Greece › Best Time to Visit
Updated: August 8, 2026 • By Santorini Dave
June and September are the best months to visit Greece for most travelers. Choose June for long days, reliable sunshine, and lively islands. Choose September for warmer sea temperatures and slightly smaller crowds. May and October are better for sightseeing, hiking, and lower hotel prices. July and August are best for nightlife and full summer energy, but they are also the hottest, busiest, windiest, and most expensive months.
For beaches and swimming throughout the Greek islands, visit from late May through early October. For Athens, archaeological sites, mainland road trips, and hiking, April, May, October, and early November are excellent.
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The caldera in Santorini. June and September are my favorite months for visiting Greece. June has longer days and a fresher landscape. September has warmer water and a slightly calmer atmosphere.
Best Time to Visit Greece at a Glance
- Best overall: June and September.
- Best for beaches and swimming: Late June through September.
- Best for sightseeing: April, May, October, and early November.
- Best for island hopping: Late May through September.
- Best for nightlife: July and August.
- Best for hiking: April, May, September, and October.
- Best for lower prices: April, May, October, and winter on the mainland.
- Best for families: June and early September, when the sea is warm, every resort is operating, and the heat is less intense than peak summer.
- Best for honeymoons: June and September.
- Best for warm sea temperatures: August and September.
- Best for Athens: April through June and September through November.
June or September: Which Is Better?
Both are excellent, but they feel different.
Choose June for:
- Longer daylight hours.
- Fresh, bright landscapes.
- Reliable sunshine.
- Fully operating ferries, tours, restaurants, and hotels.
- Warm weather before the peak August crowds.
The sea is cooler in early June than many first-time visitors expect, especially in the Cyclades. It warms steadily through the month.
Choose September for:
- Warmer sea temperatures.
- Slightly smaller crowds than July and August.
- Excellent swimming weather.
- Fully operating islands and ferry routes.
- Less intense heat than midsummer.
September remains busy on Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Crete, and other popular islands, especially during the first half of the month. It is calmer than August, but not empty. If swimming matters most, choose September. If long days and early-summer energy matter more, choose June.
My wife and I in Santorini during September. The sea is warm, the island is fully open, and the weather is excellent for both sightseeing and swimming.
Best Time to Visit Greece by Travel Style
Best Time for Beaches and Swimming
The beach season on most islands runs from early May through mid-October. Late June through September is the best period for travelers who want dependably warm water and hot beach weather. August and September have the warmest sea temperatures. For families with young kids, late June and September are especially good. The sea is warm enough for long beach days, and temperatures are generally more comfortable than the hottest weeks of late July and August. May and early June can be hot and sunny, but the water still feels cool to many swimmers. Crete and Rhodes warm earlier than the Cyclades and keep comfortable swimming conditions later into autumn. By mid to late October, beach weather becomes less reliable and many seasonal beach bars begin removing loungers and closing for winter.
Best Time for Sightseeing and History
April, May, October, and early November are best for Athens, Delphi, Meteora, Olympia, Knossos, Mycenae, and other exposed archaeological sites. The weather is warm enough for outdoor sightseeing but far more comfortable than July or August. Spring has greener landscapes and wildflowers. Autumn is drier and has warmer sea temperatures. June and September also work well, but begin sightseeing early to avoid midday heat.
Best Time for Island Hopping
Late May through September is the easiest period for island hopping. This is when the most useful seasonal ferry routes operate between Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Milos, Ios, Crete, and other popular destinations. Winter ferry service continues for residents, but many convenient tourist-season connections disappear. Small islands also have fewer open hotels, tours, restaurants, and car-rental offices.
See my Greek ferry guide before booking a multi-island route.
Best Time for Nightlife
July and August are best for Mykonos beach clubs, Ios nightlife, busy island bars, and major summer events. Late June and early September still have a lively atmosphere without the absolute peak crowds. Outside the main summer season, Mykonos and Ios become much quieter. Athens and Thessaloniki have nightlife year-round.
Best Time for Hiking
April, May, September, and October are best for walking and hiking. Spring is green and covered in wildflowers. Autumn is drier but more stable and often better for long routes. The Fira-Oia hike, Samaria Gorge, Meteora trails, Sifnos paths, and Naxos mountain routes are much more enjoyable outside the hottest part of summer. In July and August, start early and carry more water than you think you need.
Best Time for Lower Prices and Fewer Crowds
April, May, and October offer the best combination of lower hotel prices, lighter crowds, and useful tourist services. November through March is cheapest in Athens, Thessaloniki, Nafplio, and much of mainland Greece. Island resorts are much quieter, and many seasonal businesses close. Santorini and Mykonos are no longer inexpensive in June or September. Their prices and crowds now sit much closer to peak season than they did a decade ago.
Best Time for a Honeymoon
June and September are the best honeymoon months. Hotels, restaurants, boat tours, and wineries are fully operating, but the weather is more comfortable and the crowds less intense than in August. October works well for a quieter Santorini honeymoon focused on views, restaurants, wineries, and hotel time. It is less reliable for swimming and pool weather.
