Nature, religion, and a box of bones. The monastery of Timios Prodromes
The holy monastery of Timios Prodromes offers everything a culture-loving tourist in Greece desires. From the mountainous landscape to incredible architecture, fascinating stories, religion, and exclusivity. With just 50 reviewsContinue reading “Nature, religion, and a box of bones. The monastery of Timios Prodromes”
Cooking with Yiayia : Traditional Greek Phyllo
Phyllo, or filo, is a dough, used in the Greek kitchen to create the most delicious sweet and savory pitas, the Greek pies. There is nothing more tasty than aContinue reading “Cooking with Yiayia : Traditional Greek Phyllo”
What an after-vacation dip can tell you
Many of us don’t like it when our vacations are about to be over. During a holiday, you can enjoy a free life without stress. You can forget about timeContinue reading “What an after-vacation dip can tell you”
Pool or beach? Where to go swimming in Greece?
Greece is full of hotels and apartments for tourists. Even the tiniest village in a good location has many accommodations to offer. In the mountains, on the coast, or inContinue reading “Pool or beach? Where to go swimming in Greece?”
Experience the ancient theatre of Epidaurus
In the north of Peleponnese, close to Nafplion and just 2 hours away from Athens, lies the ancient city of Epidaurus. Epidaurus was a small city established in the sixthContinue reading “Experience the ancient theatre of Epidaurus”
Renting a boat in Greece
Nothing is more relaxing than sipping a freddo cappuccino on a sunbed overlooking a turquoise and quiet sea. The Greek beaches are the country’s number one tourist attraction. Perfect forContinue reading “Renting a boat in Greece”
Happiness on vacation. Don’t expect perfection
While planning a holiday, we often obsess over finding the perfect destination. The highest mountain, the bluest sea, or the most beautiful sunset is what we all aim for. However,Continue reading “Happiness on vacation. Don’t expect perfection”
How to cook like a Greek yiayia, grandmother?
I finally attended cooking classes with yiayia, my boyfriend’s grandmother. Her generation of Greek women cooks the most delicious meals. Tasty and seasonal, with local products gathered from friends andContinue reading “How to cook like a Greek yiayia, grandmother?”
Being sick in Greece
I have been traveling through Greece, with my boyfriend, for quite a while now. We have seen many beautiful and unique places and traveled many dangerous but wonderful roads. Today,Continue reading “Being sick in Greece”
How to take breathtaking pictures in Greece
Do you plan to visit Greece? Do you want to capture the moment, and share it with friends and family? Or do you want to create amazing art pieces? WhateverContinue reading “How to take breathtaking pictures in Greece”
Explore Xanthi. In the North of Greece
The day I heard my Greek boyfriend is from North-West Greece, I felt a bit sad. Why didn’t I find a guy from Crete, Kefalonia, or Mykonos? How am IContinue reading “Explore Xanthi. In the North of Greece”
Greek taverns
In most countries, you go out for dinner at a restaurant, or an estiatorio in Greek. However, many Greeks don’t go to an estiotorio when eating out. Instead, the Greeks eat at taverns. ButContinue reading “Greek taverns”
Greeting in Greek, kaliméra, kalispéra and kaliníchta
Are you traveling through Greece and wondering how to greet the locals in this beautiful country? Or maybe you already learned about Kaliméra before, but notice that the Greeks replyContinue reading “Greeting in Greek, kaliméra, kalispéra and kaliníchta”
The ultimate snacks for your summer road trip in Greece
When going on a road trip in a foreign country, it might be hard to find good snacks along the way. Where to go and what to buy? If youContinue reading “The ultimate snacks for your summer road trip in Greece”
Why everyone should explore Greece
There are many beautiful places in this world, but I can recommend anyone to explore around Greece for a longer time. As a working nomad, backpacker, or just as aContinue reading “Why everyone should explore Greece”
Why you should not rely on paying with your credit card in Greece
Paying by card is not as common in Greece as in other countries. Although quite a few places do allow card payment, some may not. Cash is the norm forContinue reading “Why you should not rely on paying with your credit card in Greece”
Blue Flag beaches in Greece
What is better than a summer holiday on a perfect beach? Swim and relax, absorb some vitamin D and enjoy the beauty of nature around. This is what attracts overContinue reading “Blue Flag beaches in Greece”
Why do many Greek men have a beard?
