Traveling to Greece in October is a great opportunity to enjoy all the delights of the passing summer. Mid-autumn is rich here on sunny days and even more fruits and vegetables. Read on the Tour Calendar about the weather and holidays in Hellas this month.
Weather in Greece in October
The arrival of October throughout Greece is accompanied by a noticeable decrease in average daily temperatures. From the third decade it is felt more and more clearly autumn mood weather. This is expressed in more frequent precipitation, stronger winds and dampness. The sky is often cloudy, which prevents you from getting a guaranteed tan. Unpleasant for vacationers natural phenomena can happen at the beginning of the month, so regardless of the dates of your trip, make sure you have insulated clothing. However, there is little to complain about, because during the day the temperature consistently exceeds +20°C. In Athens and the Peloponnese, October last years It is turning out to be quite warm, although the increasing number of cloudy days and cool nights foreshadow a quick cooling. With approximately 5-8 rainy days expected, an umbrella becomes a must-have accessory.
Halkidiki Crete Santorini Athens Thessaloniki Rhodes Corfu Heraklion Kos
During the month, the temperature drops from +26°C to +21..+23°C, and after sunset the air cools down to +17..+20°C. In the northern regions, precipitation rates also increase sharply. During daylight hours, the forecast here is from +15°C to +19°C. After sunset, the earth is not able to retain heat, and evening walks are only possible with a light coat or jacket. On the islands where the Mediterranean type of climate predominates, at lunchtime the air warms up to +23..+25°C. Closer to night it rapidly cools down to +15..+16°C, and at Ionian Islands- up to +13°C.
What to do in Greece in October?
The instability of October weather is partially compensated by the absence of huge crowds of tourists and reasonable prices. Mid-autumn is definitely one of the best periods for a thorough exploration of ancient cities and immersion in culture Ancient Greece. All possible excursions are available, but their cost is somewhat reduced in the competition for tourists.
Beach holiday
In October, the coastal part of the country slowly loses its former attractiveness, beach season is approaching its inevitable end. The resorts become very spacious. I would like to say that a trip in October solely for the sake of the sea and sun is a certain risk, since the weather behaves very unpredictably. It often rains, the wind increases, raising high waves and driving cold waters to the shore. Where you definitely shouldn’t go, according to most experienced tourists, is the northern coast of the mainland, the Peloponnese Peninsula and the Athens Riviera.
The optimal choice is the eastern part or. There are more chances for swimming, of course, in the first ten days of the month, when the water temperature is about +23..+24°C; by the last days the sea cools down to +22°C. On windless, dry days you can sunbathe and swim in the still warm water.
But the evening cool no longer allows us to continue beach holiday. However, there is no need to rush home. Be sure to admire the sunset. They say that there are no sunsets like those in Greece anywhere else. Its contemplation is breathtaking even for pragmatic and experienced travelers. The pre-sunset sun on Crete and Santorini is especially delightful. Boat trips in October they are often disrupted due to storms, so if you really want to enjoy the picturesque scenery from the water, you will have to be patient.
Entertainment and excursions
Greece is not only the owner of luxurious beaches, but also the owner of a vast layer of historical and cultural heritage. Some of the monuments are so old that it is hard to believe that they managed to survive to this day. Many of them are under the protection of UNESCO. In October, acquaintance with world cultural heritage in Greece takes place in a very comfortable environment. If the sights were not accessible, then in the middle of autumn the situation was calmer. The country of ancient legends and myths opens its true face. When planning your leisure time, you should take into account that in October changes begin in the ferry service schedule and in the operation of public transport. In this regard, we recommend that you be careful when booking hotels on the islands and carefully consider your excursion route. You can't go wrong if you include Meteora, Thebes, Athens and Delphi.
