Ten Reasons to Visit Greece Now

1.  The Cheese 

greek salad

Ok, maybe not just the cheese but all the food.  The Greek salad above is so gorgeous I want to cry. The tomatoes are red and fresh. In America I had forgotten that a tomato actually had flavor and didn’t look like it needed a blood transfusion. The olive oil here is to die for.  But back to the cheese…This ain’t the over salted feta we have in ‘Merica folks. In Greece, the lump of white cheese covered with oil and herbs that comes in the Greek salad is heaven in your mouth. There are so many kinds of cheese. I think the Greek consume more cheese than anyone, even the French. Kasseri, Halloumi, Kefalotyri, Mizithra, and many more can be grilled, fried covered in phyllo then fried, lit on fire or sometimes stuffed into a vegetable. I couldn’t get enough! Tip: bring fiber tablets

Let’s talk about the gyros. I usually stay the heck away from these at festivals but here…I seek them out. The meat is perfect, just greasy enough, a little crispy, thin and served with delicious tzatziki sauce, tomatoes and just a few french fries wrapped in a grilled pita. Pairs perfectly with a Mythos beer.

greece

2. The Economy

It’s sad but true. Greece has a terrible economy and everyone knows it. The silver lining (for tourists) is that your money goes a long way.  There are great deals to be found with dining, shopping and hotels.  You can stay in places like this:

acropolisatnight
View from our AirBNB in Athens

Or this:

20160409_184141-01.jpeg
View from balcony in Meteora

Or this:

chalkida from balcony
View from balcony in Chalkida

You visiting helps their economy and they need you. Not to mention that they deserve the help considering what they are doing for humanity right now (see #10)

3. The Gorgeous Landscapes

greek countryside

Was driving somewhere between Meteora and Delphi and just had to stop the car because….gorgeous.

Meteora Greece

This is Meteora, otherwise known as “The Eyrie” from Game of Thrones

Meteora monasteries

Can you even?

4. Athens

Processed with VSCO with c1 preset

This city has a bad reputation for some reason and I don’t see why. I loved Athens. Yes, if you’re a tourist you really don’t need to venture outside the central city neighborhoods but there is plenty to see and do. It is a great walking city. You never know when you will stroll next to some important ruins and just about everywhere you can look up and see the Acropolis.

Athens neighborhood near Acropolis
Oh look there’s the Acropolis!
Greece
The Parthenon

Greece

The Erechtheion, the temple dedicated to the battle between Athena and Poseidon for guardianship over Athens.

5.  The Islands

Greece

Greece

They’re all gorgeous and iconic. Santorini and the romance of its epic sunsets. Mykonos with the party scene. Crete with its rugged beauty and history.  Whether you want the well-known tourist laden island or the off the beaten track island, there are many to choose from!

greece

Mykonos, Greece

 

6. History

Ok, so maybe history doesn’t sound too sexy compared to the Islands, but just look. You don’t have to care about history to appreciate these amazing sights. However, I bet they make you care…just a little.

Treasury at Delphi
Treasury of the Athenians

 

Greece
Sanctuary of Athena in Delphi

 

Greece
Temple of Apollo, built in 4th century BC. Home of the Oracle of Delphi.

 

Delphi, Greece
This stadium at Delphi could accommodate 5000 viewers at one time

 

delphi view
Sometimes I need a moment to take it all in

7. Charming Small Towns

Arachova Greece
Arachova, a ski town at the foot of Mt. Parnassos

 

Greece
Restaurant in Arachova
chalkida walkway
Chalkida, 45 minutes north of Athens.

 

8.  Cozy Restaurants

cozyrestaurantdelphi
To Patriko Mas in Delphi

delphi restaurant

nightinathens
Street in Monastiraki, Athens
psirri at night
Cute little street in Psirri, Athens
greece
Meteora Tavern in Kalambaka

9.  Epic Sunsets in Unique Locations

greece

Who doesn’t love a great sunset. Greece did not disappoint. The striking cliffs of Meteora provided quite a memorable sunset.

greece
Petrino Guesthouse, Meteora
Greece
What you don’t see here are tons of photographers with tripods waiting for me to get the hell out of their way!

10. The People

This is last but certainly not least. I have nothing but love and a deep respect for the Greek people. They are among the most generous people in the world. Despite a terrible economy and lacking resources, they manage to be generous and kind to the over 50,000 refugees in their country.

