Kalamata is a seaside town in the Peloponnese region of mainland Greece, famous for the Kalamata Olive and a host of activities in the region.  Here you can discover things to do in Kalamata as it’s well worth a visit.  But how do you travel to Kalamata?  People tend to travel from Athens to Kalamata as it’s only approx. 2.5 hours driving time from the centre of Athens: Athens to Kalamata By Bus The bus leaves from Kifissos station and takes approx. 3hrs 15 mins direct. They run roughly ever 2 hours on the hour, ie: 7am, 9am, 11am etc up until approx. 9.30pm. Check the schedul ..read more

As the temperatures rise and travel seems to be back on again (as at the summer of 2022), I don’t blame you for wanting to head immediately to the Greek islands and flop on a beach.  But don’t overlook Athens in the summer as a summer stopover or a bit longer. Let’s look at why: Athens is super quiet in August It’s true. As you’ll probably know, Athens gets super hot in the summer with temperatures reaching up to 40C/104F so that means that yes, everyone heads to the islands or their villages across the mainland.  This includes the locals, meaning that you’ve got the city pretty much ..read more

There are plenty of articles out there with specific information about different places in Greece; islands, mainland and how to travel to them, weather at different times of year, etc.  My site included. I decided here to provide you with an easier overall how to visit Greece article, with tips and links to these longer articles to help you plan your vacation. Click on the image to download your helpful Greece travel app for iPhone and Android My helpful travel app ‘Greece’s Best’ can help you plan your how to visit Greece trip–it has all you need in one quick downloadable app for Android ..read more

Greek Easter is the biggest celebration in the Greek Orthodox faith, bigger than Christmas.  It’s a time for hope, when Christ is risen and is celebrated across the country, with some islands and regions having their own distinct style. Whilst the Greek islands are the perfect place to be during summer, I’d recommend choosing an island to celebrate Greek Easter–or Pascha as it’s called–to experience this distinct style.  So let’s have a look at Greek Easter on the Greek Islands to help you choose where to go. Why not purchase the Rough Guide to the Greek Islands to help with your ho ..read more

Athens is an eclectic city with many things to do.  This great post about free things to do in Athens will help you plan your city break and have an affordable time. Equally, my Athens Travel App (see below) can be downloaded to your iPhone, iPad or Android app and you can have travel planning in the palm of your hand to discover the best neighborhoods in Athens: As Athens is such a varied city, here I compile for you a guide to Athens neighborhoods/best neighborhoods in Athens to give you a flavour of what to do here. Guide to Athens neighborhoods – Plaka Plaka is by far the most explor ..read more

You don’t have to spend a fortune in order to enjoy yourself in this Greek capital city. There are a number of activities you can do for free, including: Hiking Mount Hymettus Visiting Mount Parnitha and the abandoned royal estate Finding Anafiotika – a Hidden island village in Athens And I’ve written a post about Fun Things to Do in Athens, Greece but the recommendations there aren’t necessarily. So here I share with you a list of more free things to do in Athens. Free Things to Do in Athens – Stroll around Parliament Gardens Photo by Weekend Wayfarers 15.5 hectares of parkland and palm cla ..read more

We all know about Travel Bucket Lists, but what’s your favourite country with regards to beauty and culture?  For me, it’s obviously going to have to be Greece.  Come with me as I discover and share with you the best of Greece. You might also be interested in: Do’s and Don’t’s in Greece – Customs and Etiquette Travelling Responsibly in Greece – Some tips by Locals Cultural Faux Pas around the world Examples of the Best of Greece: Within half an hour from the centre of Athens, I can be at a beach or natural lake. Athens has many things to do – see my Fun Things to do in Athens guide ..read more

Hiking in Greece Aside from golden beaches and travelling to the islands, there is some great hiking in Greece, for example: Hosios Loukas Monastery and Archaeological Site in Central Greece Hiking in Pelion on the mainland Hiking around the Meteora Monasteries Mount Parnassos in Central Greece Hiking the little known Agrafa Mountains in Central Greece If you’re staying in Athens on a city break, and have exhausted my Insiders Guide to Visiting Athens, you’ll want to look further afield and see what else is on offer around the capital.  Mount Parnitha and the abandoned Royal Estate is a ..read more

Cats of Greece – the attitude Some may find this post controversial, but don’t forget this is an observation as a British person who lives here. I’ve lived in Greece for over a decade and notice a very difference of opinion to animals in general in this country – initially when I came I saw that pets weren’t really regarded as such – not necessarily in the bigger cities, attitudes there are changing…but definitely in rural areas.  Not just our small feline friends but also dogs.  It will seem to the visitor that many roam free – and they do.  For example, Riot Dog of Athens was ..read more

The Ionian Greek island of Zakynthos is known for package tourism and popular resorts, but it’s possible to visit its quieter and more traditional side too.  Let’s take a look at the more traditional side of this island such as olive oil making and things to do on Zakynthos. For an idea of what to pack when visiting a Greek island, see my Greek island all round packing list – perfect for any time of the year. Book your private Zakynthos Villa Residence. Click on the image to find out more.Things to do in Zakynthos: Aristeon Ecological Olive Press Olives from Aristeon Olive Press – Zakyn ..read more