Greece, the cradle of ancient civilization, is a fascinating destination where history meets stunning landscapes. Leptokaria is a resort located at the foot of Mount Olympus, in the Gulf of Thessaloniki, part of the Macedonia region, whose capital is Katerini. Leptokaria is surrounded by sandy beaches with fine pebbles, awarded the Blue Flag.

The western part offers a superb view of Mount Olympus, home to the mythical gods of Ancient Greece, as well as the "SUSPENDED" monasteries of Meteora, which are considered the second most important Christian Orthodox monastic center in Greece, after Mount Athos.

The Meteora monasteries are part of the UNESCO heritage and are unique, both in terms of architecture and especially the beauty of the landscape, as they are built on the peaks of spectacular rock formations, a true "stone forest," formed 60 million years ago.

Intrigued? Then, let's hit the road!

1. Do you like to eat delicious food, discovering a country through its traditional culinary delights?

Wonderful! Greece is the best place to try new dishes, being excellent for both "carnivores" and vegans, as the local diet is rich in seafood, vegetables, cereals, legumes, and of course, meat (especially lamb, goat, or pork).

What should you make sure to try while you're there?

Fresh seafood, a "real" gyro with tzatziki, or platters of goat cheese accompanied by wine. Also, don't miss the stands with figs, grapes, watermelon, and pomegranates. My favorite part of Greek cuisine is dessert! You can try a hot Greek coffee (similar to espresso) or a Frappé with baklava, kataïfi, or a "pasta" (no, not macaroni, but one of the most delicious cakes in the world).

2. Think you've seen the most extraordinary beaches, but you've never been to Greece?

You'll definitely change your mind after this trip.

Greek beaches rank among the top 10 best European beaches and some of the most beautiful beaches in the world!

Greece is one of the few countries that has access to 3 major seas: the Mediterranean, Aegean, and Ionian. Each island has its own unique features, so I encourage you to visit as many as possible. Some have blue waters, while others are more turquoise and colorful. You may encounter a beach with soft sand, another covered with small pebbles, or even seashells.

My best advice?

Don’t be afraid to venture on your own, away from the major tourist spots. I even encourage you to ask a local about their favorite beaches, as they tend to be more secluded and less commercialized.

The weather is perfect for beach excursions from May to October.

Don't forget:

"Beauty is a gift.

                                 Usually - Greek."

                                               -Vasile Ghica

3. Did you know that here, in Leptokaria, the balance between Atmosphere-Price-Hospitality is ideal?

One of the most hospitable countries in the area, Greece offers almost flawless services, with tourists being treated with kindness, respect, and warmth. In Greece, you'll find relaxed and happy people who know how to enjoy the small pleasures of life, appreciate a stunning sunset, or savor a drink at a tavern, feeling like they're on a continuous vacation and sharing that joy with everyone.

4. And if you come to Greece, Leptokaria, and are not yet in love with history and everything related to its past, you will definitely become one of the admirers fascinated by the buildings that have survived thousands of years of war!

Greece became a tourist attraction as early as Antiquity, when (around 100-300 AD) the area was part of the Roman Empire, and Romans visited Athens, Corinth, and Thebes.

Later, about 1500 years later, the land of the Olympic Games and gods began to be visited by the rest of the world. Whether they came to rediscover the places described in the Iliad and Odyssey, to relax under the palm trees of Mykonos, Rhodes, or Crete, or to enjoy the bergamot orange liqueur produced on the island of Chios, Greece represented for everyone not just a return (at least mentally) to the past, but also the opportunity to press pause on daily worries and enjoy every moment, just as the locals have done for thousands of years.

You can literally see ancient artifacts and coins while waiting for the subway. Where else can you see this, if not in Greece?

I hope I have intrigued you, and next, we will discover the nightlife and other subtleties of this wonderful country!

(The continuation follows in next week's article)