Wine and wine-making traditions have been integral to Greece’s culture since ancient times. So much so that in Ancient Greece there was even a god of wine, the cheerful Dionysus. The country’s diverse landscape, Mediterranean climate, and glorious sunshine are responsible for some of the best Greek wine varieties. When traveling across Greece, make sure you sip a glass or three of exquisite Greek wine.

1. Assyrtiko

The Assyrtiko grape variety is native to the stunning island of Santorini, as it’s been growing on the island’s unique volcanic soil for centuries on end. That said, Assyrtiko grapes are now widely produced throughout Greece, especially in the Cyclades. Assyrtiko is a very dry white wine with citrus and green fruit hints and it pairs excellently with seafood dishes.

2. Agiorgitiko

The flagship of Greek red wine varieties is Agiorgitiko, the most widely planted red grape in Greece.  With origins in the Peloponnese, and more specifically in Nemea, Agiorgitiko wine is often nicknamed the Blood of Hercules. Legend has it that the Greek hero drank Agiorgitiko wine before killing the vicious Nemean Lion to save the people of Nemea. Agiorgitiko wine is among the best Greek wine varieties. It’s fruity with hints of spices and it pairs wonderfully with meat and cheese. 

3. Xinomavro

Xinomavro is the most important grape variety in Northern Greece and in the city of Naoussa in particular. The red wine produced by Xinomavro grapes is often described as an explosion of aromas, with hints of strawberries, cherries, dried tomatoes, and Mediterranean herbs coming together to create a mouthwatering blend. Xinomavro is best paired with meat dishes and aged cheese.

4. Vidiano

Vidiano is a noble grape variety, indigenous to Crete Island. One of the almost forgotten Greek wine varieties, Vidiano was rediscovered quite recently, in the 1980s. Ever since then, Vidiano grapes produce a high-quality white wine with complex aromas that combine fruity with mineral elements. Vidiano wine pairs superbly with meat-based dishes.

5. Malvasia / Monemvasia

Malvasia is a historic white grape variety that’s commonly used for dessert or fortified wines. Although this variety has its origins in Crete, it owes its name to the fortress town of Monemvasia in the Peloponnese. Back in the Middle Ages, Monemvasia was a major trading center for wine and other goods and Malvasia wine became a favorite product for Venetian merchants to profit from. Malvasia wine is among the most superb dessert Greek wine varieties.

6. Moschofilero

Although pink or purple-skinned, Moschofilero grapes produce what’s probably the most popular white wine in Greece. Grown mostly in the Peloponnese, and more specifically around the area of Mantineia, Moschofilero grapes are responsible for a very aromatic yet crispy and bold wine with touches of spices. The perfect pairing for a glass of Moschofilero wine is either an assortment of delicious appetizers or a plateau of fresh fruit.

7. Aidani or Aidini

Aidani – also spelled Aidini – is one of the oldest white grape varieties. Aidani grapes grow on almost all of the Aegean Sea islands, but primarily in Santorini, Paros, and Naxos. Wines based on Aidani grapes have an elegant floral aroma with hints of jasmine and lemon blossom. Aidani wine pairs magnificently with vegetable-based dishes.

From the mainland’s untouched North to its sunny South to the gorgeous islands, no matter where your trip to Greece takes you, don’t miss the chance to try as many of the local Greek wine varieties as you can to experience the real feeling of Greece; the one that hides in its distinct tastes and mesmerizing aromas.

The largest island in the Cyclades, Naxos is the ideal destination for anyone dreaming of a quintessentially Greek Island escape. There are countless fantastic things to do in Naxos and we’re happy to share with you our list of the top 10 among them.

1. Enjoy The Sunset at Portara

The ultimate symbol of Naxos, Portara is also the best spot on the island to watch a spectacular sunset. Portara is a splendid marble doorway overlooking the town of Naxos and the Aegean Sea beyond. This doorway is all that remains of the ancient Temple of Apollo. Connected to Naxos Town by a romantic causeway, Portara is a sight for sore eyes any time of day. Yet it’s during the golden hour that Portara is absolutely enchanting.

2. Swim in Crystal Clear Waters

Like most of the Cyclades Islands, Naxos is a hiker’s heaven. That’s why hiking across the island’s stunning countryside is one of the best things to do in Naxos. While hiking along the century-old paths of Naxos, you’ll come across picturesque villages, olive groves, and ancient sites. No wonder why the optimal way to get to know the real Naxos is walking.

3. Go Hiking

Like most of the Cyclades Islands, Naxos is a hiker’s heaven. That’s why hiking across the island’s stunning countryside is one of the best things to do in Naxos. While hiking along the century-old paths of Naxos, you’ll come across picturesque villages, olive groves, and ancient sites. No wonder why the optimal way to get to know the real Naxos is walking.

4. Drink Local Wine

Since ancient times, Naxos has been closely associated with wine-making traditions. Dionysus, the ancient god of wine, was worshipped on the island. Nowadays, Naxos produces superb wine, following traditional methods. There are many wine-making tours and wine tastings on the island to choose from. Indulging in one or three of those is definitely among the most special things to do in Naxos.  

