10 reasons why Exploring Greece in October is the perfect choice:
By: Jenny Wunderle
Visitors are in for a treat when visiting Greece in October, especially if island hopping is the goal. Outdoor enthusiasts will also love this time of year for hiking, rock climbing or biking through colorful autumn landscapes and sun kissed olive fields.
Alluring turquoise waters and fewer tourists provide the perfect welcome during this 'shoulder season'. Seasonal Mediterranean cuisine can be enjoyed as well as Greek celebrations such as Οχι Day or Saint Dimitrios. Charming authentic experience are also more readily available without the crowds, like joining farmers as they gather their seasonal harvest of olives and grapes.
The idyllic combination of pleasant weather, thinner crowds, seasonal delights and unique experiences make October the perfect month for a trip to Greece.
Island Hopping
You can't go wrong sailing any of the Greek islands and you certainly won’t lack for options with up to 6000 to choose from and around 200 of those inhabited! From the iconic sunsets of Santorini to the natural beauty of Aegina and the picturesque harbor of Poros, island hopping is an incredible way to experience the beauty of Greece.
Donkey greeting at the Hydra harbor
When I traveled to Greece, I fell in love with the island of Hydra the moment I arrived. There are no cars on the island, instead donkeys greeted me along shore with brown wooden saddles against the blue Aegean. My first stop was savoring a Greek breakfast at an outdoor restaurant with a view of the Aegean. I continued exploring via foot, strolling a maze of shops and alleyways then venturing uphill hugging a field of olive trees. I climbed to the top where ancient ruins lay with years of history and wonder attached. The view of the island and sea took my breath away!
A short sail from Hydra along the east coast of the Peloponnese peninsula brings you to Ermioni Port, offering a peaceful atmosphere of cobbled paths and magnificent sunsets. Here you can relax at one of the calm pebbly beaches before selecting a seaside taverna where you can order up the fresh catch of the day.
Picturesque seaside towns dot the coastline of Greece
Poros Island is another nautical gem welcoming sailors from around the world. Be sure to savor a Greek coffee at a harbor cafe perched upon a wooden chair providing rest for your sea legs. Then go exploring the labyrinth of shops with ceramic roof tiles and colorful flowers.
Whatever the direction of your sails, fall months deliver the perfect combination of fewer yachts in harbors, cool evenings for a restful night’s sleep and smooth sailing conditions. The notorious August winds have ceased, presenting lovely conditions to sail and pleasant temperatures for exploring on foot.
2. Weather
Though summer-like heat still prevails in September especially in the south and on the islands, throughout October in Greece the weather remains delightful to immerse yourself outdoors, explore the sites, or sail the seas. Towards the end of September the weather starts to cool compared to the hot summer months, especially when night falls. Daytime temperatures are similar to the pleasant month of May, averaging about 70°F and nighttime temps often fall at a perfect 60°F.
If laying on the beach all afternoon is in your plans then you’ll also be pleased to know that the UV rays carry much less strength in October when compared to other warm beach months. As well, the chance of rainfall is still low especially towards the beginning of the month.
Finally, the temperature of the sea in October is lovely for swimming, still retaining warmth from the sizzling summer months.
3. Olive and grape harvest in the fall
Grape harvesting at a vineyard in Greece
October presents a special opportunity in southwest Peloponnese as the picking of 6,000 olive trees is done by hand, helping to create sensational olive oil. Tourists can give it a try or simply witness this time-honored tradition, returning home with a greater appreciation of Greece’s liquid gold.
Globally, Greece is one of the oldest locations wine is produced. Varied terrain from different altitudes, soil makeup and Mediterranean weather all play an important part in the diversity of Greek wines. At this time of year as grapes ripen and are harvested, local vineyards begin to press grapes. Lucky visitors may even have the chance to take a behind-the-scenes look or participate in this annual ritual!
4. Pristine Waters
The bodies of water that surround Greece with their soothing hues of blue include the Ionian Sea, Mediterranean Sea, and the Aegean. Serene coves and stunning bays dot the coastline of Greece and you just may find an idyllic beach all to yourself this time of year!
Thankfully, lovely water temperatures carry into fall following the hot summer months when sea temperatures rise, creating great swimming conditions especially from mid-September to mid-October.
Snorkeling in the waters of Greece is a delight and scuba diving is great at this time of year, even listed as the best time of year according to some experts. Grecian waters are abundant with spectacular sea life, hidden caves and a beautiful mix of serenity and thrill as you explore the underwater world.
5. Shoulder season Benefits
Typical seaside town in Greece with traditional tavernas lining the waterfront
Rates on airfare, hotels, tours and excursions decrease following the high season of summer. At this time, thinner crowds also allow more time and physical space to take in iconic ruins and historic sites such as the Acropolis, Parthenon and Delphi. Even the island of Santorini that skirts the edge of over-tourism in its busiest months experiences a welcomed respite from the bigger crowds throughout October. If responsible tourism is your goal, it’s helpful to avoid the busiest months when the strain on the environment is the highest.
