Traveling and Eating in Greece: A Guide to Exploring the Land of Ancient Wonders and Culinary Delights
Greece is a country that captivates visitors with its stunning landscapes, ancient history, and vibrant culture. But perhaps one of its most irresistible charms lies in its food. Greek cuisine, rooted in simplicity and freshness, is a celebration of flavors inspired by the land and sea. From the sun-soaked islands to bustling city markets, traveling in Greece offers not just visual delights but also an unforgettable culinary journey.
In this blog, we’ll explore some of the best places to visit in Greece and dive into the mouth-watering dishes you must try along the way.
1. Athens: A Blend of Ancient History and Modern Gastronomy
As the capital city and the heart of ancient Greece, Athens is a must-visit for any traveler. Famous for landmarks like the Acropolis and Parthenon, the city also boasts an incredible food scene that blends traditional Greek flavors with contemporary twists.
Souvlaki and Gyro: These iconic Greek street foods are staples for a quick and satisfying meal. Souvlaki consists of skewered and grilled meat (typically pork, chicken, or lamb), served on pita bread with tomatoes, onions, tzatziki (a yogurt-based sauce), and fries. Gyro is a similar dish but made with shaved meat from a vertical rotisserie. You’ll find some of the best souvlaki and gyro at places like Kostas or O Thanasis, located near Monastiraki Square.
Spanakopita and Tiropita: Athens is home to countless bakeries where you can indulge in traditional Greek pies. Spanakopita is made with layers of flaky phyllo dough filled with spinach and feta cheese, while Tiropita features just cheese. They’re great for a snack or a light meal, and places like Ariston Bakery are perfect for trying these savory treats.
Moussaka: For a more substantial meal, try moussaka, a baked dish made with layers of eggplant, minced meat, and béchamel sauce. It’s a classic Greek comfort food and can be enjoyed at traditional tavernas like Ta Karamanlidika tou Fani.
Athens is also known for its vibrant central market (Varvakios Agora), where you can explore stalls filled with fresh produce, seafood, meats, and spices. It’s a great place to experience the energy of the city and sample some of the local specialties.
2. Santorini: A Taste of the Cyclades
Santorini, with its whitewashed buildings and blue-domed churches overlooking the Aegean Sea, is one of Greece’s most iconic islands. Beyond the breathtaking sunsets, Santorini offers an array of unique dishes influenced by its volcanic soil and abundant seafood.
Fava: A traditional dish made from yellow split peas, fava is cooked into a creamy puree and served with onions, olive oil, and lemon. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that reflects the island’s agricultural heritage. You can try fava at places like Metaxi Mas, a well-known taverna with amazing views.
Tomatokeftedes: These fried tomato fritters are a local specialty made with Santorini’s famous cherry tomatoes, herbs, and flour. They’re crispy on the outside and soft on the inside and pair perfectly with a glass of local white wine. Visit Taverna Katina in Ammoudi Bay for some of the best tomatokeftedes, while enjoying fresh seafood by the sea.
Santorini Wine: Santorini is also known for its unique wines, particularly Assyrtiko, a crisp, mineral-rich white wine that thrives in the island’s volcanic soil. Many wineries, like Santo Wines or Gaia Wines, offer tours and tastings where you can learn about the island’s viticulture and sample local varieties.
3. Crete: A Culinary Paradise
Crete, the largest of the Greek islands, is known for its rich history, rugged landscapes, and some of the best food in Greece. The island’s fertile lands provide an abundance of fresh ingredients, making Cretan cuisine a celebration of natural flavors.
Dakos: A Cretan version of bruschetta, dakos is made with dried barley rusks topped with ripe tomatoes, olive oil, feta or mizithra cheese, and oregano. It’s a simple yet delicious dish that perfectly captures the flavors of the island. You can enjoy it at Avli in Rethymno, a restaurant set in a beautiful courtyard.
