Travel to Greece: discover an unusual, cultural, beautiful, giant Greece that is little known to most Brazilians.
Did you know that Greece, made up of thousands of islands spread across the Aegean and Ionian seas, as well as the "mainland", is also - and mainly - famous for being the cradle of Western civilization?
That's right... History, beautiful beaches and gastronomy are the main attractions of this giant country, which is still little known by Brazilians. And something curious is that, most of the time, these travelers stick to visiting only Mykonos and Santorini, leaving Athens and the other lesser-known islands out of their itinerary.
But if, unlike most people, you're someone who wants to have the best experiences on a trip to Greece, read on and discover the most incredible places in the region so you don't miss a thing on your personalized itinerary. Let's go?
The capital Athens
Athens, the country's capital, is an enchanting, delicious, surprising city, rich in culture, art and history. So before setting off for the islands, we suggest spending at least three days in the city. The New Hotel is one of our favorite hotels in Athens, but we suggest others, depending on the profile of each client.
The Greek capital is also home to some of the best restaurants in the country, including Stani, for a Greek yogurt worthy of the gods of antiquity. Psaras, for lunch with a view and a great selection of music in Plaka. Miran, when it comes to sausages, including exotic ones such as camel (we tried and approved).
At Brettos, the oldest active distillery in Athens, you can taste various local wines, the traditional raki, Ouzo, mastika and retsina - an unmissable experience on a trip to Greece for those looking for local flavors and roots. ManiMani is one of our favorites for a special dinner with the flavors of the Peloponnese - sensational and well worth a visit (to find out more about traditional and new restaurants, check out our TASTE Guide - Greece - Taste Prime).
To understand a little more about the history of Western civilization, a guided tour of the Parthenon with an expert recommended by us is a must. We also recommend a visit to The Benaki Museum, Acropolis Museum and the Museum of Byzantine Art.
The Peloponnese and Northern Greece
Little known to tourists, but very famous among locals, you can reach the Peloponnese region by car from Athens. A region with a rich history, beautiful beaches, olive oils, wonderful wines and delicious traditional cuisine, the Peloponnese can be visited all year round, and not just in summer, like most of the islands.
The Amanzoe Hotel is one of the best and most luxurious hotels in the whole of Greece, being in the Peloponnese and close to the country's most traditional wine-producing region. The Kinsterna Hotel is one of Greece's historic hotels and is a centuries-old mansion set amongst vineyards.
Guests are pampered with an excellent spa and wonderful views of the "Gilbraltar of Greece" - the majestic rock of Monemvasia in the south-east of the Peloponnese. Harmoniously integrated design and history, reminiscent at all times of the various conquerors of this part of Greece, make staying in this small hotel a truly unique experience.
The Dexamenes Seaside Hotel in Kourouta, which arose from the repurposing of a cluster of old wine tanks from the 1920s and is very close to one of the most important archaeological sites in Ancient Greece - Ancient Olympia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the birthplace of the Olympic Games - is also an accommodation to consider.
The Kyrimai Hotel, Gerolimenas is a secluded, charming, romantic and unique hideaway, being very close to the Mani peninsula - one of the most gastronomic regions in Greece and dominating the small village that grew up as a trading post in the 9th century.
A brief TASTE itinerary to experience the Peloponnese
Corinth & Acrocorinth and the Temple of Apollo
Leaving Athens, this is the first stop in the Peloponnese.
Mycenae
For 400 years (from 1600 to 1200 BC), the reign of Mycenae was the most important in Greece. Its king Agamemnon and other characters related to him served as inspiration for Homer's Iliad and Odyssey and Aeschylus' Oresteia trilogy.
Epidaurus
Epidaurus has one of the best-preserved classical Greek theaters and also houses the ruins of the Sanctuary of Asclepius, god of medicine, also known as Aesculapius.
Náuplia or Nafplio
Nafplio was the first capital of Greece, shortly after Greek independence from the Ottoman Turks. It is located close to the archaeological sites of Corinth, Mycenae, Epidaurus, Tirinus and Argos and is an excellent base from which to learn about the rich history of Greek archaeology in the region. With its Venetian houses, it is very charming and pleasant to stay in. But the must-try is the loukoumades at Pergamonto. Delicious!
