True care in the Land of the Gods
Greece is a land of timeless beauty, rich culture, and unforgettable experiences - and now, it's more accessible than ever for dialysis patients. In this exclusive interview, we speak with Pavlos, our d.HOLIDAY Coordinator for Greece, who shares how our programme empowers patients to travel. From insider travel tips to kidney-friendly cuisine, discover how you can explore Greece with peace of mind and True care every step of the way.
Pavlos, can you give us a quick introduction to Greece as a holiday destination for dialysis patients?
Greece is one of those countries you simply must visit at least once in your life – and now, you have the perfect opportunity to make that dream come true!
It’s a destination that truly offers everything: stunning seas, majestic mountains, rich history, world-class museums, and delicious cuisine. And the best part? You can visit Greece all year round. For dialysis patients, the quieter seasons outside of summer are ideal, since the weather is still great and there’s no intense heat or crowds.
Wherever you choose to go, you’ll be surrounded by unforgettable landscapes, immersed in vibrant culture, and welcomed with the warm hospitality Greek people are known for.
As a new addition to the d.HOLIDAY programme, how does Diaverum Greece ensure a comfortable dialysis experience for patients visiting the country?
Diaverum’s care delivery model enables us to provide standardised, high-quality care across all our locations, deeply rooted in our culture of True care. This means that patients visiting Greece can expect the same exceptional level of treatment they receive in any Diaverum clinic worldwide. Our highly experienced and compassionate staff ensures a seamless, safe, and supportive experience for every patient who chooses to spend their holiday with us.
As a local, could you share some insider recommendations for places to visit, eat, or explore?
I’d love to! In Athens, you can explore the world-famous Acropolis and its museum, stroll through ancient ruins scattered across the city, and wander the charming, narrow streets of Plaka. You can even take a day trip to the Athenian Riviera or hop over to a nearby island like Aegina.
If you prefer to stay by the sea, you can consider accommodation near our dialysis clinic in Koropi - just 30 minutes outside Athens and close to the coast. One hour away is Chalkida, on the island of Evia, a beautiful and affordable destination that combines both sea and mountains. And if you’d like to experience the Greek countryside, our clinic in Livadia is about 1.5 to 2 hours from Athens. It’s known for its mountain scenery and excellent food, especially for meat lovers. From there, you can also take a day trip to the famous ancient oracle site of Delphi, about an hour away.
These are the highlights I'd recommend to anyone visiting Greece. Our country has something to offer for everyone – whatever you decide to do, you won’t be disappointed!
How does d.HOLIDAY support patients who want to travel, and how does that relate to your role as Holiday Dialysis Coordinator?
Think of d.HOLIDAY as a personalised travel concierge for dialysis patients. We offer a simple, user-friendly platform that helps plan safe, enjoyable trips with access to high-quality dialysis treatments at every stop.
At the same time, my role as a Holiday Dialysis Coordinator is to support patients every step of the way - taking care of all their needs, from offering guidance on necessary documentation to planning activities around dialysis sessions and coordinating treatment – so they can travel with confidence and peace of mind.
Personally, I’m a proud renal nurse who’s passionate about improving patients’ quality of life. I’ll never forget the very first day I stepped into a dialysis clinic during my training. My biggest question was: How can these patients travel? That question stayed with me. So when I was offered the opportunity to take on this role, I accepted without hesitation.
Today, nothing makes me happier than helping our patients travel - whether it's for holidays, visiting family, attending concerts, sporting events, or any experience they dream of.
Greek cuisine is famous! What are some traditional dishes you recommend for visitors?
Here are some kidney-friendly Greek specialties to try:
Pastitsio: a traditional baked pasta dish with ground meat and béchamel. Ask for a small portion, and enjoy it as a treat. It's lower in potassium and can be part of a balanced meal.
Grilled lamb or roasted goat (katsikaki): excellent protein sources, especially when grilled without heavy sauces or salty seasoning.
Grilled chicken or meat souvlaki: a light, classic choice.
Rice-stuffed vegetables: skip the potatoes and go easy on the tomato for a delicious, safer version.
Bread with olive oil and herbs: simple and satisfying, in moderation.
For dessert, try semolina-based sweets like halva or a small piece of ravani, which tend to be lower in phosphorus and potassium than dairy-based options.
Of course, moderation is key, and patients should always follow their personal dietary advice from their care team.
With d.HOLIDAY, discovering Greece isn’t just a dream - it’s a journey made possible with expert care, heartfelt support, and the freedom to explore every moment with confidence.
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