Greek Travel Community

Time of year to visit Greece?

1 - 7 of 7 Posts
C

cubrinj

Active member
The tourist season for this year has been over and it's been a while since I've gone. I want to take my family. When is the best time to go? My kids are home schooled so I don't have to worry about that. I’ve heard different opinions depending on the season, so I’m a bit torn. Summer seems to be popular for island hopping and beach days, but I’m worried about the crowds and high prices. On the other hand, spring and fall sound appealing for fewer tourists and pleasant weather, but I’m not sure if everything is open or if I’d miss out on anything special. Winter is also an option, though I know it’s the off-season.

For those who have been to Greece during different times of the year, when would you recommend visiting and why? I’d appreciate any tips or insights!
 
I’ve been to Greece during multiple seasons, and each has its pros and cons depending on what you're looking for. Summer is ideal for island hopping and beach days, but yes, it does come with higher prices and crowds, especially in popular spots like Santorini and Mykonos.

Spring and fall are excellent choices if you prefer fewer tourists and more pleasant temperatures. Everything is usually open, and you'll still experience the beauty of the islands without the hustle and bustle. Plus, it's a great time for outdoor activities and exploring historical sites. Winter is the off-season, and while some islands slow down, mainland destinations like Athens or Thessaloniki are still lively, offering cultural experiences and fewer crowds.

If you’re not tied to a specific time, I’d recommend late spring (May-June) or early fall (September-October) for the best balance of weather, open attractions, and manageable crowds. I'd like to add that Crete, which is further south, has nice beach days through October and maybe even beyond. I was on a beach on Halloween weekend one year on that island.
 
If you can be a bit flexible, spring (late April to June) and early fall (September to October) are honestly some of the best times to hit up Greece. The weather’s still warm enough for beach days, but you avoid the summer crowds and the steeper prices.
Also, if you’re looking to make the flight a bit more chill, take a look at Discount travel business class Flights to score a comfier seat without spending too much.
 
Last edited:
A current update is that I am thinking that the end of September/ beginning of October might be when I go...
 
It’s great that you’re planning ahead for a family trip! Each season has its own charm, so it really depends on your priorities. Summer is fantastic for island hopping and beach days, but you’re right—crowds and higher prices can be a downside. Spring and fall are wonderful for fewer tourists and more pleasant weather, plus they’re often easier on the budget. While some attractions might have limited hours, you’ll likely still find plenty to enjoy. Winter can be peaceful and relaxing during the off-season, especially if you want to explore without the hustle and bustle.

Since you’re flexible with travel dates, business class flights could be a great way to make the journey enjoyable for the whole family. The extra comfort and space will keep everyone happy, no matter the season you choose. Wherever you decide to go, it sounds like a memorable trip is ahead!
 
Spring and early fall are my favorite times to visit Greece great weather and fewer crowds. If you’re planning to explore Crete, renting a car from Cretarent makes it super easy to see the island’s highlights at your own pace.
 
I completely get your dilemma! When we took our kids to Greece last May, it turned out to be the perfect time. The weather was great—warm but not too hot—and we were able to enjoy the sights without the summer crowds. Since your kids are homeschooled, I’d really recommend spring or early fall. It’s less crowded, and the weather is still beautiful.

When I was planning our trip, I put together a simple itinerary to balance some relaxing island time with exploring cultural spots. It worked really well for us, so I thought I’d share it in case it helps with your planning. You can find the details of the Greece itinerary here.

Hope this helps!
 
1 - 7 of 7 Posts
You must log in or register to reply here.

JOIN THE DISCUSSION AND READ OTHER GREEK INFO:

Festivals of Note for 2026 in Greece?

My family and I are starting to think about a possible trip to Greece in 2026, and this time we’re considering planning part of the trip around a festival or cultural celebration. We’ve been to Greece before, but we’ve never really organized a trip around a specific event.

I know Greece has so many interesting traditions throughout the year. Because of that, I’m starting to gather ideas early while we figure out where we might want to go.

Have any of you traveled to Greece specifically to experience a festival? If so, which ones would you recommend? It could be religious celebrations, food festivals, music events, or local village festivals.
I’d love to hear about any memorable festival experiences that might help us shape our 2026 plans.

Why do some score tracking platforms show delayed match updates?

Been tearing my hair out lately trying to follow live matches because some score‑tracking apps update super fast while others lag like they’re stuck in another century. I’m talking minutes behind, not seconds. It’s driving me nuts, especially when I’m juggling fantasy leagues and friendly bets with my buddies. I keep switching between apps hoping one will magically work better, but no luck so far. Is this just bad servers, licensing stuff, or am I using the wrong platforms altogether? If anyone knows what actually causes these delays—or has app recommendations—I’m all ears.

Best Greek Destinations for History Lovers

I’m thinking about planning a Greece trip next year that is focused almost entirely on history, and I’d love some ideas for the best places to include.

Athens would obviously be part of the itinerary for the Acropolis, Ancient Agora, museums, and other archaeological sites. I’m also considering Delphi, Mycenae, Epidaurus, Olympia, and maybe spending more time exploring the Peloponnese. Meteora is on my list too, although that would add a different type of historical experience.

I’m especially interested in places where you can really spend time exploring rather than just stopping briefly to see one major site.

If you were planning a history-focused trip to Greece, which destinations would you consider essential? Are there lesser-known archaeological sites, historic towns, museums, Byzantine sites, or ancient ruins that deserve more attention? I’d also love suggestions for putting together an itinerary without trying to cover too much ground.

Ferry vs flying between islands, what’s better?

I’ve always been a ferry guy when it comes to Greece, something about pulling into a port and seeing the island come into view just feels right. But this trip is a little different because I’m traveling with someone who gets pretty motion sick, so now I’m seriously considering flying between islands instead.

Curious what you guys think, ferry vs flying, what’s actually better?

I know ferries are part of the whole island-hopping experience, and they’re usually more flexible, but I’ve also had a couple rough rides when the water wasn’t calm. On the flip side, flights seem quicker and smoother, but maybe more hassle overall.

If you’ve done both, what would you recommend, especially in a situation like this? Is flying the smarter move, or are ferries still worth it if you plan carefully?

Is Island Hopping Worth the Effort?

I've been thinking about trying an island-hopping trip the next time I visit Greece, but I'm wondering if it's actually worth the extra planning and travel time. In the past I've usually picked one island and stayed there for the duration of my vacation, which has been relaxing and let me really get to know the area.

Part of me loves the idea of experiencing several islands in one trip since they each seem to have their own personality, food, scenery, and traditions. On the other hand, I wonder if constantly packing, catching ferries, and checking into new accommodations takes away from the experience.

For those of you who have island-hopped, did you feel it was worth it? How many islands did you visit, and did you wish you had spent more time in fewer places? I'd love to hear your itineraries, tips, and whether you'd do it the same way again.
Sign up for a free account and share your thoughts, photos, questions about Greek food, travel and culture!

WorldwideGreeks.com is a free online forum community where people can discuss Greek food, travel, traditions, history and mythology.
Join Worldwide Greeks here!

JOIN COMMUNITY FOR FREE

LOGIN TO YOUR ACCOUNT
Back
Top