I have many memories from traveling through Greece, but one memory that stands out — as well as those memories I carry with me for years — is when I went on an olive farm in the mountains of Zakynthos.

First off, the views at the top of the mountain were just breathtaking – the vast blue water below, surrounded by steep cliffs and rolling green hills. However, what truly amazed me was seeing the whole transformation of fresh olives into olive oil. I had never seen anything like it before. They would take the fresh olives, put them into the machine right in front of us and then we could see the new olive oil pour out, and we got to taste it all immediately afterward. The flavor was rich, warm, and so incredibly fresh — I’ll never be able to taste store-bought olive oil the same way again.

I think there’s something very special about visiting a place where something so simple — an olive — can be a vital part of every-day Greek life. This experience helped me appreciate this country even more than I already did.

Another one of my most memorable days in Greece was while I visited a friends family, and we spent an entire day on a boat to explore Cretes coastline. The water looked unreal — so clear and vibrant — as if the kind of blue you normally only see in pictures and would have never expected to see in person.

We stopped at a very small port where we picked up what was possibly the freshest seafood I’ve ever eaten. Afterward, we located a secluded area, completely surrounded by cliffs, and the boat remained anchored there for several hours. We swam, we had lunch directly on deck, listened to music, and absorbed every ray of sunlight that touched our skin. It seemed to be the ultimate summer day — free from any schedules or timelines — simply the ocean, our laughter, and those stunning views I will always remember.

Athens is home to an abundance of historical places, however, nothing tops viewing the Parthenon live; it’s amazing to stand before something which has stood for nearly three thousand years. My suggestion is go in the evenings when possible. In the morning the crowds will be overwhelming and it will be unbearably hot so going at night creates a tranquil atmosphere creating magic to the overall experience. You can watch the sun set on the city as the Acropolis glows with light.

I was also shocked by the Church of Panagia Kapnikarea. It is the oldest church in Athens and was built about 1050 A.D. and yet it remains in the center of contemporary stores and cafes. It is as if you have stepped back in time. The church is a wonderful example of Byzantine style architecture, along with its calm ambiance, making this the perfect spot to stop and reflect upon the rich history that surrounds you.

Shipwreck Beach in Zakynthos, Greece was hands-down one of the most beautiful spots I visited while I was in Greece. We first arrived at Shipwreck Beach via a boat that pulled into a secluded cove with 100ft tall white cliff walls surrounding an old, rusty shipwreck which sat directly in the center of the very bright blue water. It felt like stepping into a postcard – the clarity and vibrancy of the water made it glow.

We later hiked to the top of the cliffs to get the view from the top. Stood atop a mountain and viewed straight down at the old wrecked ship sitting below me at Shipwreck Beach from a great height was unreal. From this vantage point the water appeared to be an even deeper shade of blue than when viewed from the bottom, and the beach at the base of the cliffs appeared to be the most serene and unspoiled paradise on earth. The contrast of the old ship against the brilliant sand and sea will forever be etched in my memory.

It didn’t matter if I was viewing Shipwreck Beach from the bottom looking up… or from the top looking down – Shipwreck Beach was undoubtedly one of the craziest and most surreal sights I have ever seen.

Corfu’s unique history, particularly its 400-year occupation under the Venetian Republic, has greatly influenced the culture and architecture of the city. As soon as you enter Corfu’s old town and start walking down its narrow streets lined with pastel-colored houses and Venetian-style balconies and windows, you’ll immediately notice the architectural influence from Italy. The city’s history is palpable; in fact, you could say that each street, alleyway, courtyard, and building tells a story of how Corfu became an international hub.

While walking the narrow, cobblestone streets of Corfu, one couldn’t help but be transported back in time as if history and modernity had collided. It truly did seem as though Corfu was living history. Walking along the walls of the Old Fortress, a massive citadel that sits atop a peninsula surrounded by water, I felt as though I had experienced centuries of Corfu’s history and I was witnessing the present as well. Standing at the top of the Old Fortress walls and gazing out at the sparkling blue waters of the Ionian Sea and watching the sun shine down upon the city below, I was reminded of all the years of sailing, trading, war, and quiet morning hours spent by the sea that have shaped Corfu into what it is today. Yet, standing there, I also felt a sense of life and possibility emanating from the city below.

As I walked through the streets, I could almost hear the faint sounds of old Venetian music and catch glimpses of Italy’s Grecian history as I strolled through the streets and sipped coffee at quaint cafes. I think I even tasted salt in the ocean air when I thought about how Corfu is not simply a Greek Island, but a crossroads of cultures, time, and beauty. And, for me, that was pure magic.