Crete, the largest of the Greek islands and the fifth biggest island in the Mediterranean lies 318 kilometers south of Athens’ port, Piraeus. Rimmed by more than 1,000 kilometers of coastline, it combines dramatic mountains with deep rocky gorges and blissful golden sand beaches. The most southerly outpost of Europe, its south coast extends to the Libyan Sea, looking to Africa, while cultural influences from Asia Minor can also be felt from the period spent under Turkish rule. Thanks to its fertile soils and warm, sunny climate, the local economy is based on agriculture, with tourism coming in a strong second. Crete’s ancient archaeological sites, centuries-old harbor towns, and beaches attract visitors from all over the world.
1. Samaria Gorge
Contained within the Samaria National Park, this impressive 18-kilometer gorge is on the UNESCO World Heritage Site’s tentative list. From Xylóskalo, just outside the mountain village of Omalos, the gorge descends 1,250 meters to arrive at the Libyan Sea in Agia Roumeli on Crete’s sunny south coast. The river Tarraios, which dries up in summer but floods in winter, runs the length of the gorge with high rocky cliffs to each side. The stony path is quite challenging and not recommended for people with knee problems, but it’s a must-do for athletic visitors to Crete. On the busiest days, up to 3,000 people hike through the gorge. The walk can take four to six hours depending on how fit you are. It is open to visitors from May through mid-October. (more…)
We all know ouzo. The famous Greek drink that turns white when mixed with a little water or poured over ice. Traditionally, ouzo is both a welcoming drink and after-dinner digestive. But ouzo is not the only aperitif offered in Greece. Tsipouro! Or, tsikoudia – or raki – (on Crete!) is also associated with hospitality and good company.
All these alcoholic beverages look alike and complement a delicious array of appetizers. But they are not the same. They differ in raw materials and the way they are made. They are also different in taste and flavor. Ouzo is a mixture of alcohol, water, and various aromatic herbs, always including anise. In contrast to tsipouro, ouzo usually contains a small percentage of grape distillation. The final product is 40 to 50 ABV.
Tsipouro or tsikoudia is about the same, prepared – by distillation – and from the same raw material. Stemfyla (grape marc) are pieces of grapes, stems, and seeds that are left after pressing the grapes for the new wine. Also called strafyla or tsipoura, and on Crete, tsikouda. Tsipouro, however, contains anise, while raki does not. (more…)
Greek cooking offers an incredibly rich and diverse array of foods and beverages that are the culmination of literally thousands of years of living, cooking, and eating. While each Greek meal is fresh and inviting, it is also a trip back through Greece’s history.
Greek Cooking Ingredients
The names of foods, cooking methods, and basic ingredients have changed little over time. Bread, olives (and olive oil), and wine constituted the triptych of the Greek diet for many centuries, just as they do today.
Greece is a nation of small farmers who produce an incredible array of mainly organically produced cheeses, oils, fruits, nuts, grains, legumes, and vegetables, supplemented by an array of greens and herbs that grow in the wild. These are the foods that form the base of the traditional Greek regimen, to which they add both variety and nutrition. Greece’s climate is perfect growing for olive and lemon trees, producing two of the most important elements of Greek cooking. Spices, garlic, and other herbs such as oregano, basil, mint, and thyme are widely used, as are vegetables such as eggplant and zucchini, and legumes of all types. (more…)
The mild sweet climate of fall in Greece is what makes short journeys to the sea and the mountains so tempting. The country’s landscape is in transition, from its summer to its autumn look. Read up on the renowned destinations that we gathered just for you and plan your trip to Greece.
Destinations: Chania
As summer in Crete lasts a bit more than anywhere else in Greece, you will enjoy the sea and the wonderful mainland throughout October on this island. An excellent place to choose for your upcoming autumn holiday is Chania. (more…)
Santorini erupts with charm. A volcano embraced by the Aegean, this island phenomenon in the Cyclades gives its visitors a mythical experience.
Santorini – also known as Thera in Greek – is the island immortalized by poets and painters, thanks to its celebrated light, multi-colored cliffs, and picture-perfect sunsets. On this island all senses are magnified, a product of its many contrasts: black earth against whitewashed homes clinging to the cliffside, or wild volcanic sculptures against sleek Cycladic lines.
Welcome to the Aegean, to one of the most beautiful islands in the world and one of the most popular destinations in Greece. Welcome to Santorini! (more…)