Nemea
This is the region of the best Greek wines. There you can visit a few wineries (selected by us) and go on tastings that will surprise you.
Monemvasia
Monemvasia is a city of Byzantine origin, built on a rocky island connected to the mainland by a causeway. While Mystras was the spiritual center of the Byzantine Empire, Monemvasia served as one of the main trading posts of the time. From Monemvasia, you can take a taxi boat for a day tour of the beautiful and idyllic islands of Spetses and Hydra, where the "Greek aristocracy" usually spent their holidays.
Sparta
It's impossible not to remember Sparta, the famous city that rivaled Athens in ancient times. Having beaten Athens after 27 years of battle, it was, however, defeated by the Thebans, which began its decline.
Mystras
The fortress of Mystras was built by the Frankish leader Guillaume de Villehardoin in 1249. It was later conquered by the Byzantines and became the capital of the empire of Michael VIII Paleologos. The city, however, eventually lost its importance under Ottoman rule.
Kalamata
Kalamata is the capital of Messenia and the second largest city in the Peloponnese, famous for its olives. Interesting sights in the city are the kastro, the small ancient city that was almost completely destroyed by the Turks during the War of Independence, and the Archaeological Museum of Messenia. It is an excellent base from which to visit the Towers of Maní, family fortresses that belonged to clans that fought - and killed - each other over the centuries.
Olympia
Olympia is a small but friendly town that offers three absolutely unmissable attractions for those who are experiencing a trip to Greece: the Museum of the Olympics, the Archaeological Museum of Olympia and the ruins of the ancient city where the Olympics were created.
Meteora
Still in the mainland, Meteora concentrates one of the most valuable cultural and historical landmarks in the country and, indeed, in the whole of Europe. Described as impressive works of architecture in a landscape that is both unique and breathtaking, the monasteries of Meteora are incredible and unmissable. They also represent an important part of Greek history, as well as the link between the early formation of Christian doctrine and the Turkish occupation of Greece during the 11th century AD.
The complex consists of twenty-four Eastern Orthodox monasteries, which were built on gigantic sandstone rock pillars between the 14th and 16th centuries. Six of them are still in use today and can be visited by the public. In addition to the monasteries and mountains, Meteora is home to the oldest known man-made structure - a wall that is believed to be 23,000 years old and stands at the entrance to Teopetra Cave. This cave is just a few kilometers from Kalambaka and contains evidence of continuous human habitation for over 130,000 years.
Lesser-known islands, but worth visiting on a trip to Greece
Crete
As Greece's largest island, Crete is definitely one to add to your bucket list. From exploring the Palace of Knosss and the history of the Minotaur - its most illustrious myth - to hiking through the Samaria gorge and swimming in crystal-clear waters, there's no shortage of activities to help you make the most of your time here. There's also a lesser-known side to the island that's worth exploring. Try your hand at traditional weaving, visit a former leper colony and take part in a raki distillation banquet.
The island has two airports and is divided into east (Heraklion) and west (Chania), the latter of which is more picturesque, musical and has excellent cuisine, as well as excellent beaches and gorges for those who like to walk and explore less visited places. On this side of the island, which is our favorite, there are also many traces of the passage of the Arabs, Ottomans and Christians from the Byzantine era. It is believed that Crete was the beginning of Greek Civilization, which spread from there to the rest of Greece.
Rethymno is located between Heraklion and Chania, making it the ideal place for foodies on the go. Considered one of the best preserved medieval villages in the world, it's the ideal place to walk around and discover the incredible flavors of the local food. The goat's cheese produced in Crete is famous throughout Greece, and the Cretans' cheerfulness and friendliness are enchanting. Be prepared to be invited by the restaurant owner to join the family for a raiki. Not accepting would not be polite to local customs.
Where to stay in Crete
In the Chania region, we suggest Domes Zeen, Scala de Faro and Casa del Fino. Closer to Heraklion, the Nana Princes and Amirandes Grecotel are good options.
