Food 'an important part of Greek holiday experience'

A celebrity chef has encouraged people planning cheap holidays to Greece to take the opportunity to sample the country's cuisine.

Christoforos Peskias, speaking on behalf of the Greek Tourism Organisation, said that food is an important part of the nation's culture.

He pointed out that many dishes are simple and straightforward to prepare, but full of flavour and quality.

"We don't use a lot of ingredients, it's the quality of the product that is important - that's not just with Greek, but all … Mediterranean [cuisine]," he said.

For food lovers, Mr Peskias recommended the Cyclades island group, which includes a number of popular holiday destinations such as Mykonos and Santorini.

He also singled out Crete, which is known for dishes featuring fresh herbs.

Greece's national tourism agency has launched a number of initiatives this year to encourage Britons to consider a holiday in the country, including a large promotion at the Westfield shopping centre in London.