Greece is a dream destination for many travelers, and for good reasons. It has stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, delicious cuisine, and friendly people. But Greece is also a country of diversity and surprises, where you can find hidden gems and unique places to visit that will make your trip unforgettable.
In this blog post, we will explore some of the best fun and unique experiences that you can have on the Greek islands, such as cooking classes, wine tasting, hot springs, and more. We will also tell you where you can do them and how to get there. Whether you are looking for adventure, romance, relaxation, or culture, there is something for everyone in the Greek islands!
Cooking classes
One of the best ways to immerse yourself in the Greek culture and cuisine is to take a cooking class. You will learn how to prepare traditional dishes using fresh local ingredients, such as olive oil, cheese, herbs, fish, and vegetables. You will also get to taste your creations and enjoy a feast with your fellow cooks.
Some of the best places to take cooking classes on the Greek islands are:
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Ikaria
: This remote island is one of the world’s five “Blue Zones”, where people live longer and healthier than anywhere else. One of their secrets is their diet, which is based on wild greens, beans, fish, and wine. You can learn how to cook like an Ikarian at Thea’s Inn , where you will also enjoy stunning views of the sea and mountains. -
Naxos
: This island is famous for its cheese production, especially the gruyere-like Naxos cheese. You can learn how to make your own cheese at Naxos Cooking Classes , where you will also learn how to make other dishes like stuffed vine leaves, meatballs, and pies. -
Sifnos
: This island is known for its pottery tradition and its delicious cuisine. You can learn how to cook in a traditional clay pot at Sifnos Cooking Classes , where you will also learn how to make local specialties like chickpea soup, almond cookies, and honey cake.
Wine tasting
Greece has a long history of wine making, dating back to ancient times. The Greek islands produce some of the finest wines in the country, thanks to their volcanic soil, sunny climate, and indigenous grape varieties. You can taste these wines at various wineries and vineyards on the islands, where you will also learn about their production methods and history.
Some of the best places to do wine tasting on the Greek islands are:
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Santorini
: This island is famous for its white wines made from the Assyrtiko grape, which has a crisp and mineral flavor. You can taste these wines at Santo Wines , which has a spectacular view of the caldera and the sunset. You can also taste other wines like Vinsanto, a sweet dessert wine made from sun-dried grapes. -
Crete
: This island is the largest wine producer in Greece, with a variety of wines ranging from dry whites to full-bodied reds. You can taste these wines at Lyrarakis Winery , which specializes in rare local grape varieties like Plyto, Dafni, and Melissaki. You can also taste other wines like Kotsifali, a spicy red wine made from a blend of grapes. -
Corfu
: This island is known for its aromatic white wines made from the Kakotrygis grape, which has a floral and citrus flavor. You can taste these wines at Theotoky Estate , which is also an organic farm and olive oil producer. You can also taste other wines like Robola, a dry white wine made from a native grape variety.
Hot springs
Greece has many natural hot springs that offer therapeutic benefits and relaxation. The Greek islands have some of the most beautiful and unique hot springs in the country, where you can soak in mineral-rich waters surrounded by stunning scenery.
Some of the best places to enjoy hot springs on the Greek islands are:
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Agios Nikolaos
: This town on Crete has a unique hot spring that flows into a lake called Voulismeni. The water temperature is around 28°C (82°F) and has healing properties for skin and rheumatic problems. You can also enjoy a boat ride on the lake and admire the views of the town and the mountains. -
Sitia
: This town on Crete has another unique hot spring that flows into a river called Toplou. The water temperature is around 35°C (95°F) and has healing properties for respiratory and digestive problems. You can also visit the nearby Toplou Monastery, which has a museum and a winery. -
Milos
: This island has several hot springs that are located on the coast, where you can swim in the sea and enjoy the warm water. One of the most popular hot springs is Lakkos, which has a temperature of around 40°C (104°F) and has healing properties for skin and joint problems. You can also visit the nearby fishing village of Pollonia, which has a sandy beach and tavernas.
Other fun and unique experiences
The Greek islands have many other fun and unique experiences that you can have, depending on your interests and preferences. Here are some examples:
| Experience | Island | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Visit an ancient site | Delos | This uninhabited island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, covered with archaeological ruins dating from 300 BC. You can see temples, statues, mosaics, and a theater. |
| Visit a monastery | Meteora | This area on the mainland has monasteries built on top of rock pillars, which are accessible by stairs or cable cars. You can see the stunning views and the religious art. |
| Visit a ghost town | Monemvasia | This medieval town on a rocky island is connected to the mainland by a bridge. You can explore the stone houses, churches, and castle. |
| Visit a tarot reader | Skopelos | This island is famous for being the filming location of Mamma Mia. You can learn how to read the tarot cards at Skopelos Tarot , where you will also get a personal reading. |
| Visit a perfume workshop | Agios Nikolaos | This town on Crete has a perfume workshop where you can create your own personal fragrance. You can choose from over 100 essences and take home your own bottle. |
| Visit a pottery workshop | Sifnos | This island is famous for its pottery tradition. You can visit a pottery workshop and learn how to make your own clay pot or vase. |
| …and more! | ||
Conclusion
The Greek islands are full of fun and unique experiences that you can have, whether you are looking for adventure, romance, relaxation, or culture. You can learn how to cook, taste wine, enjoy hot springs, visit ancient sites, monasteries, ghost towns, tarot readers, perfume workshops, pottery workshops, and more. There is something for everyone in the Greek islands!
We hope this blog post has inspired you to plan your next trip to the Greek islands and discover their hidden gems and unique places. If you need any help with booking your accommodation, transportation, or activities, feel free to contact us. We are happy to help you make your dream trip come true!