Kalitsounia: These small, savory pastries are filled with a mixture of cheese, herbs, and sometimes spinach, and can be either fried or baked. They are typically served as an appetizer or snack and are popular throughout Crete. Try them at Peskesi in Heraklion, which offers a modern take on traditional Cretan dishes.
Cretan Olive Oil: Olive oil is central to the Cretan diet, and the island is home to some of the finest olive groves in the world. Many travelers take the opportunity to visit olive farms, where they can sample different varieties of olive oil and learn about its production. One of the best places to do this is at Biolea, a family-owned estate that produces organic olive oil.
Seafood: Being an island, Crete offers incredible fresh seafood. Visit coastal towns like Chania or Elounda to enjoy dishes such as grilled octopus, calamari, and fresh fish. Taverns like To Maridaki in Chania serve up seafood caught just hours earlier.
4. Thessaloniki: The Food Capital of the North
Known as the cultural and gastronomic capital of northern Greece, Thessaloniki offers a unique blend of flavors influenced by its multicultural history. The city’s cuisine is a fusion of Greek, Ottoman, and Balkan culinary traditions, making it a paradise for food lovers.
Bougatsa: A beloved breakfast pastry, bougatsa is a flaky pie filled with either sweet semolina custard or savory cheese or meat. It’s best enjoyed with a dusting of powdered sugar and cinnamon (for the sweet version) or topped with a bit of cheese for the savory. Try it at Serraikon or Bantis, two famous bougatsa spots in the city.
Koulouri: A popular street food in Thessaloniki, koulouri is a sesame-coated bread ring, similar to a bagel but lighter and crispier. It’s often eaten as a snack on the go, and you’ll find vendors selling them on every corner.
Soutzoukakia: These spiced meatballs, typically made from beef or lamb, are cooked in a rich tomato sauce and served with rice or mashed potatoes. They have their origins in the Greek population of Asia Minor and are a favorite dish in Thessaloniki. Try them at Molyvos, a local restaurant known for its homestyle cooking.
Seafood at Ladadika: Thessaloniki’s Ladadika district is a lively area full of tavernas and restaurants. It’s a great place to sample fresh seafood, grilled meats, and traditional meze (small plates). Be sure to try dishes like grilled sardines, calamari, and taramosalata (fish roe dip).
5. The Peloponnese: A Journey Through Ancient Greece and Traditional Flavors
The Peloponnese, a large peninsula in southern Greece, is home to ancient archaeological sites like Mycenae and Epidaurus, as well as beautiful coastal towns. The region is known for its hearty, rustic cuisine, which showcases the simplicity of Greek ingredients.
Lahanodolmades: These cabbage rolls stuffed with a mixture of rice and ground meat, and topped with a lemony egg sauce, are a classic dish from the Peloponnese. They’re hearty and flavorful, often enjoyed during the colder months. You can try this dish at Tavernas in Nafplio or Kalamata.
Kalamata Olives: Kalamata, a city in the Peloponnese, is world-renowned for its olives. These plump, dark purple olives are slightly sweet and full of flavor. They are often served as part of a meze or in Greek salads, but you can also visit olive farms to learn more about the production of these famous olives.
Pastitsio: A layered pasta dish similar to lasagna, pastitsio is made with tubular pasta, ground meat, and béchamel sauce. It’s a comforting, filling dish that’s popular throughout Greece, but you’ll find excellent versions in the Peloponnese, especially in small family-run tavernas.
Conclusion: A Culinary Odyssey Through Greece
Traveling in Greece is a feast for the senses, from the breathtaking landscapes and historical landmarks to the incredible variety of flavors found in its cuisine. Whether you’re savoring fresh seafood by the sea, indulging in a hearty moussaka in a mountain village, or tasting the unique wines of Santorini, each region offers its own distinct culinary treasures. Greek food is all about fresh ingredients, simple preparations, and sharing meals with loved ones—an experience that goes far beyond just eating. It’s a cultural experience that connects you to the land, the people, and the rich history of this remarkable country.
So, as you explore Greece, make sure to come hungry, because this is a place where every meal tells a story and invites you to savor the best of the Mediterranean.