10 reasons that will make you want to visit Greece

1. Hospitality

There’s no better place than Greece when it comes to hospitality. You can stay at a family hotel and eat at family restaurants and meet the most inviting people. Greeks consider hospitality one of the most important virtues and trully believe in the meaning of the word “Philoxenia” -  “being friendly to a stranger”. In a big or in a smaller hotel you will feel like a member of the family.

2. The stunning beaches and crystal clear waters.

The child-friendly sandy beaches with beautiful blue azure waters make Greece a family holiday spot. Perissa, Elafonisi, Mykonos, and Kamari are on of the best ones for families as they are spacious and offer many activities for children. Besides incredible beauty, the beaches are well organized and have all the comforts to treat families well. You and your kids can enjoy water sports, volley courts, or running in the parks. The same applies to couples and to all visitors, as well.  

3. Delicious food

The traditional Greek cuisines are popular for their diversity. Fresh seafood, tasty vegetables, great variety of meats- everyone can find something enjoyable. It combines tastes and inspirations from both the continental part of the country and the islands. Greek food is diverse, affordable, and most importantly – delicious!

Some of the most popular Greek dishes are:

• Oven-baked Moussaka (layers of sautéed eggplant and minced meat topped with cheese and cream sauce).
• Spanakopita (savory pastry made with spinach and cheese filling).
• Seafood (squids, mussels, oysters, shrimps, octopus, lobsters, crayfish) served with boiled wild vegetables or on small plates, as starters.
• Greek salad (tomatoes, authentic feta cheese, fresh olives, and olive oil).
• Souvlaki (a popular fast food dish consisting of grilled meat pieces with tomatoes and onions served in pita bread).
• Pastitsio (Greek casserole made with minced meat, pasta, and bechamel sauce).
• Portokalopita (traditional orange cake with syrup)

4. Wines and drinks

Greek alcoholic beverages have a rich history and culture, dating back to ancient times, with wine being the most popular since the beginning of Greek civilization. The tradition of wine-making is a long and rich one in Greece, as is the case with all Mediterranean countries. Wine – the gift of god Dionysus - is associated not only with the nutritional habits of Greeks but also with religious and popular traditions connected with their cultural heritage. Getting acquainted with the wine-making process will help you appreciate even more this precious product.

The winemaking areas of Northern Greece are known for their quality wines. In the region of Thrace wine, routes stretch by River Evros, they are on Samothrace Island, in Rodopi and Xanthi areas. In Macedonia visit the wine vineyards in Kavala, Drama, Serres, Halkidiki, Thessaloniki, Kilkis, Pella, Florina, Kastoria, Grevena, Kozani, Pieria, and Imathia regions. In Thessaly, there are viticultural zones in Larisa, Magnesia, the Sporades Islands, Karditsa, and Trikala areas. In Epirus, you will find wine-producing fields in Ioannina, Arta, Preveza, and Thesprotia. The Ionian Islands of Corfu, Paxi, Lefkada, Kefalonia, Ithaca, and Zakynthos (Zante) all have their quality vineyards.

The region of Central Greece comprises viticultural areas in Aitoloakarnania, Fokida, Evrytania, Fthiotida, Voiotia, Evia, Skyros Island, and Attica. In the Peloponnese, the wine routes run along Corinthia, Achaia, Ilia, Messinia, Laconia, Arcadia, Argolida, and Kythira Island. The Aegean Islands of Lesvos, Limnos, Chios, Samos, Ikaria, the Dodecanese Islands, the Cyclades, and the island of Crete are all wine-producing areas.

On the other hand, one of the most famous and popular Greek drinks is ouzo, a clear, anise-flavored liquor. Ouzo is often enjoyed with meze, a selection of small dishes served with drinks, and is traditionally served with ice and water, which turns it milky white.

Another popular Greek drink is retsina, a white wine flavored with resin from pine trees. This gives this particular wine a distinct and somewhat divisive flavor, with some finding it pleasing and others less so. Retsina is often paired with seafood or grilled meats.

Greek beer is also popular, with the main domestic brands being Mythos and Fix. These beers are light and refreshing, making them the perfect choice for a hot summer day.

Overall, Greek alcoholic beverages are diverse and varied, with something to suit every taste. Whether it's the world-famous wine, the strong and distinctive ouzo or tsipouro, the refreshing and flavorful beers, or the unique and aromatic retsina, there is something for everyone in the world of Greek drinks.

5. Delicious Greek Coffee

Coffee is a drink that accompanies the life of Greeks during the whole day. ‘Let’s go out for a coffee’ is what you’ll hear the Greeks say to friends, relatives, or colleagues after work. Hot or Iced coffee? It depends on the season and your preference. One of the main ways in which coffee is consumed in Greece is through the traditional Greek coffee, also known as "Ellinikos Kafes." This type of coffee is made by brewing finely ground coffee beans with water and sugar and is served in small cups. It is often served with a glass of water on the side, as the strong and bitter flavor of the coffee can be overwhelming to some. The iced coffee that Greeks enjoy any time of the year is frappé. It’s a frothy iced coffee prepared with cold water in a shaker and served with ice cubes, with the addition of milk, sugar, or both (or black).

Other popular types include the freddo espresso and the freddo cappuccino, made with espresso coffee blended with ice (and an added thick froth of chilled milk for freddo cappuccino), and served in a tall glass. Don’t let their Italian names fool you, they are Greek recipes! Coffee culture in Greece also involves a strong social aspect. Many Greeks will spend hours chatting and socializing over a cup of coffee, and it is not uncommon for people to meet up for coffee rather than a meal.

