Is it worth it to go Greece in winter when it ends tourist season? Definitely yes. What should you pay attention to when visiting this country in the winter?
At the mention of Greece, snow-white beaches and water sparkling from the blinding sun immediately emerge in the imagination. but main secret country with more than 6,000 islands is that there is something to see outside of the crazy summer season. Winter Greece is a country created for hiking among magnificent landscapes, ancient sights and bustling cities. Break your stereotypes, come here in winter and you will see Greece through the eyes of the local population.
Buzzing Athens and sleepy Peloponnese
Visiting cafes and parties in nightclubs is a common winter leisure activity for residents of the capital when they are in the city. The Athenians love both hearty and long dinners and many hours of conversation over a cup of coffee, as well as night trips to bars and Greek clubs bouzoukiah. During the day, you can visit the empty Acropolis and other ancient sites, as well as look into the National Archaeological Museum, the Museum of Byzantine and Christian Art and the Benaki Museum.
Just a stone's throw from Athens, in the Peloponnese you can enjoy one of the most amazing walks among stone walls, olive groves and ancient structures. Settle in for the night in Nafplio, a charming Venetian town on the coast. Craft workshops and boutique hotels lurk in its narrow streets, while Fugaro Cultural Center has a special program of winter events.
Islands don't disappear in winter
After the flow of tourists subsided, life on the Greek islands changes dramatically. Friendly locals are always happy to inquisitive guests. Gloomy skies and changeable weather will make nature walks even more exciting and impressive.
Corfu boasts of its old town, rich cultural life and, of course, the Palace of Saints Michael and George. In Crete, one cannot take one's eyes off the myriad mountain villages and ports of Chania and Rethymnon. On Lesbos, the olive harvest begins in October, with about 11 million trees growing here. On each of the islands you can get acquainted with local cuisine and regional recipes.
Hiking
Such large islands as Crete, Corfu and Lesvos are simply made for walking tours along the paths connecting the villages with mountain temples and the sea coast. You can also visit smaller islands, for example, on Hydra you will have to move only on your own two, because there are no cars here. Hydra's stone stairs leading from the well-preserved old harbor and earthen paths to the sea will show you the best views Saronic Gulf.
Andros Island is a hiker's paradise, as is the Zagorochoria region with the Vikos Gorge near Ioannina. Shepherd's villages filled the valleys of Zagorohorje and are interconnected by paths. The mythical Mount Olympus in the north-west of the country will also be of interest to walkers.
Deserted antique sights
Winter is best time visit all the ancient monuments of Greece, some of which are simply of cult significance and laid the foundation for modern Western civilization. At this time they are practically deserted. Be sure to add to your list the following places on the Greek mainland: the Acropolis and Agora in Athens, Delphi (home of the ancient Oracle), Meteora with the monasteries in the rocks, and the royal tombs of Vergina. In winter, the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion is exactly like the postcard pictures - this is a majestic structure towering above the desert coast.
The Peloponnese also has impressive cities. Among them are Olympia, whose name is today famous sports events, Mycenae, Corinth and Epidaurus with its huge ancient theater and healing center.
Ancient monuments are also hidden on the islands. Naxos is famous for the ruins of the temple of Apollo and the shepherd's temple of Demeter. The Aegina Temple of Aphaia guards the Saronic Gulf, just half an hour by boat from Athens. In the Minoan homeland of Crete, you can see the reconstructed Palace of Knossos with its colorful frescoes, as well as the less popular ruins of Phaistos, Agia Triada and Malia, not to mention the world famous archaeological museum in Heraklion. Completing your tour of the historical sites, explore the Venetian and other fortresses of Korfe and Nafplio, as well as the ramparts and palaces in the Old Town of Rhodes.
Winter festivals
Holidays add a special charm to the Greek winter. The coastal city of Thessaloniki hosts an international independent film festival every year in November. At Christmas, all Greek ports are decorated with lights that illuminate the coastal waters.
Holidays in Greece in winter combines many educational excursions, skiing and other winter sports. The climate of this country is quite mild, so you can spend time with pleasure. Here you can find entertainment that will appeal to different categories of people.
Weather in Greece in winter
Winter weather in Greece is not too cold. There are no significant differences here. The average air temperature in December is +10-12 degrees. Depending on the region and the winds that blow through them, it will be somewhat warmer or colder. December usually has more cloudy days than sunny days. It often rains at this time, and sometimes it snows. In the northern part of the country, snow falls more often. Here are ski resorts. There may be slight frosts at night.
