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
I have to agree with all of the above, love Greece and wish I could relocate there for good. Love reading your posts 🙂 xx
I’d like to comment on 2 things since I’m Greek:
Food – I find vegetables and fruit in central and northern europe to be tasteless, I think it has to do with mass use of hydroponic greenhouse production and other super modern production methods, which are not really necessary in Greece because of the all year round sunshine.
Photography – Don’t you think that sometimes the light is TOO bright. I find it overwhelming sometimes… and they say that in Northern Africa and the Middle east it’s even brighter
“I didn’t mean to spend 7 months here. Greece is a country where you take your time” I like this sentence. ı think, ı need like this. Enjoy your travel..
Man I have to get and see all of this stuff! Santorini was an amazing taste and I now need to see more after reading this!
I agree !!! Magnificent country to travel !!! I have been in the forty European countries, Greece – my favorite destination !!!
This is my video about traveling to Greece: Pelion, Santorini, Monemvasia, Lucia, Vikos … etc.
https://youtu.be/p-NT-F_1DxU
I’ve been lucky enough to visit a few Greek islands, and my overwhelming memory is the laid-back attitude to everything. No rushing takes place, so don’t expect to go into a shop and have the owner rush in from his chair outside to assist you – it will not happen, usually for at least 5 or 10 minutes. Yes, they trust you, and you never betray that trust.
They don’t understand our panicked mentality, and will simply say “σιγά-σιγά”(sigá-sigá, pronounced cigar cigar) which means ‘slowly slowly’.
How I love Greece and those dear people.
You captured “it”, the reason that country is in my heart.
Seeing your beautiful pics and your comments on Greece, has made me nostalgic for the country all over again…it really is a special place. Thanks for sharing all of this…and blessings on your continuing travels.
Love it, wish we had bumped into you. Just got back from Santorini, experiencing post-holiday blues. If I ever get my VW over there, we’ll have to go camp somewhere! Enjoy your adventure 🙂
Absolutely gorgeous. Added to my bucket list near the top!
What a fantastic blog. I fell in love with Greece and decided last year that I will retire there. The light is different. The sea, the food, the people, the GODS, you can imagine how the ancient Greeks dreamed up all those myths and inspired the world when you stand on the Acropolis hill, or Cape Sounion, or take a ferry to Santorini passing a dozen historic islands on the way… Breathtaking.
Totally agree with all You have said. Could have written it myself. Just two more things I love about Greece….. NO HEALTH AND SAFETY or POLITICAL CORRECTION nonsense. People just use common sense. Back there for hols soon. Christopher Busby.
I agree too ! I have traveled a lot in Europe (I am from East Europe ) , But Greece is the most beautiful country in Europe (at least !) . History , people,nature,climate ,culture ,THE GOOD TASTE of everything : houses,streets,shopwindows, the perfume smell everywhere (capitalization as a 14th reason…).In greece you feel to belong to nature….Nothing is built big , all are integrated in the nature.These are only the few reasons that Greece is Paradise on Earth , without any doubt !