Greece Travel Insights

Insights, ideas and itineraries from kimkim's trusted network of Local Travel Specialists and Experts in Greece

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Waterfront and lighthouse of Chania old town in Crete

Best of Greece: Athens to Crete - 10 Days

Over 10 days you will discover Greece's best islands, learn about ancient Greek mythologies, watch the sunset over Santorini during a cruise, and much more. The trip will start with two days and a city tour in Athens before heading to Greece's most famous archeological site, Delphi, and then to Meteora which is home to spectacular clifftop monasteries. We then head to the islands, starting with a few days in Santorini before taking a ferry to Crete where you'll learn about the local history and culture of Chania during a village tour.

Discover Santorini - 4 Days

Hit major Santorini hotspots on this four-day tour of the island's beautiful and iconic sites. Spend the trip exploring its classic white-topped cliffs and caldera views, complete with island cruising, wine tasting, and stunning sunsets to spare. This is an ideal tour for travelers short on time in Greece, who want to experience some of the best the country has to offer.

Discover Greek Culture, From Athens to Santorini - 10 Days

Experience the culture, scenery, and romance of Athens, as well as Folegandros and Santorini, some of Greece's most beautiful islands. After exploring the exciting Greek capital with private tours to the Acropolis and tales of its mythology, you'll head to Folegandros for dramatic views of red-stone cliff-sides and traditional meals in quaint towns. Polish off your trip in Santorini, the glittering gem of the Aegean Sea, for incredible hikes along the caldera, wine tasting, swimming at secluded beaches, sea kayaking, and enjoying romantic sunsets in Fira.

Greek Mainland & Saronic Islands Sailing Trip - 10 Days

Discover the storied heart of Ancient Greece in this 10-day escorted journey. Begin your trip in Athens before taking an idyllic sail around the Saronic Islands. Spend three days island-hopping, enjoying small seaside towns, beautiful beaches, and a relaxed ambiance. Once back on land, head to the Peloponnese peninsula, home of the original Olympic Games and the famously warring cities of Sparta, Corinth, and Argos. Your journey ends where it began, with a bike tour through the iconic capital city.

Santorini in December: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

It may be winter, but in Santorini, it's far from the worst weather of year with a glimmer of fairer temperatures hanging around still. The crowds, though, are most certainly gone, and this month you can enjoy the island in its authentic state: try a quiet coastal hike alongside a huge volcanic caldera, dine in one of the excellent local restaurants, explore Santorini's history at museums and archaeological sites, and sample native wines at one of many wineries.

Santorini in November: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

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.

Santorini in October: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

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.

Santorini in September: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

More of the same glorious summer weather continues throughout September, although the odd day of rain is not unheard of. The balmy climate, somewhat decreased visitor numbers, and abundance of festivals make this month an excellent choice for a visit. Be warned that while early September will see all visitor facilities in full swing, but the latter part of the month may see hotels and restaurants reduce opening hours (or shut down completely). Adding extra color throughout September: the island's annual grape harvest.

Santorini in August: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

High season reaches its zenith in August, invariably the most crowded month of the year on Santorini. The warmest sea temperatures of the year, not to mention another month with almost no chance of rain, mean beach time should definitely be on visitors' itineraries. Another must this month is to check out the island's wineries, especially photogenic as the sun has ripened the grapes and precipitated the year's harvest.

Santorini in July: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

July ushers in Santorini's finest weather of the year, and it's the ideal time to get down to one of the island's delightful beaches for a long sunbathe or a swim. But the gorgeous weather comes with a cost: the highest costs of the year, in fact, as high season continues for a second month running with maximum prices for hotels, and with all traveler facilities—from accommodations to tours to beachside lounges—at full capacity.

Santorini in June: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

High season has arrived on the island, and with it, some of the best weather of the year: a gorgeous 13 hours of sunshine each day on average, and temperatures regularly topping 80°F. It's no wonder that all traveler services from hotels to boat tours are running at full throttle (and at their highest tariffs). It's getting too hot now to prioritize much beyond beaches and tavernas—although if you want to brave the heat to explore, cultural activities abound.