The temperature in January and February is practically the same as in December. Sometimes it can be colder. Only in mountainous areas on the thermometer can show minus. In some areas at this time there are strong winds, as well as rain and snow. At this time, rest may not be very comfortable. However, it is in January that various celebrations take place in Greece, and many tourists come to visit them. Weather doesn't scare them. February is considered the coldest month.
Ski resorts
Winter in Greece is conducive to relaxation in ski resorts. Today, extreme sports are very popular, so ski resorts are developing more and more. New tracks are being built in the mountains, where you can go skiing, snowboarding or sledding. Many hotels offer guests comfortable accommodation and many interesting activities even in winter time of the year. After a day spent in the fresh mountain air, it is especially pleasant to plunge into the atmosphere of warmth and good nature.
Ski resorts in Greece are suitable for both masters in this matter and beginners. The slopes in the resorts are designed for different opportunities and are divided into several types. Thus, for beginner skiers there are special tracks "archarion". Usually it is not large (up to 200 m) and is marked in green. Here you can ride slowly and learn basic skills. The paradisos track measures about 800 m. It is marked in blue. More experienced athletes can already ride here. There is also a longer track called "Aristotelis". It will have a length of up to 1800 m and is marked in red. For masters in skiing, a black track is intended. Such designations help vacationers quickly find out what suits them the most.
The most popular ski resort among tourists is Parnassus. There are 20 tracks, each of which has its own length and difficulty. Everyone can come here from December to April. At this time of the year there is snow in the mountains and everything is conducive to skiing. You can also go to the northern part of the country - to the top of the Seli. There is a large ski center here. Despite the fact that there are 12 tracks here, they have a large length. There is also a snowboard park and 7 ski lifts. Even the locals often visit this mountainside.
Sightseeing holidays in winter
Holidays in Greece in winter can be sightseeing. There are many excursion programs at this time. They are rich and include visits to ancient cities and archaeological sites. It is in Greece that you can plunge into the centuries-old history, learn about the legends, myths and mysteries that this country is saturated with.
Greece is rich in its past, so it is suggested to visit such places as: Athens, Peloponnese, Thessaly and Crete. It is interesting to visit these places even in the winter season. There will not be as many tourists here as in summer, so you can spend time calmly and learn a lot of interesting things. Here you can see numerous temples and shrines. Even for many millennia, they have not lost their greatness. It is better to immediately purchase an excursion program, and not go on your own. In this case, you can have time to see a lot of unusual and unfamiliar things.
In winter, traditional carnivals take place in Greece. It is worth going here just to look at this fun celebration. So, in February, the carnival lasts two weeks. Every city seems to come alive these days. All residents dress up in colorful carnival costumes. Guests come here from different countries.
shopping
They come to Greece in winter and for the purpose of shopping. It can be perfectly combined with excursions. You can go to the city of Kastoria, where sales of fur coats are often held in winter. Here you can buy fur products at very attractive prices. Their quality will be excellent, because there are many factories in the district that produce all this. Thus, even in winter you can find something to do in such a wonderful country as Greece. Everyone will find a holiday to their liking here.
Winter Greece continues to be a "dark horse", and therefore in Lately we are especially active in trying to penetrate into those corners of it that may appeal to lovers winter holiday. While some of these destinations do not have a distinct seasonal focus, we relied on our own subjective taste to present our version of the top 5 Greek destinations for the winter season. Some of them are more hyped, others are less, but each of them undoubtedly deserves special attention.
Pelion - the mountains of the Centaurs
Opening the winter pages of Greece, our first stop is in Thessaly - Central Greece - not far from the town of Volos on the Pelion Peninsula. Pelion is a special place and shrouded in a haze of mythical past. These places are the birthplace of the legendary centaur Chiron, the instructor of Jason, Theseus, Achilles and even the great Hercules. It was from here that the Argonauts once went on a campaign for the Golden Fleece, and Asclepius gathered his healing herbs in the local forests. The Olympian gods often visited here, resting on the peninsula from heavy divine duties.
But these are things of bygone days. Today, Pelion in Greece is a rare outback with a great combination of sea and mountain recreation.
Arachova - Rich and famous
Located not far from, Arachova is the most promoted point of winter ski tourism in Parnassus, and, perhaps, in all of Greece. Successfully combining local flavor with modern service and technology, as well as reaping the benefits of its popularity among the Greeks, Arachova can hardly be called a cheap destination, but its infrastructure and originality fully justify the costs.
