A Taste of Greece: Homemade Moussaka Inspired By Our Recent Trip

Last Updated on May 16, 2025 by Tracy

Take a flavorful journey through Greece with this personal travel story featuring Athens, Crete, and an unforgettable stay at Cayo Exclusive Resort. Discover the magic of authentic Greek cuisine—and try our delicious homemade moussaka recipe inspired by the trip! While this post is sponsored by Florida Dairy Farmers, all opinions, our love of Greece and the recipe are my own.

There’s something truly special about traveling with the people you love. This past spring (we actually just got back the end of April!), I had the incredible opportunity to take a multigenerational trip to Greece with my mom and daughter. Three generations of strong, curious women exploring a country so rich in culture, history, and flavor—it was an unforgettable experience that we’ll cherish forever. If you haven’t already, be sure to check out my Greece Highlight on Instagram!

We began our journey in Athens, where ancient ruins, Greek coffee, and fresh ingredients meet bustling….well, traffic. From the breathtaking Acropolis to wandering through the vibrant streets of Plaka, we soaked in every bit of history and charm. The history is just mind blowing really, did you know that democracy as we know it today was born in Greece? How about the fact that West Civilization also started in Greece? While I am not always a fan of big tours, I am very thankful we had the walking tour and our TukTuk tour in Athens because there are so many things we didn’t know about Greek history!

We spent 2 nights in Athens, and that was enough. It’s a big, crowded (about 50% of the population of Greece lives in Athens) city and we were ready for some sea views and relaxing.

Let’s be honest—one of the absolute highlights of our trip was the food. And that love affair with Greek cuisine only deepened when we made our way to Crete.

Discovering the Flavors of Crete

After our time in Athens, we traveled to Crete and stayed at the stunning Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa, just outside the picturesque town of Plaka. Nestled into the hillside overlooking the shimmering waters of Elounda Bay and the hauntingly beautiful island of Spinalonga, the resort was the perfect balance of luxury and authenticity.

Cayo isn’t just a place to rest your head—it’s a culinary destination in itself. Every meal was a celebration of authentic Greek ingredients and local Cretan flavors. From tender lamb dishes and fresh-caught seafood to locally sourced cheeses and honey-soaked pastries, each bite told a story. And of course, we couldn’t get enough of the classic Greek dishes: tzatziki, spanakopita, fresh seafood, and moussaka. I actually got tzatziki at just about every meal…absolutely love the fresh flavors!

We were actually there over Easter and were able to participate in the Greek Orthodox celebrations and words cannot express how incredible that was! From the dancers to the food, every moment will be cherished for a lifetime.

Falling in Love with Moussaka

I had eaten moussaka before in the States, but enjoying it in Greece was an entirely different experience. The dish was rich yet comforting—layers of roasted eggplant, seasoned ground meat, and creamy béchamel sauce all baked to golden perfection. There was something about eating it on an island in Greece, with the Aegean breeze, that made it truly unforgettable.

My First Attempt at Homemade Moussaka

Inspired by our trip, I decided to bring a piece of Greece into my kitchen. My daughter and I carefully sliced eggplants, made a rich meat sauce with cinnamon, and whisking up a creamy béchamel. As the moussaka baked in the oven, the savory aroma filled my kitchen and instantly brought back the memories of all that fresh and amazing food we had in Greece.

Why Food Makes Travel Memories Even More Special

If you’ve ever traveled somewhere and found yourself missing the food more than the souvenirs, you know what I mean. Food has a powerful way of anchoring us to moments and places. In Greece, meals aren’t rushed. They’re experiences. We were at dinner every night for at least 2 hours. We filled that time talking, bonding and really appreciating not only each other, but the trip. You knew from the first bite that each meal was made with love. That’s something I hope to carry into our own family dinners now that we’re home.

Whether you’re planning a trip to Greece or simply dreaming of one, I can’t recommend enough immersing yourself in the local cuisine. Try the street food in Athens—maybe do a cooking class like we did with a local. Venture into family-run tavernas in Crete and order what the locals are having. Be sure to try the Raki too 😉

Planning Your Own Greek Getaway

If you’re considering Greece for your next vacation, here’s a quick travel tip: combine the history of Athens with the relaxation of the islands. And don’t forget to pack your appetite—because the best way to understand Greece is through its food.

A Recipe for Connection

Traveling with my mom and daughter was more than just a vacation—it was a celebration of family, culture, and connection. And while the trip itself may be over, the memories continue in our hearts.

So if you’re feeling inspired, give homemade moussaka a try. And who knows? It might just take you on a journey of your own!

Alright, let’s make some Moussaka, shall we? Now, remember, I absolutely loved all the Greek food, but I would never claim that this recipe is a traditional Greek recipe, I will leave that for all the Greek grandma’s and chefs out there. This is just my version of my experiences, brought back home to my kitchen in Florida.

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