Cycladic islands
The Cyclades are the islands that inhabit the imagination of anyone thinking of a trip to Greece: blue and white houses, octopuses drying on string and churches with blue domes. The Cyclades are home to Greece's two most famous islands: Mykonos and Santorini, as well as some other gems that are little explored by Brazilians, such as Milos, Folegandros, Ios and Naxos. The latter is home to the Temple of Apollo and from where a full day tour to Apeiranthos is ideal.
Ionian Islands
The Ionian Islands became more famous because of one beach in particular: Navagio Beach, that wonderful beach with the abandoned ship on the sand and a spectacular view. Navagio is on Zakynthos, one of the four main and largest Ionian islands. In addition, Zakynthos, Kefalonia, Corfu and Lefkada complete the team. They all have incredible beaches, but don't expect to find little white houses here.
The landscape is different, much greener than the Cycladic islands and with architecture more reminiscent of Italy than Greece, due to the strong presence of Italians in this region. For those who like to experience destinations by boat, the Ionian Sea in Greece is the best: with fewer sea currents and winds, the Ionian Sea is calmer than the Aegean and perfect for sailing.
TASTE recommends: islands off the beaten track for tourists traveling to Greece
Syros
The best Greek island when it comes to culture and movement in the off-season.
In Syros, the capital of the Cyclades, you won't find sugar-cube villages and whitewashed streets. The colorful 19th-century town of Ermoupoli was built on two peaks - one Orthodox, the other Catholic, a legacy of long Venetian occupation. There is still a strong Italian flavor in Ermoupoli's marble squares, princely mansions and miniature replicas of La Scala, showcasing a year-round cultural scene.
Syros hosts festivals of animation, dance, digital art, cinema, classical music, jazz and rembetiko - the Greek blues popularized by local musician Markos Vamvakaris. The best beaches are Delfini, Varvarousa and Aetos in the wild north. But in Syros there is no shortage of fabulous seaside tavernas: Ambela for fresh fish, CIliovassilemar on Galissas beach for samphire and sea urchin salad and rockfish soup, Allou Yallou in the pretty coastal village of Kini for lobster with orzo.
In Ermoupoli, the best places to eat and drink are along Androu Street: Ousyra, where the chef serves beautifully balanced Greek pastas and salads, and Django Gelato, where the smoked hazelnut ice cream and fig sorbet sell out in 30 minutes. Perhaps the most beautiful restaurant of all is Mazi, with a courtyard covered in vines and adorned with bougainvillea. Before you leave, buy some loukoumi (a pink Turkish delight) and San Michalis cheese from the Prekas delicatessen and visit Zylo for handmade wooden sunglasses.
Where to stay in Syros
On the seafront in Vaporia, the Xenon Apollonos has just three rooms with patterned ceilings, period furniture and the sea framed by floor-to-ceiling windows. Hotel Ploes, a palace on the rocks, is the second best option. Five Star Greece has a glorious selection of historic mansions, estates and elegant villas to choose from.
Sifnos
Ideal for large, lavish Greek banquets.
Sifnos owes its gastronomic reputation to its most famous descendant - Nicholas Tselementes - who wrote the first Greek cookbook in 1910. Forget souvlaki and moussaka: here, chickpea croquettes and boiled capers are the staple of the taverna.
The island is dotted with potteries that produce the clay casseroles used for revitháda (roasted chickpeas) and mastello (lamb with red wine and dill). Traditional dishes are slow-roasted in a wood-fired oven at To Meraki tou Manoli, a local institution in the sheltered bay of Vathy (while you're there, invest in some timeless Atsonios pottery, in business since 1870).
In beautiful Artemonas, all roads lead to Teodorou, purveyor of nougat cookies and almond sweets since 1933. You can eat in a bikini at Omega 3, where fresh local ingredients are given an exotic twist: baby squid tempura, smoked eel in chilled melon soup with wasabi and chickpea ice cream with wild apricot jam and pine nuts.
In 2020, Omega 3's well-known head chef, Giorgos Samoilis, opened Cantina, an equally experimental taverna in Seralia, a beautiful bay below the pretty medieval village of Kastro. The lobsters are harvested straight from the sea in Heronissos and then served with spaghetti on the pier. It's just the right balance between understated luxury and pristine authenticity - a bit like Sifnos itself.
