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Best time to visit

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May to June and September to mid-October are the best time to visit Greece. If you are eager to discover this country at its finest, late spring and early summer offer mild weather, fewer tourist, and reasonable prices. It's perfect time to enjoy beaches and swim in the sea (a bit cool though) watch unforgettable sunsets or hike the White Mountains on Crete. Peak season between July and August brings in unruly crowds, inflated room rates, and torturous heat. Summer is a great time to taste some delicious Greek moussaka, octopus, or Horiatiki salad. Olive and wine harvest give a delicious and tipsy twist to Greek autumn. By the end of October, Western Greece can get stormy at times. Winter in Greece is the coldest and rainiest time of the year, and lots of island hotels and restaurants close down. Yet, it attracts numerous skiers, hikers, and sightseers. Early spring brings blossoms and Easter holiday crowds.

61 things to do in Greece

Kourampiedes (Kourabiethes)—Greek Christmas Butter Cookies

early December–early January • Food

During Christmas vacation in Greece, try these delicious traditional butter cookies which look like small snowballs

Melomakarona—Greek Christmas Honey Cookies

early December–early January • Food

Christmas in Greece won't be complete without these traditional festive sweets!

Oxi Day (Ohi Day)

October 28 • Event

Visit the biggest national holiday in Greece with lots of parades and festive events

Ifestia Festival

September 21, 2024 • Event

The festival is entirely dedicated to the volcano eruption that changed the landscape of Santorini forever in the mid-second millennium BCE

Octopus Season

August–October • Food

Santorini boasts to be a seafood destination, and offers octopus dishes with its own unique flavour

Hiking in Samaria Gorge National Park

May–October • Activity

Samaria Gorge National Park is a place with incredibly stunning nature, waterfalls, lakes, ancient settlements, and unique flora and fauna

Lefka Ori Hike (The White Mountains)

May–October • Activity

These snowy mountains are waiting for you in sunny Crete

Hiking

December–March • Activity

The rich architectural heritage and natural attractions of Athens are best explored on a leisurely hike

Melitinia

May 2–5, 2024 • Food

Traditional Greek Easter sweets that originated from Santorini

Drosoulites of Frangokastello Castle

late May–early June • Activity

Have you ever seen a mirage? This one is so real that it has confused people for hundreds of years

Diving

May–June | September • Activity

Explore ancient submerged treasures while diving in Greece

Apokries or Carnival

February 9–March 2, 2025 • Event

Before the long-lasting fast, Greeks feast on meat at a huge party that stretches over three weeks

The Tour of Crete

October 19–26, 2024 • Event

A great chance to test yourself and partake in a challenging bicycle holiday among the beauty of Crete

Wild Greens (Horta)

February–April • Food

Dreaming of long life and perfect skin? Try these delicious wild greens from Crete

Crete Beach Season

May–October • Activity

Enjoy plenty of swimming and sunbathing spots on the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean Sea

Greek Easter Food

May 3–6, 2024 • Food

Lent is over and Greeks finally feast on lamb delicacies like Magirista, Arni Pashaulino, and Tsoureki

Fuchsia Bougainvillea Bloom

April–late October • Nature

The bloom of these flowers are considered to be Santorini's trademark

Breathtaking Sunsets

mid-February–October • Nature

One of the most famous features of Santorini is its sunset

Rethymno Carnival

March 2, 2025 • Event

A glorious event where the whole town becomes one big family

Wineries: Wine Heritage, Tasting Tours, and Winemaking

mid-August–September • Activity

Santorini boasts best wine production on Cyclades

Patras Carnival

January 17–March 3, 2025 • Event

A month-long Greek style fiesta in the city of Patras

Beach Season

May–October • Activity

The most popular time to visit Greece and enjoy the sun and sea

Wild Artichokes

late April–early June • Food

This Greek delicacy is cheap, healthy, and really delicious

Sardine Season

July–August • Food

In fishermen's villages, people eat sardines every day, which is perhaps the secret to Greek longevity

Fruit Season

May–October • Food

Hot greek summers would be incomplete without a juicy fruit plate

Naoussa Carnival

February 9–March 2, 2025 • Event

An old Greek masquerade is recreated with precision and respect for traditions

Sea Turtles

late May–August • Nature

Visit some of the wonderful Greek beaches, which are home to the adorable Caretta turtles

