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The Greeks (despite their current financial worries) love a party. They'll take any opportunity to celebrate their identity and to finish it off with a firework display that lights up the entire Mediterranean. On November 17th, it's the kids' turn to party on Polytechneio Day - a celebration and a chance to remember the students who died during the Greek resistance to German occupation in the 1940s. Polytechneio day was founded in 1973 after a tank was driven in to the gates of the Polytechneio Polytechnic during the Greek military junta of 1967-1974. So although it does have a more sombre side, the Greek people hate being too serious about anything, so the day is now celebrated throughout the country as a public holiday.

November is a great time to visit Greece. The temperatures on the Greek islands such as Crete are still balmy, and the summer crowds have thinned a little, so visitors have a far greater choice of accommodation, quiet restaurants and a chance to relish the peace and tranquillity of the real Greece. Flights to Crete are selling like hot cakes because they are affordable, especially off-season, and are available from most UK destinations. While Polytechneio Day is a school holiday, other attractions will still be open so there's the chance to really get to know the culture and recent history of this fascinating country.

A trip to Greece in November is also the chance to grab some winter sunshine, just as the weather in the UK is turning wet and miserable. Greece isn't just for history lovers (although if you're into ancient history then this is the ideal destination), it's for anyone who wants a break full of adventure, fun and excitement. With the Euro struggling against the Pound at the moment, it's also an affordable destination for those travelling on a budget.