Quite often you can hear the question of where and how to relax in the Greek islands in winter. The "low" season in Greece lasts from November to March, and during this period of time there is a significant decrease in the tourist flow. And although local authorities and private companies are making significant efforts to popularize winter tourism, tangible results have not yet been obtained. The exception is the island of Santorini, whose authorities were able to increase cruise arrivals between March and November. And what about the other islands? Is it worth going?

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Most hotels and taverns are closed

We can say that from the beginning of October to the beginning of April, the Greek islands are closed for tourism. A significant part of hotels, taverns, souvenir shops is closed to visitors. This is especially acute on small islands. But on such islands as Corfu, Rhodes and tourist life continues, although not as rapidly as in the high season.

Reduced number of ferry services

Since the Greek islands are not popular with tourists in winter, transport companies reduce the number of routes, and some routes are completely closed.

Weather: cold and humid

Usually snow in Greece is a rarity. However, January and February temperatures drop to 0 - + 5C. In the southern Greek islands, for example, in Crete or Rhodes, the average temperature is + 10C and it is a little rainy. But on the Ionian Islands (Corfu), rain in winter is a frequent occurrence.

The Cyclades are in control northern winds, which may have great strength. Often it is because of strong winds that ferries and flights are canceled.

What to do in the Greek islands in winter?

Visiting the Greek islands in the off-season will primarily interest people traveling on their own. Most travel agencies offer holidays only during the high season, many hotels are closed, ferry service is very much reduced. Unfortunately, one of the disadvantages of resting in the off-season will be the inability to swim in the sea.

But rest in the winter season will appeal to those who are looking for peace and solitude, who want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of megacities. Rest at this time is completely different from summer: you can enjoy the measured pace of life, enjoy communicating with the locals, take walks and watch the Greek nature.

On the islands of Ikaria and Kefalonia there are places where fans of agritourism will be invited to take part in the collection of olives, grape pressing and other agricultural activities.

Which islands to visit in winter?

Based on the foregoing, it is still better to visit fairly large islands in winter. Crete, Rhodes or Corfu would be a good choice as you can find hotels operating there all year round. And ferries and planes have daily flights from Athens.

If you need a more relaxed option, then you can try to relax in the Cyclades: Paros, Naxos or Sifnos. And Santorini will surprise you with its winter seclusion and natural beauty.

Winter holidays in Greece! How can these seemingly incompatible words: "winter" and "Greece" be combined! How can “cold and snow”, which immediately come to mind at the word “winter”, be connected with “sun, sea and heat” at the mention of the word “Greece”?! However, in last years they match perfectly. Winter holidays in Greece with Mouzenidis Travel, the leading tour operator in Greece, are the same reality as winter holidays in the northern snowy countries.

Weather in Greece in winter

Winter in Greece is very sunny and the weather in Greece is warm in winter. The air temperature fluctuates from +6 o C at night to +15 o - 20 o C during the day. The coldest winter months January and February are counted here. The average temperature in Greece in January is from + 5 o C - 6 o C at night to +10 o C -12 o C during the day. In the coldest winters, it can drop at night to minus. Although this happens infrequently, and if it already happens, then the frosts do not last long. The weather in Greece in February is usually a little warmer, the temperature during the day is on average from +12 o C to 15 o C - 19 o C. Often in these months you can get into a real thunderstorm with thunder and lightning, which, fortunately, ends quickly . Let's clarify that we are talking about the cities of southern Greece and Thessaloniki. In the mountains, especially in northern Greece, the winter is quite severe: snow falls very early, already in November, and lies until spring. Temperatures in winter in the highlands of Greece are usually well below freezing.

Things to do?

No matter how strange it may seem to you - winter holidays in sunny Greece are very popular.

sports recreation

Almost every region of Greece has its own ski resorts, many of which are known throughout Greece: the famous Kaimaktsalan, 3-5 Pigadia, Vasilitsa, Arahovo, Kalavryta, Seli, Parnassus and Pileo, as well as many others. The picture of a Greek family - parents with children and with full ski equipment, going on a trip on an early Saturday morning, has become quite common in Greece. On weekends and holidays, all resorts are almost completely filled.

