Reasons You Need To Visit Greece

I haven’t written a travel post in so long. I miss it. I love writing about places I’ve been to, and sharing what I loved about them with you all.

I have started up Travel Tuesday on my Instagram page. Each Tuesday I am sharing a picture from a previous trip of mine. It’s generating some great chats. It got me thinking that I should write up more travel posts for my blog. You can say and explain so much more in a blog. So here goes.

My favourite country to visit is Greece. I have been travelling there for years. It was the first place my Mum and Dad took me to as a baby, and then for years growing up. Greece was the destination of mine and Ste’s first holiday.

So many wonderful memories have been made there. Which is why I love to go back as often as I can. If you’ve never been to Greece then you’ll see what you’re missing.

The Weather

Living in the UK we are seriously deprived of good weather. We’re lucky to have a few good days in the Summer, but it’s nothing like you get in Greece. Greece have the best weather. It starts to warm up around April and stays beautiful till October.

The summer months are so hot. July and August can be unbearable at times, however, I’ve still been in these months. It just means you have to be really up on your sun lotion & hydration routine.

The days are full of sunshine, almost no clouds ever, and the evenings are cool. The perfect combination.

I’d say for perfect weather, the best time to visit is either May/June, or September.

The People

I don’t know if it’s because of the constant good weather, which would lift anyone’s mood, but the Greeks are always happy. They are the friendliest people to be around.

I have visited many places were the locals aren’t the most friendly. And, coming from Liverpool, this is a shock to be greeted with. The Greeks however have amazing hospitality skills.

No matter where I have been in Greece, it’s always the same. The locals are laid back, welcoming, and very hospitable.

The Food

Greek food is up there with my favourite food. It comes in second place, as Italian food will always be first. It breaks my heart when I hear that people who have been to Greece have eaten in English theme restaurants. You don’t what you’re missing.

My favourite Greek dish is Chicken Youvetsi. It’s a rice pasta with chicken, tomato and wine sauce, with a sprinkle of feta cheese. It’s an oven baked dish.

I’m getting a craving for it now I’m typing this.

If you’re at the beach, then you have to get Greek taverna food. Just nip to that beach bar & get yogurt with fresh fruit. Even a small Greek salad is lovely for a lunch time snack.

And I know I said, NO English food on holiday, but it wouldn’t be Greece without a lovely cheese and ham toastie.

The Shopping

Each time I go to Greece I love to bring back unique finds. I am such a lover of dainty jewellery, especially for earrings and necklaces. I love the designs that have the Greek Eye on them, and gem stones like opals and turquoise stones.

I always shop for earrings when I’m there. The last few years I’ve brought back my most favourite finds in years. I wear a silver and turquoise ring from Greece every day.

Plus, the prices of them are amazing, and you’re supporting the economy there too. The majority of items you’ll shop are handmade and can’t be shipped out of Greece.

If you see lovely leather handbags, or sandals, get them. I regret not getting this beautiful handmade bag so much.

The Islands

I haven’t been to mainland Greece since I was very little. Since them I have visited the islands. My most visited ones are Crete and Rhodes.

Travelling to the parts of the islands that I love, is like travelling back in time. The Greeks pull off shabby chic better than anyone. On purpose too.

The white washed walls, half built homes, beach side cafe’s & winding village streets add to the charm.

The islands are great to visit because of being able to go on lovely boat trips. The islands aren’t that big either, (Crete being the largest), so you can often get around them easily.

Living The Life

When I am there I try to live by a Greek life philosophy that a Greek friend of mine told me once ~ Health, Family, then work.

If I’m healthy enough to be enjoying my favourite lifestyle, surrounded by my family, then work is well and truly the last thing on my mind. This what Greece can do for you.

I feel very lucky for the amount of times I’ve gotten to visit this wonderful country. A massive thanks has to go to my parents for always taking us there.

My Mum and Dads stories from visiting Greece in the early 80’s are my favourite. It was relatively un-visited then by tourists, so you had to be fully immersed in the way of life. Certain aspects and places are still like that and it’s this authenticity that keeps me coming back.

My Greek bucket list is so long, starting with Santorini, Skiathos, back to Athens, and Kalymnos.

For now though, I will stick to visiting Rhodes again this year, as there’s still things to see and do there.

I’d love to know if you’ve been to Greece before, or are thinking of going.

Jessi xoxo