Travel guide Central Greece

You'll be amazed at the thousand and one ways of preparing coffee in Greece. To order it, just ask for ena elliniko, otherwise known as "a Greek"! In summer, there's nothing like an iced coffee, either iced (made with Nescafé) or freddo (made with espresso). Coffee can be ordered unsweetened(sketo), slightly sweetened(metrio) or very sweetened(glyko).

The famous Greek salad is called choriatiki and simply means "village". Since the Second World War, the rural exodus has been a very important reality in Greece. This implies that the vast majority of city dwellers come from a chorio, a village. The Greek is generally very attached to it and often owns a second home there

In Orthodox churches, the iconostasis(ikonostasion, "upright image") is the partition on which the sacred icons are fixed. It separates the faithful from the communicating clergy: as a visitor, you can't get through to the other side. Some iconostases, in marble or carved and gilded wood, are veritable masterpieces.

The mati means "the eye", meaning "the evil eye". This notion is part of a popular superstition that is widespread in Greece. If you suddenly start yawning, feel tired or have a headache, you will most likely be given a se matiasan: literally, "the evil eye has been cast upon you".

Comparable to Spanish tapas, mezzedes (mezes) are more a gastronomic habit than a culinary specialty. It's a very convivial part of the meal: small dishes are cooked and placed in the center of the table, leaving everyone to choose what they like. The famous tzatziki and taramosalata are not the only delicacies.

You will often find in Greece that Greeks answer "no" with a slight raise of the eyebrow. Taxi drivers do not have the exclusivity of this sibylline and somewhat expeditious response. On the other hand, the "yes" is accompanied by a small headbutt to the side, sometimes with the eyes closed. Subtle! Easier to observe than to explain.

The only Greek alcohol exported throughout the world, originating mainly from the green island of Lesbos, without a doubt the cradle of ouzo. But to drink ouzo like the locals do, arm yourself with a large glass, pour the ouzo, water and ice cubes, without deviating from this order. When ouzo is poured too quickly, the alchemy and taste are altered.

On the program: the Epitaphios procession on Friday, the Saturday evening liturgy followed by a grand meal and mayiritsa (an offal soup), lamb on the spit on Sunday, and on Whit Monday, 50 days later, another celebration. Whatever the case, being in Greece during Easter week is an experience to be savored.

Karpouzi is the fruit of summer. Watermelons can be bought by the kilo from supermarkets and roadside hawkers. And it's often the gift of the house, in taverns, after a good meal in the heat of the day. The region of Greece that produces the most is Elide, to the west of the Peloponnese, near Olympia.

This is the newsstand, often open late at night and on public holidays. The peripteras, owner of such a kiosk, is usually stuck in a cheerful bric-a-brac. In addition to newspapers, you'll also find cigarettes, drinks, chewing gum, souvenirs and postcards... And the list goes on!

The tavli is the Greek version of backgammon or backgammon. This game is very popular in Greece and is played for hours on the terraces of cafes. You usually order it with your drink or follow the sometimes colourful games played by your neighbours. Often dice throws are followed by flowery expressions.

With 15,000 km of coastline, some 2,000 islands and 5 seas, the sea (θάλασσα/Thalassa) is a very present element in the Greek landscape. Crystal-clear and often warm, it's incomparable for swimming and diving, but it's not as fishy as it looks, even though the country boasts Europe's largest fishing fleet.