Your pets are members of your family. Maybe you take them everywhere with you no matter what, or you might be having trouble finding a kennel or someone to take care of them while you’re out of town this year. Whatever situation applies to you, if you’re traveling with pets this holiday, here are seven things you should pack.
Whether your furry family members are big shedders or not, packing their grooming tools can make traveling with pets much more enjoyable this holiday season. Bringing along a brush is a great idea, especially if grooming is something your pet enjoys. Grooming your pet while you travel can help them learn that car rides aren’t something to fear. Packing your pet’s grooming supplies ensures you will be able to keep their coat healthy and clean while you travel too.
Traveling can be stressful for your pet. It’s an abrupt change to your pet’s routine, and many animals hate riding in the car. Flying is even less enjoyable for them. Keeping as many things constant as possible can help your pet cope with traveling, and that includes their food. Packing enough of the food they are used to eating to last the entire trip can help them feel at ease and decrease the likelihood that they will stop eating and make themselves sick. As with grooming, packing a few of their favorite treats won’t hurt either. It may even help you build positive associations with travel for them.
Seat Cover
On the topic of grooming and fur, pets tend to shed when they’re stressed. It’s probably not pleasant for them, but it’s even worse for you when you arrive at your destination and discover your back seat coated thoroughly in dog fur. To save yourself the trouble and expense of vacuuming your car, consider purchasing a seat cover. Look for one that’s machine washable and waterproof. The seat cover can protect your vehicle from both fur and any accidents that might happen.
Pet Carrier
Finally, bringing Best Dog Carriers for Travel can make life much less complicated. Some dogs are comforted by having their crate to sleep in, which can lessen travel-induced stress. Pet carriers also keep your pet contained, making it easier for you to focus on driving. No one wants to be going down a motorway while attempting to get their cat out from under their feet. You also don’t want to have to worry about your pet making a break for it the moment you open the car door. A pet carrier can make traveling safer for you and your pet.
Bathroom Products
Unlike humans, our pets can’t look up where the next gas station or rest stop is when they have to pee. Dogs are stuck relying on us to notice when they have to go or using a pee pad, which isn’t necessarily something you want to have in your car for several hours. Remember to pack pet waste pick-up bags or enough pee pads for dogs to change them out regularly.
Traveling with cats is even more challenging. Most cats will attempt to escape if you let them out of the car to use the bathroom. If you’re traveling with a cat this holiday season, consider investing in a travel litter box. Ideally, the travel box will be covered to prevent litter from getting everywhere. A covered box also gives your cat some privacy. In case you feel that cats don’t like covered litter boxes, a study from researchers at the Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine shows that they don’t have a preference one way or another.
Water Bowl
Hydration is essential for your pet’s health, especially when they’re stressed. Your pet needs continual access to fresh, clean water. Providing enough water while traveling with a pet can be difficult. Luckily, water bowls meant for traveling exist. Some are collapsable for easy storage, and many have clips or non-slip bottoms, so there’s less risk of them spilling during a car ride. Make sure to change the water regularly, and keep both food and water as far away from bathroom areas as possible.
It’s best to have your pet’s identification tag on their collar and maybe even a microchip, but it’s doubly important when you’re traveling. Your pet might also need a passport. Depending on where you’re traveling, it may be wise to pack papers proving your pet is up-to-date on all of their vaccinations. Do your research before you leave. Vaccinations keep your pet healthy and help protect other animals they might come in contact with.
With the right supplies, traveling with your pet doesn’t have to be stressful. The products listed above can help you and your pet have a safe, happy, and smooth trip this holiday season.
Are you gearing up to visit Greece for your vacation?
Would you like to know more details about the best places to visit in Greece?
You have landed right.
Peek into the five best places to hit on your trip to Greece for better planning and tourism.
The beauty of Greece
A prominent place for its surplus beauty is none other than Greece. This land has sunny beaches, whitewashed villages, a welcoming atmosphere, prehistoric ruins, and flavorsome cuisines.
All these aspects make Greece the number one travel destination in Europe. The chief reason for abundant tourism to plunge into Greece is its serene beauty.
Tourists enjoy the picturesque beauty of the land with countless landscapes.
