Rich historical icons and ancient relics are enough to draw visitors to Greece, however, the food and friendly people make the trip complete!
While there are local variations, most restaurants in Greece serve Greek salads topped with thick slabs of rich feta. Also, chicken and pork soulvaki, and spicey kebabs are traditional favorites. Eggplant dishes such as mousaka and a dip called Melitzanosalata. The sweets are also rich and wonderful. Here are my favorite local Greek dishes that can not be missed:
Athens: Giant baked bean called fassolia gigantes are tastey butter beans baked in tomato sauce with oregano.
Ancient Olympia: Greek yoghurt with quince and local honey.
Santorini: Fava dip, fried tomatoes, Santorini Pistachios, Greek salads enhanced with local giant capers, fresh delightful cherry tomatoes, regular tomatoes and local honey. Santorini is most famous for fantastic sunsets and there are many local restaurants and taverns that feature fantastic food with panoramic views.
The local wines are excellent. The white wines are exceptionally good, and have a crisp, dry, refreshing finish. Greek beers Mythos and Alpha are readily available and refreshing. Another excellent local beer is Mitypa. These are brewed with the clean finish of lagers, and perfectly compliment gyros or soulvaki.
Must-try greek specialities include ouzo and tsipouro. These high alcohol content drinks can be mixed with ice or water. I enjoyed sipping an anise flavored ouzo after long day of sightseeing, however the tsipouro was a bit strong for my taste. The sweet Santorini dessert wine, "Vinsanto", was a pleasant after dinner treat presented by the restaturant.
Our September visit hit several fruits at their peak. The watermelon and green honey-dew type melons melt in your mouth. Fresh figs were available. The grapes were the best that I have ever tasted. We were able to purchase the fruits through local stores or traveling farmer's markets.
I'll be looking for Greek cooking classes and Greek cookbooks to help preserve the memories of a fantastic vacation!
