From early on the evening of Monday, June 29, dozens—and in some areas hundreds—of people across Greece gathered to witness the enchanting June full moon, the first of the summer, commonly known as the “Strawberry Moon.”

Nafplio Strawberry Full Moon | June’s Full Moon (Strawberry Moon) (Papadopoulos Vasilis / EUROKINISSI)

Although the lunar phenomenon reached its peak brightness in the early hours of Tuesday, the full moon appeared already complete and strikingly luminous at its rising on Monday night. Its size and brilliance left a strong impression as it climbed the sky.

In Thissio, in the heart of Athens, crowds of all ages assembled well before nightfall—or paused their evening walks—to admire and photograph the imposing full moon, which seemed to cast an even more radiant glow over the rock of the Acropolis.

June Full Moon | The Strawberry Moon in the Sky over Argolis (Papadopoulos Vasilis / EUROKINISSI)

The June full moon was particularly remarkable due to the optical effect known as the “lunar illusion.” When the moon sits low on the horizon, it appears significantly larger than when it is higher in the sky. In reality, its size does not change; the effect is purely perceptual, created by the way the human eye interprets its position and surroundings.

Nafplio – June Full Moon | The Strawberry Moon (Papadopoulos Vasilis / EUROKINISSI)

Despite its warm and evocative name, the Strawberry Moon does not typically take on a vivid pink or red hue. On occasion, however, when it is close to the horizon, it may appear slightly reddish or amber-toned due to atmospheric conditions filtering the light.

June Full Moon | The Strawberry Moon in the Sky over Argolis (Papadopoulos Vasilis / EUROKINISSI)