My Favorite, But Lesser-Known Gems in Greece

Thermal Spring: Thermae Silla in Loutra Edipsos

Loutra Edipsos is the largest spa resort in Greece, and in spite of its size, it’s not that famous across the world. It is said that the goddess Athena asked Hephestus to create a system to bring hot water for her hero Hercules to relax​ in. The first baths in Loutra Edipdos originate from Roman times. When I visited the thermal spa hotel with my partner, it was our first romantic trip and we loved the intimacy of being far from the big city and enjoying the landscape while soaking in the pools.

Architecture: Sissi Palace in Corfu

The island of Corfu, located off the North-West of Greece in the Ionian Sea, is often described as one of nature’s works of art. Part of this romance can be found in ancient stories, particularly in Greek mythology. The Greek name for Corfu, Kerkyra, comes from the daughter of the river-god Asopos, a nymph that Poseidon fell in love with. In their ensuing relationship, the nymph and sea god created a race called the Phaeacians, skilled sailors that inhabited Corfu and helped Odysseus in his last stop on his journey back to Ithaka. It’s also very romantic to walk around the gardens designed by the empress Sissi during her stay on the Greek islands.

Scuba Diving: Underwater Statues in Spetses

The reason I went to Spetses was when I was invited to a cancer research conference, when I was still a researcher. But since I was in such an incredible environment, I added to the conference a little detour underwater. I was able to have ‌clear visibility and spend time with marine life, including an octopus. An added bonus was to find some statues that were left underwater after falling from ships during transportation. I guarantee an experience different than the usual dive spots where you are surrounded by divers; here, you will have the whole space to yourself

Museum: Mythology in Delphi

If you love Greek mythology, the real deal is Delphi. You can go off-course to stop at the Acropolis on the way, but nothing beats the home of the sphinxes: Delphi. The ancient Greeks considered the center of the world to be in Delphi. The museum is full of stories, and the Coliseum and most of the temples are still there.

Fresh fish at the pier in Loutra Edipsos

I am not going to give a specific name, but if you go all the way for the thermal spring, take a walk along the cliff and you will find a selection of restaurants where the fish comes straight from the sea.

Olive oil at the monasteries in Corfu

Have you ever tasted real Greek olive oil? If you feel like looking for the real deal, all you have to do is take a short drive in Corfu to one of their monasteries. I guarantee, you will remember the taste of their olive oil for years after (and will figure out how to squeeze some cans in your suitcase).

Seafood and urchin in Spetses’ small city center

Like I mentioned before, my initial goal in Spetses was to go to a conference, but I had to feed myself and yes, I still remember, years later, how good the food was. Fresh urchin and seafood were served in most of the little restaurants around the main square.

Wine in Crete and Paros

I am not gonna lie, I did not get to visit Crete and Paros yet. However, while driving around Greece, I got to try the wine from there and the wine tasted like the sun... If you can do a detour there, I am sure it will be worth it.

Food diversity in Athens

Athens is the capital city of Greece and has been continuously inhabited for over 7000 years. In ancient times, it was one of the main city-states that competed for power against Sparta, Corinth, and Thebes. It is less quiet than the other places I mentioned, but it is THE place where all the cultures meet and where Greek culture and cuisine is best represented. You will get tasteful olives and feta like you never had before!