The best places to visit in Greece: a seasonal guide

You’re sure to have a phenomenal experience in Greece regardless of where and when you go. After all, the country offers such a variety of rich cultural, historical, natural, and leisure experiences. That said, certain Greek vacation spots are best visited at specific times of year. Our seasonal guide covers the best places to visit in Greece through summer, fall, winter, and spring. This can help you plan a unique trip to Greece — one that includes authentic hideaways and cultural treasures across mainland and islands alike.

Summer hideaways: beat the crowds to new experiences

Lesser-known Cyclades islands from Sifnos to Folegandros

Folegandros, in the archipelago’s southwestern region, stands out for its remarkable natural beauty. Highlights include Panagia Rock and the incredible view at its peak, as well as Georgitsi’s Cave (only accessible by boat) and the ubiquitous plane trees. There are also more beaches than you can count (some of which, including Galifos and Katergo, are nudist, just so you’re aware).

Villages like Chora and Karavostasis, respectively, offer quaint, multi-hued architecture and the rough-hewn spirit of a fishing port. In both, you can enjoy delicious but not overfilling Mediterranean cuisine (matsata pasta, soft cheeses, pastries, and seafood galore). But drink the local rakomelo (honey-infused liquor) sparingly unless you want a wilder evening.

For a calmer experience, consider Sifnos a bit further north. History buffs will find much to love in Kastro, with its medieval-era ruins, as well as the many preserved churches throughout the island. Famous examples include the Panagia Chrysopigi near Faros and Kastro’s Church of the Seven Martyrs. Also, pottery lovers will appreciate Sifnos for its unique examples of the form.

Sifnos has its share of beautiful beaches. Kamares is arguably most popular while Cheronissos is notably tranquil. But it’s certainly not a place for excess revelry, given the frequent religious festivals there.

Beaches of Ithaca: an unexplored paradise

The fabled home of Odysseus would be a gem of the Ionian Islands regardless of its association with Homer. It’s small, quaint, and not a major tourist draw compared to many other islands. You can take full advantage of beautiful beaches, including Gidaki, Sarakiniko, Aspros Gialos, and more, without always competing for space. (Some of these are boat-access-only.)

Ithaca is also great for active travelers, with ideal water for snorkeling and kayaking. Hikers, meanwhile, will adore trekking to the Kathara and Panagia Eleousa monasteries for the incredible views. Finally, in Ithaca’s town center, you’ll find excellent restaurants, cafes, and bars.

Zagori’s secluded natural beauty

Somewhat hidden among the Pindus mountains and generally rough terrain, Zagori essentially ensures a low tourist presence despite being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s good to visit in summer because the elevation means cooler temperatures while exploring the Pindus, including see-it-to-believe-it natural wonders like Vikos Gorge. Zagori is also famous for its elaborate stone bridges, with Kalogeriko being the most famous.

Read more: Top 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Greece

Fall favorites: best places to visit in Greece in the shoulder season

Athens: historical sightseeing and cultural events

While we’d never say Athens lacks tourist traffic, it drops from its summer heights in September. You can visit natural highlights (the hills of Lycabettus, the Pnyx, and Philopappou) and social-cultural centers (the Melina Mercouri, National Observatory, and Cine Zefyros) without massive crowds.

Granted, the most famous attractions (the Parthenon, National Art Gallery, New Acropolis Museum, Ancient Agora, etc.) will still be crowded. But lesser-known (and intriguing) places like the Hellenic Motor Museum and Bathhouse of the Winds remain quieter. Also, depending on which month you visit, you can catch incredible festivals like Art Athina (mid- to late September) and the In Orbit concert series (October).

Thessaloniki and the culinary charms of northern Greece

As the cultural capital of Greece, Thessaloniki has plenty to offer everyone, from history and art lovers to sports fans and film buffs. But it’s unrivaled in Greece as a culinary hotspot. UNESCO recognized it as a City of Gastronomy in 2021.

Many factors form the unique character of Thessaloniki cuisine. Strong Turkish, Arabic, Slavic, and Balkan influences, plus outstanding local ingredients from the Macedonian countryside (dairy, nuts, fruit, grain, and more), are the biggest drivers.

It comes together in dishes uncommon elsewhere in Greek cuisine: stuffed vegetables with spicy feta or egg-lemon sauce, smoked herring, tomato keftedes (meatballs), and so much more. Thessaloniki is also legendary for its pastries, especially phyllo-based bougatsa and custard-filled trigona panoramatos.

The city’s biggest culinary celebrations, like the Thessaloniki Street Food Festival, most recently took place in spring (they sometimes change season). But fall has several beer and wine fests, as well as large cultural festivals like Street Mode and Urban Picnic that feature local cuisine alongside music and arts.

Read more: Greek cuisine: top dishes to try

Fall highlights of the Peloponnese

Although the archaeological wonders of the Peloponnese mean it’s hardly tourist-free, it mostly doesn’t draw as much attention as, say, Athens and Thessaloniki. In early fall, the weather is perfect: warm enough to enjoy the beaches near Nafplio and Kalamata but never so hot it’s uncomfortable.

Be sure to visit either the seaside towns of Kardamyli or the quaint cobblestone-laned Pilos to get a sense of authentic, laid-back Mediterranean life. They offer equal proximity to gorgeous beaches and hikeable hills.

