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: Culture & Music/Learn/See & Do

Getting the Genuine Rebetiko Experience in Athens

Posted On January 24, 2020February 7, 2020 By Maria Paravantescomment

If there’s one experience travelers to Greece should not miss, then that definitely is getting to hear the Greek blues – the rebetika live. Read all you need to know here.

Category: Destinations/Earth-friendly Greece/Tips & More

Traveling Differently: 5 Ecotourism Resorts in Greece

Posted On January 17, 2020February 14, 2020 By Maria Paravantescomment

Greece is naturally an eco-friendly destination offering a constantly increasing variety of responsible travel options from farm retreats and eco-resorts to agritourism units meeting the demands of the most environmentally aware traveler.

Category: Featured/See & Do/Tips & More

5 Real Reasons to Visit Greece in 2020

Posted On January 3, 2020February 21, 2020 By Maria Paravantescomment

Vacation countdown has begun and you’re still thinking about where to go? Here are five real reasons why you should plan your trip to Greece now.

Category: Culture & Music/Experience/Learn

Greek Carols for the New Year – The Kalanta Tradition

Posted On December 27, 2019January 10, 2020 By Maria Paravantescomment

Greek New Year’s carols, or “kalanta”, are musical masterpieces conveying the centuries-old wisdom of love, compassion and kindness.

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.

Drinking tsipouro, raki, or ouzo

These three Greek alcoholic drinks are literally mischievous ‘spirits’ and need to be enjoyed at a slow pace always accompanied by titbits of food – known as “mezedes” – and plenty of water. According to seasoned tipplers, for every sip of ouzo or tsipouro, you should always drink two sips of water.

Then chat a bit with your friends, or free yourself of any irksome thoughts, and then one more round… languidly as if time is of no matter, enjoying the good life right this very moment. As for the toast…? “Stin Ygeia Mas” (Health to All).