When we decided to leave our lives in the Netherlands behind and move to Greece, we honestly thought we already knew the country quite well. We had visited many times, explored some of the well-known regions and felt we had a good idea of what life here would be like.
But as is often the case, you only really get to know a country when you become part of everyday life.
These are five things that surprised us the most:
1. Nobody seems to be in a hurry
At first, this took some getting used to. Not everything has to happen immediately. Coffee is enjoyed slowly, lunches can easily last for hours and a spontaneous chat with a neighbour often turns into a long conversation.
What we initially found frustrating has become one of the things we appreciate most. Life feels less rushed, leaving more room for the things that truly matter.
2. Life happens outdoors
In many Greek villages, it feels as though daily life takes place outside. People gather for coffee in the village square, children play outdoors until late in the evening and families come together in local tavernas. Especially during summer, it often feels as if the entire village moves outside once the sun starts to set.
Those lively village squares have become some of our favourite places in Greece.
3. Every region feels like a different country
For many travellers, Greece is simply one destination, but after moving here, we quickly discovered just how diverse the country really is.
The rugged mountains of Northern Greece feel completely different from the relaxed atmosphere of the Saronic Islands. The Peloponnese has its own distinct character, while Crete feels like a world of its own.
That’s one of the reasons traveling through Greece never gets boring. Every region offers a different experience.
4. The best places were never on our itinerary
Of course, Greece’s famous highlights are beautiful, but many of our favorite memories were made in places we never planned to visit.
A secluded beach at the end of a winding road. A mountain village where we stopped for a quick coffee and ended up staying all afternoon. A local taverna that wasn’t mentioned in any guidebook.
Those unexpected discoveries are often the moments we remember most.
5. Greece still surprises us
Perhaps that is the biggest surprise of all. Even after all these years, we are still discovering new places, traditions and stories.
Every region has its own rhythm, culture and hidden gems. That means no two trips ever feel the same.
Curious about our favorite places?
Over the years, we’ve discovered countless regions, islands and routes that have stayed with us. That’s why we’ve brought together some of the places, experiences and travel ideas that make Greece so special to us in a free Travelocal Travel Guide.
Inside, you’ll find inspiration for regions, island-hopping routes, local experiences and ways to explore Greece at a slower, more authentic pace.
At the moment, the guide is only available in Dutch, but we hope it will still inspire you to discover a different side of Greece. You can request your free copy through down below and start planning your next Greek adventure.