Expert Speak: An Explorer's Guide To Turkey and Greece

Travel’s all about experiences but not everyone is willing to go the extra mile to make a vacation unique. Lucky for me, I had the chance to interview an explorer-cum-photographer who spent seven months only researching about Greece & Turkey, just so he could have the perfect vacation with his wife! Read on as Mohit Sardana gives a fresh take on Europe’s trendiest destinations:

Q: What inspired you to travel to Greece and Turkey?

A: A picture! One day, I was browsing through travel websites online and stumbled upon a beautiful picture of a beach in Greece. It was unlike any beach I had seen before. It blew me away completely and the next thing I knew, I was dreaming and breathing these destinations. I researched for close to seven months to know more about the famous as well as lesser-known islands. The idea was to club Turkey and Greece during our 15-day trip. I was so enthusiastic that my wife even started making a few jokes around it.

Q: You seem to be quite a beach lover! What’s so different about a beach holiday in Greece compared with other places?

A: I think Greece surpasses other beach destinations with the sheer diversity that it has to offer. For instance, Crete’s Frangokastello Beach has a beautiful Venetian fortress whereas the Myrtos beach in Kefalonia Island is set against the backdrop of steep cliffs. Of course, the beautiful crystal clear waters and coastline are unlike any other place I have visited.

For any person travelling there for the first time, island hopping is the ideal way to cover both popular spots like Paradise Beach in Mykonos and quieter, lesser known areas like Paros.

Q: Greece does seem like the perfect getaway to enjoy quiet time. What do Greek beaches have to offer in terms of activities?

A: Cycling, snorkelling, diving in sea caves – the islands have it all. Few Greek islands like Paros and Milos even have diving schools. All Greek islands are linked by the sea and there are plenty of outdoor activities, kid friendly beaches and cruises that make it great for family vacations as well.

Q: Are there any unique tours that you would recommend in Greece?

A: Besides the Volcano Night Tour in Santorini, you can swim through the Sulphur Hot Springs on the Caldera Tour. Santorini is also known for its unique and coloured beaches like Red and Black Sand beaches.

Q: What is the best mode of transport to reach the islands?

A: The ferry, of course! Island hopping is incomplete without it. You can take a ferry from Athens to the Cyclades, which is the most popular choice for tourists. If you’re planning to cover Mykonos and Santorini, you’ll have to take a ferry via Athens.

A special mention here for the night ferry that operates from Piraeus port in Athens to Santorini during peak season. Adventurous budget travellers can take sleeping bags and good music. It’s a cheap way to travel and seeing an early morning sunrise from the ferry is priceless. At the port, you’ll find locals standing with pictures of accommodation (mostly apartment stays). You can even bargain and save on cost.

Q: Speaking about the Greek capital, is there any one experience that you cannot miss on?

A: Athens is a mecca for history lovers. Keen on history myself; I visited the Theatre of Epidaurus in Peloponnese, a beautifully preserved ancient theatre with incredible acoustics. My wife and I drove from Athens to the nearest town and went to the theatre early next morning around 6 am. It’s best to go right at the opening or closing time when it’s not crowded. The sounds are so pronounced, you can even hear a coin drop!

The Acropolis, Byzantine Church, ancient Agora – Athens was the ancient beacon of enlightenment. Anyone who wants to know about the ancient Greek history in depth should visit the capital at least once.

Q: For history buffs, which is a better place to visit – Athens or Istanbul?  

A: I liked both, but personally, I found Athens more fascinating. On the other hand, I think it is the multi-cultural aspect that makes Istanbul unique. It’s the city where East meets West. The Sultanahmet district in Old Istanbul has a strong European influence and offers a good base for sightseeing. It is within walking distance from Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar.

If you’re going with friends, the Iskitlal Street that leads to Taksim Square is good for partying. The Asian side, on the other hand, is less touristy than its European counterpart.

Q: Do you have any tips for first time travellers to Istanbul?

A: There’s a common tourist scam that travellers should be aware of. In the Taksim area on the European side, a local might approach you and get you to enter one of the bars. At the time of leaving, however, you’ll be presented with a staggering bill that is much more than what you ordered for. The bouncers block the area and don’t let you leave unless you pay the bill!

Q: What are the must-do experiences for people who have already visited Turkey once?

A: Princes’ Islands (the only modes of transport here are horses and carts!), Turkey’s Mediterranean shore (also called Turquoise Coast) attracts a younger crowd, both Turkish and foreigners. Antalya is often missed out from most people’s itineraries on the first trip. It offers a lovely sea view, resorts and is family friendly. Manavgat and Duden Falls are great for day trips.

Q: Inter-city air travel tends to be expensive in Turkey. What are the ways of cutting costs?

A: For air travel, book your flights in advance so you can save on both time and cost. There are good, inexpensive options available for hotel stays too. However, there are some places which can only be reached by road e.g. Pamukkale.

Q: What about food options… Is Indian food easily available in Turkey?

A: For non-vegetarians, food in Turkey is not a problem. Chicken, turkey and lamb shawarmas are inexpensive and good sit-down meals are reasonably priced. There are few Indian restaurants that can be found in and outside Istanbul in case you want home food on vacation.

Q: In Turkey or Greece, is there a language barrier for Indians?

A: English is not as widely spoken in these countries so there might be a slight language barrier. If you’re venturing outside the tourist areas, a translation book will come in handy. In main cities like Istanbul and Athens, English speaking guides are easily available.

Q: Come summer or winter, everyone’s rushing to book a vacation here. What’s the ideal time to visit these destinations?

A: Try to plan your holiday around mid-June; the weather is perfect during that time and prices are a little low. There’s a slight nip in the air so do carry a light jacket for the evening. Don’t forget to pack an umbrella, hat and sunscreen.

It’s not advisable to go from July to mid-October. It becomes extremely hot in July and August and prices are quite high during the peak season.

Q: Any parting advice for our fellow travellers?

A: There’s a lot of talk, and confusion, about whether one should cover Turkey, Greece or both. If you’re a nature lover and want a relaxing holiday with family, my advice would be head to the Greek islands. If you want the best of other worldly experiences, Turkey is the place to be. Even if you aren’t able to cover both, make sure you thoroughly enjoy what the place has to offer!

I, for one, am crossing Turkey and Greece off the bucket list and planning a trip with the girls Mamma Mia style. What about you?