Remember that time I honeymooned in Greece?
I still wish we’d stayed.
Shrouded in ancient mythology, surrounded by dazzling coasts and home to proud locals, it’s no wonder Greece continues to be a popular vacation destination for people around the world. Its Mediterranean diet and incredible terrain make this a perfect destination to help you keep in shape, especially if you’re aiming to enjoy some beach days too.
There are a lot of deals on cheap holidays to take advantage of to islands like Zante and Crete, or you might want to visit the country’s capital, Athens. Wherever you choose to go, take a look at what you can do to keep active and healthy while having fun on your vacation!
Eat Like a Local
Greeks are known for living long lives, due in part to their Mediterranean diet. This has been linked to lower rates of cancer, obesity, Alzheimer’s disease and heart disease. While you’re there, seek out Greek yogurt and fresh fruit for breakfast. Not only is this famous Greek produce high in protein but it also has soothing probiotics and bone-building calcium.
At lunch, fill up on carbs such as bulgur — a high fiber and nutty tasting grain that is a lot healthier than bread or pasta. When it comes to evening, there are lots of local, delicious and fresh superfoods to put on your plate. Greeks are big on legumes, fresh vegetables, fish, and of course, salads which are full of omega 3 fatty acids.
Entire blocks of fresh feta came atop every Greek Salad.
Spinach and feta are also two commonly used ingredients used in Greece, and as long as you’re getting your nutrients from the spinach, the cheese is a little treat to compliment it. Remember that you are on vacation – don’t miss out of the local delicacies and treats!
Explore the Land
Whether you prefer staying on dry land or you’re a water baby, there is no shortage activities! Explore the blue water with sea-kayaking in Rhodes or windsurfing in The Cyclades. Adventure guides can take you on planned routes and you are able stop off for a spot of snorkeling or to eat lunch on an island. Research options and book them before your trip!
There’s no shortage of scenery!
Hiking and cycling are very popular with people who come to visit Greece. Crete, in particular, has 22 bike routes that go through olive groves, rocky mountains and beautiful shorelines. Rhodes attracts over a million tourists a year, a lot of whom trek over its mountainous terrain with hilltop villages and pristine woods.
If you are in to rock climbing, Kálymnos is home to limestone cliffs that loom above the nearby islet of Télendos and you can take part in the rock climbing festival that takes place in October. There is an activity to suit any interest and level of fitness, so research your destination and make sure you’re prepared with the right clothing and equipment.
Image by Susan Lucas Hoffman and giskou used under the Creative Commons License.
Of course, to keep a healthy mind, you also need to take some time out to relax!
Whether this means sitting back with a cold glass of wine in hand, getting zen and mellow on top of a cliff, or sunbathing on the white sands, make sure that you get some down time. It will recharge your batteries and ready you for the next adventure!
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I’m so ready to plan the next marvelous adventure. Anyone ever been to Argentina?
How do you stay active on vacation?
What’s your favorite travel destination?
Greece is definitely on my list, but I probably should have gone whilst I still lived in Europe!
My favourite way to stay active in holiday is simply just to walk everywhere! I always do so much walking that it’s a workout within itself!
My favourite travel destination has to be Oman – it’s the most amazing place I have ever been!
I’ve never even considered Oman! I’ll be googling that in a moment… thanks!
GUATEMALA.
the people the lifestyle the PEOPLE the beauty the PEOPLE.
Ohhhh… good one! I’ve never actually been to Central America.
Oh how I wish I actually needed this guide for like tomorrow!!! SO gorgeous! You know I stay active on vacation, no matter what. Planning ahead for me is key with the kids in tow, but you can make the most of your surroundings and just make it work. I cannot wait to test my skills in Italy next spring 🙂 Maybe you can create a guide for that destination?? 🙂
I’ve been to Italy a couple of times! Let me know where you’re going… if Iv’e been there I’ll give you the DL. Also, please take me with you. 🙂
I have been a lot of places but never Greece or Argentina. Both are on my bucket list!! Now if I could just not be injured for a year maybe it could happen.
I still need to get to Germany!
After my honeymoon in Greece last year my husband and I were seriously contemplating finding jobs there and moving- Santorini was the most amazing place I’ve ever been- the hiking, the food, the ambiance, the water- it was perfection!
I do that every time I go to Italy!
Aaand now I want to to Greece- it looks like a fabulous (and delish) holiday destination. My easiest way to stay active on holiday is through sightseeing- all those steps have got to count for something!
You totally should! I wish I lived in Europe so I could bounce around all over.
I would LOVE to go to Greece someday. It has all the things I look for in a vacation spot: good food, beautiful scenery, rich culture, historical sites, etc. If I had to pick a perfect vacation spot, I would pick Paris. There is just something about that city that I will always love!
I’ve only been in the airport there! Paris is on the list though.
Greece is on my must-see list – never made it there although I’ve been to Scandinavia, the UK of course, France, Italy, Russia, and then over to Australia and Singapore. I missed out on most of the southern/eastern part of Europe and I really want to do a hiking trip in Greece, parts of Italy, and up north to Switzerland/Austria 🙂 And eat all the feta and yogurt in Greece, the gelato in Italy, and the chocolate in Switzerland, please and thank you.
