GREECE: A VACATION PARADISE

Sunset at the Temple of Poseidon

Visiting Greece is not only breathtaking but is relatively easy. There are many things that Greece has to offer. Its varied terrain and climate offer something for everyone. Greece has history and ruins and offers many thirsts for knowledge and an unquenchable supply to drink and soak in. Outdoor live theater is typical in many areas in Greece.

I have seen a modern version of The Birds by Aristophanes in the small town of Zakinthos. The Greek play, infused with techno-music from Laurie Anderson, became alive and ultra-modern with the music and dancing that made me appreciate the Ancient classic.

The music scene is also alive and kicking in Athens. Greeks love all kinds of music, Heavy metal, pop, rap; you can find concerts and clubs playing your favorites. The nightclubs that line Poseidon Ave in Athens at night are bursting with patrons ready to dance until morning.

A beach near Pylos, Peloponnese

Sfogia Beach

Endless beaches abound for those seeking sun and sand, and many are unknown to the international traveler. Cuisine that light up the taste buds and tingle the palate. But the most rewarding are those little discoveries, like homemade wine at a mom-and-pop restaurant that may be the best wine you have ever tasted. Local cuisine is an experience to savor and cherish slowly. The seaside fish tavern serves the sizzling delicious octopus. Your mouth begins to water as the waiter squeezes a lemon the size of grapefruit over your tantalizing dish. Or the beautiful hotel room with the stunning view and your bedroom is on the balcony overlooking the small coastal village and the breathtaking sunset. Where do we start?

Beautiful Boutique Hotel in Pylos on the Western Peloponnese

Beautiful Cliffs in Crystal Blue Waters

How much time should I take off for a vacation in Greece? The minimum is two weeks. Ideally, 3 or 4 weeks is probably the sweet spot; long enough to enjoy, but not too long to have homesickness kicking in. I would not recommend doing too many things during your vacation. I feel that one week on an island is the minimum. I want to arrive at my destination and enjoy it like a morning cup of coffee in a cafe. Ordered at your leisure, sipped at a slow-paced, and let the coffee linger on your palate to enjoy all the subtle notes and complexities. No rush. Just take it slow and enjoy. Your vacation should not be another episode of the "Amazing Race." Like to think of a vacation as a beautiful sunset, wanted and savored while in the moment.`

One of Many Cruise ships that Visit Santorini

Santorini at Night

If you want to visit 2 or 3 islands, make sure they are close to each other and easy to move from one island to another. If the islands are far apart, there may not be a direct flight from one island to the next; the only way to travel is to connect through Athens. Luckily, many islands are close to each other, and ferries easily connect. Think Milos, Santorini, and Mykonos. A 3–5 days stay on each island should suffice. These three -islands have more activities, attractions, and beaches and usually require 4–5 days.

Inside the Old Towne of Rhodes

The only exception is Greece's two largest islands, Crete and Rhodes. Two or three weeks on Crete will accommodate all excursions, beach-time, and late-night frolicking. Tourists may need ten to fourteen days to enjoy Rhodes. Crete and Rhodes require a car to get wherever you need to go. Crete is 160 miles long and 37 miles wide. Most of the sights lie on the mid-northern coast to the west.

The Peloponnese is a peninsula, but it has much to offer for the visitor. A road trip along the coast is a trip that will not disappoint. So many beaches that dot all along the Peloponnese's perimeter will make the beach lover in you scream in ecstasy. But, can you handle that many beautiful beaches? Beautiful coastal towns to visit and spend a night or two can make a memorable and enchanting vacation. Nafplio, the first capital of Greece, is a lovely seaside town at an old Venetian Castle. With several beaches and archaeological sites like Epidaurus and Mycenea close by, Nafplio is a great town to stay in for a few days to enjoy it all. And at the end of the day, you can look forward to several charming outdoor cafes, restaurants, and bakeries, all of which will cause your clothes to feel quite snug after a few days.

Make your reservation early. Don't procrastinate. The earlier you book your airfare and lodging, the better the selection and prices. That is not to say that one can snatch a last-minute deal. But those last-minute deals are scarce; if you want to travel at a reasonable cost, then plan. Santorini's most desirable rooms with breathtaking views of the caldera will sell out early if you dilly-dally. Please plan early. Strive to find the lodging with a flexible cancelation policy up to 24 or 48 hours before check-in without any penalties. Many websites will tempt you with lower rates if you prepay, but they are non-refundable. Travel plans change unexpectedly and paying a little more with a fully refundable 24 hours before check-in cancelation policy is a great thing to have if something goes wrong.

I prefer to get my airfare directly from the airline or a travel agent. A travel agent is an excellent resource if there is a problem with your travel plans. They will also steer you to better lodging and resorts with proven track records. If you spend 1 or 2 weeks on vacation, you don't want to waste time fixing your vacation problems.