Health tours

Of course, you always have a choice between resorts in Greece and Europe. But winter Greece is not only its ski resorts. This is an opportunity to ski, play snowballs and immediately swim or take a bath in hot healing springs, which you will not have, for example, in the European Alps. This is also Athens, Thessaloniki, Peloponnese and Halkidiki, Pella and Kastoria, ancient Delphi and Olympia with their numerous monuments.

Excursion programs

Winter in Greece is a great opportunity to get acquainted with the history, culture and famous sights that this country is so rich in, which has given the world all the most valuable things that modern civilization has. This is best done in the season when it is not very hot and not cold at all. When you can safely explore all the monuments and sights, not languishing from the heat. Such weather in Greece happens in winter. During this period, there are fewer tourists in the country and no one “steps on your heels” during excursions, which happens, literally, in the summer, at the height of the tourist season.

During the wide variety of tours and excursions that the company has developed and offers, you can see the majestic Parthenon and the bright blue sky of Greece in January through the columns of the Erechtheion temple. You will have the opportunity to stay almost alone with the fantastically beautiful monasteries of Meteora and feel their extraordinary atmosphere, when it seems that you really communicate with God ... In winter, without fuss and haste, you can see the famous sanctuary of the Delphic oracle and the channel and see the snow-capped peak of Olympus, wander in peace and quiet in Pileo, where the mythical Centaurs lived, and from where Jason began his journey for the Golden Fleece and much more of your choice.

Why is it better to visit Greece in winter?

Have winter holiday in January and February in Greece and many other benefits. It is at this time that hotels are freer due to the decline in the influx of tourists. Prices for flights and tours are much lower, and service in hotels and restaurants remains at the highest level.

shopping

January and February in Greece is the best time for those who love to shop. For them, Mouzenidis Travel offers special Christmas Fur fashion tours, in which you can buy yourself the most "New Year's" gift - a fur coat and immediately dress up in it.

Special tours

IN special corporate (including exhibition) tours you will be invited to participate in the numerous and varied exhibitions that take place in Greece in the winter. You will have a rare opportunity to combine work and leisure, which will bring you not fatigue, but pleasure. And for gourmets and connoisseurs of the famous Greek wine, winter is the best time to participate in special tours prepared for them by the company, with tastings of wines, products and dishes of the famous Greek cuisine.

New Year in Greece

Those who choose winter to visit Greece with Mouzenidis Travel have another great advantage. This is an opportunity to get away from the routine and meet the most joyful holidays of the year - Christmas and New Year, in an exotic setting in Greece and "in Greek", take part in the Greek "carnival" with its main events - "tsiknopempti" and bright colorful carnivals taking place throughout the country.

If you weren't able to come to Greece for a beach holiday to soak up its warm seas if you can't stand the heat and prefer the cool, don't worry! Winter in Greece and its weather will not let you down. You have a great opportunity to relax and reward yourself for your hard work throughout the year with a truly magical week of stay in winter sunny Greece. Rest assured, you will have a great time!

We got a little acquainted with this extraordinary country and its people, who continue the traditions of the ancient Hellenes.

Visiting modern Hellas at different times of the year, you will discover it from a new side every time. Greece is a country of bright contrasts and fabulous landscapes. There is never bad weather here. Each season brings something new and interesting, so that you want to come back here again and again.

So, as you probably already guessed, today we will talk about what to see and where to relax in Greece depending on the season, which is Greece in winter, spring, summer and autumn.

In winter, Greece welcomes lovers of ski holidays. The most popular slopes are Kelaria and Fterolaka, located on the slopes of Mount Parnassus. Ancient mythology says that the muses and the god of arts Apollo lived here in ancient times, so skiing here will bring fresh ideas and emotions into your life.

Despite the decrease in temperature, in winter the climate in Greece remains mild. There are almost never frosts here. In most parts of Greece, the rainy season begins in winter, but the plants continue to please the eye with their flowering.

Indian summer comes for a few days in January and during this period small Alkeonid birds breed offspring, for which this period will be called Alkeonid days.

In addition to skiing, a variety of winter holidays and carnivals are very popular. In Greece, they last all winter from Christmas until the beginning of Lent, which is very strictly observed in this very devout country.

Carnival "Ragutsaria" in Kastoria

On January 6-8, Kastoria invites you to the carnival "Ragutsaria", dedicated to the ritual of expelling evil spirits. Everywhere they dance, have fun and try to scare each other with terrible, but very skillfully made masks. A little later, you can visit another famous festival called the “parade of lights”, which takes place in Thessaloniki, the second largest city in Greece.

