Visiting Greece in the fall or even winter? Now that’s a question many of you keep asking, and rightfully so. Most travelers know about Greece’s famous summers, charming islands, and endless blue seas. But here’s the secret: Greece has so much more to offer once the summer crowds head home.

Welcome to “All About Greece”, a new column which is part of  “TO BHMA International Edition Travels Greece With You” series aiming to answer all your questions and introduce you to this wonderful country we call home and you call vacation!

One thing I can say with certainty: fall and spring are the new summer. Tourism data released earlier this month shows that more travelers are choosing off-season trips. Why? Fewer crowds, fairer weather, better service and yes, friendlier prices.

In many ways, Greece feels more welcoming in the fall. And that is one of our best-kept secrets.

You’ve seen the amazing beaches and the whitewashed island villages on Instagram and TikTok. But have you ever seen Greece in autumn?

The Weather: Just Right

The National Garden of Athens.

Many of you are concerned about the weather. Well it’s ideal. Not too hot, not too cold. You can definitely still swim and enjoy the beach, and exploring ancient ruins and outdoor archaeological sites is far more comfortable.

Average daytime highs in September and October hover between 29°C (84°F) and 24°C (75°F), with evenings around 20°C (68°F). From October onward, temperatures in the day reach about 20°C (68°F), colling down to 13°C (55°F) at night.

Of course, weather varies by region. Southern Greek islands like Crete and the Dodecanese isles, enjoy much warmer weather well into late fall. So does the Southern Peloponnese on the mainland.

What to Do in Greece the Fall

Olive harvest in Greece begins in the fall.

Another concern travelers have is whether there will be things to do in the fall. Open-air festivals may be less frequent, but autumn has its own surprises in store.

Fall is when we pick apples on Mt Pelion. It’s when grand events take place celebrating the year’s grape harvest. Many wineries open for tastings and also offer wine stomping experiences on their vineyards.

Fall is when places like Crete and Kozani in Northern Greece hold their famous “kazanemata”, when locals distill the popular spirit raki (Crete) or tsipouro and hold traditional parties with lots of song, dance and food celebrating this year’s output.

Fall is also the beginning of the olive harvest with many towns and villages in Central Greece and the Peloponnese also hosting traditional feasts celebrating the harvest as well as offering olive picking experiences not to mention extra virgin olive oil tastings.

Fall is when many mountain villages host their annual chestnut festivals, and you’re bound to find many mushroom happenings also.

Greece Off Season: Another Kind of Beauty

So autumn in Greece isn’t just about festivals and harvests, it’s the perfect mix of adventure and culture. Hiking fans can explore the Zagori region, with its stone villages and golden fall colors or dare the exciting trails on Mount Olympus. For the more laid back types, Mount Pelion offers the perfect blend of forest, sea, and traditional village life. For city and culture lovers, October brings the Athens International Film Festival, while the world-famous Thessaloniki Film Festival kicks off this year on October 30 and both are the perfect excuse to dive into Greece’s creative scene.

5 Things to Know Before Visiting Greece in the Fall

The famous stone bridge of Kokori (or Noutsou) in the fall in Zagori, Greece.

✓ Pack layers, bring a light raincoat and windbreaker so you’re covered in all types of weather.

✓ Choose your destination based on what you want to experience: sea and sun? Pick an island like Crete or Kefalonia. Want to do some hiking and site-seeing, go for the mainland: Kastoria, Nafpaktos and Arcadia are great places to do just that plus the fall colors there are amazing!

✓ Book ferries and flights early in September. Routes to the islands and schedules are cut down. And always book a return ticket.

✓ Fall months are the best for photography, hiking, visiting museums – fewer crowds and less heat.

✓ It gets darker earlier, so if you want to enjoy the sun and the beach, start earlier.

So there you have it! Yes, you should definitely visit Greece in the autumn. It’s Greece on a whole new level!

* Have questions about Greece? Send them to Maria Paravantes at mparavantes@tovima.com