Don't forget to stock up on vitamins before coming winter, eating local seasonal fruits: grapes, dates, figs, pomegranates, pears and apples. The national cuisine will also delight you. Traditional Greek dishes include fresh vegetables, herbs, soft cheeses, lamb and seafood. Deserves special mention alcoholic drinks. Excellent wines, brandy and good aniseed vodka are prepared here. By the way, the average bill in restaurants and eateries in October is significantly less than in October, so you won’t have to save much on food. October is the time to start picking green olives; if you wish, you can purchase a fresh harvest of these tasty and healthy fruits. If we're talking about shopping, let's say a few words about souvenirs. Most often, beautiful icons, rosary beads, elegant alabaster figurines, lace and ceramics are brought from Hellas. In October, the activity of a number of entertainment establishments is curtailed. Nightlife in the capital and resorts is no longer as noisy as in summer. So you shouldn’t hope for grand parties. Although this does not make the holiday boring, because the second month of autumn is rich in numerous cultural events.
Holidays and festivals
Among public holidays in October - Okha Day, celebrated annually on the 28th. It is dedicated to the memory of the Greek Resistance during the Second World War. The main celebrations take place in Athens. These include military parades and music concerts. In addition, the city traditionally hosts the “Russian Autumn in Greece” festival, consisting mainly of exhibitions of Russian artists and theatrical performances. In Thessaloniki, the end of October is also remembered for St. Demetrius's Day - heavenly patron northern capital.
The program of this holiday includes lush carnival processions, performances by famous artists and tasting of young grape wines. In Gythio (southern Peloponnese), the Fishermen's Festival takes place at the beginning of October, and in the middle of the month, a large-scale Chestnut Festival is held in the Cretan village of Elos.
What are the prices for holidays in Greece in October?
Massive in October tourist season is coming to an end, which leads to a slight decrease in the cost of hotels and tours (approximately -30%-40%). Prices for October tours are more reasonable.
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How to relax in Greece in October on your own
Have you already decided where to go in Greece in October? For an independent trip you need:
In the middle of the autumn period, the velvet season is coming to an end, and with it the swimming season. The water, of course, is still relatively warm, but nature is increasingly capricious, and no one can guarantee an impeccable beach holiday at this time. However, despite the negative aspects, in general the October weather is quite good. At least, compared to Russia, for which light frosts and piercing icy winds are typical this month. Tour-Calendar wishes you a great holiday in Greece!
The onset of autumn is not the end of the holiday season. If you didn’t have time to relax in the summer, you can still catch the velvet season in October in Greece. Rest at such a time has its own nuances and advantages. Let's talk about this in more detail.
Holidays in October
Greece in October is very attractive to tourists in many ways. At this time, the velvet season, which began with the arrival of September, is still ongoing. Both of these months are wonderful for holidays for those people who do not like heat or simply cannot tolerate it for health reasons, and you can also have a great time with small children.
When vacationing in Greece in October, you can safely go sightseeing that is inaccessible in summer due to the intense heat. Not everyone will want to go on a bus excursion in the heat. And autumn is the best time to see a magnificent country, rich in historical monuments and simply beautiful places.
In October, a number of holidays are celebrated in Greece, which everyone can take part in. In Thessaloniki, on the 26th, local residents celebrate the Day of St. Demetrius, who is the patron saint of the city. Services are held in churches in honor of him. And on the 28th, the whole country celebrates Okha Day. Military parades, celebrations and demonstrations are held in the capital and in Cyprus.
Shopping also remains relevant in the fall. Seasonal discounts in stores will give you the opportunity to buy a lot of good things. Shopping is especially good in the big cities of Greece.
When going on vacation in October, it is still worth taking light jackets and closed shoes with you to be prepared for the vagaries of the weather.
Weather in Greece
With the arrival of autumn, the temperature in Greece begins to gradually drop, and precipitation sometimes falls in the north of the country. But the weather is still favorable for relaxation. It is not for nothing that the country is very popular among Russians until the end of the season. Late autumn It begins to rain actively throughout the Mediterranean. However, the weather on the Greek islands has its own characteristics. Northeast winds from the mainland dominate here, thanks to which the rains are delayed until the beginning of winter.
The weather in Greece in October is still favorable for holidays, and the sea still remains warm. You just need to have clothes in stock for any occasion. In southern Greece, the weather differs from the rest of the country due to its proximity to the North African continent. Even in winter it is dry enough here and you can relax. Temperatures in Greece in October are still consistently above +20 degrees. The average daily temperature is southern regions stays within +23 degrees. When planning a vacation at this time, you just need to choose the right resort where you will be most comfortable. Let's talk about where it is warmer in Greece in October.
