Eat in Greece
I know Italy has its fans as a foodie destination, but I've eaten my way through Italy still missing Greece - and especially these places which feed the body and the spirit simultaneously.
Notos Cafe in Matala, Crete
Also known by aficionados as "Grandma's", this gyros stand with its bright orange chairs is simply the best in Greece. It's the gyros shop which will ruin all other gyros for you forever, and you'll love the mother-daughter team operating it - lioness-like Cola who seemingly is immune to sweat as she slices perfectly-browned strips of pork from the rotating skewer in the hot kitchen, always while perfectly made-up and usually wearing a long summer dress which supernaturally resists any spatter of grease. Meanwhile, Alexandra, her mother, wears traditional black clothing and a kerchief and keeps her bright blue eyes on everything, darting into the lane to encourage a customer to enter or bringing a plate of fruit. Plastic bottles hold "My House Wine" and "My House Olive Oil", well worth the trouble of specially packing to take back home.
En Olympo Restaurant, Litochoro Village, Mount Olympus
Chef Andreas Gavris provides divine food - I suspect Zeus must be one of his customers, since the other Greek locals don't necessarily appreciate his vibrant take on Greek cuisine, but you will. With one of the best wine cellars anywhere in Greece, he also carefully matches local wines to the flavors he creates on the plates. As the sun drops behind the peaks of Mount Olympus, it might be worth overindulging in both the food and wine and then happily navigating a few meters to the Hotel Aphrodite up the street. The road to Litochoro from the main highway is fine. Phone number: 2352021300, 2352021301 Fax number: 23520 21303.
In the morning, rise early and make your way to the nearby archaeological park of Dion and head to the temples of Zeus and Isis Artemis, gently passing over the metal bridge over the lush sacred stream guarded by legions of large blue dragonflies - you'll feel as if you just landed on "Avatar".
Pray in Greece
Inspiring Greece has no shortage of places to pray - or meditate.Church of the Hundred Doors, Paros This ancient church is filled with an uplifting energy, especially in the baptistery, but a wander through this cool, calm refuge will do the soul good, no matter what faith you may hail from. A friendly cat may accompany you part of the way as you see if you can find the hundredth door. (I think I found an extra doorway which I'll share with you if you go.)
Samaria Gorge, Crete
Enjoy a walking meditation through the long, deep canyon, but start late to avoid the crowds. Spare a thought for Chryssomallousa, a Cretan heroine who was dishonored by a Venetian knight who, unable to seduce her, cut off her long golden braids, setting off a deadly feud between her proud Sfakiot relatives and the occupying Venetians. In shame she retired to the heart of the Samaria Gorge and the church of Saint Mary the Egyptian, where she was said to weave on a golden loom. Spare a thought for St. Mary, too - a reformed "prostitute" who became a saint during her wanderings in the desert of Egypt - we know of her because she was captivating enough to earn the interest of a biographer-priest who sought out her story. At the end, emerge from the shadows of the underworld and the early dark of the high-walled gorge and spend the night listening to the sea at a hotel in Agia Roumeli.
Yoga in Greece
The clean air, clear light, and high cliffs of Greek islands provide perfect places for yoga al fresco, and there are several yoga centers and tour operators who will happily provide you with a soothing and meditative experience in Greece.
Yoga & Multisport Trip to Greece Spend a week stretching your soul in Crete with this trip that combines twice-daily yoga, hiking, and kayaking.
Holistic Center in Amorgos On the island made famous in the Luc Besson film "The Big Blue", join with other spiritually-minded men and women at the IRIS center located right on Aigiali Beach. Focus your chi, practice qi gong, indulge in a massage, meditations and classes. Longer retreats are also available.
Love in Greece
The Greek islands are romance made real.
Islands of Aphrodite
You might visit one of the islands especially sacred to the goddess of love, Aphrodite, such as Kythira, Cyprus, or Milos, but Aphrodite didn't withhold her favors from any of the Greek islands. The combination of sea, sun, fun, and food works everywhere.
Santorini holds the award for most weddings and honeymoons, as well as new notoriety as the latest home of lovers-turned-old-marrieds Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt.
Ios the "wild" island of Ios may hold the record for the most quick summer romances, many of them begun in the cozy taverna called Lord Byron's.
Hydra
The island of Hydra was the favorite of a modern Antony and Cleopatra of a previous generation - Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, not to mention the home of Canadian composer Leonard Cohen, known to have penned a steamy love song or two over the course of his career.
Not an independent island-hopper at heart? Consider joining one of Poseidon Yacht Cruises' Adventure Tours which incidentally visit several of the most romantic and fun islands of Greece - Ios, Santorini, Hydra, and Mykonos. Need a romantic confidence booster? It doesn't hurt to swan in by yacht - or to spend time meeting the captains and crews of adjacent vessels. Ahoy, matey!
