Greece in October

With waters that are still warm enough to swim in coupled with the vivid autumnal hues that paint the Greek coasts and countryside, Greece in October is the perfect time to experience all of the country’s draws, minus the bustling crowds and hefty prices. 

The thinner crowds offer visitors opportunities to take full advantage of the iconic monuments (such as the Acropolis of Athens or Meteora) of some of Greece’s most major cities whilst also hosting an array of unique experiences. 

Food enthusiasts can dine on signature autumn dishes, such as Skordalia, whilst nature lovers can explore many hidden coves and beaches that Greece has to offer. No matter what activity you feel like partaking in, the autumn vineyards and olive trees are sure to be a feast for the eyes. 

Where to Go in Greece in October 

For the best weather in Greece in October, your best bet will be to head to the islands. Islands such as Rhodes and Santorini (that can be visited on our 14-Day Athens, Santorini, Crete & Rhodes Tour) are classic examples of how an autumn trip to Greece can feel more like summer.  You can still lounge on beaches as the weather is warm and pleasant, and so is the sea for comfortable swimming.

The autumn season is also the perfect time to visit historical monuments, such as the mighty rock formations of Meteora. Alongside visiting cultural wonders, you can also explore the underrated island villages such as Halki and Apiranthos in Naxos. 

Naxos, with its acres of agriculture and rolling hills, is a perfect example of some of the spectacular scenery that can be explored in Greece in October. In addition, the charming old town of Corfu, as well as the island’s crystal waters and golden sand, will leave you feeling happy and revived.

As autumn sets over Greece in October, it is the perfect opportunity for you to experience these spectacular views and sights that will last stay with you for a lifetime. 

Trips you may like

11-Day Luxury Honeymoon: Athens, Mykonos, Paros & Santorini

If you are looking for a relaxing honeymoon in Greece and to get a taste of Athens and some of the most popular islands of the Cyclades, this eleven-day Greek island hopping honeymoon is for you! After beginning in the ancient city of Athens, you will visit the cosmopolitan island of Mykonos, the enchanting island of Paros and the incredibly romantic island of Santorini. This wonderful trip will be punctuated with unique, special experiences that you can enjoy with your loved one whilst staying in beautiful high-end hotels.

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from USD 4,472

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12-Day Classical Greece & Islands Cruise

This 12-day Greece cruise provides you with a great taste of this fascinating country! Staying in four- and five-star luxury hotels, this package includes a five-day coach tour of some of Greece’s most spectacular sites on the Greek Mainland and a four-day cruise roaming around the Aegean Sea. It is the perfect mix of relaxation and touring! Beginning in Athens, you’ll tour classical Greece including Corinth, Epidaurus, Olympia, Delphi, Thermopylae and Meteora. For the latter half of your trip, you’ll jump on a cruise and head to Mykonos, Santorini, Patmos, Crete and Rhodes before once again returning to Athens!

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from USD 5,984

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8-Day Athens, Delphi, Mykonos and Santorini

Your eight-day Athens to Santorini trip takes you from the most important ancient sites in Greece that are found in Athens and Delphi to the stunning beaches and serene vistas of two of Greece’s most famous islands, Mykonos and Santorini. Your itinerary in Greece strikes a balance between informative tours and relaxation as your time in Athens and Delphi lays ancient Greek history in front of you. When you make it to the islands, you’ll spend your days on beautiful beaches with the option to visit the birthplace of Apollo, Delos. Finish your time in Greece with a stunning 5-hour catamaran cruise where your time will be concluded with the sun disappearing from the horizon.

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from USD 6,660

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13-Day Ultimate Greek Island-Hopping Tour

Surround yourself with beautiful beaches with clear waters, taste the beloved Mediterranean cuisine, and get to know the history of each island on this 13-day trip island-hopping from Athens! Start in the picturesque streets of Plaka and in the second most popular sightseeing trip from Athens, Cape Sounio, where you can drink your coffee near the sea, and enjoy the spectacular sunsets! Next is the most popular island in Greece, Mykonos! Its sandy beaches with the crystal clear waters, beach bars and nightlife make Mykonos the most popular destination for celebrities from across the world! Then there is Santorini, considered to be the most romantic destination in Greece, offers you the ultimate sunset! A day cruise to the volcano comes highly recommended because it ends with a visit to Oia – a sunset-lovers paradise! Crete is the next destination, the birthplace of the oldest civilisation in Europe! Visit Knossos, Europe’s oldest city, and the archaeological museum of Crete, one of the most important museums in Europe. Tour in the old cities of Chania and Rethymnon, two of the most beautiful and romantic in Crete; walk at their narrow streets and taste the famous Cretan cuisine at one of the traditional tavernas. Finish your travels on Rhodes Island will leave you feeling like you are living in another era! Let the cobblestoned Street of the Knights, the most beautiful street in Rhodes, fascinate you!

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from USD 3,379

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7-Day Cyclades – The Authentic Way

Explore the capital of Athens and two of the most authentically beautiful Cyclades islands on this seven-day Greece tour! Beginning in the capital, you’ll spend a day exploring the key sights of the city including the Panathenaic Stadium, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Hadrian’s Arch and the Acropolis. In the afternoon, you’ll catch the ferry to Paros, where you’ll spend the day couple of days enjoying the fabulous beaches, the picturesque architecture and the lounge nightlife. Moving on, you’ll head over to Naxos for a few days before heading back to Athens for your final night. Naxos is a wonderful island with long sandy beaches, traditional villages and interesting historical sites.

