Christmas in Greece is not just a holiday; it’s an enchanting period brimming with joy, age-old traditions, and a deep sense of community. From the melodious Kalanta carols to the iconic Karavaki decorations, every aspect of the Greek Christmas is steeped in history and heartwarming practices. Let’s embark on a festive journey to discover how Greece turns into a Yuletide paradise, compelling one and all to explore its Christmas magic through Greece Insider’s expertly crafted travel itineraries. The Heart of Greek Christmas: Food and Feasting Amidst the merry chaos of the season, Greek Christma ..read more

Every culture holds certain dates close to its heart, and for Greece, one of the most revered is August 15. It’s not just a date, but a deep embodiment of Greek traditions and culture. Let’s embark on a journey and uncover the significance behind this celebrated day. The Historical Significance Firstly, August 15 is celebrated as the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. This Christian feast commemorates the belief that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was physically taken up into heaven. For Greeks, this day holds immense spiritual importance, marking it as one of the largest religious festivals in the c ..read more

Origin of “May” The name of May, or Maios in Greek (Μάιος), originates from the ancient goddess Maia (in Greek Μαία) and is a reborrowing from Latin. According to Greek mythology, Maia was one of the Pleiades and the mother of Hermes by Zeus. Daughter of Atlas and Pleione the Oceanid, she was the oldest of the seven Pleiades. In later antiquity and as ancient Roman religion and myth took over, Maia embodied the concept of growth as her name was related to the comparative adjective maius, maior – which means “larger, greater” in Latin. Celebration of May First In ancient Greece, the first day ..read more

Greece is a country with many historic sites, beautiful beaches, and friendly people. Greece is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. You can visit some of the most beautiful places and enjoy the unique landscape of this amazing country. There are many things to do in Greece, such as hiking, swimming in the sea, or exploring different cities by bike. Athens Athens, the capital of Greece and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a wonderful place to visit with your family. There are many museums and galleries to explore as well as attractions such as The Acropolis and Plaka (the ..read more

Greece is full of wonderful traditions, and customs that exist for thousands of years. On New Year’s Eve, some customs are observed in many countries around the world, but some customs are found only in our country. In most countries around the world, Santa Claus delivers his gifts on Christmas Eve. In Greece, we have Saint Basil who waits a few days and makes his delivery on New Year’s Eve. Cyclades In the Cycladic islands, it is considered a good omen to have north winds on New Year’s Day. If a pigeon lands in the yard that day, it brings good luck. However, if a crow flies over the house in ..read more

Romantic getaways are sometimes just what you and your special someone needs. Sometimes romantic vacations are just to clear your mind. Other times they’re to reignite the same emotions when you both first met. So, whether one of your next island getaways is for your honeymoon, an anniversary, a couple’s retreat, or any plain romantic getaway, think of Greece! These are the 5 Greek islands that offer the ultimate in romance. Travel to Greece, of course, for a combination of luxury, romance, culture, and a mouthwatering cuisine like no other. Two-masted sailing yacht at Kleftiko on M ..read more

Byzantines and Franks have left their mark in various parts of Greece, creating settlements that still exude an aura of another era. “Medieval” Greece invites us to discover it through 6 wonderful medieval destinations that keep their characteristics intact over time. To discover these 5+1 Medieval destinations in Greece, contact one of our expert travel designers here or email your request at hello@greeceinsiders.travel Mesta, Chios Mesta is the most well-preserved village of Chios. It is one of the most beautiful castle villages on the island. Its location is 35 km southwest of the cit ..read more

Easter, this great holiday of Christianity, is celebrated in a special way in every corner of the country, and especially in some areas, customs and traditions are revived that give a special “color” to this festive period. The “burning of Judas”, Horse Racing, Egg Battles, the representation of the Apostasy of the Crucified, and the Resurrection in cemeteries are just some of the traditions that continue in cities and villages. “Holy Friday”, oil on canvas (1885) by Théodore Jacques Ralli Photo Credit: oriana.italy Easter in Central Macedonia In Nea Mesimvria, Thessaloniki, on Good Friday ..read more

What are the characteristics that make these churches in Greece special? Exploring Greece, what you will find are churches and monasteries with special features that make them special. Either on a mountain or on the islands everywhere, there are Greek churches that are different and have behind them a special story to tell you. We selected 5 churches in Greece that we feel hide a special history. For those of you who wish to experience these churches in person, contact one of our expert travel designers here, and together you can plan a unique holiday in Greece and include some (or all) of the ..read more

In this article, you will find the most useful Greek words and phrases for your upcoming trip to Greece. Divided into categories and subcategories, learn how to make acquaintances, how to thank someone, and how to shop in Greek. Although most Greeks have a good command of the English language, it can be nice to introduce yourself in Greek and ask locals for sightseeing directions. We all appreciate the effort when someone addresses us in our language: it shows interest in our culture and history. Imagine that you are in Greece and after a long day of sightseeing tours you want to enjoy your ev ..read more