Being the foundation of western civilization and the beginning of democracy, Greece is jam-packed with overwhelming history and beauty. Greece is one of the top tourist destinations to visit in your lifetime.
5 Best places to visit in Greece
1) Santorini
Santorini, a prominent and must-visit place in Greece, is also well-known as the diamond of Aegean.
The flattering colorful houses, whitewashed buildings, spiral pathways, the azure sky, stretches of water, and towering sapphire domes grab thousands of visitors’ attention.
This marvelously fascinating place is the most charming one in the Greek islands. Enjoy the charm of scenic villages, dip yourself in turquoise waters, and dine in the best restaurants.
Ones in quest of stimulating adventures should get a rooftop tent fixed on their vehicles, accompany themselves with friends, and visit places like Fira hiking trail, Pressia beach with its rocky sand, Santorini volcano, Skaros rock view, and ruins of prehistoric Thera.
Athens is a significant place that speaks its history.
This place is known for the origin of democracy and endorsed as the originator for Western civilization.
The present Athens is known for its flawless streets, up-to-date subways, outstanding freeways, well-manicured parks, and finally, ultra-warm people.
Greek culture surfeits in Athens, witnessing impeccable sites like the Temple of Zeus and the Parthenon. Never forget to drench in the beauty of the Plaka district of Athens.
Teenagers craving adventure and travel a few miles away should start with their backpacks.
Some best places are The splendid Mount Lycabettus, Ancient Agora hills, and the astounding flowers at National gardens, the Temple of Olympian Zeus colossal ruins, the primeval Greek temple of Erechtheum, the National Archaeological Museum, and more.
Elevate your camping and adventure experiences by planning appropriately.
Temple of Goddess Athina Nike – Image by Nick115 from Pixabay
This is not Parthenon, but the temple of Goddess Athina Nike, on the right and out of the gate of Acropolis, the Propylaea.
3) Chania town
Being the center of attraction in the Old Venetian Harbour, Chania’s town is notorious for its peculiar architecture.
With the cobbled, narrow streets and welcoming natives, Chania town is one of the exceptional places to visit in Greece.
Tourists enjoy their visit to the lighthouse as it portrays the panoramic view of the city.
There are few places tourists must never miss in Chania town.
The destinations are the Old Venetian Harbour view, Chania Archaeological Museum artifacts, the splendid manicure Botanical Park, the ancient Aptera showing Greek architecture, The Agil Apostoli beach with gold sand, the Iguana beach, the Venetian fortress, and the secretive Topolia Gorge.
Family and youngsters can start their adventure by penning down all places to visit.
Families, friends, and teenagers can all admire the scenic beauty of rugged mountains and sandy beaches. Tourists visit the ancient monastery and relax by sunbathing on the beaches.
There are a few places which you must visit while touring this place.
Some of them are the Gorge at Agni bay, the northerly point that witnesses the dramatic Cape Drastis, The old fort at Corfu, and Vlacherna Monastery. Youngsters should certainly not miss the joy and fun at Sidari.
The beauties of Meteora are the monasteries over massive rock cliffs that look suspended in the air.
The monasteries sit at an altitude of 1200 feet over the villages of Kastraki and Kalambaka. The surprising news is that the monasteries at Meteora are listed under the UNESCO world heritage sites.
There are plenty of beautiful spots at Meteora to enjoy. Some of them are the Great Meteoro Monastery, the Holy Trinity Monastery, Roussanou Monastery, the Varlaam monastery, and Megalo Meteoro Monastery.
The adventure starts by backpacking with a tent for Meteora rock climbing at Kastraki, Kalamba village, the Theopetra prehistoric cave, and Meteora thrones.
Apart from the scenic beauty and adventure, delightful food is another crucial aspect of Greece.
You must try all the traditional food of Greece during your visit. Some of them are Greek salad, Tzatziki, Fasolada, Moussaka, Greek Yogurt, Souvlaki gyros, Portokalopita, and plenty more.
Greece beaches
The best feature of Greece is the beaches. Set your mood and relax at the beaches as you travel. Few beaches to stop at are
The Balos Lagoon and Elafonisi beach in Crete
The shipwreck beach in Zakynthos
The Myrtos bay in the island of Kefalonia
The channel of love in Corfu
The Simos beach and Voidokilia at Peloponnese
The Lalaria beach at the Sporades
The St. Paul bay at Rhodes and the Sarakiniko beach the Cyclades
Greece is a place of wonders and folklore. The implausible country offers a perfect blend of culture, people, and history.