Weather in Crete
Cooling in Crete, as in all of Greece, comes extremely slowly. In September the weather is not much different from the summer heat. But in October the weather is generally similar to Russian July. In Crete, easterly winds dominate, there is no rain yet, all days are clear and sunny. And on the south coast it’s generally summer. IN daytime the air temperature is + 23 degrees, and at night +17. The sea temperature in Greece in October is still around +21 degrees. Therefore, at this time you can swim perfectly.
A holiday in the south of Greece in October is quite possible. Here the temperature is always a degree or one and a half higher compared to the rest of the country. The autumn sun, although it retreats to southern hemisphere, still warms the air well. The cooling is noticeable only in last days month. But late in the evening it’s worth wearing light jackets and windbreakers.
What to do in Crete?
The first half of October on the island is good for a beach holiday, so you need to take advantage of the last warm days. The beaches of Crete are famous far beyond the borders of Greece. The beautiful coast of the island is indented with picturesque coves that are protected from the winds. It is pleasant to swim in such places even on slightly cloudy days. There are many in Crete beautiful beaches in the area of Lasithi, Chania, Heraklion and Rethymnon.
In October, various holidays are held on the island - a chestnut festival, a fish festival, and grape and olive harvest day. On such days, tourists have a unique opportunity to taste delicious dishes which are cooked only on olive oil, you can also try real Cretan wines and natural grape juice. It is no less interesting to try roasted chestnuts.
Among the most popular entertainment in Crete in October, it is worth highlighting the Cretan Aquarium, Lasithi safari, safari in the mountains of the island, cruises along the entire coast, sightseeing tours of Crete at night, trips to an olive oil farm.
IN major cities The islands of Heraklion, Rethymnon, Chania and Lasithi offer shopping opportunities. At this time, seasonal discounts are already in effect. In addition, Crete is of interest in October for lovers of diving and other sports.
One of the most impressive architectural monuments can safely be called the Palace of Knossos. It is he who flaunts on all the resort’s advertising brochures. The palace is a truly unique structure that has a long history. Inside it there are about a thousand rooms that have completely different purposes. In fact, the palace once served as the residence of the emperor and his retinue. There are many legends about the Knossos Palace that have survived to this day.
In the east of the island there is the cave of Zeus. According to legend, this is where he was born. It is quite difficult to find it from the outside; the place itself is completely unremarkable, but inside the cave amazes with its age-old beauty. While exploring these places, archaeologists discovered bronze and gold jewelry, because in the Minoan era the cave served as a religious building.
A favorite place for tourists is the Anopolis WaterCity water park. The complex was built in the open air. There are more than thirty attractions on its territory. There are slides of the most incredible designs, as well as the largest wave pool in Europe. The establishment is equipped with a green park where you can not only take a walk, but also have a picnic.
Rhodes in October
When thinking about where it is warmer in Greece in October, it is worth remembering Rhodes. Unlike the mainland region, the island is influenced by the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas, as well as Turkey's Anatolian Plateau. Therefore, rains come to Rhodes only at the beginning of November. There is a little more precipitation here than in Crete, but, in general, it does not harm tourists, so there is no point in paying attention to them. The air temperature on the island fluctuates between +23 degrees. At night it is a little cooler - +17 degrees. The water in the sea still remains warm - +21 degrees.
Since there are practically no mountain ranges in Rhodes, the weather is almost the same throughout its entire territory. October on the island is a very warm period. The sun is shining brightly, and the sea winds are still gaining strength; almost all days are clear. It is worth noting that the air here warms up on average a degree higher than in Crete, on the mainland or on the Turkish coast. In 2017, October in Rhodes can hardly be called autumn, since the temperature does not drop below +23 degrees. It is for this reason that Rhodes can be considered as one of those places where you can relax in Greece in October. After all, the weather is favorable for tourists.
In general, experienced holidaymakers believe that the islands of Greece in October - the best place for relaxation, since it is warmer here than on the mainland, and there is no rain or wind.
