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dpappas87

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I live in California, and I am used to living a pretty fit lifestyle. Recently, I have been a weight loss journey, connecting to my Greek roots and the healthy foods that are part of the Mediterranean diet. Although I wasn't active for a long time, I have found that there are plenty of opportunities where I live in LA. There are a lot of gyms, parks, I go for daily walks, etc.

I am planning my next trip to Greece and I need your advice. How do I stay fit? We are planning to spend a few days in Athens and then do some island hopping. We won't be staying in a hotel with a fitness center. I plan to pack something portable, like my fitness bands, so I can do a quick workout in my room if I need to. Yet, I see that Greeks are very fit. What should I do while in the country? How do Greeks stay fit?

I am older, but in decent shape. I can walk, hike, etc. I was thinking of heading to Crete just so I can hike the Samaria Gorge. I have friend my age who did it and thought it was a great experience. I am open to any advice you can give.
 
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I was thinking about this yesterday. I actually manage to lose weight every time I am in Greece and I almost can't figure out why, because I feel like I am eating all the time - dessert every night, drinks, three large meals a day.

Two factors I think are part of this - the food is super fresh and of a high quality, and I tend to walk A LOT when I am in Greece. Though I usually rent a car, I only seem to use it for road trips, preferring to walk and take taxis in the cities and villages. I must be burning a lot of calories.

I saw, bring fitness bands and use them in your hotel room, but I wouldn't worry too much about it because I bet you'll have no problem maintaining your weight.
 
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I think your idea of going to Crete is excellent. The recreational opportunities are endless and the food is extremely fresh and healthy. My preference is the Chania Prefecture which includes the Samaria Gorge as well as others, the Botanical Gardens, exquisite beaches, and farm-to-table restaurants.
 
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I think your idea of going to Crete is excellent. The recreational opportunities are endless and the food is extremely fresh and healthy. My preference is the Chania Prefecture which includes the Samaria Gorge as well as others, the Botanical Gardens, exquisite beaches, and farm-to-table restaurants.
Oh! I like the sound of this, thank you! I will start researching this area, it seems like there are a lot of opportunities here.
 
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As you explore the Prefecture of Chania, you could spend some nights in the Old Town (all day trips are possible from there) and maybe look into a couple of nights in Loutro on the southern coast. Accessible only by ferry from Sfakia, there are hiking trails across the coast and behind Loutro up to the village of Anopolis where a little further along, you’ll also find the spectacular Aradena Gorge. If you’re tired of hiking by then, Loutro also gives you quick access to the beach of Marmara located at the end of the Aradena. In season, there’s bungee jumping from the Aradena Bridge!?

I’ll stop…you can tell that I’m really fond of Chania! Enjoy your research!
 
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I live in California, and I am used to living a pretty fit lifestyle. Recently, I have been a weight loss journey, connecting to my Greek roots and the healthy foods that are part of the Mediterranean diet. Although I wasn't active for a long time, I have found that there are plenty of opportunities where I live in LA. There are a lot of gyms, parks, I go for daily walks, etc.

I am planning my next trip to Greece and I need your advice. How do I stay fit? We are planning to spend a few days in Athens and then do some island hopping. We won't be staying in a hotel with a fitness center. I plan to pack something portable, like my fitness bands, so I can do a quick workout in my room if I need to. Yet, I see that Greeks are very fit. What should I do while in the country? How do Greeks stay fit?

I am older, but in decent shape. I can walk, hike, etc. I was thinking of heading to Crete just so I can hike the Samaria Gorge. I have friend my age who did it and thought it was a great experience. I am open to any advice you can give.
trust me you will do a lot of walking and I spent a lot of time swimming, of course it would have to be summer to have the warm temperatures. You don't need a gym. You can eat a good diet with vegetables and fruits there and there are a lot of hills to keep you in shape. I am also from CA with a gym membership but did not miss it at all whiles visiting and didn't gain any weight.
 
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Which Greek island feels the least touristy in the summer?

I know that July and August are busy almost everywhere in Greece, especially on the more famous islands, but I’m curious about places that still feel relatively local and relaxed even during peak season.

I’m not necessarily looking for somewhere completely empty. I’d just love an island where you can still find traditional villages, local tavernas, quieter beaches, and a slower pace without feeling like the entire island is built around tourism.

Have you visited an island in the summer that still felt authentic and not overly crowded? I’d especially be interested in places where locals still seem to set the rhythm of daily life rather than visitors.

Which island would you recommend, and what made it feel less touristy to you? Was it the beaches, villages, restaurants, fewer cruise ships, or just the overall atmosphere?

Is Island Hopping Worth the Effort?

I've been thinking about trying an island-hopping trip the next time I visit Greece, but I'm wondering if it's actually worth the extra planning and travel time. In the past I've usually picked one island and stayed there for the duration of my vacation, which has been relaxing and let me really get to know the area.

Part of me loves the idea of experiencing several islands in one trip since they each seem to have their own personality, food, scenery, and traditions. On the other hand, I wonder if constantly packing, catching ferries, and checking into new accommodations takes away from the experience.

For those of you who have island-hopped, did you feel it was worth it? How many islands did you visit, and did you wish you had spent more time in fewer places? I'd love to hear your itineraries, tips, and whether you'd do it the same way again.

Festivals of Note for 2026 in Greece?

My family and I are starting to think about a possible trip to Greece in 2026, and this time we’re considering planning part of the trip around a festival or cultural celebration. We’ve been to Greece before, but we’ve never really organized a trip around a specific event.

I know Greece has so many interesting traditions throughout the year. Because of that, I’m starting to gather ideas early while we figure out where we might want to go.

Have any of you traveled to Greece specifically to experience a festival? If so, which ones would you recommend? It could be religious celebrations, food festivals, music events, or local village festivals.
I’d love to hear about any memorable festival experiences that might help us shape our 2026 plans.

Places to go for the first time in Greece?

A friend of mine is planning her first trip to Greece, and she asked me what she should prioritize for about 10 days. I’ve been lucky enough to go quite a few times, so I gave her a starting point: Athens for the history, Santorini for the views, and Mykonos for the energy and beaches.

She loved that outline, but she wants to add one more destination to round out the trip. That’s where I started second guessing myself a bit, because there are so many good options depending on what kind of experience she wants.

I was thinking maybe somewhere a little different to balance things out, but I’m curious what others would suggest. If you had 10 days and those three spots already planned, what would be your fourth destination for a first-time visitor?

Ferry vs flying between islands, what’s better?

I’ve always been a ferry guy when it comes to Greece, something about pulling into a port and seeing the island come into view just feels right. But this trip is a little different because I’m traveling with someone who gets pretty motion sick, so now I’m seriously considering flying between islands instead.

Curious what you guys think, ferry vs flying, what’s actually better?

I know ferries are part of the whole island-hopping experience, and they’re usually more flexible, but I’ve also had a couple rough rides when the water wasn’t calm. On the flip side, flights seem quicker and smoother, but maybe more hassle overall.

If you’ve done both, what would you recommend, especially in a situation like this? Is flying the smarter move, or are ferries still worth it if you plan carefully?
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