The article provides a guide to experiencing Santorini beyond the typical tourist spots, highlighting secret food locations, lesser-known attractions, artisan wineries, hiking trails, secluded accommodations, and unique spots to watch the sunset. It emphasizes local culture, cuisine, and the island's history, suggesting ways to enjoy an authentic Santorini experience.

A pregnant UK tourist, Jess Prendergast, expressed fear for her unborn child as she and others waited for evacuation on a smoke-covered beach in Rhodes, Greece, due to wildfires. Despite the chaotic situation and criticism of the disorganized evacuation process, local people were reported to be very kind. Tourists faced difficulties with transportation and communication, and travel companies like Jet2, Tui, and Thomas Cook have canceled Rhodes holidays amid the crisis. Thousands of tourists are seeking temporary shelter as the fires continue, with Greek authorities issuing evacuation warnings for multiple areas.

Greece is enhancing beach accessibility for people with mobility issues through the introduction of solar-powered Seatrac bathing chairs, which allow users to enter the water independently. The technology, developed by Tobea and co-funded by the Greek government and the European Regional Development Fund, is part of an initiative to make tourist destinations more inclusive. Despite challenges in convincing the target audience, the project has been successful, with the potential to boost tourism and improve the country's image. The initiative also includes an 'accessibility chain' with disabled-friendly infrastructure. A UN report highlights the significant global population affected by disability, underscoring the financial and reputational benefits of such inclusive measures.

Crete offers a variety of attractions beyond its beautiful beaches, including four-wheel drive safaris, boat trips, museums, and archaeological sites. Visitors can explore Spinalonga Island, hike through Death Valley, forage for food with a biologist, experience Minoan culture, visit Heraklion’s archaeological museum, go on a safari, enjoy local cuisine, visit Thalassokosmos aquarium, hike through Samaria Gorge, take a boat to Chrissi Island, and visit Arkadi Monastery. The article provides insider tips for each activity and includes contact information and pricing.

Crete offers a vibrant nightlife scene, from traditional Cretan glendis and tavernas to modern nightclubs and stylish bars. The article highlights various venues such as Mylos Club, Ilios, and Ta Xalkina, each with its unique atmosphere and offerings, including live Cretan music, dance floors, and local drinks like raki. The venues cater to a range of tastes and styles, with some requiring dress codes and others maintaining a casual vibe. The article serves as a guide for travelers seeking to experience the nightlife of Crete.

Greece, attracting roughly 30 million tourists annually, offers lesser-known destinations beyond the crowded summer hotspots like Santorini and Mykonos. The Athenian Riviera, Thessaloniki, Pyrgos, Astypalea, and Sitia are highlighted as overlooked corners to visit in 2024. These areas boast unique attractions such as luxury resorts, historical sites, and local culinary delights. With new flights and accommodations, these regions provide opportunities for authentic experiences away from the usual tourist crowds.

Greece, attracting roughly 30 million tourists annually, offers lesser-known destinations beyond the crowded Santorini and Mykonos. The Athenian Riviera, Thessaloniki, Pyrgos, Astypalea, and Sitia are highlighted as must-visit locations in 2024. These areas boast unique attractions such as luxury resorts, historical sites, and local culinary delights. The Athenian Riviera is becoming more popular with new luxury openings, while Thessaloniki is celebrated for its food scene. Pyrgos offers proximity to Ancient Olympia and local tavernas, Astypalea is transforming into an eco-friendly destination, and Sitia in Crete is noted for its unspoiled beaches and local cuisine.

Greece, attracting roughly 30 million tourists annually, offers lesser-known destinations beyond the crowded Santorini and Mykonos. Airlines like Easyjet and Ryanair are increasing direct UK flights to these regions, and the article highlights five such places: the Athenian Riviera, Thessaloniki, Pyrgos, Astypalea, and Sitia. Each location is described with its unique attractions, accommodations, and best times to visit. The Athenian Riviera is noted for its proximity to Athens and upcoming luxury developments. Thessaloniki is recognized for its food scene and new transportation options. Pyrgos is mentioned for its role in an upcoming film about Maria Callas. Astypalea is transforming into a model for climate-neutral mobility with Volkswagen Group's help. Lastly, Sitia in Crete is becoming more accessible with new flights and is known for its unspoiled beaches and local cuisine.

