There are more and more people all over the world who begin to seriously consider relocating to the Greek islands. Crete and Corfu, Mykonos and Santorini, Rhodes — Greece is attractive on so many levels: perfect environment, natural foods, living in harmony with nature, enjoying its generous gifts, such as seafood, seasonal fruits and vegetables, olive oil, forest honey.
Numerous times the Greek islands have made it to various ratings of best places to visit in Europe.
Time and again, people who have visited a Greek island were amazed by the Greek islands’ lifestyle, the key to which is full harmony with the surroundings. The best example of it, which is characteristic also for mainland Greece, is the afternoon siesta. The Greeks prefer to start their work early and to finish it later in the evening when the heat goes down. In the afternoon though, the Greek islands dip into relaxation and calmness. Usually, the locals take a short afternoon nap or just relax in the coolness of their homes or the shade of a tree. It is rather improper to make visits during the siesta hours, drop by at neighbors to deal with any business. Siesta is part of the unspoken rules of life on the islands.
The food culture and the pace of living, which include obligatory afternoon breaks and relaxation, contribute to the Greek islanders being long-livers.
In the villages or even small towns of the Greek islands usually everyone knows everyone, glad-hand their neighbors, which fact may be unusual for foreigners, many of them have a northern temperament. However, as it usually is, people very quickly get used to good things, so in no time many get in tune with the Greek communication style.
The lifestyle of Greek villages is worth a separate mention. Usually one can meet fruit and vegetable trucks driving around towns and villages, and the drivers yelling to get the customer’s attention and make them shop at their doorsteps. Numerous markets offer all possible kinds of arts and crafts: from handmade leather shoes to fired clay pottery and natural sea sponges. Bargaining while shopping in markets is also a part of the local culture.
When you come to towns and villages of the Greek islands you see and feel the impact of Orthodox Christianity everywhere. The life here is closely linked with the church and its traditions. It’s quite common to see a sermon with the priest and worshippers gathered in the back yard of a crisp white church, in the shadows of the trees. Religious rituals stand out for their beauty and often captivate travelers. It will just suffice to mention the christening parties that are held in the churchyards to celebrate the welcoming of a new member of the Greek Orthodox Church. One can hear the sounds of the traditional musical instrument – bouzouki, wine is served to all the guests and random church visitors, gifts are brought for the infant, women are wearing their best dresses… Truly, the more you get to know the culture and everyday life of the Greek islands, the more you fall in love with them.
Of course, each one of the Greek islands has its own traditions, which influence the lifestyle. For example, Rhodes with its well-developed agriculture differs much from Crete or Corfu, Lesvos, Patmos, or Symi.
Usually, there is one craft that is most developed on an island, and this craft leaves a trace on the whole life of the locals.
Yet, all of the islands of beautiful Hellas are notable for their eco-friendly lifestyle, with emphatic respect for nature and timeless values. The easy pace of life brings into sharp focus the respect to the present moment and importance of human contact. Slow talks about politics, football, and everyday life – is an inalienable part of the local culture.
On top of that, at the heart of the cultural possessions of the Greek islands, lies their beauty – natural and manmade. A classic case – the crisp white houses, as if made of sugar, with typical blue shutters, the walls, and fences covered with branches of blooming bougainvillea. This picture is known to each and everyone in the world, and when looking at it one can unmistakably identify the unique Greece. Aegean and Ionian islands can brag about their impressive architecture. Besides the traditional Greek style, one can encounter masterpieces of Italian buildings. They naturally fit into the beauty of the island nature and cannot but influence the lifestyle, by teaching both the locals and the tourists the habit of observing and appreciating beauty.
That is why, when reflecting on the best places in Europe to visit, choose the Greek islands without thinking twice. And don’t forget to take a bigger suitcase with you — on your way back your baggage will definitely become bigger. But the most important thing that you will take back with you is the baggage of knowledge, life experience, beautiful impressions, and feel-good memories.
