The Best Things to do in Greece During Autumn and Winter

Autumn and winter don’t have to dampen your holiday plans. When most travellers think of Greece, sun-drenched beaches, island hopping, and summer escapes come to mind. Yet Greece in autumn and winter is a secret treasure waiting to be discovered. As the summer crowds disappear, the country reveals a quieter, more authentic side. The weather remains pleasant well into November, cultural life flourishes in the cities, and the landscapes take on a new charm.

Whether you’re intrigued by archaeological wonders, culinary adventures, or outdoor escapes, visiting Greece outside the high season offers a fresh and rewarding perspective. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the very best things to do in Greece during autumn and winter.

Explore Athens

Athens is an incredible year-round destination, but there’s no better time to visit than in the cooler months. Without the sweltering heat of July and August, climbing up to the Acropolis becomes a far more pleasant experience. Autumn light lends beauty to the Parthenon and surrounding ruins, while winter’s crisp days often bring crystal-clear views across the city.

Beyond the Acropolis, Athens’ neighbourhoods are alive with atmosphere. Take a walk through Plaka, with its neoclassical houses, or explore Psyri, known for street art and hip cafes. In the autumn months, outdoor terraces remain open, and the prices are typically much lower than in the high season.

If that’s not enough, winter is also festival season in the capital. From December through February, Athens hosts concerts, theatre performances, and exhibitions in venues like the Onassis Cultural Center and the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center. You’ll also find lively Christmas markets and beautifully lit streets, offering a warm and festive charm.

Visit Archaeological Sites Without the Rush

One of the greatest advantages of visiting Greece outside summer is the opportunity to explore its famous archaeological sites without competing with flocks of other tourists.

• Delphi: Perched on Mount Parnassus, Delphi feels particularly mystical in the autumn, when golden leaves blanket the valley below. Walking among the Temple of Apollo and the ancient theater in cooler air is a magical experience. 
• Olympia: The birthplace of the Olympic Games is serene in winter, its ruins surrounded by green fields and olive groves. 
• Epidaurus: Famous for its ancient theater, still renowned for its acoustics, Epidaurus is best explored when you can sit quietly and imagine the plays once performed here.

Each of these historical sites are open all year round, and with far fewer visitors, you’ll have the space and time to reflect on their grandeur.

Discover Greece’s Mountain Villages and Winter Resorts

Many people are surprised to learn that Greece is not just a summer destination but also has mountains, ski resorts, and alpine-style villages perfect for a winter getaway.

• Arachova: Just a couple of hours from Athens and near Delphi, Arachova is a chic mountain town often dubbed the “Mykonos of winter.” It’s a popular base for skiing on Mount Parnassus, but also ideal for cosy weekends in traditional guesthouses with grand fireplaces. 
• Metsovo: Nestled in the Pindus Mountains, Metsovo combines stone-built houses with alpine scenery. It’s especially known for local cheese and red wine, making it a gastronomic as well as scenic delight. 
• Zagori: The Zagorochoria villages in Epirus are famous for their stone bridges, forests, and dramatic gorges. In autumn, the colours are spectacular, and in winter, the villages feel like a fairy tale. Hiking in Vikos Gorge is also an unforgettable experience.

For skiing, Greece has several resorts to choose from: Mount Parnassus, Kalavryta, and Vasilitsa are the most popular. They may not rival the Alps in scale, but they combine slopes with Greek hospitality and cuisine.

Embrace Local Food and Wine Traditions

Autumn and winter are the best times to savour the heartier side of Greek cuisine. While summer is about fresh salads and grilled fish, cooler months bring warming stews, baked dishes, and regional specialties.

• Hearty Classics: Think of moussaka fresh from the oven, slow-cooked lamb with oregano, or rich bean soups like fasolada, often described as Greece’s national dish. 
• Autumn Harvests: This is olive-picking season, and if you visit rural areas, you may even see locals harvesting olives for oil. Freshly pressed olive oil, rich and peppery, is a seasonal highlight. Chestnuts, mushrooms, and pomegranates also feature heavily in autumn menus. 
• Wine Tourism: Autumn is also grape harvest time in Greece. Wine regions like Nemea in the Peloponnese or Naoussa in northern Greece welcome visitors with tastings of robust reds like Agiorgitiko and Xinomavro.

Food festivals abound in the cooler months, from mushroom festivals in northern Greece to chestnut celebrations in mountain villages. Pairing these local experiences with cosy tavernas makes travel especially rewarding.

Explore the Greek Islands

While the Greek islands are most famous for summer escapes, they remain fascinating destinations in autumn and winter and can be easily reached by ferry to Greece. With fewer tourists and a slower pace of life, island hopping in the low season offers a more authentic experience.

• Crete by Ferry: As Greece’s largest island, Crete has a vibrant year-round life. Travellers arriving on a ferry to Crete can enjoy hiking the Samaria Gorge in autumn before winter rains close the trail, visit the ancient Palace of Knossos, or simply relax by the sea in mild Mediterranean weather. 
• Rhodes Ferry Routes: Taking a ferry to Rhodes in the off-season is perfect for exploring the UNESCO-listed medieval Old Town. With fewer crowds, the palaces, harbours, and cobbled streets feel especially atmospheric, and the island’s warm climate makes it one of the best winter ferry destinations in Greece. 
• Hydra and Spetses Ferries: Located close to Athens, these islands are perfect for a weekend break. Regular ferries from Athens to Hydra and Athens to Spetses ferries make them easy to reach even in winter. Hydra’s car-free streets and timeless charm contrast beautifully with Spetses’ elegant mansions, both offering a serene escape from city life.

Please note however that Greek ferry schedules operate less frequently in winter, so booking your ferry tickets in advance is essential.

Experience Autumn Festivals

Greece’s cultural calendar is rich even outside the summer months. Here are some events to build your travel itinerary around:

• Ohi Day (28 October): A national holiday commemorating Greece’s entry into World War II. Parades and celebrations take place across the country. 
• Christmas and New Year: Greek traditions blend the familiar (decorated trees, lights) with the unique, such as boat decorations in coastal towns and carols sung with triangles. 
• Carnival (Apokries): Usually in February or March, Carnival is celebrated with costumes, feasts, and parties, especially in Patras, home to one of Europe’s largest carnivals.

By visiting during these times, it gives you insight into Greece’s living traditions and a chance to join in the celebrations.

Practical Tips for Traveling in Autumn and Winter

Weather: Autumn (September–November) is generally mild, with temperatures varying from 15 to 25°C in many regions. Winter (December–February) can be colder, especially in the north and mountains, with snow in higher areas. Southern Greece and the islands remain relatively mild. 

Transport: Ferry schedules are reduced in winter, so always check availability in advance. Trains and buses on the mainland run throughout the year. 

Packing: Layers are key. A light jacket suffices in autumn, but in winter, especially inland, you’ll require warmer clothing and waterproofs. 

Opening Hours: Some island hotels and attractions shut for the winter, but major archaeological sites and museums remain open, usually with cheaper ticket prices.

Book Your Holiday to Greece

Greece in autumn and winter is a revelation. Far from the peak-season crowds, you’ll discover quieter archaeological sites, mountain villages full of charm, vibrant city life, and seasonal foods and festivals that reveal a different side of Greek culture.

Whether skiing in the mountains, sipping wine in a vineyard, or wandering through Athens on a crisp December afternoon, the cooler months offer richness and depth that summer often overshadows. For travellers seeking authenticity, variety, and value, Greece’s hidden seasons may well be its most rewarding.