Do Greek Islands Close in the Off Season/Winter - What to Expect | Greece Travel
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- čas přidán 12. 10. 2021
- Do Greek Islands close? I get asked some variation of this question almost every week now that the tourist season has ended in Greece. Here is what to expect from a Greek island vacation in the off-season or winter.
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Really good advice. Thank you.
Thanks! You’re welcome!!
Thank you for your imformation about Greece.I really appreciate it.
You’re welcome!
Lovely country worth visiting in every season 💙
I agree! It is pretty mild in most parts unless you go to the mountains to go skiing.
Hi Tiffany just a word to say I have been in Greece since Aug 1. Been busy taking care of of taking care of of the new property registration. I did manage to go to Andros, my family island and also Amorgos. It was beautiful, you must go. I still follow you weekly. Going back to the states Oct 30.
I hope you have enjoyed every minute. I’m glad you made it to Andros and Amorgos. Thanks for watching and have a safe trip back!
Thanks for the video I’ll be arriving the third week of March first time and so excited. 😀
You’re welcome! I hope this helped. Are you going to an island?
@@agirlandherpassport yes unfortunately it’s a quick trip 3 nights in Athens and one in Santorini. Thank you
That is a quick trip! But better than none I guess.
I just got back from a week in Milos and Athens. Saw the 10 day forecast was rainy so last minute added my raincoat and rain paints (normally what I take for Scotland) and they were a godsend. We still had plenty of sunny and warm pockets of weather in between - just had to be willing to go with the flow and adjust clothing accordingly. There were plenty of hotels and restaurants open,but definitely not as crowded which was amazing. No wait times! But others were closed and my hotel mentioned end of October being the time they close for the season. I also grabbed the last boat tour around the island after another company had cancelled on me saying they were closing the season early. It was one of my fav parts of the trip and allows you to see a good chunk of the island not accessible by road. Parts of the boat day were cloudy and on the arrival back I had my raincoat on to help with the chill from the wind. The water was swimmable. I kept hearing from the locals it was cold but I’m used to swimming in Midwestern lakes which in the height of summer are cold so for me it was ok temperature wise. I didn’t stay for hours in the water but enough to take a dip at the various beach areas. For Athens I had two days. one sunny warm day - took advantage to see the Acropolis, stadium, temple to Zeus. The next day was strong thunderstorm from 9am-8pm. I wore the rain pants and jacket plus hiking water shoes (my feet were wet all day but at least the water didn’t get trapped in my shoes). At one point we got a flash flood alert on our phone and took cover in a small shop while we watched a river of water wash away wares from some of the stalls. It lasted for about 1 hour but when we left there was significant high water on the streets. All this to say - your mileage may vary so just stay flexible. Going forward I would recommend late September as the best time to go. Plenty of spots open, less taciturn weather, water warmer but without so many crowds. Also we didn’t hike but every time we walked a lot I thought - ugh I can’t imagine making this walk in 80-90 degree weather.
Thanks so much for sharing your experience. September is the best month in my opinion! Glad to hear you are coming back.
Thanks for responding to my fb comment , am here watching it is informative am here to stay ok see you later
You’re welcome! Hope this helped
Greece is awesome in the winter. Get your swimming out April-August and you’re right, the hiking, beach walks, and authenticity of it September-March is the best. Thanks for posting!
It is definitely a nice time to be here!
September is more summery weather than April-May
Usually it is. I have seen it be hot in May! This year was hot in May.
Greece has ski resorts on the mainland, so during winter you can ski in Greece
And they are in beautiful towns!!
Winter in Greece is very nice, sit by the fireplace, go mushroom and snail picking, go for a hike, read books, watch old great movies,on dry sunny days beachwalks and a find a nice cheap taverna to eat and at night hear the wind howling and rain falling while you drift away! I love Samos!
It is nice here and so many less people!
Appreciate your effort that went behind in curating this video ! Planning to visit Greece ( primarily Santorini, Mykonos & Athens) in first week december, is it a good time ?
Thanks. Not for those islands. They will be very quiet by then.
HI, I am planning as well to go to santorini and athens during the same time. what are your thoughts? can you share your itinerary? I will be travelling from India.
During winter in Greece, especially in northern Greece there is lots of snow, there are 25 ski resorts in Greece. Greece is very mountainous during winter I prefer going to the mountains, during the summer the islands are amazing, from December to February the islands experience strong winds regularly, and rainfall, occasionally it does snow on the islands like in January 2022 it snowed on Mykonos and even on Rhodes at sea level. The sea temperatures in southern Greece is cool 16c, northern Greece cold 9c
Greece is beautiful at all times of the year. I prefer the summer though. I have been here for three winters and two there has been snow in Athens!
@@agirlandherpassport yes summer is the best, but I like the 4 seasons the beauty of the snowfall in the winter, it snowed a lot more in Greece that in England this winter, the beautiful sunny hot summer with the refreshing sea
@@miltiadisorfanidis7489 I heard that. Crazy winter we had. I am ready for spring to arrive soon and then summer!
