Planning to visit Greece for the perfect summer vacation on the famous islands? Although the high season usually starts in July until August, you should consider the option of visiting in October, as it is the best month for your holidays! Here you can find a list of the best Greek islands to visit in October.
Why visit the Greek Islands in October?
Although October is in autumn, in Greece, it is a prolonged summer, with warm enough temperatures that do not reach the outrageous 38°C in July and August. The average temperature you will find starts from 21°C and the sea is most warm at approximately 23°C. You will feel a refreshing breeze during the evenings and enjoy traveling and exploring around comfortably, without the scorching sun.
In addition, you will have the chance to explore the island unbothered by the fuss by avoiding the crowds sinking the famous islands like Santorini and Mykonos during the high season. That’s why it’s the perfect season for honeymoons as well.
You can experience Greek summer without the noise, busy roads, and cramming, by choosing to go in October.
Because it is considered off-season, this means you will have opportunities to grab great deals, as demand is not high during October, even September at times. You will find affordable accommodation options in luxurious resorts that are much more expensive during the high season.
Besides, you won’t have to book 2 months in advance to avoid any mishaps. You can make a very decent last-minute booking and have the time of your life!
Which are the best Greek islands to go to in October?
8 Greek Islands to Visit in October
Santorini
Santorini is most known for two things; its unparalleled sunset and its delicate local wines. Imagine watching the loveliest sunset with fewer crowds cramming the town of Oia, with its traditional whitewashed and pastel dwelling and a panoramic view over the endless Aegean blue.
If you visit in October, you can surely stroll through the alleys of Fira unbothered, all while enjoying Fira’s nightlife comfortably and at your own pace. You could go shopping at chic boutiques in Oia or take amazing photos of the famous blue-domed churches without tourists photobombing you!
Admire caldera views by taking the perfect hiking route from Fira to Oia. The trail is 10 km long and lasts about 3 hours. On the way, you will pass through the villages of Imerovigli and Firostefani, also traditional and picturesque, perfect for romantic photoshoots.
What else to do in Santorini:
- Visit the ancient site of Akrotiri
- Visit the Archaeological Museum
- Visit the Museum of Prehistoric Thera
- Explore the island of Nea Kameni and the volcano by boat
- Visit Thirassia island opposite Santorini
- Experience a wine-tasting evening
Crete
If you choose Crete for your vacation or honeymoon, October is the best month. It is rarely cold on the island in coastal places, so choose Agios Nikolaos and Sitia, as they are also the most intriguing villages in Crete, with the traditional Cretan element and wild nature.
Nearby, you will find stunning beaches, including Almyros, Voulisma, and Ammoudi. Alternatively, you can go on an excursion to Chrissi Island, a stunning islet of virgin landscapes and turquoise shallow waters.
Don’t miss a historical excursion to the Palace of Knossos in Heraklion and the Archaeological Museum for some Minoan beauty!
What else to do in Crete:
- Visit the Venetian fortresses of Rethymnon
- Stroll through romantic pedestrian alleys
- Explore Balos lagoon
- Hike through Agiofarago Canyon & swim at the beach
- Hike through Samaria Gorge
- Visit Elafonisi Beach
- Day trip to the historical islet of Spinalonga
Rhodes
A most romantic destination and one of the best Greek islands to visit in October is Rhodes of the Dodecanese. Rhodes is perfect in October, as the weather is temperate, the crowds are fewer, and the opportunities to explore are endless.
You can’t miss an evening stroll in The Old Town of Rhodes, with the incredible Palace of Grand Master situated at the end of the Street of the Knights. Wander around in the Old Town and pass through St Catherine’s Gate to find the palace, built in the 14th century. You will feel as if you are in a Venetian fairytale.
In Rhodes, you can also marvel at the imposing Acropolis of Rhodes, with the remnants of the Ancient Greek past. There, you can marvel at the Temple of Athena Polias and Zeus Polieus, the Nymphaea, the Odeon, Artemision, and the Temple of Pythian Apollo.
- Day trip to Symi island
- Visit Lindos village and its archaeological sites
- Visit the Byzantine Art Museum
- Admire views from the Roloi Clock Tower
- Swim at Anthony Quinn Bay
- Try the famous ice cream in Old Town
- Spend the day at the Valley of Butterflies
Corfu
Kerkira, also known as Corfu is a jewel of the Ionian islands which has a lot to offer for a perfect off-season vacation. Autumn will offer you a perfect climate with warm days but refreshing breezes, a genuine atmosphere of the island’s character, and spend evenings strolling the streets comfortably.
The highlight of the island is Corfu town, known for its traditional Ionian beauty, with distinct Venetian influence prevalent in the Venetian fortresses, a French-style arcade, and the famous grand Palace of St. Michael and St. George. For a chance to grasp Corfu’s distinct atmosphere, visit the main square of Corfu with the Liston, a series of imposing buildings.
