Any visitor to Greece confronts a barrage of cultural delights. Whether pondering the works of some of the world’s greatest philosophers or delighting in Corinthian architecture, Greece never fails to inspire. With the magnificence of all this culture it is easy to overlook Greece’s formidable cuisine. Although less well-known than its Italian neighbour, Greek food is a treasure trove of delights with a variety of regional delicacies. Below I recommend some of the varieties you simply must try on your holiday in Greece.
Peloponnese
The olive oil produced in this region is world famous and multi-award winning. Forget the light yellowy liquid you find stacked in your local supermarket; this oil is a delicious dark green. To make the most of this liquid gold, it is best matched with the local sausages of the region which are specially seasoned with a hint of orange.
If a more vegetarian diet is what you are after, then make sure to check out the wonderful artichokes grown in the region. These are best tasted on a refreshing salad at the end of a hot day. The local from Leonidion take their love for vegetables to the maximum with an entire festival dedicated to the aubergine every summer. Aubergine lovers: the Peloponnese is your spiritual home!
Macedonia
The perfect weather in Macedonia is not only ideal for sunning yourself on the terrace. Over thousands of years it has also helped cultivate an amazing array of ingredients which play a central role in the region’s cuisine. The fields are covered in orchards of apples, Edessa cherries, peaches and apricots. Pulses and beans are the staple of any dish and will be hard to miss on the menu in any local taverna.
Crete
This beautiful island is awash with vibrant foods. From dakos (barley smothered with olive oil, cheese and tomato) to ofto (roasted baby goat), the dishes in this region are as rich as the history of which they are a part. In the summer months a fresh local salad is an absolute must.
The Ionian Islands
These islands are the jewels of the Ionian Sea; their close proximity to Italy has fostered a shared history of great cuisine. To add a spark to your holiday in Greece, check out the luscious wines of the region made locally from cliff top vineyards. If this isn’t strong enough, make a special toast with friends with some local kumquat liqueur as you watch the sunset on the beach.
Any holiday in Greece would be incomplete without making the effort to try some of the regional delicacies that are on offer. I can promise that you won’t be disappointed and will be reminding your friends – “don’t forget about the food!†– when discussing the wonders of this ancient country.
John Dixon is an experienced world traveller and the Managing Director of Prestige Holidays. Whether you’re interested in a holiday in Greece, Bermuda or Croatia, John and his team have the knowledge and the expertise to find the perfect accommodation to suit your holiday style. John tries to visit each of the destinations regularly in order to ensure the quality of his properties, and stay up-to-date about the latest local news and events.
This article is copyright free.