For the majority of people that travel to Greece, summer is when they want to be exploring the islands. The weather is hot and sunny, there seawater is refreshing, and there’s lots of activity with festivals and events bringing the towns to life. The months of June to September really are a wonderful time of the year, which is why that’s when 80% of tourists who visit Greece go there. However, the rest of the calendar sees much of the country falling back to a much quieter lifestyle. When all the tourists leave the islands there’s only the locals going about their routine. Even the part islands like Mykonos settle down! It’s a very different scene, and to be honest, one that’s well worth experiencing.

The cooler months mean that water sports are generally off the cards. Not many folks are keen to swim when the water temperature is below 17 degrees and the air temperature far cooler still. The high mountains that were hot and dry in summer get snowfall, making them a joy for hiking. The days are shorter and the usually crowded streets and laneways are far less busy. This change brings with it a definite adjustment in the pace of life. Everything slows down. A visit to a café for a coffee and bite to eat takes that little bit longer. Buying some fresh produce from the markets is less rushed, and with the lack of crowds comes more space to sit on the beach and enjoy the scene. In many ways, being in Greece during winter gives you a more authentic experience.