Maritess De Ocampo

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Lavreotiki

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:958px;display:block" width="958"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1781519609725IMG_4288.jpeg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="958" style="width:958px"/><span class="fr-inner"><em>Lavreotiki</em></span></span></span></div><p>Greece was on my top 10 places to visit before I turn 60. It’s one of those places where the mere mention of the country instantly fills your imagination with picturesque white and blue homes perched along cliffs overlooking the magnificent Aegean Sea. </p><p>I also think of the rich historical weight that Greece carries. The wars, the temples, the stories of how civilizations were built and destroyed. The myths and legends that have been retold in countless ways through documentaries, movies and even cartoons. </p><p>Whether I like it or not, Greece was very much a part of my childhood, not because I had been there before or had Greek friends growing up, but because it was simply too fascinating not to learn about. </p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:482px;display:block" width="482"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1781522552470Parthenon.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:482px;height:auto" width="482"/><span class="fr-inner"><em>The Parthenon</em></span></span></span></div><p>We studied Greek mythology in school, knew who Zeus and Athena were before we even understood Algebra, and somehow the image of ancient ruins and philosophers became permanently embedded in our minds.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:482px;display:block" width="482"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1781523204091Archaeological site of Delphi.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:482px;height:auto" width="482"/><span class="fr-inner"><em>The Archaeological Site of Delphi</em></span></span></span></div><p>Greece felt both mythical and real at the same time. Of course, modern pop culture also helped shape my completely unrealistic expectations of Greece. Part of me expected to break into song like in Mamma Mia, run into muscular men screaming lines from 300 or suddenly hear the muses from Disney’s Hercules singing in the background while walking through ancient ruins.  </p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:482px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1781530962946Delphi Archaeological Museum.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner"><em>The Sphinx of Naxos at the Delphi Archaeological Museum</em></span></span></span></div><div><strong>Seventeen days, eight friends, one adventure</strong></div><p>Greece has been so romanticized in movies and television that arriving there almost felt strangely familiar, like visiting a place you somehow already knew from another lifetime. </p><p>For this trip, we spent a total of 17 days exploring multiple islands and cities. Since there were eight of us traveling together, we decided to hire our own tour guide and van that could accommodate our slightly lazy holiday habits of waking up late and moving at our own pace. </p><p>At this stage in life, nobody wants to hear a wake up call at 6 A.M. while on vacation. We wanted comfort, flexibility and enough time for coffee before seeing ancient ruins.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:482px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1781520586107Lake Vouliagmeni.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner"><em>Lake Vouliagmeni</em></span></span></span></div><p>What I did not expect was how diverse Greece would feel from one destination to another. One island would be quiet and slow while another felt glamorous and buzzing with energy. Some places were filled with tourists carrying luxury shopping bags while others had sleepy villages where elderly locals quietly sat outside cafés watching the world go by.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/food-travel/2026/6/11/a-filipino-address-in-madrid-1203" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"></a><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/food-travel/2026/6/11/a-filipino-address-in-madrid-1203" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: A Filipino address in Madrid</a></div><div><strong>The biggest surprise</strong></div><p>Athens surprised me the most. I honestly thought it would simply be a stopover city before heading to the islands, but it had an energy that was chaotic yet charming. The Acropolis standing high above the city felt surreal to finally see in person. Imagine something you have only seen in textbooks suddenly standing in front of you. It almost felt disrespectful to take selfies beside something so historically significant, but of course we still did.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:482px;display:block" width="482"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1781523076611Acropolis.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:482px;height:auto" width="482"/><span class="fr-inner"><em>The Acropolis</em></span></span></span></div><p>Then came Naxos, which felt softer, quieter and more relaxed compared to the more tourist heavy islands. It had this beautiful laid back energy that made you want to slow down and breathe deeper. The beaches were stunning but what I loved most were the charming little streets lined with local shops and restaurants. It felt authentic and unpretentious, like Greece without trying too hard. </p><p>The food there was also unforgettable. Fresh seafood, grilled meats and local cheeses somehow tasted better with the sea breeze blowing through your hair. </p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:482px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1781522806112Delfoi.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner"><em>Delfoi</em></span></span></span></div><p>Paros felt chic without being intimidating. It had style but still maintained warmth and charm. There were beautiful boutiques, lovely cafés and endless corners that looked like they were designed specifically for photographs. </p><p>Whitewashed buildings, colorful doors, pink bougainvillea climbing along walls and narrow pathways that all looked postcard worthy. We spent hours simply wandering around with no real destination. Sometimes the best travel memories are made when you are completely lost. </p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:482px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1781520886948Distomo.