Autumn in Greece has undeniable attractions. A still sunny off-season for visiting and enjoying a rich diversity of activities. Indian summer in Greece is an excellent alternative for autumn vacations.
Ready to visit Greece in autumn? But since in Greece everything begins with a myth, how did the ancient Greeks explain this change of season?
Persephone and the myth of the seasons
In ancient Greece, people considered October to be the beginning of winter. It was during this month that Persephone descended to the kingdom of Hades. But why?
Persephone, or Proserpine in Roman, is the daughter of Demeter. Demeter is the goddess of agriculture and sister of Zeus, the god of Olympus. In fact, Demeter and her daughter Persephone have a very close relationship. Together, they make the land fertile, enabling people and animals to feed and live. But taken by force by Hades, the god of the dead, Persephone finds herself separated from her mother in the world of the dead. Demeter is distraught and “stops” nature…
Fortunately, Zeus finds a compromise between his brother Hades and Demeter. For 6 months of the year, Persephone stays by her mother’s side, and for the remaining 6 months, she returns to Hades. To mark the transition from spring/summer to autumn/winter, the dead were offered chrysanthemums or golden flowers (chrysos = gold and anthos = flower) to console Persephone.
Since the first centuries of Christianity, on October 26, the feast of Saint Dimitri, or the feminine Dimitra, breeders have left the mountains. They take their herds down to the plains to spend the harsh winter months. In spring, they return to the mountains on the feast of St. George, April 23. Also around the feast of Saint Dimitri (October 26), housewives put the carpets back in their homes in preparation for the winter season.
Greek Indian summer…
It’s said that a little after the second ten days in October, the weather softens and temperatures often reach 27 or 28 degrees.
It’s known as St. Dimitri’s little summer, because the fine weather more or less coincides with the saint’s feast day. People are looking forward to the last days of fine weather, an Indian summer, and are building up their courage to face the winter to come.
So, by offering chrysanthemums, people seek to exorcise the fear of the approaching winter and perpetuate ancient beliefs through a Christian reality.
Which island to visit in autumn in Greece?
Discovering the Greek islands outside the tourist season is a great alternative. Especially as the Indian summer tends to get longer every year. But beware: from mid-October onwards, many establishments close their doors.
If you want to visit Greece in autumn during the Indian summer, we particularly recommend the islands of Rhodes and Crete, which come alive in autumn.
The Dodecanese island of Rhodes
Rhodes offers a wide range of activities all year round. The still sunny days are ideal for hiking, sailing and visiting easily accessible archaeological sites.
And to find out more about Rhodes, read our other articles:
The large island of Crete
Crete is a fabulous island offering a host of pleasures: dream beaches, major archaeological sites, magnificent landscapes, a wealth of hiking possibilities, an authentic hinterland and a gastronomy renowned the world over.
And to find out more about Crete:
Other ideas of islands to visit in Autumn in Greece
Take advantage of the Indian summer to visit Santorini or Mykonos, with fewer crowds; Paros, Sifnos, Naxos, Corfu, Kos, Zakynthos, Astypalea, Karpathos…
This list is not exhaustive, and can of course be extended. Because even if the ice-cream parlors, beach bars and other summer establishments are closed in the middle or low season, you’ll still find something to keep you busy. A swimming session, a hike… And most of the time, at least one open tavern in the village square. In short, it’s the ideal time of year to discover an authentic island and live life to the rhythm of the locals. What’s more, prices are generally more affordable at this time of year.
Greece in Autumn, here we go!
So, convinced? But not yet sure of the destination?
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Mania and Céline P.
