Thinking about a trip to Greece? With fall just around the corner, now is the perfect time to finalize your plans and experience the best the season has to offer, from beautiful autumn colors to blissfully crowd-free beaches and often idyllic weather.
See Meteora Highlighted by Autumn's Brilliant Foliage
What Is It? The dramatic cliffs that soar over 1,200 feet, overlooking the villages of Kalambaka and Kastraki, are home to a vast Eastern Orthodox monastic complex that’s unlike any other place on Earth.
Why Do It? Sprinkled with fall’s brilliant colors, it becomes even more impressive. The historic monasteries that are perched among the cliffs date back to the 14th century, built by monks seeking spiritual isolation and freedom from religious persecution.
Good to Know: Six monasteries remain and are open to the public, and the views from here are stunning in every direction.
Take Part in the Grape Harvest
What Is It? During the autumn harvest, when the grapes ripen on the vine, visitors can not only sample lots of fantastic local wines but can have the chance to take a behind-the-scenes look and perhaps even get their hands dirty in this annual ritual.
Why Do It? You’ll be able to immerse yourself in a tradition that dates back generations, slow down, and truly get to know this nation through its natural flavors. In late September and early October, find out who’s making raki out of the skins and stalks with a visit to Crete, famous for this drink that’s typically served at the end of an evening meal.
Good to Know: The Anoskeli winery in the small village of Anoskeli in Kissamos is a great place to start.
Celebrate the Olive Harvest
What Is It? The months of October and November offer the chance to take part in the olive harvest, a time when locals can be found gathering the fruit in the olive groves.
Why Do It? At the end of the harvest, there is a huge feast and a celebration to reward the efforts of all those who have helped.
Good to Know: Peloponnese is an ideal place to experience this. Though it’s just an hour’s drive from Athens, it’s like an entirely different world, with its unique natural diversity, exceptional beaches, mountainous villages, glistening lakes, and, of course, olive groves.
Enjoy Beautiful Beaches All to Yourself
What Is It? While the summer means big crowds at Greece’s top beaches, in autumn, you can often enjoy idyllic stretches of sand all to yourself.
Why Do It? See the most beautiful beach in Greece with less crowds by heading to Zakynthos, AKA the “Green Island,” where you can join a boat excursion to Smugglers’ Cove, which sits in Shipwreck Bay near the picturesque mountain village of Volimes. This is the home of Shipwreck Beach, also known as Navagio Beach.
Good to Know: In the town of Zante, which was reconstructed in traditional Venetian style in the 1950s after much of it was destroyed in an earthquake, you’ll find a thriving local arts scene and a picturesque waterfront that’s ideal for watching the boats come in and out.
Swimming in Summer-Warmed Waters
What Is It? The scenic Greek coastline is dotted with picturesque hamlets that huddle around alluring bays for swimming and snorkeling.
Why Do It? With the sizzling temperatures of summer warming the water, September and October can often be ideal for water activities.
Good to Know: Kalami, a fishing village on Corfu, is no exception, surrounded by olive groves and boasting beaches that sit at the edge of crystal clear, shallow waters that typically hover around 74 degrees.
Enjoy a Climate That's Ideal for Hiking
What Is It? Greece is a hiker’s paradise, with 80 percent of its terrain covered with hills and mountains. Even the islands offer miles of scenic trails.
Why Do It? While summer’s intense heat can make for an unpleasant trek, the weather is often ideal for hiking when fall arrives.
Good to Know: If you plan to be on Naxos, the largest of the Cyclades islands, you’ll have lots of mountainous terrains to explore, with Mount Zas, or Zeus, the highest peak in the archipelago, rising to nearly 3,300 feet. There are beautiful treks in the Peloponnese, like the Viros Gorge, which starts at Taygetus summit and reaches all the way to Kardamili Bay.
Explore Ancient Ruins Without Battling the Crowds
What Is It? Of course, that mild fall weather also means you’ll be able to explore the spectacular ancient ruins without the fear of heat exhaustion.
Why Do It? The crowds will be smaller too, making for a much more pleasant experience. Explore sites like the Parthenon and the Acropolis.
Good to Know: The stone theater on its southwest slopes is known as the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, which was completed in the year 161 AD.
Set Sail for a Day Trip on the Sea
What Is It? A day trip on the sea can be the highlight of a Greek vacation, with excursions offered from many of the islands, including Corfu, Santorini, Naxos, Paros, Rhodes, and Mykonos.
Why Do It? Fall is also ideal for sailing in the Aegean or Ionian Seas, as the north winds that August is known for have calmed.
Good to Know: Naxos Sailing offers day trips to Rina Cave and Kalandos Bay or Schinoussa Island, as well as to Paros Island.
Take Advantage of Luxurious Accommodations For Less
What Is It? With the summer crowds gone, off-season rates kick in during mid-September, which means you’ll find much better rates for accommodation.
Why Do It? You might be able to afford that luxurious hotel, like Grace Santorini, in the tranquil village of Imerovigli. Renowned as one of the very best properties on the island, it boasts one of the most awe-inspiring views of the caldera and Santorini’s legendary sunsets.
Good to Know: The onsite restaurant offers the best of Mediterranean gastronomy, and guests enjoy exceptional service along with a champagne welcome.
Enjoy a More Authentic Experience
What Is It? Autumn also means the opportunity for a more authentic Greek experience, as most tourists have left and life returns to normal. With that, locals have more time to interact with visitors, and when you go out, you’ll meet more of them than you will tourists.
Why Do It? On Corfu, mingle with locals at Liston Promenade, an arched promenade on the edge of town lined with cafés where residents often sit, drink, and talk, lingering for hours.
Good to Know: Order a frappé (Greek iced coffee) and strike up a conversation.