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner"><em>Distomo</em></span></span></span></div><p>Nafplio was another pleasant surprise. It felt romantic, elegant and slightly more refined compared to the islands. The town had beautiful old architecture, charming squares and a slower pace that made it feel almost cinematic. There was something about Nafplio that reminded me of an old European movie. You could imagine women in flowing dresses walking through its streets centuries ago. It also had gorgeous seaside views and lovely restaurants where we happily stretched lunches into late afternoons. </p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/food-travel/2026/6/4/why-mallorca-is-emerging-as-one-of-europes-sought-after-wedding-destinations-2126" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Why Mallorca is emerging as one of Europe&#x27;s sought-after wedding destinations</a></div><p>And then there was Meteora, which honestly felt almost unreal. Out of all the places we visited, this was probably the one that left me speechless the most. Massive rock formations rising dramatically from the earth with monasteries sitting on top as if suspended in the sky. You look at them and immediately wonder how on earth people managed to build those structures hundreds of years ago. It felt spiritual even if you are not particularly religious. Quiet, majestic and deeply humbling. Photos do not fully capture the scale and beauty of Meteora. It is one of those places you truly have to see with your own eyes.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:482px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1781521027150Monastery in Kastraki.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner"><em>The author in a monastery in Kastraki</em></span></span></span></div><p>Then there was the food. Greek food deserves its own standing ovation. Everything tasted fresh. The tomatoes actually tasted like tomatoes. The olive oil was so good you almost wanted to drink it. Grilled seafood, warm pita, feta cheese, lamb dishes and endless salads somehow made us feel healthy despite eating nonstop. We kept saying we would eat lightly for dinner and somehow ended every meal with dessert and another bottle of wine.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:482px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1781521552269Inside one of the centuries-old monasteries in Kastraki.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner"><em>Inside one of the centuries-old monasteries in Kastraki</em></span></span></span> <strong>The unexpected bonus</strong></div><p>And let me also add that Greece has an unexpected bonus feature. The men. My goodness. There was so much eye candy everywhere. Handsome waiters, gorgeous boatmen, attractive hotel staff and men casually walking around looking like they belonged in a cologne advertisement. </p><p>Sometimes we would completely forget what historical landmark our guide was explaining because we were too distracted. Greece truly gave us culture and visual entertainment at the same time.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:482px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1781523011271Kalampaka.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner"><em>Kalampaka</em></span></span></span></div><p>What made the trip even more enjoyable was traveling with friends who all understood the importance of slowing down. Nobody was trying to prove athletic abilities by climbing 800 steps before breakfast. </p><p>We appreciated long lunches, scenic drives and moments where we simply sat quietly facing the sea. When you travel in your 20s, you try to see everything. In your 50s, you finally understand that enjoying the experience matters more than checking every single box. </p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:482px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1781522081292The Hermit Caves of Badovas.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner"><em>The Hermit Caves of Badovas</em></span></span></span></div><p>Of course, no trip is ever perfect. There were moments of exhaustion, occasional tourist crowds and unfortunately, my own pickpocketing incident where my wallet was stolen right out of my bag in Athens. It was a harsh reminder that even when you think you are being careful while traveling, you still need to be a thousand percent aware at all times.</p><p>There were also a few instances where we all questioned why we packed so much clothing despite rotating the same comfortable outfits. But somehow, those little inconveniences and misadventures become part of the story later on. </p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:482px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1781530870970Breathtaking Views in Kastraki.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner"><em>Just one of Kastraki&#x27;s many breathtaking views </em></span></span></span></div><p>What I loved most about Greece was that it felt timeless. Ancient ruins stood beside luxury boutiques. Mythology existed alongside beach clubs. Elderly women dressed in black quietly watered plants while tourists wearing designer resort wear posed nearby for Instagram photos. It was old and modern all at once. </p><p>If I were to return to Greece though, I honestly think 12 to 14 days would already be sufficient. Seventeen days was wonderful, but after a while, all the unpacking and repacking, constantly moving from one destination to another and trying to remember which hotel room had your charger can become a little exhausting. </p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:482px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1781522379151Corinth Canal.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner"><em>Corinth Canal</em></span></span></span></div><p>Two weeks feels like the perfect amount of time to enjoy the beauty of Greece at a relaxed pace while still leaving a few places unexplored for another future adventure. And perhaps that is the magic of Greece. Long before we ever stepped foot there, it had already lived in our imagination for years. The real surprise was discovering that the actual experience somehow managed to be even better.</p><div><em>All photos courtesy of the author.</em></div>

<p>A destination that felt familiar long before she arrived became the setting for Candy Dizon's memorable 17-day Greek adventure with friends.</p>

A destination that felt familiar long before she arrived became the setting for Candy Dizon's memorable 17-day Greek adventure with friends.

The great Greek escape

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The great Greek escape

Candy Dizon

Published June 15, 2026 09:46 PM PHT

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Updated June 15, 2026 11:37 PM PHT

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Greece

Athens

Meteora

Naxos

Paros

Nafplio

Greek Islands

Slow Travel

Bucket List Travel

Wanderlust

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