GREECE
40 articles filed under GREECE.
Discover what it's like to live, work, eat and travel in Greece as well as general cultural observations
Travel Packing Guide to Istanbul Turkey
Recently I had the good fortune to visit Turkey, specifically Istanbul–the largest city in the country despite not being the capital.There are many excellent sites to be seen in this city that straddles two continents; Europe and Asia.The magnificent shipping Straight of Bosphorus is a hub with many ships of all sizes scuttling backward and […]
Cruise Essentials Packing List
Yes, we're nearly coming to the end of the summer–but that doesn't have to mean your cruising days are over. I write primarily about Greece as a destination, and what to see and do. Articles relevant to a Greek cruise packing list are: Many people take cruises around the Greek islands in the height of […]
How to stay cool in the Greek Summer
You've decided to come to Greece for your summer vacation–after all, there's so much to see here: There are free things to do in Athens- some amazing ancient wonders in Greece beyond the Acropolis plus - so many islands to explore such as Rhodes, and Zakynthos and - lesser visited islands such as beautiful Hydra–a mere […]
Things to do in Nafplio, Greece
Located at just under a two hour drive or coach ride from Athens, the coastal town of Nafplio–the original capital city of Greece when the new Greek state was formed in 1823–is perfect for a day trip, but there's so much to see and do in the town and around the area that I suggest […]
Things to do in Kalamata, Greece
The Peloponnese is a region in Greece that's really considered an island within the mainland. A peninsular of 8,320 sq miles, it's surrounded by water on all sides and connected to the Greek mainland by the famous Corinth Canal or the Rio-Antirio Bridge, one of the world's longest multi-span cabled bridges that connects to the […]
Greek island all round packing list
**For a free downloadable PDF version of this post, click here.** Many people head to the Greek islands in the height of summer, when temperatures can hit up to 33 C (91 F) or, in recent years, even as high as 41 C (106 F). Take a look at my Insider's Guide to the Greek […]
Fun Things to do in Athens Greece
When you're gathered with your friends, discussing your next European trip and possible city break, and someone mentions 'Athens', what images does this throw up for things to do, especially fun things to do in Athens? I'm guessing the Acropolis is the main one, maybe followed closely by the Acropolis Museum, browse the flea market […]
Greek Dishes - Top Things to Eat and Drink in Athens, Greece
The land of the Ancient Gods and the city that introduced Democracy to the western world knows how to celebrate life, and that’s through food. Eating Greek dishes isn’t merely an activity to fill your stomach, it’s to be appreciated and enjoyed with good company, hence mealtimes can go on for two, sometimes three hours […]
"Kalimera" and "Koukla mou" - Greek greetings you're sure to hear when you visit
We've looked at some odd Greek superstitions such as why Greeks might spit at you when you visit (truly! But don't worry, it's a compliment). There are also some really helpful tips about Do's and Don't in Greece - Greek Customs and Etiquette that'll help you when you plan your visit (what's right in one culture […]
Do's and Don'ts in Greece - Greek Customs and Etiquette from an Athens resident
As a resident in Athens, LifeBeyondBorders presents to you a post about some Etiquette in Greece - a useful read to prepare yourself for your vacation to this beautiful Mediterranean country.
Best Souvenirs From Greece
You've come to Greece for your holidays and your friends and family are good-naturedly envious. You feel obliged to bring a Greek souvenir back for them as a gift, and also for yourself because there's no doubt that a trip to Greece is memorable, whether that be to the mainland, capital or islands. Read my Insiders […]
Ftou Ftou Ftou: Why Greeks might spit at you
I love the contradictions in my adopted country of Greece sometimes. Here's a great one related to superstitions and the 'ftou ftou ftou' and the ftou ftou meaning - or rather, Greeks spitting for luck. Looking for a travel guide to Greece to carry in the palm of your hand? Then my Greece's Best travel […]
Vouliagmenis Lake - Athens Riviera Greece
A unique geological phenomenon, that's how Lake Vouliagmenis on the Athens Riviera (the south coast of Athens, Greece) is described. Why though? What and Where is Lake Vouliagmenis, Athens Riviera, Greece? To quote their website: "Vouliagmeni Lake, in the heart of the Athenian Riviera, is the hidden treasure of Attica’s nature. Situated on an idyllic landscape, […]
Al Hammam Turkish Baths - Athens
Turkish Baths are not a new phenomena. According to Wikipedia, Turkish Baths: …[are] a place of public bathing associated with the Islamic world With Greece's history, it is no surprise to know that modern day Turkish Baths have sprung up, especially around Athens. Al Hammam is a traditional Turkish Bath experience in the centre of […]
Things to do in Nafpaktos- mainland Greece
With a castle and the Rio-Antirrio cable bridge - one of the world's longest multi-span cable bridges and the longest fully suspended bridge, at 2250 meters, Nafpaktos, located just opposite the Peloponnese area of Greece and approx a 3 hour drive from Athens makes for a great weekend break.
