Greece is an outdoor haven perfect for an active trip. With mountains and river gorges in the north and endless coastline in the south, you'll have your pick of sporty excursions. Whether it's hiking to ancient sites, biking along the coast, or kayaking through the sea, active adventures allow you to experience the country from a unique perspective and get up close with the local culture.
September is a great month to experience the Greek Islands, as the weather and sea temperatures are perfect as can be. Whether you’re keen on an active adventure, cultural immersion, or simply fun in the sun, late September is an especially good bet, when most other travelers begin to return home and prices are starting to fall.
The weather has not improved since January on the island this month, but neither have the crowds increased. Cool and prone to heavy rain showers (and the year's chilliest water temperatures), February is a good month to find the island in its authentic, tourist-free state. There is more chance for mixing with locals at Fira's restaurants, and a glut of archaeology and winemaking heritage to discover. Come now to enjoy most of Santorini's iconic sights without the masses to disrupt the peace and quiet.
The crescent-shaped island of Santorini is compact enough that driving from one end to the other takes less than an hour, and it's easy to maximize a short trip. With only 24 hours here, you can see the ruins of Akrotiri, the vineyards at Megalochori, and the whitewashed villages of Oia and Fira. But to really experience Santorini, consider spending three to five days: you'll be able to sightsee, hike, and beach-hop while embracing the relaxed pace of island life.
When in Heraklion, the best lodgings are centrally located. Sample an eco-conscious smart hotel, the residence of the first Aga of Heraklion during the Ottoman era, or a luxury hotel that once played host to the city's upper crust. If you're on a slower-paced trip, head to a local winery or the nearby village of Archanes for a sedate stay under the olive trees in your own cozy villa.
Spend at least seven days in Greece, and you'll be able to comfortably explore Athens plus one or two Greek islands—pair Mykonos and Santorini, for example, or stick to the culture and cuisine of Crete. With more days to spend, add a few less-visited islands to your itinerary or explore the mainland, from the mountains of the Peloponnese to history-rich North Macedonia. If you're planning a quick getaway, base yourself in Athens with mainland day trips (and an overnight on Naxos, if there's time).
Yes, winter is coming—but no, it’s not yet too cold for the Greek Islands. Expect a mix of mild to warm sunny days and plenty of rain mixed in. The weather may be less than ideal, but crowds are gone, prices are low, nature is magical, and you can experience the best of Greece like a local.
November is the last month of autumn and the first of the low season. Its weather can be a mixed bag, with vestiges of sunny summer weather and the hints of winter both possibilities. Still, Santorini at this time has a more favorable climate than much of Northern Europe in the height of summer, and there are no crowds to be seen. Watch out this month for those restaurants and tours which have closed for the season, but get ready for seeing a side to island life that has a distinctly more local flavor, and for superb deals on accommodation.
October offers the best of all worlds: Mild to warm, sunny weather, low shoulder season rates, and fewer visitors to compete with. Win-win-win. By month’s end, however, the chillier autumn has officially arrived, and you’ll most likely encounter prolonged clouds and rain. While September would be a better option for a beach vacation, sea temps are still warm enough for swimming, and this is also a great month for sightseeing.
As Europe's second oldest city, Athens has been an intersection of history, culture, and cuisine for millennia. Not surprisingly, its hotels reflect different aspects beyond the ancient Greek ones. Whether you're looking for an old European atmosphere, a gastronomy-focused hotel, or a modern 21st-century experience in the heart of the historic center, you can find what you need in these best hotels in Athens.