Greece Month by Month
Greece in January
January is best for Athens, Thessaloniki, museums, archaeological sites, food, and mainland trips. The weather is cool and changeable, with rain and occasional snow in mountain regions. The islands are quiet. Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, Syros, and Santorini remain visitable, but many tourism businesses close.
Greece in February
February is another city and mainland month. Athens and Thessaloniki are uncrowded, hotel prices are low, and Carnival celebrations can add some atmosphere. This is not a good month for island hopping.
Greece in March
March marks the beginning of spring. Days grow longer, flowers appear, and outdoor sightseeing becomes more comfortable. Athens, Nafplio, Delphi, and the Peloponnese work well. Island destinations remain quiet and swimming is cold.
Greece in April
April is excellent for sightseeing, road trips, hiking, and lower prices. The countryside is green, archaeological sites are comfortable, and seasonal businesses begin reopening. The sea is cold, and small islands are still quiet. Greek Easter can transform travel patterns, with busy ferries, full hotels, altered hours, and large local celebrations.
Greece in May
May is one of the best months for Greece. The weather is warm, landscapes remain green, and most island hotels and restaurants are open by the middle of the month. Swimming is possible, but the sea still feels cool. This is an excellent month for Athens, Santorini, Crete, Rhodes, Naxos, Paros, hiking, and sightseeing.
Greece in June
June has long days, sunny weather, reliable ferries, and fully operating islands. It is my favorite summer month. The sea warms quickly, especially during the second half. Crowds and prices increase as July approaches, but June is still easier than peak summer.
Greece in July
July is hot, busy, expensive, and lively. The sea is warm, nightlife is strong, and every beach service, tour, hotel, and restaurant is operating. Reserve hotels, ferries, rental cars, tours, and important dinners early. Start sightseeing and hiking in the morning.
Greece in August
August is the busiest month of the year. Expect high hotel prices, crowded ferries, hot weather, full beaches, and strong island energy. It is excellent for nightlife and swimming but demanding for sightseeing. The August 15 holiday creates heavy domestic travel and should be booked well in advance.
Greece in September
September is the best all-around month for many travelers. The sea is warm, the islands remain fully open, and the heat is less severe than in July and August. Popular destinations remain busy, but the atmosphere gradually calms through the month.
Greece in October
October is excellent for Athens, Crete, Rhodes, Santorini, Nafplio, Delphi, Meteora, and mainland road trips. Early October can still offer good swimming, especially in southern Greece. Small islands become quieter as the month continues, and ferry schedules begin thinning.
Greece in November
November is best for cities, food, museums, archaeology, and mainland travel. Rain becomes more common, daylight is shorter, and beach tourism is completely finished. Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, Santorini, and Syros remain accessible but much quieter.
Greece in December
December works best for Athens, Thessaloniki, mainland towns, holiday events, and museums. The islands are quiet, weather is changeable, and there’s a lot of grey skies in most places. Crete is the best island for an outdoorsy winter trip.
Best Time for Popular Destinations
Best Time to Visit Athens
The best months for Athens are April, May, early June, late September, October, and November. July and August can be extremely hot, especially at the Acropolis and Ancient Agora. Winter is underrated, with lower hotel prices, uncrowded museums, and a more local atmosphere.
See my guide to where to stay in Athens.
Best Time to Visit Santorini
The best months are May, June, September, and October.
June and September are best for combining sightseeing with swimming and boat tours. May and October are better for hiking, wineries, restaurants, and lower hotel prices. Santorini remains accessible year-round, but winter is quiet and many hotels, tours, and restaurants close.
See my guide to where to stay in Santorini.
Best Time to Visit Mykonos
Visit from June through September. July and August are best for beach clubs and nightlife. June and September offer good swimming and a lively atmosphere with less intensity. Mykonos becomes very quiet outside the main season.
See my guide to where to stay in Mykonos.
Best Time to Visit Naxos and Paros
June through September is best for beaches, swimming, restaurants, and ferry connections. May is good for sightseeing, villages, hiking, and lower prices, though the water is cool. Early October works for a quieter trip, but services begin reducing as the month continues.
See my guides to where to stay in Naxos and where to stay in Paros.
Best Time to Visit Crete and Rhodes
May through October is the main season.
Both islands have warmer weather and longer swimming seasons than the Cyclades. June and September are best overall. October remains a good option, especially early in the month. Crete and Rhodes have large resident populations, full-sized towns, museums, historical sights, and more winter life than small resort islands.
See my guides to where to stay in Crete and the where to stay in Rhodes.
Best Time to Visit Corfu and the Ionian Islands
June through September is best for dependable beach weather. May is green and beautiful but wetter than the Cyclades. September is excellent for warm swimming. Rain becomes more frequent in October. The Ionian Islands stay greener because they receive more rainfall than the dry Aegean islands.