Evzone Soldiers of Greece interview
Any tourist visiting Athens won’t have failed to experience them—you know, the soldiers that stand guard outside Parliament with dead straight faces; not flinching, not moving a muscle and occasional doing a funny walk. These are the Evzone Soldiers of Greece. I was interested to dig deeper—so when Anthe Mitrakos of Portes Magazine put me […]
Things to do on Leros island - Greece
As part of my research for the Rough Guides to the Greek Islands, both in 2014 and 2017, one of the islands I visited in the Dodecanese chain was Leros. It's a smaller Greek island and certainly does not attract the package holiday crowds, because there are no package holiday tourists. Originally published in MAY […]
Things to do on Halki island Greece - Tips on Visiting
Halki is roughly an hour away by catamaran from Rhodes and is tiny, literally, at only 10 sq miles. It's perfect as a day trip from Rhodes, or stay overnight (see Accommodation below). I'd travelled by catamaran before and been sick, so I was a little afraid. No need to be - this journey was […]
Kea island Greece - a day trip from Athens
I always felt that in order to feel like you're on a 'proper' Greek island, one should travel about five hours by ferry to Paros or Naxos, for example - or even further afield to Skopelos or Alonissos. I shouldn't be so quick to judge as my experience on Hydra in the Saronic Gulf, for example, has taught me. It's an […]
Insider Tips for Taking Ferries in Greece
You've come to Greece for your vacation and stayed in Athens for a few days, looking at the alternative guide to visiting Athens. Afterwards, most people naturally want to head to one or a few of the Greek islands - my Insider's Guide to the Greek Islands will help you choose which ones. You have […]
Things to do on Paxos Greece
As an island, Paxos is relatively small at only 30 sq miles. There are several luxury villas in Paxos to rent on this Ionian island, inviting the visitor to merely go and relax for a whole week or longer. As it has no airport and the best way to reach it is to fly to […]
Luxury Villas in Paxos - Paxos Villa Greece - Villa Glaros
Throughout my time as a travel writer located in Greece, I am very lucky to have been able to experience various luxury hotel stays around both the capital, Athens, and various parts of the country. When I was offered the chance to experience a luxury villa in Paxos island, Greece, I jumped at the chance. […]
"Mamma Mia!" island of Skopelos, Greece
The Greek island of Skopelos in the Sporadic chain of islands is famous for the filming of the first "Mamma Mia!" film. Skopelos, Greece: "Mamma Mia!" facts Skopelos is less touristy than its neighbouring Skiathos, therefore quieter although it's become busier in the years since "Mamma Mia!" - but not spoilt. The shooting took place […]
Anafiotika - a hidden island village in Athens
There's a hidden part of Athens that had always eluded me. I had never been able to find it! Anafiotika is the neighbourhood, a hidden island village located under the northeastern side of the Acropolis Hill, part of historical Plaka. It's like an island on the mainland. It forms part of my Insider's Guide to […]
Tips for travelling in Greece
I wrote a post a while back about Do's and Don'ts in Greece - guiding you all about some Greek customs and etiquette from an Athens resident, aka me. It's proven to be one of my most popular posts yet…and I enjoyed writing about Greece beyond the luxury hotels, beautiful islands and getting into the […]
Explore the Top Seven Wonders of Greece
As one of the major cradles of Western civilisation, Greece laid claim to many of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Sadly, all of these incredible creations from pre-history have vanished, with the notable exception of the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt. **This article was written by First Choice Holidays for Life Beyond Borders** However, […]
Top Things to See and Do on Mykonos - a guide for cruise visitors
Alongside Santorini, Mykonos is one of the most famous Greek islands. Located in the Cycladic islands, it’s a port of call for many cruise ships. Popular for its beaches and scenes such as ‘Little Venice’ and its windmills, it is possible to find a range of activities to suite all tastes. Let’s take a look […]
