10 good reasons to visit Greece in winter

Greece is a country associated with summer, hot sun, sea and blue and white islands. Many tourists only think about a vacation in Greece during the summer months. And yet, winter is an interesting time to visit Greece. We discover Greece in a different way and the warmth of the Greek hospitality replaces that of the sun. Here are 10 good reasons to visit Greece in winter.

1- The absence of crowds

Every year the number of tourists increases in Greece. As a result, museums and ancient sites are increasingly visited. So, to fully enjoy the wonders that Greece has to offer, nothing better than to visit the country out of season. Archaeological sites and museums are much less crowded than in summer. The Acropolis is not crowded. There is little or no waiting in line. Tourist guides are more available. A real luxury!

2- Greece in winter: attractive prices

If you come to Greece in winter, the price of your trip will be much lower than in summer. First of all, with regard to transportation. Of course, there are fewer flights, but the tickets are also cheaper. Take a look at Aegean to see the rates of the different airlines.

The same goes for accommodation. You will be able to find hotels or apartments for rent at much lower rates than in the summer. Don’t hesitate to go on Booking website to find accommodation during your vacations in Greece.

And even tickets to museums and archaeological sites are cheaper in winter. For example, from November 1st to March 31st, the Acropolis ticket goes from 20€ to 10€ (to know everything about the Acropolis prices, it’s here). The same goes for the National Archaeological Museum of Athens, the Acropolis Museum and the Byzantine Museum.

3- A relatively mild and generally sunny climate

Of course, December and January can be rainy. Nevertheless, the temperatures remain relatively mild and the days are often sunnier than in France at the same time. Greece boasts 250 days of sunshine per year!

Let us also mention in January the Alkyonides : a few days (usually at the end of January) particularly sunny with high temperatures for the season and a cloudless blue sky.

4- Discover the authentic Greece

Visiting Greece in winter allows you to discover the country in a different, more authentic way. It’s time to get away from the usual cities and tourist destinations to visit Greece off the beaten track. You will discover warm and authentic places, traditional mountain villages where you can enjoy evenings by the fire as in Pelion or Zagories for example.

Discover our favorite destinations in our article “The best destinations for a winter in Greece“.

5- See the Greek islands differently

Coming to Greece in winter also allows you to discover the Greek islands in a different light. More authentic and less touristy. Let’s mention Santorini for example. It is an island invaded by tourists in summer, to the point that it can spoil the fun. If you go to Santorini in winter, many stores and restaurants will be closed but the scenery will be just as spectacular. And the prices are incomparably lower. It’s not the same atmosphere, but those who like peace and quiet will appreciate it.

In general, avoid small islands where nothing will be open. Choose large islands and/or islands where there is local life all year round. For example Rhodes , Crete (Chania, Heraklion or Rethymnon) or even Syros and its capital Ermopoulis.

6- Discover the traditional Greek festivals

If you come to Greece in winter, there are several festive events to choose from:

• Christmas of course. The end of year celebrations are marked by popular traditions but also by interesting culinary traditions.
• January 1, when St. Basil is celebrated and Vassilopita is shared
• Then there is Epiphany, January 6: attend the blessing of the waters and the ceremony of the cross. A great moment.
• A few weeks later it will be carnival time (3 weeks before the Lenten fast). A festive moment, with different traditions according to the regions, parades, songs, dances and festive meals. To discover in particular, the carnival of Patras, very famous. Or the carnival of Skyros.
• Finally, Easter is the end of winter and the arrival of spring.

7- Skiing in Greece

One of the things to do if you come to Greece in winter: spend a day or two skiing. It is a beautiful experience. The Greek mountains indeed reveal some nice surprises. You can combine winter sports with the discovery of traditional mountain villages. In addition, not far from the ski resorts there are often archaeological sites, Byzantine monuments or small villages spared from mass tourism.

We recommend the ski resorts of Kalavrita, Arachova and Kaimaktsalan .

8- Taste a comforting cuisine

Winter in Greece is the ideal season to discover the local cuisine. Good stews, comforting soups, meats in sauce, dried vegetables…. All washed down with wine, raki, ouzo or tsipouro to warm up. Winter is also the right season to drink the famous mountain tea with many virtues.

9- Spending Christmas in Greece

Greece is not a destination you think of to spend Christmas… and yet it is a nice time. Whether in Thessaloniki, the city of a thousand sweets, or in Athens, there is no shortage of things to do during this period. Popular festivals, entertainment and shows, street lighting, traditions, culinary specialties …. to discover !

10- Enjoy the Greek nature

Finally, winter is the right time to admire the Greek nature in its wild state. Whether it is the deserted beaches where it is good to walk on sunny days, or the forests and mountains: it is the opportunity to see extraordinary landscapes without people. And to hike or go for long walks without suffering from the stifling summer heat.

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So, are you ready to visit Greece in winter?

Also find our favorite destinations for winter vacations in Greece in this article.

Laure M.