I know, I know… enough of the top 10 lists! This one is cool though, I promise. This list is geared towards experiences you should have in Greece, rather than ‘places to go’.
Greece is full of beautiful places that will take your breath away. However, I’m a firm believer that experiences are what make memorable vacations. So definitely take in the views and add to your Instagram stories, but also get out there and DO. YOLO!
Eat a pita gyro
For all of you Europeans who eat the street doner kebab in European cities (perhaps after a night of clubbing)… once you go Greek, you’ll never go back. OK, that is probably a lie, because you will fall to the urge at some point, most likely after a few beers in some central European city.
This www.germandonerkebab.com pales in comparison (and is a joke, right?)
For the Americans who hit up the Greek diners and are used to the gyros found in the states, you’ll probably cry tears of joy once you taste the REAL DEAL. Make sure you order correctly though! Pita gyro (yeero) pork or chicken. Get the deets here > Souvlaki/Gyro 101
Jump off of a boat into the sea (take a boat tour)
Maybe this should be #1, but I’m a big fan of gyros and watching people have one for the first time.
I took my first touristic boat tour around the island of Milos on the Thalssitra and that blew my mind.
The reason I took the plunge and agreed to sit on a boat all day with 40 randoms is because Milos has amazing rock formations and unique places that aren’t easily accessible.
On the count of three, I jumped off the big ol’ sail boat and lived to tell the tale! The trip was an all day extravaganza with perks such as cave swimming and amazing vegetarian food on board. Highly recommend!
My most recent boat excursion was on the island of Kefalonia on board the Queen Bee. Petros and George of Kefalonia Trips happily chatted with the guests and informed us about the areas we were sailing by. There were three separate stops and lunch was served on-board.
That’s two for two– boat trips that I would highly recommend!
Sunset cocktails on a rooftop bar over-looking Acropolis
I’ll just put this right here…
Sip Cocktails Atop an Ancient City on a Rooftop Bar in Athens
Drink Ouzo while eating seafood at a seaside taverna
The proper way to enjoy Ouzo is to pour a shot into a glass, add ice and then fill the glass with water. Seems simple enough, right? Not sure why people drink it as shots in the US. It’s so nice to sip while enjoying fresh seafood at a beach taverna. Ahhhh… bliss…..
You can take some Ouzo home with you and dazzle your friends with this magic trick. (You’ll know what I mean once you follow the above instructions).
Wander off the beaten path in Plaka
The Plaka area of Central Athens is famous as a charming, yet touristy area. You’ll get swept into the crowd along the main drag of souvenir and local artisan shops as you meander along. Break away from the crowd and explore a bit!
Head up toward Acropolis to the area called Anafiotika and see a side of Athens that many others have not. It is a tiny area that will make you feel like you are smack dab in the middle of the Cyclade Islands.
View this post on Instagram
Drink Mastika
This tasty spirit is something that can only be produced from the resin of a tree that only grows on one Greek Island, Chios.
It is commonly served as an after dinner digestive- best served icy cold.
If you have not tried this, order it at a bar and ask the bartender to tell you a bit about it. Greeks are very proud of this one!
Visit Santorini
This is the only ‘place’ that you’ll find on this list because going to this island is totally an experience that you need to have. Once.
It is over-saturated by visitors, so many people complain that it has lost it’s charm. I find the charm in the view, which does not depend on how many people are there buying t-shirts or taking selfies. Well the selfie-addicts may get in the way, but there is a long stretch that goes along the Caldera, so just keep going until you have a clear view.
Also! If you arrive by ferry, the first glimpse of the villages hanging on the cliff side is really, really memorable.
Go on a tour led by a local
I’ve been lucky enough to do a wine tasting event and a winery tour in Nemea with the Greece2Taste crew. Both experiences were really educational and obviously enjoyable since there was grape juice served. They also do food tours in the center of Athens.
Athens Urban Adventures does a really cool nightlife tour which I would suggest to anyone who has a short time in Athens and wants to get in a lot of local culture in one evening.
Party like an Athenian at a Bouzoukia Club
Like Santorini, you have to try this at least once in your life!
REAL Greek Nightlife : Bouzoukia and Live Clubbing in Athens
The items on this list were submitted by and voted on by members of the Work Remote in Greece Facebook group. So there you have it, real advice from people that live and work in Greece. Enjoy!