See my guides to where to stay in Kefalonia and the where to stay in Corfu
Best Time to Visit Mainland Greece
April through June and September through November are best for mainland road trips, Delphi, Meteora, Peloponnese, ancient sites, and hiking. July and August work well for mountain villages and mainland beaches but are hot at exposed archaeological sites. Winter is suitable for Athens, Thessaloniki, Nafplio, mountain towns, and cultural trips.
Sea Temperatures and Swimming Season
Sea temperatures do not peak at the same time as air temperatures. The water warms through summer and is generally warmest from August into September. This is why September can have slightly cooler air than June but noticeably warmer swimming conditions.
- May: Cool for most swimmers.
- June: Comfortable later in the month.
- July: Warm and dependable.
- August: Among the warmest months.
- September: Excellent and often the best month for swimming.
- Early October: Still comfortable in southern Greece and during settled weather.
Crete and Rhodes usually have longer swimming seasons than the Cyclades. Northern Greece and the northern Aegean warm later and cool sooner.
The beach season in Crete runs from early May through mid-October. June through September offers the most reliable combination of warm weather and comfortable swimming.
Crowds, Prices, and Reservations
April and May
Hotel prices are lower, crowds are lighter, and booking is easier. Popular Santorini hotels and special rooms should still be reserved early.
June
Prices and crowds rise quickly. Book good island hotels, ferries, and rental cars ahead, especially for late June.
July and August
This is peak season. Book major hotels, villas, automatic cars, ferries, boat tours, beach clubs, and important restaurants months ahead.
September
September is no longer a quiet bargain month on the major islands. Prices remain high and good hotels fill early, especially during the first half.
October
Prices fall, but choices also narrow as seasonal hotels and restaurants begin closing. Crete, Rhodes, Santorini, and larger towns retain the strongest selection.
Meltemi Winds and Ferry Travel
The Meltemi is a dry northern wind that affects the Aegean during summer and is strongest in July and August.
It has advantages:
- It reduces humidity.
- It makes hot days more comfortable.
- It is excellent for windsurfing and sailing.
It also creates problems:
- North-facing beaches can become rough and unpleasant.
- High-speed ferries can feel bumpy.
- Ferries can be delayed or canceled during severe conditions.
- Boat tours may change route or departure time.
Large conventional ferries are more stable than smaller high-speed vessels, though even large ships move in rough conditions. Never schedule a ferry arrival in Athens a few hours before an important international flight.
Dates That Affect Travel in Greece
- Greek Easter: The date changes every year. Holy Week brings heavy domestic travel, altered schedules, full ferries, and major religious celebrations.
- May 1: A public holiday that can bring strikes, demonstrations, closures, and transport changes.
- August 15: One of Greece’s biggest holidays. Ferries, flights, hotels, and rental cars can sell out.
- October 28: Oxi Day brings parades, public celebrations, and some closures.
- Christmas and New Year: Cities remain active, but museums, sites, restaurants, and transport operate on holiday schedules.
Check exact dates and operating hours for the year of your trip.
Best Time to Visit Greece FAQ
What is the best month to visit Greece?
June and September are the best months for most travelers. Choose June for long days and early-summer energy. Choose September for warmer sea temperatures and slightly smaller crowds.
What is the cheapest month to visit Greece?
January, February, November, and early December are cheapest for Athens and mainland Greece. For islands with useful tourist services, April, May, and October offer better value than summer.
What is the best time to visit the Greek islands?
Late May through September is best for island hopping, swimming, restaurants, tours, and ferry connections. June and September offer the best overall balance.
Is May a good time to visit Greece?
Yes. May is excellent for sightseeing, hiking, lower prices, and green landscapes. The sea remains cool, especially early in the month.
Is June a good time to visit Greece?
June is one of the best months. The weather is warm, the days are long, the islands are fully open, and crowds are lighter than in July and August.
Is September a good time to visit Greece?
September is excellent. The sea is warm, the islands remain fully open, and the weather is less intense than midsummer. Popular islands still require advance booking.
Is October a good time to visit Greece?
Yes, especially for Athens, Crete, Rhodes, Santorini, Nafplio, Delphi, and Meteora. Early October can still be good for swimming. Small islands become quieter and less reliable later in the month.
Is August a good time to visit Greece?
August is good for hot weather, warm water, nightlife, and full island energy. It is also the busiest, most expensive, and most demanding month. Book early and stay longer in fewer places.
Can you visit the Greek islands in winter?
Yes, but choose carefully. Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, Syros, and Santorini remain accessible. Smaller islands have limited hotels, restaurants, tours, and ferry connections.
When is the sea warmest in Greece?
Sea temperatures are warmest from August into September. Southern destinations such as Crete and Rhodes have longer swimming seasons than the Cyclades and northern Greece.
When should you avoid Greece?
There is no single month everyone should avoid. Skip July and August if you dislike heat, crowds, high prices, and strong winds. Avoid small resort islands in winter if you want restaurants, tours, beach services, and easy island hopping.
