1. The mild winter
Most days are dry and bright. I was just about able to sleep comfortably at night in the van during winter in Athens
2. The ancient stuff
The remains of ancient Greece is just scattered everywhere. I like to just stumble on these places and be totally surprised
3. The coast and beaches
Greece has over 8000 miles of coastline along the Aegean and Ionian sea, and a lot of it still feels quite wild. This has to be some of the best coast in Europe? See best beach post
4. The Islands
You could spend a lifetime exploring these islands. The of number of islands is in the thousands, with around 220 inhabited
5. The light
The light IS different in Greece. I thought I was getting better at taking photos, but I’m not, it’s the light
6. The food
The best tomatoes, tzatziki, feta, wild figs, olives… I could go on and on. In the past 7 months, I’ve probably eaten better than I ever have in my life. You can’t not
7. The feel
You know you’re in Europe but at the same time there’s a strong feeling of the east. I really like this
8. The relaxedness
I adapted to this fairly quickly. I didn’t mean to spend 7 months here. Greece is a country where you take your time
9. The nature
You’re never far away from nature, and it’s so loud at night. There’s a recording in this post
10. The mountains
You can go from a hot beach where you can swim, up to a mountain with snow. About 80% of the country is mountains, making it one of the most mountainous countries in Europe
11. The capital
Athens is a strange mishmash of everything. It’s such a unique city. You feel as though there is something hidden round every corner–and there usually is. I love this place
12. It’s van friendly x100
There’s just so much open space without fences or no entry signs. Greece is wildcamping paradise. And If a local guy knocks on the van, it’s probably because he wants to give you some of his grandmas homemade Spinach pie rather than tell you that the beach is not a camp site. That brings us to the last one…
13. the people
Driving through all these countries you really get to notice the difference in the people. But the Greeks stand out a mile. They are by the most friendly, fun, chilled and hospitable people I’ve met… ever met actually.
I know that this list could go on forever. Please add more in the comments
Greece: My favourite country so far.
Now see my last Greece post: The story from Greece in 29 pictures
chris walden