Apart from the locations given above, there are splendid places like Zakynthos, Nafplio, Delphi, Rhodes, Halkidiki, Skyros, Mycenae, and more.
Pack your bags and get going for thrilling adventures at seashores, hiking, etc.
The Bottom line:
The exotic and beautiful place lures in plenty of tourists every year, making Greece the top destination.
Greece is a place for adventure, relaxation, enjoyment, and refreshment. Plan your trip, and enjoy the marvelous beauty of Greece.
South of Corfu town just after 12 km, you will find Benitses.
Benitses is the most known village of Corfu worldwide as it was the first tourist destination on the island since the 1960s.
The old traditional village is in the valley between the rocks of the surrounding mountains just 300 yards from the central square in the new port.
So, why you should visit Benitses Corfu? We give you at least 6 good reasons to do it!
1. The beauty of the scenery
Rainbow in Benitses
In Benitses the beauty of the mountains of Stavros and Agioi Deka coexists with the turquoise blue sea of the Ionian sea.
The Residents are more than 900 and engaged primarily in tourism and fishing in the winter months. They are familiar with all cultures and their main characteristic is spontaneous hospitality and friendliness to all guests.
Here you can get to know new friends and enjoy an unforgettable holiday that will remain in your memory.
2. Sports, Beaches, and activities
Benitses beach next to Laopetra
Benitses can satisfy every taste. Guests can enjoy a relaxing holiday with plenty of opportunities for water sports in the awarded with blue flag crystal clear water beaches.
Here you can enjoy water sports such as water ski, banana rings, fly with paragliding and more.
But there are activities for the more adventurous too such as organized climbing trips in the amazing and beautiful surrounding hills.
Also, the beaches down in the shores have crystal clear waters and are awarded the blue flag. The sea plant Posidonia does a perfect job cleaning and filtering the water, and provides settler for the new fishes.
3. Excellent Restaurants and Accommodation
You can taste the meals of your life in a wide variety of restaurants offering authentic Corfiot and international cuisine.
If you are a food lover you came to the best place in Corfu for it. Restaurants here offer quality and high gastronomical standards. If you eat in Benitses you won’t regret it for sure!
And don’t forget that you have a large choice of fine hotels to choose from for your holidays in Benitses.
4. Nightlife
In fact, Benitses is a famous hotspot for nightlife with many bars and clubs playing Greek and foreign music for those who want to stay awake and dancing all night.
The village’s main part is around the port and above the old road that leads to the reservoir settlement. But also it extends along the coastline to the settlement of Tsaki in the south, where you will reach the end of the Benitses area.
5. Sightseeing
Laopetra Rock
In Benitses there are remnants of Roman thermal baths dated back to the Roman era, very well preserved. You can find them at the center of the village, very close to the main road behind some houses.
In reality, it’s a villa with hot baths that belonged to a Roman noble dated around 200 ACE
You can also visit the sea museum with a rich collection of marine exhibits operating since 1989.
It’s good to visit the source of the aqueduct in a region called Vaska on the slopes of the mountain, as well as wonderful places in Corfu and on the opposite Greek mainland coast.
At a distance of 4 km, you must visit the Achilleion Palace, a neoclassical building made by Sisi, the empress of Austro-Hungary Elizabeth at the beginning of the 20th century.
The Palace is dedicated to the mythical Achilles, the hero of the Trojan war and it is decorated with at least two large statues of Achilles inside the large garden area.
Worth seeing are the gardens, the Palace with more statues of Greek philosophers and gods, the big painting of Achilles triumph by the Austrian Franz Matt, and much more.
Don’t miss it!
6. Island hop
Paxos island just south of Corfu is easily accessible with ships that make daily trips there.
From the port, you can take boats that make daily cruises to many places in and around the island. Get in a boat and you can find yourself down to Kavos or Syvota on the Greek mainland. Boats leaving for Paxos and Antipaxos islands too, where one of the most famous beaches in Greece is, the amazing Voutoumi. And you can visit even Albania.