5. Join a Cooking Class

Most of the Greek Islands are famous for their mouthwatering cuisine. Yet Naxos is genuinely a culinary heaven. Fresh produce on the island is of the highest quality. For instance, the island’s potatoes have a reputation for being the best ones in the entire country, and rightfully so.

If there’s one thing that’s better than simply enjoying a delicious meal is to take pride in knowing that you lent a hand in preparing it, too. By joining a cooking class in Naxos, you’ll learn all the secrets of local cooking so that you can recreate these exquisite tastes back home.

6. Learn The Island’s History

Naxos has a rich history that spans many centuries. Apart from Portara, there are quite a few other archaeological sites in Naxos, such as the Temple of Demeter. Thanks to the island’s marble quarries, many masterpieces were created in Naxos, like the Kouros statues that are scattered across various locations on the island, including Apollonas and Melanes.

Moreover, Naxos has many relics that date back to the Middle Ages and narrate the island’s history under Venetian rule.

7. Explore The Mainland Villages

The island of Naxos is home to the most pristine beaches you could ever wish for. Yet it’s worth turning your back on them for just a tiny bit to visit some of the prettiest villages in Greece that dot the island’s mainland.

A scenic drive along the winding roads that lead to the mountains of Naxos will take you to many quaint villages of marble squares and breathtaking views. Among them, Filoti and Halki, the island’s former capital, are not to miss.

8. Try Cheese Making

Naxos has a long cheese-making tradition and the island boasts a couple of PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) cheese types, such as graviera (gruyere) and arseniko. Apart from savoring the various types of local cheese at any given chance, you can also join a cheese-making workshop that will let you in on all the secrets of traditional cheese-making methods.

9. Admire The Ceramics

One of the top things to do in Naxos is to visit a traditional pottery workshop and watch in awe as the skilled craftspeople turn clay into wonders, using nothing but their hands and wild imagination. If you’re lucky, you may even get your own hands dirty and create a little something out of clay to remember Naxos by forever.

10. Visit Mosaic Naxos

Established in 2016, Mosaic Naxos is a brand with a vision to create modern objects, based on Greek patterns and by using Greek materials alone. This initiative has exceeded all expectations, so much so that the brand’s handmade items are among the best things to see in Naxos.

Which of these amazing things to do in Naxos sound more interesting to you? Let us know and we’ll make sure we curate the perfect trip to Naxos for you!

Oia’s iconic sunset is what draws enchanted visitors from all over the globe to Santorini, this island of wonders in the Aegean Sea. However, Oia isn’t the only place that’s worth a visit in Santorini. There are several other villages and towns on the island, each of which has its unique character. Here’s our curated list of the 5 best places to visit in Santorini and what to expect from each of them.

1.  Oia

Oia is the indisputable queen of Santorini and the most photographed town on the island and this is why it tops our list of the best places to visit in Santorini. A former maritime power, Oia is lined with glorious captains’ homes but it’s the once modest cave dwellings that steal the show. Carved into the rock overlooking the caldera and the deep blue sea for as far as the eye can see, these caves are now turned into 5-star luxury hotels that promise a once-in-a-lifetime experience to anyone seeking an elegant vacation like no other. 

Oia’s sunset is world-renowned and for good reason. Standing at the rim of the cliff to watch the sun dive into the sea before painting the sky into all hues of red, pink and gold isn’t a spectacle that you can enjoy every day. Similarly, Oia is a sight to behold after dark when it’s dimly lit to perfection and as peaceful as can be.

2.  Fira

Fira is the vibrant capital of Santorini and the island’s main transport hub. It’s also the ideal place to go shopping in Santorini. The whitewashed town of Fira is abundant in shopping options that range from souvenir shops and designer brand stores to supermarkets and grocery stores where locals do their daily shopping.

Apart from catching breathtaking views of the volcano, Fira is also the perfect place to dig into Santorini’s culture and history as the town is home to two amazing museums: the Museum of Prehistoric Thera and the Archaeological Museum. Furthermore, Fira is one of the best places to visit in Santorini for nightlife. Whether your idea of a night out is sipping cocktails at a sophisticated bar or dancing the night away at a fancy club, Fira is the place to be when the night falls.

3.  Firostefani

Due to its proximity to Fira, Firostefani is sometimes overlooked as many people think it’s the edge of Fira Town rather than a separate village. Firostefani is one of the smallest and most tranquil villages in Santorini, which makes it a welcome change from the buzzing rhythms and ambiance of neighboring Fira.

Situated just a short walking distance from Fira, Firostefani is famous for its beautiful traditional architecture and the stunning unobstructed views of the caldera and the Aegean Sea it offers. If you’re into nature and architecture, a hike from Fira to Imerovigli – or even Oia – with a stop at gorgeous Firostefani is one of the things you should plan during your Santorini vacation.

4.  Imerovigli

With the best panoramic views on the island, it’s no wonder that Imerovigli is regarded as the balcony of Santorini. Built at the highest point of the caldera, this whitewashed dream of a village is perched on the volcanic cliff and it’s home to some of the finest boutique hotels in Santorini.

