ATHENS – The high – and very hot – summer season in Greece lures most of the tourists beckoned by sun, sand, beaches, and islands but there’s good reasons for coming even in the winter.

That’s what the Tourism Ministry has been promoting too as it tries to make the country a year-round destination, the sector being the biggest revenue engine and in 2022 bringing in more than 18 billion euros ($21.36 billion).

That got a boost from the site The Travel which said while it’s hard to think of Greece in the winter when you have those sunny images in your head from posters that there are attractions.

“It’s possible to discover a completely different Greece when the temperature drops and most tourists vanish. As a result, it’s a perfect moment to stop by museums and landmarks and enjoy them without tons of tourists,” it said.

Smart travelers to Greece already know to skip July and August when places like the island hot spots of of Santorini and Mykonos are so jammed you can’t move, even on beaches, without being elbowed.

The spring and autumn have beauties of their own with warm but not scorching temperatures and there are more discoveries in the winter with even skiing in the northern part of the country and mountain villages.

“On top of that, visitors can find better deals for accommodations and tours, try seasonal foods and drinks, go skiing and jump on thermal lakes,” the site recommended as good ideas.

There is some rain during the winter, especially on islands close to Turkey’s coast but when you visit Greece then there’s no lines for museums and other attractions, quiet at restaurants and room to think and to reflect.