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

Finally, dakos, the Cretans’ famous bread rusk rings. Made with barley and baked twice, they are rock hard, and keep for months. Once softened with the right toppings, they’re also delicious. While you won’t find a perfect recipe for them (the recipes are considered valuable secrets), you’ll find the actual product at bakeries, delis and supermarkets, and they’re a must-buy for any foodie.

Got all the ingredients? Follow our instructions below and prepare a traditional and simple, perfect Cretan meal at home.

Ingredients

• 1 large round rusk

• 2 ripe tomatoes

• a splash of vinegar, optional

• 3,5 oz (100 g) Cretan ksinomysithra cheese, or feta cheese

• 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil

• 1 tbsp. capers or a few caper leaves

• 1 tsp. oregano

• a handful of olives

Directions

Grate one of your tomatoes, and chop the other one finely. If using, add the vinegar to the grated tomato.

Place the bread rusk in a deep serving dish, cut side up. Sprinkle it with up to a tablespoon of water – this is necessary to make it soften slightly, but don’t overdo it, the tomato and oil will finish the job.

Top the bread rusk with the grated tomato, and then the chopped tomato.

Crumble the feta cheese over the tomato, and top with oregano, capers (or caper leaves), olives and extra virgin olive oil.

Serve, and savour, immediately!

Santorini is probably one of the most photographed spots on this earth and at the top of most travelers’ bucket list. But what do you do when the time finally comes to visit this desired destination? Curated Greece has put together some essential recommendations that will let you get a good “taste” of the island:

1.Admire the view from the caldera

Remember all these times when you saw postcards and gorgeous photos of Santorini? Full of white fairy tale like houses and blue windows? Well, it’s time for you to see all this in real life. There is no way that this stunning view won’t leave you amazed!

2.Discover the island’s gastronomy and delicious local produce

Santorini’s volcanic soil and microclimate is the perfect environment for the growth of delicious local produce full of flavor and taste. Fava beans, capers, eggplants, tomatoes, grapes are among the popular products of Santorini. Moreover, the island hosts some of the best restaurants in Greece, with famous chefs creating distinguished dishes based on local products.

Tip: Taste Santorini’s popular cherry tomatoes, you can’t go wrong.

3.Stay in a cave house

You can’t go to Santorini and not live the experience of staying in a traditional cave house, with their characteristic earthy smell. Cave homes used to house the islands habitants as they provided protection from winds and they didn’t need a lot of materials to be constructed. They are built on the 400m high caldera (crater) of the island, they have an extraordinary view to the volcano while most of the rooms in each house are caves dug into the earth.

Tip: Not recommended for claustrophobics

4.Visit the local wineries

Santorini is home to several ancient varieties of grapes that can only be found on the island and the habitants of the island have been cultivating grapes in a unique halo shaped way, adapted to the climate of the island for thousands of years. The tradition still holds strong and nowadays the island has several award-winning wine producing houses. Visit them, learn about the particularities of the Santorinian wines and of course do some wine tasting.

5.Take a dive at the colorful volcanic beaches

Yes, it is not Mykonos but whether you prefer white, black, red or brown sand, Santorini has it all. Make sure to visit the island’s beaches and see the beautiful rock formations and colors of Santorini’s volcanic beaches. You won’t believe when you see how one white beach can co-exist next to a red beach.

6.Time travel to Akrotiri prehistoric village

Archaeologists claim that the first habitants of Akrotiri date back to 5000 BC but what you can see there today is a flourishing village of 30000 inhabitants at its peak, that was buried under the hot lava 3000 years ago. Walking around the paved streets of the village, the squares, the multi-level houses feels like travelling in time.

7.Watch the sunset from Oia

Who hasn’t heard of and seen photos of the Greek sunsets? However, there is one that is the mother of all sunsets and that is Oia’s. Every day hundreds of the islands visitors rush to find the perfect spot to witness the popular Oia sunset and see the sun diving directly into the Aegean sea. It is undeniably beautiful and worth watching.

Tip: Try watching the sunset from Faros, the lighthouse located in one of the island’s southernmost and westernmost parts.

8.Have a romantic dinner on the rim of the caldera

Remember what we mentioned above about the dazzling caldera view, the stunning sunsets and the delicious local cuisine? Combine all these and you get the most memorable romantic dinner. Sit at a table on the rim of the caldera, taste the island’s delicacies and enjoy the scenery.

Tip: If you were thinking when to propose, now it is the time.

9.Ammoudi for fresh fish

Ammoudi is a small fishermen’s port located right under Oia. Enjoy its tranquility and cuteness and make sure you go there during sunset for an unforgettable fresh sea food meal by the sea.

Tip: Walk to the end of the harbor, take the path and discover a hidden rocky beach with a great spot for fun dives

10.Night life in Fira

Santorini is mostly known as a romantic destination. However, visit Fira, the island’s capital, and you will be amazed with its vibrant night life. The town has plenty of bars of all kinds. From chilled lounge bars to dance clubs that stay up until early morning hours. Make sure you try some of the delicious and creative hand crafted cocktails served in some bars.

Tip: When the party is over, make sure you go to the main square of Fira where “breakfast” is served.

11.Take a boat tour to the Volcano

You have all heard the stories how today’s Santorini has been shaped by a volcano. Well, now it is time to meet the creator. Go on a boat tour or even rent a private boat and visit the still active volcano of Santorini where you can smell the sulfur coming out of the earth, feel the warm ground that is still smoking or dive in the bubbling thermal springs.

+1: Visit Thirasia

Practically it is another island, but Thirasia used to be one with Santorini until the volcano broke them apart. Take one of the small boats that go to Thirasia and walk around the small settlements of the island. Compared to its big and cosmopolitan sister, Thirasia has a totally different vibe and it feels like time hasn’t passed there.

If you are considering planning a vacation, you have a lot of work to do. From booking flights and transportation, to finding the perfect resort and planning a travel itinerary, you almost need a second vacation just to recover from planning the first one! While some travelers tend to be more budget wise and save money wherever they can, they often overlook one factor that will save them both time and money. I am talking about using a luxury travel advisor. Now, you may be thinking “How is that going to save you money?” and that is a good question. Read along and find out as I share with you the top reasons you should be using a luxury travel advisor when planning your next vacation.

First, we have luxury hotel upgrades. A luxury travel advisor has a wide range of industry resources and they can often find you the best hotel deals at some of the world’s leading luxury hotels and resorts. You may even find that you can get a better room or a better view for the same price of a lower quality room had you booked it yourself.

Speaking of upgrades, most upgrades are based on availability at the time of check in. A luxury travel advisor can confirm upgrades at the time of booking and can often get you better upgrades that include more benefits. Knowing about these upgrades will save you time searching for them when you arrive at the hotel or resort.

A luxury travel advisor can also find you many hotel or resort perks that you might not know about. From complimentary meals and hotel spa services, to hotel credit, local excursions and more, it is just another reason to use a luxury travel advisor.

Need help with business or first class flights? A luxury travel advisor has more experience than anyone else when it comes to business class and first class flight bookings. Use their experience to ensure you get the flight you need and the level of comfort you want.

Finally, a luxury travel advisor offers assistance when you need it. They are usually available almost 24/7 and can make your vacation a memorable one. Their ability to open doors in some of the world’s most prestigious resorts will make planning your next vacation hassle free and convenient.

Don’t wait any more! Let us curate your own perfect holiday!