Santorini Dave was started in 2011 when I posted a short guide to visiting Santorini with kids. Now, my site publishes regularly updated guides to 
We are thinking about a short trip to Kavala and Thessaloniki on August 13th and 14th. With Assumption Day being the 15th, will shops and non-touristy restaurants be open? Will the markets be open in Thessaloniki on the 14th?
I’ve found most shops and tourist sites are closed on the 15th. Many restaurants will be closed on the 15th, but some spots will open. Transportation usually runs on “Sunday” hours for the holiday. On the 14th, everything will be open as usual.
Hi Dave!
Besides Crete, which other islands would you recommend visiting in May on a 10 day trip?
With just 10 days I would not do more than one other island. Santorini is the closest island to Crete and has the most ferry connections with Crete. It’s also a great island – so that would be my first choice. Naxos and Paros would also be good reasonable choices.
Holy Week in Greece
Hi Dave,
I am going to be in Greece (Athens & Santorini) during part of Holy Week (18 Apr to 24 Apr) and trying to sort out the best timing for my locations.
It will be a short trip and I need to fit in as much as I possibly can. Due to traffic and other holiday considerations (limited hours for museums, shops), do you recommend doing my relaxing in Santorini over Easter weekend and then my busy sightseeing in Athens afterward? Or vice versa? I would prefer to avoid big crowds wherever possible, but if there are things worth seeing in Athens that particular weekend, then I would definitely consider it.
Love your site! Thanks!
Greek Easter is usually a different date than western Easter.
We are thinking of going to Crete in late November (in the next few weeks). We have never been to Greece and would like to experience some authentic island life. I understand that Crete is likely the warmest of all the islands at this time of year. We are in our late 50’s and fit. We love food, wine, music, scuba diving (thinking it would be too cold to dive now… yes?), history. Can you suggest some activities that we could do/ experience in Crete at this time of year? Thank you in advance.
Cheers,
Wendy
Yes, it will be too cool for swimming and diving but Crete is a great off-season destination. There are 3 medium sized cities (Heraklion, Chania, and Rethymnon) that have large local populations and lively cultures. November is usually perfect for sightseeing, hiking, food, wine, and local music. I highly recommend visiting Knossos and the Archaeological museum in Heraklion. They are must-sees in my book and also much quieter and enjoyable outside of high season.
Hey Dave! Me and my wife are booking our trip and we have two more nights we still need to book. We are leaving Santorini and then deciding between Mykonos, Naxos, Ios, Paros. Should we do two islands (one night each) or two nights on one island? And which islands? Thanks so much!
We love food and adventure and we don’t do any night drinking. Our first time in Greece! The trip is in late September.
Considering your interests, I recommend Naxos. Great beaches, wonderful food, enchanting interior villages. And yes, spend two nights on the same island.
Hi Dave! We are scheduled for April 2-11 in Greece, but am a little confused with Greek Easter. I am seeing it as April 8 this year, so am I correct to assume that the week leading up to the 8th is the Holy Week? I want to be sure I can get the most out of our trip, and am worried some places will be closed. (On websites it shows being closed on “Easter Sunday” so I imagine that means the 8th not the 1st.)
Thanks!!
Yes, Orthodox (Greek) Easter Sunday and regular (western) Easter Sunday often fall on different dates. Easter in Greece is a big thing and travel and accommodation in Greece can be a small challenge during this time (so do book in advance). The week preceding Easter is indeed Holy Week (it translates as ‘Big Week’ in Greek) and it is marked by a series of church events each evening prior to the midnight Resurrection on the Eve of Easter Sunday. Easter Sunday is a day of celebration and eating when the culinary austerity followed by the more pious Orthodox Greeks during the 40 days of Lent previously comes to an end. Lambs are roasted on spits and much food and drink is consumed in a family-oriented celebration.
This means a few things for the traveller. Food in general is commonly limited to ‘vegetarian food’ particularly during Holy Week. This means that restaurants will be limiting their food choices to ‘fasting foods’ (nistísima) though meat eaters may find some relief at places catering to the non-orthodox (which includes most restaurants on the islands). Because the tourist season has not yet officially kicked off, many summer tavernas and restaurants may not yet be open in touristy places. The tourist season usually gets into gear after Easter. Therefore, your days from 2-8 April may be marked by a level of paucity in food choices (think Ramadan in Muslim countries).
Travel and accommodation is in high demand as many Greeks go to their native villages and islands to spend Easter and you may have difficulty in securing flights on popular routes or even on ferries and catamarans (full sailings are rare but possible). The follow-on is that accommodation can be in high demand so you will need to book both travel and a place to stay well beforehand. Because the Easter Sunday celebration is a family affair on the whole, unless you have an invitation from a family to participate, you may find yourself on the outside on Easter Sunday with only a handful of places open for your Easter lunch (once again, in the most touristy spots this won’t be a problem).
