Happy Holidays from Greece
As we prepare to enter the New Year, we often think with anticipation of our plans for the months to unfold, the destinations we will visit, the experiences we will enjoy. Greece is endlessly rich in travel inspiration, whatever your taste in travel may be. Island Experiences We very often think of Summer as the
The “Polis” – Etymology, Civilization, and Ancient Greece
The Ancient Greek world has much to teach us still. The highest good, the ultimate virtue in ancient Greek society was civic engagement - contributing to the common good of the city and of society at large. For example, the wealthiest of the citizens were expected to fund the building of “triremes” battleships to protect
The Treasures of the Greek Earth – Ground and Underground
Anyone who has been to Greece knows the beauty of the landscape and of the seas. Beneath the surface, the country is equally rich in beauty, the source of beautiful marbles as well as minerals that have contributed to the wealth and culture of the country. The Marble Quarries of Ancient Greece – Paros, Thassos,
Secrets of the Saronic Islands, Part II
It’s marvelous how each of the islands in this rather small chain has such a unique character. While Hydra and Spetses may be the best known, the charmingly lower-profile Aegina and Poros offer their own special charms, all the more delightful for being lesser-known. Aegina Less than an hour from Piraeus, and with several boats
The Mighty Mountains of Greece
Greece is a surprisingly mountainous country. While some of the mountains are world-famous, especially Olympus, home of the ancient gods, others are a wonderful surprise for the visitor. Let’s visit four of our favorites: Mt. Olympus - Thessaly Mt Olympus, at 2,917 meters, is Greece’s tallest mountain. It is also a towering cultural presence, the
Vasilopita – The Greek Cake of Good Fortune
As many friends of Greece know, the holiday season in Greece has many of the same elements of the holiday season elsewhere, just not necessarily in the same order. While many countries have Santa Claus visiting homes on Christmas Eve, in Greece there is Agios Vasilis - Saint Basil. Bearing gifts and good cheer, this
The Lake Towns of Northern Greece
Northern Greece is a woodland paradise. It’s filled with glassy lakes- each with its own cultural heritage, biotopes, wildlife, and scenery. Here are three unique Lake Towns and their surrounding regions that unite history, culture, and abundant natural beauty. Kastoria, the Gem on the Lake Kastoria is one of northern Greece’s most famously beautiful towns.
Western Macedonia – History, Nature, Wine, and Rustic Charms
There’s no time like autumn and winter to visit Northern Greece. In the cooler seasons, these mountainous and lush regions are at their very best, with their brilliant golden and red foliage in fall and romantic dusting of snow in winter. The rustic, elegant cuisine - so rich in dishes of wild game, foraged mushrooms,
Walking and Hiking – Experiencing Greece in Autumn
For many people - Greeks included - Autumn is the finest season of the year. People from heartier climates farther north will find the Aegean and Ionian still perfectly swim-worthy. And everyone will find the weather for walking and hiking absolutely ideal. Fans of slower, contemplative travel, blended with a dose of wellness in some
The Famous Varieties and Creations of Greek Marble
Greece is truly both a geological and an artistic wonder, and those two worlds come together in the wealth of ancient temples and sculpture. Fans of classical architecture and art will have noted that very often the source of the marble that created these wonders is also mentioned - Parian, Tinian, Penteli, Thacian, Naxian. Each