This year, more tourists are looking for unique travel experiences, especially given that most restrictive measures related to the pandemic have been lifted in most destinations.
As a result, some new tourist services have come about, offered by various specialists in particular fields, or by people who love their land and have found creative ways to cater to the desire of tourists for strange and unusual experiences – ranging from “meetings” with ghosts in Corfu to ancient sculpting classes or fragrance making.
In contrast with the typical tourist activities, these locals are inspired and creative and want to share their passion, while also making money in the process.
For example, in well-known short-term rental platforms there are more than 25,000 experiences in over 1,000 cities around the world on offer.
But what can Greek hosts or expats living in Greece offer their guests? Below you’ll find 8 unique tourist services that are almost unreal.
Chania, Crete
Become a goldsmith for a day
In Vatolakos, starting at €80 per person
“According to the description, this experience was created to awaken the creative side of visitors while at the same time pleasing their senses, offering a combination of art and flavour. In particular, visitors learn the ancient art of casting jewellery on the beach, while they enjoy the food and wine of an award-winning Cretan winery. At the end of the experience, you take the piece of jewellery you created home with you, as well as a bottle of organic wine from the Manousakis winery.
Agios Nikolaos, Crete
Create your personal perfume and feel like Grenouille
In Agios Nikolaos, at €65 per person
This experience takes place at the BioAroma Crete experience store, where visitors participate in a perfume workshop, where they learn, first hand, the techniques for the creation of fine perfumes – including rare and vintage ones.
Visitors mix the ingredients of their choice making a unique perfume that belongs to them exclusively and matches their skin.
Sitia, Crete
Dye fabrics with plants, like the Ancient Greeks used to do
In Sitia, €35 per person
Nature has an extremely beautiful colour palette that can be used in the creation of amazing fabrics. During the fabric dying workshop with plant dyes, you’ll learn various techniques of creating natural dyes from natural ingredients like onions, avocados and leaves. The plants used at the workshop are collected from nature or bought from local farmers and the fabric used is either recycled or organic.
After experimenting with 4 different plants and flowers to create a range of colours, visitors choose their favourite fabric and the colours they like and create a bag that they take home with them. Alternatively, you can bring your own clothes and dye them, as long as they are made of natural fabrics like cotton or silk.
Naxos
Ancient sculptor for a day
Near the village Galini, starting at €58 per person
The workshop where the famous white Naxos marble is carved has been established within an idyllic olive grove. Sitting on the workbenches, visitors learn the history of marble sculpting, see the different tools, and discuss the different properties of marble and other rocks. Then, they are guided on the use and technique of every tool and they practice on a piece of marble. When they’ve become acquainted with the tools, with the help of the host, they proceed to create a sculpture to take home with them. Thus, you get a taste of what it was like being an Ancient Greek sculptor, making some of the best-known sculptures in the world.
Santorini
Guests at a Greek wedding
Starting at €65 per person
A cheerful, interactive show that presents the Greek wedding traditions of the ‘40s. A mix of music, tradition, culture, dance, and great dishes that are smashed when the fun rises. Abundant wine and food are all part of the experience.
The organisers aim to offer tourists an unforgettable experience, introducing them to Greek tradition and culture in a fun way.
Like they say, “you come to the show as tourists, and you leave members of the family.”
Corfu
Get to know the ghosts of Corfu
Old town, €28 per person, only for adults
Legends, myths and ghost stories unfold on this special tour that takes place on the alleys of the gorgeous Corfu old town.
It’s not a typical historical tour, as it is inspired by local legends and stories of the recent or distant past of the town of Corfu.
Tourists walk around the cobbled alleys at night, with their guide, learning, at each step, what local legends and ghost stories are associated with each neighbourhood. According to the description, tourists will discover hidden corners that not even locals know about, and have an atmospheric, chilling tour.
Sifnos
Make your own cheese
On a farm in Sifnos, €30 per person
On the Sifnos farm, tourists learn how to milk a goat and then how to make a local cheese with fresh goats cheese on their own.
They are be able to get to know the farm animals, like the goats, the geese, the rabbits, the horse and the ducks, and learn how to take care of them. At the end of the visit, they are treated to delicious local delicacies and a glass of wine on the farm’s veranda.
Skopelos
Learn how to expertly read the Tarots
In Skopelos, €65-68 per person
The only way to see the future is to create it, the facilitator says, in the description of this curious experience, that takes place in a spot with an amazing view of the sea.
Starting at the harbour, you’ll walk around the intricate alleys of Hora and reach a bar that is also the outdoors “classroom”. There you will enjoy a drink while you learn the basic principles of Tarot card reading, completing your training with a 6-card reading per visitor.
The Italian hostess, who lives permanently on the island, tells us that it was over 30 years ago when she found her grandma’s Tarot cards and since then she studied them and has even created her own reading method. She adds that the cards can be used as entertainment, or as guidance, but never as a prediction.
Read also:
