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What Is The Best Time To Cruise The Greek Islands

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Best Time To Visit Greece

Greek Island Cruises. 10 Best Islands, Ports And Things To Do

Greece is not the same every month of the year, as its a country with distinct 4 seasons and a hot summer. The best time to visit Greece and the greek islands really depends on what you are looking for, from your holidays in my beautiful country.

A trip to Greece is completely different in the winter and in the summer, as there are different things you can do in every season. The beauty of Greece is that it is an extremely diverse country with lots of things to do any month. Greek islands like Mykonos and Santorini are probably the most famous destinations in Greece but you have to be aware of the peak season and the shoulder season of these islands as they can be swamped during certain times of the year.

The best time to visit Greece is June or September where you will get warm weather but fewer tourists in general. This does not apply to Santorini and Mykonos islands. However, as they are equally crowded even in June or September and it should be better to visit those islands in May or the end of September/early October to avoid the tourist masses. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, it is not that crowded anywhere in Greece this year so you should not worry about crowds anywhere.

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Vlychada beach in Santorini will never feel crowded as its a massive one with white sand.

VERY IMPORTANT TO KNOW:

  • Best Time to visit Greece for beaches and swimming in the sea: May to October
  • Best Time for partying, buzz, crowds: July, August, early September

Weather In Greece In September

I love traveling to Greece in September as it is the best time to visit Greece. Thats because its pleasant. Thats what wed call Greece in September. Its still warm, but the worst of the heat is over, with only the islands furthest south still being hot. The average temperature, countrywide, is 29°C. In my opinion, this is the best time to cruise the Greek islands. We hit up Paros, Naxos, and Milos in September and it was blissful.

Its not just the non-stifling heat that makes it a pleasant time to visit the tourists are mostly gone, making it a nice, almost crowdless time for a vacation.

Hours of sunshine go down pretty sharply in September. They go from around 11 in August to a mere 7 in September. Cloudy, overcast days are beginning to settle in for the fall towards the end of the month, but still theres not a lot of rain.

Best Time To Visit Greece For Good Weather

Elia beach in Mykonos is very well organized with lots of beach bars and sunbeds even in October!

The best time to visit Greece if you are looking for warm weather is any month between June and October. The temperatures during these months are the highest of the year and they can actually be boiling .

You should be very careful during that time because the sun can be very harmful if you are not protecting your skin properly or hydrating yourself regularly. if you are not used to those temperatures or you want less hot weather then you should visit Greece in May or October because the weather is definitely less hot during these months. You should also bear in mind that the weather during the winter months from November till April can be very unpredictable. You may get 25 degrees and sun or you may get 0 degrees and snow!

BUT as a rule of thumb, you should always have in mind that bad weather in Greece only lasts for a few days . in fact, every time we have terrible weather in Greece with snow or colder temperaturesits on the news!

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Weather In Greece In November

The days get a lot colder in November. Like much of Europe this time of year, its not warm, but its still much warmer than northern Europe. Daytime temperatures are around 15°C nighttime, 10°C on average.

The bright, sunny days of summer are starting to properly disappear now. Overcast skies bring increased chances of rain throughout the month. The end of November can be pretty rainy, and temperatures drop a little to around 14°C.

The most depressing part is the hours of sunshine, which fall to around three hours a day. Humidity also rises , and getting caught in a sudden downpour is not uncommon. Sea temperatures, if you love the sea, are still not cold.

When To Go To The Greek Islands

The Best Time of Year to Go on a Cruise

Kefalonia

The period between January and March is best for those looking for cheap flight tickets to their perfect activity holidays in Greece. The nearer the summer approaches, the higher the costs become. Most airlines charge more for the return leg, so it is advisable to fly in using the discount ticket and do your Greek island hopping route back to Athens, which actually serves the purpose of the trip.

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Fall Festivals And Events In Greece

With all the festivals throughout the year, its almost like fall is the time for Greeks to take a breather. There are nevertheless lots of wine festivals in September!

Thessaloniki has a two-week wine festival, for example, Corinth has a lively grape festival, and there are lots of local wine festivals in villages such as Ambelona. All to do with the grape harvest.

Santorini boasts an International Music Festival during this time of year, making it the best time of the year to visit Santorini. Here there are orchestras from all over the world performing at venues in Thera.

Ochi Day, on October 28th, celebrates Greeces refusal to let fascist Italy occupy it during WWII. Military parades in towns and cities, as well as a lot of flag-waving, are par for the course.

What To Pack For A Cruise In The Greek Islands

Its hot in the Greek Islands, especially during summer cruises. To look good but beat the heat, pack a few of Donnas favorites:

Youll find more tips in Surviving a Summer Cruise in the Mediterranean.

