Although the news has been full of negative stories about the financial and immigrant crises which have engulfed Greece in recent years, there are still many reasons to visit this delightful country. From its stunning beaches and superb mountain scenery to great food and, above all, its warm Hellenic welcome.

Here, co-author of the Rough Guide to Greece, Nick Edwards, shares his tips travelling in Greece.

1. Share the wealth

Try to use independent accommodation and dining options as much as possible. Resort packages, especially all­-inclusive ones, can be very cheap but little of the money you spend stays in Greece.

The economic crisis has actually led to most villa, pension and small hotel owners lowering their prices and being more prepared to bargain on spec.

And who wants to eat the same resort buffet every day, when there is a choice of authentic tavernas close by?

Santorini via Pixabay/CC0

2. Avoid peak season

Unless you have to go in high summer because of school holidays, try to visit outside the peak season of late July to the end of August. During this period, the weather is blistering hot, prices soar and everywhere gets overcrowded because the Greeks themselves are on holiday.

May and June see warm days, with a proliferation of flora, and fresh nights, while September and early October offer golden days and the sea still holds its summer heat.

3. Meander around the mainland

Don’t fall into the trap of associating Greece solely with its islands. The mainland has a great deal to offer, from the imposing Pindos mountain range in the north to the empty golden beaches of the western Peloponnese. It also boasts the greatest number of archaeological sites.

Travelling between the main towns is easy on the comprehensive KTEL bus network, with local services radiating out to villages.

You can also make use of the limited but extremely cheap national rail service for a number of key destinations.

Monemvasia via Pixabay/CC0

4. Eat and drink like a local

Eating is invariably a casual affair in Greece. Look for restaurants where the locals are eating, as the food will be much better. Just remember that Greeks eat late, often after 10pm.

Always ask for local barrelled wine, which is cheaper than bottled, or try a fiery spirit such as ouzo or tsipouro. Likewise, don’t be fobbed off with bottled water, as what comes out of the tap is perfectly potable.

5. Go island hopping

There’s no doubt that the golden age of island hopping was in the 70s and 80s, and most people now stick to one island per holiday.

But ferry services are still plentiful and mostly reliable through the warmer months, so why not choose a group of islands like the Ionians, the Dodecanese or the postcard pretty Cyclades and see as many as you can?

Always plan return to your departure airport a day or two ahead of your flight though.

Naxos via Pixabay/CC0

6. Embrace Greek time

Punctuality is not held in the highest esteem in Greece. There is a healthy Mediterranean belief that most things can be put off and nothing needs to be done in a hurry: Spanish “mañana” equals Greek “avrio”.

So don’t expect service in a restaurant to be too snappy or transportation always to run like clockwork.

7. Be culturally sensitive

Most younger Greeks regard themselves as modern and open­-minded but the older generation have an ingrained conservatism and the Orthodox Church still holds great sway.

Nudity is frowned upon away from designated beaches and it is better not to visit churches or monasteries in skimpy shorts or tops.

Orthodox church via Pixabay/CC0

8. Beware of directions and regulations

There’s a good deal of truth in the maxim that if you ask five Greeks how to get somewhere you’ll get five different answers – but don’t worry, because getting a bit lost is all part of the fun.

It’s similar with rules and regulations such as having to wear seatbelts or crash helmets, or not smoking in public places. These are all regularly ignored but it’s up to you whether you follow suit.

9. Take care in the capital

Athens may come across as a concrete jungle, but it is also rich with sights, including the ancient Acropolis and some superb museums.

It is where you are most likely to encounter the effects of the twin crises, however, with an increasing number of shuttered buildings and homeless people.

Although it is not generally unsafe, you should watch your valuables, especially when travelling on crowded transport such as the metro.

Athens via Pixabay/CC0

10. Don’t be shy

Greeks are mostly extrovert types and love exchanging views and opinions with anybody and everybody. So don’t hold back on asking people about their beliefs and opinions or expressing your own.

If you are travelling with kids, you’ll soon see how much they are indulged and can often act as natural ice­-breakers, especially at restaurants, where nobody minds them running around and making a bit of a noise.

11. Learn a little of the language

Greeks generally do not expect foreigners to know any Greek, and levels of English are good throughout the country.

On the other hand, they love it if you do learn at least a few words, and any effort will be rewarded by your status being elevated from a plain tourist to an honoured “xenos”, which means both “foreigner” and “guest”.

Explore more of Greece with the Rough Guide to Greece. Compare flights, find tours, book hostels and hotels for your trip, and don’t forget to buy travel insurance before you go.