GLORIOUS GREECE Travel Tips

Few people would disagree that Greece is a heavenly country to visit. There are so many islands, so much history, super food and a glorious rich culture that the most baffling thing is to decide where to begin! Of course Athens its capital is a must, although I unfortunately, have only spent one night there so I have to return. It’s a beautiful sight flying in over Athens with  all its white houses and red rooves compactly built on the hills. I didn’t tour the city as I was flying out the next day en route to South Africa.  I did see the spectacular Parthenon at night though, where our taxi driver on the way there took a huge detour for extra cash with some excuse about there being a big event or fire. So beware.  We only found out afterwards when the return journey was a lot shorter. These of course are always the fun memories though of travelling. 

 

Corfu

 Parthenon: With thanks to Greece tourism website 

Santorini and Mykonos are of course popular destinations where I haven't yet been. Its pictures of idyllic white houses on hills above the coast are well-known. What I've heard from other travellers is that it's over priced and with so many islands to choose from in Greece, I'm sure much the same Greek experience can be had elsewhere.

 Image thanks to: Vision.publ.com 

One of my first long vacations to Greece was to the less well known Lesvos, which is quite a large island, with many pine forests, cedar trees, olive plantations and coastal roads. It's best to hire a jeep and drive around the island, seeking shade in wonderful on the way perfectly simple Greek restaurants with their blue and white traditional decor . I prefer Greek to Turkish food and in the heat,  aubergine salads, tsatskiki, moussaka and baklava will leave you feeling more than satisfied. Greek dishes are good at replenishing all those minerals and salts we lose as we sweat in the heat. 

There are many sports on popular beaches anywhere in Greece and you can snorkel, para sail, dive, water ski or just swim and work on your tan, taking a cycle in the cooler afternoon.  Lesvos is great for riding around up and down hills through quaint little villages and if you hire a moped you can drive through the shaded few forested hills too. Just do wear a helmet and protective clothing.

 Get a good hotel with beautiful pools and keep the late afternoon for the beach  as its 40 degrees in summer,  but a dry heat with little humidity unlike Asia. Still the sand will burn your feet! Spend the evenings on the beach at various grilled fresh fish restaurants with the sand underneath your toes and water lapping just a few metres away.  

Rhodes is another  fabulous island to visit. Steeped in history and allure with its history of the Knight Templar's, take the city tour to walk its old alleyways through the old ancient city and shop or admire all the locally made goods in  air-conditioned artisan places and boutiqueson cobble-stoned old streets. Iced coffees are nearly ten euro on Socrates square but the view, atmosphere and history lingering all around will be worth it.

Every Greek island is a fantastic place to drive around and admire coastal views and find smaller less populated beaches. One thing about Greece I should mention is there are many stray dogs and catswho suffer from the heat and lack of owners. Although one shouldn't,  I have always adopted a 'holiday' dog or a cat, fed it well, brushed it and left it in better condition then when I met it. The dogs will follow you even to lie underneath your sunbed on the beach in the midday heat they are so grateful. Warning though, it can make leaving tearful. 

Entrance to the old city from the harbour

 

    Inside the city walls

 

 Crete, as a large island has been on my list for what seems forever and I will definitely need to spend at least two weeks there as there is much to explore. Perhaps somewhat less popular is Corfu, which I adore. It has a UNESCO heritage protected town, with no car and is on the east side of the island which is also quite large. Sipping iced coffees on the cool stone marble floor main rectangular sophisticated old town terrace, in between wandering through the old town, between the two main vantage aerial view points was the favourite part of my visit there. The town  itself is beautifully characteristic, so if beach, nature AND culture are your thing, Corfu is an absolute must see. Follow the old fort walls to the right of the main terrace at waters edge to your north,  and expect a very steep walk so don't do it in the middle of the day like I did. You walk all the way to the top through old ruins with little shade and few trees but its worth it. The aerial views across the ocean and down the rocky hill fortress are stunning. You'll be climbing the rocks behind the town church tower in the distance in this picture.

 To get the frontal view of the city you need to traverse through the city again but this walk is pleasant and much less steep to the top. It is also through old brick port walls and arches with magical views along the way. Do try to do it at sundown as its spectacular and there's a super cafe with a view to die for.

The ancient city from afar overlooking its rooftops and churches.

 Here with the sea and church tower as focus

A typical Corfu inner city street 

An excursion around the island shows off the difference in Corfu to other Greek islands in that it gets a lot of rain and things are green and luscious. My favourite place on Corfu is Paleokastritsa. It has the most beautiful sea rock pools, cafes overlooking the ocean and breathtaking views from up high.  At the top of the hill in the mini-tourist town centre is a 1300 year old monastery to visit with its minister walking the quaint vegetable gardens. Views overlooking the cliff will have you never wanting to leave. The chapel is heavily adorned in ornamental glory and walks through the stone cold walls and passages of the monastery are a delight and cooling.

Paleokastritsa 

 

 

View from the Monastery walls 

En route from the southern part of the island to Paleokastritsa is Sentido with its Apollo museum and gardens. Definitely worth a trip.  

  

 Sentido cafe and the Apollo Museum

Mythical Greece will capture your heart and have you returning as often as possible. I can't say which island is more beautiful because they are all special in their own way. But driving the Greek countryside, or should I say all its coastal sides on the islands will give you a sense of freedom that only summer holidays can bring. Wind through your hair, your skin warm from the sun, natural beauty is everywhere, the weather is perfect and your hosts the Greeks are warm, hospitable friendly people. No wonder they throw plates at weddings, they have a fantastic country and life. For now that's all folks so Kalimera, a few last pictures, an imaginary Ouzo in hand, and I'll leave you with the Greek cultural dance video of the Zorba!

 

 The famous Greek Windmills
and a sunrise on Corfu