1. Central Greece
Athens, Delphi, Cape Sounion

2. Crete
Chania, Elounda, Knossos, Heraklion

3. Cyclades
Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, Folegandros

4. Northern Greece
Thessaloniki, Mount Olympus, Meteora, Naoussa, Lake Kerkini

5. Peloponnese
Nafplio, Mycenae, Porto Heli, Monemvasia, Kalamata

Best time to visit: March-October

Go for this: Chania, a splendid Venetian harbor, a romantic place to stroll around, with medieval architecture, elegant mansions, narrow shopping streets and many waterfront restaurants. The atmosphere has a touch of Florence and Venice, combined with the culture and character of Cretan people and traditions.

But try this: Go trekking on the Samaria Gorge, one of the most famous and beautiful national forests of Greece. End your hike with a refreshing swim in the clear blue waters of Agia Roumeli beach. Or head to Elounda, a down-to-earth fishing village with a relaxing atmosphere, a small harbor and many traditional Cretan tavernas.

Favorite hotel: Casa Delfino, a tasteful and elegant boutique hotel with just 24 guestrooms in a 17th century Venetian mansion. Steps from Chania’s Venetian harbor, with a secluded entrance and a sheltered courtyard to read or relax, this hotel has a rare calm quality.

Favorite guest experience: Tastes of Crete hands-on cooking workshop. Visit the lively local market, taste the local cheese and olives, followed by a hands-on private cooking class preparing traditional Cretan dishes with a local chef at a 17th century farmhouse surrounded by organic gardens. Then, enjoy a delicious lunch accompanied by Cretan wine.

Favorite restaurant: 7 Thalasses, or “seven seas”, in Heraklion. Traditional Mediterranean cuisine, special dishes include grilled fish, shrimp saganaki, calamari with pesto, and lobster.

Foods:
- Chochlioi Boubouristi (fried snails)
- Apáki (pork dish)
- Kalitsounia (small Cretan pie usually with cheese)
- Sarikopitakia (cheese-filled fried phyllo pastries)

Wine:
- Vidiano
- Kotsifali
- Mandilaria
- Liatiko