Santorini, known for its overcrowded tourist spots in summer, transforms into a serene destination in winter, offering an authentic experience with fewer tourists. Local businesses like Santorini Sky, Omoo, and Earth and Water Studio cater to visitors seeking a sustainable and traditional island life. Tavernas such as Lava and Metaxi Mas provide a warm, welcoming atmosphere, and some nightlife persists with clubs and live music. The island's winter appeal is enhanced by sunny weather, affordable flights, and accommodation, as well as open archaeological sites. Despite a 20% drop in visitors in 2023, efforts by the Greek Ministry of Tourism aim to attract off-season tourism.

Santorini, known for its overcrowded tourist spots in summer, transforms into a serene destination in winter with fewer tourists and a more authentic experience. Local businesses like Santorini Sky, a luxury property, and traditional tavernas remain open, offering a glimpse into the island's traditional lifestyle. The Greek government is encouraging off-season tourism to promote sustainability. Visitors can enjoy pottery lessons, local cuisine, and nightlife, with the added benefits of sunny weather, affordable flights, and accommodation. The article suggests that Santorini in winter retains its magic, minus the crowds and heat.

Aitoliko, Greece's 'Little Venice,' is a lagoon-surrounded islet with a rich history and culture, offering a glimpse of Venice before the influx of tourists. The town boasts traditional fishing practices, a national park, and local delicacies like bottarga. Visitors can enjoy activities such as boat trips and explore local tavernas like Monomatos and Charalampakis, known for their seafood and mutton dishes, respectively. The article also provides travel tips, including flights, car rentals, and accommodations.

Crete offers a diverse nightlife scene ranging from traditional Cretan glendis with live music to hip nightclubs and stylish bars. Highlights include Mylos Club, a popular dance club in Platanias, and Ilios, a seaside tavern in Skaleta known for its authentic Cretan music. Other notable venues include Ta Xalkina in Chania, Manolis and Poppy’s kafeneion in Armenoi, and Stone Project in Heraklion. Each venue offers a unique experience, from live music and dance to cocktails and local cuisine, catering to a wide range of tastes and preferences.

Thirassia, a lesser-known Greek island close to Santorini, offers a quieter and more affordable alternative for travelers, with temperatures around 22C in autumn. It is described as reminiscent of Santorini 50 years ago, with fewer tourists and lower prices for accommodation and dining. The island has a few hotels, such as Thirassia Paradise Suites, and B&Bs with rates starting at £21 per night. Activities include boat hire, guided hikes, and visiting local villages like Potamos and Agrilia, as well as the Panagia tis Giatrissa Church, known for granting fertility. Thirassia also features several beaches and historical sites. The local language is Greek, the currency is the Euro, and there are no current Covid restrictions for British tourists.

The article reviews family-friendly hotels in Greece, highlighting their amenities and services that cater to both children and adults. Ikos Resorts is noted as the best family hotel brand overall, with properties like Ikos Odisia offering extensive facilities for young children. Creta Maris Beach Resort in Crete is recognized for its water park, while Amada Colossos Resort in Rhodes is commended for its renovation aimed at pleasing families. The article also provides insights into the best regions for family holidays in Greece, with Crete and Corfu being particularly recommended.

The article reviews family-friendly hotels in Greece, highlighting their amenities such as kids' clubs, activities, and luxury accommodations. Ikos Resorts is noted as the best overall brand, with Creta Maris Beach Resort in Crete featuring a water park, and Ikos Odisia praised for its design and facilities. The piece includes contributions from Rose Dykins, Helen Iatrou, Anita Isalska, and Harriet Jones, and provides insights into the suitability of Crete and Corfu for family holidays.

Greeks, particularly those on the islands, are increasingly frustrated with the negative impacts of mass tourism, such as overdevelopment, loss of beach access, and strained infrastructure. Activist groups like the Paros Citizens’ Movement for Free Beaches are protesting the privatization of beaches, while incidents in Crete highlight tensions between locals and the tourism industry. Former Santorini mayor Nikolaos Zorzos criticizes the central government's inaction, and the Greek Analyst notes the unaffordability of ferry tickets for locals. Despite the challenges, there are calls for responsible tourism and support for local movements from international visitors.

Greeks are increasingly frustrated with the negative impacts of mass tourism, such as rising rents, strained infrastructure, overdevelopment, and restricted beach access. Movements like the Paros Citizens’ Movement for Free Beaches have emerged to protest the privatization of beaches and over-tourism. Incidents like the assault of a tour guide in Crete by a hotel security guard have heightened tensions. Locals are also concerned about environmental damage, such as the destruction of a protected wetland in Ios for hotel construction. Former Santorini mayor Nikolaos Zorzos criticized the lack of local authority power to address these issues. Despite the challenges, some, like Nikos Boutsinis, suggest ways tourists can help, such as traveling off-season or exploring lesser-known areas.