What to do in Rhodes
The temperature in Greece in October gives vacationers the opportunity to soak up the beach. In Rhodes, the beach season is still in full swing. The sun is still shining brightly, so you can have time to get a nice tan and swim in the sea.
What else can you do on the island at this time? In addition to a beach holiday, there is also a lot of entertainment. In October, water parks are still open, so you can go to one of them with your family. IN autumn time they work an hour less than in the summer. In addition, such establishments are open only in good weather. Rhodes has the Wind of the Planets water park, which is one of the largest in Europe. It is located 10 kilometers from the city of Rhodes. You can also choose a hotel with a water amusement park for your holiday; there are some on the island.
Another incredibly interesting attraction is the aquarium in the city of Rhodes. It consists of 25 aquariums with a wide variety of marine life. It also houses a research center and a museum.
Adults and children will be interested in visiting the Valley of Butterflies. It is located in the town of Petaloudes, on the west coast of the island. All the butterflies in the valley resemble moths, but there are simply an incredible number of them here. This is an amazing sight. The valley is a very romantic place; there are rivers and lakes with bridges built across them. There is a natural history museum on site, where you can learn many interesting things, including why a pupa turns into a butterfly.
A trip to Mount Filerimos is very popular among holidaymakers. It was named after the monk who settled on it in the 13th century and brought an icon of the Virgin Mary to the island. An interesting fact is that initially the temple in which it was located was divided into two parts: Orthodox and Catholic. Currently, only the first part is in effect. The journey to the mountain cannot be called so easy, so you should not go on it with children.
On the island there is a large number of Orthodox shrines, so tourists tend to go on the “Orthodox Heritage of Rhodes” tour.
It is very educational to visit the Acropolis in Lindos. The city has a history of more than 3 thousand years ago. On the territory of the historical complex you can see the acropolis, ruins Christian temple, remains of the walls of a knight's castle.
In the city itself, you should definitely see Mandraki Harbor, the Castle of the Grand Masters, the Rhodes Fortress, the Suleiman Mosque and the old part of the city. Rodini Park is very beautiful, which is considered one of the oldest parks on earth. It was built at one time by the Romans. Surprisingly, even at that time there was running water on the territory of the park complex.
There are a lot of historical sights in Rhodes and just beautiful places that are worth seeing.
Santorini in October
The island of Santorini is a beautiful picturesque place. Holidays on it cannot be called cheap. The high season here ends in September, and October is still quite suitable for swimming and sunbathing. The average air temperature fluctuates between +24 degrees during the daytime and +21 at night. And the sea has not yet cooled down, so swimming in it is very comfortable (+22 degrees). The islands of the Santorini archipelago are known for their spectacular landscapes and landscapes. It is for this reason that in summer time A large number of tourists come here. But in October it is much calmer here, so you can calmly stroll along the cobbled streets and take wonderful photos as a souvenir.
Kos Island
The island of Kos is not very suitable for a holiday in October, unlike the previously listed islands. The weather at this time is already unstable, there are also temperature changes, and sometimes it begins to storm. And at the same time, good sunny weather is quite likely, which will give the opportunity to swim in the sea, since the water has not yet cooled down. And the air temperature in October fluctuates between +24-26 degrees.
Greece in October: prices for tours
Greek resorts are always popular. Trips to Greece in October are no less in demand than in September. The fact is that prices drop significantly in the fall. Even elite establishments offer more affordable options for tourists. In mid-autumn a very likely option budget holiday at a beautiful resort.
The cheapest tours to Greece in October, for example, to Rhodes, can cost from 16.5 thousand rubles for seven days per person, but subject to accommodation in a two-star hotel. A holiday in a five-star hotel will cost 30 thousand rubles or more. On mainland Greece, accommodation in October is much cheaper than on the islands. This is due to the fact that the weather there is cooler and rainier, which means you can no longer count on an influx of tourists. On the islands, on the contrary, you can still grab a little more sun and warmth from summer.
Summer is already behind us, and with it the unbearable heat, island resorts crowded with tourists and high prices for holidays in hotels in Greece have become history. In other words, it's time for a relaxed and affordable vacation. We'll tell you where to spend them in the summer.
