A country synonymous with summer holidays, Greece’s guaranteed sun, delicious cuisine, rich history and sparkling coastline never fail to disappoint. Year after year, it remains one of the most visited countries in Europe. And while it’s not hard to see why most sun-seekers flock to Greece during the peak season (July and August), we’re firm champions of shoulder-season travelling, too. Keen to find out why? Read on for our list of reasons to visit Greece in September…
1. Optimal temperatures
2. Fewer crowds
3. Better value
4. Festivities
5. Outdoor adventures
Optimal temperatures
Unlike the scorching heat of the peak summer months, September greets travellers with those coveted ‘just right’ temperatures. Not too hot nor too chilly, Greece in September boasts pleasantly warm days (hovering around 25°C) and beautifully balmy evenings. Even better, the Aegean Sea is at its warmest in September. Reaping the rewards from enduring the summer months’ heat, the cerulean sea is primed and perfect for swimming. Come September, the infamous Meltemi winds have also subsided, so you needn’t worry about being assaulted by sand while lounging on the beach. The month also sees very little rain (another bonus). We’d recommend heading to Crete, Corfu or the Dodecanese Archipelago for the hottest September sun.
Image by Olivier Romano
Fewer crowds
We’ve all experienced swarming hordes of tourists while on our summer holidays. And while this comes with the territory (to an extent), what if it was possible to skip the crowds? That’s where September comes in. With children back to school, this time of year is off-limits to families who are restricted to the summer holidays. Not only are there fewer bobbing heads to ruin the view, but sightseeing queues are shorter, restaurants have more availability, and the general atmosphere is more laid back. Greece in September is no less charming than in the summer months. In fact, without the crowds, Greece’s rugged coastlines, quaint villages and glittering vistas become that little bit more remarkable.
Better value
Along with fewer crowds, you’ll find that prices also start dropping in September (the two tend to go hand-in-hand), so better availability and reduced hotel rates will leave you feeling smug. And with flight routes and ferries still in full swing in the shoulder season, you needn’t worry about reaching a far-flung island idyll. Ancient world enthusiasts? Greece celebrates ‘European Heritage Days’ on the last weekend of the month, meaning all archaeological sites and state-owned museums are free to visit. The unmissable sites, including the Acropolis, Knossos, Olympia and Ancient Agora, are more accessible than ever in September.
Image by Olivier Romano
Festivities
The Greeks love any excuse to celebrate (and so do we). September is no exception, making it a great month to visit the country if you like parties. For foodies, head to Aegina for the Aegina Fistiki Fest, a festival promoting the island’s famous pistachio. Sample sweet and savoury pistachio produce, along with other locally-made oil, honey and cheeses. In the mainland town of Livadeia, you’ll find festivities honouring Trophonius – a demigod from Greek mythology – which include theatrical performances, concerts and exhibitions. The Athens International Film Festival is another event for culture vultures not to miss, as well as the Rhodes International Festival for classical music and opera lovers. Religious feasts, or panigiria (usually held to honour a Greek Orthodox saint), are also common across Greece’s small towns and villages. Eat, drink and dance the night away as you soak up the festivities and raise a toast to the joys of visiting Greece in September.
Outdoor adventures
While Greece is a destination renowned for its stunning scenery and mountainous terrain, the sweltering summer heat often derails any hiking plans. Although (lots of) beach time is a necessity on a Greek holiday, in September, take advantage of the pleasant temperatures and get moving. Greece is a hiker’s paradise, from trails like Crete’s Samaria Gorge and the Corfu Trail to the vast Pindus Mountains and the tiny island of Skiathos (which boasts 26 hiking routes). Want to be outdoors without the physical activity? In between dips in the glimmering ocean and bites of flaky filo pastries, wine aficionados should visit Greece in September to catch the vine harvest. In wine-producing regions such as the Peloponnese, Attica, Crete, Kefalonia and Santorini, it’s the perfect time to sample local wines in a beautiful setting. You might even get to try your hand at harvesting the grapes.
Written by Hannah Whitehall | Header image by Olivier Romano