Ditching the UK for a trip to Greece is hardly a new idea. Last year, 4.5 million Brits arrived in the land of olive oil and ancient ruins, with arrivals from the UK increasing 88.5% in November 2024, ...

“Ela!” says Valantis Makrakis with a huff, mid-step, one hand clutching his side, the other lifted in greeting. A young man nods back as he trots down the sloping street, followed by a litter of cats.

My first taste of an olive oil to savour came unexpectedly. Our old chartered schooner dropped anchor in the bay of Panormitis on the Greek island of Symi in the late afternoon. Baking against the ...

1. IRRESISTIBLE LURE: Like a siren on a colossal rock, Symi plays havoc with the itineraries of unsuspecting travellers. Named after the nymph who captivated Poseidon, Greek god of the sea, it’s the ...

Sign up for the best picks from our travel, fashion and lifestyle writers. Ditching the UK for a trip to Greece is hardly a new idea. Last year, 4.5 million Brits ...