October is an ideal time to visit Santorini. Many seasonal flights and restaurants finish for the year this month which means that, despite it being shoulder season, the crowds that filled Santorini over recent months are gone. And yet the weather remains very pleasant: the sun is still out, and the heavy autumn rain holds off for at least most of the month. October also sees the opening of the year's wine barrels on Santorini, giving you many excuses to stick around and join in the fun.
Tiny Mykonos can be crisscrossed by car in about 25 minutes, but that doesn't mean you should skimp on your time here. Long known as Greece's party island, Mykonos actually has a lot to see and do during daylight hours if you're interested in its history and culture. You can have a satisfying visit in one day, taking in the Cycladic architecture of Mykonos town and the cocktails of "Little Venice." But it's easy to fill up to five days of sightseeing, beach-hopping, and enjoying the island's famous nightlife.
Some of Greece’s most famous tales have come from the sea, so why not get out on the water to create a story of your own? Choose between four different types of boats to embark on your own oversea island excursion.
With over 400 blue-flag beaches and endless stretches of sand, pebbles, and turquoise waters, Greece is the perfect place for a sand-and-sea vacation. Although the Greek Islands offer some of the best beaches, even the mainland has its share of swimming hotspots. From the snorkeling haven of Voidokilia to the famous Balos Bay on Crete, every region of the country has a sandy stretch perfect for swimming, relaxing, or enjoying water sports.
Nine to 12 days is the most popular trip length for Greece travelers interested in visiting Athens, Naxos, and Santorini, especially when also including Mykonos. If you're only headed to Athens, Naxos, and Santorini, you can enjoy a comfortably-paced trip in 8 to 10 days. Even travelers with limited time can see the highlights in as few as 5 to 7 days. For the best itineraries including Athens, Naxos, and Santorini, keep reading below.
April is a fabulous month to visit Greece. The weather is delightfully sunny and has warmed sufficiently for sunbathing (finally, you can pack swimwear!). Flowers are in bloom. Shoulder-season prices still offer a bargain. And best yet? The crowds haven’t yet arrived.
April is unquestionably one of the best months to visit Athens if you want to take advantage of the "best of both worlds" atmosphere. By this time of year, it's sunny and increasingly warm (though not summertime-hot) and wildflowers start blooming left and right. Best of all, you can enjoy all of this splendor without the swarms of crowds.
Greek gastronomy is known worldwide as one of the freshest and healthiest cuisines, with its signature Mediterranean diet featured in numerous countries. Learn the secrets behind the country's staples with wine and cheese tastings, city food tours, farm visits, and meals with locals. Take a cooking class or visit a winery and learn about Greece's ancient farming and winemaking techniques. There's a reason why the flavors are so pronounced in Greek gastronomy, and tradition has a lot to do with it!
Crete is a great island to visit at any time of year. The southernmost Greek isle has beaches, ancient archaeological sites, throwback villages, and myriad nature hikes—not to mention the pleasant winter temperatures. Find out what to do, where to stay, and more in this ultimate guide.
Athens is an exciting city for different reasons, but for many travelers, the Acropolis pulls them in the most. While numerous hotels have fantastic views of the Acropolis, a handful have the added benefit of being close to the site. These include features like rooftop pools overlooking the Parthenon, romantic atmospheres for couples, and spacious rooms for families, and all are within 10 minutes walking distance of the Acropolis.