You didn’t say where you are going, but Athens is probably a good bet to sit out the key days of Easter as many people will have left and things will be quiet AND you will have more choices for places to eat. If you want the ultimate Greek Easter experience and would like to participate in at least two of the church celebrations, then Corfu is popular with Greek Easter pilgrims where the Epitafios and the Anastasi are worth witnessing at the large church of Spyridon in Corfu’s Old Town. The village of Pyrgos on Santorini is also an Easter highlight.
In short, Greek Easter is generally for Greeks, though foreigners are more than welcome. Just don’t expect the normal touristy Greece that you might expect until at least some time after Easter.
Hey Dave,
This site is amazing! Greece has been on my bucket list for years and hoping to cross it off. Per your site, looks like late September/early October may be the best time for weather and reduced cost. I’m looking to plan a 7-10 day trip no kids, do you have a suggestion for itineraries? Such as where to stop, how long to stay, hotels? Any suggestions would be helpful… it’s a bit overwhelming to start planning with a little framework. Thanks!
Hopefully my page on Where To Go in Greece and Itineraries should help.
Hi Dave,
Loving your work and happy to be a Patron to support this great website. For my holiday, my partner and I are planning the following however I am having a few issues/queries.
Wed 20th June – fly into Chania from Dublin, arrive late. Stay at Casa Delfino.
Monday 25th – Drive to more eastern Crete and stay in Agios Nikolaos. I looked at Elounda but the hotels seem to all get mixed reviews. I would like to be able to walk into a village or town in the evening for a meal or drinks. Hence, I am looking at Agios Nikolaos, what do you think?
I like the look of Sensimar Minos Palace. Would you recommend the Beach Art hotel over this hotel and why?
I also thought of the Grecotel Caramel hotel which looks amazing but is it very isolated? Is there anything near it walkable in the evening? It gets fantastic reviews!
Friday 29th Ferry to Mykonos- Do you know if a ferry does indeed connect the two islands?
Looking to stay 3 nights in Mykonos Bay Resort & Villas as this is within budget (1000€ max for 3 nights). Tharroe of Mykonos Boutique Hotel would be my choice but it’s a little outside the budget! Any other hotels you would recommend?
Then I am thinking 4 nights somewhere, I was looking at these apartments in Anemomilos Apartments on the island of Folegandros. What do you think, do you know this hotel?
Can I get from Mykonos to here easily in the summer? Conscious I need to get back to Athens to fly home and feel I’m heading in the wrong direction! Does Crete connect with Folegandros as I could do Crete – Folegandros – Mykonos? Or would you recommend another island near Mykonos? Really want to chill out, nice accommodation? Hire a car and get out and see an island! What is Folegandros famous for?
Thanks in advance,
Stephen
Agios Nikolaos is a wonderful little town and likely just what you’re looking for. Sensimar is a nice resort but it’s a good 30 minute walk into town so you’re not walking out your door and wandering around Agios Nikolaos. The Minos Beach Art Hotel is much closer which is why I would choose it. Grecotel Caramel has some stuff within walking distance but not the main town. Stay here if you want the resort experience and not so much if you’re looking to hit the town for lunch/dinner/nightlife on a regular basis. Mykonos Bay Resort is on a decent beach about a 10 minute walk from Mykonos Town. Has a very nice pool (but I would still prefer to stay right in Mykonos Town). Anemomilos Apartments are very nice and in the main town (Chora) of Folegandros. Wonderful views. There will likely be a Crete to Mykonos ferry (with stops in Santorini, Paros, and Ios along the way). Mykonos to Folegandros (direct) is less certain but you’ll always be able to get there, you just might have to change ferries in a different island.
Hi there! My husband and I wanted to visit Santorini in August/September but we like very hot weather. I saw on a few websites that it only gets to about 80 degrees? Is that true?
Joanna Condoluci
Santorini often has a nice breeze that keeps the temps moderate (somewhere in the 80s) even in the summer. Most people like this but if you’re after very hot then you might be disappointed. That said, there’s always a week or two each year when you get some scorching temperatures. August is usually the hottest month but peaks can come anytime from early June to late September.
Hi Dave, great site!!
Planning a trip to Greek islands and Athens for late September and October. Would you recommend travelling the islands on your own, or taking a small cruise to cover more territory by night and explore the islands by day. If so, which cruise do you recommend?
Thanks So Much
I am not a big fan of cruises in the Greek Islands so would definitely recommend doing and planning it yourself. More info here: Should I Take A Santorini Cruise?
Hi Dave, I have come across your site recently and it is a great resource. We are planning an 8-day trip from NYC to Greece Oct. 28 – Nov. 5. It seems like Santorini and Athens are definitive top choices. But we wanted to see 1 additional part of Greece. Where would you recommend at that time of year? We were thinking Crete, but where in Crete would you recommend? Would Naxos be a good option? Thanks so much.
Amit
If you want a second island to visit then Naxos. (There won’t be any Santorini-Crete ferries in November so visiting Crete is much more difficult.) If you’re open to something on the mainland then do an overnight trip from Athens to Nafplio.