Santorini in May: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

High season is not yet here, but it's starting to feel a lot more like it on the island this month. The crowds continue to increase, but the positive news is that weather continues to improve as well, and the much sunnier, much warmer days now tempt most people to the beach for a swim.

Santorini in April: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

After a long winter's break which has lasted on Santorini in some cases since last September or October, everything from restaurants to hotels to tours to flights are all fully operational by the end of April. The increase in visitors from last month is dramatic, and the weather has undergone a similarly radical transformation, with much longer days and much less rain.

Santorini in March: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

March is a fickle month on Santorini, throwing some of the nastiest and nicest weather of the year at visitors. When it's bad, expect rain showers, January-low temperatures, and many places still closed. Yet when it's good, it can be excellent, with sharp spring sunshine and enough heat for a spot of beach time. Freshness in the air ensures hiking is enjoyable now too. The other big upside is the lack of other tourists and deals on hotels: come in March to experience the island blissfully free of high season masses.

February's weather makes it a prime month for indoor cultural activities, like visiting the Orthodox cathedral in Fira

Santorini in February: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

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.

January is a great month for cultural activities, like visiting the ancient Minoan city of Akrotiri

Santorini in January: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

The weather is just about as miserable as it gets on Santorini this month, but unlike many Greek islands in wintertime, this one still has plenty of things to do. It's the perfect time to relax in a cave villa that would be unaffordable for many in high season, to get to grips with the island's fascinating archaeological heritage, or simply to soak up life as the locals live it—with refreshingly few tourists to be seen.

Athens in November: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

People often think that Athens is too cold to visit in November, but this couldn't be further from the truth. Although there are certainly wet and chilly days, there are also plenty of days that are bright and sunny with blue skies overhead and pleasant temperatures. And best of all: there are hardly any crowds.

Athens in October: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

October is an excellent time to visit Athens, especially toward the beginning of the month. The weather is still warm yet the crowds have mostly disappeared. It doesn't rain much and you can take advantage of great shoulder-season prices. As the month goes on, however, the colder weather begins creeping in as the first signs of winter arrive.

Porch of the Maidens at the Erechtheum temple at the Acropolis

Athens in September: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

September is truly one of the best months of the year to visit Athens. The weather is comparable to August, offering sunshine and blue skies, yet a huge portion of the tourists leave as kids go back to school and summer vacations come to an end. In terms of both weather and crowd sizes, it's an ideal time for a Greek vacation.

Temple of Hephaestus in the Ancient Agora, Athens, Greece. It is one of the main landmarks of Athens. Sunny view of the classical Greek temple in Athens center. Remains of antique Athens in sunlight.

Athens in August: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

Summertime is at its highest point in August when the weather is hot and sunny and the tourists are all on vacation. In Athens, the city fills with sunshine as visitors flock to museums and other attractions. The beaches are stunning with bright blue skies and warm, crystal clear water.

Panorama of Athens at sunset. Beautiful cityscape with seashore under the red sunset sky. Travel panoramic photography view over the city at night from Lycabettus hill. Athens skyline, Greece Europe.

Athens in July: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

July is one of the most spectacular times to visit Athens, although it's also one of the busiest. It's the pinnacle of high season so you'll have crowds at all of the tourist sites and the museums will have lines out the door. However, given that the skies are blue, the water is warm, and the beaches are absolutely stunning, it's nevertheless a wonderful time to visit.

Odeon of Herodes Atticus at Acropolis, Athens, Greece. It is one of the main landmarks of Athens. Antique amphitheater close-up. Scenic view of famous Ancient Greek ruins in the Athens center.

Athens in June: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

By June, summertime is in full effect in Athens. The temperatures are hot (sometimes bordering on stifling) and it's muggy throughout the city. It's the perfect time to hit the beach or head to one of the islands for a weekend trip. In the urban areas, you'll find heavy crowds but the atmosphere is fun and festive so it can be worth braving the masses. Plus, you won't have to worry about rain.