Read more: Volunteering with Refugees in Greece

george at pitho rooms

Our incredible host, George, who made his grandmother’s sour cherries recipe to top our morning yogurt

Basically what I’m trying to say is that Greece is incredible in so many ways. It’s in my top 5 favorite countries for sure! Don’t wait. Book a trip now! Feel free to contact me with questions.

Until next time Greece. Stay awesome.
Until next time Greece. Stay awesome.

 

Pin this!

10 reasons to visit greece

About The Author

Cherene Saradar

Cherene is a travel expert with 30 years of experience in over 100 countries and 7 continents. She has traveled solo to over 50 countries. She is also a nurse anesthesiologist with over 20 years of healthcare experience. Her passions include wildlife travel and visiting wine regions of the world.

24 COMMENTS

  1. Stacey B | 19th Sep 17

    Hey! I’m a fellow 40-something redhead off to Greece in couple of weeks… I’ll only be in Athens for two nights, but would love any restaurant recs you may have. Cozy restaurants on charming streets are right up my alley. And cheese. Yes, to cheese! Thanks so much. 😉

    • csaradar | 20th Sep 17

      Another 40 something redhead! Exciting! So much good food there. If you’re going to have gyro, the best ones are from small street vendors or tiny restaurants where that’s the only thing they serve. Stay in either the Monastiraki or Psirri neighborhoods…lots of cool local scene, bars, restaurants, cafes… I loved a place called Oineas. Feta with honey appetizer…fava bean app…so good.

  2. Aubrie Engman | 16th Jan 17

    I’ve been to Athens, but no where else so I am hoping to go this year and your pictures were so beautiful! There are so many places to go, it is kind of overwhelming! And I never put two and two together that Meteora was the Erie from GOT!

    • csaradar | 16th Jan 17

      there are so many place to go! Meteora is one of the coolest places I’ve ever seen. It’s often missed because people only go to the islands. I’m going back the end of summer/early fall! When you planning to go?

  3. Lavina | 20th Nov 16

    Greece is amazing, been to Athens and Mykonos and can’t wait to get to Santorini! Great article Cherene 🙂

    • csaradar | 21st Nov 16

      Thanks so much Lavina! I would love to see every part of this country 🙂

  4. Jessica | 1st Nov 16

    Wow, what amazing pictures! I would love to visit Greece one day!
    – Jessica
    Miss Moore Style

  5. Ree love30 | 1st Nov 16

    I love Greek cheese ! And that said looks so gorgeous and fresh. The scenery looks among as well. Ree love30.

    • csaradar | 2nd Nov 16

      I am still dreaming about this cheese! Thanks for the comment:)

  6. My Shopping Diet | 1st Nov 16

    Your Greece trip looks incredible! We don’t get to travel much with two little ones (we barely make it to the grocery store lol), but Greece is on my list of places to visit! And the food must be magnificent! Great post!

    • csaradar | 2nd Nov 16

      Hey those little ones will grow up someday! Yes the food alone is worth a trip! Thanks for stopping by:)

  7. Stephanie | 1st Nov 16

    Greece is a true paradise. I can’t wait to go back. Some of the most amazing sunsets!!

    • csaradar | 2nd Nov 16

      I’m desperate to go back. Meet you there next summer??

  8. Kemi | 1st Nov 16

    Amazing pictures!! Greece is definitely on my list of places to go! It is so beautiful!!!

    • csaradar | 2nd Nov 16

      Greece should be high on everyone’s list IMHO. I want to go back again and again! Thanks for your comment:)

  9. Candy | 31st Oct 16

    All of your photos of Greece are stunning. I’ve only been once (about 8 years ago) and I would love to go back again and explore some more.

    • csaradar | 2nd Nov 16

      Thank you Candy. Yes Greece is the kind of place that is worth a return trip. I had gone over ten years between visits but don’t plan to wait that long again:)

  10. Susana Lopes | 31st Oct 16

    This is such a great post! I’ve hear many great things about Greece, now I really want to go. Beautiful photos xx Susana

    http://www.susanalopessnarey.com/lady-gaga-joanne-album-review

    • csaradar | 31st Oct 16

      Thanks Susana! I honestly can’t get enough of Greece. I hope you go sometime:)

  11. Lucia | 9th May 16

    Ughh I need to get to Greece nooow!!! Awesome pictures!

    • csaradar | 10th May 16

      Thank you and yes please go. I can’t say enough good things!

  12. | 28th Apr 16

    You have to plan my trip when I am ready to go. Amazing.

    • csaradar | 3rd May 16

      I would be honored to help you!

Leave A Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.