Arahova - the most famous winter resort in Greece
Kaimaktsalan - the pearl of Macedonia
Sheltered 140 km from Thessaloniki, Kaimaktsalan is considered one of the most "glamorous" places in winter Greece. This center has its own characteristics that distinguish it from similar Greek ski resorts. Thus, Kaimaktsalan is located much higher than its competitors at an altitude of more than 2 km, it is excellently equipped, and its size also allows it to be ranked among the largest in the country.
Being on Kaimaktsalan, it makes sense to make a trip to the top of the mountain to the Church of Elijah the Prophet, built by the Serbian military during the First World War. To facilitate lifting for this purpose, they even brought in a special tracked vehicle.
The central chalet also makes a strong impression on visitors. The feature of the building is the huge windows through which a delightful view of both the center itself and the surroundings opens. Sitting here with a cup of coffee and looking at, you will no doubt feel a special feeling for this place.
In total, the Center has 13 slopes of different difficulty levels, access to which is carried out using 4 lifts. So - a good place to take note of lovers of winter holidays. However, not only winter - the season on Kaimaktsalan lasts from early December to late April.
Kalavryta – Ski track with a touch of independence
Kalavryta is a winter tourism in Greece with a family focus for those who prefer to plunge into the appropriate atmosphere, but at the same time not too far from the developed urban infrastructure. It is worth highlighting separately that Kalavrit is actually two. One is a town of the same name, and the second is a ski center. At the same time, both Kalavrites are very popular with the Greeks. The first is due to historical significance, the second - thanks to the slopes oriented to skiers of all levels.
In Greece there is not only snow, but also real ski resorts
The ski center is located 14 km from the town of Kalavryta on the northern side of Mount Helmos. There are 12 tracks with a total length of about 20 km, equipped with 7 lifts. The season lasts from late December to mid-April.
As for the town of Kalavryta itself, this place is popular at any time of the year. And it's not just that it's a nice town. In 1821, in the local monastery of Aiya Lavra, the Archbishop of Patras raised the Greek flag as a sign of disobedience to the Turks who occupied Greece. This gesture marked the beginning of the War of Independence. On the anniversary of the event - March 21 - many Hellenes consider it a civic duty to come to Kalavryta in order to take part in the corresponding celebrations.
Athens - experiences regardless of the season
Thanks to the abundance of attractions and the busy rhythm of life, you are unlikely to get bored in Athens, no matter what time of the year you come here. We have already written a lot about both life and life. Of course, it is a special chic to come here for Christmas, when the capital of Greece is decorated with festive illuminations, but even outside the Christmas holidays, Athens is able to give unforgettable impressions to its visitors.
Quite often you can hear the question of where and how to relax in the Greek islands in winter. The "low" season in Greece lasts from November to March, and during this period of time there is a significant decrease in the tourist flow. And although local authorities and private companies are making significant efforts to popularize winter tourism, tangible results have not yet been obtained. The exception is the island of Santorini, whose authorities were able to increase cruise arrivals between March and November. And what about the other islands? Is it worth going?
Article navigation
Most hotels and taverns are closed
We can say that from the beginning of October to the beginning of April, the Greek islands are closed for tourism. A significant part of hotels, taverns, souvenir shops is closed to visitors. This is especially acute on small islands. But on such islands as Corfu, Rhodes and tourist life continues, although not as rapidly as in the high season.
Reduced number of ferry services
Since the Greek islands are not popular with tourists in winter, transport companies reduce the number of routes, and some routes are completely closed.
Weather: cold and humid
Usually snow in Greece is a rarity. However, January and February temperatures drop to 0 - + 5C. In the southern Greek islands, such as Crete or Rhodes, average temperature+10C and a bit rainy. But on the Ionian Islands (Corfu), rain in winter is a frequent occurrence.
The Cyclades are dominated by northern winds, which can be very powerful. Often it is because of strong winds that ferries and flights are canceled.
What to do in the Greek islands in winter?
Visiting the Greek islands in the off-season will primarily interest people traveling on their own. Most travel agencies offer holidays only during the high season, many hotels are closed, ferry service is very much reduced. Unfortunately, one of the disadvantages of resting in the off-season will be the inability to swim in the sea.
But rest in the winter season will appeal to those who are looking for peace and solitude, who want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of megacities. Rest at this time is completely different from summer: you can enjoy the measured pace of life, enjoy communicating with local residents, go hiking and observe the Greek nature.
On the islands of Ikaria and Kefalonia there are places where fans of agritourism will be invited to take part in the collection of olives, grape pressing and other agricultural activities.
Which islands to visit in winter?