Where to stay in Sifnos
With its clifftop infinity pool and soft-focus sunsets, Verina Astra is effortlessly sexy. Verina Suites on Platis Gialos beach is more family-friendly. Kamaroti is a crowd-pleaser with its Olympic green pool shaded by olive trees, mid-century modern touches and a deliciously unpretentious Greek-Spanish menu. Sifnos House, a small square number overlooking the discreet port of Kamares, is just a few steps from a sandy beach and a charming strip of seaside tavernas.
Hydra
The best Greek island for a long weekend with lots of art.
You know when Dakis Joannou, Greece's leading art collector, is in Hydra. His yacht, Guilty, is painted in a gaudy 'camouflage' by Jeff Koons. Every summer, Joannou invites major artists such as Matthew Barney and David Shrigley to create site-specific installations in the Greek island's former slaughterhouse. Even the school is in demand for summer vacation exhibitions.
Car-free and protected by the country's historical heritage, Hydra has always been the muse of artists from the Greek islands. Leonard Cohen set the scene in the 1960s: now Brice Marden, Sadie Coles and Juergen Teller have homes here. Athenian artists take up residence in the School of Fine Arts, one of the great gray stone mansions overlooking the horseshoe harbor. Musicians of all genres rehearse and record in the former Carpet Factory, an 18th-century residence with double-height ceilings and an underground cistern with incredible acoustics.
Less than two hours from Athens, Hydra fills up with chic Greeks at weekends. They come to disconnect and slow down, but also to see and be seen. Don't miss Olivia Palermo at The Pirate Bar and Chloë Sevigny shaking her feather at the Hydronetta beach bar. There are hardly any sandy beaches on the island, but you can take beautiful, unforgettable dips from the sunburnt rocks and boulders into the clearest waters in the world.
Where to stay in Hydra
Built in 1796, the nine-room Orloff Boutique Hotel exudes old-world charm. If enjoying the pool during your trip to Greece is a priority, check out the atmosphere of Bratsera. To get in with the art crowd, stay in one of the main local Artist's Villa. For a large family or a group of friends, our suggestion is the fabulous old captain's houses, such as Hydra House.
Milos
The best Greek island for photos of the beautiful, rugged coastline.
Everyone knows about the Venus de Milo (which has been in the Louvre since the 19th century). Until recently, few had heard of Milos, the volcanic island where the graceful image of Aphrodite was discovered. Insiders jealously guard their precious island, and especially its 70 (or more) beaches - certainly the most diverse and rugged coastline of all the Greek islands.
Little by little, however, Milos is being discovered. Sarakiniko, the bottle-green lake at Papafragas and the colorful, rickety syrmata - small boat houses wedged between the rock and the sea - Klima and Mandrakia, are famous on Instagram for their incredible visuals. This pictorial landscape has been shaped by the minerals that have long been a source of wealth - obsidian, alum, barite and sulphur, which still bubble up from the island's many hot springs. As the 11,000-year-old mining industry is gradually giving way to tourism, several chic hotels have sprung up. Time to get to know Milos before the influx of visitors increases!
Where to stay in Milos
With a wooden deck and sun loungers in the shade of waving sails, Salt is like staying on a boat floating over Pollonia Bay. The four simple white suites at the family-run Captain Zeppos face the sea and the homemade breakfast is excellent.
For a serene retreat, visit Skinopi Lodge - three discreet villas on a hillside estate facing the horizon. At the end of a hidden dirt road, the ultra-minimalist Milos Cove is even more remote - a stylish haven to relax and do absolutely nothing but enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Serifs
The best Greek island for naturists and purists.
The biggest hit of the Cyclades, Serifos is the summer retreat of interior designers and architects who prefer to keep their sandy beaches to themselves. Even in August, you'll find coves where you can immerse yourself in blissful solitude. That's because the best beaches (Kalo Ambeli, Vagia, Skala) are only accessible by dirt roads or trails.
Better still, rent a motorboat in Livada's quiet harbor. Make sure you dock outside Anna's taverna on Sikamia beach for freshly caught fish and garden-grown salads.