Parthenon on Acropolis, Athens in Greece

Athens in May: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

Just about anyone who's traveled to Greece will tell you that the month of May is one of the best times to visit Athens. It's a bright and sunny time with flowers blooming and pleasant temperatures everywhere. The water is still a bit chilly, but it begins warming up slightly and many of the island resorts open for business. What's more, it's still considered shoulder season so the costs and crowds are manageable.

Athens in April: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

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.

Acropolis hill with famous old Parthenon, top landmark of Athens. Nice landscape of Athens city with classical Greek ruins. Panorama of remains of ancient Athens.

Athens in March: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

By March, the coldest part of the winter is wrapping up and you can begin seeing signs of spring. Wildflowers start blooming and warmer days sneak in, scattering themselves among the colder, grayer days. The atmosphere is pleasant yet none of the tourists have arrived—and since it's still considered off-season, you'll enjoy smaller crowds and cheaper prices, too.

Acropolis of Athens at night, Greece. It is a top landmark of Athens. Scenic panorama of illuminated Ancient Greek ruins with Parthenon temple in evening. Landscape of Athens city at dusk.

Athens in February: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

February is a fantastic time to visit Athens. Although the first part of the month can still be wintery and frigid, by late February the temperatures begin warming up slightly and the Carnival season (called "Apokreas") descends. This fun, indulgent time in the three weeks leading up to Lent involves all sorts of fun and festivities. The best part? Due to the colder weather, there are hardly any crowds.

Parthenon on the Acropolis of Athens, Greece. Ancient Greek Parthenon is a top landmark of Athens. Panorama of ruins of the antique Athens city in summer. Famous old architecture in the Athens center.

Athens in January: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

January is the coldest month of the year in Athens—nighttime lows dip to 45°F (7°C)—but it can also be one of the best months to visit due to the lack of crowds. The sun stays out until about 5:30 pm, so there's plenty of time for daytime tourist activities, the Acropolis and other ancient ruins create beautiful backdrops for bright red sunsets, and the city is alive with art and culture.

Athens in December: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

Athens is cold and wintery in December—but there's hardly anyone here, which makes it a great time to visit if you want to escape the crowds. The weather is sometimes blustery and it's not uncommon to experience rain at this time of year. However, the fact that you have the city all to yourself (and the festive atmosphere around Christmas) is often enticing enough to make you forget about the chilly weather.

The main port of Zakynthos, also known as Zante

Best Time of Year to Visit the Greek Islands

The Greek islands offer an irresistible combination of white-sand beaches, mountain scenery, and ancient history. If warm weather is important to you, summer is indisputably the best time to visit, when you’ll most likely have pleasant temperatures for the beach. However, the islands can get busy in summer—fall and spring are better bets when it comes to avoiding crowds.

The old Venetian fortress in the town of Methoni

Best Time of Year to Visit the Peloponnese

Located southwest of Athens, the Peloponnese peninsula is home to some of Greece’s most historic spots. Although summer is the busiest season, crowd levels won’t be on par with Athens or the popular Greek islands, so you can relax and soak in the pleasant weather and attractions year-round. The weather in the Peloponnese is similar to the Greek capital; expect hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters, with a temperate spring and fall. Read on to learn more about the best times to visit.

The Parthenon in Athens (Photo courtesy of Pixabay)

Best Time of Year to Visit Athens: Seasons, Weather, and Travel Tips

Athens is known for its year-round mild weather; temperatures in the city rarely drop below freezing. Summer is the high season, when the city’s world-famous attractions are packed with visitors, while the peaceful winters often see a spot of rain (or, rarely, snow). Spring and fall are shoulder seasons, with pleasant weather and thinner crowds, making them a good time to visit. Below, you’ll find some useful tips to help you plan your trip.

How Many Days to Spend in the Greek Islands

Choosing which of Greece's islands to visit doesn't need to be a daunting task. Even if you're only in the country for 24 hours, you can make a day trip from Athens to one of the beautiful isles of the Saronic Gulf. Then again, three days are perfect to experience a famous postcard island like Santorini or Mykonos. And in just over a week, you can combine the aforementioned options with Naxos' white-sand beaches and the Venetian towns of Crete, plus embark on walking tours of the whitewashed villages of Syros.

