(originally posted May 30, 2022)
What is the first thing you think of when someone mentions Greece? Usually, this brings up images of whitewashed houses, blue domes, and sparkling turquoise waters under sun-drenched skies. But some of this country’s best features are offered outside the often too-crowded summer season. Off-season Greece is a land of glorious walks with open vistas, uncluttered ancient sites, scrumptious food and wine destinations, fascinating wellness and holistic retreats, and bustling city life. To help you bust those only-good-for-summer stereotypes, here are the top destinations in Greece that cater to your every passion all year round.
Cosmopolitan Thessaloniki
We are big fans of the second-city travel trend. Ditch the most talked-about destinations and find ones more unknown. Thessaloniki is one such destination. Often overlooked in favor of Athens or of course, Santorini and Mykonos, this vibrant city is the perfect mixture of history, beauty, chaos, culture, remarkable cuisine, and wonderful panoramic sea views. Old and new cohabit seamlessly in this Greek gem, the White Tower, arguably the most famous site in the city, anchors a waterfront packed with cocktail bars while the Arch of Galerius, an intricate 4th-century monument, towers over the busy shopping drag of Egnatia. The fully revamped waterfront is perfect for walking and cycling during the day. By night, it turns into a bustling river of music and nightlife. Thessaloniki is an ideal base from which you can explore many cultural and historic sites and some natural wonders.
Suggested day trip from Thessaloniki: Majestic Meteora
A visit to the Meteora Monasteries is surely going to be one of the highlights of your Greek adventure. Meteora is a geological wonder, that one must see to believe. Nowadays, only six monasteries are well preserved and four of them are still inhabited.
Lush Peloponnese for true foodies and history buffs
We can talk about the Peloponnese for days. This entire region is a smorgasbord of historical sites, unparalleled foodie experiences, and wellness options that will leave you recharged and refreshed.
Food
Famous for its farm-to-table culinary philosophy, the Peloponnese will capture your hearts and senses with award-winning olive oils, mouthwatering meat and veggie dishes, crisp wines, and great tsipouro. Yammas!
History
If there is one region where the spirit of Ancient Greece, its myths and legends is still very much alive, it’s the Peloponnese. The richest Greek region when it comes to history, the number of castles, аnсient sites, temples, sanctuaries, and even medieval towns is astonishing. Ancient Corinth, Mystras, Ancient Mycenae, the ancient theater of Epidaurus, Ancient Olympia – the birthplace of Olympic games, Monemvasia….The list goes on and on. If there is one region where the spirit of Ancient Greece, its myths and legends is still very much alive, it’s the Peloponnese. The richest Greek region when it comes to history, the number of castles, аnсient sites, temples, sanctuaries, and even medieval towns is astonishing. Ancient Corinth, Mystras, Ancient Mycenae, the ancient theater of Epidaurus, Ancient Olympia – the birthplace of Olympic games, Monemvasia….The list goes on and on.
Truly Om-azing destinations in Greece
We all need to unwind, relax, and simply go off the grid occasionally and conscious attempts to create harmony between mental and physical health go back to the period of Ancient Greece where they even had a word for the “healthy mind – healthy body” philosophy – kalokagathia. Today, Greece is filled with unique holistic retreats and well-being experiences. You can join a yoga retreat on a private island, live on a fully sustainable farm like no other – Eumelia, cleanse your soul at the Emelisse resort in Kefalonia, have a complete spiritual experience at the first fully holistic resort in Greece – Euphoria or simply give in to some of the best wellness treatments at Amanzoe or Romanos Luxury Collection in Costa Navarino.
The Culinary Awakening of Athens
Finally, the capital. Once you have visited the historic sites and descended from the Acropolis, it is time to discover why Athens is now considered one of the most exciting city-break destinations in Europe with a rising gastronomy scene. Mingle with the locals and experience the vibrant cafes, bars, and eateries opening in every neighborhood, and feel the fresh appreciation for the food heritage and amazing natural produce available. Young Greek chefs have transformed the dining scene with innovative international cuisine fusions and modern twists on traditional favorites. Elevate your Athens stay with cooking classes, food market tours, and visits to distilleries to try the best ouzo, mastic liquor, and Metaxa perfectly paired with sweet and sour meze (finger food) to elevate the notes of each of the spirits. Embark on a Dionysian tour to Nemea past the Corinth canal to discover why wine was once called the nectar of the Gods and have a perfect family adventure on a farm near Cape Sounio complete with a family cookoff and an unforgettable seaside dining experience at sunset.
