If you’re dreaming of sailing up to the shores of a timeless Greek Island, knowing the best time to visit Greece will ensure your daydream becomes a welcome reality. Whether you’re into beaches, hiking or sightseeing, there are months you’ll not want to miss and months you’ll want to avoid.
Sourcing the right accommodation will also guarantee you the perfect escape. Rather than feeling cramped in a small hotel room, spilling out into the privacy of your own exclusive villa is what legendary Greek holidays are made of! Our Greek vacation homes invite you to savor a holiday, where you call the shots. Embrace the freedom that comes from a self-catering stay and enhance your vacation with our luxury concierge services.
Knowing the best time to visit Greece
New to Greece? Athens on mainland Greece makes for a super year-round destination. If you’re hoping for good weather without the summer crowds, head here in the spring or fall. You’ll enjoy Athens at your own pace, with plenty to see and do and ideal temperatures for exploring.
Beachgoers heading to the Greek Islands will find late May to early October the best months for swimming, sunbathing and lazy beach days. The hottest months are July and August, whilst the sunniest months are from May to October. Active holidaymakers into sightseeing and hiking will enjoy exploring Greece and its Islands from late April to early November.
Many groups and families will find it difficult to avoid the pricey high season months of June to early September. Happily for them, there is a consolation prize. This is when the Greek Islands are at their best! Certainly August is the busiest month in Greece, so you may want to avoid this month if you can.
Honeymooners traveling to Greece tend to prefer the months of June and September. These two months offer wonderful weather for romantic beach days and sightseeing trips, without the crowds.
In fact you’ll also find many of the Greek Islands pleasant to visit from April to June and from September to November. In particular, Santorini and Crete make wonderful winter destinations. Firstly, this is because there are plenty of restaurants and accommodation still open. Secondly, you’ll find hiking and sightseeing much easier to enjoy in the cooler temperatures.
Where to stay on the Greek Islands
When looking where to stay on the Greek Islands, our luxury Greek villas promise the ultimate vacation odyssey. Unwind by your own private pool and savor alfresco dinner parties, whilst enjoying all the luxury comforts of home. Read on and be inspired by some of our beautiful villa destinations in Greece.
Santorini
This iconic, volcanic Greek Island makes for a high-impact holiday destination. When finding out the best time to visit Greece and this famous Island, there are some optimum months to pick. You’ll enjoy the best boat tours here from June to September. Sightseeing meanwhile is more enjoyable from late March to June, and from September to early November.
Explore and get lost in amongst the whitewashed, sugar cube homes of the principal towns, Fira and Oia. These two iconic settlements perch high above the cliffs above an underwater crater, against the mesmerizing blue of the Aegean Sea. Take in the sunsets from Oia or from a restaurant overlooking the town. Dip into the striking beaches here, which are made up of black, red and white lava pebbles (a reminder of the cataclysmic volcanic erruption which struck the island around 1600 BC).
Those keen to sample the authentic cuisine and local wine have a wealth of options. Head out to one of the many restaurants or enjoy a scenic wine tasting session at the Santos Winery. Culture fans will relish a trip to the Akrotiri archaeological site — for the ancient ruins of Thera (dubbed the ‘real Atlantis’).
Hikers meanwhile will enjoy walking the Caldera Trail from Fira to Oia. Nearby on the neighbouring Island of Nea Kameni, you can climb to the top of the Santorini volcano. Once you’re ready to relax and switch off, head out on the water for a classic boat day.
Where to stay in Santorini
Whether you’re searching for a 2-bedroom retreat with hot tub or a 5-bedroom villa with private pool overlooking the Aegean Sea, our homes in Santorini promise a captivating stay. Choose from a host of convenient amenities, from A/C and WiFi to parking and a private home theater.
Mykonos
A popular choice with the younger set, this famous summer party Island promises good times. The nightlife is at its best from July to early September. Soak up the buzzing bars along Paradise and Super Paradise beach, or dance til’ dawn at one of the epic dance clubs — which are headlined by a throng of global DJs.
Beachgoers will relish the water sports and long hot sunny days here from June through September. The best Mykonos beaches can be found to the sheltered southern end of the Island. You’ll find the beaches of Agios Ioannis, Platis Gialos and the upscale Psarou beach club firm favorites, whilst Ornos beach is great for kids. Hikers meanwhile who love a beach day won’t want to miss out on the scenic walking trail between the Psarou and Paradise beaches.
Those seeking an Instagrammable snap should head to the row of iconic 16th-century windmills, which are perched on a hill above Mykonos town. Remember to also savor the tempting shops and enticing Mediterranean cuisine. Because let’s face it, diving into the fresh seafood and meze dining scene is really what a Greek Island vacation is all about!
Book your escape to Mykonos
Our luxury homes in Mykonos offer the perfect sanctuary. Whether it’s to recharge after a fun night out or to find a base for entertaining and exploring the Island, our exclusive homes hit the spot. From 3-bedroom to 6-bedroom villas with pools, soak up your dream Greek getaway. Choose from a host of welcome amenities, from A/C and parking to WiFi and a home gym.
Paros
For those seeking the charms of an unspoilt Greek Island, Paros will spoil you at every turn! If you’re looking to know when the best time to visit Greece is, and in particular this special gem, head to Paros from June to September. Well-known for its timeless villages and beautiful beaches, this Greek Island has it all. Lose yourself along the quaint alleys which are lined with restaurants and shops around Parikia harbour. Drink in the local tavernas and the trendy bars and clubs, or immerse yourself in the sport activities, hiking trails and sightseeing spots.
Top cultural highlights here include the Church of Panagia Ekatontapiliani, the Frankish Castle ruins and exploring the streets of Naousa (look out for the half-sunken Venetian castle)!
Water sports fans will be spoilt for choice too, with surfing, kayaking, canoeing, kite surfing and windsurfing to soak up at Golden Beach, Santa Maria and New Golden Beach (a world-class destination for windsurfing). A sure crowd pleaser without the burden of the crowds, it’s easy to see why Paros is fast becoming the alternative choice for a Greece holiday.
Find accommodation in Paros
From a 2-bedroom villa for 6 to a 6-bedroom villa for groups of 12, our hand-picked Paros vacation homes promise a scenic escape. Dive into your own private pool and select a stylish home with all the must-have features, including WiFi, A/C and parking.
Book with Top Villas
So now you know the best time to visit Greece will vary depending on your holiday plans and activities. Rest assured, whichever month you decide to stay in Greece, you’re guaranteed a first-class service with Top Villas.
Our exclusive villas with pools on Mykonos, Santorini, Paros, Patmos, Ios and Sifnos all promise a luxury vacation. You’ll find our concierge team also on hand to help enhance your stay, with a plethora of amazing travel extras.
What’s more, we make payments a breeze. Our new Affirm credit payment option* means you can spread the cost of your vacation rental over a 3, 6 or 12 month period. Simply look out for properties with the Affirm banner.
*Subject to meeting Affirm’s credit criteria. T’s & C’s apply.
Choosing our flex homes
Many of our vacation rentals also benefit from our new flex cancellation policy. You’ll be free to cancel within the specificed time for any reason, for a full refund. Alternatively, amend your travel dates for free.
To benefit from this extra peace-of-mind, reserve a vacation home with one of the following badges:
- Flex 14 – Cancel for a full refund or amend your dates free of charge, up to 14 days before check in.*
- Flex 30 – Cancel for a full refund or amend dates free of charge, up to 30 days before check in.*
*T’s & C’s apply.
