1 - 2 of 2 Posts

AlexiaTravels

Active member
I love to shop while in Greece and I go about once or twice a year. I always bring things home! Some are household staples, like olive oil, wine, honey, and herbs, and others are great gifts - like worry beads. Here's a look at what I love to bring home.

Olive Oil - I love bringing back high-quality olive oil! It's not only perfect for cooking, but also makes an excellent gift for friends and family. Authentic Greek olive oil has a distinctive flavor, texture, and aroma that will leave you wanting more.

Ceramics - Greece is famous for its pottery. You can find many ceramic shops that sell unique designs and styles. From traditional Greek motifs to modern designs, there's something for everyone. Bring back a piece of Greece with a beautiful handcrafted ceramic vase or dish.

Worry Beads - Also known as komboloi, these are traditional Greek beads that people use to pass the time, entertain themselves, and relieve stress. You can find them in shops throughout Greece, from Athens to the smallest village. Worry beads come in a variety of materials, including wood, silver, and olive pits. These make great gifts!

Greek Wine - Greece has a long history of winemaking. With a wide range of grape varieties, Greece produces some of the world's most unique and delicious wines. Don't miss out on the chance to taste some while you're there, or perhaps take home a bottle or two for your friends and family. Wine from the island of Santorini is particularly special.

Greek Honey - Greece is famous for its honey, which is considered one of the best in the world. The Honey of Thyme is a specialty of the island of Crete, where bees feast on the fragrant thyme that grows wild on the island. The honey has a distinct floral flavor that will make your taste buds sing.

Herbs - I always, always, always bring back proper Greek oregano and other other herbs. I bring back a bunch of teas, too, like Greek chamomile which I swear tastes better, and of course Mountain Tea.
 
  • Like
Reactions: k_tsoukalas
My all time favorite is to bring honey back! There's nothing comparable to Greek honey that I can find in the United States where I live.
 

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?

Summer Island Hopping Tips - a Month in July

It’s been a while since I’ve traveled in Greece during peak season, and I’m considering spending about a month there in July. The plan is to split my time between Athens (to visit friends) and hopping to several islands. I’m excited about the energy of summer, but I’m also aware that July can be intense in terms of crowds, heat, and logistics.

For those who have done island hopping in high season, what worked well for you? Is it better to base yourself on one or two islands and take short trips, or fully move around every few days? How far in advance do you typically book ferries and accommodations in July?

I’m also curious about pacing. With a full month, I don’t want to rush, but I also want to make the most of being there. Any tips on routes, balance, or things to avoid during peak season would be really helpful.

Is Greece easy to travel around without renting a car?

I’m trying to figure out whether it’s realistic to travel around Greece without renting a car. I’d prefer not to drive if I can avoid it, especially since I’m not familiar with the roads, parking, or driving customs there.

For those who have traveled around Greece using public transportation, how easy was it? I know there are buses, ferries, taxis, and domestic flights, but I’m wondering how practical they are once you get outside the main tourist areas. Did you ever feel limited by not having a car?

I’m also curious whether it makes sense to rely on public transportation for most of the trip and just rent a car for a day or two when needed. Are there certain types of places that are especially difficult to reach without one?

I’d love to hear from anyone who has done a Greece trip mostly or entirely without driving.

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.
Sign up for a free account and share your thoughts, photos, questions about Greek food, travel and culture!

WorldwideGreeks.com is a free online forum community where people can discuss Greek food, travel, traditions, history and mythology.
Join Worldwide Greeks here!

JOIN COMMUNITY FOR FREE

LOGIN TO YOUR ACCOUNT
Back
Top