09.03.2024
Rhodes Island, known for its medieval architecture and castles, is the 4th largest island of Greece and the largest of the Dodecanese Islands, located in the Aegean Sea. Rhodes has been inhabited since the Neolithic period (4000 B.C) and due to its size and location, it has been famous throughout history.
During the Hellenistic Period (323BC - 33 BC), the island flourished economically and culturally. As one of the most organized and eminent periods of ancient times, the growth and expansion of the cities were immense.
A case in point was in 280 BC when the citizens built the monumental statue of the Greek sun-god Helios. It’s more widely known as the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders Of The Ancient World. It stood 33 meters tall and was made of polished brass but collapsed during an earthquake in 292 BC. Unfortunately, it was never restored. Another prime period of Rhodes was during the two centuries of the “Domination of the Knights” 1300-1522. They built and restored a hospital, a palace, several churches, and various castles. The Old Town of Rhodes still carries its medieval character with excellent examples of Gothic and Renaissance architecture.
In 1522, the Ottoman Empire defeated the Knights and enslaved the island for 4 centuries. After these 400 years, Italy occupied the island, and they created a colony named “The Italian Islands of the Aegean”. Even though the inhabitants were Greeks for centuries, it wasn’t until 1947 that the island was reunited with modern-day Greece, due to the WW2 Peace Treaty. The Medieval Old City of Rhodes has been declared a World Heritage Site. The unique traits of the island's history are still showing today, especially in architecture. The Palace of the Grand Master, the remaining buildings of the Order of the Knights, and the Turkish Baths are some to name a few.
Today, Rhodes Island is one of the top vacation destinations in Europe due to its uniqueness! Rhodes offers something for every taste; the cosmopolitan and traditional are blended into what locals call “life on Rhodes”. Whether it’s fine dining or going to a taverna, the taste of Rhodes is outstanding! Among other activities, some of the most popular are sailing, boat renting, scuba diving, exploring the ancient ruins, going for a 4x4 adventure, clubbing, and shopping. Vacationing in Rhodes is equally great if you travel solo, with friends or if you are with the family. Make sure to take the time to meet with the locals outside of the tourist areas and get lost in the stories they love to share, sitting around the village tavernas!
With one of the busiest airports in Greece and innumerable ferries traveling to and from Rhodes, reaching the island is as easy as it gets!
05.10.2026
Leonard Cohen's poem "Days of Kindness", from 1985, describes Greece as being a good place to read by moonlight on the terrace. He knew this from experience. Hydra was his home for much of the 1960s. He arrived in the spring of 1960, aged 25, and bought a house on the island, where he wrote much of his early work. Many places on Hydra still carry traces of him, even now that Hydra has become far better known.
16.04.2026
Greece is often associated with ancient history, island landscapes, and carefully preserved traditions. Less discussed, however, is another layer of its identity: its place names. Across the mainland and the islands, thousands of villages carry names that can sound unexpectedly funny or strikingly literal to a modern Greek speaker. These are not recent inventions or deliberate attempts at humor. Most date back centuries, shaped by geography, daily life, local dialects, and historical circumstances. What makes them stand out today is the shift in language over time. Words that once served as straightforward descriptions of land, resources, or communities can now feel unusually direct or unexpectedly humorous. Looking at these names more closely offers insight into how earlier generations observed their surroundings and chose to define them.
20.03.2026
Greece has long been more than a travel destination. For centuries, writers have been drawn to its history, natural beauty, and authenticity, finding in Greece not just a setting, but a source of inspiration that shapes narratives, characters, and perspectives.
19.02.2026
02.01.2026
In Greece, the holiday season does not end on New Year’s Day. Instead, it culminates in one of the most symbolic celebrations of the year: Epiphany, known in Greek as Theofania. More than a religious holiday, Epiphany in Greece represents the triumph of light over darkness, a spiritual “new beginning” for individuals and communities. For anyone living in Greece, or dreaming of owning a home here, Epiphany offers one of the most authentic snapshots of local culture. From the blessing of the waters to ancient folk rituals, this day reveals the deep connection between the Greek people, nature, and tradition.
30.12.2025
Crete is stepping into the global spotlight once again. According to Airbnb’s latest travel trend insights based on worldwide search data from Q3 2025, the island — and especially the iconic Samaria Gorge National Park — ranks among the most sought-after nature destinations for 2026. This surge reflects a broader shift in how people choose where to travel, live, and invest. Travellers are no longer looking only for beaches or city breaks. Instead, they are drawn to authentic natural environments, outdoor experiences, and destinations that offer both beauty and balance, qualities that Crete delivers effortlessly.
19.12.2025
Greece is known mostly for its pristine beaches and its endless summers. Also, Greek cuisine, with its unique Mediterranean dishes, is widely sought after. What might feel surprising is the magical beauty during Christmas in Greece. The country has a long festive season that runs from Christmas to Epiphany (the “Φώτα” on 6 January), full of local customs, food traditions, and small village rituals that still matter to people today. Winter destinations are also famous in Greece, as according to the latest Monitoring Sentiment for Intra-European Travel report (Wave 23) by the European Travel Commission (ETC), Greece ranks among the top 10 most desired European destinations for travel between October 2025 and March 2026, holding a solid 7th place.
19.12.2025
Spending New Year’s Eve on Greek islands is about much more than fireworks, food and champagne. It’s about little family rituals, centuries-old customs and the warm feeling of being part of a close community. For anyone dreaming of a holiday home or a new life in Greece, New Year's Eve is one of the unique moments to experience the soul of island life, when most tourists aren’t there, and you can experience authentic community moments with locals. As we’ve mentioned in an older blog post, cutting the famous Vasilopita, a special bread to honour the Greek Santa Claus, is the most important custom happening in almost every house in Greece at the turn of the year. A lucky coin is baked into the cake, and whoever finds it will have good luck for the next year or may even take a gift. But let’s explore a bit more of Greece’s rich traditions and local communities, from its enchanting islands to the unique customs celebrated on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