Cheerful and generous Greek people will involve you in their incendiary dances, exciting games, and treat you to the glory of traditional dishes. There will definitely be no time to be bored! And the quirkiness of Greek festivals with its mixture of Orthodox and ancient pagan traditions will remind us of our Russian holidays, in particular, Maslenitsa.

In January, shopping lovers are waiting for one of the large-scale sales (the second usually occurs at the end of July - August). During this period, stores reduce prices and sell everything that has accumulated over the season. Basically, these are, of course, fur products for which Greece is so famous.

Greece in spring

Greece blooms in spring, presenting an amazing sight. A sea of ​​flowers appears already in March. Light rain is still possible. The air temperature reaches +19 С°. The sea is still cold - no more than +16 С°.

In April comes the real spring. The temperature tends to twenty degrees, flowering continues and covers even the most arid areas. Answering the question: "What to see in Greece in spring?" - it is best to pay attention to excursion tours and programs. The sun is not yet as scorching as in summer, and there is not a strong influx of tourists. This month the Greeks celebrate Easter and the arrival of spring. Festive processions and large-scale festivities cover the whole country.

Since May, the temperature has been pleasing - it is already possible to swim, but there is still no risk of burning. The most favorable climate for swimming in Greece comes in the second half of the month. And the sights can be seen, still without the risk of getting lost in the endless stream of tourists.

Greece is famous not only for its beaches, ancient artifacts, mountain trails and shopping. Flora and fauna attracts with its richness and diversity. And it is in the spring, during the flowering of plants and the construction of nests by birds, that a number of travel companies offer special tours. They pass mostly through the Peloponnese and the northern regions of the country. Lovers of ornithology and botany are a real expanse! And they will be assisted by the Greek Ornithological Society.

Also, spring is very comfortable for hiking and cycling tours. And the Pelion peninsula Greek mythology the birthplace of centaurs - can offer an excellent opportunity for horseback riding. Run-in routes will take you either on an exciting trip along the coast or to the wooded hills inland.

Greece in summer

Greece in the summer is associated primarily with beach holiday. June in this regard is very comfortable. In July, the temperature reaches forty degrees, and the water does not give the desired coolness - it is almost hot. In August, the sea monsoons begin their work to mitigate the summer heat.

The heat is especially sensitive on the mainland. The climate on the islands of Greece is milder, but also depends on their location. During this period, Crete and Rhodes are in the greatest demand. The influx of tourists, despite the heat, is huge.

Greece is famous for its beaches, because it is washed by as many as five seas - the Ionian in the west, the Mediterranean and Cretan in the south, the Aegean and Thracian in the east. Greece consists of over 2,000 islands and three peninsulas. The coastline is huge. Many beaches are marked with a blue flag for cleanliness. coastal waters. The water here is amazingly transparent, transparent, its inhabitants are visible - sea ​​urchins and curious fish. In addition, far from the coast, it is clearly visible that the Ionian Sea turns purple, and the Aegean changes from emerald to turquoise. Extraordinary beauty!

In addition, it is the Aegean Sea that is considered a paradise for diving. There is a huge number of grottoes, caves and sunken ships. Great place for underwater adventures! However, before you dive, you need to learn about the rules inherent in the area. Indeed, in some places it is forbidden to swim close, take pictures and touch underwater curiosities. And in others, diving can only be done with a group and a special guide.

Very popular different kinds water sports. In large resort towns, you can easily rent equipment for windsurfing, jet skiing, parasailing, and water skiing equipment. You can rent a yacht either without a crew (if you have the appropriate skills and documents), or with a part or a full crew. And you can move in the flotilla.

Sea cruises on ships of various comfort are also popular.

Some companies boast an unusual approach to travel. For example, immersion in the past with a walk around Athens. In the conductors you will have two actors representing the citizens of the ancient metropolis.

Extreme sports are also practiced, such as, for example, bungee jumping in the Corinth Canal.

Greece in autumn

And finally, autumn. Golden season in every sense of the word. The climate in autumn in Greece, after a suffocating summer heat, becomes mild again. In September, the temperature drops and does not rise above thirty degrees. In October, light rains and a slight cooling are possible, but the weather remains comfortable and it is quite possible to swim until the middle of the month. November kicks out from the beach, threatens with clouds, but is great for sightseeing trips to historical sights.

