The Best Places to Visit in Greece in October – The National Herald

By My Greek Friend September 24, 2019

Mount Olympus. (Photo: Eurokinissi/Vasilis Sideris)

With cooler temperatures and much reduced crowds, October is a great month for visiting Greece. While most of the islands ritzy resorts and hotels will have closed for the season, Greece still boasts worthwhile vacation spots once the days become shorter. Below are some of the best places to visit in Greece in October:

Lesbos Island

Greeces third largest island features a lush, green landscape unaffected by the commercialism youll find on some Greeces more popular islands. Road trips throughLesbos mountains can take you to a petrified forest, traditional villages and centuries-old churches. The nature is breathtaking and a series of hiking trails wind through forests of olive trees and wild herbs. Because Lesbos has a size-able year-round population, hotels and restaurants stay open throughout the winter. The cuisine is famously good and the island is known for its ouzo and olive oil.

Crete

Located south of Athens, Greeces largest island is a great place to visit in Greece in October. Like Lesvos,Cretehas a size-able year-round population so most hotels, restaurants, shops etc. stay open during the off-season. The October weather is warm and you can expect the sea to stay a nice 23oC.

Cretes picturesque city ofChaniawith its historic quartiers offers charming strolls through Venetian architecture, a perfect fall activity. In northern Crete, you can visit vineyards and sample wine, an island specialty since the Minoan Period! For the adventure-minded traveler, jeep safaris and sailing tours offer fun, interactive ways to explore the island.

Athens

A bustling capital city, Athens may not seem a natural choice for an October trip to Greece. The cooler temperatures, however, will make the climb to the Parthenon and exploring the surrounding sites much easier. The citys chefs will have returned from their island restaurants to choose from. You might even catch a performance at the new Stavros Niarchos Cultural Center, an impressive spot in its own right that offers spectacular panoramic views ofAthens.

Mount Olympus

The highest mountain in Greece and the second highest mountain in the Balkans, Mount Olympus is the mythical home of Zeus and the other major Greek gods. October is the tail-end of the recommended hiking season but guarantees visitors cool temperatures, fall foliage and sights of the 32 species of animals and 105 species of birds that live there. The hike to the summit, Mytika, is easy of you are an experienced mountaineer. Alternatively, there are many easier walks around the mountain that hikers of any level will find interesting. For information about trekking Mount Olympus, arrange to go with (or consult) a guide.

Ios

Largely overshadowed by its glamorous neighbors, Mykonos and Santorini,Iosfeatures the same white-washed architecture but boasts scores of unspoiled beaches, many of which have been protected from further development. In October the party-seeking crowd has long-gone and the atmosphere relaxes with most visitors being couples and families. The water should still warm enough for a swim and youll feel as though you are staying on your own private island!

These are some of the best places to visit in Greece in October; areas where youll experience the more rustic, relaxed, side of Greece.

*This article has been released by My Greek Friend, an online travel agency specializing in creating personalized vacation packages to Greece. You can reach us out via email at info@mygreekfriend.travel , phone on +30 2810247365 or visit our website at http://www.mygreekfriend.travel.

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The Best Places to Visit in Greece in October - The National Herald