Content on Compass & Fork about Greece, the Greek Islands and Cyprus
One of the world’s great destinations for culture and cuisine. On this page you can find all the travel and food content for Greece, the Greek Islands and Cyprus. It includes what to see and do, what to eat and authentic local recipes you can make at home.
Content includes recipes, travel tips, travel guides from our travels through this region includes: Mykonos, Santorini, Naxos, Athens and Cyprus. To help get you in the mood, there is a hand curated selection of books, cookbooks and movies about Greece. And if you would like to share an authentic Greek feast at home with family and friends, there is a four course dinner party menu complete with recipes and wine suggestions to make entertaining at home easy.
If You’re Planning a Trip to Greece, the Greek Islands and Cyprus
Beautiful Accommodation Options
You will need a place to stay of course. And finding the perfect accommodation is just part of the fun of planning your dream trip to Greece, the Greek Islands or Cyprus.
The Greek Islands are quite seasonal. Not much is open in the winter on many islands, and they can be very crowded in the summer months. And don’t forget the cruise ships stopping at many of the islands. They can bring a large influx of day visitors.
So best advice is to book early so you get the best selection. If you would like to browse hotels in Greece, the Greek Islands and Cyprus and see availability and prices for your dates, you can check Booking.com
There are plenty of vacation rentals and apartments on many islands. To find these you Booking.com and on the left hand side you can filter by accommodation type. Lots of private rentals can be found on AirBnB. If you are new to AirBnB, our tips for AirBnB users provides a handy guide. (and if you have any questions at all, just send us an email- we are happy to help.) If you want to get started, here’s a coupon you can use when you register to save on your first stay. We stayed in apartments we found on AirBnB in both Athens and Cyprus.
Renting a Car in Greece, the Greek Island and Cyprus
Driving is not necessary or recommended some places due to traffic congestion. We managed without a car on Santorini, Mykonos and in Athens. We did rent a car on Naxos and depending what you’re planning in Cyprus, a car would be more convenient than public transportation.
For car rental overseas we recommend Holiday Autos. Horror stories abound of people arriving to pick up the car or returning it and getting a bill much more than they planned due too surprise fees on the rental car that were not included in the quote. You can find out more about why we recommend Holiday Autos and download our rental car checklist to use before you rent a car
And for traveling through Greece, the Greek Islands and Cyprus we highly recommend you have travel insurance. Greek ferries are notorious for cancellations and delays. You may have coverage through a credit card or other means, to learn more about travel insurance and how you might be able to save some money read our post with what you need to know about travel insurance. You need to organize it before your trip begins.
We use and suggest World Nomads if you do not have other coverage. You can learn more about Travel Insurance and selecting appropriate coverage and get a quote for travel insurance from World Nomad’s Travel Insurance here.
Food and Travel from Greece, the Greek Islands and Cyprus on Compass & Fork
Slow Cooked Leg of Lamb – A Classic Greek Recipe
Required Disclaimer: This post may contain products with affiliate links. If you make purchases using these links, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support. Slow cooked leg of lamb fills your home with mouthwatering aromas. It’s one of winter’s great pleasures when it is cold outside, and you have a slow roasted leg of lamb gently cooking away in the background while you potter around. Not sure how to slow cook … Read More
Visiting Santorini: 5 Things to do for First Timers
Required Disclaimer: This post may contain products with affiliate links. If you make purchases using these links, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support. Santorini is the stunningly beautiful Greek island so often featured in photos of the Greek islands. The setting is dramatic, scripted in a Hollywood movie, with villages set high atop steep, jagged cliffs. To add to this impressive facade, the cliff faces are black, as it is … Read More
Naxos Greek Island – Why It’s The Best
Required Disclaimer: This post may contain products with affiliate links. If you make purchases using these links, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support. In Greek Mythology, Dionysus the god of wine, drunken merriment and fertility is said to have been born on Naxos. Which is a great reason to visit Naxos and see it for yourself, but that’s not why Naxos Greek Island is the best of the Greek Islands … Read More
9 Reasons to Visit the Greek Island Syros
