Still Travels

Sifnos for the foodies

This underrated island in the Cyclades may be quite unknown to foreigners but for true foodies, it has been a go-to destination in Greece for the last few years. This is the birth island of Nikolaos Tselementes, the author of the first Greek cookbook in 1926 and the country’s first celebrity chef. From the simple amigdalota, a delectable almond cookie rolled in sugar baked in clay pots and traditional wood ovens to star-gazing eateries like Omega-3 where you just might stumble upon Tom Hanks, the understated sophistication of gastronomy in Sifnos will have you talking about it for years to come. Join a cooking class on a traditional farm, learn how to make your very own delicate mizithra or spicy manouri cheese, or embark on an herb-picking adventure all whilst sampling some of the finest Sifnos treats and products.

Naxos – from the best small potatoes in the country to cooking with Yiaya

Naxos has a culinary history going back thousands of years. Being the greenest island in the Cyclades, it is full of forests, rivers, waterfalls, olive groves, marble quarries, vineyards, and livestock, and it always could provide for its inhabitants. Everyone in Greece knows the best small potatoes come from this island as well as some cheeses, both commanding a price premium. The very best way to immerse yourself in the local culinary traditions is by joining a Naxian cooking class in the village of Gallini where Yiaya (grandma) Voula will welcome you into her house and guide you into preparing a full Greek feast using local products and oldest recipes on the island.

The Peloponnese

The entire region is famous for its farm-to-table culinary philosophy. Award-winning olive oils, mouthwatering pork dishes, and crisp wines are the staples of this sprawling section of Greece and we have selected just a few locations and activities to spark your interest.

• – Vineyards of the Peloponnese tour

Explore the wine varieties – from rich, dark, and mysterious reds to whites with fresh aromas and wild floral intensity during an extensive tour of two wineries. Apart from learning more about the indigenous and imported grape varieties that thrive in the region, you will be able to taste the award-winning wines, check out the cellars and production areas and in the end enjoy a full 3-course meal in a wine-oriented restaurant in Nafplion.

• – Beekeeper for a day or Ouzo and Honey Tour

Both tours are taking place in Nafplion, one of the most picturesque locations in the Peloponnese. Learn all the secrets behind the production of world-renowned Greek honey, wear the beekeeper’s uniform to admire the magical world of bees in their natural environment, and taste the raw honey straight from the hive along with some mouthwatering traditional sweets based on honey. If you’re looking for some extra “kick” then join a visit to a local distillery store to learn the characteristics of the famous Greek ouzo and tsipouro. Yammas!

• – Live on a farm like no other

If you want to experience the authentic Peloponnese foodie’s dream while waking up surrounded by 50 acres of organic olive groves and vineyards and vineyards, there’s no place quite like the Eumelia farm. Even Conde Nast Traveler marked it as a must-see for an immersive foodie and creative retreat.

The Culinary Awakening of Athens

Finally, the capital. Once you have visited the historic sites and descended from the Acropolis, it is time to discover why Athens is no longer just a stopover destination on your way to the islands but a bustling city with a rising gastronomy scene. It’s an exciting time to visit the Greek capital, with an explosion of cafes, bars, and eateries opening, alongside a fresh appreciation for the food heritage and amazing natural produce available. Young Greek chefs have transformed the dining scene with innovative international cuisine fusions and modern twists on traditional favorites. Enrich your Athens experience with cooking classes, food market tours, and visits to distilleries to try the best ouzo, mastic liquor and Metaxa perfectly paired with sweet and sour meze (finger food) to elevate the notes of each of the spirits. Embark on a Dionysian tour to Nemea past the Corinth canal to discover why wine was once called the nectar of the Gods and have a perfect family adventure on a farm near Cape Sounio complete with a family cookoff and an unforgettable seaside dining experience at sunset.

You should try out one of these amazing adventures in Greece.