Despite a challenging summer with fires and heatwaves, Greece remains a top destination for British holidaymakers, particularly in the autumn when the weather is milder and the tourist crowds have thinned. The article suggests various activities and experiences such as wine stomping in Attica, sailing the Sporades, exploring Crete, cycling in Rhodes, and participating in food festivals. Travel companies like Simpson Travel, Domes Resorts, and Star Clippers offer packages for these activities. The article also provides practical travel tips, including information on flights and the best times to visit.

Santorini, a popular tourist destination, faces challenges from mass tourism, including overcrowding, environmental degradation, and inflation that makes living costs unaffordable for locals. Despite discussions about responsible tourism, little has changed, with cruise ships contributing to the issues. Real estate prices are among Europe's highest, and workers struggle to find affordable housing. Some initiatives, like Santorini Walking Tours and Voreina Gallery Suites, offer alternative experiences that highlight the island's traditional aspects and avoid the crowded areas.

The article discusses six cultural and lifestyle aspects where Greece excels compared to the United Kingdom, from the author's perspective as a Briton living in Greece. These include the benefits of siestas, the social culture of spending time with friends (parea), the quality of Greek food, a culture of drinking without excess, the pleasant climate, and the Greek tradition of philoxenia or hospitality. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development is cited for data on Greek work hours, and the mythological figure Zeus is mentioned in relation to hospitality.

British tourists in Rhodes described chaotic scenes reminiscent of Dunkirk as they fled wildfires that surged towards southern resorts due to high winds and temperatures. Many criticized travel companies like Jet2 and Tui for poor communication and assistance during the evacuation. Greek soldiers, local residents, and authorities coordinated a massive evacuation effort, with 16,000 people evacuated by land and 3,000 by sea. Tourists recounted harrowing experiences of escaping on foot in extreme heat, with some being separated from family members. Despite the ongoing crisis, flights continued to bring tourists to the island. Tui and Jet2 have since suspended flights and are working to evacuate stranded tourists.

An expat living in Greece shares six common mistakes that British tourists often make, including overindulging in the local spirit raki, spending too much time in the sun, being wary of friendly locals, dressing inappropriately for church visits, using ketchup on traditional dishes, and limiting their holiday to popular tourist destinations like Santorini and Mykonos. The article advises embracing local customs, such as enjoying meze with drinks, taking siestas, dressing modestly in religious sites, trying local cuisine, and exploring lesser-known islands to experience authentic Greek culture.

A Europe-based travel writer shares insights from nearly 30 years of living and working in an RV, visiting countries like Turkey, Morocco, and Spain for extended periods. Key lessons include traveling out of season, the necessity of reliable Wi-Fi, and the importance of a comfortable workspace and disciplined schedule. The writer emphasizes the freedom van life offers, the need for honest communication when sharing small spaces, and the financial benefits of off-grid living. Essential investments for this lifestyle include a Wi-Fi hotspot, noise-canceling earbuds, and a generator.

Almeria province in Spain, known for its desert locations, has attracted filmmakers like Sergio Leone and Steven Spielberg, and actors such as Clint Eastwood and Harrison Ford. The region boasts attractions like Mini Hollywood, a Wild West theme park, and the Museo de Arte Contemporaneo with art by Picasso and Miro. Other highlights include the Calar Alto Observatory, the craftwork shops of Nijar, and the geological museum and caves of Sorbas. Laujar de Andrax offers hiking and local products like terreno wine and Serrano ham, while Velez Blanco is famous for prehistoric cave paintings and a local legend similar to the Elgin Marbles story.

The article explores the Andalusian province of Guadix, Spain, highlighting its unique troglodyte population, historical sites, and cultural experiences. It describes the underground dwellings, the Cave Museum, and the bustling new town with its traditional cuisine. The Al Jatib hotel offers a blend of Arab and Andalusian cuisines and a cave hammam for relaxation. Nearby Purullena is known for its earthenware, and Bacor-Olivar provides a non-touristy experience. Los Millares offers insights into the Bronze Age, and Calahorra Castle boasts a rich history dating back to the Spanish Inquisition.