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Best Time For Outdoor Activities In Greece

If you are interested in activities like hiking Greeces beautiful island trails or bird watching, the best time to visit is during Spring and Autumn. The mountains and fields are filled with an array of wildflowers during spring and the temperatures are yet to get too hot for hiking throughout the day. Lesvos, Crete, and Tilos are all great for bird watching in spring. Crete is also home to some of the best walking trails in Greece, with the famous Samaria Gorge being a hotspot.

Croatia & Greece Cruise

Greek Islands Cruise with Celebrity Cruises

A cruise itinerary of only 7 nights, Croatia & Greece Cruise is considerably an economical choice to explore the European cruises. This short trip facilitates wonderful hospitality retreat besides great entertainment avenues to its guests at sea and also perfect avenues for exploration. It is an exclusively European cruise package at sea and destination exploration to remember for the lifetime.

Best Time to Sail: July August

Itinerary: Departing from Venice in Italy, Croatia & Greece Cruise package for 06 nights is worth exploring as an affordable yet mesmerising experience at sea. The destinations covered are Venice Split Athens and Katakolon.

Further Read:Visit Greece In October For A Relaxing Vacation In The Wondrous Greek Setting

Ultimate cruising options including those operating to and from the Arabian Gulf to Greek island hopping cruises often remain imprinted in the travellers minds for years. Operated by the famous ships, including the notable Celebrity Constellation, cruising becomes the perfect medium of exploring different places. Whenever you plan your trip to Greece, prepare yourself to have a luxurious experience amidst sea for a few days to ensure a memorable vacation.

Please Note: Any information published by TravelTriangle in any form of content is not intended to be a substitute for any kind of medical advice, and one must not take any action before consulting a professional medical expert of their own choice.

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Greek Island Ferry Schedules Over Autumn And Winter

Another consideration is much-reduced ferry schedules during the autumn and winter. Ferry crossings are likely to be rougher this is not so bad in the big steady car ferries, but hydrofoil and fast catamaran crossings are less suitable for rough seas. Most islands will remain connected to Athens by car ferry, but connections between islands are less frequent.

Top 5 Best Greek Islands Cruises To Take In 2021

Did you know that a great vacation boosts your energy levels and can make you both happier and healthier? For this reason, and many more, you should go on a cruise!

The Greek isles create one of the top cruise s pots in the world. The ship will bring you through a gorgeous waterway where you will see black, white, and red sand beaches, sun-bleached villages, and ancient ruins.

What are the best Greek island cruises in the world?

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  • Experience the Island Life
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    When Is The Best Time To Find Special Offers To The Mediterranean

    Similar to those trying to avoid crowds, the best time to sail to the Mediterranean for cost savings is during the shoulder seasons , when there is a slightly higher chance of rain and cooler weather.

    If youre looking for a spontaneous getaway, look for last-minute cruises to the Mediterranean. This approach can be risky if you have your heart set on a particular date, itinerary, or stateroom category, which may sell out in advance.

    Read: Best Places to Visit in September

    When To Visit The Greek Isles

    20 Very Best Greek Islands To Visit

    May, June, andSeptember are great months to visit the Grecian isles if you’re looking for nice weather but still hoping to avoid the crowds. The high season offers more ferry routes and flight options. It’s also when you’ll find the most open restaurants and beach bars to choose from, but that comes with more tourists to compete with and higher prices. Each island group has its own weather to look into Crete is warmest year-round, making it a great choice for late fall or winter. And while some islands, such as Hydra, are full of locals and see tourists year-round, others, such as Santorini, get very quiet in the off season .Here, we’ve put together an overview of each group of islands to help you plan your next Grecian adventure.

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    The Best Fall Cruises In Greece

    The big advantage of sailing around the Greek Isles by ship is that you can easily travel around the mainland coast and to several islands without the hassle of dealing with ferries, local flights, or searching for decent accommodationsthe ship is your home. And what better home than an ultra-luxurious ship such as the Seabourn Ovation, where everyone stays in a spacious suite, complimentary champagne flows freely, and you can order caviar whenever you have a craving?

    Due to the pandemic, there were only 230 passengers on our sailing, few enough to make it feel like we were on our own private yacht at times, but also a sufficient number so that we could always find at least a small dance party at night. The crew of 415 memorized all the passengers names and served up excellent selections at the sushi restaurant, aged steaks and lobster Thermidor in the ships Thomas Keller steakhouse, dishes showcasing black truffle, caviar, and other gourmet ingredients in the Restaurant, and custom-designed craft cocktails. A favorite meal was a lavish Indian cuisine buffet at the Colonnade, the vessels casual dining spot.

