are ready to discover the many wonderful things to see and do in Athens then why not get that guy or one of his...

39 OF THE BEST GREEK ONLINE SHOPPING SITES AND PRODUCTS
Just because you can't be in Greece doesn't mean you can't visit Greece from home, including buying all the wonderful Greek products. Admired worldwide for their fashion labels, wine, food, beauty products and more these websites are our favourite Greek online...

SPANAKOPITA – GREEK SPINACH AND FETA CHEESE PIE RECIPE
Spanakopita is one of the most famous Greek dishes and is easy to make. Often called Spinach and Cheese pie and a great vegetarian Greek dish this feta cheese pie recipe will be an instant family favourite. This dish is one of Greece's best known and is a family...

VIRTUAL GREECE: HOW TO VISIT GREECE FROM HOME
Sometimes the best plans simply don't go according to plan. Your longed-for and carefully researched and planned trip to Greece can't go ahead, for reasons you just can't control. But don't despair, there are ways to still enjoy a greek experience from the...

THE BEST GREEK SONGS PLAYLIST
Here's our playlist of classic Greek songs and music as well as a few contemporary tunes as well. Tune into this music at home, in the car or out and about and transport yourself back to Greece!You may also like

MOVIES SHOT IN GREECE
There's no better way to enjoy a virtual holiday than by watching television shows or movies shot in Greece. Seeing the magnificent landscapes, the sparkling blue sea, and the whitewashed buildings and cobblestone streets will transport you right to Greek soil,...

HOW TO GET TO MILOS
Most people who visit Greece head to the islands of Santorini and Mykonos as a point of priority. Meanwhile, the magical island of Milos is close by and yet world's apart in terms of cost, crowds, and authenticity. Here's everything you need to know about how to get...

SEE SIFNOS – A COMPLETE GUIDE TO SIFNOS HOTELS, BEACHES AND MORE!
Never heard of the island of Sifnos? Well, you’re not alone - but I’m pleased to bring you in on this wonderful secret. Part of the Cyclades islands, Sifnos’ immense beauty defies its modest reputation. A week or two at one of the charming Sifnos hotels or villas will...

HOW TO MAKE HORIATIKI SALAD ( GREEK SALAD)
Is there another dish that screams GREEK ISLANDS more than Greek Salad? Visions of seaside tavernas, fresh seafood, and cold beer are the natural accompaniments to this dish, so here is our recipe for Greek Horiatiki salad for you to recreate in your slice of...

BEST APPS FOR GREECE TRAVEL
In this day and age we are very lucky to be able to tap into a lot of free apps that can really make our lives easier. Gone are the days of having to print out reams of paperwork when traveling nor fumbling around with paper maps, guidebooks, and other cumbersome (...

HOLIDAYS IN HYDRA – A COMPLETE GUIDE TO THE BIRTHPLACE OF BOHEMIA for 2021
Hydra is an enchanting island that is quite unique compared to other Greek islands in a number of ways. One of these is that there are no cars or scooters allowed which makes it quiet tranquil and feels like time has stood still in many respects. Horses, donkeys, and...

3 DAYS IN SANTORINI YOU WILL NEVER FORGET!
Crowded, expensive and completely unforgettable. Santorini is one of those places that despite all the bad things you've heard and read still manages to exceed your expectations. There's nothing like it on the planet and if you are going to Greece, especially for the...

ATHENS AIRPORT TRANSFERS
Once you've arrived in Athens, possibly after a very long flight you will likely be keen to get to your Athens hotel. You will want to rest and freshen up or get straight into discovering the many wonderful things to see and do that the city offers. But what are your...

WHERE TO STAY IN KEFALONIA
The beautiful Ionian island of Kefalonia is becoming very popular as a Greek Island destination for everyone and it's easy to see why. It's a big island and there is a lot to see and do, so ideally you will have a few weeks to really explore it properly. However, even...

HOW TO TRAVEL TO ATHENS
There are several options for travel to Athens. As the capital of Greece, it is home to the countries main airport and with so much coastline there are multiple options to arrive by sea and land as well. Once you arrive you may be met by your private driver, use the...

SHOULD YOU DO A SANTORINI DONKEY RIDE?
In the age of social media and globalization, people should be inherently aware of the issues around working animals and the treatment of them. So when visiting Greece it pays to educate yourself about whether to partake in activities such as a Santorini donkey ride....

PAROS OR NAXOS?
One of the questions I am most frequently asked is from people wanting to visit the Greek islands, often for the first time, and can't decide between Paros or Naxos. These islands are right next door to each other and are very similar in many ways. They are both...