6. Greek traditions and customs

Greece is a country with a rich history and culture, and this is reflected in its many interesting traditions. Here are just a few examples:

-The Panigiri: This is a traditional Greek party that takes place during the summer months. It typically involves music, dancing, and food, and is held in honor of a saint or religious holiday.

-The "Evil Eye": It is believed that some people have the ability to curse others with a glance, which is known as the "evil eye." To protect against this, many Greeks wear a charm known as a "mati," which is believed to ward off the evil eye.

-The "Name Day": In Greece, each day of the year is associated with a specific saint, and it is tradition to celebrate your "name day" on the saint's day that shares your name. This is often celebrated with a small party or gathering of friends and family.

-The Carnival (Apokries): celebrations with costumes and masks all over Greece during February or March. The most famous is taking place in Patras, then in Rethymno (Crete), in Xanthi (Northern Greece), in Skyros island, in Corfu, in Naousa, in Kastoria, and in Tyrnavos. Some of them trace their roots to the ancient festivals in honor of the ancient God Dionysos.

7. The magical nightlife

Greece is a favorite destination among passionate travelers often searching for the best dissertation writing service to beat academic stress. As the sun sets, you can experience the vibrant streets that a number of islands offer. The best places for partying in Greece are Corfu, Paros, Athens, Thessaloniki, and Mykonos.

You’ll find drinks, dinner, and partying options all on the streets. You can go to an open-air cinema or on a walk to experience the pedestrian streets with stunning architecture that looks all different at night.

8. Traditional villages, old towns and castles

It’s hard to imagine the beautiful Greek landscape without the picturesque quiet villages and romantic old towns with narrow streets or medieval fortresses. No matter if you are visiting the mainland or islands, south or north; you will surely be impressed by the subtle beauty of the unique architecture. These are a few of the places, that look breathtaking in all seasons and weathers:

• Mykonos: This island is known for its beautiful beaches, but it also has a charming old town with narrow streets, whitewashed houses, and blue-domed churches.
• Symi: Located in the Dodecanese islands, Symi is known for its colorful houses and narrow streets that lead up to the main square and the Panormitis Monastery.
• Kastoria: Located in the western part of Macedonia, Kastoria is a picturesque town with traditional stone houses, cobblestone streets, and a beautiful lake.
• Nafplio: Located in the Peloponnese, Nafplio is a charming coastal town with a Venetian castle, narrow streets, and colorful houses. It is also a popular destination for its nearby ancient sites, such as the ancient theater of Epidaurus, and the archeological sites of Mykines and Corinthos.
• Zagorochoria: Located in the region of Epirus, Zagorochoria is a group of 46 traditional stone villages surrounded by lush forests and stunning natural beauty. The region is also known for its many stone bridges and waterfalls.
• Peloponnese’s famous castles: are Mystras, Methoni, Koroni, Monemvasia, Kyparissia, Kalamata, Chlemoutsi, and Palamidi. They are in top condition and their history is rich with tales of locals, infamous for their strength and tenacity.
• Ionian Sea’s castles are located in Zakynthos, in Kefalonia, and in Lefkada, as well as in Corfu with the fortress by the sea and the old town of Kerkyra.
• Aegean Sea: there are numerous well-preserved fortresses and picturesque small villages on the islands of Naxos, Lesvos, Chios, Evia, Skyros, Skopelos, Rhodes, and Karpathos.
• Crete: it is worth a visit to the castles of Gramvousa, Frangokastelo, Rethymnon, Herakleion, Fodele, and the famous Spinalonga Island which was a leper community in the 16^th
• Last, but not least, Northern Greece is a crossroads of civilizations, where you can find some of the most impressive fortresses and castles in the country, such as the ones in Halkidiki, Kavala, Alexandroupoli, Thessaloniki, and Edessa, to name but a few.

In all the above destinations you can of course visit traditional shops, workshops of local craftsmen and museums which will provide you with more information regarding the area and its history.

9. Dance culture

Greek dance culture is a vibrant and integral part of Greek life. From traditional folk dances to modern ballroom styles, dance is a way for Greeks to celebrate their culture and traditions.

One of the most well-known traditional dances is the “Syrtaki”, made popular by the film "Zorba the Greek." This dance is a slow, sensual rhythm that involves dancers moving in a line and performing a series of intricate steps. The “Tsamiko” is another popular folk dance, characterized by fast footwork and hand gestures that tell a story or depict a scene. The “Pentozali” is a very vibrant traditional Cretan dance, as well as “Ikariotiko” and “Pontiako” dances, the first one from the island of Ikaria and the second one from the area of Pontus, where many Greeks lived in the past.

Modern ballroom styles, such as salsa and tango, have also gained popularity in Greece, with numerous dance studios and clubs offering lessons and events.  Dance is a central part of Greek celebrations, such as weddings and religious festivals. It is also a way for Greeks to connect with their heritage and pass on their cultural traditions to future generations. Overall, Greek dance culture is a rich and diverse expression of the country's history and culture. It is an integral part of daily life and a source of joy and celebration for Greeks around the world.

10. It’s safe and you can explore it on your own

Greece is a safe destination for travelers looking to explore the country on their own. The crime rate in Greece is relatively low, and tourists are generally not targeted by crime. Many Greeks take pride in their country and are more than happy to help tourists if they need it. This can be especially helpful for solo travelers who may not be familiar with the local area.

These are the only ten reasons to visit Greece – now it’s your time to expand this list!

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