Blue Domes and Ancient Stones

(3 Reviews)

Jordan Della Bella

Cincinnati, OH
Ecotourism and Adventure Travel Specialist

My passion for travel ignited during childhood and continues to burn brightly today. Inspired by countless journeys across diverse landscapes, I pursued formal education in Ecotourism and Adventure Travel, further fueling my desire to explore the ...

When you think of Greece iconic images quickly come to mind. White buildings with blue roofs overlooking the Aegean Sea, the ruins of the Parthenon, beautiful beaches and of course all of that is true. Greece is an all-encompassing sensory experience - the food, the sights, the history the people, the water. It is a truly stunning country made up of both mainland and over 6000 Greek isles. The people are friendly and inviting and want so much to share what their country has to offer with you. 


There is no shortage of things to experience in Greece. Naturally, the history of ancient Greece is not to be missed. The ancient Greeks were so far ahead of their time in their understanding of construction and systems. Whether visiting the Parthenon and Acropolis in Athens, the island of Delos near Mykonos, or Akrotiri in Santorini, it is wise to invest in a local guide. The information they provide enhances the experience and it's so much more than you will get from a guidebook or recording. 


One of my favorite things to do in Greece is eat! Wherever you go the food will be wonderful, but it’s so worthwhile to choose at least one family-owned restaurant in each place you visit. They treat you like family, share their locally made liquor and feed you the most amazing delicacies. None was better than Nikos Gallop in Mykonos. They had a zucchini appetizer that melted in your mouth. The seafood was a definite standout and their pasta dishes were divine. Nikos Gallop is not to be missed in Mykonos. 


The other thing not to be missed in Greece is breakfast. Delicious Greek yogurt with local honey (sometimes right off the honeycomb) with fruit and nuts. The freshest of avocados, delightful breads, cheeses and homemade jams. It is a feast for the eyes and the stomach. My favorite breakfast was at Oia – Ikies Traditional Houses in Santorini. This small boutique hotel is set into the side of a cliff overlooking the Aegean Sea. Each room has a charming balcony where they serve your breakfast every morning. Overlooking the water and the town of Oia added so much ambiance to an already beautiful feast. Because this hotel sits on the side of the mountain, there are lots of steps in and out, which definitely works off some of that food!


While in Santorini, it’s worth checking out a winery. Greek wine is unique from what you might find in other wine growing countries. In Greece the grapes grow on the ground rather than vines. There is very little water so most of what fuels their growth comes from the morning dew. The closer to the ground the grapes grow, the better chance they have of gaining the moisture they need. Greek wine tends to be more acidic, so they have worked at perfecting white wine while their reds are still in process. In Santorini we visited the Sigalis Winery for a tasting and food pairing. We were seated in the vineyard where we could also enjoy an exquisite sunset while we ate and drank. The food was all locally grown and each dish was more delicious than the last. The most popular wine grape in Santorini is Assyrtiko but there are others throughout the Cycladic islands that are considered equally as good.


If you are looking for beach time, the smaller islands are the way to go. There are less people and no large cruise ships. We spent time on the island of Naxos and the beach there was stunning. Like most European beaches you pay for a chair and umbrella, but it’s nominal and well worth it. Also like most European beaches there are sections with both topless and nude bathing. As Americans we are often unprepared for that but its best to take it in stride. Smaller less touristy islands like Naxos have lots to offer. Hire a local to take you to their favorite places. In Naxos we went from the mountains to the sea and the change of scenery was breathtaking. The hotel we stayed at in Naxos, the Naxian Utopia Villas and Suites, had large rooms with our own private pool, and was quieter with fewer people. It was walking distance to the beach and many restaurants. 


Back in Athens, we were visiting a local shop and learned the owners were Italian. Also loving Italy, we were curious what made them move to Athens. The shop owner told us that every time they visited Greece everyone seemed so happy and they wanted to be part of that. It’s a great way to think about Greece. It is a very happy welcoming place. I can’t wait to go back.

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