Are you planning to come to Greece in November? Good idea because Greece is not only a summer destination. This is the time to discover another side of the country, more authentic and far from the tourist crowds.
Autumn in Greece is a beautiful season: nature is adorned with beautiful colors, there are very few tourists and prices are much lower than in summer (especially for flight tickets and hotels).
What is the weather like? Weather and climate in Greece in November
If you come to Greece in November, don’t expect to be lounging on the beach. It will be too cool. And, except for some exceptions, you will not be able to swim because the sea will be cold. Be prepared for a mix of mild to warm sunny days but also rain (depending on the year, rainfall can be significant in November).
On average, there were 19 sunny days during the month and 23% of the time threatened by rain (usually heavy). Temperatures average 13°C to 18°C.
Where to go in Greece in November?
Sightseeing in Greece in November can be very pleasant, especially if you are lucky with warm and sunny days, as there are very few tourists at this time of the year.
Here are the destinations that we recommend in Greece in autumn:
1 – ATHENS
Athens is a perfect destination in November! Whatever the weather, the capital is always full of cultural and/or indoor activities. This is a good time to combine museums and archaeological sites, without forgetting to take advantage of the nice little taverns and cafes to warm up.
Here are some ideas on how to visit Athens.
=> Our advice: Book the Athens City Pass which includes the entrance to the Acropolis + access to several museums as well as to the multi-stop bus which criss-crosses the city with explanations in English. Or just for the multi-stop tourist buses that make it easy to get around Athens and get a quick overview of all the sites and museums to visit.
Good to know: From November 1 to March 31, the Acropolis and other archaeological sites (Ancient Agora, Temple of Zeus, Keramikos…) as well as museums owned by the Greek state (such as the National Archaeological Museum) apply reduced rates for all. The Acropolis, for example, is reduced from €20 to €10. What’s more, every 1st Sunday of the month, access to these Greek sites and museums is free for all. Valid throughout Greece.
2 – THESSALONIKi
November is also a pleasant time to walk around Thessaloniki (ot Thessalonica). If the weather is mild and sunny, you will enjoy walks by the sea. And if it rains, there are plenty of activities to do: museums, cultural sites, shopping, hammam, etc. The multi-stop buses are very convenient to discover the city.
We give you plenty of ideas of things to do and see in our Thessaloniki section.
=> Our advice: really, go and see the site of Vergina (1h from Thessaloniki), it is worth the detour. It is a fascinating and unique place. If you don’t feel like renting a car, we found this turnkey tour from Thessaloniki. We did not test it but it seems to us complete, interesting and at a reasonable price.
3 – THE SARONIC ISLANDS
If the weather is good, don’t hesitate to spend a day (or more) in the islands near Athens : Hydra, Aegina, Poros.
=> Our advice: Choose an all-inclusive day cruise. It is very practical! Here is the link to learn more and make a reservation.
4 – THE PELION
Want to discover Greece in November? We recommend Pelion, a beautiful and little-known region with magnificent landscapes which, in November, are adorned with warm colors. The area is ideal for hiking and visiting small, typical mountain villages. In the evening, you will be comfortably accommodated in rustic stone houses with fireplaces and comforting meals.
=> See our article: Pelion, between sea and mountain.
5 – RHODES AND SYMI
Want to go to the Greek islands? November is not the best season for this. Nevertheless, we recommend the islands of Rhodes and Symi where the temperatures are milder than elsewhere and the days are generally sunnier than on the mainland. In addition, Rhodes has the advantage of being an island with cultural activities.
6 – LAKE PLASTIRA
Lake Plastira in Greece is surrounded by a plethora of natural beauties. Even if the lake is artificial, it is no less impressive. Oaks and chestnut trees line the shores of the lake. And this beautiful lake offers opportunities for water sports such as rafting and canoeing, as well as horseback riding and hiking along the trails. Many nature activities to do in the area. Really, this is a great destination for November!
=> Our advice: we love the Montanema Handmade Village chalets! We like this place a lot: villas of traditional style, in front of the mountainous massif of Pinde, at 4 km from the lake Plastiras. With exposed beams in the ceiling and a fireplace, the stone accommodations are perfectly suited for a stay in Greece in the fall. Authentic and cocooning atmosphere.
7 – THE PELOPONNESE AND THE MOST BEAUTIFUL ARCHEOLOGICAL SITES
Autumn in Greece is a good season to visit the ancient sites. First of all, because it is not too hot (it should be noted that there is generally little shade in the archaeological sites which can, on certain days, spoil the visit in summer when the sun is burning). Then because there are no people. Having Olympia to yourself is a dream! Finally because the colors and lights are very beautiful. So don’t hesitate, go for it! We recommend a tour of the Peloponnese and visits to Epidaurus, Mycenae and Olympia. And why not go up to Delphi?
=> Our tip: Check out our travel guides, which are perfect for discovering some of these majestic sites. Link to our store.
8 – CRETE
Crete is an island that can be visited in any season. Autumn is particularly pleasant to discover the south of the island. You will find ideas for itineraries and tours in our “Crete” section. The temperatures will be one or two degrees warmer than on the mainland, with sunnier days. It is therefore the right time to explore this island with an emphasis on culture and hiking (the beaches will be too cold to sunbathe).
What to see and do: the Palace of Knossos, a hike in the Samaria Gorge, Heraklion, Chania…
9 – THE ZAGORIAS
Impressed by this site in summer, I dream of returning in autumn. Epirus, and more specifically the Zagorias region, offers magnificent landscapes with canyons, rivers and the famous Vikos Gorge, charming villages with traditional architecture, arched stone bridges and plenty of activities to enjoy this sumptuous natural environment. In fact, it’s now a UNESCO World Heritage Site! Hurry up and visit…
10 – THE METEORA AND DELPHI
Meteora is spectacular in any season! And in November, the fall colors add charm. Depending on the year, the mountains in the distance are already sprinkled with the first snow of winter. From Athens, I suggest you make a detour to Delphi, its archaeological site is a must-see in Greece and so much more pleasant to visit in the mild autumn temperatures.
=> Our tip: from Athens, there are day trip to the Meteora by bus or train (in English). There are also two-day Delphi and Meteora packages, in English and at affordable prices.
Events, festivals and holidays in Greece in November
- The Athens Marathon is a mythical race of 42.195 kilometers that takes place every year in November. It is one of the most important sports competitions in the world.
- St. Michael and St. Gabriel (Feast of the Synaxis of the Archangels): celebrated every November 8, this Greek Orthodox tradition includes parades and celebrations in the churches named after one of the archangels. This is a very special day on the island of Symi because many churches are dedicated to the archangel Michael, who happens to be the patron saint of the island.
- November 17: it is a partial holiday. This day is the anniversary of November 17, 1973, when revolts took place at the Polytechnic of Athens. It is a symbol of the resistance to the dictatorship of the colonels. Schools and universities are closed. But the stores remain open.
- The music festival of Thessaloniki takes place every year in November
- Feast of the Name of Saint Andrew. Every November 25, the citizens of Patras celebrate their patron saint with festivities and a parade.
- The presentation of Mary is celebrated on November 21. Any church or monastery dedicated to Mary will have special events on that day.
What to pack for a trip to Greece in November?
As mentioned above, the weather in November can be both sunny and cold and wet. We therefore advise you to bring in your suitcase :
- a kway or windbreaker
- a jacket
- some sweaters
- a wetsuit for those who want to swim
- one or two TShrits for sunny days
- a pair of sneakers
- sunglasses because when the weather is nice, the light is blinding.
*****
We wish you a great trip to Greece in autumn!
Laure M.
