Greek Getaways & Hidden Gems: Rallou & Yiannis' Guide to Exploring Greece with Porto Planet
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In this episode of Beachside Banter with Bee, we mentally hop over to the Greek island of Crete with Rallou and Yiannis, the dynamic duo behind Porto Planet — a boutique travel agency curating immersive, locally-rooted experiences across Greece. From traditional wedding risotto to secret beaches you won’t find on Google Maps, they share how they’re redefining Greek hospitality for travelers craving more than just a vacation.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
• Why Crete is an underrated gem that deserves at least 10 days to explore
• The difference between Greek islands like Santorini, Milos, and Zakynthos
• How Porto Planet creates intimate, custom cultural experiences with a family-first feel
• Traditional Greek dishes like dakos, antikristo, gamopilafo, and more
• Where to find the best beaches (hint: they’re not where Instagram says)
• What to expect when traveling through Greece — and why staying longer is better
Locations + Foods Highlighted:
• Crete – Largest island in Greece with major cultural, food, and beach diversity
• Santorini – Known for its iconic blue domes
• Milos & Zakynthos – Standout beaches: Kleftiko (Milos) and Navagio/Shipwreck Beach (Zakynthos)
• Chania, Elafonissi, Preveli Beach, Vai Beach, Balos, Agios Nikolaos – Beach hotspots in Crete
• Peloponnese – For wine, food, and history beyond Athens
• Athens – A must for the Acropolis and ancient culture
• Traditional Dishes – Dakos, antikristo (spit-roasted lamb), gamopilafo (wedding rice), fresh olive oil, local cheeses
Timestamps:
00:00 – Meet Rallou & Yiannis
The couple introduces Porto Planet and shares how their agency was inspired by Yiannis’ late father, a pioneer in Greece’s food and wine tours.
07:30 – Mamma Mia & Culinary Adventures
Their most popular tours include a Mamma Mia-inspired island hop and culinary experiences featuring olive oil, wine tastings, and farm-to-table dining.
12:00 – Greece’s Traditional Foods & Festivities
From wedding lamb cooked antikristo-style to gamopilafo and dakos, Bee learns about Crete’s most iconic dishes and when they’re served.
19:15 – How to Travel Greece the Right Way
Tips for flying into Greece, whether to ferry or fly to Crete, and why Athens should be a short stop — but Crete deserves the spotlight.
27:00 – The Real Greek Island Rundown
Yiannis breaks down the true scale of Crete and explains why one week won’t cut it. They also talk about underrated beaches like Elafonissi, Preveli, and Vai.
36:00 – Cultural Hospitality & Why Every Guest Becomes Family
Yiannis and Rallou share stories from past guests, including a card game showdown, Easter celebrations, and how Porto Planet makes every travel
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Chapters
1. Greek Getaways & Hidden Gems: Rallou & Yiannis' Guide to Exploring Greece with Porto Planet (00:00:00)
2. Meeting Yannis and Raoul from Greece (00:00:12)
3. The Story Behind Porto Planet (00:01:53)
4. Popular Tours: Mamma Mia and Culinary Experiences (00:03:36)
5. Greek Traditional Dishes from Crete (00:05:15)
6. Discovering Greece's 3,000 Islands (00:08:49)
7. Hidden Beaches and Historical Sites (00:14:05)
8. The Knife Story and Family-Style Hospitality (00:21:55)
9. How to Book and Contact Information (00:26:06)
10. Closing Thoughts on Paradise (00:29:34)
27 episodes