Required Disclaimer: This post may contain products with affiliate links. If you make purchases using these links, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support. Syros. Never heard of it? We think Syros is one of the best kept secrets in the Greek Islands. And I don’t think it is going to stay a secret much longer! Here are 9 great reasons to visit the Greek Island Syros and why it’s possibly … Read More
Authentic Greek Lamb Recipe – How to Make Lamb Roast at Home
Required Disclaimer: This post may contain products with affiliate links. If you make purchases using these links, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support. Is there anything more traditional than authentic Greek Lamb recipes? Not for a Greek, there isn’t. Celebrate Easter – or any other special occasion – with what is arguably the best meat you can roast, either in an oven, on the Weber BBQ or if you are … Read More
How to Make Easy Greek Rice Pudding on the Stovetop
Required Disclaimer: This post may contain products with affiliate links. If you make purchases using these links, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support. Looking for creamy rice pudding? Why not try this easy Greek rice pudding, a simple recipe you can make on the stovetop. And, you can make it in advance and then just leave to chill in the refrigerator, making it very convenient if you have guests. It’s … Read More
How to Plan Your Crete Itinerary for the Best Vacation
Required Disclaimer: This post may contain products with affiliate links. If you make purchases using these links, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support. To help you plan your Crete itinerary an overview of Heraklion, Chania and Rethymnon with suggestions for where to stay based on interests for 1,2 or 3-week itineraries. Includes information for getting to Crete and traveling around the island. Crete is known for its food and wine in … Read More
Authentic Greek Lemon Chicken Makes the Best Greek Barbecue
Required Disclaimer: This post may contain products with affiliate links. If you make purchases using these links, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support. Like the idea of a Greek barbecue and looking for a simple Greek chicken breast recipe? Authentic Greek lemon chicken is full of the great flavors of Greece and only 15 minutes total preparation and cooking time. And, all made with everyday ingredients. The key to this … Read More
The Theodore Boutique Hotel – Perfect Relaxation in Crete
Required Disclaimer: This post may contain products with affiliate links. If you make purchases using these links, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support. If you are looking for beautiful accommodation in Crete offering the chance for complete relaxation and beachfront access, The Theodore Boutique Hotel near Chania is the perfect choice for you. The Theodore Boutique Hotel One of my favorite hotels from our recent travels, The Theodore Boutique Hotel … Read More
The Best Traditional Foods in Crete to Try
Required Disclaimer: This post may contain products with affiliate links. If you make purchases using these links, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support. Simple ingredients, individual flavors and healthy meals is the basis for traditional foods in Crete. Here is a list of all the best food, wine and drink for you to try in Crete or any Greek restaurant. The diet of Crete forms much of the basis of … Read More
Kapsaliana Village Hotel the Best for Historic Luxury in Crete
Required Disclaimer: This post may contain products with affiliate links. If you make purchases using these links, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support. Well located, only a short drive inland from Rethymnon, the Kapsaliana Village Hotel offers great views, excellent food and service all within the historic setting of a restored rural Greek village. The Story of Kapsaliana Village Hotel: A Labor of Love for 40 Years Originally the … Read More
You Need to Know How to Cook Strapatsada Greek Eggs
Required Disclaimer: This post may contain products with affiliate links. If you make purchases using these links, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support. Strapatsada Greek eggs make a simple, easy to cook breakfast, brunch or lunch. Only six ingredients including the seasoning and garnish. These tasty scrambled eggs with feta and tomatoes are so popular in Crete, the home of the Mediterranean diet. But there is a secret ingredient which … Read More
Kalimera Archanes Village the Best for Rustic Comfort and Great Hospitality
Required Disclaimer: This post may contain products with affiliate links. If you make purchases using these links, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support. Kalimera Archanes Village provides an opportunity to stay in a traditional village house in the beautiful village of Archanes on Crete. With its antique décor, it is a step back in time, but still offers all the modern amenities for a most enjoyable stay. And there is … Read More
Scalani Hills Boutari is the Best Accommodation and Wine Pairing!
