“Greece is the word on everyone’s lips and, fingers crossed, its sun-kissed beaches will welcome us back soon. All these places offer a taste of true Greek culture,” says writer Mary Valiakas.

These 10 stunning island and mainland destinations offer a more nourishing side of Greece.

Last week, Tourism Minister Harry Theoharis announced Greece aims to open to tourists from 14 May.

“These are places where people take pride in offering hospitality – in line with the ancient custom of filoxenia, love of strangers – and where things are done with meraki, love and soul.”

The Guardian’s ’10 best crowd-free Greek islands and coastlines’:

• Andros: a favourite with holidaying Greeks for its food, beaches and pretty villages.
• Evia: a gem within striking distance of Athens, worth exploring for the variety it offers.
• Galaxidi: steeped in maritime history, this pretty little town on the Gulf of Corinth below ancient Delphi is an overlooked gem.
• Folegandros: the scenery is dramatic, and the cobbled streets tranquil.
• Leros: said to be the favourite island of goddess Artemis, it’s lush and hilly with many beautiful pebbly coves, and has a colourful history.
• Kythira: birthplace of Aphrodite, this island off the southern Peloponnese lives up to the goddess’s name.
• Astypalea: the kind of Greek idyll those who know the country well dream of escaping to.
• Syros: a year-round population, non-touristy shops and a vibrant cultural life make for a fascinating insight into the local lifestyle.
• Pilio: a year-round destination offering mountain activities as well as coastal attractions, and was used as a location in the first Mamma Mia! film.
• Mani, Peloponnese: medieval fortresses and tower villages dot the dramatic landscape, and olive groves run out to the horizon.

The post The Guardian pick their 10 ‘best crowd-free’ Greek destinations appeared first on Travel My Day Blog.