Travel on your mind? Discover Greece from a local's perspective.

Insider Bella Rivas shares her favorite hot spots, destinations Off the Beaten Track, and tips for travelers planning to visit her beautiful country. Sporting her favorite footwear for the journey, OTBT shoes of course.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE HOTSPOTS IN GREECE?
Towns I would definitely recommend visiting would be: of course Athens, Rhodes, Rethymno, Spetzes and Paros. These places engulf a mix of touristic and raw / natural land and culture that is definitely worth seeing.

FUN DESTINATIONS IN GREECE OFF THE BEATEN TRACK?

For sure my little village in Greece is an Off the Beaten Track. The photos were taken not far from this village in Embona.

This is the village of great traditional taverns and lots of wine. Another wonderful place to visit is “I limni tou kourna” just outside of Rethymno, Crete. The best restaurants and food you will ever taste along with a beautiful mountain view and lake in front of you.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MODE OF TRAVEL IN GREECE?
My favorite mode of travel would definitely be boat. Although the ride can get quite rocky, the Aegean Sea is stunning and you can’t get enough of the view.

TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT GREECE NOT MANY PEOPLE KNOW

The life here is very relaxed. It is normal to sit at a cafe with one coffee for 4 hours and just people watch or look at the view. Life is not fast paced as it is in the Western world.

There is always board games called “tavli” at cafés, played by all ages, young and old. When Greek people go out for drinks you will hardly see them ordering a glass or a cocktail. They either go all out with a bottle or two or they stay home, there is no mid-field playing here.

WHAT ARE A FEW THINGS YOU REALLY LOVE ABOUT GREECE?

I love their traditional mentality and how family oriented people are here.

The food quality and freshness in Greece is also something that is quite different and admirable and the produce is locally grown avoiding the harsh chemicals and pesticides that are common in other countries.

WHAT ARE 5 ESSENTIALS TRAVELERS SHOULD PACK WHEN VISITING GREECE?

Definitely pack: Sunglasses, sunscreen, multiple bathing suits, very light clothing (for summer as it gets very hot) and comfortable shoes.

The roads are not ideal for high heels and stilettos as they are uneven and many are paved with pebble stone.

Want more? Follow @bellarivv on her Insta for some seriously chic fashion and adventures through her hometown in Greece. 

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