- Places to go
- Things to do
- Book your trip
- More
Ask our AI travel assistant
AIGet instant answers to your Greece travel questions
Sophie Hatzivassiliou
Travel Guru • Storyteller • Founder & Owner of Original Senses
Reflections on Greece
Greece is the land and its people
During this strange and momentous time that the world is experiencing collectively, I had the time to reflect on my travel inspirations in my home country. For me, Greece is the diverse land and its people that offer such a plethora of stimulations for the senses.
Greece for me is ultimately the synergy of its people, places and stories
Nature's blessings in Thrace
It is exploring the lush, green, depths of the countryside of Thrace, accompanied by Angela Giannakidou, the heart and soul of the Ethnological Museum in Alexandroupoli. Together, we discovered the land of Orpheus, anointed with nature’s blessings of the Ropodi mountain range, and the Nestos and Arda rivers, internationally acclaimed eco-habitats. Reflecting on a lesser-known Greek destination, I remember walking in spring on the cobblestoned streets of Xanthi, where I’m transported to an era of neoclassical elegance, showcased by the architecture of its Town Hall and Municipal Gallery.
Exquisitely beautiful Epirus
From those architectural gems, my mind wanders to nature’s splendour in stunning Epirus, which exemplifies 'off the beaten track' travel in Greece. An indelible memory was hiking the pristine and exquisitely beautiful trails of the Pindus Mountains that led me to the nature reserve of the Vikos Gorge and camping by the Drakolimni lake. In the Zagori area, which in Slavic means 'beyond the mountains', I adore connecting and spending time with spiritually-minded local friends like hotelier George, owner of the casual rural hotel Papaevangelou. From his stone-paved balcony, I have witnessed many once-in-a-lifetime sunrises. From the rising of the sun to the magic of sunsets such as those at fifth-generation winemaker Mihalis and his artist wife Nikomachi Boutaris’ house in Nymfaio, discussing wines, philosophy and life… the memories always bring a nostalgic smile to my face.
My mind wanders to nature’s splendour in Epirus, which exemplifies 'off the beaten track' travel in Greece
The mythical Peloponnese
With a history from the time of Homer’s Iliad, Mani in the Peloponnese is a unique spot harbouring many secrets. A place of tower houses, olive groves, gorges and Byzantine churches where you feel that time has simply stood still. I love exploring the entire area with my friend, climber, guide and photographer Yiannis Avrameas. He has taken me all the way to the peak of Mount Taygetus, towering over Laconia and Messinia, many times, followed by plunging into the turquoise waters of Kardamyli town where Patrick Lee Fermor’s penned his life into words.
Islands safeguarding authenticity
Sailing the Greek archipelago, one realises that every island is a small universe of its own. Astonishing portraits fill my mind, of whitewashed houses, rocky cliffs, underwater caves, colourful harbours, fishing villages and archaeological treasures. Delos, Despotiko, Akrotiri, Phylakopi, Chalandriani… settlements that embody and safeguard the ancient and authentic ways of island life… a slower rhythm of living that entices me to return year after year.
Sailing the Greek archipelago, one realises that every island is a small universe of its own
Independent, complete Crete
At Orthi Petra, a necropolis was uncovered which became the most important part of Eleftherna, an ancient city-state in Crete. Excavations there were led by Professor and Archaeologist Nikos Stabolidis, director of the Museum of Cycladic Art in Athens. At the opening of the site’s museum, I spent a full day coloured by his historical narrations, while marvelling at the tenacity and strength of the always independent Cretans.
