Greece is the word.....

I first went to Greece in the early 90’s to the island of Mykonos. It was the year after they filmed Shirley Valentine, so of course I made a specific trip to see the beach, the bar she worked in and hotel that she stayed in. Mykonos was a lot less developed than it is today but that memory of Mykonos with its brown scorched landscape in August, the fresh Greek salads and Octopuses hanging up on the line will stay with me forever.

Every time I return to Greece, and I have multiple times, I try to search out that authentic Greek island experience without the mass tourist trappings. The great thing about Greece, is that with so many islands, it is easy to find.

Personally, I tend to fly into and out of an island with a direct flight from the UK, spend the first night on that island so that you aren’t trying to connect with a ferry and leave the following day. A two-week holiday is perfect for exploring at least three islands and the ferry network in Greece is easy to navigate despite the momentary chaos at the port making sure you get on the right one.

Each island has its own personality. Some islands have stunning scenery, some have amazing food (not all Greek Salads are made the same), some have wonderful walks and trekking, some have meandering streets which are only wide enough for a donkey or motorbike but whatever you want to get from your holiday, Greece most definitely has the answer!

I would of course tell you my favourite island, but then it wouldn’t be the idyllic retreat that I know it to be, and everyone would want to visit.