After all, Benitses lays in an ideal position in the center of the island, the perfect starting point for visits to the best beaches of the western Corfu coast as well as to the South of the island.
Final words
From Benitses you can discover the most that this enchanting island of Corfu can offer, with its numerous beaches, rare and varied natural beauty, great cuisine, and hospitable people.
Also with its long and turbulent history and culture that one can meet and get to know visiting the numerous museums and monuments of Corfu.
Corfu is a wonder of an island. If you’ve never explored it, it’s high time you did. Its golden beaches along with its salty seas make Corfu one of the most explored islands in Greece.
Once you travel here, chances are you won’t want to return home anymore. That’s definitely a feeling many travelers experience.
Corfu’s History in Brief
Corfu history – Espianada in old gravure
Corfu has a reach history of gun battles and battleships. The old fortress that was once under Venetian power and pirate attacks entices you with its monuments and artifacts. One of the places that are most explored by tourists is the Old Fortress, which dates earlier than ever.
The first inhabitants of the island date back to the Homeric era, the Phaeacians to be the first known residents, At 750 BCE Greek settlers from Evoea came to the island.
Once they settled here, they created more colonies, one of them was Epidamnus, today’s Dyrahium on the south coast of today’s Albania.
However, Romans were quick to invade and take over the territory. Corfu was a part of the Eastern Roman Empire, Next came the Venetians, the French, the English. Finally, Corfu unified with Greece in 1863.
Unification with Greece
The island of Corfu got back its freedom in the year 1863 when England renounced the island’s occupation. Finally, Corfu became part of Greece.
From an economic and political perspective, Corfu started developing quite quickly after the second half of the 20th century, when it became a very popular holiday destination in Greece.
Then, the second world war came.
During the second WW, Corfu became occupied first by Italians and later by the Germans, only to be released at the end of the war, after the defeat of the Axis forces.
Because of its warm climate, beautiful infrastructure, and amazing nature, Corfu attracted many tourists after the end of the war.
Again, after getting back its freedom, it re-gained its power through tourism.
Now that you got a bit of Corfu’s history, let’s see why the island is worth seeing today.
Secrets and Hidden Depths of Corfu
Corfu’s Tasteful Cuisine
Sofrito
Greece has long been known for its tasty foods and fresh ingredients.
Corfu’s extensive cuisine includes Greek foods but adds authentic flavors to it. Some of the most *and best* of Corfu’s options include the sofrito, the Bourdeto, and of course, the olives. Sofrito is just cooked veil with parsley, garlic, and wine, while Bourdeto is a stew made out of fish and red pepper. Both of these options are a must-try.
The olives are also a must-taste in Corfu. They come from old-grown trees, some of them as old as 100 years old. The best-tasting olive oil comes from the Dafnis family, who’s grown it for decades. The secret is pairing the olives with a tasty salad and Feta cheese and drizzling a little bit of Himalayan salt on top of it. Best combination ever! Light, smooth, tasty, fresh.
If you need something more consistent, you can always try Corfu’s kumquat. This fruit originally flourished in China and has been introduced to the Greek culture in the 19th century by the Middle Eastern inhabitants. Pairing this fruit with an alcoholic drink such as Prosecco will make up the perfect aperitif.
The best island escape tours
If you’re planning to stay longer in Corfu, this is your chance to explore more of its surroundings. Some of the most popular destinations in Corfu include the Vatos village, the beaches of Ermones or Corfu Town, or Old Perithia. Another cool site to visit is Paleokastritsa Beach, the island’s sacred and spiritual hub.
If you prefer a cool hike or bike around the island, check out trips to Kavos or the Arkoudilas Beach, the Halikounas’ dunes, or Alonaki Bay. Kanouli Beach is another popular destination for those passionate about nature. You could also check out the Corfu Trail, for a longer hike. It’ll take you about 10 days to get from one side to the other. Along the way, you’ll be able to explore many tiny villages, olive groves, and nature trails.
Secret (and famous) Attractions to Explore in Corfu
There are some top must-sees here, of course, as in any other region in the world. You must not miss them! They’re really exquisite and amazingly well crafted. You won’t regret visiting and discovering these sites.