Based on the foregoing, it is still better to visit fairly large islands in winter. Crete, Rhodes or Corfu would be a good choice as you can find hotels operating there all year round. And ferries and planes have daily flights from Athens.
If you need a more relaxed option, then you can try to relax in the Cyclades: Paros, Naxos or Sifnos. And Santorini will surprise you with its winter seclusion and natural beauty.
Blooming Hellas of incredible beauty
Modern Hellas, which has more than three millennia of history behind it, is compactly settled in the south of the Balkan Peninsula, occupying most of the islands of the Aegean Sea, the waves of which wash the eastern shores of continental Greece.
From the west, the territory of the state is limited by the waters of the Ionian Sea, from the south - by the Cretan and Libyan.
Many conditionally divide Hellas into three climatic zones: Mediterranean - in the south and in the center, temperate - in the northeast, and alpine, with lush meadows - high in the mountains.
Analyzing the climate of Greece, which lies in the subtropical zone, by months, we can conclude that it is tangible: in summer, tropical air masses dominate here, dry and hot, and in winter, Azores cold cyclones with rains are frequent.
But there are exceptions, for example, on February 17, 2008, a snowfall filled Athens, covering fruit-bearing orange trees, palm trees and Syntagma, the central square of the Greek capital, with a white blanket.
Greece in winter
White Tower in Thessaloniki in winter
The cold season in the Balkans is characterized by cloudy weather, rains, turning into snow in the mountains: with each rise of 1 kilometer, the atmospheric pressure decreases by 70-80 mm Hg. Art., and the temperature in winter drops by 5-6 degrees. That is why most of the mountain peaks of Greece are freed from snow only in summer.
The subtropical climate of Hellas is unique in that in winter the transfer of moderate air masses dominates here with a prevailing westerly wind direction.
Moisture-saturated cyclones coming here from the Azores archipelago "cling" the Balkans with their northern part, bringing cloudy and rainy weather.
But after such rainy days, the weather in Greece in winter pleases again: the sky quickly clears of clouds, the sun shines, and the air warms up a little.
Myths about the gods of Ancient Greece and the sights of Crete that are associated with them are waiting for you on this one.
Read about the sights of the capital of Greece - the legendary city of the goddess Athena.
December
Bopac Ski Center
The average December thermometer readings here reach 10-15 degrees during the day, and at night they drop to plus 7-13 and below, in the northeast during the day it does not exceed +10, at night from 0 to 5 degrees of heat.
In the mountainous areas, of which there are a lot in Greece, the temperature is much lower: it often falls below zero, and above 1800 meters above sea level a real winter with snow cover sets in.
For this reason, freestyle and slalom lovers flock to the local ski resorts: Falakro, Seli, Voras, Parnassus, Pigadia.
Winter in Greece is full of holidays: December 25 (Greek Orthodox Church follows the Julian calendar) all the inhabitants of Hellas splendidly celebrate the Nativity of the God-man. For this event, celebrated at the state level, the population is given the thirteenth salary, all enterprises are closed, and the Greeks generously give each other all kinds of gifts.
January
The central square of the town of Karpinisi
January weather in the Balkans differs little from December - the temperature in most of the country does not fall below zero, freezing the earth cover only at night.
During the day, the sun shines brightly, warming the air up to 10, in some places even up to 15 degrees of heat.
There are a lot of holidays this month: New Year, the day of St. John and Theophany, often referred to as Baptism.
St. Basil the Great, who is very much loved and revered here, puts New Year's gifts into shoes for children.
The second half of January is the best time for a fur coat tour and shopping. Seasonal sales at this time attract to Greece a large number of people who want to update their wardrobe with minimal cash costs. Come to Athens and Thessaloniki, and even better - to Kastoria, where there are most factories for tailoring clothes from furs and leather. Here you can get great new clothes at a big discount.
February
February weather in Greece is slightly different from January: the sun rises higher, the days get longer. Average temperature readings at night on the plains are +5-10, in the daytime +10-15, on the southern islands - up to 18 degrees Celsius.
Spring in Greece
March
spring begins
Greek weather in March sometimes surprises in the form of short-term snowfalls. The March sun warms the daytime air of the lowland regions by a degree or two more than in February.
But with the beginning of spring, the number of cloudy days and precipitation noticeably decreases. From mid-March, fruit trees begin to bloom everywhere, and by the end of the month, the country is dressed in delicate flowery, sweetly fragrant clothes.
At this time, sirocco is not uncommon in the Balkans - air mass brought here by warm sectors of cyclones formed in the Atlantic.
