Food and Wine in Thessaly, Greece

When I arrived at the coastal village of New Anhialos in the Greek province of Thessaly, I was enveloped by my aunt’s strong arms. My uncle stuffed the luggage into the trunk, and drove the few blocks to their home. Before the last suitcase was unloaded, Aunt Voula had endowed the table with a feast—traditional cucumber and tomato salad, olives and apricots from their orchards, feta cheese packed in freshwater, stewed... [Read more]

Five Fabulous Foods in Greece

As the pine-green tour bus wound its way through the tree-laden mountains of central Greece, I had to bite my lip and focus on deep, cleansing breaths. No, I was not hyperventilating from the height, and our driver was a model of road decorum. I was attempting to restrain myself from inquiring of my seat mate what on earth had possessed her to travel all the way to Greece—the land of olive oil and antiquities—to order... [Read more]

Monemvasia: The Medieval Treasure of Greece

The towering rock of Monemvasia topped by a fortress, rises from the sea on the south eastern coast of the Peloponnese. Known as “Rosemary of the East“, or “the Gibraltar of Greece,” it has been a fortified settlement since ancient times. It got its name which means “Sole Entrance” from the 6th century AD because the only entry is through a fortified tunnel. In the words of the poet, Yannis Ritso, “This... [Read more]

More on Santorini

One of the great joys of traveling on a small island is the ability to explore the island. The logistics of getting from one place to another. For example, while driving anywhere in Greece can be a challenge, visitors can drive from Ancient Thera and the black sand beaches of Kamari through the largest city on the island, Fira, to the cliffs of Oia in less than an hour.

So whether by car or bus Santorini is an easy... [Read more]

Dessert Discovery: Santorini

Put fresh ingredients, cutlery, and pans in my hands and expect a disaster. However, I have developed an educated palette over the years. I also know when something is so particularly delicious that I have no choice but to sing off of roof tops to offer well-deserved praises.

After strolling with my wife along the quaint pedestrian walkway of Oia on Santorini just after sunset, a local bakery drew my attention and,... [Read more]

What No One Tells You About Santorini

There is a rugged natural beauty to rocky cliff-side settings. Glistening water viewed from high up on a mountain edge is breathtaking no matter how over-used the word ‘breathtaking’ is. It is all so beautiful and inspiring.

However, if you are a traveler, like myself, that doesn’t have a joy when traveling up the steep side of mountain pass with a Greek taxi driver flying past other motorists on... [Read more]

A Few Surprises in Athens

Okay, I am officially surprised. I have been riding the metro, buying the shopping districts, enjoying the pistachios — found on a cart next to the subway staion sold by a toothless woman — and snacked on greek fast food, which can found on every street corner.

Athens is a great city.

In the next few weeks I will start detailing my experiences here and will include some of the best sites and stays... [Read more]

Arrived in Athens

The eagle has landed in Athens, namely me. To be honest my expectations were low — I have heard some very mixed reviews. From my end, I always question why people don’t like a particular place. What is it exactly that bothers them? Is it the food, customs, hotels? In my experience, I rarely hear something that prevents a good time. If I were to guess, I’d say expectations of home don’t live up when... [Read more]

On the Road to Delphi

It became a game. I would zoom out my camera lens and try to get a good close-up of these odd little churches that sat on the road. When I say “little church,” I mean little churches. They say upon posts and were no more than a few feet high and less than that wide and they were everywhere.

I didn’t get too many good shots and the experience was more of a live video game than I desire to take a... [Read more]

Considerations for Taking a Tour

This is my first tour group. It is a far different experience than I expected. Here are a few musts to consider as I sit here in a small cafe in Olympia Greece. By the way, Pompei, Italy is one of the most indescribable places I have ever been.

Wake up calls - Vacationers are going to be on the groups... [Read more]

History, Islands, Charm, and Greece (video podcast)

Maryl of In The Know Traveler gets the low down from Faye of Greece Tourism at the Los Angeles Times Adventurers Expo on beaches, food, and a few secrets for travelers. There is not much to say here, Greece is one of the most popular destinations in the world. For more on Greece... [Read more]

Vote for the New 7 Wonders

In what could be the largest vote ever, the world will soon choose the New Seven Wonders of the World to stand alongside the Ancient Seven Wonders of the World. In January, the New7Wonders committee, chaired by Dr. Federico Mayor, selected 21 finalists out of the 77 nominated sites. You can have a say in the selection of the final seven by casting your vote. From anywhere in the world, call +423 663 90 02 99 and use the... [Read more]

Greece, What Most Guidebooks Miss

In May, ’06 I visited a portion of mainland Greece and some of its islands.... [Read more]