john183

Most of the articles/blogs/web sites I've found say early October is a good time to go to Greece. We are not locked in to October and we could go in either September or November but it seems October would be good (weather should still be nice and crowds should be less). Do I need to be concerned about limited ferry/flight options in October?

Out of these three months, when would you choose to go? We are thinking of starting out with a few days in Mykonos, then a few days in Santorini and finishing up with a few days in Athens. We are a couple in our sixties looking to relax on the islands and see the ancient sites in Athens. We enjoy exploring new places by walking around and taking plenty of breaks to sample the local wines and foods. A little beach time (maybe one afternoon) and a little tame night life (we will not be going to Paradise Beach - haha) are still on our agenda but neither are high on our list.

As always, thanks in advance for any advice/recommendations you may have.

DebitNM

We started our 10 day trip to the same 3 locations on 10 October 2014 and the weather was perfect! Not a lot of people on the islands - many places were getting ready to close for winter (on the islands) so I wouldn't go much later than that. We started in Santorini, then Mykonos and ended in Athens.

stanbr

We were on Santorini and Mykonos in late October last year. The weather was warm although there was a strong wind in Mykonos. There were very few people around and it was quiet. I had the impression that many of the businesses had closed for the season.
It was fine for visiting ancient sites and wandering around the towns but not really beach weather.
Frankly I would have preferred it if there were a bit more people around. I wold choose late Sept or early October.

fmpden

Our experience from a couple of years ago was that the islands begin to shut down around mid Oct. We had planned to stay on Santorini around Oct 17. One hotel wanted was closing that week and another closed the week before. The second problem was lack of transportation off the island. The airline scheduled dropped to just one flight a day to Athens. And the ferry schedule was not dependable so we cancelled our plans for mid-Oct.

I would assume that Nov would be even more dead.

Heimdall

In November there won't be any ferries between Mykonos and Santorini, so rule that month out if you want to go to those two islands. No reason to avoid Paradise Beach on Mykonos during October or even late September — by then the beach clubs will be closed and it will be quiet there.

October would probably be your best bet if you like it quiet, but the later you go into autumn the greater the risk of bad weather. Also remember that days are getting shorter as you approach the autumnal equinox. That said, water will still be warm enough for swimming, and most days are still sunny and warm.

brotherleelove2004

September is perfect for the Greek islands. October is too windy and chilly, especially at night.

HappyTrvlr

We were on Mykonos and Santorini in late September and restaurants were closing down then.

Michael15

Hi there!
I would not recommend you travelling in Greece in October, especially if you're planning to go in a Greek Island..I think September would be much better!

dogknowsapp

Definately September if you are interested in swimming. Our tourist season ends in September so many of the shops will be closed in October and later. In September thw weather is still warm and the crowd isn't so big.

Heimdall

I prefer September myself, but have friends who always go in October because they like it there when most of the tourists have left. It's a great time to just relax and chat with the locals. As I said in the early post, the later in the autumn, the greater than chance of bad weather, but sometimes there are storms in September too — it's luck of the draw that time of year.

In summary, go in September if you want to be there when most of the hotels and restaurants are still open. Go in early October if you don't mind a smaller selection of places to stay and eat, but like the idea of having the beaches almost to yourself, and fewer tourists in the towns. Seawater will still retain most of the summer warmth, so swimming is still comfortable.

BigRuss

Here's a question: why Mykonos?

Santorini is interesting and pretty with a good deal to do and wander around to see.

But Mykonos isn't much other than a beach area and party town, the latter especially for LGBT travelers. Fine for flying and flopping, but not much to see or do other than lying around on the beach and then going to party at night.

You're not going for beach weather but Santorini has beaches, so there's no need to go to Mykonos. The main archaeological site near Mykonos is Delos, but that's a 1/2 day trip and Greece has plenty of other ruins (not including its economy) and you've stated Athens is your main site for that.

Other options (and there are many) would include Paros, Naxos, and Crete, the last of which has many activities of interest for folks who want to relax but not necessarily flop on the beach or go shaking their moneymaker.

Heimdall

Delos is one of the most amazing archaeological sites in Greece, and always a good reason to go to Mykonos.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/heimda...57627791957268

You would be hard pressed to find a party anywhere on Mykonos from late September on. Funny — I've never noticed LGBT travellers when I've been on Mykonos, but I guess they are just like anyone else. You don't have to be gay to go to Mykonos.

john183

So I'm trying to fly home after a short business trip and we now have a "mechanical" delay. Just Great! Oh well, it gives me time to finally read this thread.