My husband and I are thinking of taking a trip but would have to go in mid to late March. Would we still get ferries to the islands, Santorini and Mykonos in particular?
Maria
There will be ferries to Santorini and to Mykonos but not ferries between Santorini and Mykonos. In the off-season you’re better to visit Santorini and Paros or Naxos as the ferry connections run all-year and there’s more to see and do in the quiet months on Paros/Naxos than on Mykonos.
Kali mera! Thank you for your recommendations. We are exploring all your suggestions. One more question – where (town/village) on Crete, Mykonos, or Rhodes would you recommend we stay? 3 families with children ranging from 7-10 years old. Judy
On the assumption that the focus will be on your children rather than yourselves, you are probably wanting a family-friendly hotel in either Crete or Rhodes and there are plenty of options in a few select places where you’ll need to do the research to locate what suits your budget and individual needs.
The Agia Marina/Platanias strip west of Chania town is a good start for Crete. It’s touristy, but not overly so and there are many family hotels dotted along the coastline. There are lots of shops, restaurants, and car-hire places and the long beach is generally sandy and shelving. Most decent-sized hotels will have pools and the family-oriented hotels generally put on a special effort for children with activities, play centres, pools for kids and often child-minding. There is also an Aqua park not far from Chania. You will find similar possibilities on the tourist strip east of the town of Rethymnon though the hotels and the beach are divided by a road – unlike in Chania. At the upper end of the budget scale there are some pretty enticing family hotels in Elounda over to the east. Some of the hotels listed on this site have great kids’ facilities so have a browse here first.
Rhodes is similar, with the family-friendly hotels scattered down the east coast through Faliraki to Lindos. Some of the larger hotels near Rhodes New Town (on the west side of the island) cater well for children so have a look here too. It’s hard to recommend one over another as they do vary considerably in price, but there are the areas that you need to be looking at.
Mykonos has a reputation for partying and nightlife but as long as you avoid the clubs and bars (and a few of the party beaches) it has a surprisingly family-friendly vibe. The beaches of Platys Gialos and Ornos are best for kids and have a good mix of family hotels and good restaurants.
Other than large family hotels (which will inevitably cost more if they are all inclusive or even half-board deals) your only other option is DIY in self-catering appartments, but then you are going to have to entertain your group’s children in more imaginative ways. All three are good islands to find what you seem to be looking for, all you have to do is start looking for that best combination of accommodation and entertainment for your three families.
See Also: Crete Family Hotels, Rhodes Family Hotels, and Mykonos Family Hotels.
Hi Dave!
I’ll be traveling to Greece mid to late August with my husband and 10yr old daughter. We have two other families (similar composition) joining us. We will do 3-4 days in Athens then an island for 5-6 days. I looked into Naxos but it has limited airbnb options. I’ve been to Greece a number of times but the other 2 families have not. We want beach, good food, and a pool wherever we stay to keep kids busy before we head to beaches or sightseeing. What do you suggest?
Naxos is the best island for what you’re looking for (though Crete, Paros, Mykonos, Ios, and Rhodes are also good choices). Agree there are few Airbnb rentals but not sure why that’s a necessity. Lots of great family hotels on Naxos.
Hi Dave
We are a family of 5 (kids 15,11,6) and will likely be travelling with my almost 80 year old dad. My eldest daughter wants to see the Parthenon in Athens and the other two want to enjoy family beach and relaxation. Not caring as much about history just yet. I was thinking thinking Corfu for one of our destinations… we are thinking about last week of July for timing.
If we had a week would you have a recommendation?
Thanks,
Sarah Luke
Corfu is a wonderful island but not great for island hopping – if you go there you probably won’t go anywhere else. Conversely, the Cyclades are close together and it’s easy (and lots of fun) to ferry from one to the next. You could see 2 islands or even 3 in a weeks time. All the Cycladic islands are worth a visit so don’t worry about making a bad choice but Naxos, Paros, and Antiparos are particularly good for kids. Mykonos, Ios, and Santorini have fewer families but all have a great family-friendly vibe as long as you avoid the night clubs and romantic restaurants.
Hello Santorini Dave,
Thanks for all the Greece weather tips.
My husband and I are planning a 2 week vacation in Greece with our little 18 month baby. Would you advise what are the best places to visit with a baby? The trip should be first 2 weeks of September. Thanks, Nihal
Naxos is a great island for families and staying in Naxos Town (and near St George’s beach) is a great combination of convenience, good hotels, and easy access to the beach.
HI Dave! My husband and I are planning last minute to visit Greece from the US and fly our 18 yr old son to meet us (he is currently doing a year in Germany). Planning to come April 8-15th approx. I have been researching some and I think we would love to do Athens for a short stay and then Santorini and Naxos. Santorini sounds the best to us and we arent into the party scene so sightseeing in Naxos sounds interesting. Will that be during Easter in Greece and if so how will that affect our trip? Any advice on logistics? Flying into Athens and then how best to do the itinerary from there? Likely want to fly into Santorino instead of Ferry. Thanks for all of the great info that you provide!
