“During low season, international flights to Greece are much cheaper (usually 30 to 50% off),” they say, “and hotels in main cities such as Athens and Thessaloniki offer attractive rates.” On the Greek islands, most hotels and resorts close for the off-season. But if you find one that’s staying open, they will likely have lower-than-usual rates and offer significantly better value.
When is peak season in Greece?
Peak season in Greece typically runs from mid-June to early September. “However, we can safely say that this period has extended from early June to mid-end September in recent years,” say the folks at Curated Greece. “This is when the weather is warmest, and both tourists and locals take their summer holidays and flock to the popular islands and cities, making it the busiest time of year for travel.”
During this period, destinations like Santorini, Mykonos, and Athens are at their most crowded; hotels and flights are often fully booked, as are ferries. Prices for accommodations and services are also at their highest during this time. A summer in Greece is more than worth it—just be ready to spend accordingly.
How many days are enough for a trip to Greece?
If you’re visiting Greece for the first time, try to go for about seven nights for a mix of city and island experiences. “With a week, you can comfortably explore Athens in two or three days, spend a couple of days on one or two islands like Santorini for iconic views or Mykonos for beach time and night life, and possibly include a day trip to a key mainland cultural site like Delphi or Meteora,” as suggested by Samanta and Ramanathan. If you have extra time, an additional stop on the mainland or another island, such as Crete or the Peloponnese, can provide further depth, from archaeological wonders to beautiful natural landscapes.
Liadis offers a helpful reminder about factoring in travel time: “I don’t recommend less than three nights on any island because a good part of the time is spent transferring from island to island. There are flights that connect to the islands via Athens, but the ferry system is reliable and convenient.”
As someone visiting Greece for the first time, what are the must-visit sites?
When visiting Greece, most international travelers will pass through Athens, which is a must-see for its blend of ancient landmarks and modern vibrancy. Liadis recommends visiting both the Acropolis (where you can see the iconic Parthenon) as well as the Acropolis Museum to learn all about the site; and Samanta and Ramanathan suggest “the neighborhoods of Plaka and Monastiraki for lively streets full of traditional tavernas and local markets,” where you can experience all types of Greek cuisine. Day trips to sites like Delphi, if you have the time, are also fantastic stops.