    Greek Isles Cruises Highlights

    • Incredible views from the cruise ship of some of the various architecture around the islands and mainland
    • Visit various wineries and taste some of the most incredible vintages that you will find anywhere
    • Visit Athens, Sparta, Santorini, and Mykonos and enjoy the various beaches that keep tourists coming each year
    • Enjoy the tepid crystal waters of the Aegean
    • Indulge in some of the most unique and delicious food that you will not find anywhere else
    • Learn about the histories and mythological tales from the locals and tour guides
    • Partake in some of the excursions that are offered to have a much more immersive experience into the culture of the area
    • Enjoy the benefits of having an all-inclusive ship so that you never have to worry about hotel accommodations during your trip
    • Enjoy any of our onboard activities so that the fun can start before your arrival at any of our destinations
    • The Greece Cruise is one of the most cost-efficient ways of visiting and touring Greece and the islands

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    Seeing Athens On Your Own From The Pireaus Cruise Terminal

    There is a new bus that leaves from Akti Xaveriou which is the main road that is in front of the cruise terminal. The X80 connects Pireaus with the Acropolis and Syntagma Square and it is an express route which means it should get you there and back pretty quickly. It includes stops at some of the most important sites includingThe Acropolis Museum , the Archaeological Museum of Pireaus, the Planetarium and the National Museum of Contemporary Art. It ends in Syntagma Square and takes about 30 minutes to get there from the cruise terminal.

    Hotels in Athens

    Most people doing cruises will need a hotel in Athens for at least one night. If you have booked a cruise with one of the Greek travel agents then this is probably taken care of. if not you can find a list of suggested hotels and reviews on my Athens Hotels Page. You can also use my Athens Hotel Search and my AthensApartment Page. If you would prefer to stay in Pireaus close to the ship see my Recommended Pireaus Hotels Page. You can see my suggestions for the best hotels all over Greece at www.hotelsofgreece.com

    Milos: Finding Nature And Beautiful Beaches

    Top 10 Greek Islands | Greece Travel 2021

    Milos is the kind of spot that excites a traveler: few crowds, mysterious landscape, incredible beaches, and the location where the famous statue named Venus de Milos was uncovered.

    Sarakiniko Beach, hands downthe most-incredible beach I have ever seen, was created by a lava flow. Mother Natures powerful winds over the centuries have eroded the coastline forming mysterious and marvelous shapes.

    Its a lunar-like white/beige landscape, or something you might see in a Dr. Seuss book. The ecru colored mounds looked like sand but remain firm, not squishy. The beach was so unusual and appealing, I have a great desire to return.

    Milos also has those quaint little Greek villages, ancient ruins, and a lot fewer people. For the moment, Milos remains a hidden gem for most Americans, but it is one I am sure you will hear more about and will want to add to the wish list. Celestyal is one of very few cruise ships that stop here, dont miss Milos.

    Explore Milos on your own:

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    When Does The Tourist Season End

    The tourist season usually starts to wind down during October, in anticipation of a shift in weather. The dates are not set in stone though and vary locally depending on the weather and flight and cruise schedules. Cruise ships stopping at big attractions such as Santorini and Rhodes carry on occasionally throughout the winter. Generally speaking, most beach towns will keep some bars and accommodation open as long as the sun is shining and people are still arriving. This can be a great time to visit as the vibe is relaxed and prices are low.

    Greek Island Cruises That Make Dreams Come True

    Cosmopolitan Greek Islands

    The iconic islands of the Cyclades are undoubtedly one of the most magical experiences in the eastern Mediterranean. With cosmopolitan architecture and clusters of iconic white-painted houses perched atop reddish-black volcanic cliffs, the exquisite natural settings of the Greek islands beckon to take you on a journey that most will only dream of. And as you meander through the charming narrow lanes, there is a pleasant surprise around every corner.

    Awe-Inspiring Attractions

    From the elaborate monument of Athens to the clifftop village of Oia and the charming medieval city of Rhodes, Greece and the Greek Island cruise Vacations of any length leave you dreaming of your next visit.

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    Travel Plans For Greecemore Resources To Organize Your Trip

    Start by heading right to my Greece travel guide for in-depth details you need to know about Greece. You can also check my post to plan a trip to Greece with children!

    Get in touch if you need extra help to plan your trip. If you want to tour West Crete, check my guide. Want more? Join my to connect with like-minded travelers who love Crete as much as you do!

    The Best Yacht Cruises For Santorini & The Greek Islands

    Pinterest: @catherinezhook

    All of these sailing tours are with G Adventures a fantastic company that offers unique boat tours of the Greek islands on 15m charter yachts. A skipper/captain/tour-guide is on the boat the entire trip. Theres a kitchen and 3 bathrooms, safety vests, and snorkeling equipment. Some meals onboard, some on land. These tours sell out quickly so book as early as possible. Dates vary by tour but most begin sailing in late April or early May and run until mid or late October.

    Yacht cruise of the Greek islands. Eat on board, swim and snorkel at private beaches, and sail around the Greek islands at your own pace.

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