Autumn-winter period - finest hour large cities and remote mountain villages of mainland Greece, where with the end of summer all kinds of festivals and carnivals start, theme amusement parks, exhibitions, etc. open. At the same time, the air temperature in the country until the end of October is quite high, as is the water temperature of coastal waters. Therefore, it is too early to write off the beach holidays for which the Greek islands are famous. However, this idyll will not last long!
So, where can you comfortably (and at least 20 percent cheaper) spend your holidays in Greece, enjoying the positive legacy of summer and avoiding the disadvantages of the high season?
On Santorini
The island of Santorini is well known to everyone for its volcano, the ruins of an ancient settlement ahead of its time in Akrotiri, snow-white towns crowning steep cliffs, blue domes of local churches and picturesque romantic locations. However, among advantages of the resort and its climatic conditions . The average air temperature in October in Santorini is 21 °C, and the sea surrounding the resort is even higher - 23 °C. In other words, it is quite possible to plunge into the crystal clear coastal waters once again, and even more so to sunbathe on the white, golden, red and black beaches of Santorini in October.
On a note: The Greek Ministry of Tourism has been actively promoting year-round holidays in the country for many years now, and the tourism authorities are doing a good job of it. The Greek islands are increasingly adopting the practice winter destinations, organizing all kinds of entertainment, cultural and gastronomic events during the low season to attract tourists. What we mean is that you shouldn’t count on the fact that upon arrival at the island resorts, local hoteliers will vying with each other to invite you to stay in their establishments, promising crazy discounts and offering a lot of free options. From autumn to spring there are, of course, significantly fewer tourists here than in summer, but in any case you should book a hotel in advance!
In Mykonos
Greece's most glamorous island, Mykonos is a party playground, whether night club, beach or central square of the island capital. However, at the resort you can find a huge number of ancient churches, traditional settlements, which the party component of the destination has bypassed, as well as cultural and historical attractions. And here you can plunge into the arms of gentle weather: average temperature air in October is 19 °C, and water - 22 °C.
On a note: Low season in Greece = low hotel prices, but low prices in Mykonos are a relative concept. We remind you that according to a study by the Greek Tourism Confederation this year
In Corfu
Green paradise - this is how you can describe the island of Corfu in a nutshell. Bougainvillea, cypress forests, endless olive and orange groves, and many other green spaces dominate the man-made landscape of this Greek resort. Corfu is also the site of a concentration of castles and fortresses of the Middle Ages, as well as the vast Orthodox heritage of Greece. However, the main attraction of this green corner of the country is the transparent, literally this word, sea waters, which you can plunge into even in the fall, fortunately the weather allows it. Like Mykonos, the average air temperature in October in Corfu is 19 °C, and the coastal waters are 22 °C.
On a note: Having chosen Corfu as the location for your autumn holiday, try to travel the entire resort far and wide, since the attractions here are scattered throughout the island. If time is short, we advise you to pay attention to our selection.
In Kefalonia
A neighbor of Corfu, Kefalonia is also an excellent option for an autumn holiday in Greece. The main attraction of the resort is its nature. We are talking, in particular, about the Melissani cave lake, which, by the will of fate, acquired a natural atrium in the mid-20th century. There are also many kilometers of formidable medieval fortresses, colorful fishing villages, stalactite caves, etc. In the summer, Kefalonia is also chosen for its magnificent beaches, headed by Myrtos. However, you can visit this wide sandy beach, located in the bay of the same name, in October. Although the air temperature here is slightly lower than on Cofrfu - 18 °C, the water temperature is slightly higher and averages 23 °C.
On a note: Kefalonia is really very beautiful and interesting island, but, unfortunately, not as much “promoted” as the same Corfu, Mykonos and Santorini. However, for fans of secluded relaxation this is a definite plus. And so that you have no doubt about the advisability of visiting this destination in Greece, we suggest taking a look at our
This concludes our list of holiday options in Greece in October. But you are sure to understand that island (and not only island) resorts offering summer-style autumn holidays are apparently invisible in the country. Rhodes, Kos, Crete, Paros, Peloponnese and a number of other more or less southern destinations in Greece will more than meet all your expectations associated with splashing in the warm sea water and enjoying sunbathing.