Thank you for the informative video. Is last week of February advisable to visit Athens, Mykonos and Santorini, what will be the status of Restaurants, hotels, ferries, flights?
You're welcome! Mykonos and Santorini will be very quiet and cold. The ferries and hotels on the islands will be limited. February is probably the coldest month in Greece.
This video was super helpful! My boyfriend and I will be headed to Greece at the end of the month through November. We will be stopping in Crete for a couple days, but the majority of our trip will be in Athens. I guess my one question is, should I pack for colder or warmer weather? A bit of both??? Anyway, thank you, love your videos!
I’m so glad to hear that. There will be some difference between Athens and Crete so bring layers. It won’t be cold yet but the mornings are evenings will be. It’s a tricky time of year to pack for.
I would suggest checking the 10 day forecast closer to your trip and including more warm or colder weather layers as needed. I just got back today and I had planned for 65-75 degree weather (light jacket one pair of pants and rest shorts skirts). A couple days before I saw there was more forecasts for thunderstorms and 70s-57ish weather so I switched out light jacket for a rain coat, switched out one of my shorts for leggings and that worked well.
This is good advice. It is still raining too. While the weather is variable the forecast is usually okay. It might not rain even it says it might but better to be prepared
Hi Thanks for the information - I am planning to visit Santorini in December. Would I be able to get ferry from Athens to Santorini 2.Fira or Oia where would be the hotel available in december? 3. Would there by any night life in December ?
You’re welcome. There will be a ferry but probably only a slow ferry. I don’t think there will be any hotels open in Oia but Fira will. It will be very quiet as Santorini is very seasonal so not much happens in December. Your choices to eat out will also be limited as many places close in the off season.
Hi Tiffany, I plan to arrive Athens by 1st November and wish to spend a few days in Santorini. Which hotel or villa would you recommend us (we have 8 adults)? Appreciate very much your recommendation. Are all the shops closed?
I would not recommend Santorini at time of year as it will be cold and windy there then. Most shops and restaurants will close by the end of October. You may not even find a hotel in certain parts of the island that is open.
I just booked a trip with my wife from Nov 1st to the 9th. We’re flying to Athens and wanted to take the ferry to Mykonos then Santorini and then back to Athens. Do you know if there were any ferries available in November? And also what other islands you recommend if not Mykonos and Santorini for off-season? Thank you!
There will be but probably only slow ferries. You could fly but no much will be open. I would suggest Crete, Syros and maybe Naxos. Hope that helps
So much good info! We are looking to visit Greece this October 14-19. We want to visit an island but don’t want to go to one that is empty. What island do you recommend that has the most tourists and places still open at this time? Or would you recommend just staying on the mainland? Thank you!!
Thank you! Naxos is a good option as it’s more popular. Syros and Crete as they are larger and have more year round activities. The mainland is always a great option. What are you looking to do?
@@agirlandherpassport we are looking to experience as much Greek cutler and history as possible. Not so much a beach vacation but would love the option to enjoy the beach one or two days.
Crete would cover all of that! Tons of culture and history plus beaches.
Thanks for this. We will be in Santorini Oct 21-25 then going to another island after this. I was thinking Crete or Mykonos. Which would you recommend? We just love to explore and try the food if this helps. Thanks!
You’re welcome! What are you looking to do? Mykonos may be very quiet by then so Crete may be better option. And it will be warmer there.
Sorry! Just reread your comment. Definitely Crete. Mykonos is more of a see and be seen kind of place with nice beaches. Crete has tons to explore and amazing food.
@@agirlandherpassport "see and be seen kind of place", that's a pretty good description
Thanks! People do say it’s a pretty island thought but I am not sure what there is to explore other than beaches and windmills.
Crete is a larger island and doesn’t shut down, throughout winter.
Anyone been in Crete at the start of March? Can you swim comfortably?
HELP! Looking to go to Greece in winter month of November the week before and of Thanksgiving. What island are best to book hotel?
It will be pretty quiet by then. I suggest Crete or Syros. They will have more things going on. Crete will be warmest at that time.
Great video! Thanks
At the end of March still being off season, in your opinion do you think there is enough open to see/do in Santorini and Athens for a vacation? I've heard it's a good time in terms of less crowds...
Thanks! Athens there is always things to do. Santorini probably not and it will be cold then.
@@agirlandherpassport thanks for that info. Do you think there is a better island option for visiting toward the end of March?
You’re welcome. Crete is the warmest option at that time of year with more to do. Syros might also be good as it is the capital of The Cyclades islands
@@agirlandherpassport thanks for the advice! I greatly appreciate it 🙏
You’re welcome
Hello and thank you for all of this info! We are trying to plan a honeymoon to Greece either October 1-14 or 7-21 of this year. A combination of Athens and islands including Santorini and 1 or 2 others, but on the islands we would want to be able to swim and spend a lot of time outdoors. Do you think that one week will make a difference in terms of weather and closures, etc.? Thanks!
I would go earlier if possible as it can be chilly then and things will start to close in October.
@@agirlandherpassport Thanks -- earlier than both dates, you mean? If we have to go in the second window, how much of a difference do you think it would make?