The small isolated beaches south of Paleokastritsa
Rovinia beach
The wider Paleokastritsa is an area of exceptional natural beauty. In this area there are some of the most beautiful beaches on the island, most of them are isolated due to the high cliffs that cut the coast of the mainland.
Liapades, Povinia, Limni, Iliodoros, Paradise, Stelari, Chomi, Giali, to name a few.
They are mixed with sand and pebbles, Remote and beautiful paradises that can be visited by small boats from Paleokastritsa.
If you are in Corfu you must grab the opportunity to visit them.
Old fortress and the Old British hospital in Corfu Town
Corfu Guide: Esplanade square and the Old fortress
The fortress with the long history and the abandoned British hospital surrounded by a great deal of mystery and horror rumors
The Achilleion Palace in Gastouri village
Benitses – Achilleion from Agioi Deka
The Palace was built by Empress Elizabeth of Austria who became known as the sad queen Sissy.
It is a must place to visit and it sits at the edge of the village Gastouri, 6 miles from Corfu town.
Myrtiotissa Nudist Beach in Western Corfu
A small, remote sandy beach on the west coast of Corfu, since the decade of the 60s it became the only beach in the island of Corfu where nudism was officially tolerated.
One of the most beautiful beaches in Europe, reached by a steep path or by the sea, a rather small sandy beach difficult to spot from the sea, separated from Glyfada beach by a thin but high rock.
Built in 1807 by the French, to house the French army.
They have arched ground-floor galleries which the locals call “Volta”
The name was given by the word “list” which arrives from the Greek word “lista” that was used for the list of the Nobles (Libro d `Oro) as in the old days only the nobility were able to walk in this part in the city.
Today, the arcades of Liston are the busiest part of Corfu, full of cafes, restaurants, and craft shops in general, so, it is not something that you must try to find rather than a sight that you won’t definitely miss.
Mon Repos Estate Palace in Corfu Town
Mon Repos Palace is a neoclassical building at the east of Paleopolis, Inside the Corfu ancient city.
Built at 1830 by the British Commissioner Sir Frederick Adam at the beginning of the peninsula of Kanoni next to the ruins of Paleopolis
The diamond beaches of Erimitis area
Arias beach at Erimitis Corfu
Erimitis on the Northeastern tip of Corfu, very close to Albanian shores.
It stretches from Agios Stefanos in the East up to Kassiopi borders on the North Coast.
An unspoiled paradise, full of small cute coves-beaches separated by small promontories that give beautiful scenery to the landscape, most of them accessible by the sea.
Some cute tiny beaches here are Avlaki, Vouvalomantria beach, Vrachli beach, Tzoufakia, the Arias beach, Akoli, Vromolimni, Kaminakia beach, Korfovounia, Aspalathras, and Xylokeratia beach.
Beaches with pebble and very little sand, the waters are extremely clear and clean.
The medieval abandoned and reborn village of Perithea
Perithea is an abandoned medieval village located below the majestic peak of Pantokrator. On a plateau in the mountain at an altitude of 400 meters.
Are you curious to see how a dead village can be reborn?
To see the old abandoned stone house alive again and restored to their previous glory.
But if you are a culinary freak, you have one more reason to come here.
The ground floor of several houses is transformed into restaurants offering local specialties and they are full of people especially at the weekends.
The Traditional village of Nymfes, named after the mythical Nymphs
This village of Northwest Corfu is ancient, untouched by time and tourism, and took its name from the mythical Nymphs.
Do you like the opportunity to see the life, and customs of the real non-touristry Corfu?
Sure you want.
Waterfalls in Nymfes
Then this is the village to visit, to see the traditional old customs and learn the fairytales that are connected with the landscape.
In the majestic waterfalls the secret story of the area still alive, here the mythological Nymphes were living, so the village took their name, Nymfes is the place of the mermaids or Nymphes.
For a more personalized experience, you could also try a private tour with a guided option. You’ll get to explore more of Corfu’s detailed history and culture. You could also get an olive oil-tasting tour for a more authentic experience. Shore excursions are also available, but make sure you read the reviews before picking one.
Conclusion
Visit Corfu for its amazing experiences, cool trips, outstanding cuisine, and having the best time of your life! Don’t forget to pack sunglasses, towels, and bathing suits. Bonne voyage!