Imerovigli is one of the best places to visit in Santorini if you’re looking for a romantic getaway in the most idyllic setting. Apart from the gorgeous views of the caldera and the sea, Imerovigli is also adorned by Skaros, an imposing rock where you can wander around the remnants of an old fortress.

5.  Perivolos Beach

Some of the best places to visit in Santorini are those that seem to hang on the dramatic cliff, offering breathtaking views of the volcano and the Aegean Sea beyond. However, Santorini is, above all, a Greek Island, and as such it’s the ideal place to indulge in some quality beach time.

Perivolos Beach is one of the most cosmopolitan seaside resorts in Santorini. With long stretches of black lava sand and deep sparkling waters, it’s the ideal place to enjoy the sea and the sand, without the crowds that frequent other beaches in Santorini. Perivolos Beach is very easy to get to and it’s well-organized, featuring premium facilities that guarantee a seamless beach vacation.

Deciding which villages and towns to add to your Santorini itinerary is a matter of personal preference. It all comes down to what you expect from your Greek Island escape. With this in mind, which of these 5 best places to visit in Santorini would you be more eager to explore?

With more than 6000 islands scattered across its glistening blue waters, Greece is the ideal destination for a memorable beachside vacation. Some of these islands, such as Santorini, Mykonos, or Crete, are famous all over the world. However, there are many off-the-beaten-path Greek Islands that are definitely worth a visit, too. Here’s a list of our favorite among them.

Tinos

Formerly known and visited solely as the most important site of worship for Orthodox Christians in Greece, Tinos is now being rediscovered for all its other charms. This barren mountainous island in the Cyclades is dotted with traditional villages, sandy beaches, and natural wonders, which include otherworldly rock formations and incredible lunar landscapes.

The wild beauty of Tinos comes in contrast with its artistic heritage, which is best appreciated at the island’s historic marble workshops. Moreover, this off-the-beaten-path Greek Island is ideal for travelers longing for the great outdoors and activities like hiking and wind-surfing.

Amorgos

No words can describe the feelings Amorgos evokes. This stunning island is the epitome of raw beauty and that’s probably what drove director Luc Besson to use Amorgos as the backdrop for his epic 80s movie The Big Blue.

Carved in rock on a steep hill overlooking nothing but the endless blue of the Aegean Sea, the Monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa is probably the island’s ultimate highlight alongside the romantic Old Town, one of the prettiest medieval settlements in Greece.

Patmos

The Island of the Apocalypse; the Jerusalem of the Aegean; whatever way you like to call it, Patmos is a unique island that has managed to preserve its authentic vibes even though it’s considered one of the greatest pilgrimage sites in the Mediterranean. Yes, the island is home to the Cave where John the Revelator wrote The Book of Revelation, but Patmos is so much more than just that.

The Old Town of Patmos is an architectural masterpiece as it winds its way around the imposing Monastery of St John. Moreover, Patmos is abundant in pristine beaches and secret coves and one of the best islands to enjoy a sailing trip in the Dodecanese.

Folegandros

It’s not an overstatement to say that Folegandros is the fairest of all the Cyclades Islands. Its well-preserved Old Town seems to have sprung straight out of a fairy tale or a midsummer night’s dream. Whitewashed and beyond words charming, the walled medieval castle on the edge of the cliff is the ultimate highlight of Folegandros Old Town.

The island is also home to one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the Aegean Sea. The Church of Panagia is built on a hill overlooking the Old Town and the enchanting blue sea for as far as the eye can see.

Spetses

Spetses is one of the loveliest off-the-beaten-path Greek Islands near Athens. Thankfully, the island’s proximity to the busy capital hasn’t altered its character. With grand captains’ mansions and an unparalleled aura of nostalgia and old-fashioned grace, a trip to Spetses feels like a journey back in time.

Combining luxury, art, and a rich history of war heroines and maritime legends, Spetses is an island like no other. The best time to visit the island is September for a chance to attend the incredible Armata Festival and watch the re-enactment of the 1822 Naval Battle of Spetses. 

Anafi

Resting silently in the shadow of nearby Santorini, Anafi is equally beautiful yet altogether different than its famous neighbor. This windswept rock in the heart of the Aegean Sea is the ideal island for those seeking absolute seclusion and unfathomable charm.

Anafi is one of the remotest off-the-beaten-path Greek Islands. Life in its dazzlingly white Old Town seems to go by at an irresistibly slow pace, while the island’s barren scenery promises moments of utter relaxation and a much-needed reconnection with nature.

Serifos

Serifos is often dubbed the Greek Island with 72 untouched beaches. This would be reason enough to visit in its own right. But there’s more. Built on a steep cliff and whitewashed to perfection, the Old Town of Serifos boasts magnificent traditional architecture and a laid-back ambiance that’s hard to put into words.

Moreover, Serifos is hiking heaven. One of the best places to explore on foot is the area where the island’s former mining facilities used to be. Once there, you can wander around and admire transport wagons, rails, a loading bridge, and even a gallery.

So, which of these off-the-beaten-path Greek Islands would you like to visit first? Come to think of it, why choose only one when you can visit all of them during your next trip to Greece?