Greece In Winter
 

I've just learned that our twice-a-year company meeting will be held in Athens at the end of January, 2009. We're planning to add a week or so of vacation after the meeting and I'm hoping to get some advice here.

We initially talked about taking an island cruise but some quick checking seems to indicate they don't run them during the winter since it's chilly and the water's rough.

Has anyone vacationed in Greece during the winter and do you have any suggestions?

Bob

Hi,

I have not been to Greece in the winter, but I would think that going to Crete might be a good idea as it is the furthest south. Although there are mountains in the center of Crete that do get snow. Go to the Underground weather web site and get a history of weather in different areas of Greece. The ususal islands can be cold and windy. I so read a web site symivisitor.com and that charming little island seems to be protected and does not get the colder weather that other islands get. It is near Rhodos and Turkey. Have a great trip.

Yipper

When I was on Santorini recently, I was told that there is no one there during the winter. So, the suggestion of Crete is looking good.

You could go skiing on mainland Greece:

http://www.aroundparnassos.com/ski-center/

Similar question -- how about mid to the end of February? Any better?

Otherwise, what's good to do in Greece at that time?

This might be useful:
"Winter in Greece"
http://www.greektravel.com/winter

Good suggestions. Thanks guys.

I'm having trouble opening the symivisitor.com link, though. Is it working for you Yipper?

Bob

Hi Bob,

Try this link http://www.symivisitor.com/ I cut and pasted it from my favorites. I hope it works. If not google Symi.

Yipper

That did it!

Thanks Yipper.

It's pointless going south or east in the Greek Islands looking for warmer weather in January. The distance from Athens to Crete is about the same as from Boston to New York - a very small geographic area. The temperature difference from Athens will be only a few degrees F at best, and the islands very quiet.

Better to look for winter activities on the mainland. Tom_h provided an excellent link.

I've been to some of the Greek islands during mid-winter time. They have a special magic at that time but it can be cold. In fact, the last time I did this it was VERY cold.

The home I was lodging in was colder than the temperature outside. I had to go for a stroll to heat up!

I echo Heimdall's comments about holidaying on the mainland.

Bill

And not every house has central heating.
G.