Thoughts about Rhodes did not let go. September threatened to bring snow. Suitcase-airport-Greece.
Where is it sunny in Greece in October?
I was very lucky. The weather was fabulous for early October. The August sun, the warmest sea, the heat is beautiful. This is rather an exception. I know that traditionally mid-autumn is much cooler. Chance of rain. I had five exceptionally sunny days. In the evening, a sweatshirt was enough. But better grab some fall things. A windbreaker or vest is a must. True, at night the balcony was closed - the coolness of the night was noticeable.
Tsambika – the ideal beach in Greece
I was on vacation in Kolymbia. Every day I went to relax on my favorite beach, Tsambika (Tsambika, Tsampika).
Russians call it Golden Sands. The beach is located not far from Kolymbia, getting there by bus is problematic, a car is preferable. People came here before from more distant resort towns. The sand is really golden, extremely pleasant. The entry into the sea is smooth, “childish”. Karapuzov - darkness even in October. The parents clearly know the secret: there is no wind on Tsambika. On the rest of the island there are already strong gusts, swimming becomes uncomfortable. All relevant infrastructure is present:
You can combine a beach holiday with sightseeing. When turning from the highway to the sea, there is Mount Tsapbika, where the monastery of the same name is located - one of the most popular in Greece. Families who want children come there. You need to ask miraculous icon Virgin Mary located in the monastery. Stored in the lower building. On the mountain top part monastery If you're driving, don't look down. The road is serpentine, not fenced with anything - scary. There are 300 steps up from the parking lot. But there are benches along the way; if you get tired, you can rest. But from above there are gorgeous views of the sea.
Despite what Greece cannot truly offer warm weather throughout the month, this month amateurs come to the country excursion holiday. After all, October is ideal for combining it with swimming in the sea.
In October, especially in the first half, the “velvet” season begins in Greek resorts. Almost everywhere it is warm and pleasant; the scorching heat has already passed and it is easy to breathe. This is a great time for hiking and mountain trekking. Picturesque mountains, mysterious rocks and caves offer excellent opportunities for automobile tourism.
Fantastic beaches with bays and straits provide tourists with unforgettable water activities. On open beaches, due to the increasing wind, they rise big waves and a real paradise for windsurfers begins. At each beach you can rent a board and receive instructions.
October is a great time for sightseeing trips and trips to museums. After all, simply lying on the beach will not always be possible due to possible rains, which means it’s time to have a cultural time and admire the sights of the country.
Greek cuisine will also please you, because it is based on vegetables, herbs, soft cheeses, octopus, poultry, and lamb. By autumn. There are also great wines, brandy, and good aniseed vodka that will brighten up any cloudy evening.
Weather
When going to Greece in mid-autumn, you need to immediately decide on your goals. If you are interested in excursions, then the whole country is open to you, where it is still warm like summer, but no longer hot and rain is not uncommon. If you need sea, sun and beach, then you should go to the southern islands (Crete, Rhodes), where at least until the middle of the month there is no smell of autumn yet.
Air temperature in Greek resorts and precipitation
- Kos +23..+27 (27 sunny days, 3 rainy)
- Rhodes +22..+27 (27, 4)
- Corfu +21..+26 (24, 6)
- Crete +24..+27 (27, 2)
- Zakynthos +22..+26 (25, 6)
- Chalkidiki +19..+24 (24, 2)
The air temperature at Greek resorts in October tends to vary greatly. One day it can be +28, and on another +22 (in the northern regions up to +18) - the reason for this is the onslaught of autumn weather with winds and rains. But for the most part, the sun is still warm, although there is no longer any need to talk about the heat.
Water temperature
- Kos +22..++25
- Rhodes +22..+26
- Corfu +22..+25
- Crete +22..+25
- Zakynthos +22..+25
- Halkidiki +20..+24
Water in Greek seas does not have the ability to cool sharply. During the month it cools down by 3-4 degrees, but until the first days of November it is still quite possible to swim.
The rains, which begin in the second half of the month, are still warm and short-lived. However, the wind becomes stronger, so sunbathing on the beach is only possible in the first half of October.