Epiphany & Blessing of the Waters

January 6 • Event

A symbolic and spectacular ending to the Christmas holidays

Galaxidi Flour War Carnival

March 3, 2025 • Event

Even during Clean Monday, there is little chance to avoid getting really dirty

Athens Authentic Marathon

November 10, 2024 • Event

This Greek marathon will make you travel back to glorious ancient times

Ouzo & Tsipouro Preparation

late October–mid-December • Food

Both ouzo and tsipouro are considered as national spirits of Greece that represent its drinking culture

Valley of Butterflies in Rhodes

late May–September • Nature

Thousands of butterflies flock to Rhodes every year at the end of May

Chios Mastiha (Mastic)

July–September • Nature

A Greek elixir that cures diseases and complements desserts

Neda River Hiking

May–September • Activity

Grab your hiking shoes and swimming suit to explore one of the most beautiful spots in Greece

Skiing & Snowboarding in Greece

December–March • Activity

Greece can be visited beyond its beach season. If you visit during winter, be sure to check out its skiing destinations

Thessaloniki International Film Festival

October 31–November 10, 2024 • Event

Ten days take over the city with the magical atmosphere of cinematography

Climbing Mount Olympus

May–October • Activity

You don't need to be a Greek god to climb Mount Olympus

Assumption of the Virgin Mary

August 15 • Event

One of the largest Orthodox celebrations in Greece

Saffron Harvest

late October–early November • Nature

Kozani Krokos Saffron from Greece is recognised as some of the finest in the world

Birdwatching

April–mid-June • Nature

Situated at the crossroads of three continents, Greece boasts a rich bird life

Windsurfing & Kitesurfing

May–September • Activity

What can be more alluring than white sand, blue water and great waves? Only when you are standing on a board

Spartathlon

September 28, 2024 • Event

One of the world's toughest races covers the distance from Athens to Sparta

Kalymnos Climbing Festival

early October, 2025 • Event

Kalymnos island is a Mecca for climbers from all around the globe

Dalmatian Pelican Breeding Season

mid-January–March • Nature

An entire colony of this endangered species breeds on Lake Kerkini in winter

Sporades Dolphins & Seals

May–September • Nature

Discover some of the largest European sea creatures at the first Greek marine natural preserve

River Party in Nestorio, Kastoria

August 2-4, 2024 • Event

This music camp is the best in Greece and in the top ten of Europe

Easter in Greece

April 18–21, 2025 • Event

Church ceremonies and huge celebrations throughout the country

Athens Coffee Festival

September 28-30, 2024 • Event

Find out how the Greeks make such great coffee

Mediterranean Cruises

April–October • Activity

Enjoy an award-winning vacation, highlighting picture-perfect coasts, ancient history, and fine cuisine

Greek Island Cruises

April–October • Activity

Discover the best isles of the Eastern Mediterranean and historic port cities of Turkey

New Year's Eve in Greece

December 31 • Event

Smash a pomegranate for good luck and welcome a plentiful New Year

Athens Flying Week

September 14-15, 2024 • Event

The biggest air show in the Balkans

Sani Festival

July 6–August 10, 2024 • Event

Visit Sani music fest in sunny Greece!

Fira to Oia Walk (Caldera Trail)

April–May | September–October • Activity

Discover Santorini’s timeless charm and dramatic volcanic landscape on one of the most iconic hikes

Akrotiri Lighthouse

April–June | September–October • Nature

Discover the historic charm and breathtaking views of Akrotiri Lighthouse

Cooking Classes

year-round • Activity

Discover the flavors of Greece and bring home the taste of Santorini with every dish you create

Heart of Santorini

April–November • Nature

A stunning, heart-shaped window to the Aegean, which blends romance with breathtaking views

Castle of Oia

year-round • Nature

Discover the timeless beauty and breathtaking sunsets at the Castle of Oia, where history meets the horizon

Ancient Thera (Mesa Vouno)

Year-round • Nature

Step back in time and explore the ancient wonders of Thera, where history meets breathtaking views

Skaros Rock

Year-round • Nature

Ancient fortresses, dramatic cliffs, and sweeping caldera views tell the timeless story of Santorini

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