Weather
The weather in April is as pleasant as it gets. The city sees average daytime temperatures of about 68°F (20°C) with bright, sunny skies most days. The famous wildflowers around the Agora and other spots are in full, rich bloom and it's rarely gray or overcast.
Precipitation-wise, there's only an 11 to 16% chance of rain which decreases as the month goes on. All that said, it can get fairly cool in the evenings and at night. The low temperatures hover around 52°F (11°F) so don't forget to pack a jacket and some warm layers, too.
For more on weather this month, see Greece in April: Travel Tips, Weather, and More.
Crowds and Costs
The best part of traveling to Athens in April is the lack of significant crowds. While there are definitely more people than in the wintertime (say January or February), it's still refreshingly empty in many places and free of the big tourist swarms that come later in the summer. You can drop by the Acropolis or other major attractions without fighting tourists for photo ops, and there aren't lines out the door at restaurants and cafes.
Even better, the prices are still reasonable. In some places, costs begin creeping up in the middle of the month but by and large, there are still deals available on both hotels and airfare.
Where to Go
April isn't a time when you have to be picky with where you go in Athens. Virtually everywhere is wonderful—a fantastic combination of pleasant weather, blooming flowers, and small to moderate crowd sizes. If you're into history, drop by any of the ancient archaeological sites or the large number of museums—the outdoor spaces will be warm enough to enjoy and the indoor spots won't feel hot and muggy. If you're into food and dining, it's the perfect season to stroll through the laiki markets or pop into any one of the many tavernas.
If you feel like getting out of the city, there are numerous day trips you can take to the surrounding vicinity that are pleasant and accessible this time of year. Head over to the wine valley of Attica to tour some of its famous vineyards where you can visit their tasting rooms and sip retsina wine—one of the region's claims to fame. Alternatively, head northwest to check out the ruins of Delphi where the great Sanctuary of Apollo (also called the Oracle of Apollo) was erected in the 8th century for the famous god of prophecy.
The islands aren't experiencing sunbathing weather quite yet, but there are plenty of other things to do if you want to hit the isles for a few days. Santorini, Paros, and Naxos all make good choices because they offer a nice variety of non-beach activities. Not only that, they will have more restaurant and shops open this time of year—and the ferries operate year-round.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
What to Do
One of the best things to do in Athens in April is to check out the Acropolis, the famous citadel where the ancient Greeks conducted daily life. Walk through structures like the Parthenon, Hadrian's Library, the Propylaia, or the Temple of Athena Nike.
Unlike in the middle of the summertime, you will be able to stroll through them without tourists crawling everywhere. It's also a wonderful time to stop by a museum (the Museum of Cycladic Art and the Benaki Museum are both favorites) or try some of the city's delectable Greek restaurants (Vassilenas and Klimataria come highly regarded).
For folks who make it to Attica, drop by the Strofilia Estate or Papagiannakos Winery. Both of these renowned vineyards are great places to sip local vino or learn about the wine-making history of the region. In Delphi to the north, walk around the Sanctuary of Apollo—the place the ancients Greeks believed was the center of the world, using it to build a temple for the oracle (Pythia).
If you decide to go out to Santorini, take a tour of the Ancient Akrotiri (sacred ruins that were previously buried in ash) or hike from Fira to Oia. Naxos is another great place for an April visit—you can dine at the cute tavernas or check out the many shops. Some of the resorts won't open until May but there are still plenty of things to do.
Events in April
Orthodox Easter (dates change): The four days of the Greek Orthodox Eastern which typically fall in mid to late April, are major holidays in Greece where schools, offices, and government buildings close down. It's a beautiful time to tour the city's historic churches where there will be candlelight services throughout the week.
Traveling to Athens in April? Check out these great itineraries.
Active Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini - 8 Days. Hit three major hotspots on this active eight-day tour. Start in Athens, with a full day to experience the Acropolis and Greek mythology and buzzing neighborhoods before hopping a ferry to glamorous Mykonos. End the trip in Santorini, complete with island cruising and hiking.
History and Culture in Athens and Santorini - 7 Days. In addition to Athens, this 7-day itinerary includes a visit to the island of Santorini. With a focus on history and culture, it's the perfect time to do this tour because the latter portion isn't heavily focused on the beach. Instead, you'll visit the Ancient Akrotiri and the medieval villages at Megalochori and Pyrgos, stopping at the end for a wine tasting.
More Helpful Information
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Best Time of the Year to Visit Greece