Welcome everybody on our newest blogpost on how to spend your Autumn in Greece!
Autumn in Greece is when the warm summer days give way to a cooler, more colorful season. In this guide, we'll take you to some fantastic places and activities you can enjoy during this time. From the stunning landscapes to the unique cultural experiences, Greece has a lot to offer in the fall. So, grab your jacket and a cup of Greek coffee, and let's explore this wonderful season in Greece.
Where to Go in Greece This Autumn
1. Meteora
Meteora is one of the most famous spots in Greece, but it’s also one of the busiest and not so easy to get to mid-summer. So that's why we recommend visiting Meteora off-season. Meteora during autumn is like entering a magical world. It therefore is recognized as an UNESCO World Heritage Site. This magical place has tall rock pillars with ancient monasteries on top. In the fall, it becomes even more special. But before you go, here are a couple of important things to keep in mind.
Getting to Meteora Monasteries:
Meteora has 6 monasteries that you can visit all year. Five of them have stairs to climb, except Agios Stefanos, which has a bridge, making it the easiest for people with mobility issues. But keep in mind, there are no facilities for disabled visitors. The stairs in the monasteries with staircases range from 150 to 300 steps each.
Dress Code:
Meteora is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a Holy Place in Greece. When visiting, men should wear long pants and avoid sleeveless shirts. Women must wear long skirts and cover their shoulders. The monasteries offer skirts and scarves for women at the entrances but don't provide clothing for men. So, dress appropriately to show respect.
2. Zagorochoria
Visiting small villages is the best in Autumn! Zogarochoria is located in the mountains of Epirus in the western part of Greece. Here, you'll find 46 charming villages nestled in nature. These villages are famous for their old-style buildings, beautiful natural surroundings, and a rustic feel. You can plan a holiday here or take a day trip from Ioannina, which is the biggest town in the area.
Popular villages: Papigo, Mikro Papigo, Dilofo, Aristi and Vitsa
TIP:
One of the most amazing places to explore is Vikos Gorge, which is a stunning canyon. It's the second deepest in the world, just after the Grand Canyon.
3. Monemvasia
Monemvasia is one of the most romantic places you can visit. It's like a Medieval Castle Town that was built on a big rock. People built this town a very long time ago, and it's still a place where people live today. Many old houses in the town have become guesthouses and fancy hotels.
Monemvasia is a special castle town in the south-eastern part of Greece. It has a rich history because it was built to stay hidden from enemies, and you can only see it from the sea. It's connected to the mainland by a tiny pathway, and that's how it got its name, which means 'a single passage.'
4. Thessaloniki
A more popular and well-known Greek destination is Thessaloniki. It is the second-largest city in Greece, is rich in history and culture. You can explore ancient Roman and Byzantine landmarks like the White Tower, the Rotunda and Kamara. Thessaloniki offers everything, it has a beachfront, many taverns to spend your evenings enjoying traditional Greek dishes and is rich in history! A walk through the old town is the best way to start exploring this amazing location. Furthermore, it has a very convenient location. From this city you can make excursions to both northern and central Greece. That's why Thessaloniki is a perfect get-away during Autumn!
5. Greek islands
Going to the Greek islands in the fall is a great idea. In the summer, places like Santorini, Mykonos, and Zakynthos can be really busy, and it can be hard to enjoy your trip with so many people around. But in the fall, these islands are much quieter. You can enjoy the beauty and charm of these places without the big crowds, making your vacation more relaxed and fun. In this way you'll have a more personal and real experience. So, if you like a calm and easy island adventure, think about going in the fall when you can enjoy everything at your own pace.
What to do during Autumn in Greece? Check out the following activities.
1. Autumn hiking
Looking for a fun way to explore Greece during the fall season? Hiking is an excellent choice! It's a way to walk and explore the beautiful natural places in Greece, like mountains and forests.
Some top places to go hiking in Greece in the fall are Mount Olympus, which is a famous mountain with lots of trails, the Vikos-Aoos National Park, where you can see deep gorges and stunning landscapes, and the Samaria Gorge, which is a long, beautiful gorge near the sea, it is also one of Europe's longest walking trails.