Required Disclaimer: This post may contain products with affiliate links. If you make purchases using these links, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support. If you are looking for beautiful accommodation in Crete, complete with a chance to learn and sample the local wines of Crete, staying at Scalani Hills Boutari Winery & Residences is the perfect boutique accommodation choice for you. Scalani Hills Boutari Winery & Residences: Beautiful Accommodation and … Read More
One Thing that Really Surprised Me About Athens Greece
Required Disclaimer: This post may contain products with affiliate links. If you make purchases using these links, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support. Many people pass through Athens on their way to the Greek Islands. Is it worth stopping to take a look? We look at the best things to see and do in Athens (including where to eat) and where to stay and I share the one thing that … Read More
Terrific Entertaining at Home with this Greek Feast
Required Disclaimer: This post may contain products with affiliate links. If you make purchases using these links, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support. Terrific entertaining at home with this Greek Feast. Your Greek dinner menu and recipes included. Invite friends and family around for a terrific night in! There is no denying Greeks and Cypriots enjoy having a great time with their family and friends. Picture a seaside or mountain … Read More
What You Need to Know About Traveling in the Greek Islands
Required Disclaimer: This post may contain products with affiliate links. If you make purchases using these links, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support. Traveling in the Greek Islands is relatively easy. There is a ferry system running all year between the large islands and an additional seasonal service in summer servicing and connecting the smaller islands. In addition there are airports on many of the large islands. Aegean Air and … Read More
The Best Authentic Loukoumades Greek Donuts Recipe
Required Disclaimer: This post may contain products with affiliate links. If you make purchases using these links, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support. Today we feature a popular dessert eaten throughout Greece and Cyprus. Authentic loukoumades are basically Greek donuts. They are drenched in a honey-based syrup, sprinkled with cinnamon, sesame seeds and crushed walnuts. And they’re easy to make. Our version of authentic loukoumades comes with a twist. For … Read More
Sensational Beef Stifado a Pleasant Surprise from Cyprus
Required Disclaimer: This post may contain products with affiliate links. If you make purchases using these links, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support. Today we feature a classic, Greek stew – beef stifado, or should that be the famous, Cypriot dish? Whatever its origins, we are featuring it today! Commonplace throughout the region, it is a robust flavored stew, containing slow-cooked beef that just melts in your mouth. Beef stifado … Read More
The Rich History of the Ancients in Paphos Cyprus
Required Disclaimer: This post may contain products with affiliate links. If you make purchases using these links, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support. The town of Paphos (or Pafos) is located on the south western tip of Cyprus. It is known as the birthplace of Aphrodite, the Greek godless of love and fertility. Cyprus is a very old culture, with a civilization predating the Greeks. Evidence of both Greek and … Read More
This Genuine Greek Spanakopita is Irresistible
Required Disclaimer: This post may contain products with affiliate links. If you make purchases using these links, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support. Genuine, Greek spanakopita is a classic, spinach pie, surrounded with filo pastry. Filled with spinach or silver beet, cheeses and mildly spiced, Greek spanakopita is a great way to increase your or your children’s green veggie intake. I can promise you, they will be coming back for … Read More
Your Survival Guide to the Parthenon in Athens
Required Disclaimer: This post may contain products with affiliate links. If you make purchases using these links, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support. The Parthenon in Athens, Greece is the icon of the city. I can remember wanting to visit since elementary school when we had the “Greek Games” at school. And yes it was a long time ago, but that is where my fascination with Greek mythology and civilization … Read More
Greek Tzatziki Guaranteed to be Thicker and Stronger
Required Disclaimer: This post may contain products with affiliate links. If you make purchases using these links, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support. Greek tzatziki is one of those quintessential, Greek dips known and loved throughout the world. A classic of Greek cuisine, it is perfect as an easy-to-make appetizer you can enjoy on a sunny day prior to a BBQ or just for accompanying a chilled beverage with family … Read More
What to See and Do in the Village of Halki on Naxos
Required Disclaimer: This post may contain products with affiliate links. If you make purchases using these links, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support. The village of Halki in the center of the Greek Island of Naxos is well worth a visit. It has great things to discover. It’s like traveling back in time! The Highlights of Halki Halki (or Chalki as you will also see it written) was once … Read More
