One typically thinks of summer when Greece comes to mind and, while there is certainly much to recommend a trip to enjoy the country's gorgeous beaches, pretty towns, famous and ancient monuments, stunning scenery, outdoor pursuits, wonderful tavernas serving delicious local fare, and more during the peak tourism months of the year, it is not the only time to plan a holiday in Greece. In fact, there are lots of incredible attractions and reasons that could draw the discerning traveller to come to Greece throughout the rest of the year but, in particular, fall is an especially excellent time to visit. Not only does the landscape ripen into the most beautiful golden and russet shades, making it all the more lovely, but the beaches empty of their crowds, the weather becomes pleasant rather than sizzling, sea temperatures remain high enough for swimming right throughout the year for many locals, all sorts of activities are more appealing, harvests take place to produce incredible seasonal dishes, and much more besides...In fact, there are lots and lots of reasons to choose to vacation in Greece in the fall but these are our highlights of the best draws and the best things to see and do in the autumn in Greece.
1. Fall for Metéora's impossible looks when they are at their best!
Metéora presents one of the most stunning landscapes in all of Greece – scenery that does not actually look of this world but almost more like something from a fantasy novel. Made up of immense monolithic naturally-occurring pillars and hill-like huge rounded boulders with a cluster of six (of an estimated original number of twenty-four) extraordinary Eastern Orthodox monasteries perched on top of them, this area of Greece near Kalambaka in Thessaly is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most famous attractions in the country. With a name that means, literally "middle of the sky", "suspended in the air" or "in the heavens above", Metéora has long been considered a space for isolation and reflection and is still a pilgrimage site to this day but you don't need to be of any particular faith to admire this exceptionally picturesque part of the world. To take it in at the peak (no pun intended) of its beauty, however, a visit to the area during autumn is a good idea. With multicoloured leaves blanketing the valleys between the stacks and pillars and fog hugging the mountains, the landscape of Metéora is even more unreal in its majesty during the fall! Find a vacation rental in Thessaly today and come take in this truly extraordinary sight for yourself – it's an utterly magical and unforgettable experience.
Metéora presents one of the most stunning landscapes in all of Greece – scenery that does not actually look of this world but almost more like something from a fantasy novel. Made up of immense monolithic naturally-occurring pillars and hill-like huge rounded boulders with a cluster of six (of an estimated original number of twenty-four) extraordinary Eastern Orthodox monasteries perched on top of them, this area of Greece near Kalambaka in Thessaly is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most famous attractions in the country. With a name that means, literally "middle of the sky", "suspended in the air" or "in the heavens above", Metéora has long been considered a space for isolation and reflection and is still a pilgrimage site to this day but you don't need to be of any particular faith to admire this exceptionally picturesque part of the world. To take it in at the peak (no pun intended) of its beauty, however, a visit to the area during autumn is a good idea. With multicoloured leaves blanketing the valleys between the stacks and pillars and fog hugging the mountains, the landscape of Metéora is even more unreal in its majesty during the fall! Find a vacation rental in Thessaly today and come take in this truly extraordinary sight for yourself – it's an utterly magical and unforgettable experience.
2. Run or see the original Athens Marathon!
The capital of Athens is an ideal place to explore while on vacation in Greece and on holiday in Attica, in particular, at any time of the year but runners and sports enthusiasts alike with probably be interested in checking out the original marathon on its home turf. Famously named for the messenger who ran 42.195km from Marathon to Athens in 490BC to announce that the Greeks had defeated the Persians (and, unfortunately, died after running this distance without stopping following his participation in the battle), the Marathon was born in Athens and, as a result, this is the ultimate place to run a marathon. In fact, athletes from all over the world descend on Athens each year to do just that and it is considered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many. Taking place each November (alongside 5km and 10km races for those who are not quite ready for the 42km option), the race finishes in the Panathenaic Stadium and you can totally swing by to see the runners if you're interested but not up to actually doing it yourself. Taking place between the 13th and the 14th of November this year (2021), the original marathon is a great reason for any runner to plan a vacation in Greece this fall!
The capital of Athens is an ideal place to explore while on vacation in Greece and on holiday in Attica, in particular, at any time of the year but runners and sports enthusiasts alike with probably be interested in checking out the original marathon on its home turf. Famously named for the messenger who ran 42.195km from Marathon to Athens in 490BC to announce that the Greeks had defeated the Persians (and, unfortunately, died after running this distance without stopping following his participation in the battle), the Marathon was born in Athens and, as a result, this is the ultimate place to run a marathon. In fact, athletes from all over the world descend on Athens each year to do just that and it is considered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many. Taking place each November (alongside 5km and 10km races for those who are not quite ready for the 42km option), the race finishes in the Panathenaic Stadium and you can totally swing by to see the runners if you're interested but not up to actually doing it yourself. Taking place between the 13th and the 14th of November this year (2021), the original marathon is a great reason for any runner to plan a vacation in Greece this fall!
3. Catch a film (or several) at the Athens and Thessaloniki International Film Festivals!
Another major event that takes place in Athens in autumn, and a reason for film enthusiasts to plan a getaway in the area in fall, is the Athens International Film Festival. Called the Nychtes Premiers (meaning Premiere Nights), the festival sees screenings of films by producers, directors, and casts to Athenians each September. Then, in November, is the Thessaloniki International Film Festival, which locals consider more important and which attracts the majority of residents to at least one event during its run. With multiple screenings in several venues in both the morning and evening, it is a great reason for cinephiles to plan a day-trip to the city if they have found a villa in Thessaly nearby and are planning on being in the area in November. This year's festival takes place from the 4th to the 14th of November, for more information and to book tickets, check out their website here.
