Maria Paravantes

Seasoned media and content professional with 25+ years of journalistic experience covering tourism and travel, gastronomy, arts, music and culture, economy and finance, politics, healthcare and social issues for international press and media. Dedicated to sharing insight. Passionate about creating the experience using the power of the written word.

Category: Destinations/Gastronomy/Tips & More/Travel

What to See & Do in Lavrion: Attica’s Best Kept Secret

Posted On March 13, 2020March 20, 2020 By Maria Paravantescomment

Visiting Athens for a few days? Then find out all you need to know (and more) about planning your day trip to the port town of Lavrion. This up-and-coming seaside destination has it all: lot’s of history, a mystical aura, and absolutely great food.

Category: Destinations/Tips & More/Travel

Solo Female Traveler? Go to Greece

Posted On March 6, 2020March 20, 2020 By Maria Paravantescomment

Are you a woman thinking of traveling alone? Find out all you need to know about solo female travel to Greece and how to have a safe, fun and rewarding travel experience.

Category: Destinations/Events & Happenings/Tips & More/Travel

5+1 Reasons to Marry or Honeymoon in Greece

Posted On February 29, 2020March 20, 2020 By Maria Paravantes2 Comments

Greece is the ideal destination to have your wedding or honeymoon, or better yet both, and here are 5+1 reasons to back that up.

Category: Destinations/Tips & More/Travel

10 Plus 1 Nudist Beaches in Greece

Posted On February 24, 2020March 20, 2020 By Maria Paravantescomment

Discover 10+1 nudist beaches in Greece, where you can bare it all and feel freer than ever.

Hi! I’m Maria, a Chicago-born Greek-American living and working in Greece as a professional journalist for the past 30 years. Like you, I love traveling, eating, drinking, relaxing, and having fun, and I know exactly where and how to do just that in Greece. If you want to get the most out of your trip to Greece, then look no further. As a seasoned travel and tourism professional but also as a traveler myself, I know from firsthand experience Greece’s best-kept secrets and much more. So join me and let’s Travel, Learn and Grow… in Greece, together.

What do you do when you receive a “kerasma”?

“Kerasma” means “treat” or “to be treated” and it is one of Greeks’ favorite ways to show affection. They either like you – as an indirect form of flirting, they are fond of your company demonstrating friendship or they are extending their hospitality.

A “kerasma” is usually declared out loud: “Kernao ego” by the one doing it.

Always accept, of course! You are being treated to food, drink, coffee and sweet by a friend. Be grateful and enjoy!

In the case the “kerasma” is sent over by someone keen on flirting, you can either accept or decline politely. On Crete, of course, this is often not recommended. Cretans are very persistent and take offence when being turned down.

When a “kerasma” is accepted you raise your glass to the person who sent it over (you’ll be shown by the waiter) raise your glass and simply nod and/or smile depending on how far you want to go. If you like the sender and would mind coming a bit closer, you can also send a “kerasma” in return after you finish yours of course (this applies to drinks).