No, October 1-14 is good. I think you won’t want to swim in the second half especially if you aren’t used to cold water. There will be less options for food as well. Hope this helps!!
Hi there I am planning to go to Greece for my honeymoon in feb, as of now I only plan to visit santorini and Athens but I am worried because it’s offseason.
Santorini will be very quiet. Most things will be closed in Oia. It is also cold in February and in Athens it snowed the last two years.
I’m going in December yolo
I don’t think you will regret it. It will just be a different experience.
As most of Greeks do, Greece during winter is not about islands at all. During winter Greeks visit the mainland, so one advice for the tourists who come from abroad..Forget the islands and try the mainland. You would be surprised..
I would say visit the mainland in summer too! It will be less busy than an island and usually the sea isn’t far away.
Hi i plan on going to greece last week of april through may4 am i going at a terrible time? I really wanted to emjoy swimming at a greek island
The water may be a bit chilly. It depends on what you are used to. It will be warm out but the water doesn't catch up for a while. The earliest I have ever swam is June.
WHAT ABOUT CRETE? DOES IT EVER GET COLD? AND ALSO WHATS THE MOST VIBRANT CITIES IN WINTER IN GREECE LIKE FUN etc
What about Athens is it very cold and humid?
We r planning to visit Greece (athens,santorini and mykonos) in Oct 1st week.. Will the restaurants, beaches or may b any activities closed or not?? Is it advisable to visit at that time??
Yes, they should be. Not everything will be open on Santorini and Mykonos but enough.
Hi Tiffany! Planning to visit on May 14 to30, is the water warm enough for swimming? Thanks.
It depends on what you are used to. If you frequently swim in colder water then you will be fine. If not, probably not. The sea is the warmest in September.
@@agirlandherpassport thank you Tiffany! I am from Canada so May will be the perfect weather for us, but we’re used to the warm water in the Mayan Riviera . We might have to change our dates to Sept. then. BTW, I love your videos. Thanks for the great info.
You’re welcome. The water will definitely feel cold then. So happy to hear that! Thanks
We are planning to visit Greece in 1st week of November. Which island would you suggest would be open and economical?
I would suggest Crete as it is going to have more going on in November.
Hello, I will come Santorini from 20-27 Nov then go to Naxos and I bought the ferry ticket already. And I will go to Mykonos from Naxos on 29 Nov but I cannot find any ferry on that day!! Could you tell me how can I go to Mykonos from Naxos? Thank you very much!!
In the winter the ferry schedule is reduced and there may not be a ferry from Naxos to Mykonos that day. It could also be that the schedule hasn't been released yet.
OK! Thank you very much!
@@agirlandherpassport
@@dondon.channel You're welcome!
👍🏾
I am planning to visit around 25th march 2024, will things be open around that time ???
Not a lot and a it depends on which place you are going to. Orthodox Easter is also much later this year so things will open later than usual.
Are you having to deal with the rain like they are on the mainland?
We did! Thunder and lightning too.
is it sea warm enough for kids to swim around Rhodes island in the beginning of November?
I haven't been there but I was looking at the sea temps for today and it is about 27.7 degrees so it may not be warm enough in November.
@@agirlandherpassport thank you! i only visited Rhodes in September, and it was super good for swim, so i might need to pass it for November
You’re welcome
🙏😊
😊😊
You can swim in the winter some days
Locals can but people who aren't used to cold water are probably not going to want to swim.
Is going at the beginning of January recommended?
Not really. It will be cold and windy.
Hi again, can I sunbath in Santorini next week xx
Possibly. Looks like it might still be cool and cloudy but that could change.
@@agirlandherpassport It has been warm enough to relax in the sun, however the nights have been cool. Not good for me, the fool who did not pack anything long sleeved lol
Oh no! We do have fall here. Might be time to by one during the good sales
@@agirlandherpassport I got one today in Fira. Have a lovely rest of week and thanks again for your fantastic vlogs x
@@stephenparslow7964 Glad to hear it. Stay warm. Thank you!
Are the waters in Naxos warm?
Depends on your definition of warm! Lol. It also depends on where you are on the island.
@@agirlandherpassport i guess warm for your standards. I am at about the same lat and i find it just fine. I don't usually swim in winter.
I don’t swim in the winter. I have swam in October but not later than that.
Hey, what about the month of may? Mid to late may
The seasonal things start to open in mid May so you should be fine.
@@agirlandherpassport thanks, to be honest I’m more worried about the weather being good and the ferries running, I’m looking to do island hopping for two weeks, and mostly just want to do exploring around the islands and some beach time, not too fussed about the restaurants and bars etc.
The weather is usually nice by then and ferries will run. It would take a lot of wind to cancel them and this isn’t the time of year for it.
@@agirlandherpassport good to hear! Thank you very much for the info!
You’re welcome!!
Greece having 8 months of summer.
The greek islands have been inhabited for thousands of years and home to the Aegean civilisations? Who would ever ask this question lol
Many people do!
You are crazy if you visit islands at winter !!! Only athens in winter time....