By our Scandinavian correspondent M. Christofini
Markus Olsson is the creator of Mitt Grekland and one of the Swedes who knows Greece beyond the usual tourist trails. Through numerous trips to the islands and the mainland, he has gained a deep knowledge of Greek nature, culture, gastronomy and everyday life.
Given his extensive experience in Greece, Greek Radio in Florida contacted him to share his advice and experiences with the audience. Through this communication, we also had the opportunity to chat with him, in order for him to convey to us his own suggestions and observations about traveling to Greece.
In the following interview, he shares his best tips on which time of year is ideal for traveling, how to avoid the tourist crowds, and which destinations offer the most authentic Greek experience.
What is the best time for Swedes to travel to Greece, considering prices, weather and experiences?
I would say that all seasons offer great possibilities, depending on what experiences one is looking for. Greece has a lot to offer in summer, fall, winter and spring, and depending on one's budget, weather preferences and the activities one desires during their trip, different seasons may suit them better or worse.
My favorite time of year in Greece is spring, when the days are warm, the air is clear, and nature is green and blooming. There is preparation for the summer season everywhere, and there is a sense of energy and anticipation. Accommodation prices are usually lower than in high season (part of June, all of July and August), there are fewer tourists, and the weather is ideal for visiting monuments and sights. Although the sea can be a bit chilly, I would say that its temperature is like swimming in a Swedish lake in the middle of summer — a bit cold at first, but the body gets used to it quickly.
I rarely travel to Greece during the high tourist season, as accommodation prices increase significantly and there are a lot of people everywhere. However, many people do not have the opportunity to travel outside of summer and, if they know what to expect at this time of year, they can still enjoy a wonderful trip. The weather is usually stable with sun and heat, services operate at maximum level and swimming in the sea is truly enjoyable.
Another very pleasant time to travel to Greece is autumn, with mild nights, fewer tourists and a more relaxed pace. Prices start to drop and the traveler enjoys more with the same budget. It is also an ideal time for sightseeing, as daytime temperatures are more pleasant for walks under the open sky.
One should also not underestimate the winter in Greece. The weather can be changeable, offering both sunshine and pleasant temperatures as well as rain or cold. I had the opportunity to ski in Greece a few years ago and there are several ski resorts that combine beautiful slopes with traditional mountain villages.
Is it hot to bathe in the spring? And where?;
Yes, in my opinion it is possible, although personally I don't mind the slightly cooler water. The further south you are in Greece, the warmer the sea is in spring
Summer remains the best season for most Swedes;
It depends on what one wants to do and what one wishes to gain from their trip. Many are limited by holidays and school holidays, but if there is the possibility of traveling at another time, it is really worth discovering the diversity of Greece throughout the year.
Which islands do you recommend for families, couples and young travelers?
After so many trips to Greece, I have come to the conclusion that almost all the islands can offer something for everyone. I will rarely say that an island is not suitable for families or young travelers. The important thing is what each person wants to experience on their trip and based on that, choose a destination. A trip is also an opportunity to broaden our horizons and discover things that we might not have initially thought of.
Think about what is important to you: attractions, sandy or pebbly beaches, good snorkeling, variety of tavernas and nightlife, different villages and accommodation options or direct flights.
Don't forget that mainland Greece also has countless wonderful destinations, both on the coast and inland.
How can one avoid the crowds in the summer?
By choosing to travel early in the season or to destinations not served by mass charter packages. If you organize the trip yourself with flights, ships and accommodation, huge possibilities open up and you can experience places that are less touristy.
Are there places that combine beach and tranquility?
Yes. I have very good experiences from Sivota on mainland Greece and from islands such as Naxos, Anafi, Leros, Donoussa, Syros, Andros, Kimolos and Skyros.
Is the sea still warm in autumn?;
Yes, as the sea retains the heat of summer. In much of Greece the water remains particularly pleasant, although as autumn progresses it gradually cools down.
What are the best year-round destinations??
Athens and Attica in general, as well as Crete, are destinations that offer experiences throughout the year.
What are the activities per season??
Hiking and visits to archaeological sites are ideal in spring and autumn. Skiing is of course in winter, while sea bathing is best enjoyed in summer and early autumn.
What are the common mistakes of tourists? ?
On organized trips, it's easy to limit yourself to the hotel. However, it's worth exploring the wider area and the surrounding villages. There you'll discover authentic gastronomic experiences, beautiful human encounters, and local products that aren't found in tourist shops.
If you're island hopping, it's a good idea to leave some time before your return trip. Bad weather can cancel ferry trips, which happened to me last year, when I ended up staying longer in Serifos and only spent a few hours in Athens before my return flight.
What are the three Greek foods that no one should miss??
The most important thing is to move away from the tourist areas and look for taverns with local ingredients and traditional recipes.
I particularly love local pies, especially in the Epirus region.
Greece is also an excellent destination for vegetarian cuisine, with favorite dishes such as bean stew and bean soup.
Three traditional Greek drinks you should try?
My favorite is tsipouro, which is generally reminiscent of grappa and goes perfectly with dinner, even as an accompaniment to food.
Greek wines deserve special attention and can accompany lunch, dinner or a relaxing afternoon on the balcony.
Finally, Greek coffee is an integral part of the experience and can be enjoyed at any time of the day. Personally, I prefer to drink it in the morning in a small cafe, observing life around me.
