The last guests of the year arrive at the Greek Hovel today. It is October but the sun has kept the pool warm and it stays open until the end of the month. Then it shuts down until April. But you can still swim in the sea in November and it will be a lot warmer than Whitby in August. In fact, the best time to visit Greece is about now. For starters, everything from air flights to hotels (and hovels) are so much cheaper.
And the snakes have gone into hibernation meaning that you can walk across hills which will be going greener by the day without fretting about what that rustling noise in the bushes is or worrying where you tread.
By early December it will still be T-shirt weather most days – though it will rain quite often – and the grass is green dotted with flowers and with butterflies everywhere. It will be like a scene from Heidi in the foothills of the Taygetos where the hovel is situated. The grass stays green and Alpine until Easter so spring in the Mani is fun too but by that time sea swimming is only for the very brave.
And, of course, when you visit Mycenae, Mistras or any of the other great sites in the Peloponnese you will not be swamped by crowds of ghastly tourists but can wander around enjoying the sights in peace.
If your kids have left home, the time to go to Greece is out of season. Now!
The Greek Hovel is booked up until the end of the month and again for olive harvesting in December but is other wise free and can be reserved here. And we have already taken four bookings for next summer so if you do fancy a luxury hovel with pool hurry up and book