While strolling around a Greek town or village, you might be surprised by an abundance of facial hair. And abroad, you are often able to recognize the Greeks by theirContinue reading “Why do many Greek men have a beard?”
How to stay cool in the Greek summer heat
Telling a Dutch colleague, friend, or family member that I will spend my summer in Greece, often results in the same reaction. That is too hot! Good luck! My bodyContinue reading “How to stay cool in the Greek summer heat”
Does Greece feel safe when traveling alone?
Deciding which country to travel to on your own, might be a bit tricky, especially as a woman or girl. Men see us as the more vulnerable sex, and travelingContinue reading “Does Greece feel safe when traveling alone?”
Where to be in Greece when the sun sets?
And the answer is not the Greek sunset in Santorini. Whenever I travel through Greece, no matter how busy my itinerary, I always make time for the sunset. Every dayContinue reading “Where to be in Greece when the sun sets?”
A Greek baby is a family project
Whoever believes that babies are just the offspring of their parents, has never been to Greece. In this country, having a child is a process that involves the whole GreekContinue reading “A Greek baby is a family project”
Greek time
Whoever believes that time in Greece is EEST, Eastern European Standard Time, is wrong. Although the Greek clock may tick according to EEST, real Greek time is a totally differentContinue reading “Greek time”
Where are all the Greek women?
Image from Google’s local host Lakis Tham Traveling through Greece, you might have noticed all the old men, endlessly sipping coffee in front of a traditional kafeneío. These men seemContinue reading “Where are all the Greek women?”
Tips for visiting religious sites in Greece
Besides the ancient treasures, paradise-like beaches, and picturesque villages Greece is known for, there is a fourth category of sites that should be on your travel itinerary. Religious sites. AllContinue reading “Tips for visiting religious sites in Greece”
Ionian or Aegean islands?
With over 6.000 Greek islands, it can be extremely difficult to figure out where to go for your next holiday. Party in Mykonos, stunning Zakynthos, unspoiled Lefkada, or unique Santorini?Continue reading “Ionian or Aegean islands?”
From a successful career to an uncertain life
We are all taught that we have to study and work hard in order to make it in life. Having to be richer and more successful than our parents, theContinue reading “From a successful career to an uncertain life”
Greeks rarely make a deal for the future
Last night I overheard a conversation between a Dutch guy and a Greek girl. She was from Crete, inviting him to visit her hometown of Iraklion. He got excited, heContinue reading “Greeks rarely make a deal for the future”
Travel guide to Paxi. The most beautiful island in Greece
In the Ionian Sea, just south of the famous island of Corfu, you can find Paxos. With just 19 square kilometers of land, it is one of the smallest inhabitedContinue reading “Travel guide to Paxi. The most beautiful island in Greece”
Island hopping in Greece
No matter how often you visit Greece, you will never be done exploring. Every single one of the 6.000 islands of Greece is different and extremely beautiful, which makes islandContinue reading “Island hopping in Greece”
10 Greek words you should know when traveling in Greece
Greeks love it when a foreigner tries to speak some Greek words. This is what get’s you invited into the real Greek culture. And although the Greek language is farContinue reading “10 Greek words you should know when traveling in Greece”
Greek toilets. What to prepare for
Whoever believes that going to a Greek toilet is like visiting a restroom in the Netherlands, is wrong. The experience of emptying your blatter in Greece is unique and unlikeContinue reading “Greek toilets. What to prepare for”
The many abandoned and unfinished buildings in Greece
During your stay in Greece, you might be surprised by the many empty or half-finished buildings you come across. You find them in cities, towns, villages, and even remote areas.Continue reading “The many abandoned and unfinished buildings in Greece”
Siga, Siga
During your stay in Greece, while sipping coffee in front of the sea, you will hear the phrase, “siga siga” all around you. But what does it mean? Is itContinue reading “Siga, Siga”
Is Greece expensive?