Thanks for all the replies. You have helped us decide that November is for sure out. And I agree that late September probably makes the most sense for what we want. Our luck recently has been that wherever we go (France in 2011 and Italy in 2014), they set a record high temperature for the time we are there. We wanted to go late enough so even if it was record heat it would not be super hot. But it is always a gamble so we will pick a September date and take our chances. Again I appreciate the responses.

So why Mykonos? We debated this quite a bit too and nearly dropped it but in the end thought it would be fun for a couple of days. We aren't much for flopping on the beach and it's been a few decades since we've done much moneymaker shaking - too funny!!! It probably doesn't make a lot of sense but I've heard how gorgeous Mykonos is all my life and have always wanted to go there. So wish us luck - we're off on an adventure.

Heimdall

Hi john183,

Don't worry about the heat — you are very unlikely to get scorching hot temperatures in late September, and if you do it will be in Athens. The Cyclades, where you are going, stays cooler than the mainland because of prevailing north winds.

I'm glad you haven't been put off Mykonos by certain comments. I would never go there in July or August when it is crowded, but have been a couple of times in May and early June, which are very much like late September. It's not very busy then, but has enough buzz to keep it interesting. The chora (main town) is beautiful, and I love getting lost in the winding passageways. Check the menu posted near restaurant doors before you sit down for a meal. There are plenty of reasonably priced places to eat, while others are eye-wateringly expensive. Same goes for Santorini, btw.

2011mckinsey

I wanted to comment about the Athens part of your upcoming trip. First of all in terms of weather - September is like a real summer month there. During September the weather starts slowly to become less overheated.... I typically use air conditioning till about the first decade of October during the night time.
I usually go swimming in the sea till the middle of November (varies from year to year.)
So I guess the best months for Athens are first decade of September till the last decade of October.
Make sure not to live in the city while you are there. Its much better to live on the coast. The best and most upscale coastal area is Vouliagmeni. It takes about 50 minutes to get to the center of Athens from there using public transportation (very comfortable and convenient). Check my details - for more info. Here is one of my latest trip reviews of Athens: http://followmckinsey.com/syntagma-square/

john183

Heimdall - thanks for all the info. I'm thinking sometime just after the middle of September should work well for us in both Athens and the islands.

2011mckinsey - thanks for all the info and thanks for the link to your blog - lots of good info there too.

travelerjan

Two budget places to eat that I have liked in several stops in Mykonos ( after 1st visit, often just stay overnight, for a ferry connection) Print this good town map (click to enlarge) http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V-d9IIZPg6...s+town+map.jpg When there, Dont look for street signs, there aren't any, just use landmarks.

For both these places, start in from the harbor right by or behind TOWN HALL on the lane that eventually becomes Mitropoleos,

(1) YIAVROUA ESTAIATORIO (if it's still there) about 75 feet in from harbor, tiny place on your left tucked between 2 buildings, only 5 tables outside, inside filled w. old local geezers. Its own barrelled wines, meats are specialty, terrific baked lamb/pork. VERY reasonable, so probably gone, since 2011.

(2)MARCO POLO - Definitely still there... walk inland on Mitropoleos, keep green (schoolyard) on left till you get near Bus Square (just before, map says Sq Lanka .. M Polo has tables in front of at least 3 buildings. W. name u would expect Italian? But no, just big menu traditional Greek dishes, well prepared, good prices.

john183

traverlerjan - thanks for the info. I was able to find Marco Polo online but not the first one. Hopefully it is still there because it is exactly the kind of place we like.

Heimdall

I agree about Marco Polo — good food at reasonable prices, and I like the location at Lakka Square, away from the crowded harbour area. There is a gyros/souvlaki place (I think it's called Jimmy's) where you can eat very cheaply. I wouldn't want gyros every day, but they are a very popular Greek fast food.

Donny B, a Mykonos regular who writes the "My Greece Travel Blog", has a comprehensive list of restaurants on the island, complete with photos and reviews. Both of the restaurants I mentioned are in there.
http://mygreecetravelblog.com/2015/0...taurants-2015/

travelerjan

I would not give up on the Estaiatorio until you get there... it's the kind of place that does not even have a Television, so I wonder whether the owners know or care about an online presence. The sign is not even in English, so probably no one could write a Trip Advisor review about it!

That Donny B. list is so useful Heimdall, I have had it bookmarked forever.