Say ‘Greek holiday’ and most people think of the islands awash in white cubeiform homes against blue seas featured on the posters hanging in most travel agencies. But Greece’s landscape, including its islands, is incredibly varied with monuments and architecture that reminds visitors of Greece’s textured history. Cozy shingle coves, vast sand beaches, sheer cliffs plunging into the sea, densely forested mountains, barren flat plains, sheer crags, ancient ruins, medieval castles, neoclassical mansions, churches carved into stone make up Greece. It’s a land that offers many experiences, a land for all seasons and all tastes–and everyone has their favorite corner of the country that to them is the ultimate Greece. What’s yours?
Angelo Tsarouchas
Comedian/Actor – Fred & Vinnie
We ate at a Restaurant in Oia, Santorini, called Skala, they had the most magnificent view of the caldera, and they have a traditional dish called fava, served with fresh lemon from the trees. It was an amazing dining experience I recommend to anyone, especially lovers!
Theo Alexander
Actor – True Blood
My favorite place in Greece is my village in Mani. It’s called Ayios Nikolas and it is in the heart of one of the most beautiful regions of the Peloponnese. The bare landscape filled with rocks and olive groves gives a unique feeling of serenity and beauty. Just a few minutes away from the mountain you can be in virgin beaches, untouched by man. My favorite one is Ambelos Beach. Combined with my grandmothers cooking, Mani is my favorite place on earth. Where I can go and get re energized for the odyssey we call life.
Pamela Spyrs
Writer/publicist – Founder INSPYRS PR
As the sun sets in beautiful Greece I can usually be found gazing at its natural beauty by the seaside of any given island I might be vacationing on. Though the islands are simply paradise the ancient grounds, I’m most drawn to is Ancient Olympia located in the Peloponnese. From the moment I walk through the gates that lead to the paths of historical Olympia I am in mere amazement of its ultimate connection to the birth of the Olympic Games. Separately, another one of my favorite places to visit while in Greece is The Benaki Museum located in the heart of Athens at 1 Koumbari St & Vas. Sofias Ave. There is always an incredible exhibit on display and I always enjoy going to the rooftop of the museum on a Thursday night when the museum is open late and basking in an extraordinary view of The Parthenon. From there I walk up the street a bit to my favorite BIO Restaurant/Cafe/Bar, ‘nice n easy’, at 60 Omirou in Kolonaki where I go to enjoy a delicious BIO salad, a refreshing cocktail and great company!
Vlas Parlapanides
Director/Writer – Immortals
One of my favorite places in Greece is in the small village my mother was born and raised in, Kyllini. Specifically, it’s an olive grove that sits atop a mountain that overlooks the blue waters of the Ionian Sea. In ancient Greece, olive trees were believed to be holy. And I can see why. When I’m in this olive grove I feel a certain serenity that’s difficult to describe. It’s quiet. Calm. Beautiful beyond words. And the fact that my grandfather planted those olive trees makes the place even more meaningful to me. My brother and writing partner, Charley, and I hope to build a small house there someday. I can’t think of a more beautiful place to be or a more inspirational place to write.
Theo Pagones
Actor/Writer/Producer - Astoria
I love Athens in September...everyone’s back to work, the kids are at school, and the tourists are all gone. I stay in Voula...I rent a car to see all my family and friends in Athens and head to my favorite beach... Vouliagmeni’s Asteras...at the old school Astir Palace hotel, now the W hotel. After beaching all day, I take a short drive to nearby Zahos taverna, where they have all the classic Greek eats...a horiatiki salad, three pork gyros, and a large Greek beer...to me all alone in paradise!
Orestis Hillas
aka: Chef OH - Fotis and Son Imports
I was born in Hania on the island of Crete, however after visiting Kardamyli (located in southern Peloponnese) a few times after marrying my wife, Eleni, it has now become my favorite place to bring my family for summer vacations in Greece. I love that it has kept its historical past and small village charm. It is the place to visit if you want to free yourself from the hustle and bustle of your daily life and just sit back, relax and watch the fishing boats go by. Our favorite taverna to spend long family lunches is Elies. It sits just across the road from Kardamyli Beach. Once we finish our lunch we return to the beach to relax, have a swim, and enjoy the sunset. After my first visit to Kardamyli we found Hotel Vardia, a beautiful hotel that sits above the village and breathtaking views off its many balconies. It’s a wonderful retreat after spending a day on the beach.
Angeliki Giannakopoulos
Co-Founder of Los Angeles Greek Film Festival
The village of Oia on the island of Santorini is my personal favorite place to embrace the beauty of it’s ever so quite lifestyle and picturesque sunset. The village is situated on top of a cliff and has a spectacular view over the volcano of Palia and Nea Kameni and the island of Thirassia, which leaves me in ‘awe’ every time I’m there. Oia has many art galleries, which makes it ever so eccentric, which draws a very hip yet sophisticated crowd. An absolute must see when visiting the island of Santorini.