DAY TRIPS FROM ATHENS
Athens is truly one of the great cities in the world and one of the most significant cradles of civilization. There is a LOT to see and do in Athens and we usually recommend 3 days as a minimum stay to make the most of this incredible city. If, however, you have...

A CRETE ROAD TRIP – UPDATED FOR 2021
A Crete road tripWhile most suggested road trips in Greece focus on the mainland, it’s also a delight to explore the islands by car. Being Greece’s largest island, a Crete road trip is an obvious choice for a fabulous adventure that will take you past some of the...

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT GREECE?
There's never a bad time to visit Europe but when is the best time to visit Greece? Greece has had significant influence across the planet on arts, philosophy, politics, science, and sports. It's also home to stunning beaches, over 200 inhabited islands, ancient...

A GREECE ROAD TRIP – EXPLORE THE REAL GREECE BY CAR
Planning an epic road trip around Greece? There’s no shortage of amazing routes to take and here are some of my favourites. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular Greece road trip destinations, as well as the magical stops you can make along the way....

GREEK LAMB AND POTATOES
When people think about Greek food one of the first dishes that springs to mind is Greek lamb and potatoes. This is an easy dish to prepare and is always a crowd favourite especially when entertaining a large group or for a family gathering.There is nothing better...

SANTORINI VS MYKONOS – WHICH FAMOUS GREEK ISLAND IS FOR YOU IN 2021?
One of the most frequent questions asked about the Greek Islands, especially for first-timers, is whether to go to Santorini or Mykonos. Or both! There is a lot of information out there so it can be quite overwhelming and difficult to make a decision, so we've tried...

VISIT CHIOS ISLAND, GREECE – THE FRAGRANT GREEK ISLAND
Chios island,Greece is the 5th largest island in the country and is situated in the Northern Aegean sea off the coast of Turkey. It has a fascinating, albeit sometimes tragic past with a history of relentless conflict with its neighbour as well as other invaders....

LUGGAGE STORAGE ATHENS
Athens is a large sprawling metropolis full of incredible things to see and do. You could easily spend a few days in Athens and still only scratch the surface and personally, I discover more and more interesting things with every visit. If you've only got a short time...

WHAT TO EAT IN GREECE
Greek food is known throughout the world as some of the most delicious, fresh and often healthy cuisines on the planet. With fertile soil and great weather conditions there is an abundance of fresh produce throughout the country year round and this has led to the...

DELOS ISLAND, GREECE – THE BIRTHPLACE OF APOLLO
Delos is regarded by many to be the most important of all the Greek Islands. Considered the birthplace of Apollo - the god of sun and light, music and poetry, healing and plagues, knowledge, beauty and agriculture, Delos island has no inhabitants today but still...

THINGS TO DO IN ATHENS
There are a lot of things to do in Athens. Famous of course for its ancient ruins and artifacts it is also home to a thriving food and cafe culture, a buzzing arts scene and some stunning outdoor venues, events and activities that cater to people of all ages and for...

THINGS TO DO ON PAROS
For a medium sized island there is quite a lot to see and do on Paros. With close proximity to some fantastic neighbours such as Mykonos and Naxos, and a circular shape that allows for easy day tripping its the perfect place to holiday. There's a fantastic range of...

WHICH ARE THE BEST GREEK ISLANDS TO VISIT?
Greek Island hopping is on the top of everyone's bucket-list but with over 220 inhabited islands it can be quite overwhelming trying to work out which are the best Greek Islands to visit on your holiday. Whether you are looking for the best Greek Island for...

ANTIPAROS, GREECE – A GUIDE TO HOLLYWOOD’S FAVOURITE GREEK ISLAND
Like all Greek Islands Antiparos is a magical shimmering jewel shining in the aegean sea. Only 7 minutes by ferry from Paros yet visited by few, it is one of those true Greek island hidden gems and it's easy to see why Hollywood royalty like Tom Hanks call it home in...

10 DAYS IN GREECE – A COMPLETE ITINERARY FOR 2021
If you only have 10 days in Greece for your first visit it is still possible to cover a lot of ground and ensure you are planning your next visit before you've even left! Here's our suggested itinerary that will allow you to visit three incredible Greek Islands,...

WHERE TO STAY IN SKIATHOS
Since the release of the film 'Mama Mia', Skiathos (and its gorgeous neighbour Skopolos) have become a lot more popular with fans keen to recreate the “lost paradise” fantasy of the film, and to spy some of the filming locations. It's easy enough to get to...

THE BEST GREEK ISLANDS FOR FAMILIES – UPDATED FOR 2021
Greece has to be one of the best holiday destinations on the planet for families. With so much to see and do and at a very affordable price point it is safe, clean and the Greek people absolutely love kids. Do not be surprised if you find your toddler being given free...

