Greece Things to Do

The traditional cuisine in Greece is typical of the Mediterranean, plus a certain Middle Eastern flair; plenty of health vegetables, lots of garlic, and lashings of olive oil. Olives have been grown in Greece since classical times and their extra-virgin oils crop up in many colorful salads full of strong goats- and sheep-milk feta cheese and big, plump tomatoes.

Although it’s common for travelers to the Greek islands to tour entire island groups via ferry or private yacht, I’m an advocate for choosing carefully in advance and confining your stay to one location in order to really get to know it and see what it has to offer. The island of Sifnos is up near the top of my own list of recommendations in Greece.

Eating and drinking in Greece is wonderful, to be sure, but it is not without its pitfalls. The following warnings and recommendations should help you survive the Mediterranean in high style and comfort.

The so-called “Seven Islands” (there are actually many more than seven in the chain) off the west coast of Greece are a popular destination for European travelers hoping to take advantage of the balmy climes without surrendering the pubs, sporting events, and creature comforts to which they are accustomed. As a result, the Ionian islands (as they are now known) are a peculiar mix of cultures unlike anyplace else in Greece.