In his new television series, Simon Reeve goes beyond the headlines and finds a Greece full of optimism and beauty.

Journalist’s new series focuses on Greece, which at first glance “might seem an odd decision. In many ways Greece is a known concept – the tourist industry has introduced millions of us to the country. We love the weather, the islands, the way of life”. “But now is an important time in Greece’s history” he explains

He visited the Greek island of Lesvos along with his crew and referred to the refugee flow.

“It is a much more complex issue than people realise. It was incredibly moving to meet families who have come all that way – and realise that you are them and they are you; that it’s an accident of birth that I’m a bloke from England and they are people fleeing war or poverty” told Telegraph.

He also talked to people on Lesvos who “depended on tourism for their income, and you could feel their fear” while he urges tourists to continue visiting Greece.

“And there is a lot of Greece to see without having to venture near the headlines. It is a country with an endless capacity to surprise” he said adding that he spent one of his best night on Crete “with a group of shepherds, eating barbecued lamb under the night sky, and hearing their optimism about the future”.

“You could do worse on Planet Earth than be born Greek. It is a magnificent place with good food, a wonderful climate and a close sense of community” Simon Reeve added.