While there are plenty of reasons to visit Greece all year round, the summer months between June to late September is when the country truly shines, attracting both local and international tourists. In addition to its stunning natural beauty, Greece is full of culture and history. Renowned cultural events like Athens & Epidaurus Festival featuring theatre, music, and dance performances are held in summer and are on the bucket list of cultured travellers.

So when is the best time to visit Greece?

Visiting Greece at either the beginning or at the end of the summer season has several distinct advantages:

• Most of the popular tourist sites witness less crowds which offers a comfortable and laid-back sightseeing experience
• Accommodation and flights are much cheaper
• The weather is cool and pleasant and best for visiting the Greek islands and their stunning beaches
• Easy to book ferry rides and tickets for major landmarks

Best places to visit in summer

The best way to explore Greece during the summer is by planning a multi-destination trip, right from Athens to the fishing villages and beaches of its beautiful islands, no matter where you start, you are sure to take back unforgettable memories.

Athens

Most locals leave Athens in August to escape from the high temperatures to cooler coastal regions. However, it’s flocked with tourists.

You can wander through Monastiraki’s famous open-air market and the quirky taverns and cafes, literally crowd-free. Athens has several museums where you can explore Greek art and history. You can find more insider tips on what to do in Athens here on my blog.

The Greek Islands

Lounge on world-famous beaches, stroll on the ancient cobbled streets or simply soak up the summer season on some of these islands of Greece that offer unbeatable views and activities for every visitor.

Santorini

From its awe-inspiring caldera, and great wineries to the cliffside village of Oia, there is so much to see and do in Santorini for even the most discerning visitor.

The ebony beaches and their swimming spots are not the only things about Santorini. Note the picturesque white-washed buildings with their signature blue tops that shine as the sun starts dipping over the Cyclades.

Photo by Dan

Mykonos

Mykonos is undoubtedly considered the island of entertainment in Greece, but it also has a plethora of quiet beaches and romantic sunsets. Beaches like Psarou, Super Paradise, and Kalafatis are perfect for swimming and water-based activities.

You can catch a high-speed ferry from Santorini or Mykonos which is about 118 km away and takes under three hours to reach. For a true beach bar and live music scene, Mykonos comes alive during the summer and will provide an incredible travel story once you return home.

Paros

Paros is another popular Greek and the third largest in the Cyclades. You can easily catch a ferry from Mykonos to Paros port which is about 17 miles away and takes 45 minutes to reach by high-speed boat. Incidentally, ferries between Mykonos and Paros operate throughout the year.

This quintessential Greek island is incredibly beautiful with an impressive landscape, with rolling hills dotted with ancient monasteries and quaint churches. Some find it a bit like Mykonos, but without the crowds and high prices. Marvel at the Panagia Ekatontapiliani, a 4th-century Byzantine church in Parikia.

Photo by Despina Galani

Crete

You can spend days in Crete and still not get to see all that it has to offer. From fascinating ruins dating back to 1700 BC the Spinalonga fortress, home of the last colony of lepers in Europe there is much to explore in Crete.

View the gorgeous frescoes at the Palace of Knossos or relax on the beach where good weather is guaranteed, even in the high summer temperatures. Plus there is an abundance of nightlife to enjoy.