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I am a foodie, where in Athens, Greece should I go?

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blopez34

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Hey everyone, I’ve recently became a foodie as a result of the pandemic, and I love cooking recipes from all over the world. Do you have any regions in Greece that are best known for their food?
 
blopez34 said:
Hey everyone, I’ve recently became a foodie as a result of the pandemic, and I love cooking recipes from all over the world. Do you have any regions in Greece that are best known for their food?
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There is so much diversity in Greek cuisine. Each region has something special, but I think that Athens will have some of the best street food, and great options for high end and fancy food. Crete and Cyprus have very unique and distinguished food, with super high quality ingredients. I would also recommend Lemnos. Lemnos is not as popular but they have a grey food and wine selection! I visited last summer and it was amazing!!!
 
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I also suggest looking into the cuisine of Crete. The food there is ultra fresh because the island is self sustaining. Mostly everything that is cooked on Crete originated on the island. Santorini also has some interesting dishes due to its unique growing conditions. The soil is volcanic, and this affects the produce. Their tomatoes, for example, are special and find their way in a lot of dishes.
 
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I went to this amazing restaurant near Athens that had many "politika" dishes, totally worth trying a diverse range of Greek foods.

fikifiki.jpg
 
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If you want to try an alternative to traditional gyro and souvlakia go to Plaka (Monastiraki) ,down close to the metro, and try Thanasi's or Savas. They make a kebab which melts in your mouth and also have many of the traditional Greek appetizers....and they are across the street from each other so if your super hungry you can try both and take home leftovers haha. Actually Savas opened a second location right down the street with a 3rd floor dinning room that has a view of the Acropolis too!20180626_163223_Original.jpg
 
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Thanasis, Monastiraki, best kebab ever!!!

Ο Θανάσης κεμπάπ Μοναστηράκι

Αθήνα, απογευματάκι... Διάθεση χαλαρή, ελαφρώς βαριεστημένη και η παραλία ( με την κίνηση στους δρόμους ) μοιάζει μακρινό όνειρο... Ιδανικές συνθήκες για μια βόλτα στο Μαναστηράκι. "Ο Θανάσης" είναι εκεί. Το ίδιο και η δροσιά από τα δέντρα της Πλατείας Δημοπρατηρίου σε συνεργασία με τα εξωτερικά...
othanasis.com othanasis.com
 
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Tatiana said:
Thanasis, Monastiraki, best kebab ever!!!

Ο Θανάσης κεμπάπ Μοναστηράκι

Αθήνα, απογευματάκι... Διάθεση χαλαρή, ελαφρώς βαριεστημένη και η παραλία ( με την κίνηση στους δρόμους ) μοιάζει μακρινό όνειρο... Ιδανικές συνθήκες για μια βόλτα στο Μαναστηράκι. "Ο Θανάσης" είναι εκεί. Το ίδιο και η δροσιά από τα δέντρα της Πλατείας Δημοπρατηρίου σε συνεργασία με τα εξωτερικά...
othanasis.com othanasis.com
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What about non street food? I want to explore the less touristy restaurants with traditional cuisine. Any recommendations?
 
I would definitely suggest Crete and especially one taverna tucked in a village in Chania. It is called Ntounias and it is a restaurant cum farm with an amazing host, Stelios, who cooks everything in clay pots and open fires. No electricity, no microwaves plus he makes everything from scratch: he grows the vegetables, feeds the animals, makes honey and wine, and amazing bread. It is slow cooking at its best. Feel free to ask for more suggestions!




IMG-4185.jpg
 
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StamatiaMaria said:
What about non street food? I want to explore the less touristy restaurants with traditional cuisine. Any recommendations?
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I would recommend trying out a "Politko" restaurant! It's a style of food from Greek Constantinople and it's sooo good. It's very similar to traditional Greek food, but with a twist. Pera restaurant in Athens is super authentic and there's very few tourists.
 
A nice experience would also be ERGON deli cum restaurant at Mitropoleos st, where you can have a taste of local ingredients from Greek islands and mainland in a beautiful environment, too.

Very good breakfast choices, too.
 