Known for fresh crisp greens, strong natural cheese, and lamb dishes cooked to perfection, Greece has a wonderfully colorful palette that is steeped in history.
Greek Lamb with Potatoes and Olives
Lamb with potatoes
Ingredients:
800g medium-size potatoes, skin on, thinly sliced
4 lamb steaks
4 large tomatoes, thinly sliced
4 medium garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 aubergine, thinly sliced
85g pitted Kalamata olives, halved
5 tbsp olive oil, plus a drizzle
100g feta cheese, crumbled
3 tsp oregano, for seasoning
Method:
Pre-heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Thinly slice the potatoes, tomatoes, and aubergines and place them in layers in a baking dish. Sprinkle with garlic, oregano and olives, and feta throughout, and drizzle with oil and seasoning as each layer is added.
Bake the layered mixture for 50 mins or until tender.
Rub the steaks with a little more oil and bake for 15-20 mins until cooked. Allow to cool and scattering with more oregano and serve.
Tapenade Skordalia
Skordalia
A smooth and delicious Greek mash that is the perfect side to any dish.
Ingredients:
800g potatoes, cut into evenly-sized pieces
3 cloves of garlic
1 tsp of red wine vinegar
150ml extra virgin olive oil
1 ½ tsp of black or green olive tapenade
Method:
Salt a large pan of water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the potatoes and cook for 20 minutes, or until soft.
Crush the garlic cloves and use the back of a spoon or pestle and mortar to form a paste.
Drain the potatoes and let them sit for 2-3 mins to dry. Add the garlic paste, olive oil, red wine vinegar, and tapenade and mash until smooth.
Gigantes Plaki
Gigantes Plaki
Healthy and satisfying, this dish can be served hot or cold.
Ingredients:
3 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil
1 onion
2 tsp tomato puree
400g dried butter beans
2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
800g ripe tomatoes, skins removed and chopped
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp dried oregano
2 tsp chopped flat-leaf parsley
Pinch ground cinnamon, to taste
Method:
Soak the butterbeans in water overnight. Drain and place in a pan with water. Boil and bring to a simmer for 50 minutes until tender.
Pre-heat oven to 180C/160C fan/gas mark 4. Heat the olive oil in a frying pan and Sautee the onion and garlic for 10 mins. Add the tomato puree and the remaining ingredients and cook for a further 2-3 min.
Add the beans and pour them into a baking tray and cook for 1 hr uncovered. Scatter the parsley over the top to serve.
Greek Roast Lamb
Roast Lamb
A perfect recipe for those refreshing Spring nights. Ingredients:
1 large leg of lamb
6 garlic cloves
6 tsp olive oil
1 bunch fresh oregano
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
Method:
Preheat over to 240C/fan 220C/gas 9. Ground the garlic, oregano, and lemon zest in a pestle and mortar, add a pinch of salt.
Stab the lamb with a knife and coat on the garlic and lemon mixture, drizzle over the olive oil, and lemon juice. Get as much of the mixture into the holes as you can.
Roast the lamb for 1 hr 15 min until medium-rare, or an additional 15 mins for medium.
Moussaka
Mousaka
A traditional dish with less of the work!Prep: 20 mins Cook: 45 mins
Ingredients:
4 medium potatoes
1 red onion
500g lamb mince
2 garlic cloves
500g passata
2aubergines, cut into slices
3 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp mixed spice
140g grated cheddar
Method:
Boil the potatoes until tender. Cut into thick slices.
Fry the olive oil and the onion until soft and add the lamb. Fry until lamb is cooked, and add the garlic, spice, and passata and simmer for 5 minutes. Oil a griddle and grill aubergines until browned.
Heat oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. Cover the bottom of a baking dish with potatoes and layer the lamb mixture. Repeat until the dish is full, ending with a layer of aubergines.
Shatter with cheese and oven-bake for 10 min or until golden.
Greek Island Salad
Total time: 40-50 min
1.8kg roast chicken
2 romaine lettuces
4 tomatoes
2 ripe avocadoes
3 spring onions
200g feta cheese
2 tbsp black olives
3 tbsp lemon juice
½ tbsp dried mint
Half bunch of fresh parsley (optional)
5 tsp olive oil
Method:
Roast the chicken and roughly shred. Shred the lettuce and cut the tomatoes into wedges.