Pam Wagner
The best plan: Buy tickets to London. Then fly directly to Santorini. Ferry to Naxos. Fly or ferry to Athens. Fly Athens to London. This saves time making two visits to Athens (when you only need one) and you don’t have to retrace your steps (also a time-waster). Use Kayak or Google Flights to search for tickets.
Hi Dave, really great and helpful your blog! I´m planning my honeymoon in Athens, Mykonos and Santorini, between March 18th and March 26th. We´re not looking forward to beach weather, but is it nice for sightseeing? Or is it likely to be rainy or cloudy? Thanks a lot!
Paula
Certainly be prepared for a little rain but you’ll likely get good sightseeing weather in Athens and Santorini. Mykonos doesn’t have a lot to see/experience outside of warm months so I would recommend Naxos instead.
Dear Santorini Dave,
After reading all of your many responses, I have to agree with all of the compliments going your way. Your advice is so relevant and tailored. Thanks in advance for helping me with my dilemma.
My wife and I are celebrating her 40th birthday. we are spending a day/night in Athens and then 4 nights/5 days in Santorini. I wanted to add one more island to our itinerary before heading back to Athens and on to home.
My original plan was to go to Crete for 2 days/nights. However, after reading your site, I have to admit it is not enough time to do it justice.
We want to minimize ferry/airport/getting to hotel time as much as possible and so that led me the other direction to Naxos or Paros.
Ideally, the location would give a good cultural taste of Greece, be scenic, not require hiring a car, have good food/drink, be somewhat romantic and have some nightlife (we won’t be up all night dancing, but do like to go out). Nice beaches are a plus, but subordinate to great local experience.
My original thought was Naxos, because it looked like we could take a ferry, settle in in a nearby place (e.g. nissaki) and walk to either town or beach. The portal was also an added plus. The only thing that put me off a little was a lot of the area seemed family friendly (and while I love kids – I have three youngish ones), we are traveling to be around adults. Not sure if you can weigh in on whether we will feel like we are having a romantic time if we stay in Naxos, but I’d appreciate your insight.
If we stay in Paros, my concern was it seemed a little less likely that we could get a compact experience, where we stay in a nice hotel (e.g. lily residence or astir of Paros), but still we walkable to town or water.
Our ideal would be waking up, hanging out pool or beachside, then walking in town and eating/drinking our way through different tavernas and restaurants, maybe heading back to beach or pool and then out again for dinner / nightlife. A short day trip is fine by bus or taxi, but would given the short time, that would be limited.
We are going in the first week of August next year so it will be right in the middle of busy season. Budget is not a constraint in terms of 2 days for the hotel.
Thank you for any advice on whether Naxos or Paros is best for us. Also, please confirm if it will be fairly easy to book a flight to Athens from either island.
Ryan
Yes, Naxos Town and beach are very family friendly with lots of kids but I would be surprised if you found it overrun with children and couldn’t enjoy it as two adults. That said, Naoussa (on Paros) is more sophisticated with night clubs and trendy restaurants and definitely has a more adult feel (though you’ll still see plenty of kids). The beaches near Naoussa are not as nice as the beaches near Naxos Town but they’re still nice for a swim – for a sunbathing scene you’d probably need a rental car on Paros. And also, Naoussa is a bus/taxi/car ride from the port of Paros. In sum, the vibe of Naoussa is more of what you’re looking for, but Naxos is more convenient. Both are great. Flights from both islands to Athens are easy to get but do book them well in advance.
Hi Dave,
Awesome website.
We are a family of 5 (kids ages 12,8,4). We are considering a trip 1st week of April for 8 days. We’d like to see some historic sites in Athens as well as visit Santorini. We are considering flying between Athens and Santorini. Would adding Mykonos be too hectic? What split in days you recommend? What sites in/near Athens do you recommend? Would we need to rent a car or local transport would be good?
Thanks
Lakshmi
There are direct ferries between Santorini and Mykonos in April so it wouldn’t be hard at all to add Mykonos. That said, it’s not beach time yet in April so Mykonos won’t have a lot to do for a family. Naxos or Paros are better off-season choices. Renting a car on all the islands is a good way to see more, so yes I would recommend that. In Athens the Acropolis, Acropolis Museum, the historical sites in the Plaka, and the National Archaeological Museum are the highlights. Since it’s off-season I would do 3 days in Santorini, 3 days in Athens, and 2 days in Mykonos, Naxos, or Paros.
Hi Dave,
I’m glad I found your site. I’m planning a trip to Greece with my husband, 6 year old and 17 year old in mid April. Maybe 10th-18th. Hubby and teen are history and Greek mythology lovers. With 7 or 8 nights I’m thinking 2 locations. Athens and Santorini? Naxos sounds nice too. Do we need 3 nights in Athens for the sites or 4 nights? If we pick 1 island which one should it be? Looking for nice scenery, village culture, good food. I’m assuming weather would be similar on both islands. The 16th is Easter in case that changes anything. Also any advice on whether to explore Athens first or fly to an island first? thanks so much!