At the top of the hill in Hora there's hardly any nightlife, no fancy boutiques or chic hotels, but who cares when you can relax with a fennel pie and raki in Stou Stratou, buy the minimalist pottery of Natassa Kalogeropoulou in Kerameio and listen to Greek folk at the open-air amphitheater? And all less than three hours from Athens.
Where to stay in Serifos
Exclusive villas and Cocomat Eco Residences, a mini-resort renovated from old mining chalets, right on Vagia beach are some of the accommodations in Serifos. Closer to the action, Chill & Co is a sexy and charming new boutique hotel with nine rooms on the harbor with a great breakfast and cocktail bar. In Hora, the Captain's House is a beautifully restored 19th century mansion run by the equally stylish Manos and Emmy.
Amorgos
The best Greek island for deep blue seas and open spaces.
It's not easy to get to Amorgos. On windy days, the fast ferries stay on the ground and the slow boat takes more than eight hours from Athens. When you disembark in Katapola, an empty port but full of great fish tavernas (our favorites are Prekas and To Mouragio), a sign announces: "Welcome to Amorgos. No one will find you here".
That's just the point. This rugged island in the Cyclades has always attracted loners, hikers, divers and pilgrims, who climb the cliffside to the Monastery of Hozoviotissa - a white strip hanging 300 meters above the sea. The water here has a million shades of blue and is so surprisingly clear that you can see all the sea urchins lurking on the rocky shore. Even the sage-scented hiking trails are called Blue Paths, because the sea and sky are visible in every direction.
With a population of less than 2,000, the locals are outnumbered by furry goats that perfectly match the polished landscape and hippy vibe. But you don't have to be a recluse to fall in love with Amorgos. There are many bars open outdoors all day and late into the night, where Amorgos visitors and locals meet, summer after summer: Jazzmin, in Hora, for backgammon and cocktails; Pergalidi, in Langada, for herbal infusions and jazzy tunes; Seladi, in Tholaria, with dizzying views and a telescope for stargazing.
Where to stay in Amorgos
There are very few hotels in Amorgos, apart from basic rooms for rent. Vorina Ktismata is the exception, with five elegant apartments overlooking the whitewashed roofs of Hora. Amorgos Holiday Homes has two beautiful chalets for rent.
Paxos
The perfect balance between seclusion and sophistication.
One of the smallest Ionian islands, Paxos has a big impact. Not for its five-star hotels (almost none) or its sandy beaches (practically none), but for its electric blue sea and three small port towns, each so pretty that it's impossible to pick a favorite. In laid-back Loggos, on the northeast coast, starry nights are spent on the seafront terrace of the Taxidi bar, where the owner, Spiros, often jams with local musicians.
You can spend days in Lakka's seaside cafés, watching the sailors get on and off their yachts. Protected from the wind but with a lively social scene, the main port of Gaios is characterized by Venetian architecture and a large number of elegant Italians, who own light stone villas hidden in the wooded interior or on the crest of the limestone cliffs along the western coastline.
For British Paxos aficionados, all roads lead to Ben's Bar, a simple and charming meeting point on Monodendri beach, where you can relax under the olive trees with French toast and Piña Coladas. Make sure you hire a motorboat to sail along the coast to pebbly coves such as Marmari and Kipiadi, or to Antipaxos, an even smaller island that is a hit with its bevy of yachts. Paths through vineyards and orchards lead down to bays with the sea so clear it looks retouched.
Where to stay in Paxos
There are hardly any elegant hotels in Paxos, but dozens of very interesting villas to choose from. Five Star Greece has some exceptional villas in Paxos, including Paxos PTR, a huge property with 360-degree views and wonderfully idiosyncratic interiors.
Zakspitaki - a lovely bed & breakfast on the island of Paxos - offers charming rooms and cottages with an exotic touch, a lovely little garden, a swimming pool and wonderful hosts. Nick, who in a "previous" life specialized in restoring old cars and then became a therapist, met his wife Helen in Zanzibar, where she was working as a nurse for Médecins Sans Frontières. Both brought stories and the charm of each place to their lodge.