If you’re a history buff, the Bronze Age ruins at Mycenae, Messinia’s medieval castles like Methoni and Koroni, and the ancient Epidaurus theater are must-sees. And wine lovers must be sure to sample white varietals from Mantineia and reds from Nemea at various local harvest festivals.

Winter wonders of Greek tourism

Rhodes: medieval marvels and festive charms

Much of the year, tourists jam-pack Rhodes’ streets to a degree only topped by Crete. But in winter, they’re often elsewhere, making the season ideal for vacations. As with many Greek islands, temperatures hover around 60-65 degrees Fahrenheit (about 16-18 degrees Celsius), so it hardly feels like winter.

Attractions like Rhodes Old Town, with its blend of Byzantine and Ottoman influences and sights like the Palace of the Grand Master, have greater impact when you’re not competing for a view. It’s also much easier to shop for local crafts or dine on seafood and matsi pasta at the famous Nea Agora market.

Scenic skiing at Arachova

For a cold-embracing experience, visit the Central Greece town of Arachova, 3,176 feet (968 meters) above sea level. While Arachova itself has plenty to offer, skiing the striking white slopes of Mount Parnassus is the main attraction. Centers like Kelaria, Fterolakka, and Gerondovrachos (the smallest and least crowded) offer ski paths for all skill levels, including safe routes for kids.

When you’ve exhausted your ski legs, head back to Arachova proper for its culinary delicacies. The very dark red Mavroudi (a.k.a. “black wine”) is justly famous, as are local dishes including kontosouvli (rotisserie-cooked pork with vegetables), trahana (pasta soup), and formaela cheese. Nightlife-loving travelers will also appreciate the town’s many bars and dance clubs.

Delphi’s snow-blanketed ancient sites

About 7.5 miles (12 kilometers) west of Arachova lies Delphi — both the ancient ruins and modern town. It’s a perfect contrast to the sometimes overwhelming atmosphere of Arachova: there’ll be some tourists, but fewer than in any other season.

This makes for a perfect opportunity to visit the Apollonian temple where the mythic oracles of Delphi (a long line of priestesses called Pythia) lived for nearly 1,000 years. In addition to the temple complex, the ruins feature multiple “treasuries” (buildings in honor of battle victories), a stadium, a gymnasium, and a theater. You’ll also want to visit the beautiful, partially restored Tholos of Delphi about a mile away, as it’s tourist-saturated every other season.

The best places to visit in Greece during spring

Thira: an iconic island without the crowds

Whether you call it Thira or Santorini, this Cyclades island ranks among Greece’s most popular destinations in summer and early fall. But in late April and early May, you can enjoy all the Santorini amenities (including those that shut down in winter) and the iconic black-sand beaches — alongside few other tourists.

Gorgeous as the beaches are (especially at about 70 degrees Fahrenheit/21 Celsius), they’re hardly the only attraction. The island’s active volcanic aspects make for awe-inspiring viewing, from the caldera running between Fira and Oia and the ash remnants covering Akrotiri’s ruins. Oia, meanwhile, is well-known for its blue-domed buildings, art shops, and restaurants. Lastly, capital city Fira features an exciting blend of historical sites and bustling nightlife.

Read more: The best Greek islands to visit

Crete: outdoor exploration and awe-inspiring ruins

Greece’s most popular island only calms down in winter (when nothing is open) and the shoulder seasons. Visiting in April or early May gives you ample opportunities to enjoy Crete’s natural wonders: stunning beaches (Voulisma, Falasarna), austere mountains (Mount Ida and the Dikti Mountains), the Amari Valley, and more.

Numerous Minoan ruins (particularly Knossos, Malia, and Petras) are among Crete’s biggest historical attractions. Knossos’ popularity is well-earned, as (thanks to some restoration) it’s one of the most complete Bronze Age sites in Greece. On the modern cultural side, various spring celebrations like the Flower Festival showcase Crete’s rich unique folk music, dance, and fashion.

Corfu’s emerald greenery and Venetian charm

While Corfu retains its status as an Ionian gem year-round, a spring visit allows you to enjoy its remarkable beauty without feeling cramped.

Daisies, wildflowers, and countless other plants will just have bloomed to accompany the evergreen cypress, cedar, and oak trees. Hikers can explore Mount Pantokrator in peace alongside locals rather than tourists. History and architecture enthusiasts will appreciate Corfu’s distinct Venetian influence, showcased notably at Palaio Frourio and throughout the UNESCO-recognized Old Town.

Like Crete, Corfu is a cultural hub for music and the arts, both of which factor into the island’s astonishing Easter festivities. Also, the fresh seasonal ingredients mean Corfiot food is at its peak, including pastitsada (pasta accompanied by beef or chicken), slow-cooked sofrito veal, and tomato-and-egg strapatsada.

Read more: Discover the most beautiful places in Greece

Make it happen

Whether your heart’s set on a specific season or you plan to visit everything mentioned in this Greece travel guide (and more) across several trips, our local agents will help you realize that dream. With intimate knowledge of the best places to visit in Greece and all these have to offer, our travel experts can ensure your trip uniquely reflects your interests, so get in touch with them today.