To swim in warm waters even in October, opt for Sidari beach with its wild rocky beauty, for a bit of privacy and relaxation, or go to Achilleio or Agios Stefanos beaches, all of which have sea temperature at a maximum of 22°C.
What else to do in Corfu:
- Visit the Mon Repos Villa
- Hike around Angelokastro
- Sit around Agios Spyridon Church
- Hike to Mount Pantokrator
- Go to Paleokastritsa Monastery
- Take a taxi boat to Pontikonisi (Mouse Island)
Mykonos
If you are looking for some peace in Mykonos, October is the month to find it. This is arguably the most famous Greek island, and crowds flock to the island by the thousands each year. To discover its beauty, visit Mykonos in autumn when you can quietly visit the famous windmills, stroll around Mykonos alleyways and Matogiannis Street, and shop for souvenirs at the chic boutiques.
Little Venice, also known as Alefkandra, is a seaside location with many bars and restaurants to enjoy the wonderful sunset. After dusk, don’t forget to take a romantic evening stroll in Mykonos town to enjoy a drink or two without having to book in advance or get crammed. There will surely be people on the island in October, just enough to get Mykonos’ vibrant nightlife going without the chaos!
If you are in a party mood, swim at Super Paradise beach or lounge by the seaside beach bars, but if you’re into privacy, choose Agia Anna instead.
- Party at Cavo Doro
- Do watersports at Platis Gialos beach
- Go sightseeing to the Church of Panagia Paraportiani
- Enjoy the view from Armenistis Lighthouse
- Visit the Archaeological and Folklore Museum
- Visit ‘Dio Horia’ Art Gallery
- Take a romantic walk at the Old Harbour
- Day cruise around Mykonos
- Take a trip to ancient and sacred Delos Island
Kos
Kos, like most Greek islands, is considered to have two seasons, a dry hot summer lasting from May to October and a winter from November to late April. October is a great month to visit Kos with an average temperature of 22°C, to avoid the unbearable heat of the Greek summer, but know beforehand that you might want to bring some warm clothes, as late evenings during the end of October can get quite chilly.
Beautiful Kos is located at the very heart of the Dodecanese, and it has stunning sandy beaches with turquoise waters and a lot of sightseeing options! Don’t miss the Asklepieion, an ancient healing center, and the Ancient Gymnasium. Apart from the ancient Greek element, it features remnants of the Ottoman Empire as well, especially in the various Ottoman Mosques.
- Swim at Aghios Stefanos beach
- Visit Kastri inlet
- Explore Nerantzia Castle
- Watch horse races
- Discover the Thermal Springs in Agios Fokas
- Visit Casa Romana and the Archaeological Museum
Andros
Andros is another jewel of the Cyclades, lesser-known but majestically beautiful. Its proximity to Greece makes it a popular destination for quick getaways. Thanks to its lush forested mountains and unspoiled beaches, it is worth visiting, especially for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts! October is the perfect month to hike around the countless paths leading to water springs and flowing waters in Andros.
The possibilities for outdoor activities are countless in Andros, and the off-the-grid paths are more than enough for you to explore for days. The vast network of hiking trails on the mountainous island is about 300km in total. Don’t miss the Waterfalls in Katakilos and the Water Springs of Dionysus in Menites.
Perhaps the most popular of Andros beaches, Grias Pidima beach has a sandy shore and peculiarly shaped rock pillar 15 meters in height. Access is not east, but the breathtaking view will be rewarding for sure!
- Enjoy the stunning view from Tourlitis Lighthouse
- Visit the Archaeological Museum of Andros
- Swim at Paraporti beach
- Go to Panagia Thalassini church overlooking the Aegean
- Stroll through the remains of the ancient town of Paleopolis
- Take photos of the Watermills in Korthi
Hydra
The cosmopolitan island of Hydra is so close to Athens that it is suitable for weekend or even day trips from the capital. It is also another one of the Greek islands to visit in October since its size is small and it gets crowded during the high season. The ideal location offers a chance for a quick getaway in autumn.
Once in Hydra, walk along the paved streets all the way to the Bastions to get glimpses of the glorious past of 19th-century cannons. Don’t miss the stone Koundouriotis Mansion, now a historical folklore museum.
Learn more about the history of Hydra by visiting the Historical Archives Museum and the Merchant Marine Academy, or go on a tour around old churches such as the Monastery of Agia Efpraxia, the Monastery of Prophet Elias, and the Church of Assumption.
- Take a trip to Dokos island
- Swim at Bisti Beach
- Relax at Spilia Beach bar
- Go horse-riding at Harriets Hydra Horses
Check out: How to get from Athens to Hydra.