Genuine Greek Baked Beans Full of Taste – Gigantes Plaki
Required Disclaimer: This post may contain products with affiliate links. If you make purchases using these links, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support. Ever heard of Gigantes Plaki? No it’s not some Greek, mythological monster from Jason and the Argonauts (remember that fabulous film?), although you could be forgiven for thinking so! They’re basically a version of Greek baked beans made with larger beans such as butter beans or lima … Read More
The Best Citron Liqueur you’ll ever Taste is on Naxos
Required Disclaimer: This post may contain products with affiliate links. If you make purchases using these links, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support. Craft distilling is all the rage these days, creating small batch high quality spirits from fresh, often local ingredients. This is a return to the way spirits used to be made before mass production. So while I enjoy finding a new venture returning to the traditional ways, … Read More
A Traditional Feast to Celebrate Easter like the Greeks
Required Disclaimer: This post may contain products with affiliate links. If you make purchases using these links, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support. Easter is the biggest celebration and feast of the Greek Orthodox religion. The customs and cuisines of how the Greeks celebrate Easter provide a great opportunity for the traveler to learn more about Greek culture and traditions. As parts of the world prepare to celebrate Easter this … Read More
Easy Greek Village Salad from Naxos Revisited
Required Disclaimer: This post may contain products with affiliate links. If you make purchases using these links, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support. It’s no secret one of the sublime pleasures of spending time in the Greek Islands is to enjoy the healthy lifestyle. Sunshine, swimming, relaxation and of course the incredibly, healthy cuisine. It’s a laid back culture and this is reflected in the food. Nothing too complex. Just … Read More
Greek Olive Oil: All You Need to Know About This Family Tradition
Required Disclaimer: This post may contain products with affiliate links. If you make purchases using these links, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support. Greek Olive Oil Greece has a long and proud history of pressing Greek olive oil and it is very closely linked to the food and culture of the country. Evidence has been found of olive cultivation and Greek olive oil production going back over 50,000 years. Over … Read More
You Need to Know Why Drunken Pork is Perfect with Red Wine
Required Disclaimer: This post may contain products with affiliate links. If you make purchases using these links, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support. Most experts will say drink white wine with pork. Today we feature a dish very commonplace throughout the Greek Islands and Cyprus which turns that theory on its head. Drunken pork is a simple dish to prepare and full of robust Greek flavors including red wine. A … Read More
Steamed Greek Mussels Will Make You Happy
Required Disclaimer: This post may contain products with affiliate links. If you make purchases using these links, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support. Steamed Greek mussels feature in today’s first food post coming from Greece. A simple, happy dish, full of Greek flavors. They are sure to put a smile on your face. Think oregano, white wine, olive oil, garlic and lemon juice. Very common flavors throughout Greek cooking. Accompanied … Read More
Why Mykonos is One of the Best Greek Islands to Visit
Required Disclaimer: This post may contain products with affiliate links. If you make purchases using these links, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support. Mykonos is One of the Best Greek Islands to Visit One of Greece’s iconic islands featuring whitewashed buildings, beautiful Greek churches, a resident pelican as the island mascot and of course the famous and often photographed windmills. Indeed the nickname of Mykonos is the “island of the … Read More
Best Books, Cookbooks and Movies about Greece
Required Disclaimer: This post may contain products with affiliate links. If you make purchases using these links, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support. There are a lot of books, cookbooks and movies about Greece. Everything from ancient Greek mythology to modern novels. Movies run the gamut from hilarious comedies to historical sagas. And for cooking, well the Mediterranean Diet has been well publicized over the years as one of the … Read More
Greece, the Greek Islands and Cyprus on Pinterest
You can find all of Compass & Forks Content from Greece and Cyprus plus additional food and travel content from around the internet on our Greece Food & Travel Board on Pinterest.
Join Us for More Food & Travel from Around the World
We hope you enjoyed Greece, the Greek Islands and Cyprus. We explore a new culture and cuisine each month on Compass & Fork,if you would like to join us subscribe to our newsletter. You’ll receive all of our content. special offers and custom guides direct to your inbox. We feature a new culture and cuisine each month!