The Church of St. Titus in Heraklion, Crete

Best Time of Year to Visit Crete

Ancient history, pleasant weather, and tantalizing cuisine draw travelers to Crete throughout the year, with the majority arriving during the summer high season. The spring and fall shoulder seasons are quieter, making them a good time to visit. Crete’s climate is mild and Mediterranean, but also offers variety—visitors can enjoy the island’s beaches in the summer, or head to its mountainous regions in winter for outdoor sports. Below, you’ll find some useful tips to help you plan your trip.

Essential Greece: Athens & Greek Cyclades Sailing Adventure - 14 Days

With two full weeks in Greece you can see many of its unmissable sights, and experience many of its greatest attractions. An ancient country littered with historic ruins, with a stunning view around every corner, on this tour you'll combine sightseeing with relaxing and sailing around on a charter yacht. Start in the buzzing capital, Athens, then move on to the cliff-side monasteries at Meteora and the famous site of Delphi. After a dose of culture and history, head to Mykonos to board your charter yacht for a multi-day sailing tour of the Cyclades islands. Enjoy the famous Aegean winds, sparkling beaches, and a slower pace of life.

Best of Greece: Athens & Cyclades Sailing - 13 Days

Greece is known for its ancient history and stunning islands, and you'll spend ample time experiencing both on this 13-day tour. From Athens, with its layers of history, to Meteora and Delphi, culture and history enthusiasts will love the first part of the tour. Then, take the energy level down a few notches and board a private yacht at Mykonos. Spend the remainder of the trip sailing around the beautiful Cyclades Islands, in the Aegean Sea.

Greek Islands & History: Athens, the Cyclades, & More - 12 Days

Both culture and nature lovers will enjoy this 12-day tour of Greece. Starting in Athens then traveling to Delphi, you'll learn all about classical Greek history and unparalleled museums and archeological sites. Then, the relaxation begins in Mykonos, where you'll meet your charter yacht. Spend the rest of your trip sailing around the Cyclades Islands in the Aegean Sea, a quintessential and unforgettable Greek experience.

Sail the Greek Islands: Athens, Delphi, the Cyclades & More - 11 Days

Sailing the Greek islands is a quintessential Greek experience. On this 11-day tour you'll explore many islands of the Greek Cyclades group by private charter yacht. Spend your days exploring little villages on islands with only a few hundred inhabitants, or relaxing on beaches, and your nights listening to the waves and Aegean winds. Culture and history lovers are also in luck, as this tour also spends some time in Athens and makes a day trip to Delphi, one of ancient Greece's most important sites.

Greek Islands & Ancient History: Mykonos, Delphi, Meteora, & More - 15 Days

Greece is a country littered with ancient history and awash with stunning views. On this 15-day tour you'll experience it all, from the buzzing capital to the cliff-side monasteries at Meteora and the famous site of Delphi. After a good dose of culture and history, board your charter yacht for a multi-day sailing tour of the Cyclades group of islands. There you'll discover a slower pace of life, sparkling beaches, and traditional towns, as well as some of those ubiquitous ancient archeological sites.

City to Sea: Athens & Greek Cyclades - 10 days

This 10-day itinerary offers a quintessential Greek experience, including time in the historic capital, and lazy days sailing around the islands of the Cyclades group. With a charter yacht, you'll cruise to islands large and small, including places where you'll feel as though you've stepped back in time, and others with vibrant dining and shopping scenes. With a mixture of down time and sightseeing activities, you'll feel physically refreshed and mentally stimulated by this luxurious and unforgettable trip.

The Island of Poros and Peloponnese Mountains

Greek Odyssey: Athens, Saronic Islands, & the Peloponnese - 10 Days

Explore Greece's ancient wonders on this adventurous 10-day tour. Starting in the vibrant capital of Athens, you'll spend a day discovering the mysteries of Delphi before setting sail across the Saronic Gulf, mooring at the spectacular islands of Aegina, Poros, and Moni. Back on land, set off on a self-guided exploration of the Peloponnesian Peninsula, visiting the Bronze Age ruins of Mycenae, the fairytale carved village of Monemvasia, and the Byzantine mountain monasteries of Mystros.