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from USD 928

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What to Do / Best Places to Visit / Unique Experiences

Meteora 

Meteora, a UNESCO world heritage site, is a pre-historic geographical wonder that is over 130,000 years old. Centred around historical monastic communities, home to monks and nuns, the soaring rock formations and the buildings that stand on top of them tower into the sky, welcoming everyone from archaeologists to hikers, and families who seek an adventurous trip. In October, the ambience is particularly serene as the formations are often free of crowds. 

Visitors can also take part in a multitude of activities, including food and wine tours, rafting, rock climbing, and visiting some of Meteora’s cultural and historical sites, such as the cave of Theopetra, a limestone cave located in the Theopetra village, which is one of the oldest man-made structures in history. Why not stop off at Meteora on our 15-Day Highlights of Greece Tour? 

Naxos 

Naxos island is an agricultural paradise that spans many plains and valleys. It is home to white-washed townhouses, mountainous villages (such as Halki and Apiranthos) and breathtaking beaches.

 Its charming streets and old towns offer quaint cafes with a variety of traditional Naxian food, such as its locally made graviera, the second most popular cheese in Greece. 

There are numerous archaeological sites to see, villages to explore and hiking paths to follow. Visit the monument of Portara, a breathtaking and towering prehistoric marble door that offsets perfect sunset vistas. You can experience the wonders of Naxos on our 8-Day Athens, Naxos and Milos Tour.

Corfu  

Corfu is home to some of the most idyllic scenery in Greece. You can stroll around its old town and admire its Venetian buildings, painted in a palette of white and sunset yellow, or visit the green rolling hills of the south and the unique rock formations of the north. 

A must-see destination is the Paleokastritsa beaches, located near Corfu Town, which are comprised of six curving bays of powdery-white sand and rich, crystal-blue waters. Visit Rovinia, a beach known for its flora, greenery and turquoise seas, or the family-friendly Archaravi, with its shallow waters. 

The blissful island is also a pleasure for foodies, with the signature dish pastitsada on offer, a dish formed from red-wine-soaked meat, cooked tenderly in garlic and onion and then served as a sauce with pasta. Visit Corfu on our 8-Day Athens and Corfu Family Adventure Tour.

Festivals / Special Events 

Mykonos Biennale 

Mykonos Biennale is the ultimate celebration of the arts, bringing together global artists with the aim of crossing the boundaries of art to create unique and modern pieces. The event is an exchange of fine art, performance, and culture, with an itinerary that covers a broad scope of themes over the period of five days. 

Some examples of the events on show are the ideas and idols program, which is a Greek and Caribbean cultural exchange followed by musical performances from special guests, such as composer Michalis Katachanas, and the dramatic night selection of screenings at The Yellow House of Ano Mera. 

The exhibitions, dances and musical performances are spread across Delos Island and its monumental monasteries and historical buildings. For those who want to be immersed in inspiration, this is the perfect event. 

Athens International Film Festival  

The award-winning Athens International Film Festival was opened by the Athens Film Society. The festival highlights independent movies and filmmakers, blending conventional and unique genres and sub-genres. 

Launched in 1995, the festival is a yearly event that draws in an audience of over 60,000 film lovers and shows visitors global movie trends and some of the most interesting and well-produced films from around the world. The festival attracts a dynamic audience and a set of feature films and is based across four of Athens’s most well-known theatres Attikon Cinemax Class, Apollon Cinemax Class, Danaos I & II. All theatres have the capacity to seat over 2,000 viewers. 

Whether you are a film fanatic or simply want to explore some new genres and support local talent, this is a festival to be immersed in cinematic art truly.

Weather / Seasons 

In Greece, in October, you can expect weather that is still suitable for swimming and other outdoor activities. Depending on where you visit, you can expect an average high temperature of 25ºC and a low temperature of 10ºC. 

Looking at the weather in Athens in October can be a good indicator of how the overall forecast for the month will be. The city has an average high temperature of 24ºC with a nightly temperature of 14ºC, with 11 hours of daylight. 

As the summer draws into autumn, rainfall does increase. However, it falls in short showers with an average of 53mm of rain over five days out of the month, meaning that you can still enjoy the majority of the month bathed in the sun. 

Things to Know Before You Go

• The currency in Greece is the Euro, USD$1 currently equals €0.95.
• Sunday in Greece is normally a day of rest. Some places may be open; however, prepare for most businesses to be closed. 
• The mainland water fountains offer fresh, clean water for locals and tourists to drink from. 
• Eating in Greece is a very communal experience. It is not uncommon to see large groups of people sharing huge plates of local cuisine and salads.
• English is widely spoken throughout Greece; however, it is always recommended to brush up on some basic terms to help you get by. 

Greece in October offers everything that peak season has and more! With the Mediterranean sun on your side and unlimited sights and islands to visit, you’ll find yourself enjoying the experience of a lifetime. To plan your dream holiday take a look at our Greece tours and trips along with our Local Designers.