Discover Greece
Greece offers an irresistible blend of ancient history, island beauty, and everyday pleasures. In Athens, travelers can stand beneath the columns of the Parthenon, wander through the lively streets of Plaka, and encounter reminders of the classical world at nearly every turn. Beyond the capital, ancient sites such as Delphi, Olympia, and Epidaurus reveal the depth of Greece’s extraordinary past, while whitewashed villages, rugged mountains, and brilliant blue seas create an entirely different kind of wonder. The islands each have their own character, from the dramatic cliffs and sunsets of Santorini to the beaches of Crete and the quieter villages of the Cyclades. Just as memorable is the food: grilled fish beside the water, fresh tomatoes and feta, warm bread, souvlaki, and long evenings in a family-run taverna. Whether exploring archaeological ruins, sailing between islands, or lingering over a meal in a village square, Greece has a way of making history, landscape, and daily life feel beautifully connected.
Travel Writing & Culture
Unpacking for Greece, by Sally Jane Smith
Unpacking for Greece is a raw and courageous travel memoir that will restore your faith in the healing power of stepping outside your comfort zone. Sally Jane Smith was an avid traveler until a devastating bus crash in Sri Lanka in 2006 left her with severe injuries and a deep fear of travel, but ten years later, she finds herself in what she calls "middlesence," determined to reclaim her adventurous spirit. Armed with her deceased mother's 1978 travel journal from Greece, Sally embarks on a solo journey that becomes so much more than sightseeing—it's about letting go of personal baggage, like regrets about her relationship with her mother and conquering her deep fear of buses. What makes this memoir compelling is Smith's unflinching honesty about middle-aged solo travel, grief, and the messy process of rebuilding yourself one olive at a time. If you're hooked by her first Greek odyssey, you'll want to dive straight into Repacking for Greece (2024), where she continues her Mediterranean adventures and explores themes of replenishment and renewal.
It’s All Greek to Me!, by John Mole
In It’s All Greek to Me, John Mole trades the familiar dream of whitewashed walls and blue shutters for a far messier introduction to rural Greece. He persuades his family to take on a tumbledown hillside house with no roof, floor, doors, windows, water, or electricity—and twenty years of accumulated goat dung. What follows is a warm, self-deprecating account of renovations, cultural misunderstandings, and village life far from the tourist resorts. Along the way, the Mole family forms friendships with an unforgettable cast of neighbors, including Elpida, who treats back pain with raw eggs, and Eleni, who dreams of Düsseldorf. Funny without reducing Greece to caricature, the book offers an affectionate glimpse of the relationships, resilience, generosity, and everyday rhythms that can reveal far more about a place than its postcard views.
Circe, by Madeline Miller
In Circe, Madeline Miller reimagines one of Greek mythology’s most intriguing figures, transforming the enchantress from The Odyssey into the center of her own powerful story. Exiled to a remote island, Circe encounters gods, monsters, sailors, and heroes while gradually discovering the limits of power, the cost of isolation, and the meaning of belonging. Richly atmospheric and beautifully written, the novel brings the world of ancient Greek myth to life through its landscapes, sea journeys, rivalries, and deeply human emotions. It is an accessible and compelling way to enter the mythology of Greece—and to see familiar stories from a strikingly new perspective.
Guides for the Journey
Lonely Planet Greece
Lonely Planet Greece offers a comprehensive and easy-to-use guide for travelers hoping to experience both the country’s celebrated landmarks and its quieter corners. Alongside fresh perspectives on the Acropolis, Ancient Mycenae, and Spinalonga, the guide leads readers toward experiences such as village-hopping on Tinos, sailing to the ruins of Delos, and swimming beneath waterfalls on Samos. Detailed itineraries, practical maps, and expert local recommendations cover everything from tavernas and accommodations to transportation, festivals, etiquette, and responsible travel. With extensive coverage of Athens, the Peloponnese, northern and central Greece, Crete, the Cyclades, the Dodecanese, and other island groups, it is a valuable companion for planning a memorable journey through Greece.
Food, Art & Culture
Best Kept Secrets of the Greek Islands
Even the ugliest of coffee tables deserves to be graced with a book showcasing the breathtaking beauty of Greece, and one exemplary choice is The Best Kept Secrets of the Greek Islands, by Diana Farr Lewis. This stunning hard-cover volume takes readers on a visual journey through all six of Greece's island groups, offering a captivating glimpse into the country's hidden treasures. From awe-inspiring landscapes and picturesque villages to the mesmerizing azure waters of the Mediterranean, the book's carefully curated photographs capture the essence of Greek island life. Not only does it highlight the well-known destinations, but it also uncovers lesser-known gems that are sure to spark wanderlust in even the most seasoned travelers. Whether you're a Greece enthusiast or simply appreciate exquisite photography, this book serves as both an ideal gift and a cherished memento for those fortunate enough to have experienced the magic of this enchanting corner of the world.
Greece for the Coffee Table
Assouline’s beautifully produced books capture Greece through its extraordinary landscapes, ancient heritage, island life, food, design, and enduring sense of style. Known for their striking photography, elegant layouts, and immersive storytelling, these volumes travel from the whitewashed villages of the Cyclades to the historic streets of Athens and the deep blue waters of the Aegean. They are as enjoyable to browse as they are to display—an inspiring reminder of a favorite journey, an invitation to dream about the next one, or a thoughtful gift for anyone drawn to Greece. Learn more about Assouline and its distinctive approach to travel publishing.
Book images link to Amazon.
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