Another major event that takes place in Athens in autumn, and a reason for film enthusiasts to plan a getaway in the area in fall, is the Athens International Film Festival. Called the Nychtes Premiers (meaning Premiere Nights), the festival sees screenings of films by producers, directors, and casts to Athenians each September. Then, in November, is the Thessaloniki International Film Festival, which locals consider more important and which attracts the majority of residents to at least one event during its run. With multiple screenings in several venues in both the morning and evening, it is a great reason for cinephiles to plan a day-trip to the city if they have found a villa in Thessaly nearby and are planning on being in the area in November. This year's festival takes place from the 4th to the 14th of November, for more information and to book tickets, check out their website here.
4. Try joining in on the harvesting grapes and olives and enjoy the spoils!
Olives and grapes are a core part of Greek cuisine as they form the primary ingredients of olive oil and wine, which are both very important to the Greek diet. As a result, you can get your hands on both throughout the year. However, autumn is when they are harvested and this is one of the most important harvests in Greece each year. September and October, specifically, see grapes harvested and this is a great time to plan a trip to a winery. You can often get very hands-on in the production process and, certainly, you'll be able to learn more about wine-making. Once you've toured the grounds and have seen how it's made then finishing the day up with a wine-tasting and some purchases is the ideal way to cap it off. As for olives, harvest takes place typically from mid-October until late November, from the north to the south. Many grove owners are more than willing to let you try participating and, again, then you can stock up on some delicious Greek olive oil to bring home with you once you can understand and appreciate the product more! A vacation rental in Peloponnese, in particular, means easy access to lots of lovely olive groves. Of course, there are lots of other seasonal products and dishes to try out throughout the country in fall. If you have found a villa in Crete, be sure to check out the delicious raki jam made locally, for example.
Olives and grapes are a core part of Greek cuisine as they form the primary ingredients of olive oil and wine, which are both very important to the Greek diet. As a result, you can get your hands on both throughout the year. However, autumn is when they are harvested and this is one of the most important harvests in Greece each year. September and October, specifically, see grapes harvested and this is a great time to plan a trip to a winery. You can often get very hands-on in the production process and, certainly, you'll be able to learn more about wine-making. Once you've toured the grounds and have seen how it's made then finishing the day up with a wine-tasting and some purchases is the ideal way to cap it off. As for olives, harvest takes place typically from mid-October until late November, from the north to the south. Many grove owners are more than willing to let you try participating and, again, then you can stock up on some delicious Greek olive oil to bring home with you once you can understand and appreciate the product more! A vacation rental in Peloponnese, in particular, means easy access to lots of lovely olive groves. Of course, there are lots of other seasonal products and dishes to try out throughout the country in fall. If you have found a villa in Crete, be sure to check out the delicious raki jam made locally, for example.
5. Hiking, climbing, and getting active!
The wonderful landscape of Greece is full of excellent outdoor pursuits and much fun is to be had throughout the country no matter when you visit. However, the slightly cooler and less intense but still warm weather of the autumn months and the smaller tourist crowds make getting out and getting active in Greece more enjoyable during the fall. Hiking and mountain-climbing options are endless but some especially great examples include: the 16km stretch of the Samariá Gorge that is a must for those on vacation in Crete; the legendary tallest Greek peak of Mount Olympus that is unmissable for enthusiasts on holiday in Thessaly; and the pretty, charming coastal trail of Skopos that anyone who has found a villa in Zakynthos should seek out. Rock-climbing, rafting, and sailing are also all ideal in the weather conditions of fall in Greece. So, if you like staying active, then an autumn getaway in Greece is ideal.
With so much to see and do across Greece, in general, and such particular charms on offer during the fall, there can be no doubt that it makes for a perfect vacation destination over the coming months. Be sure to browse our villas in Greece and plan your trip today to make the most of this most excellent time of the year!
The wonderful landscape of Greece is full of excellent outdoor pursuits and much fun is to be had throughout the country no matter when you visit. However, the slightly cooler and less intense but still warm weather of the autumn months and the smaller tourist crowds make getting out and getting active in Greece more enjoyable during the fall. Hiking and mountain-climbing options are endless but some especially great examples include: the 16km stretch of the Samariá Gorge that is a must for those on vacation in Crete; the legendary tallest Greek peak of Mount Olympus that is unmissable for enthusiasts on holiday in Thessaly; and the pretty, charming coastal trail of Skopos that anyone who has found a villa in Zakynthos should seek out. Rock-climbing, rafting, and sailing are also all ideal in the weather conditions of fall in Greece. So, if you like staying active, then an autumn getaway in Greece is ideal.
With so much to see and do across Greece, in general, and such particular charms on offer during the fall, there can be no doubt that it makes for a perfect vacation destination over the coming months. Be sure to browse our villas in Greece and plan your trip today to make the most of this most excellent time of the year!
Photo credits
Picture 6: Dimitris Eleftheriou / CC BY-SA 4.0
Picture 6: Dimitris Eleftheriou / CC BY-SA 4.0