Santorini in TASTE style
Ideal for honeymooners and newcomers.
Santorini's much-disputed sunsets are truly some of the most beautiful in the world. But there's more to the island than that. A volcanic explosion occurred on Santorini 3,500 years ago, leaving black sand beaches, craggy cliffs in psychedelic hues and rumors of Atlantis in its wake. The eruption also preserved the ancient city of Akrotiri under layers of ash and created fertile soil for exceptional Assyrtiko grapes and Vinsanto wines. Try them at the Sigalas and Vassaltis wineries, paired with delicate dishes that harmonize perfectly and deliciously with the local grapes.
The best hotels in Santorini are concentrated in Oia and Imerovigli, but the inland village of Pyrgos is on the rise. Go out for a twilight Bellini at Franco's or dine at Botargo, with views that will make you dizzy. Emborio is a smaller and even prettier village, with a handful of traditional cafés and Airbnb's.
Where to stay in Santorini
In our opinion, Perivolas is still the most stylish and peaceful place to stay, away from the crowds and alternative in Santorini. If you have money to spend and can't stand the crowds, consider Perivolas Hideaway, a seaside villa or Erosantorini and an impressive clifftop property with a tiered pool that extends 300 meters out to sea.
The collection of suites at The Vasilicos - the former summer home of an art collector - makes you feel at home, thanks to the charming staff and elegant interiors. Close to the black gravel shores of Perivolos beach, Istoria makes up for the lack of caldera views with a slate pool, excellent restaurant and huge rooms.
Paros
Paros is one of the islands of the Cyclades group. Combining modern and traditional elements in a more original and authentic way, Paros is a mix of traditional Cycladic architecture, lively nightlife, magical white sand beaches, charming rural villages and historical monuments. Very close to the famous Santorini and Mykonos, Paros guarantees the glamor, the identity, in terms, already lost by the famous sisters and a much better value for money.
The two main villages of Paros are Parikia and Naoussa. Full of traditional taverns, luxurious restaurants and sophisticated bars, Parikia and Naoussa offer lively evenings. But if crowded places and loud music aren't your thing, you can stroll through the quieter, traditional villages of Lefkes and Marpissa.
Lefkes is probably the most famous mountain village on the island of Paros, and it really is worth spending some time wandering around the alleys. But if you leave your car there, your watch and your stress, then you can follow one of the many trails on the island of Paros that leads to the village of Prodromos (3.5 km away). This village retains the serenity and traditional colorfulness of a bygone era. Lose yourself in the white color of the village and take the paths to the two monasteries. One of them, the Central Baptist Church.
15 minutes from Paroikia (the port) there is a place known as "Butterfly Park", an idyllic landscape with dense vegetation. The park is open from June to September, from 9am to 8pm. During the summer, butterflies cover the leaves of the trees! It's amazing to see them flying because the color under their wings is bright red, unlike the rest of their body, which is dark! Visitors are amazed by this paradisiacal place, which is quite unusual in the Cyclades.
There are many beautiful beaches such as Chrysi Akti, Pounta Bar Beach, Santa Maria, as well as Faraggas and Aliki. But near Naousa, you'll find a beautiful Laggeri beach with white sand, spectacular dunes and cedar trees, offering the most delightful privacy and shade for lovers of unspoiled nature. Paros has a variety of accommodation options to suit all types of people, but one of our favorites is the Parilo Hotel Boutique.
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Before you set off on a trip to Greece and experience its culture, gastronomy and history, TASTE recommends some exciting and easy-to-read books on Greek Mythology - stories from antiquity that help us understand art and society today, as well as experiencing Greece in a unique way: the cradle of Mythology and Western Civilization. Check out the literary titles we recommend!
- The Golden Book of Mythology - stories of gods and heroes, Thomas Bulfinch.
- Heroes, Gods and Monsters of Greek Mythology, Bernard Evslin.
- Classic Myths, Jenny March.
We're sure you've been enchanted by all the wonders of this Greece that few people know about, right? Then we invite you to explore other exclusive experiences by joining the select group of Taste Prime Club subscribers. Log in, get to know us and let's taste the world!
