Discover the Best of Greece: Ideal Destinations for Every Season
Perhaps one of the most popular vacation destinations in the world, Greece welcomes millions of visitors every year to its sun-soaked shores. Given that it offers almost everything a holidaymaker could wish for, including paradisiacal beaches, fascinating historical sites, and mouthwatering cuisine, it’s little wonder it regularly tops travel lists.
Despite thousands of hours of sunshine throughout the year, summer remains one of the busiest seasons here. But spring, autumn, and winter can be equally charming—albeit for different reasons—if you know where to go. In this post, we look at the best spots to visit in Greece, no matter when you set off on your travels.
Where to go in Greece in Spring: Meteora
The monasteries of Meteora are featured on many postcards or Instagram posts. However, in the summer months, you’ll be hard-pressed to find an isolated spot to snap a picture or take in view. Many organized tours rise in price or are fully booked in the summer months, too. In contrast, you’ll be able to more easily benefit from the expert local guides in the off-season.
If you’re an adventure-seeker, spring is also an excellent time for outdoor activities. You must check the weather forecast in March (snow isn’t unheard of on the mainland), as it’s a beautiful season for hiking and rock climbing. The Vikos Gorge in Epirus is a fantastic destination for those wanting to combine the culture of Meteora with some time soaking up the great outdoors.
Where to go in Greece in Summer: Island hopping
Suppose you love socializing on holiday or reading a good book on a beach. In that case, summer is the perfect time to visit the famous Greek Islands. From the party vibe of Mykonos to the romantic atmosphere of Santorini, there’s so much to do and see that you won’t want to limit yourself to just one place.
Prepare for crowds—many people flock to the islands in the summer, including local holidaymakers from the mainland. On the upside, this means there are usually plenty of special events throughout the season, and restaurants will be open regularly. Transport links will also be better at this time of year.
Where to go in Greece in autumn: Corfu
Autumn in Corfu means hotels packed with tourists make way for locals to slow down and enjoy the island after a successful summer. While the new school term starts back at home, September and October are the perfect months to explore this fascinating island, delving deep into the history that led to Corfu’s Old Town getting UNESCO World Heritage status. The Old Town is a maze of winding streets lined with charming cafes and boutiques, where you can easily spend a day or two just wandering around. For those who want to go even further back in time, the 6th century BC Temple of Artemis, a stunning example of ancient Greek architecture, can be found just outside town.
The temperature is still lovely and warm, too, with the sea benefitting from several months of sun, meaning that it has none of the chills of the spring season.
Where to go in Greece in Winter: Athens
When the weather turns temperamental, there’s no joy in being out in the wilds of nature or trying to have a day at the beach. Instead, a city break is your best chance of getting a dose of culture, excellent food, and a place to sit and drink should the sunshine decide to make an appearance.
As the capital, Athens has plenty to offer. Make sure to visit the Parthenon and the Acropolis and book a food tour to experience some classic Greek cuisine. You can expect to indulge in dishes like moussaka, souvlaki, and baklava, all prepared with fresh, local ingredients. Depending on when you visit, you may also come across seasonal attractions such as ice skating and light trails – a genuinely unique way to see Greece. If you’re lucky, you may even get snow, creating some once-in-a-lifetime pictures.
No bad season
There’s really no bad season to visit Greece. This amazing country has something new to offer every time you visit, so it’s worth returning at different times of year. Before you travel, check the weather forecast and pack accordingly so you can truly enjoy your vacation to the fullest.
Disclaimer: This is a partnered article, but all opinions are my own.
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