‘Utter joy’: Maeve O’Meara on her travels to Greece

·

Food Safari presenter Maeve O’Mara grew infatuated with Greek life and culture as a young adult. 

She says reading books about ancient Greek legends and tales captured her imagination as a young child.

“As a child growing up in the white-bread suburbs of Sydney, I adored reading books about Greek myths and legends.” 

“One book, Tales of the Greek Heroes, opens with the most astounding description of Greece with its ‘towering mountains sloping steeply into the bluest of blue seas’ and ‘valleys green and silver with the leaves of a million olive trees’.

“It captured my imagination and I couldn’t wait to see it for myself the first chance I got.” 

She eventually set off, aged 20, for the quiet forests of Corfu and the vibrant buoyancy of Cretan beaches. 

“…I felt utterly beguiled by its people, its landscape and its food as I travelled on a Eurail pass between islands,” O’Mara says.

“Most times, the ferry was met by locals offering rooms in their homes. What utter joy to enter a Greek home and be welcomed into the ebb and flow of Greek island life.”

“Over the decades that followed, I have returned to the Greek Islands many times, enjoying the freedom of hiring motor scooters and zipping around winding roads to perfect secret beaches, that incredible water so clear and buoyant you feel like a superhero and can swim forever. Santorini was the first island to capture my heart but, over the years, I’ve also grown fond of the tiny island of Folegandros, as well as Limnos.”

“That said, no matter which island you go to, you’ll get caught up in philoxenia, the Greek spirit of hospitality.”

“I’ve been taking travellers to Greece now for 20 years, each time introducing them to that special philoxenia across four islands, including Evia, Lesvos, Limnos and Chios. Some of my favourite places to visit? Stay at Fanari Villas in Santorini and the stylish Anemomilos on Folegandros, enjoy lobster folmari at Giannakaros Fish Taverna in Kotsinas, Limnos, and hike around Paleochora on the south coast of Crete. A walking track winds through rocky gorges and takes you to hidden beaches. Swim wherever you can – the colour, the buoyancy, it’s something you’ll remember forever.”

Source: Traveller

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Cypriot courage remembered: Join the ANZAC Day March, keep their legacy alive 

On Anzac Day we commemorate the bravery and good deeds of Australian, New Zealand and Allied forces over many conflicts.

Orthodox Mission in Madagascar uplifted by Australian generosity

As Bishop Theophilos prepares to return to Madagascar, he issued a statement expressing his deep gratitude for the support and affection.

Aaron Zerefos Enterprises acquires Fresco Beverages 

Aaron Zerefos has announced the acquisition of the Fresco Beverages business, enhancing his hold on the Australian drink distribution market. 

Feros Group to take over premier waterfront venue in Darling Harbour

The Feros Group has announced they now own and operate the iconic Helm Bar & Bistro in Sydney's Darling Harbour.

Peter Mamouzelos aims to play in Greece as rugby league grows

Peter Mamouzelos has expressed his ambition to play rugby league in Greece, a goal that has been hindered in the past due to the sport's ban.

You May Also Like

Bill Papas’ Xanthi FC shares have been frozen by Greek authorities

Alleged fraudster, Bill Papas, has had his shares in Greek football club Xanthi FC frozen, local Greek media has reported.

GCM and HMSA express gratitude for community welfare organizations in Melbourne

Greek Community of Melbourne and Hellenic Medical Society of Australia host Pronia and Fronditha Care to present organizations with a donation.

Man to face court after stealing Kelly Batsiokis’ painting from Adelaide hospital

A man is set to face court after being caught stealing a large painting by Kelly Batsiokis from a hospital in South Australia.