Unsplash Around the World: Greece 🇬🇷

From vibrant cities to breathtaking natural landscapes, Greece is a constant source of inspiration. Hear from Unsplash contributors Alexandros Giannakakis, Stavrialena Gontzou, Jason Mavrommatis, and Chris Barbalis as they share how living and creating in Greece influences their photography.

Who are you, and where are you located?

Alexandros Giannakakis: I am Alex, a photographer and art director based in Athens, Greece.

Stavrialena Gontzou:  I’m 27 years old and currently based in Piraeus, the port of Athens. I’m a co-founder and CMO of a startup called Butler, but photography has always been a very personal part of my life. 

Jason Mavrommatis:  My name is Jason Mavrommatis, and I have lived in the city of Patras my entire life. Professionally, I am dedicated to web design, but my passion lies in capturing unique perspectives through photography and filmmaking whenever inspiration strikes.

Chris Barbalis: My name is Chris Barbalis, and I live between Tuscany in Italy and Athens in Greece. I am a passionate amateur photographer and have been on Unsplash since 2016.

What do you love most about Greece?

Alex: That I can get in my car and, within 2-3 hours, be surrounded by nature. The light is incredible, especially during golden hour. Athens, in particular, feels majestic at that time of day. There is also strong art in every corner of the country.

Stavrialena: How chaos and calm coexist in Greece, with history blending naturally into everyday life. There are endless places to discover, from mountains and villages to islands, and almost everywhere you go, the blue of the sea is never far.

Chris: The Mediterranean lifestyle, which consists of good food and a cheerful, hospitable population full of local traditions. The mild climate allows for photography excursions all year round from north to south and the islands.

How does living in Greece inspire you creatively?

Stavrialena: Living in different parts of Greece, from the countryside in Kalamata to the busy pace of Athens and Piraeus, has shaped how I see everyday life. Moving between quieter, nature-driven places and fast, urban environments taught me to find inspiration in contrasts, from simple daily moments to constant movement. Both rhythms have their own romance, and this balance is something I keep returning to creatively.

Chris: Greece offers an incredible variety of places, from mountains to the sea, from archaeological sites to charming villages, from inland landscapes to hundreds of world-famous islands. For photographers, the intense light, pastel colors, and variety of details mean there is no limit to creativity.

Which regions of Greece do you find particularly captivating for photography? 

Alex: Almost all the islands, though not during summer because of the crowds. I also have roots in a village near Lake Plastira, which I find to be a very multi-layered place. From the lake's water element to the mountain peak rising directly above it, the landscape constantly shifts, offering endless photographic perspectives.

Jason: That’s a tough question because every region has its own unique beauty. However, some of the most captivating places I’ve explored are the island of Kythira, the Ionian Islands, and the rugged mountains of the Peloponnese.

Are there any elements of Greek lifestyle and culture that you love to incorporate into your art?

Alex: People in Greece carry deep history and tradition, and this is reflected in the way they live and in their culture. What I love to include in my work, whether I am in villages, on islands, or in mountainous areas, are older people who continue to preserve these traditions. They might be singing, dancing, knitting, or doing things that have become second nature to them, passed down through generations. In some way, modern information has not fully reached these moments. They remain raw, honest, and deeply real.

Chris: A simple and essential lifestyle, slow enough to enjoy nature and traditions and cultivate friendships, a fundamental element in Greece.

What is your favorite photo you took that really captures Greece?

Alex: One photo that personally brings me a sense of calm is an image taken from afar with a telephoto lens. A single figure is mid jump, diving from a cliff into the sea, while a few people wait behind, ready to dive next. I synchronized the falling motion with a slow shutter speed so the person appears almost still while the world around them moves. This image reminds me deeply of the summers I spent in Halkidiki with my family, camping, diving into the sea all day, and living slowly, moment by moment.

Stavrialena: This photo was taken from a rooftop in the center of Athens during golden hour. It was one of those lucky moments where everything aligned. The light, the city, and the timing. For me, it captures Athens from above, with its layers of history, everyday life, and quiet beauty coming together in a single moment.

Jason: I would choose this one. It was taken in Chora, on the island of Kythira. To me, it perfectly captures Greece in a perfect combination.

Chris: This is one of my favorites because of its minimalism and colors.

What is the one thing you would like people to know about your country?

Stavrialena: Greece has faced many challenges over the years, and growing up here, you feel that deeply. Still, it’s a country full of strength, kindness, and everyday beauty. For me, Greece is a place that continues to offer more than what people expect, not just to those who visit, but also to those who choose to build a life here 

Chris: As soon as you arrive in Greece, you will enjoy Greek hospitality and make lasting friendships. If you need anything, just ask, everyone will try to help you.

What advice would you give to someone visiting Greece for the first time?

Alex: Slow down. Do not try to see everything in ten days or squeeze three or four islands into one trip. Take it one place at a time. You will come back.

Jason:  Look for the places that aren't famous to the general public. While Athens and Mykonos are great, Greece holds much greater treasures than are commonly known abroad.

What makes Greece different from other countries you have been to?

Stavrialena: I’ve travelled across several European and Balkan countries, from big cities to smaller towns, and what stands out in Greece is the rhythm of everyday life. Life here feels warmer and more human. People take time to connect, to talk, and to be present, even within busy routines. There’s less distance between people, and a sense of openness that makes daily life feel more alive and shared.

 Describe your country in one word.

Alex: Layered

Stavrialena: Alive

Jason: Freedom (Eleftheria)

Chris: Hospitality

See you next time at our next around-the-world location!