Aloupis Konstantinos is a Greek tourist guide who has been working in the sustainable tourism sector for eight years. He collaborates in particular with the French agency Evaneos.
If you had to describe your country in a few sentences…
The blue of the sea, the sun, conviviality and good food!
Which city should you not miss?
Rethymno and Chania together are the most beautiful towns in Crete, with their ancient quarters where you can see historical, Venetian and Turkish buildings, as well as typical Cretan restaurants.
What is the must-see region?
The mountain region of Mylopotamos is the region that retains its Cretan authenticity. We meet there shepherds, Cretan men and women, from villages that have not changed over the ages.
Must-see historical monuments?
The Minoan palace of Knossos, the island of Spinalonga and the monastery of Arkadi.
A corner of paradise away from tourists?
The old village of Krasi at the Lasithi plateau, with a great restaurant for lunch after the tour in the villages of the plateau.
A place to go green
The Mylli Gorge in the Rethymno region, a small, well-marked gorge full of greenery.
An activity (going out, sport, art, etc.) typical of the inhabitants?
Cretan summers are full of “panigiria”. These are the festivals of the churches of the villages which celebrate their Saints. After the ceremony, there is always a big party. Wine, raki and lots of Cretan music and dancing.
The must-try dish?
If you eat meat, you have to taste the antikristo, lamb with a special cooking that can only be found in Crete. If you don’t eat meat, the “boureki” is the ideal option. It is a delicious dish made with potatoes, zucchini, garlic, mint and melted cheese.
If we had to eat in only one restaurant…
The Peskesi restaurant in the city of Heraklion, which brings ancient Greek recipes to life and we enjoy it.
An essential craft, and where to find it?
Yorgos’ shop in the village of Margarites. This potter gives us demonstrations of his art by following the tradition of his village since Antiquity.
A typical expression to know?
“Xa sou” (Ξα σου): do what you want (‘ξα – εξά – εξουσία = power. literally: it is in your power)
The true cliché about your country?
The Greeks eat a lot (and they encourage guests to eat too…)
And the fake?
The Greeks do not work and they are indolent.
What you should never do when you come here?
Forgetting to say “kalimera” / “kalispera” (hello / good evening) when you meet someone. The Greeks are very courteous and we always love when our guests try to learn the Greek words.
The unusual info to know about the destination?
To the northeast of Crete lies a sunken city. When the weather is nice and the sea is clear, its ruins are clearly visible from the surface of the water. This is the ancient Greek city of Olous which flourished during the Minoan years from 2700 to 1200 BC. J.-C.
The object to bring back in your suitcase?
Raki!