Hi All - How are the Greek islands in Mid-late September. I was originally planning a trip for this June, but I'm not sure it will work out. A lot of the hotels I wanted are now booked and I am considering deferring to September. Are the islands still lively? Do ferries still have full schedules between islands at this point (I am going to Crete, Santorini & Mykonos). Do restaurants, shops and hotels start to close down in September? Also, is it still warm enough to hit the beach? Thanks for your help!! - Laura

This time of year should be fine. We've been to various parts of Greece in late September to early October and had great beach weather. There may be the chance of a shower in late September but we've never had more than half a day of rain, often a thunderstorm that has cleared in an hour or two. The sea should still be warm from the summer, it could be a littler cooler in the evenings but that makes for better sleeping anyway. It should not be over crowded but most tourist islands don't wind down until October. I've not used too many ferries but we have usually found that the low season timetable starts in October. I'd recommend going then.

I'm just guessing, but I think when Maria recommends going "then" she means mid-sept, not October. The latter definitely has a closing-down feeling!

In MID-September the 3 places will be lively still but not crowded. In Santorini mid-sept 03 we found a beach serendipity -- the Salty Beach Club, at Perivogli beach at south end of Perissa beach. you can swim in sea, then dive in beach club pool to rinse off grit from black beach. Also lovely sun chairs. Check at ticket agency by museum -- the deal covers bus fare, beach club, a soft drink for 5€.

Yes, I did mean I'd recommend September.