Why Greece is the Perfect Foodie Destination

Greece is a foodie paradise, with a rich culinary history and a vibrant food culture that is sure to tantalize your taste buds. From the fresh seafood of the Aegean Sea to the hearty meat dishes of the mainland, Greek cuisine is known for its bold flavors and unique ingredients.

One of the best ways to experience Greek food culture is through culinary travel. Join a food tour or cooking class to learn about the various regional specialties and cooking techniques, or attend one of the many food festivals held throughout the year to sample a wide range of Greek delicacies.

In Greece, food is not just about sustenance, but also about celebrating life and sharing it with others. Greek cuisine is often enjoyed in a communal setting, with dishes served family-style and accompanied by lively conversation and laughter.

Greek wines and spirits are also a must-try for any foodie visiting Greece. From crisp white wines to full-bodied reds, Greek wineries produce a wide range of delicious vintages that pair perfectly with local dishes. And don’t forget about ouzo, the traditional Greek spirit that is often served as an aperitif or digestif.

Many of the ingredients used in Greek cuisine are sourced locally, including olives, feta cheese, and olive oil. These agricultural products are an important part of the Greek economy and are often produced using traditional methods that have been passed down for generations.

Whether you’re a fan of seafood, meat, or vegetarian dishes, Greek cuisine has something to offer everyone. So why not plan a foodie adventure to Greece and experience the rich culinary traditions and gastronomic delights for yourself?

Mykonos may be famous for its cosmopolitan vibe with a hopping nightlife, luxury resorts and high-end shopping, but it’s also the perfect place to learn about the Greek art of cooking and experience a slice of authentic daily life. Take a Greek Food & Wine Tour, where on cooking class you can learn to create traditional recipes, guided by local culinary experts so that you can make delicious Myconian dishes for your friends and family at home. Developing new skills is a souvenir that will never get shoved into the back of a closet or tossed in the “donate” pile. Classes are held at a traditional farm estate where your talented instructor will teach you how to make those mouthwatering local dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients. Afterwards, you’ll be able to enjoy the results, complemented by local wine and other drinks.

A variety of wine tasting experiences are offered on Santorini, famous for its centuries-old wine production. Santorini is essentially one large farm, not only producing wonderfully fresh ingredients served in island eateries, but Greek vino that flows nearly as freely as the natural hot springs. The dry, mineral-rich volcanic soil has been cultivated by winemakers for millennia, which has led to the creation of indigenous grape varieties that are wholly unique to this island, molded by its very landscape. Join a private Greek Food & Wine Tour to delve into the wine scene, learning about its history, meeting some of the producers, visiting an ancient vineyard and Santorini’s very first industrial winery – sampling along the way with an expert guide at your side. Taste some of the most popular wine styles, primarily white and dessert wines like Assyrtiko, Vinsanto and Nykteri, and try some of the local spirits at a traditional distillery too. You can even enjoy visiting a family-owned farm, savoring some of the fresh produce like cheese and olive oil.

Naxos boasts some of the most stunning beaches in the Greek isles and it’s also one of the top foodie destinations, as highlighted by the late chef/author/ television personality Anthony Bourdain on an episode of “Parts Unknown.” There are so many fantastic restaurants on Naxos it would probably take at least a year to sample them all. An agricultural island, most eateries here create dishes featuring locally grown vegetables, fruits, meats and fresh-from-the-sea fish, along with local specialties like delicious cheeses and Naxian potatoes, which have been cultivated here since the late 18^th-century. There are plenty of tasty local wines to sample with all the incredible eats too.

One of the top ways to complement your dining experiences here is to embark on a cheese and wine tasting tour where you’ll discover some of the island’s best flavors. Visit a small cheese farm in the mountainous interior, where you’ll get to watch and even join in the traditional cheesemaking process. Chat with the owners to learn about what they do, while enjoying plenty of tastings – Naxian cheese will be served hot out of the cauldron and paired with the house wine. Then journey to a picturesque vineyard where you’ll be introduced to the owner and led on a tour through the vines, learning about modern and traditional winemaking methods as well as more about the indigenous varieties before sitting down to taste the products, surrounded by the serene landscape.

Farm-to-table food is a way of life on Crete. The way of eating and living on this island, the largest in Greece, has been passed down for generations, and the Cretan diet is considered to be among the healthiest in the world with many here living to be well over 100 years old. A small group food tour will take you to sample much of it, along with the island’s fascinating historic sites. Embark on a culinary and history adventure with a local guide through the capital of Heraklion, where you’ll sip irresistible Greek coffee, visit an open-air market and a taverna to taste the local cheeses and meze. In between, discover hidden treasures in the vibrant neighborhoods and alluring side streets, marveling at sights like St. Titus Cathedral and even walking atop the Venetian city walls.

You can also get off the beaten path, exploring rural Crete via a Jeep Safari/Olive Oil and Wine Tasting Tour, reaching spots most tourists never get to experience. Not only will you be able to explore some of its hidden beauty and small charming villages that are difficult to access without a 4X4 and local at your side, but you’ll join olive oil and wine tastings, visit mills, wineries and view an ancient olive tree.

A foodie walking tour through the capital is really a must for anyone who wants to enjoy traditional Greek foods, delving into the city’s best flavors while visiting around a dozen carefully selected stores specializing in gastronomic delights, the locals’ favorite haunts central food market and vendors. An intimate experience led by an expert guide, you’ll be able to ask plenty of questions to learn more about the dining scene and what the locals eat at home as you taste everything from traditional pies, local honey and olive oil to charcuterie, cheeses and fresh-ground Greek coffee. Enjoy the aroma of local spices, the basis of cooking here, along with fresh-baked breads and other treats that waft through the air from the pastry shops and bakeries, finishing the excursion having learned more about the culinary history and traditions of one of the world’s oldest and greatest cities.

Interested in a private Greek food and wine tour in Greece? Get in touch with our Greek travel experts and we can design a customized culinary trip to your exact preferences. Contact us here >>