Each day of my eight-day journey through Greece revealed something new: island panoramas and mountain terrain, scuba diving along rocky coasts and sampling locally cured meats high in the hills, a modern perspective on the past at the Acropolis Museum and the ancient ruins of Delphi. Part of Greece’s charm is its unpredictability—every turn can reveal a fresh wonder.
My trip began in Athens. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, the Acropolis is essential. This was my second time at the site and at the Acropolis Museum, yet each visit offered fresh discoveries and deeper context. I lingered over artifacts I had missed before and wandered corners of the Acropolis I hadn’t explored previously, experiencing a different side of Athens with each step.
Eager to see more of the country, I headed next to Evia, Greece’s second-largest island after Crete, only about an hour’s drive from Athens. Despite increased development, Evia retains a traditional, authentic atmosphere and never feels overwhelmed by tourism. It’s a place where everyday Greek life remains visible and genuine.
Tiropitas © Viktoriia Panchenko | Dreamstime.com
In the island capital of Chalkida, stroll along the waterfront promenade to absorb historic buildings such as Town Hall, the Red House and the National Resistance Memorial. Pause at one of the many cafés and restaurants along the water to relax and watch life unfold as evening falls.
Evia is a year-round destination for scuba divers. Strong currents and varied coastal geography have helped preserve a rich seabed and abundant marine life. Excellent dive sites are found around the island, including spots near Chalkida and prominent sites to the south in Marmari and Karystos, and to the north around Lichadonisia, Artemisio and Pili. Skyros’ coastlines also offer remarkable cave-diving opportunities.
In Northern Evia, I stopped at the shrine of Saint John the Russian, one of Greece’s important religious sites. The saint’s relics draw thousands of pilgrims annually, particularly on his feast day, May 27.
Limni Keriou village, Zakynthos © Mila Atkovska | Dreamstime.com
A mid-morning break in the seaside village of Limni offered a quiet interlude. Unassuming yet scenic, Limni is the kind of place to pause, breathe in the coastal views and enjoy a restful moment amid natural beauty.
Wellness is a strong theme on Evia. I spent a night at Thermae Sylla Spa & Wellness Hotel to experience the island’s therapeutic waters and mud, long believed to help rheumatologic and arthritic ailments. At the hotel’s spa I moved through pools of varied temperatures and experienced a restorative mud wrap that left my skin rejuvenated. The spa makes deliberate use of the natural resources that give this region its health reputation.
My wellness route continued at Hotel Galini Wellness Spa in Kamena Vourla, where thermal springs contain trace radioactive elements absorbed from the surrounding geology. In small amounts, these elements are believed to offer therapeutic effects for neuralgia, respiratory conditions and the nervous system. Hotel Galini is part of Mitsis Hotels, a prominent Greek chain with properties across Crete, Athens, Corfu, Ioannina, Kos and Rhodes.
Both towns around these spas offer inviting cafés and shops, ideal for lingering with a coffee and a pastry while watching local life. In fact, indulging in sweets and people-watching quickly became a recurring pleasure on this trip.
After the spa experiences, I headed inland for wine tasting in the Atalanti Valley. This valley’s microclimate is well-suited for grape growing, and Domaine Hatzimichalis—the first Greek winery to adopt the French “domaine” title—was an excellent place to tour and taste. The estate has earned more than 250 international awards. I even blended my own keepsake bottle to take home as a memento.
Next, I left island life for the mountains of Karpenísi. Arriving at Hotel Spa Montana felt like stepping into a Swiss chalet; the town is a hub for outdoor activities year-round, from climbing, rafting and mountain biking to horseback riding, plus skiing and snowboarding in winter.
Winding mountain roads led me to a small, memorable delicatessen in Stremennos, which produces high-quality cured meats—ham, award-winning prosciutto, pork tenderloin, salami, sausages and smoked bacon. The tasting, set against the rustic mountain backdrop, was an unexpectedly delightful discovery.
Monastery of Panagia Prousiotissa on the cliffs of Evrytania © Adaction | Dreamstime.com
Nearby, the Monastery of Panagia Prousiotissa clings to steep rock and serves as Evrytania’s spiritual center. Dating back to between the 12th and 14th centuries, the monastery sheltered civilians during the Greek Revolution of 1821. The ecclesiastical museum and the dramatic setting make it a meaningful stop.
Between mountain villages you’ll find family-run cafés perfect for soaking in the scenery—one such recommendation is Casa di Neve. These small stops capture the relaxed rhythms of Greek provincial life.
On my final day I visited Delphi, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the ancient world’s most important religious centers. Once the seat of the Oracle of Apollo, Delphi’s archaeological site and the Delphi Archaeological Museum, managed by the Greek Ministry of Culture, display discoveries spanning the prehistoric period onward.
After Delphi I spent a peaceful afternoon and early evening in the port town of Galaxidi, dining by the water. Seeing Galaxidi appear on the horizon felt like the perfect, circular ending to my Greek journey.
Greece Info to Go
Seasonal direct flights to Athens (ATH) operate from New York (JFK) and Philadelphia (PHL). Evia lies roughly a 50-minute drive from Athens. Travel between Athens and Karpenísi is possible by bus, train or car, and a bus service runs between Athens and Delphi. For flexibility when visiting multiple regions, renting a car or hiring a private driver is a practical option.
Where to Stay in Greece
Hotel Galini Wellness Spa & Resort Offers accommodations, dining, event space, a spa, pools and beach access. Ger. Vasiliadi 5, Kamena Vourla
Hotel Spa Montana Located on Mount Tymfristos, this property combines 5-star comforts with sweeping mountain views. Karpenissiou – Lamias Road, Karpenísi
Thermae Sylla Spa & Wellness Hotel A 5-star hotel housed in a Neoclassical building from 1897 that offers curative spa treatments using local thermal resources. Posidonos St. 2, Loutra Edipsou, Evia
Restaurants in Greece
Dionysos Modern Greek cuisine with an exceptional view near the Acropolis. Rovertou Galli St. 43, Athens
Varoulko Michelin-starred seafood-focused menu in Piraeus’ Mikrolimano. Akti Koumoundourou 52, Mikrolimano, Piraeus
Zygos A waterside taverna in Galaxidi serving traditional Greek dishes with friendly service. Akti Oianthis 115, Galaxidi