Greek dishes - top things to eat and drink on Mykonos
Mykonos is one of those Greek islands like Santorini that many travellers will know of instantly. Therefore much of Mykonos caters to the tourist hordes that descend upon it annually. It is possible to find good, locally produced and international food on the island, served in tavernas run by families that have been handed down […]
Greek Island escape to Sifnos
When my friend and fellow writer suggested I come and visit her on the Cycladic island of Sifnos, Greece, I jumped at the chance. Her home is located in a tiny village (if it can even be called that) of Eleimonas, but within walking distance of the main town of Sifnos - Apollonia (warning; many steps […]
The beauty of Alonissos island, Greece
Alonissos is one of the Greek islands hidden gems…there are tourists, but most of them are Greeks, hence it's a beautiful island to come to for a real taste of Greece and her culture.
Mykonos off season - more than just a party island
Having lived in Greece for quite some time, I have visited many of the Greek islands. But due to the reputation of Mykonos, I had deliberately steered clear - not wanting to get involved in the 'rich man's playground' and hedonistic party atmosphere. It was just not my scene. I was then offered the opportunity to […]
Meteora Greece Monasteries
Many of you will have heard of Meteora and the Meteora Monasteries in Central Greece. It's a UNESCO protected World Heritage site and is famous for its pinnacles of rocks and caves, formed approx. 60 million years ago (can you get your head around that?). From the 9th century, hermit monks used to live in […]
Where to stay on Hydra island Greece
My post about Hydra Island, Greece introduced this Greek island with a difference to you and, I hope, convinced you to stay longer than a day trip. Here I show you where to stay on Hydra which, as I'm sure you can imagine, also has its element of something a little more out of the ordinary. **There […]
British vs Greek Culture
The British vs Greek Culture debate could be considered by some as controversial. I'll be looking at various topics that I consider make up cultural differences, and aim to look at why (even if there is a why). Therefore this post is purely subjective. Looking for Greece in the palm of your hand? My Greece's […]
Where to stay on Karpathos island, Greece
I recently wrote a post about things to do on the beautiful Greek island of Karpathos, in the Dodecanese chain of islands. But obviously if you're going to travel so far to such a remote Greek island to see such a gorgeous place, naturally you'll need to stay somewhere, and somewhere good. Let's take a […]
Greek island of Delos - guarding the archeological site
The ancient UNESCO Greek island of Delos, located just 3.5 km from the party island of Mykonos and yet a world away in terms of things to see and do, is world famous - for those in the know and who love Greek mythology - for its ruins and as being the birthplace of twins Artemis […]
Things to do on the lesser known Greek island of Astypalea
As part of my research for the guidebook company Rough Guides, I am lucky to be able to discover places off the beaten track. One of those is in the Dodecanese chain of the Greek islands, a small island called Astypalea. The lesser known Greek island of Astypalea, at 114 sq km (44 sq m) […]
Lindian Village Resort - Rhodes island - Greece
Followers of my site will know that I am a big fan of the Dodecanese islands in Greece, especially Rhodes. Most of my posts written about Rhodes have tended to concentrated on the Rhodes Old Town. My visit to Rhodes has afforded me the chance to explore a different places to stay on the island […]
W is for no W in the Greek alphabet
The Greek alphabet, consisting of 24 letters and is thought to have come about into existence in the 8th or 9th Century BC. Greek symbols are also used in computer programming. You see? We have a lot to 'thank' the Greeks for. I could write a whole long post about the Greek Alphabet, but as […]
Athens outdoor cinema experience
Greeks love to go to the cinema and a night at an open air one is more of an experience, not just an 'if all else fails and we run out of ideas, let's go and see a movie.' The night I chose to go was one summer at the end of July. I obviously […]