Trip to Greece (no packing required!)
- Debbie Rogers
- May 7, 2020
- 3 min read
As most of us are stuck at home, and only dreaming of traveling, I thought I would spotlight Greece for this newsletter as many of you have expressed an interest in visiting there. I have been to Greece back in 2012, but 10 days wasn’t enough! Greece has something for everyone, from history (it’s mind-boggling to see artifacts from 2nd century B.C.), culture, the magnificent islands, and the food!
So below are some facts, a video collage (includes some of my pics-lets see if you can spot them), youtube videos, and recipes!
Some facts (I’ll try and keep it short!)
The Greek mainland consists of the following regions:
Sterea (Central Greece)
Peloponnese, Thessaly (east-central)
Epirus (northwest)
Macedonia (north)
Thrace (northwest)
Greek Mainland
The Greek Mainland is famous for its rich history of more than 2.500 years. The most important ancient sites and temples of Ancient Greek Civilization are located here and the majority of them are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Most of them can be easily accessed with tours from Athens.
These are some of the major historic sites:
Acropolis in Athens
Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus
Tombs at Mycenae
Stadium where the ancient Olympic Games were held in Olympia in Peloponnese
Delphi in Sterea, Ancient Dodona in Epirus
Dion and Ancient Philippi in Macedonia
Although mainland Greece is not as popular as the Greek islands, it provides interesting sightseeing, amazing landscapes, beautiful towns, and wonderful beaches. The amazing and mysterious Meteora is located in the Greek Mainland as well and is one of the most visited places in Greece. This amazing natural wonder will leave you speechless and is a top destination for hiking, climbing, and landscape photography.
Greek Islands
Greece also consists of many islands:
Crete-is a land rich in history, gastronomy and has amazing landscapes, not to mention the countless idyllic beaches.
Cyclades-the most popular island group is certainly the Cyclades islands on the Aegean sea. Most of you are familiar with the beauty of Santorini and Mykonos with thousands of pictures! Paros, Naxos, and Ios are also famous all over the world.
Dodecanese-the islands of the Dodecanese and especially Rhodes and Kos are also very touristic and ideal for family vacations.
Ionian-The Ionian islands of Corfu, Zakynthos, Lefkada, and Kefalonia are of unparalleled beauty. Their famous emerald waters and amazing landscapes are breathtaking and a bucket list destination for many people.
Saronic-famous islands are located in the Saronic such as the instagramic Hydra and Spetses
Sporades and Eastern Aegean islands-while these are the lesser-known islands, they are becoming more and more famous every year.
Greek Food & Drinks (So many to choose from!)
Food
Taramasalata. A mainstay of any Greek meal are classic dips such as tzatziki (yogurt, cucumber, and garlic), melitzanosalata (aubergine), and fava (creamy split pea purée)
Olives and olive oil
Dolmades (stuffed grape leaves)
Moussaka (is basically a hearty eggplant casserole with a juicy, flavor-packed meat sauce)
Grilled meat
Fresh fish & octopus
Courgette balls (kolokythokeftedes)- (Zucchini and Feta Balls)
Drinks
Ouzo is the most popular, though I’m not a fan. It is a dry anise-flavoured aperitif that is widely consumed in Greece and Cyprus. It is made from rectified spirits that have undergone a process of distillation and flavoring. Its taste is similar to other anise liquors like rakı, arak, pastis, and sambuca.
Desserts (below are some of the most beloved)
Baklava-most people are very familiar with this dessert, and believe me, it’s amazing in Greece. It is a rich, sweet dessert pastry made of layers of filo filled with chopped nuts and sweetened and held together with syrup or frosting or honey.
Galaktoboureko (custard in filo)
Kourabiedes (butter cookies)
Halva (nut butter sweets)
Recipes
Click below for the video collage!
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