WHERE TO STAY ON CORFU
Corfu is a beautiful island in the Ionian sea close to neighboring Albania to the north. For centuries it has been popular with holidaymakers from all over the world and has played an important role during wartime. In fact, it has been occupied by the French, Germans,...

AIRBNBS IN GREECE
There is a lot of amazing accommodation in Greece, from rooms and pension's in people homes, through to huge fully inclusive resorts. Whilst it's great to support locally owned and run hotels sometimes you need the extra space and convenience that a private rental can...

BOOKS SET IN GREECE
If you're traveling to Greece perhaps you'd like to know a little more about it or to get firmly in the mood for all the Greek greatness. Or maybe you'd just like a bit of escapism or to learn more about places you've already been. Well, there's no better way than to...

WHERE TO STAY IN ZAKYNTHOS
If you close your eyes and imagine a dreamy Greek Island, it probably looks an awful lot like the Ionian Island of Zakynthos. With its spectacular beaches – including the iconic ‘Shipwreck Beach’ – homely tavernas and a healthy nightlife, it’s no wonder that...

SAILING HOLIDAYS GREECE – UPDATED FOR 2021
Whether you are Greek island hopping, sailing to specific Greek destinations for the purpose of a longer stay, or visiting on a Greek Island cruise the idea of sailing the Greek islands is one of the most sought after vacations in the world. Exploring the Greek...

VISITING THE ACROPOLIS AND THE ACROPOLIS MUSEUM – UPDATED FOR 2021
No visit to Athens is complete without visiting The Acropolis, the ancient citadel perched defiantly above the city that has fascinating people for thousands of years. If you're overwhelmed by the information to plan your visit this guide will make it easy for you....

WHERE TO STAY IN RHODES
Beautiful Rhodes offers something for everyone, from the party-hard crowd to young families looking to enjoy a relaxing beach break. There is a lot to see and do and it's easy to see why this Greek Island is a firm favourite with many. In order to have the best time...
PLANNING A TRIP TO GREECE
Planning a trip to Greece can be both incredibly exciting and completely overwhelming. We've done it multiple times and yet each year presents new challenges as we flesh out the best Greece itinerary to include new places to discover and old favourites. ...

WHERE TO STAY IN NAXOS
Naxos is the largest of the Cyclades islands and has a rugged, mountainous landscape, and long sandy beaches. In fact Naxos beaches are considered some of the best beaches in Europe. There is a lot to see and do and it's proximity to a number of other beautiful...

THE BEST GREEK ISLANDS FOR COUPLES
Is there a country that evokes more images of romance and couples' goals than Greece? As one of the world's most popular honeymoon destinations, it has so much to offer couples of all persuasions and age groups. Whilst holidaying with family and friends is great...

USEFUL CONTACTS AND EMERGENCY NUMBERS IN GREECE
Sometimes when traveling in a foreign country it can be hard to find the best number to call in an emergency especially when under pressure. This list has many of the most useful contacts and emergency numbers in Greece that you may need to call, and their websites...

COMMON GREEK PHRASES
When visiting any country it pays to try and learn a few local words and in Greece the people appreciate your attempts at common Greek phrases even if they are wrong. Whilst it may seem like a difficult language at first you will be surprised how quickly you pick...

TOURS IN GREECE
There are so many beautiful places in Greece it can be quite overwhelming working out where to go.For many people the ability to prebook a holiday and have someone else take care of all the transport, activities and logistics is of huge appeal. Taking tours in Greece,...

DRIVING IN GREECE
There is much to see and do in Greece but it cant all be done in tour buses or on foot. Sometimes biting the bullet and driving in Greece will really make your visit even more special. But are you up to it? Public transport in some parts of Greece is very good but in...

WHERE TO STAY IN ATHENS
Choosing where to stay in Athens can be quite overwhelming. There is a lot of excellent accommodation and at reasonable prices too compared to many other European capitals. Luckily Athens is relatively flat, has good public transport and almost all sites and...

WHERE TO STAY IN MYKONOS
Choosing where to stay on Mykonos is an important decision! The island is famous for its many attractions including glamorous beaches, luxurious restaurants and bustling nightlife as well as lots of others things to see and do so you’ll want to be centrally located to...

THINGS TO DO IN MILOS
(updated May 2020) Milos is an incredible island in the Cyclades group that is giving others like Santorini a genuine run for their money. With similar extraordinary geology and landscapes as the result of volcanic activity it also has stunning beaches, quaint...

THE BEST ACROPOLIS VIEW HOTELS (UPDATED FOR 2021)
In recent years accommodation in Athens has really improved in terms of choice and variety. If anything there are too many options now and many people may be overwhelmed with information. There some great hotels and apartments in Athens that are close to the Acropolis...