It is difficult to recommend just one Greek island, as each has its own unique character and appeal. The best choice depends on the traveller’s interests, expectations, and travel style. When travel agents ask me this question, I usually suggest first understanding the visitor’s profile and preferences before recommending the island that best matches their holiday aspirations.

For first-time visitors, we often recommend one of the larger and more accessible islands, such as Crete, Rhodes, or Corfu, which offer excellent connectivity through numerous direct flights and a wide range of experiences. For travellers looking to discover something different, islands such as Folegandros, Sifnos, or Tinos often come as a delightful surprise, combining authentic charm, stunning landscapes, and a more relaxed atmosphere.

If I could bring one Greek summer tradition to London, it would be the panigiri, the traditional village festival that takes place across Greece throughout the summer. More than just a celebration, a “panigiri” brings together locals and visitors to share food, music, dancing, and genuine hospitality.

Each island and region has its own version, often linked to the feast day of a local saint, but the spirit is always the same: people of all ages coming together to celebrate, connect, and enjoy life. Some of the most famous “panigiria” are found in Ikaria and Astypalaia, where young people from across Greece travel specifically to take part in all-night celebrations filled with traditional music, dancing, and a unique sense of freedom and community.

I think Londoners would embrace the warmth, authenticity, and joyful atmosphere that make panigiria such a special part of the Greek summer experience.

For me, Greek hospitality is first and foremost about people. We often speak proudly about our gastronomy, our stunning landscapes, and our rich cultural heritage, and rightly so, as they are all exceptional. However, what truly makes a destination memorable is the human connection.

Greek hospitality, or philoxenia, is the genuine desire to make visitors feel welcome, comfortable, and part of the local community. It is the taverna owner who treats you like a regular from your very first visit, the owner of a small accommodation who welcomes guests as friends and proudly shares fruits and vegetables from their garden, or the hotel staff who go the extra mile to make children feel special and cared for.

Destinations can offer beautiful scenery and excellent food, but it is people who create lasting memories. That warmth, generosity, and authenticity are the essence of Greek hospitality. It is also one of the main reasons why Greece enjoys such a high number of repeat visitors. People return not only for the places they have discovered, but for the relationships and sense of belonging they have experienced.

London is fortunate to have a vibrant and growing Greek culinary scene, with an impressive range of cafés, bakeries, delicatessens, and restaurants reflecting both traditional and contemporary Greek culture. I am delighted to see how Greek businesses have become part of London’s diverse food landscape, introducing British audiences to authentic Greek flavours, products, and hospitality.

As our office is nearby, I occasionally visit Ergon Deli, which offers an excellent selection of Greek products and dishes in a contemporary setting. However, while these venues offer a wonderful introduction to Greek gastronomy, the full experience is always best enjoyed in Greece itself, where food, culture, landscape, and hospitality come together in a unique way.

What is particularly encouraging is that the growing presence of Greek businesses and products in London reflects the increasing appreciation of Greek gastronomy in the UK and provides many opportunities to discover the richness and diversity of Greek cuisine. I would particularly recommend Oma, which made history as the first Greek restaurant in the UK to be awarded a Michelin star, bringing a creative and sophisticated approach to Greek flavours.

For refined Greek dining, Myrtos by Asimakis, OPSO, and Krokodilos each offer elegant interpretations of traditional Greek cuisine, showcasing exceptional ingredients and modern culinary techniques while remaining true to their roots.

For a more relaxed, everyday Greek experience, The Life Goddess on Store Street is a favourite, offering authentic flavours and a warm atmosphere that captures the spirit of a neighbourhood Greek eatery.

Summer in Greece is not only about beaches and islands; it is also one of the most vibrant periods for culture and the arts.

The Athens Epidaurus Festival is undoubtedly the flagship cultural event of the season, bringing together world-class theatre, music, dance, and contemporary performances in iconic venues such as the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus and locations across Athens. Watching a performance under the stars in an ancient theatre is a truly unforgettable experience and one of the most unique cultural offerings in Europe.

Visitors should also look out for the many local festivals taking place throughout the country, from music festivals on the islands to open-air concerts, art exhibitions, and cultural events hosted in archaeological sites, castles, and historic towns. Highlights include the Philippos Festival in Kavala, the Festival at Sani Moni Toplou in Crete, the International Music Festival of Aegina, and the cultural events hosted in medieval castles and historic venues across the Dodecanese and the Peloponnese.

What makes these events particularly special is the setting. In Greece, culture is not confined to galleries and concert halls. It often unfolds against the backdrop of ancient monuments, seaside landscapes, and historic villages, creating experiences that combine artistic excellence with a strong sense of place.

It is truly amazing how a particular scent or flavour can instantly transport you back to your childhood. For me, the scent of wild oregano and fig trees is inseparably linked with my summer holidays in Greece.

The sound that immediately takes me back is the church bells echoing across the village, especially at six o'clock in the afternoon, when children would gather in the neighbourhood streets to play after spending a long day at the beach.

And the flavour? A perfectly ripe tomato drizzled with local extra virgin olive oil and accompanied by creamy feta cheese. The taste of an authentic Greek salad, where the tomatoes and cucumbers are bursting with flavour.

These simple, authentic moments capture the true spirit of Greece and are often what visitors remember long after they return home.

I would love more visitors to realise that Greece is not just a collection of beautiful islands, but the birthplace of ideas, stories and traditions that continue to shape the world today. Every region has its own history and mythology to uncover. You can stand at the Acropolis, where democracy flourished, visit Ancient Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games, follow the footsteps of Odysseus in Ithaca, explore the Palace of Knossos in Crete, home to the myth of the Minotaur, or discover the Sanctuary of Apollo at Delphi, once considered the centre of the ancient world.

Travelling through Greece is like travelling through the pages of Homer’s Odyssey, every destination has its own story, legends and characters waiting to be discovered. That rich cultural heritage, combined with our living traditions and genuine hospitality, is what makes Greece such a unique destination, whatever the season.

I would definitely recommend Epirus and the Zagori villages, where the higher altitude offers a welcome escape from the summer heat. Visitors can hike through the spectacular Vikos Gorge, explore beautifully preserved stone villages and experience an authentic side of Greece surrounded by unspoilt nature.

I would also suggest Meteora, one of the world's most extraordinary natural and cultural landmarks, where centuries-old monasteries rise dramatically from towering rock formations. It is a truly unforgettable experience.

Finally, I would encourage visitors to discover Volos and Mount Pelion. This unique region combines the vibrant atmosphere of a seaside city with picturesque mountain villages, crystal-clear beaches and excellent local gastronomy. According to Greek mythology, Pelion was the homeland of the Centaurs, adding another fascinating layer to the visitor experience. It is a wonderful destination in summer and perhaps even more magical in autumn, when the forests are painted in warm colours and the region is perfect for walking, local food experiences and slow travel.

Tourism is much more than promoting a destination, it is about bringing together culture, gastronomy, festivals, local traditions, art and authentic experiences in a way that inspires people to travel. I personally enjoy combining all these elements because they create an emotional connection, engage people and ultimately encourage them to discover Greece for themselves.

In the UK, we try to bring these elements together by showcasing authentic regional gastronomy, contemporary Greek artists and designers, and the rich cultural identity of our destinations. It is always rewarding to see people discover that Greece is not only the birthplace of ancient civilisation, but also a vibrant, creative and welcoming country with a dynamic contemporary culture.