With its glorious beaches, pristine waters, cultural sites and feet-in-the-water tavernas , Greece, where I have lived for the past 15 years, is a magnet for tourists – 33 million people visited last year. Read Next My husband and I were incompatible on holiday until we found this Greek resort Many British travellers come here to hop between the country’s 227 inhabited islands. Those seeking five-star luxury and nightlife might opt for Santorini or Mykonos , while Crete offers easy family escapes.
And for off-the-beaten-path beauty, there are options such as the Dodecanese isles of Karpathos or Lipsi. Coastal destinations on the mainland are also becoming more popular. A strong tradition of philoxenia – a love of strangers, shown through hospitality – means that Greece has seen very few of the tourist protests that have marked the summer season in other European holiday favourites.
However, Greek summers can be marred by wildfires, extreme temperatures and drought. Travelling out of season – when the crowds have gone, the weather is milder, and prices are lower – is the best way to experience this country I’ve learnt to love. From sultry Santorini to sumptuous Sifnos, these are six destinations I visit once the tourists have gone.
Chania town, Crete Avoid the crowds that cram the Venetian harbour and narrow cobbled shopping streets of Chania in summer. By late September, Crete’s lively second city – built on the ruins of Ancient Kydonia, a commercial centre .