There are quite a lot of travel influencers who claim to give you all the information you need to travel to Greece. However, since they are not Greek, don’t knowContinue reading “Is Greece expensive?”
Traveling with the Greeks means chaos
This story is for all the non-Greeks that are about to meet their Greek in-laws. As well as the Greeks that have a non-Greek family member. But also for everyoneContinue reading “Traveling with the Greeks means chaos”
Is it possible to stick to a vegan diet in Greece?
The Greek restaurants abroad are mostly famous for their moussaka and mixed grill. Gyros, souvlakia, and keftedes dominate the image of Greek cuisine. Meat. With some feta cheese and oliveContinue reading “Is it possible to stick to a vegan diet in Greece?”
Building amongst archeological sites
Around 50 years ago, Thessaloniki decided to do something about the endless traffic jams in the city. The idea was a metro, connecting the rectangular-shaped city center underground. Today, however,Continue reading “Building amongst archeological sites”
Travel guide to Lemnos, Greece
Lemnos, or Limnos, is an island in the Aegean Sea, in the northeast of Greece. With just 476 square kilometers of land, it is not very big but enough toContinue reading “Travel guide to Lemnos, Greece”
Everything is better with some Feta
As a Dutch, I’m often teased about the strong relationship I am supposed to have with cheese. And although it is true that, as a kid, I ate at leastContinue reading “Everything is better with some Feta”
The Aliki salt lake
What happens when a shallow lake is exposed to the Greek summer sun? The water evaporates, the lake disappears and a completely different landscape appears instead. In Lemnos, this resultsContinue reading “The Aliki salt lake”
The old, the empty, and the ugly. The story behind architecture in Greek cities.
The Greeks are famous for their architecture, they even invented this type of art. Look at the Parthenon, the temple of Apollo, or the theatre in Philippi. All amazing architecture,Continue reading “The old, the empty, and the ugly. The story behind architecture in Greek cities.”
When a monk makes camp
Panagia Kakaniotissa image from greekcitytimes.com Just a few kilometers West of Myrina is a church that is not like any other. Without a roof but covered by the tip ofContinue reading “When a monk makes camp”
The coffees you must try in Greece
Greeks love their coffee and they are really good at making it. As a result, every gas station, supermarket, shopping street, beach, and even ferry is equipped with coffee thatContinue reading “The coffees you must try in Greece”
Time to walk on water! Agios Nikolaos on Lemnos
Opposite of fanaraki beach, in the middle of the island of Lemnos is a sea so enclosed by land that is characterized more like a lake. In the middle ofContinue reading “Time to walk on water! Agios Nikolaos on Lemnos”
How to prepare a road trip in Greece?
In a month I will get on a flight to Athens to start a road trip through the eastern part of Peloponnese. From the acropolis to the most southern partContinue reading “How to prepare a road trip in Greece?”
Much more than a beach. Paralia Mikro Fanaraki
Paralia Mikro Fanaraki – June 2021 In the East of the island of Lemnos, there is a small beach called Fanaraki. A small lantern. Probably named after the little lighthouseContinue reading “Much more than a beach. Paralia Mikro Fanaraki”
The Greeks away from Greece
This weekend I found myself at a Greek barbecue. Traditional Greek music, souvlakia on the grill, and surrounded by fifteen Greeks, all speaking their own language. The funny thing isContinue reading “The Greeks away from Greece”
The largest fortress of the Aegean Sea.
Myrina Castle – June 2021 When you reach the island of Lemnos by boat, you’re welcomed by this imposing Castle. Built on a rocky and craggy peninsula at the tipContinue reading “The largest fortress of the Aegean Sea.”