St Dionysios Church in Zante

First of all, people ask me, "when should I go?" Without being too flipped, I reply, "what do you want to do?" If your primary goal is to get that bronze tan and check out those picturesque beaches, then travel between late June and the first week of October. The weather is warm and sunny at the beginning of May, but the water for a swim is particularly chilly. Think refreshing. The waters are slow to warm up during the summer season, but they stay warm until November once warm. So why did I say beaches are fine until the first week of October. It is because the hotels and restaurants begin to shut down for the winter. Especially the northernmost Greek islands. The southernmost islands like Crete and Rhodes will extend their Summer season to November. But the smaller mom-and-pop businesses and the more remote tourist sites tend to close up earlier.

Agios Leon in Zakynthos

Another thing that beachgoers must be aware of is that July and early August can be pretty humid, even in the evening. Some hotels do not have air conditioning. And don't assume that leaving a window or balcony door open will solve the problem. You will probably trade out from one situation into another. Mosquitoes will annoy you during the night and cause you to wake up with bites on your face or neck. Ultimately, air-conditioned hotel accommodations will make your stays far more enjoyable.

Airbnb can be a great alternative to hotels, and I encourage you to seek them out. Do check the reviews and their locations. Many hosts are a great resource in helping you navigate through the neighborhood and recommend the best restaurants in the area. They can provide or beat many of a hotel's amenities, like a washer, dryer, or better Wi-Fi speeds. The Airbnb may not be on the beach or the main strip, but a short walk to the beach may not be that bad, or the hustle and bustle of the town center may make an afternoon nap or an early bedtime impossible. Siestas are a great way to help you stay up late into the night.

Now Greece still embraces siestas. It may be the secret formula for longevity. Many stores follow the siesta hours. Usually, the smaller mom-and-pop stores will close for a siesta at 2:30 PM and reopen at 6 PM. These stores will remain open until 10 or 11 PM. Banks are open from 8 AM until 2:30 PM. Tourist shops ignore the siesta rules and will open at 8 or 9 AM and stay open until midnight. During the tourist season's early and tail ends, the shops' hours will be shorter than their peak season.

The Lighthouse at Chania Harbor, Crete

Transportation in Greece is pretty good, in and out of Athens. If you want to go to the islands from Athens, you have primarily two options, fly or take a ferry from the Athenian suburb of Piraeus. The ferries from Piraeus do a great job of getting you to the Greek islands to the east and southeast of Athens. I have traveled from Piraeus to Crete at night. The ferry boats are pretty large, and I have boarded on the ferry as a family of four and a car rental, stayed in a cabin with two sets of double bunk beds and a shower. We boarded early in the evening. We had booked an overnight sleeping cabin with a private bathroom and shower. We marveled at the Athenian Riviera as the boat strolled by Athens in the evening. Later we slept as the ferry took us to Crete. By 6 AM the following morning, we all piled into our rental car and drove off the ferry.

Flying from Athens to the other islands is quick and easy. Many popular islands may have 4 or 6 daily flights; smaller islands have 2–3 daily flights. Of course, I am talking about the peak summer season. Some islands are accessible by road and then a short ferry ride. The islands on the western side of Greece are a hidden gem.

The Festival of Mary Magdelene in Maries, Zakinthos

Zante Town and St Dionysios Church

Vasilikos Beaach

Navagio Beach in Zakynthos

The Ionian Islands are a chain of several islands (seven large and seven small islands). Many tourists miss out on these beautiful islands. These Ionian islands' terrain is reminiscent of the California coast. Many immigrant Greeks from the Ionian islands purposely moved to California because the weather and climate remind them of their homeland. Think Monterey, Napa Valley, Malibu as a small microcosm of Greece in America. The islands have their distinctive flavor that is slightly different from the rest of Greece. The Ionian Islands were never under the Ottoman Turk's rule; the islands were under Venetian influence for centuries. The way the islanders speak is melodious, revealing their love of music. The tradition of Kadathes or folk serenades among the villages still thrives. Locals won't hesitate to grab a guitar or an accordion and band together to sing a traditional folk song. Music and dancing are in all Greeks' DNA, but the Ionian islanders have added their unique style. In fact, during the late summer months, you can find a village festival practically every weekend across all of Greece. The whole village congregates at the Churchyard or schoolyard and celebrates until dawn.

Coastal Village in Kefalonia

An "off the beaten path" Beach in Kefalonia

This chain of islands possesses several picturesque beaches. Don't expect to do all of the beaches in a week. IFor example, if you dedicated one beach per day on the island of Zakinthos, you would need a least a month to finish all of them. Larger Kefalonia expects roughly two months to do a beach a day.

I cannot possibly go into every detail. But let me know if you are interested in these areas in Greece. I am happy to delve deeper into further information in any region I mentioned.