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Traveling to Greece is a dream for many, conjuring images of stunning beaches, ancient ruins, and vibrant Mediterranean culture. However, experiencing the wonders Greece has to offer doesn’t have to break the bank. Let's face it - it can be expensive to get there - especially if you are traveling from outside of Europe and during peak season. Keeping these tips in mind, though, can help you cut costs.

1. Travel During the Off-Peak Season​

One of the best ways to save money while traveling to Greece is by going during the off-peak season, which is typically from October to April. Not only will you benefit from lower prices in flights and accommodations, but you'll also escape the heavy tourist crowds, allowing for a more authentic experience of Greece's beauty and culture.

2. Opt for Lesser-Known Destinations​

While Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini are must-visit destinations, Greece is filled with hidden gems that are often overlooked. Consider visiting the Peloponnese region, Meteora, or even the northern part of the country, like Thessaloniki and the Chalkidiki Peninsula. These areas offer breathtaking views, historical sites, and genuine interactions with local culture at a fraction of the cost.

3. Use Public Transportation​

Greece’s public transportation system is both efficient and affordable. Ferries can take you between islands at a good rate, especially if you book in advance. On land, buses and trains connect major cities and regions. Utilizing these options instead of renting a car or taking flights can significantly reduce your travel costs.

4. Savor Local Eats​

Another great way to save while indulging in the richness of Greek culture is through its cuisine. Avoid tourist traps and opt for where the locals eat. Tavernas and street food vendors offer delicious and authentic Greek food for much less than restaurants in high-traffic tourist areas. Don’t skip on trying the gyros, souvlaki, and the myriad of seafood options.

5. Stay in Budget Accommodations​

Greece offers a wide array of budget-friendly accommodations, ranging from hostels to budget hotels and Airbnb listings. Booking in advance can secure you a better deal, especially if traveling during the peak season. Consider staying in a location slightly off the beaten path; you might discover a quaint neighborhood or a breathtaking beach that’s not swarmed by tourists.

Traveling to Greece on a budget is more than feasible with a bit of planning and some savvy travel hacks. By following these tips, you can immerse yourself in the rich history, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality Greece is renowned for, all while keeping your expenses in check. Remember, the essence of travel is not in how much you spend, but in the experiences you gather and the memories you create.

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I'm in the midst of planning an itinerary focused on exploring these influences and I’d love to hear from you about the must-visit spots where one can best experience the essence of the Venetian presence in Greece.

Do any of you have recommendations for specific towns, buildings, ruins, or even local festivities that embody this cultural blend? Any hidden gems or lesser-known locations that surprised you with their Venetian charm?

Of course, I expect Crete, with its famed Venetian fortresses and the romantic old town of Chania, to be part of this list. But I'm certain there is a wealth of places, perhaps on other islands or on the mainland, which equally showcase this unique period of history. I also know there are influences in Corfu. Is there anywhere else?

Finding Good Food Tours of Greece?

I love Greek cuisine. I cook it all the time and I love trying new recipes. The time has come for me to think about planning a food tour! Does anyone have any advice?

I would love to hear from members of this forum about their experiences with food tours in Greece.
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  2. Any specific food tour companies or guides that you would recommend?
  3. What were some of the standout dishes or culinary experiences on your tour?
  4. Are there options for people with dietary restrictions, such as vegetarians?
  5. What should one expect in terms of cost and duration?
Any tips or advice on how to get the most out of such a tour would be greatly appreciated too! Thanks!

Last-minute travel tips in Greece

I love to travel to Greece and I do so whenever I can. There's an art to it, though, and I am never really going into it "blind". It's a good idea to start by thinking generally about where you might want to go.

Athens is usually the starting point for most travelers, with its iconic Acropolis offering panoramic views and a history lesson all in one spot. If you're a beach lover, head towards the Cyclades for stunning beaches and the classic, postcard-worthy Santorini sunsets. Or, if it's history you're after, the ruins of Delphi or the ancient city of Mycenae will surely captivate you.

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I'm planning a trip to the island of Naxos soon and I'm reaching out for some guidance and tips.

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