The Best Reasons to Visit Greece

Why Visit Greece?

Honestly, I could not list all the reasons in a single blog article, so let’s bring it down to the top 5 reasons to visit Greece, ok?

When travelers go to Greece, they are usually going to satisfy one of their interests or passions. Maybe it’s food, architecture, or history. Maybe it’s to take photos, go to museums or see the changing of the guard at the Parliament building. What often happens once travelers get to Greece, is they find so many more things they love and just didn’t even think of seeing, doing, and experiencing. This was definitely the case for me. I thought I was going to walk through ancient history since I love anything historical; buildings, burial sites, architecture, and museums. What I didn’t expect, was to watch every single day open in front of me, like a play.

Reason #1 - Those Views Though!

Waking up to gorgeous Mediterranean vistas led to unique travel through cities, to and around the different islands and their villages and cities. An even bigger surprise was the way Greece's cities, islands, and their outlying villages were so very similar, but still very distinct

Reason #2 - The Food

Meals were like amazing gifts that allowed me to understand and appreciate fresh, local ingredients and traditional Greek recipes. I tried things I never would at home, simply because of the amazing smells and the enthusiastic presentation by the restauranteurs.

Love at first feta!

Reason #3 - The People

The hospitable people of every single city, island, and village welcomed me like a visiting relative. Only about 50% of them knew English, but there is no problem communicating. Tourism is the main industry in Greece and they make sure that everyone who wants to come to visit Greece will feel welcome and will be able to get what they want and need. There is usually an English speaker nearby to assist if needed.

The day I realized what an important role the local Greek people were playing, in my enjoyment of the many destinations I explored, was on a day I didn’t plan a thing. I met an incredibly friendly cab driver/tour guide in Rhodes. We were naturally skeptical about cruise port tour guides, for no reason. The 4 cab drivers at the port were genuine and helpful, allowing us to experience the island and pay them afterward. We asked for a beach and casual dining option that locals would go to. We didn’t want a touristy spot. Nico took us to the most quaint taverna on the beach. The place was owned and operated by his buddy, Alex. Alex and his family spoke ZERO English but were able to make sure we ordered what we would like, with the help of a little show and tell, bringing out dishes made for other diners, along with a few samples. They had wide smiles and were visibly pleased when our orders and some of their surprise samples were very obviously enjoyed by my husband and me.

When I tell you that we ate a lot…I mean it. Plate after plate was better than the next. Freshly baked pita, whipped feta dip drizzled with fresh olive oil, Greek salad with chunky fresh veggies, and that luscious slab of briny feta cheese, a small whole grilled fish with some magical seasoning and flaky texture. I ate until I could not eat anymore. We braced for the bill and …. 25 Euro! What? After paying the bill, and returning to our 5 Euro beach chairs and umbrella for one last dip, we came back to the taverna to meet Nico again. Here comes Alex with three flavors of ouzo, the traditional Greek aperitif, that he refused payment for. After making sure we enjoyed them, it was warm, full-body hugs from Alex and his family before we departed, almost sad to leave our new friends.

This wasn’t an experience unique to Rhodes. We experienced Greek people like Alex and Nico every place we went in Greece. This is just how Greek people are. Lovely, welcoming, warm, and eager to please. They are truly happy that you are with them. Greek people are special.

Reason #4 - History is everywhere you look

For a history nerd like me, Greece is heaven. A ruin here, a ruin there…ruins, ruins, everywhere. Architecture and cultural artifacts that have withstood time since 10 B.C. It’s strange but wonderful that along with ruins are living, growing modern societies, cities, and towns…all amidst ancient buildings, and sites of significant religious, political, and economic historical events. Greece is rugged, and dry, but still sprinkled with greenery, gorgeous flowers and innovative architecture found nowhere else. Every place you visit in Greece reminds you of how young the United States is and how new we are in time. It’s a special place

Reason #5 - Culture abounds, old and new

Perhaps one of the biggest surprises was how old and new culture mix so seamlessly in Greece. Traditional music and dance are plentiful. Most Greek people speak little English but communicate willingly and easily, understanding more English than they speak. The arts are not only still valued, they are practiced, everywhere. There wasn’t a city, island, or village that we went to that didn’t have live music and art displays, usually outside in public places. Bistros and Cafes offer communal tables and intimate settings that invite friendly conversation and relaxation. You will see fashion shoots in the wind in Santorini, but you will also find locals clad primarily in basic white linen clothing to keep cool. Retail shops will similarly offer high fashion items, and luxury items along with traditional linen clothes and handmade leather sandals and shoes right next to shops offering tourist t-shirts, jewelry, and souvenirs.

Go to Greece to experience what interests you most and be amazed at all the other reasons you will love it, that you didn’t even consider

Going to Greece may start out as a trip, but it will open out in front like an amazing book if you choose to experience it instead of just visiting it. The long list of things to do and see is almost endless, but one thing is for certain… you have to go to Greece to understand!

Ready to plan your next adventure? 

Contact me now and let’s chat about travel destinations on your “must-see” list. 
Jennifer@JenniferHandTravelPro.com
205-541-4980

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