Best time to visit the Greek Islands

Best time to visit the Greek Islands

In May, on Crete, the glacial streams created by melting snow of the White Mountains meet the warmer salty sea. And all around wild flowers abound in the searing sun.

Many islands open for business around March, revving up for Easter. Orthodox Easter (Pascha) occurs a few weeks later and is a spectacular event on many islands. The best time to visit the Greek Islands for hiking is spring or autumn, as the heat is more manageable. On Ithaca in June - July there are festivals (panigiria) with local food, drink and dancing. Check out Rhodes' Valley of the Butterflies, which emerge en masse in August. April-Oct is sailing season – but beware Ionian maistros winds.

Call us for the best time to go on a Greek islands Vacation

Greek Islands Weather Chart

MIN °C

MAX °C

RAIN (mm)

JAN

103

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

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DEC

Greek Islands travel advice

Itinerary tips

Annie Antonatou from our partner Mystic Blue offers Greek Island travel advice:

“We take guests to smaller, unspoilt islands of the Aegean to show the real Greece – to mingle with locals, experience delicious food grown on the doorstep. Sailing to remote islands is a unique way to discover local producers – fresh fish from the fisherman, olive oil from a small grove or locally produced cheese. You'll experience a Greek feast with traditional island music and dancing. And discover unique Aegean wildlife. Dolphins, seals and loggerhead turtles will be sailing companions, plus land species like the Skyros’ wall lizard and Milos viper – the Aegean's unique natural wealth.”

Cultural tips

Giorgos Maltezakis:

“Our effort is to bring people closer to how local people live and interact, whether the experience involves a cooking class, olive oil or wine tasting, or a simple meal in a village square. We visit rural villages where the locals greet their guests – in the words of Nikos Kazantzakis – like 'small gods'! We visit establishments that put all their love and knowledge into the creation of traditional flavours that highlight Cretan cuisine – and its health benefits! We get to know Crete through trekking or walking the beautiful island landscape too. Crete is a place with spirit we urge people to explore and get acquainted with.”

Tips on when to go

Chantel Kyriakopoulou-Beuvink:

“The celebration of Orthodox Easter (Pascha) in Crete lets you participate in magnificent festivities unchanged for centuries. Hear hymns while the scent of incense accompanies the Good Friday procession. Next day feel the eerie atmosphere at midnight when everyone holds candles, waiting for church bells announcing Christ’s resurrection. Next comes fireworks in the church square, followed by Easter eggs and eating Margaritsa soup. Celebrate like you have never done before, with traditional dance, music - and roasted lamb on the spit.”

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Greek Islands travel advice

At Responsible Travel, we think the best people to advise our travelers are often... other travelers. They always return from our tours with packing tips, weather reports, ideas about what to do - and opinions about what not to.

We have selected some of the most useful Greek Islands travel tips that our guests have provided over the years to help you make the very most of your vacation.

good walking shoes and if you have bring walking sticks. It was possible to swim at beautiful beaches at the end of most walks so bring swim gear and sun cream. Take advantage of the opportunity to meet local people.

- Violet Holley on our Lefkada walking vacation

“Pack half of what you thought you might need; there is virtually NO storage space. Be prepared to live in the same pair of shorts and the same two tops for the whole week. Take seasickness tablets if you're so inclined, but make sure they're the not-so-drowsy type. Try new foods – we had goat and it was DELICIOUS, not what I expected at all. Make sure you can comfortably carry your luggage if you are planning on taking the bus from the airport to get to the ferry as there is a bit of a walk. Getting there in one day can be a bit of a squeeze; an overnight stay in Athens before and after the week on the boat would take the pressure off the getting there and home again.” – Carolin Sommer on our sailing vacation in the Ionian Sea

“If you wish to experience Greece and breathe its soul, then this is the tour to go on!... Be cognizant of the way of life in Greece – you will be advised not to waste natural resources (water, paper etc.)….Keep a good water proof jacket and fleece jacket handy – the weather in the mountains changes without warning – being prepared helps! Good shoes, sunglasses and sunscreen and you are all set! WiFi is available in all the places, you will be staying, but a little piece of advice from a fellow traveler – leave those phones and tablets in the room – go out there – talk to the locals, enjoy a glass of wine and hear what they have to say – you will be amazed at what you will hear and how much there is to see.” – Sarita Chitrapu on our Greece walking vacation, Naxos and the Cyclades

“If you enjoy having whole beaches to yourself, swimming in crystal clear waters with perfect air temperatures, then May is the month for you to visit the beautiful island of Ithaca. We really enjoyed escaping the hubbub and the average temperature of around 24C was perfect for our 4 year old.” – Alison Brookes Day, staying at a luxury Greek Island vacation accommodation

You won't need to take much luggage with you but take masks and snorkels we spent most of the vacation underwater. If you enjoy long distance open sea swimming this is made for you; plenty of beautiful swims in swimming pool temperature water.

- Anna Dugdale, staying in Ithaca

“Learn the phrase 'yasass', the Greek toast when enjoying the local Raki!” – Alison Crawford

“Be open for whatever happens. Things may not go according to plan and have to be changed. For me it turned out fine. Another important thing is to walk quietly, I.e.no talking. Then you can more be in the moment. Really be here and now and enjoy your surroundings.” – Erik Svanes , on a Greece walking vacation