The Greek Islands have long captured the imagination of travelers. Their wild beauty is often portrayed as an escape into a new life. Somebody who has relocated there is Crete-based Heidi Fuller-Love and she is a big champion of the real Greece. It is the authentic Hellenic experience that attracted Heidi. She lives far away from the tourist centres.
An experienced travel writer, Heidi has plenty of tips for those looking to get more out of their trip than a stay in a resort. She urges you to ditch the allure of the beach and head for the hills. The mountains are where you will uncover the true essence of the Islands. If you put the time and effort in, you will be rewarded. Do your research in advance or head off into the great unknown on a whim.
Heidi has a long track record in travel and tourism. As well as being Telegraph Travel’s Greece expert, Heidi has owned and run a B&B in France. She has got good service out of her motor caravan, having clocked up 300,000km. Heidi has a head for adventure. She is excited by a challenge.
Heidi has gone local on Crete and particularly enjoys moving her feet to the beat of Cretan music. This folk-flecked genre has many parallels with traditional Irish compositions, as Heidi points out. Some of the Greek Islands are just as green as the Emerald Isle. Although they do enjoy arguably more sunshine hours in summer, the low season sees a drop in temperature as well as visitors. So if travelling in winter, pack extra layers.
In a way, Heidi’s story is all about love and commitment. Have you gone somewhere on holiday and thought about returning there for good to live? Haven’t we all? But how many of us have taken the plunge? Heidi followed through with her dreams of abroad and feels at home far, far away from her UK roots, in the real Greece.