Autumn in Greece is a season of transformation—when summer’s relentless heat gives way to cooler days, the tourist crowds thin out, and the landscape becomes alive with colour and harvest celebrations. While Greece is known worldwide for its summer appeal, the months of September through November present a lesser-known but equally captivating side of this Mediterranean country.
Whether you’re drawn to its ancient history, scenic islands, or delicious cuisine, visiting Greece in autumn lets you enjoy all these treasures in a calmer, more intimate setting. With fewer crowds, a wealth of cultural festivals, and the perfect weather for outdoor adventures, autumn is the ideal season to explore Greece.
One of the greatest advantages of visiting Greece in autumn is the weather. After the sweltering heat of July and August, autumn brings a welcome relief. In Athens, temperatures in September average around 25°C (77°F), with mild evenings that are perfect for strolling through the city. As October and November approach, the weather cools further, making it ideal for activities like hiking, sightseeing, or enjoying an outdoor café.
Even on the islands, the weather remains warm and inviting well into October. The Cyclades—including popular destinations like Mykonos, Santorini, and Paros—are still bathed in sunshine, though without the oppressive heat or crowds of summer. You can still swim in the Aegean Sea, relax on the beaches, or take a boat trip without feeling overwhelmed by tourists. As the day cools down, you can explore the winding streets of villages or sit back and enjoy the breathtaking sunsets that paint the skies over Santorini.
For those visiting northern Greece or more mountainous areas like Meteora, autumn is the ideal season for hiking and nature walks. The vibrant autumn colours are on full display, with forests turning to shades of red, orange, and yellow. In Zagori, for instance, you can explore the stunning Vikos Gorge, one of the world’s deepest gorges, under the crisp, cool autumn skies—perfect for avoiding the summer heat and enjoying nature to its fullest.
If you’ve ever visited Greece in summer, you know that it’s not unusual to face long lines at famous landmarks like the Acropolis in Athens or to find the beaches packed with visitors. But autumn brings a much different experience. With the bulk of summer tourists gone, you have the freedom to explore at your own pace.
In Athens, you can wander through the ancient ruins of the Parthenon or the Ancient Agora without feeling rushed, allowing for a more immersive experience. Explore the National Archaeological Museum—home to some of the most important artefacts from ancient Greece—without the noise and chaos of large groups. The Acropolis Museum, with its spectacular views and exhibits, feels far more intimate when you’re not navigating crowds.
The islands also take on a slower, more peaceful rhythm. Popular destinations like Crete, Rhodes, or Corfu are still open to visitors, but without the congestion of summer. You’ll find quiet beaches, open tables at the finest tavernas, and friendly locals who have more time to engage in conversation, share stories, or offer recommendations. It’s an opportunity to experience Greek hospitality in its purest form.
Autumn in Greece is also festival season, with numerous cultural, food, and wine events celebrating the local harvests and traditions. If you’re visiting in September, you’ll be able to experience the Athens International Film Festival. Held annually, this festival showcases the best in Greek and international cinema. It’s a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of Greek filmmaking while attending screenings and discussions across some of the city’s most iconic theatres.
The end of September and early October is also grape harvest season, and nowhere is this celebrated more than in the wine regions of Greece. Nemea, located in the Peloponnese, is one of Greece’s most important wine-growing regions. Its annual Wine Harvest Festival is a lively event where you can participate in grape stomping, attend wine tastings, and enjoy local food and music. Visitors can also head to Santorini or Crete, both famous for their vineyards, where autumn is the perfect time to sample the region’s fresh wines and learn more about the winemaking process.
October is also the month of Oxi Day, a national holiday celebrated on October 28th, commemorating Greece’s refusal to yield to fascist Italy during World War II. In Athens and across the country, this day is marked with military parades, patriotic events, and cultural performances. It’s a time when Greeks come together to honour their history, and visitors can experience the national pride and festive atmosphere that pervades the streets.
For food lovers, autumn offers a bounty of seasonal ingredients, and local food festivals reflect this richness. In northern Greece, particularly around the region of Metsovo, the Mushroom Festival celebrates the wild mushrooms that grow in the region’s forests. Visitors can taste fresh mushroom dishes, go on guided foraging walks, and learn about the role these earthy delicacies play in Greek cuisine.
If you love the great outdoors, Greece in autumn is the perfect time to explore its stunning natural landscapes. While summer is often too hot for hiking or long excursions, autumn offers cooler temperatures and vibrant scenery that make outdoor activities more enjoyable.
For hikers, there are countless trails to choose from. The Menalon Trail in the Peloponnese is one of Greece’s most famous hiking routes. This 75-kilometer path winds through the mountains and traditional villages of Arcadia, offering stunning views of the autumn foliage, river valleys, and stone-built houses. Along the way, hikers can stop in in small villages like Dimitsana or Stemnitsa to enjoy a meal at a local taverna and soak in the local hospitality.
If you’re looking for a truly epic adventure, consider hiking Mount Olympus, the legendary home of the Greek gods. Autumn is one of the best times to climb this mountain, as the cooler weather makes the ascent more manageable. The views from the summit are spectacular, offering vistas of northern Greece’s coastlines, valleys, and forests.
For those who prefer to be on the water, autumn is still ideal for sailing and boating. The winds of summer have calmed, and the seas remain warm, making it a perfect time to explore Greece’s many islands by boat. Sailing in the Aegean or Ionian Seas in the autumn is an unforgettable experience, with empty beaches, peaceful harbours, and gentle breezes accompanying your journey.
Autumn is a time of abundance in Greece, as local produce and fresh harvests shape the menus at restaurants and tavernas across the country. As the weather cools, the food becomes heartier, with traditional dishes featuring seasonal ingredients like pumpkin, chestnuts, wild mushrooms, and pomegranates.
Visitors in autumn should try the classic Greek dish giouvetsi, a baked dish of lamb or beef with orzo, served in a rich tomato sauce. Another autumn favourite is moussaka, made with layers of eggplant, potatoes, and minced meat, topped with béchamel sauce and baked to perfection.
In rural areas, particularly in Crete and Pelion, this is also the time for olive harvesting. Visitors can participate in olive-picking experiences, learn about the olive oil production process, and taste freshly pressed olive oil—a key ingredient in Greek cooking. Freshly harvested olives are paired with bread, cheese, and local wine for an authentic and delicious Greek culinary experience.
Greece in autumn is not just a destination—it’s an experience that combines the best of the country’s weather, culture, cuisine, and natural beauty. It offers the rare chance to explore famous historical sites and natural wonders without the usual summer crowds, allowing for a more personal and immersive experience. The pleasant temperatures, vibrant festivals, and local traditions ensure that every corner of Greece comes alive in its own unique way during the autumn months.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply someone looking for a peaceful retreat, Greece in autumn promises an unforgettable journey that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