On the days of March, before the start of Lent, it is very good to visit Greece to visit folk festivals, taste local dishes prepared especially for Apokries, an analogue of the Russian Maslenitsa. A little later, on March 25, it will be possible to look into Athens, where, in honor of the Independence Day of Greece from Ottoman Empire a military parade is held, and festive services in honor of the Annunciation are held in all the churches of the Greek Church Holy Mother of God.
April
Holy Week in Greece
This month, the length of the day exceeds 12 hours, the sun rises higher and higher.
The temperature in April in continental Greece reaches an average of 14 degrees Celsius.
On the islands, the air warms up much more strongly, for example, in Rhodes the temperature rises to +18 and above during the day, and the water temperature in the seas of Greece begins its unhurried path to summer levels.
The amount of precipitation is noticeably decreasing, and there are less and less clouds.
Good luck will smile on those who can visit Greek churches during the April days, where at this time unique services of Holy Week and Easter are performed, which differ markedly from the Russian rites based on the Savvaite charter. The services are much shorter than in Russia, and the traditions of Holy Week and Bright Week associated with events from the Gospel are unusually original!
May
May on a Greek island
The weather in Greece in May is similar to July in Moscow: during the day the temperature is +19 +26, although on cloudy days it is noticeably lower, especially in the regions of Northern Greece, at night it rarely drops below +12.
The number of days when the sun shines brightly increases markedly, and the amount of precipitation decreases.
At this time, the most seasoned can already swim in the sea: the water temperature in May in Greece reaches plus 18-19 degrees.
Summer in Greece
June
Holiday season on the island of Rhodes
In June, a massive swimming season begins: the water heats up to 22-25 degrees, the air - up to 26-30 and above.
The nights are still cool: from +18 in Volos to +23 or more in Zakynthos.
Those who want to relax in Greece at the beginning of summer can enjoy comfortable nights and see Anfestiria - unforgettable holiday flowers on the island of Rhodes.
July August
The July and August heat for the Greeks is the norm, they take a break from it during the siesta - afternoon rest, and this tradition of the millennium is sacredly observed by the population of the country.
The temperature in Greece in summer often exceeds the thirty-degree mark already in the morning, the water warms up to + 25-27, and by the middle of the day at +40 in the sun, you can catch a heat stroke. Be careful, sunbathe during these months only in the morning and evening hours!
Greece in the summer celebrates the great "Summer Easter" - the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. And if you visit Kefalonia on August 15, you will see miracles: snakes crawl to the temple of Our Lady, but do not touch anyone! And near the miraculous icon of the "All-Holy Judge" near the Church of the Annunciation, lilies bloom on dried flower stems!
Greece in autumn
September
Parade τσολιάδες in Thessaloniki
In September, the heat weakens to + 26-34 degrees, the nights become cooler to + 15-20.
Clouds appear more often in the sky, the likelihood of cyclones from the Azores archipelago, bringing rain, is growing, but nevertheless, the weather in Greece in September bears little resemblance to autumn.
It is still quite warm, the flow of people is decreasing, and until the end of October you can feel all the joys velvet season: an abundance of fruits, berries and wines at low prices.
A lot of festivals are waiting for you these days!
On September 16-19, a pistachio festival is held on the small island of Aegina. The annual world film festival starts in Athens in the same month, wine festivals are held in many cities. Fans of English poetry should definitely visit the Byron Poetry Festival at the site of his death in Missolonghi! We can say that September is the time of all kinds of celebrations, so it is most beneficial for connoisseurs of cultural events to visit Greece in September.
October November
Voidomatis river in Vikos gorge
With the onset of October, the sky frowns more and more often, and the heat completely subsides: at night to + 14-18, in the daytime to + 19-26.
But the swimming season continues: the water in the seas has not had time to cool down, its temperature is +20-22 degrees.
In November, it rains more, the temperature drops to 12-19 degrees Celsius, and beach season ends.
In these autumn days, On October 28, you can take part in the celebration of the day "No" (Oh), which the rulers of Greece told Mussolini's fascist troops. On the second Sunday of November, the victory over the Persian conquerors is commemorated, and on the 17th of the same month, tribute is paid to the students who died in the fight against the dictatorship of the Black Colonels. This event is called "Polytechnio Day".
Greece always hospitably welcomes its guests. A long beach season and winter skiing in the mountains, an abundance of wines and fruits - all this will delight you! Even if the comfortable Greek weather suddenly frowns for a while, you will have a great rest, touching the rich centuries-old culture of ancient Hellas.
Loading...