As well, beaches, restaurants and other venues are less crowded allowing additional time to interact with locals and enjoy a more intimate experience. You will also find that seasonal closures which may occur in the winter months have not begun in October.
6. seasonal specialties
Baklava is traditionally made with walnuts in Greece
Greece will take your taste buds on a culinary journey as you enjoy local olive oil dabbed over a Greek salad with fresh feta. In the fall, almonds, chestnuts, pistachios and walnuts ripen and are harvested to fill the pastry sheets of their staple dessert: baklava. Nuts are used pervasively in Greek cuisine including many sweets & cookies as well as savory dishes like Skordalia, the well-known garlic spread that calls for walnuts or almonds. Many fruits ripen in the autumn too which are used to create seasonal jams, such as apple and grape.
To continue your taste buds’ tour, perhaps you’d like to sample fresh octopus at a waterfront taverna? Certainly, tzatziki is a must! Souvlaki, warm moussaka, flaky spanakopita, lamb, dolmadakia and a plethora of local olives are a few more Greek staples that will excite your palate.
Whatever graces your plate, dining at an authentic family restaurant is a treat not to be missed. Long dinners close out with a dessert wine or Ouzo poured from a fancy Greek bottle. With fewer crowds you’ll enjoy more intimate and jovial dining experiences. By the end of the evening don’t be surprised if you’ve met the entire family and become an honorary member of their village!
7. Hiking and outdoor activities
October weather is ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, rock climbing, biking or swimming. Exploring Greece on foot — even if it’s just a short hike — is a must on your travels in order to immerse yourself in the views of olive trees, changing leaves and alluring landscapes. On the mainland you’ll find mountainous terrain and beautiful forests and the islands also offer stunning scenic trails. You can hike around monasteries, through thick forests, along seaside vistas of blue waters and to ancient ruins that will fill you with wonder.
Visiting Delphi is a must for any Greek history buffs
In Athens, fall is also a great time to comfortably explore the city on foot or by bike, and make the climb to the stunning Parthenon.
Exploring the trails surrounding Delphi’s magical vistas delivers crisper air due to its mountainous elevation. The cooler temperatures will be perfect for venturing among the steep landscape and occasionally pausing to ponder philosophy at one of the most significant sites from Greece’s ancient past.
8. Landscape and vegetation in October
October brings a pop of autumn colors that illuminate the picturesque coastlines. Enjoy your morning coffee or evening cocktail from the deck of a catamaran while viewing a veritable gem of fall colors as the morning rays or dusky colors dance along the horizon. The seaside is truly brilliant this time of year with the autumn sun and calm days creating beautiful reflections of the landscape in the surrounding waters.
Autumn colors light up the vineyards in Greece
Inland, Greece is mostly mountainous with 25% of the total surface covered with forests. During the autumn, vibrant shades of red and gold add a brilliant flare to the landscape. Vineyard leaves will also change color, providing tidy rows of fiery hues to the fields and hills.
Interestingly enough, you could say that ‘spring’ in Greece really starts in the autumn with the coming of the rains after the dry summer months. Fields of Mediterranean wildflowers begin to emerge this time of year like the rich pink Cyclamen. The Peloponnese peninsula is especially known for its flowery landscapes beautifully set against blue October skies.
9. Special events and holidays in October
Learn about an important moment in Greek’s history by witnessing the national public holiday Οχι Day on the 28th of October. You’ll see Greek flags decorating buildings as well as military and student parades filling the streets. Join the celebration of Greece’s Prime Minister Metaxas saying "no" in 1940 by denying Mussolini’s request for Italian troops to cross into Greece.
Two days prior on the 26th of October, you can celebrate the feast day of Agios Dimitrios, commemorating Thessaloniki’s liberation from the Ottoman Turks in 1912. Don't be shy to join in the festivities, feasting comes with the territory in this Meditteranean culture!
10. Authentic experience
Lastly, this time of year offers visitors perhaps the most alluring experience of all: more opportunities to connect with locals. As visitors thin out in the tourism hot-spots of Greece, local life resumes its normal pace. Interactions with locals are more common when you find yourself surrounded by more Greeks than tourists, something that’s not always true in the busier months. Try learning some Greek and you’ll truly be welcomed!
Some of my most meaningful travel experiences have involved going beyond my comfort zone or any set plans in order to try something new, or venture to a recommended site alongside a local. Travel offers us a chance to be immersed in a new culture, but only if you seek out experiences with local culture that fall outside of the typical tourist agenda. Savoring cultural differences and building friendships across borders is a priceless facet of a travelers life, one that truly brings meaning to the whole trip!
Without a doubt, visiting Greece in October will leave you yearning for more. Basking in warm autumn sunlight from the deck of your catamaran with a local pour in your glass, you’ll be immersed in a moment that will transport you for years to come. Visiting in this shoulder-season month you’ll create memories of Greek hospitality and fresh seasonal fare, while feeling refreshed from idyllic hikes amidst the stunning natural surrounds.
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