I’m so jealous you’ve been to Russia, Australia and Singapore! All on my list. Italy is still my favorite so far. Switzerland was amazing too though!
I love the point about eating like a local! That’s so helpful to think about instead of indulging on crazy stuff that the locals don’t eat on a daily basis. Some indulgence on vacation is fine, but when you really eat what the locals eat it’s fresher and more delicious!
For sure! Local food is always better than the tourist traps.
Exploring! O there would be so much to see, you’d never want to stop!
Right? It’s overwhelming sometimes!
I ate those Greek salads everyday we were there-so good. We usually do lots of walking on vacation so that usually helps too.
I love this post!! We have a very similar approach – especially on exploring and racking up some serious steps/mileage wherever we go. My issue is sometimes the local food I love isn’t quite as healthy as you found in Greece. I ate my weight in foie gras in France – which is NOT the right approach. 😉
Whatever. I’d have eaten than and then some. 😉
I need to go to Greece lol! Haven’t been yet & on the list :-). I love staying active with by walking esp if ur location has some type of metro and I love hiking too. My last time out of country was a while ago & it was Scotland. Absolutely loved it! So many places or go on my list! Would love to try Argentina or Brazil! Love traveling!
Yeah you do! I’d love to do Scotland too – I went to Ireland a few years ago and had a blast. And I agree – walking is the best way to stay active and explore a new city.
Oooh this looks so fabulous! I’m headed to Italy in a couple of weeks (YAY!) and while I’m beyond excited, I was a little nervous at first on how I could stay healthy while there. I decided that I’m going to try to workout 3 days a week in our hotel room with resistance bands or go for a run. I’m going to eat everything that I want.. and ENJOY every bit of it 🙂 As you mentioned.. the Mediterranean diet is pretty healthy.. its the pasta and gelato I have to watch out for 😉
Lucky!!!!!! Italy is my favorite place in the world. Have a BLAST! I reallly liked running over there too – it’s a great way to explore everything.
I was planning on going to Greece this summer, but recent events put me off haha. I’m crossing my fingers for next summer – that is, assuming I’m not in the US by then! I’m so looking forward to going to Croatia in September. The food is very similar to Greek, and my stomach needs a break from pasta and bread!
I think the islands would be fine still, but I’d avoid the mainland. Can’t wait to hear about Croatia – that’s on my list too!
When I visited Greece, I think I ate my weight in feta. And no, I don’t regret one bite of it. So so so good! It was so long ago when I went that I’d looooove to go back.
I still dream of it – there’s just nothing like it over here.
Pied a terre in your future? That’s my dream and dream is likely literal there. I haven’t been to Argentina but a friend of mine went last year specifically for wine 😉 He had a blast.
I also haven’t been to Greece yet but it is on my very long list 😉 I tend to walk a ton when exploring a new country so that is usually how I stay active. Though if we are going to the beach to be lazy I always do a Sworkit once a day.
I’m going to Germany next month and am looking forward to exploring!
That’s my dream too! I need to start playing the lottery.
Have fun in Germany! That’s on my list too.
What breath-taking pictures! Greece is definitely on my bucket list.
My favorite destination I’ve visited so far has been Costa Rica. It’s so serene and the people are so friendly! It was a great experience.
Thank you! I’d love to visit Costa Rica too. So many places to see!
I loved Greece, especially the islands. I’d go back again in a heartbeat.
Let’s grab Lucie and go.
Love this, I always stay active on vacations because it makes me feel energized and happy, and because I like to indulge in a lot of alcohol and dessert and carbs on vacation 🙂 I definitely want to visit Greece, where I would eat ALL THE FOOD. I pretty much eat a vegetarian Mediterranean diet and I dig it all! Also, a trip to Argentina + Brazil is on my list as well!
gahhh. take me to Greece next time or argentina! or wherever you are going. It’s so much more fun to practice balance with a stunning view and delicious WHOLESOME food.
OMG – that wine country wouldn’t know what hit it.
Damnnnn now I’m wishing I’d booked a holiday to Greece not Amsterdam this month 😛
I lived in Argentina for 6 months last year and went back for a month this year so if you’re interested hit me up! Got a section on my blog too if you need some wanderlust fuel 😉 it’s amazing, I can’t sing its praises enough.
Ummmm… yes, please!!! I’ll email you when we start really planning and am checking out the blog!
You’ll have a blast in Amsterdam. I loved the Anne Frank house and the little weekend markets.
Argentina now? Really oh my gosh so freaking ready to live vicariously through your posts.
It’s going to be next year, but yeah… gotta do one international per year. There’s just too much to see!
I really think I need to go to Greece for the new year…. I don’t care what kinda SHIT is going down over there. THE US IS PISSING ME OFF. haha!
Right?! The islands are fine, but the mainland is a bit sketchy/depressing. Islands are the best part anyway though!