Whisk 3 tbsp lemon juice, olive oil, and salt into a bowl. Thinly slice the avocadoes and add to the mixture.
“Add to the roast chicken, tomato, and lettuce, scatter over the black olive and chopped feta. Squeeze lemon juice on top and add the parsley,” says Veronica Nickson, a cooking blogger at the State Of Writing.
Greek Omelette
Ingredients:
10 eggs
2 tsp olive oil
1 large red onion
3 tomatoes
A handful of black olives
100g feta cheese, crumbled
Method:
Heat the pan on high, whish the eggs with chopped parsley and onion for 4 mins. Add tomatoes and olives and cook for 1 min.
Reduce the heat to medium and add the egg mixture until half cooked and add the olives and feta.
Place the pan under a grill for 5 mins until golden.
Halloumi Kebabs
Ingredients:
2 courgettes
1 red onion
250g halloumi cheese, cut into chunks
16 cherry tomatoes
For Lemon Drizzle:
1 tsp olive oil
2 tsp lemon juice
2 tsp fresh thyme
1 tsp Dijon mustard
Method:
Cut the courgettes lengthways and slice into chunks. Cut onions into wedges and thread with the halloumi pieces, cherry tomatoes onto skewers.
For the drizzle, mix the olive oil, lemon juice, thyme, mustard, and season. Brush the mixture over the kebabs and barbecue for 4-5 minutes, turning often so all sides are browned.
Smoked Salmon Taramosalata
Ingredients:
100g smoked salmon
200g soft cheese
100g crème Fraiche
Juice of 1 lemon
Black kalamata oil
Black Pepper
Method:
Add the salmon, soft cheese, lemon juice, and crème Fraiche together in a food processor and blitz until a smooth paste.
Add a pinch of black pepper and spoon into a large bowl. Serve with olive oil and pitta bread.
Greek Lamb Tray Bake
Ingredients:
50g white bread crumbs
1 egg, beaten
2 onions, halved
250g lamb mince
2 courgettes, cut into wedges
10 cherry tomatoes
1 tsp olive oil
50g feta cheese, crumbled,
Handful chopped mint leaves
2 large potatoes, cut into wedges
Method:
Preheat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Mix lamb mine, bread crumbs, egg, and seasoning into a bowl and mix. Grate the onion and mint and add to the mixture. Shape into 8 patties and place on a baking tray.
Place the potatoes wedges around the patties in the tray, with the courgettes and cherry tomatoes. Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 40 minutes or until the lamb is cooked through.
Remove from oven and sprinkle with feta and remaining mint.
Lamb and Feta Burgers with Yogurt
Ingredients:
500g lamb mince
2 tbsp coriander
1 red chili
Handful fresh parsley
1 egg, beaten
100 feta cheese
1 tbsp sunflower oil
2 rosemary springs, stripped
2 tbsp cumin seeds
100g feta cheese
200ml natural yogurt
1 tbsp dried mint
Method:
Add the spices, chopped chili, herbs, and egg into a bowl and whisk. Add the lamb mince and mix.
Divide the mixture into 16 pieces and shape into burgers, push a piece of feta cheese into the center of each, and seal. Chill for 30 minutes.
Mix together the yogurt and mint to form a dip.
Preheat oven to 200C/fan 180C/gas 6 and heat oil in a frying pan. Fry burgers for 1-2 min on each side and transfer to the baking tray. Bake for 5- 10 min and serve with mint yogurt dip.
Bring the wonder of the Med straight to your dinner table. You’ll impress your family and wow guests with these super quick and easy Greek-style recipes up your sleeve!
AUTHOR Katherine Rundell is a writer at Write My Essay. She is a poet, essayist, and reviewer with a passion for the fall and winter months, as well as the owner of a mean recipe for eggnog.
With stunning landscapes and beautiful beaches, it’s no wonder that Greece and the Greek Islands are a popular holiday destination, especially during the peak summer season.
It’s one of those traditional places where you can just imagine you’re always going to have a great time. Soak up some sun. Spend some time on the beach. Do a bit of exploring. Greece is one of those places that really seems to have it all.