But if you want more options, you can also consider hiking in places like the Pindus Mountains, Meteora, and the Peloponnese region. Greece is full of amazing places for autumn hiking adventures! So, put on your hiking shoes and get ready to explore the natural beauty of Greece.
2. Harvesting The Olive Trees
If you are seeking a unique experience between the locals in Greece harvesting olive trees is the perfect activity! Olives play a big role in the Greek diet, and their harvest is a significant event in the country. The olive harvest is a cherished tradition in Greece, happening from October to late November. During this time, people gather to pick olives from the trees, and it's a time of coming together and celebrating this essential part of Greek culture and cuisine.
3. Rafting
For those who love adventure and being in nature, rafting is the perfect outdoor activity for the autumn season. Rafting lets you explore Greece's mountains and rivers in an exciting way! Some of the well-known places for rafting include:
The Evinos river near Nafpaktos;
The Voidomatis river;
Lousios river;
Arachthos river;
Nestos river.
Even if you've never tried rafting before, these places have schools with experienced guides and all the gear you need to make your adventure safe and enjoyable.
Other fantastic rafting spots in Greece include the Alfios river, Venetikos river, and Aliakmonas river. These rivers offer different levels of difficulty, so whether you're a beginner or an experienced rafter, you'll find the perfect place to enjoy this thrilling autumn activity.
4. Visit a Winery
Greece is also well-known for its tasteful wines. That is why we recommend our readers to visit a winery during Autumn. It is a special experience because you cannot only taste the wines and learn about the history of it, but you also enjoy the most stunning views of the vineyards while doing this activity. Some of the most popular wineries are the following:
Santo Wines in Santorini: Visit Santo Wines in Santorini for a taste of the island's famous white wines, while enjoying panoramic views of the Aegean Sea.
Domaine Costa Lazaridi in Nemea: Discover the red wines of Nemea at Domaine Costa Lazaridi, known for its diverse wine selection and beautiful vineyards.
Kir-Yianni in Naoussa: Kir-Yianni offers a taste of the Xinomavro grape variety in the heart of Naoussa, known for its bold and distinctive red wines.
Douloufakis Winery in Crete: Experience the unique Cretan wine culture at Douloufakis Winery, where you can enjoy the flavors of the island.
Ktima Emery in Rhodes: Ktima Emery in Rhodes offers a delightful wine tasting experience on the picturesque island of Rhodes.
5. Visit Thessaloniki International Film Festival
The Thessaloniki International Film Festival takes place in the northern city of Thessaloniki every November. It's a big deal for the people living there, and almost everyone in the city goes to at least one event. This festival is a time when people come together to watch and celebrate movies from all over the world. It's a special experience for both the locals and anyone who visits the city during this time.
WHEN?
The Thessaloniki International Film Festival, is happening from 2nd to 12th November.
5. Holidays and Anniversary Events
During your visit to Greece, you can take part in some special holidays and anniversaries. On the 28th of October, there's a National Holiday called 'Ochi Day.' It's a day to remember Greece's brave entry into World War II.
Another important day is November 17th when they celebrate Polytechnic Day. It's a time to honor the students who protested against a bad government in 1967.
On these days, you can see parades, where people march together with flags and music. There are also special ceremonies and events to show respect and remember the past. It's a great way to connect with Greek history and culture.
6. Classic Marathon
The Classic Marathon is a big sports event that people from all over the world come to. You don't have to run the whole 42 kilometers; there are shorter races of 5 and 10 kilometers too. If you don't like running, you can also get a ticket to watch the finish at the famous Panathenaic Stadium in Athens.
During the race, you can cheer for the runners and enjoy the exciting atmosphere. People come together to run, have fun, and be part of this special event. It's a way to connect with sports and be a part of something big.
IMPORTANT:
Tickets for this edition have unfortunately sold out, but you can still attend and watch the excitement! For the 2024 edition, we suggest getting your tickets well in advance to secure your spot!
We hope this guide has given you some inspiration for your next Autumn trip to Greece! Have you been to any of these places before? Or perhaps you have your own favorite spots that we haven't mentioned. We would love to hear from you! Share your own experiences and photos with us on Instagram using the hashtag #travellingtogreece
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