12/82015

3 MIN

TRAVEL TIPS

Reasons to Visit Greece

As a greek friend and diplomat wrote on her Facebook wall one of these tough days: "Europe without Greece would be a child without Birth Certificate". The best way to support Greece is to visit them, since tourism is their greatest income. I have visited Greece for over 25 years, almost yearly. Here are some of my top reasons to go: [caption id="attachment_6004" align="aligncenter" width="1024" caption="Plaka beach, Naxos"]

[/caption] Because the sea is crystal clear, turquoise, blue and warm, licking some of the world’s best beaches [caption id="attachment_6005" align="aligncenter" width="1024" caption="Koufonissi"]

[/caption] The cliffs are nature’s own art, full of caves and coves

Windsurfing-conditions are world class [caption id="attachment_6007" align="aligncenter" width="1110" caption="Mikri Vigla Naxos"]

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So is kiting [caption id="attachment_6010" align="aligncenter" width="1024" caption="The guys at Plaka Watersports Naxos"]

[/caption] The Greeks are tough, free spirited, hot, kind, beautiful, warm and the most friendly people you’ll meet [caption id="attachment_6011" align="aligncenter" width="683" caption="In Koufonissi"]

[/caption] [caption id="attachment_6013" align="aligncenter" width="1037" caption="Apeiranthos, Naxos"]

[/caption] [caption id="attachment_6012" align="aligncenter" width="683" caption="Florios"]

[/caption] The old people have stories to tell, from their past as warriors, farmers, herders, fishers and seafarers [caption id="attachment_6014" align="aligncenter" width="1024" caption="Above Filoti, Naxos"]

[/caption] The interior awaits you with spiritual, natural, historic and cultural adventures [caption id="attachment_6015" align="aligncenter" width="1024" caption="Local trekking guide Stella Korres in Naxos"]

[/caption] Full of nuts, fruits, honey, herbs and flowers, intoxicating you with their wonderful smells [caption id="attachment_6017" align="aligncenter" width="1024" caption="Fotodotis monastery, Naxos"]

[/caption] Everywhere there are ruins, hiding tragic and dramatic stories and myths from the past, and present [caption id="attachment_6018" align="aligncenter" width="1024" caption="The old kafeinion in Apeiranthos, Naxos"]

[/caption] They preserve their cultural origins, like the old kafeinions, and [caption id="attachment_6019" align="aligncenter" width="1024" caption="Leftheris taverna in Apeiranthos, Naxos"]

[/caption] restaurants looking like museums,

and family tavernas, where cooking with love and pride goes down several generations [caption id="attachment_6021" align="aligncenter" width="1024" caption="Gigantes. Beans in spicy tomato sauce"]

[/caption] serving the world’s healthiest and tastiest food [caption id="attachment_6022" align="aligncenter" width="1024" caption="Plaka Watersports"]

[/caption] You relax better here than anywhere [caption id="attachment_6023" align="aligncenter" width="1024" caption="Chora Naxos"]

[/caption] There is always a room to let, in the most charming places

The hair salons are retro cool, and cost a fraction of your pricy one at home [caption id="attachment_6025" align="aligncenter" width="1024" caption="Apeiranthos Naxos"]

[/caption] Shopping is a cultural experience [caption id="attachment_6026" align="aligncenter" width="1110" caption="Naoussa, Paros"]

[/caption] Like finding unique jewelry from local artists [caption id="attachment_6027" align="aligncenter" width="1024" caption="Koufonissi"]

[/caption] [caption id="attachment_6028" align="aligncenter" width="1110" caption="Naoussa, Paros"]

[/caption] The villages are like a dream, painted in beautiful colors against pure white and blue. Harmonious [caption id="attachment_6029" align="aligncenter" width="768" caption="Xalki, Naxos"]

[/caption] There is a cosy café around every corner, with wonderful details telling their own story [caption id="attachment_6030" align="aligncenter" width="1024" caption="Seafood is everywhere"]

[/caption] Seafood is everywhere

Did I mention seafood? It’s fresh [caption id="attachment_6035" align="aligncenter" width="1110" caption="Naoussa, Paros"]

[/caption] and you enjoy your meals in the platias, harbors and street cafes, not only watching, but being part of everyday’s theatre [caption id="attachment_6036" align="aligncenter" width="1024" caption="Kofounissi"]

[/caption]

It’s a tough people, who learned to live on rocks, in the wind, facing anything, and never let go their identity [caption id="attachment_6038" align="aligncenter" width="1024" caption="Plaka, Naxos "]

[/caption] The sunsets are golden. You feel inflamed with the Greek god’s spirit as the wine hits your heart and soul [caption id="attachment_6039" align="aligncenter" width="683" caption="Petrinos taverna Naxos"]