While this kind of typical summer vacation can seem a bit generic, Greece is far more than this in every single sense. Depending on the type of holiday you’re looking for and what you plan to do, there may even be better times to visit.
Here’s a guide to the best times to visit Greece to help you plan your perfect vacation!
You can confidently visit Greece any time from May to mid-October. July and August are usually the hottest months, with temperatures getting very high, sometimes well above 40 degrees Celsius!
Be mindful of the strong winds coming from the north Aegean Sea, most often between mid-July to mid-September.
During the winter months, the water temperature can get quite cold. If you’re hoping to do some sunbathing, then any time from June to September will be great.
The water temperature increases during the summer months, being at its warmest during August and early September. If you want to avoid tourists, but still enjoy the beaches, aim for mid to late June or late September.
During the peak season, Greece and the islands get very busy due to the influx of tourists. This, combined with high temperatures, can make sightseeing difficult.
“Instead, if sightseeing is your aim, schedule your visit either for April to mid-May or from October to mid-November. The milder weather will be ideal for walking and the price of accommodation is likely to be cheaper” says John York, a travel blogger at Academic Brits.
During the off-peak season, some of the islands can come to a complete standstill. As such, if your aim is to island-hop during your trip to Greece, book your trip for between May to October, avoiding August if possible.
The islands of Mykonos and Santorini in particular can get very busy, so make sure that you book your accommodation at least 3 to 6 months in advance.
If you’re on a tight budget, try to visit Greece during the low season, between December to March. The downside of this can be that some of the tourist infrastructure, such as restaurants, may be closed.
Things such as food, drink, and transport prices tend to be the same throughout the year. However, hotel prices can significantly increase during the peak season.
A good alternative is to visit during the shoulder months (April, May, October, and November) when hotel prices are cheaper.
The nightlife in Greece is a goldmine in itself; a haven if you will. You can listen to internationally acclaimed live DJs and dance the night’s away to your heart’s content.
The best nightlife and parties tend to be during July and August, with Mykonos, Santorini, Paros, and Ios being the preferred destination for many tourists.
However, you can also find great nightlife in Santorini from late May through to the start of October and the nightlife in Mykonos during late June or early September also tends to be good.
You may not immediately think of Greece for a skiing holiday, but Greece actually has a range of fantastic ski resorts.
The Greek ski season tends to begin in December and, depending on how much snow has fallen, can sometimes last through to May. January tends to be the best month for a Greek ski holiday.
Resorts, such as Mount Parnassus near Arachova, tend to be particularly popular as they are within a few hours of Athens and Delphi, making them ideal destinations for a day trip.
Greece’s climate and vacation seasons can be broken down into three main groups. There’s high season, ‘shoulder season’ in the middle, and then what is known as the low season.
The High season is the peak season for tourism. This season spans the months of around mid-June to mid-September and is when you’ll find the hottest temperatures, the most tourists, and the highest prices.
However, these are all good things, believe it or not. The high season is when everything is in full swing, all the attractions are open, and all the resorts are yours to enjoy to their full potential.
The shoulder season falls either side of the high season, between the months of April to Mid-June, and then Mid-September through to October.
Many will claim this is by far the best time to visit Greece because the temperatures are cooler, the prices are cheaper, and there are fewer people around, but everywhere is still beautiful, open, and accessible!
Finally, the low season. The low season spans the months of November through to March and is classed as the winter months, although winter in most parts of Greece is still pretty mild compared to the country’s European counterparts.
It may rain and be a bit dark most days, maybe even snow during the colder months, but everything is cheap and affordable, and quiet, so it may be worth checking out if this is what you’re into.
Conclusion
Greece is a fantastic destination to visit all year round. However, if you can, avoid visiting during August, when Greece and the islands tend to be at their busiest with tourists, high temperatures, and more expensive accommodation.
If possible, aim for the shoulder months, where you can still enjoy the best of the weather and all that Greece has to offer, alongside cheaper hotels.
AUTHOR Michael Dehoyos works as a professional travel blogger and editor for Ph.D. Kingdom and Next Coursework, working closely with companies of all sizes to improve their marketing strategy concepts.
He has also contributed to numerous websites and publications. In his spare time, Michael enjoys traveling and immersing himself in the culture and traditions of the places he visits.
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