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Can I visit the Greek islands in the winter?
You can visit the larger Greek islands in the winter ( Crete, Rhodes, Corfu ); the experience on the island will not be the same as in the summer. \
It is a different product than the summer offering.
For example, the hotel stays would be in City hotels and not beach resort hotels; the daily activities would be cultural/historical/local life and not leisure beach – ie. in Santorini you would not be able to enjoy a Sunset Cruise; but you could visit the excavations in Akrotiri which are spectacular.
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When is the busiest time of the year for the Greek islands?
The busiest time on the islands is during the summer months of July and August.
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I Want to travel to Greece in the winter, where would you propose to go to ?
The mainland of Greece is not only very beautiful but also offers amazing experiences. For example a classical itinerary to Athens -> Nafplion -> Olympia -> Delphi -> Kalambaka combines the highlights of ancient Greek history with beautiful scenery.
Example of difference in experience:
In summer, the ancient sites are quite busy, visiting them in the off season you will be able to enjoy greater space and less crowding.
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Would the smaller Greek islands of Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Milos be fun in Winter (December-March)?
Winter in Greece does get cold and the small island hotels are, in general, not open. Even if there are a handful of open hotels the ambiance and things to do are much to limited for guests to enjoy the island; the main towns of these islands depend of tourism, so restaurants and caffes are mostly closed. Keep in mind also that the sea is cold.
During winter it is wonderful to visit the town of Nafplion and the mainland of Greece.
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I am mostly interested to enjoy beach life in Greece when and where should I travel?
Greek islands have some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Islands like Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Corfu, Crete, Milos are some of the most known and most visited. From Mid April up to end of October the waters are best – a bit cold up to end of April.
The beach life culture ( surfing, Kayak, kitesurf, ski ) starts on most islands in May.
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When is the best time to visit the Meteora?
The Meteora are amazing in the spring and autumn, the rich vegetation combined with the spectacular scenery is at its best in the Spring.
Somewhat of a more seldom occurrence is to see the Meteora with snow, which is a unique sight – possible in Jan->March
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Which is the Best time of the year for Family travel to Greece?
Greece offers very good (mostly beach) hotels for families. The island of Crete is very well suited. As family holidays are usually based on school holidays, the months of July and August are the most common.
Another great opportunity though for family travel at Easter break , or Christmas.
A unique family holiday to the mainland would also be a very interesting cultural experience. Greece has such a rich history and families on tour really enjoy these learning and fun moments. It is a great combination of family bonding and historical exploration. For example: family run in the Olympia stadium (the birthplace of the Olympics) or a family hike the Meteora trails or a food tour in Athens tailored to include ice creams…
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When and where should I take a sailing Trip in Greece?
Greece has three main sailing areas, each with different weather patterns. Sailing season is from April to November. ( yachts are available 12 month but the experience is only for the very dedicated sailors in the off season months )
Saronic islands: Throughout the season weather is good and islands are relatively lively. Good area to sail as crossings very short and islands easy to reach.
Cycladic islands : July and August have prevailing high Northern winds (called the Meltemi) and could cause disruption to itinerary.
Ionian islands : Generally light winds throughout the season.
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What is open in the Greek island winter season?
The general concept to keep in mind is that: the more that a destination economy relies on tourism, the more venues/restaurants/cafes will be affected when season ends. For example: Athens is not affected in the low season , but the island of Mykonos is; so Mykonos restaurants will in a large percentage closed.
Greek Mainland:
On the mainland, at the large cities all restaurants and local life remains as is for the 12 months fully operating.
Greek Islands:
The larger islands are affected less than the smaller ones are. On the larger islands like Crete, Corfu, Rhodes the main cities are mostly open in all aspects. Even within the main cities though some of the venues close; offering the unique opportunity to the traveller to see/eat/enjoy the town as the locals do.
The smaller islands in the off season have extremely limited local life as many of the locals move to the large cities of Greece. From April onwards the venues open.
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Are ancient sites in Greece open in the winter season?
Ancient Greek sites and museums operate 12 months a year. Winter timings differ from summer timings.
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When are the public holidays in Greece?
| The list of 2022 Public Holidays in Greece: |
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| New Year's Day Sat, Jan 1, 2022 |
| Epiphany Thu, Jan 6, 2022 |
| Clean Monday Mon, Mar 7, 2022 |
| Greek Independence Day Fri, Mar 25, 2022 |
| Good Friday (Eastern) Likely Fri, Apr 22, 2022 |
| Holy and Great Friday Fri, Apr 22, 2022 |
| Orthodox Easter Sun, Apr 24, 2022 |
| Orthodox Easter Monday Mon, Apr 25, 2022 |
| Labour Day Sun, May 1, 2022 |
| Pentecost (Eastern) Sun, Jun 12, 2022 |
| Eastern Orthodox Whit Monday Mon, Jun 13, 2022 |
| Dormition of the Mother of God Mon, Aug 15, 2022 |
| Ohi Day Fri, Oct 28, 2022 |
| Christmas Likely Sun, Dec 25, 2022 |
| 2nd Day of Christmas Mon, Dec 26, 2022 |
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