How Many Days to Spend in the Peloponnese

This less-visited Greek peninsula offers a wealth of historic treasures, so it’s worth taking an entire week to explore if you can. But with only a day or two, you can explore the birthplace of the Olympic Games and Ancient Sparta, taste regional culinary delights, and visit a timeline of castles from the medieval to the Byzantine eras. Rent a car to explore the region from end-to-end on your own time, and don’t worry about bad weather thwarting a tight schedule: the Peloponnese is predictably pleasant throughout the year.

10 Days in the Greek Islands - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With 10 days, you can easily hop between three of Greece's distinct islands—Tinos, Naxos, and Ios in the Cyclades, for example—if you're looking for a variety of experiences. Or, immerse yourself fully in the culture and archaeological sites of one or two larger isles, such as Rhodes and Crete. Let these five itineraries inspire you.

2 Weeks in the Greek Islands - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

In two weeks, you can experience the highlights of several Greek islands for a variety of relaxing, educational, and exciting experiences. Consider pairing Rhodes with Crete and Corfu, or touring a few lesser-known Cycladic isles like Tinos, Ios, and Syros. You can also choose a more immersive experience by sticking to only two islands—Naxos and Santorini, for example, offer more than enough active adventures and cultural experiences to fill 14 extraordinary days.

How Many Days to Spend on Naxos

The largest of the Cyclades islands, Naxos, is often paired with a visit to its neighbor, Paros, and smaller surrounding islands. You can visit in 24 hours (it's a short ferry ride from Santorini, making it a perfect day trip or overnight). To really experience Naxos, however, consider spending up to five days here: you'll be able to tour traditional mountain villages, take in the unspoiled nature of the island's interior, and check out some of the island's beaches, said to rival those in Santorini.

Sailing the Greek Cyclades: Paros, Mykonos, Serifos - 8 Days

As the ultimate sailing adventure through Greece's coveted Cyclades Islands, this tour combines bustling city life with tranquil villages nestled in the Aegean Sea. From some of Europe's best nightlife to humble fishing towns and secluded beaches, travelers will enjoy Greece's rich and varied heritage. Enjoy sunsets and local seafood while discovering important and ancient archeological sites, all from the comfort of a private yacht.

Sailing the Greek Cyclades: Athens, Mykonos, Paros - 10 Days

Best for those interested in seeing Greece by boat, this sailing adventure combines bustling and ancient Athens with some of the country's most beautiful islands: the Cyclades. Set on a yacht, you'll sail the turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea in search of the region's rich heritage, including gorgeous beaches, iconic windmills, exotic plant life, and beautiful sunsets. The days are yours to indulge in rich, local cuisine, as well as discover archaeological sites, step back in time while meandering small villages, and enjoy some of the best nightlife in Greece.

1 Week in the Greek Islands - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

In one week, it’s easy to combine Athens or other mainland sightseeing with one or more Greek isles and experiences. You can wind through the medieval ruins of Rhodes, immerse yourself in the local lifestyle and cuisine of Crete, or be a sybarite as you ferry-hop the Cyclades Islands. Let this diverse collection of 7-day itineraries inspire you.

5 Days in the Greek Islands - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

The Greek Islands may number in the hundreds, but with less than a week, it’s possible to sample a variety of isles and experiences. You can rummage among the medieval ruins of Rhodes, immerse yourself in the local lifestyle and cuisine of Crete, or visit the filming locations of the movie Mamma Mia on Skopelos. Let this diverse collection of 5-day itineraries inspire you.

The blue-and-white domed buildings in Santorini

Athens, Santorini, & Mykonos Exploration - 6 Days

This excursion takes you through the major highlights of the country's capital and two of its most popular islands, all in a 6-day timespan. In Athens, you'll visit the iconic Parthenon constructed in 438 BC, then go souvenir shopping at the bustling Monastiraki flea market. In Mykonos and Santorini, you'll lay on famous beaches, explore agricultural villages, eat fresh cuisine, and of course watch the sunset.

How Many Days to Spend on Mykonos

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.

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