{"id":3260,"date":"2020-08-02T09:30:00","date_gmt":"2020-08-02T08:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.secretescapes.com\/magazine-uk\/?p=3260"},"modified":"2021-03-16T12:39:54","modified_gmt":"2021-03-16T12:39:54","slug":"a-culinary-tour-across-greece","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/magazine.secretescapes.com\/escapist\/a-culinary-tour-across-greece\/","title":{"rendered":"A culinary tour across Greece"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

When we think of Greece, our minds conjure up mystical idylls of myths, legends and iconic history \u2013 it was the birth place of democracy after all. But something equally worthy of our attention is the country\u2019s mouthwatering cuisine. With stunning wine trails, endless olive groves, family-run farms with food-centred activities \u2013 the list goes on \u2013 this is a country that tantalises all tastebuds with its fresh flavours and local specialities. From the island of Tinos to mainland Thessaloniki and the Peloponnese, savour our menu of delectable destinations to dine in across Greece<\/a> \u2013 kali orexi!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Crete<\/strong> <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s something special\nabout the Cretan way of cooking. The beauty of the cuisine is that it\u2019s simple,\nyet so flavoursome, and that\u2019s thanks to the island yielding some of the most\nincredible produce \u2013 think fresh fish, hundreds of wild herbs and its famous\nolive oil, nicknamed \u2018liquid gold\u2019 for good reason. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cretan wine is a true revelation, so a visit to the island wouldn\u2019t be complete without a winery tour: cue Manousakis Winery<\/a> near Chania, where you can sip as you soak up vineyard views. For rustic fine dining in a Cretan villa setting, Avli<\/a> in Rethymno is a true treasure, while Taverna Gorgona<\/a> is perfect for fresh fish with views towards stunning Spinalonga.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The charming streets of Rethymno, Crete. Image: iStock\/Freeartist<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Thessaloniki<\/strong> <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Greece\u2019s second largest city, Thessaloniki, is a cultural and culinary destination on the rise. It\u2019s a place well known for its pastries, from koulouri to bougatsa, which takes centre stage across the city \u2013 there\u2019s nowhere better than Bantis<\/a> for your sweet cream-filled filo fix. The street food scene is also something to behold, whether you\u2019re tackling a large gyro at Psisou Sta Karvouna<\/a> or hitting Nterlikatesen<\/a> for the best souvlaki. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sweet treats and street food aside, the city is brimming with both authentic meze and creative restaurants. Hidden in the residential backstreets is Nea Folia<\/a>, a rustic old-time classic with a mouthwatering menu. Wash down all of these authentic Greek flavours at Chilai Wine Restaurant Bar<\/a>, where vintages like Melmar are a menu staple. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Traditional koulouri. Image: Getty Images\/Ad\u00e9l B\u00e9kefi <\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Tinos<\/strong> <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Whitewashed Tinos is a charming sleepy island that\u2019s often overlooked for its livelier Mykonos neighbour, but with spectacular rugged landscapes and a thriving food scene, it deserves praise in abundance. No two culinary experiences are the same here: you could be dining on fennel pie and rabbit stifado at Tereza\u2019s<\/a> grocery shop-cum-teeny restaurant one day, and savouring fresh fish as the waves hit the deck at Antonia\u2019s waterside Thalassaki<\/a> the next.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Visit in May and you\u2019ll get to experience the much-loved Tinos Food Paths<\/a> festival, which brings together cooks, critics and locals alike to celebrate the island\u2019s fabulous foodie heritage \u2013 think barbecues on the beach, wine classes outside monasteries and village-square feasts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The island of Tinos. Image: Getty Images\/Tuul & Bruno Morandi<\/a> <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Peloponnese<\/strong> <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Olive oil, pork,\nhoney, aubergines, fine wine, oranges \u2013 these are just a few of the local\ndelights to relish in Greece\u2019s magnificent Peloponnese region, the birthplace\nof the Olympics, no less. Family-run tavernas are at every turn, whether you\u2019re\nright by the sea or in the beautifully rustic mountains. The region also makes\nits own wine \u2013 try a rich red Agiorgitiko,\nor perhaps an aromatic white Mantineia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Embark on a foodie journey through the region, starting in the luscious Arcadia hills. Stop at Piteros Klimataria<\/a> for homemade Greek classics in a charming semi-alfresco setting, before making your way to the coast. Your next port of call is Lela\u2019s Taverna<\/a>, which cooks up fresh traditional dishes with a side of sea views. Ktima Biohof-Karababas<\/a> is an organic farm a little further up the coast, where you can bag the likes of organic olive oil and unique marmalades, like prickly pear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Olives, olive oil and wild herbs in the Peloponnese. Image: Getty Images\/ImagesEtc<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Athens<\/strong> <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

City thrills and foodie delights combine in this famous metropolis. Live life by the bite in the culinary backstreets of Athens, whether it\u2019s the low-key souvlaki and loukmades joints of downtown or Kerameikos\u2019 up-and-coming creative food scene. Must-visits include the unique dairy bar, Stani<\/a>, Varvakeios Central Market<\/a> for local produce, the homemade delights of Diomataris Restauran<\/a>t and Theo Tragi<\/a>, the self-proclaimed \u2018punk bistro\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Travel just 20 kilometres out of the centre and you\u2019ll be met with To Perivoli sti Vari<\/a> \u2013 a gastronomic experience that favours field-to-table gastronomy for a true taste of the region, with stunning views to match.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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An aerial view of Athens. Image: iStock\/sborisov<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

This article is being sponsored by Visit Greece<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t