Greek driving and lanes. There is always one more
The Greeks have to do almost everything by car. Going to work, picking up the kids, and doing groceries. Because of this, the roads are way too crowded, especially closeContinue reading “Greek driving and lanes. There is always one more”
Faraklou. Where nature became an artist.
In the north of the island of Lemnos, near the village of Propouli, you will find the volcanic rocks of Faraklo. In ancient times, lava flowed from the heart ofContinue reading “Faraklou. Where nature became an artist.”
Another George! The Greek tradition of naming newborns explained
Family is everything for the real Greeks. One of the ways to show your Greek family love and mostly respect is with the name you choose for your children. WhileContinue reading “Another George! The Greek tradition of naming newborns explained”
8 Confusing Greek words
Every one of us speaks a little Greek. In English, it is even impossible to spend one day without using at least one word of Greek origin. Architect, astronaut, acrobat.Continue reading “8 Confusing Greek words”
The desert of Greece
In Lemnos, an island in the Northeast of Greece there is a place that makes you doubt if you got on the right plane for your holiday. I’m talking aboutContinue reading “The desert of Greece”
S’agapo. Greek family love
Greeks are very loving people. And especially with their family and friends Greeks are not afraid to express their love for each other. Moms refer to their children with agapieContinue reading “S’agapo. Greek family love”
The 10 vegan dishes you can order in every Greek tavern
It is nearly impossible to have a bad meal in Greece. Feta, good olive oil, and fresh vegetables are able to turn any recipe into a delicious meal. Combine thisContinue reading “The 10 vegan dishes you can order in every Greek tavern”
Souli Watermills
Along a small river that ends up in the gate to the underworld, Acheron, between green mountains with thousands of years old trees, there is an abandoned old watermill thatContinue reading “Souli Watermills”
Driving in Greece. The basics
No western driving school can prepare you for driving in the chaos that is the Greek traffic. However, I can truly recommend exploring this amazing country by car, since otherContinue reading “Driving in Greece. The basics”
Why I fell in love with Greece
I guess most of you know Greece as an ideal holiday destination. The combination of beautiful and unique beaches, crystal-clear blue waters, tasty fresh food, countless ancient ruins, and idyllicContinue reading “Why I fell in love with Greece”
Vitamin D deficiency in summer
Every year there are around thirty million people who come to enjoy the Greek summer sun. But while the tourists take over the many Greek beaches to work on theirContinue reading “Vitamin D deficiency in summer”
Acheron. The entrance of the Greek underworld
The clear-blue river of Acheron is located in the Epirus region of North-West Greece. It is a beautiful place with crystal clear turquoise water, surrounded by white cliffs and lushContinue reading “Acheron. The entrance of the Greek underworld”
Everyone is a child in Greece
The meaning of the word child in Greek is unlike its translation into any other language. While for most of us, a child is a young human being. Either belowContinue reading “Everyone is a child in Greece”
How to pick the best beach each day?
Greece is famous for its beaches, with 6.000 islands and the mainland, surrounded by the most crystal-clear waters, it is one of the top summer holiday destinations in the world.Continue reading “How to pick the best beach each day?”
Meteora
Breathtaking and magical. Six monasteries on top of huge rock pilars that seem so surreal. No words nor pictures can capture the beauty and impressiveness of this Greek landmark whereContinue reading “Meteora”
Going for coffee in Greece
I guess I was dating my Greek boyfriend for about a week or two when it was ten o’clock on a Saturday night and he asked me if I wantedContinue reading “Going for coffee in Greece”
The tastiest food in Greece
As a Dutch, I learned that when picking out a restaurant to eat, the fancier the place looks, the better the food will be. Of course, this rule is notContinue reading “The tastiest food in Greece”
My first real greek
Today, three years ago I was about to have my first greek encounter. It was a rainy Wednesday in the Netherlands, similar to so many other days here, similar toContinue reading “My first real greek”