The flow of tourists with the advent of autumn noticeably thins out. You can slowly wander through the streets, admire the autumn colors of nature and beautiful architecture. In addition, autumn attracts with an abundance of fruits and young wine.

So, Greece is a country of great opportunities for recreation all year round. Everyone will find something for themselves. These are mountains, and immersion in the history of an ancient majestic civilization, and beaches, and shopping, holidays and carnivals, and much, much more. It is difficult not to fall in love with this country after the first visit, and it is impossible not to return here again and again. Also, the story about it will take more than one post. Very soon we will make an exciting gastronomic tour of the sunny shores of Greece. This is definitely not to be missed!

Winter is just around the corner, you can already think about winter holidays.

Greece is mainly known for its beaches and islands, but what happens to mountain beauty? If you think that Greece is beautiful only in summer, then we are ready to debunk the stereotypes.

Winter weather in Greece

When does winter come to Greece? Usually at the end of January, which resembles autumn, it is windy in February, it also happens in the first days of March. In the northern regions of Greece, snow sometimes falls. If we talk about the average winter temperature in Greece, it fluctuates around +10°C. In the central regions of Greece in November and December, short rains are observed, in the mountainous regions at night the temperature sometimes drops to -10, and the tops of the mountains are covered with snow. Therefore, you can safely go to the ski resorts of Greece.

Listed here 5 unique destinations for winter holiday in Greece:

Metsovo (ΜΕΤΣΟΒΟ)

The ski resort of Aniiliou (Ανηλίου, Μετσόβο) is a popular winter tourism center in Greece. Ski equipment can be rented here. Metsovo has a large selection of hotels, many taverns, cafeterias both in the city itself and in nearby villages. Despite the sharp increase in tourism in recent years, this Greek region has not lost its traditional character. February is the perfect month to visit Metsovo.

Pelio (ΠΗΛΙΟ)

Pelion is beautiful at any time of the year, but the period that can really enchant is winter. December is one of the best times to visit Pelion and discover the picturesque villages, also because of the Christmas holidays and winter period. Everything around creates a fabulous atmosphere. Near the ski resort of Agriolefkes in Pelion, you can easily find nice apartment even during the holidays.

Kastoria (ΚΑΣΤΟΡΙΑ)

Vitsi Ski Centre, Kastoria

Parnassus can be called the most famous ski resort in Greece, a mild climate reigns here, and the service improves every year to the delight of skiers and guests of the ski resort. February is considered the best month to visit Parnassus.

Karpenisi (ΚΑΡΠΕΝΗΣΙ)

Velouhiou Ski Resort (Βελουχίου), Karpenisi

The majestic nature of Karpenisi causes delight when meeting with her. Between proud mountains and fast rivers, Karpenisi is waiting for you to understand it. March is the perfect month to visit Karpenisi.

The ski center is located at an altitude of 1800 m, 12 km from Karpenisi, there are more than 10 slopes of various levels and 7 lifts. In Karpenisi you will find a hotel to your taste, there are many bars, cafeterias, restaurants. Be sure to try the local traditional dishes Greek cuisine!

If you are not a fan of ski resorts, put warm clothes in your suitcase, choose any city or small village on the map of Greece and be sure that it will not disappoint you. Winter in Greece promises to give you one of the most wonderful experiences of your life!

You can walk along the stone streets and admire the unique architecture, in a small tavern, sitting next to the fireplace, enjoy the aromas of Greek dishes and products - such as cheese, bread, olives, olive oil, taste the local Greek cuisine, local wines, raki, ouzo. And in the morning, try herbal drinks and homemade jams prepared by village housewives.

As an option, you can go shopping in Greece in winter, so that buy a fashionable high-quality fur coat. Greek fur coats are very popular all over the world.

You can take care of your recovery: choose one of them (there are many in Greece) and take a course of therapy thermal waters or go through a complex of spa treatments using healing Greek cosmetics. As is known Greek cosmetics recognized as one of the natural in the world market.

In winter, on December 25, one of the main holidays is celebrated in Greece - Christmas. All streets are colorfully decorated, festive mood and fun are felt everywhere. At this time, you will also be pleased to walk around the festive city and treat yourself to gifts. Winter time in Greece, good for romantic trips, sightseeing tours and pilgrimages on the holy places of Greece.