Cynthia
3 nights (2 full days) should be enough for Athens but if you’re really keen on history then you could easily fill 3 days. If you can only visit one island then Santorini is definitely the highlight – especially in April when it’s not beach weather (Santorini’s views are great year-round). Travel during Easter week will be busy and you should book ferries in advance even though it is low season. If you’re ferrying to and from the islands then do Athens at the end of your trip (just in case ferries are cancelled you’ll have a few days to play with to get back to Athens for your flight home). If you’re flying it doesn’t really matter.
Hi Dave. I’ll be in Crete in May also on honeymoon, where would you recommend on the south of the island?
Thanks,
Marie Finn
Southern Crete covers a lot of territory and you’ve not really hinted at want you want to do or what kind of traveller you are. So here are a few tips for places that offer a mixture of creature comfort, beach, places to eat and offer accessibility.
Over on the far eastern side of Crete is the cosy little town of Ierapetra, nestled in among some of the richest agricultural territory in Crete. It wears its tourism monicker shyly, but needn’t fear as it is a very likeable town with a busy central promenade and a selection of fine seaside cafés and restaurants. The beach scene in the town centre – heading on out to the fortress – is actually pretty amenable and the water swimmable. You could hang around in Ierapetra for a few days and may move a little further west (15kms) and spend a few more days at a friendly and equally cosy seaside village called Myrtos. You could easily spot a relaxing week of your honeymoon in these two centres.
Considerably further west and in the middle section of the southern coast is the less-shy former hippy resort of Matala which wears its monicker rather retro-proudly. It has all the attractions of a holiday resort: sand, sun, ouzo-laced sunsets and plenty of places to stay. It was very trendy back in the 60s and 70s and still maintains its air of now post-hippy happiness, though people no longer make a home in the troglodyte-like caves that back the rather languid bay-wrapped beach. Better know the the other places and a bit more up-market.
On a similar note you have two more sizeable seaside villages of similar atmosphere that you may care to investigate. The first is Plakias (further west yet from Matala – 72kms) and while it never garnered a hippy heritage, it has stood the test of time as a popular traveller haunt, with yet enough creature comforts to make a honeymoon here an attractive option. Fine enough beach, the odd revved-up bar, good places to eat and a range of budget to honeymoon quality accommodation.
Keep going west and you will hit Paleochora (158kms from Plakias via a very circuitous route) the last of the four suggested locales for your honeymoon. Similar to the former, though a bit larger in size and offering two types of beaches to choose from (pebble and sand). Again it’s a ‘cozy’ village (for want of a better word) and similar in style to the previous two.
The south coast is not as well connected as the North coast inasmuch as there is no straight and direct road across the southern flank of the island. You will need to duck and weave and in the case of the Plakias to Paleochora stretch there is not even a road: transport here is by coastal ferry (or you have to go drive all the way to the north coast and then back down another road). A week is not a lot of time, so you may want to limit yourself geographically to one of the four places mentioned. Best tip for honeymooners? Try Matala!
Hi Dave,
I will be in Greece from the 22nd to 29th March of next year and was planning to visit Santorini and Athens. From what I’ve read from your blog so far (which has been super helpful so thankyou!) this is low low season and a lot less will be open and available on the islands. Is Santorini still worth a trip in late March for two 20-something girls looking to sight-see, explore, eat good food and a bit of partying? Not overly fussed about swimming.
Thanks,
Saskia
Yes, I think Santorini is nice in March and your best choice for what you’re looking for. No island has a robust nightlife in March but Santorini has the most and you should be able to find some fun in Fira (though nothing too crazy). Sightseeing is good in March.
We, my husband and 2 college age daughters, are planning a trip in March(11-19th). We were hoping that we could plan on sun. Probably too cold to swim in the ocean, but sit by a pool and swim a little would be nice. We like scenery, food, a little slower pace than the big cities. After reading your info on Santorini I was sold, but I feel like I should plan on going to Crete to get better weather. We plan to fly in/out of Athens so I think both islands is too rushed. Santorini sounds great, but after landslides due to persistent rain on our last trip to Scotland, I’m trying to get the least clouds and rain possible but still great scenery. I need a compromise and hope you can help. Honeymoon atmosphere not needed, nor wild party scene. Can you help direct me? Great site! Thanks, Carla
I agree, Crete is great and should have nice-ish weather in mid-March but probably won’t be swimming as most pools are not heated. Chania is the highlight of Crete and has year-round population and visitors so will have some life to it even in March. Knossos (near Heraklion) is one of the top historical sites in Greece and worth a visit.
We are planning a visit to Greece in early May. Where would you recommend to get the best and hottest weather for beach time? I know it’s early season but need to know where the best chance of good weather is.
Crete is the farthest south and gets the warmest weather early in the season (and late too). And within Crete, the south coast, usually gets warm weather a little before the rest of the island. Not a huge difference but enough to notice.