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Is there more to Greece than the blue and white houses of Santorini and Mykonos?


"Yes, yes, there is," responds a voice from the mountains of Greece's mainland.

What is the name of those famous goats I always see in Instagram pictures of Crete? Where can I find Crete's goats? The kri-kri is a wild goat on the island of Crete, also referred to as the Cretan wild goat, the Cretan ibex, or “agrimi”, which means “the wild one.” Its scientific name is Capra aegagrus cretica. The wild goat was brought to Crete by Neolithic-era settlers at least 8000 years ago. The goats migrated from the Near East along with Cretan settlers. The kri-kri escaped human control in Crete and lived in the mountainous areas of the island. They were hunted even in Minoan times - we know this because Minoan art from over 3000 years ago shows that they were game. Homer also refers to an “isle of goats” in The Odyssey.

You’ve probably seen them on Instagram, with their bright pink leaves contrasting with the white and blue homes in the Cyclades -- a symbol of summer in Greece. Now that I have a home in Greece, should I buy a bougainvillea? Is it easy to take care of a bougainvillea? Where do bougainvilleas grow best, and how do I take care of one?

When I visit a Greek home, why do I get treated like a king? Spoon sweets, meze platters, and Greek specialty dishes get pushed towards me, appearing out of nowhere. I get endless questions about my life (some highly personal, in the best possible way), and a number of gifts to take home. Is there a historical reason why Greeks are so hospitable?

Does this island look familiar? The most famous scene in Mamma Mia was filmed on Skopelos. As one of the greenest islands in Greece, almost 80% of the island is covered with a green expanse of pine trees. It’s no wonder that Skopelos is also called the “green and blue island” for its combination of forest and pristine waters.

I want to buy a home in Greece. I've seen the brand new contemporary constructions by top architects in Greece, but it's not my style. I want something that looks more traditional. I want to feel like I am in the Greece of days past. So, what are my options for a traditional home in Greece?

“This land, I would not exchange it for Babylon.” This quote is from the Ancient Greek poet Pinder, and he was describing the island of Kea. Today, Kea island is only one hour from Athens’s Lavrio port. You may be wondering “how have I never heard about it?” This is because Kea has been relatively overshadowed by the more popular islands in the Cyclades, like Santorini and Mykonos.  


The teardrop-shaped island is also called “Tzia” by the locals and is a popular weekend excursion from Athens. Kea is known for its beaches, old churches, watermills, and impressive walking trails to its four ancient cities.