Coming from a Greek family, I've been to Greece multiple times. Let me just mention, visiting my family in Greece were always the best three months of my life. When people think of Greece, they always think of the pristine, clear blue waters, white sand, beautiful mountains and the island of Santorini. However, that's not what Greece is all about. Here are the top five reasons everyone should go to Greece at least once in their lifetime.
Yes, the scenery is absolutely breathtaking.
Alright, I lied. Everyone should see the scenery in person instead of some stock image on Google. Those images on social media that people take when they go to Greece aren't full of lies or editing. Yes, most of the water there is completely clear, but be careful because the fish will bite you!
The social culture makes you feel less stressed.
Unlike America where we are constantly worried about money and the economy, Greece is the complete opposite. Shops usually open early in the morning and close around two in the afternoon so everyone can go home and take a nap. Even though Greece is in a shit ton of debt and economic instability, the citizens honestly could care less. Sit down, have a cup of coffee, enjoy the beautiful outdoors and just relax. Everyone is considered family! Did I mention that there is no legal drinking age and 13-year-olds going to the club is completely normal?
The food is everything.
Food remains central to the daily life in Greece, but I can bet you will lose 5-10 pounds while you're visiting. Greece has a lot of tasty food but none of it is processed and are mostly simplistic dishes like salads made of tomatoes, cucumbers, feta cheese, and olive oil.
The festivals are the best.
Certain holidays like your "name day" requires the entire town and church to throw you a festival. Greeks don't necessarily celebrate birthdays and emphasize "name day" instead. When someone is named after one of the saints (which is pretty much everyone in Greece), that saint's celebration day becomes their name day and is celebrated like a huge birthday party filled with live music, friends, drinking, dancing and pot luck.
The tourist sights are amazing.
Going to the Parthenon, the Acropolis, the city of Athens and Monastiraki bring you to another time period and world. It's truly breathtaking to stand at the top of where the Parthenon stands and see the entire city of Athens right before your eyes.
I wish I could go back to Greece soon. I never cried so much after leaving such a beautiful country filled with the friendliest people. I can guarantee you will have the time of your life.
