Wondering what’s the perfect month to visit the Greek Islands? Depending on your needs, September might be the best answer. Below, you can find a list of the best Greek Islands to visit in September!
Why visit the Greek Islands in September?
Unlike the high season, meaning July to August, September is a hot month that can offer some cooler temperatures during its duration depending on the time of the day. The average temperature in coastal places of Greece during September is 25° and the weather is mostly sunny, ideal for beach hopping, and great for outdoor activities, from sightseeing to active hiking.
September is considered a high season, from mid to end of September, most islands consider it off-season, so the prices tend to be lower and the accommodation options are vast during that period. You will surely find some large crowds in the most popular destinations even in September, but there’s no comparison to the high season especially the 15th of August which is a national holiday and religious celebration.
10 Greek Islands to Visit in September
Mykonos
Cosmopolitan Mykonos is one of the best Greek islands to visit in September, as it tends to be overly crowded from July to August, and the Cycladic winds, known as meltemia are ever-present. In September, the weather is a bit cooler and the island a lot quieter, but its nightlife remains vibrant.
If you’re into fun beach parties, choose Super Paradise or Panormos. If you are looking for some privacy, choose Agia Anna instead. Alternatively, explore the beaches of Psarou and Platys Gialos, which are crowded in high season, but perfect for September. You can try watersports during your stay at Platys Gialos beach.
Little Venice, also known as Alefkandra, is a seaside location with many bars and restaurants to enjoy the wonderful sunset. After dusk, take an evening stroll in Mykonos town’s narrow alleyway and visit Matogiannis Street, where you will find various chic boutiques there to shop for souvenirs.
- Check out the Mykonos Windmills.
- 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
Crete
In Crete, the possibilities are endless, and the weather is perfect in September. Cretan summers can be scorching hot, as Crete is the southernmost spot in Greece, just opposite the coast of Libya. September is a good month to visit the island and tour around without the unbearable heat.
If you choose Heraklion, you can’t miss a historical excursion to the Palace of Knossos and the Archaeological Museum to explore the beauty of the Minoan era of antiquity.
In Rethymnon, you can clearly spot the Venetian influence in the fortresses and its romantic pedestrian alleys, perfect for evening strolls.
In Chania, you can enjoy the vibrant nightlife and explore the nearby natural beauties by day, including Balos Beach and Elafonisi Beach.
Alternatively, you may want to choose the eastern part, either Agios Nikolaos or Sitia, as they are the most intriguing villages in Crete, with the traditional Cretan element and wild nature. Setting off from there, you can go on a beach tour to stunning beaches nearby, including; Almyros, Voulisma, Ammoudi, or go on an excursion to Chrissi island, a stunning islet of virgin landscapes and turquoise shallow waters.
What else to do in Crete:
- Hike through Agiofarago Canyon & swim at the beach
- Hike through Samaria Gorge
- Day trip to the historical islet of Spinalonga
Spetses
Spetses is also among the best Greek islands to visit in September, especially because of the annual Armata festival. Each year, Spetses celebrates the naval battle of 8th September 1822 in Spetses, commemorating the victory against the Ottoman Empire. In 2021, Spetses celebrates 200 years from the Greek Revolution, but festivities will be somewhat limited due to the pandemic crisis. Still, the festival is majestic and worth it, with religious ceremonies.
In Spetses, you should explore the rich history of the revolutionary island by visiting the Bouboulina Museum and the Museum of Spetses. Walk along the promenade in the Old Harbour in Baltiza, and don’t miss the iconic sunsets from the Lighthouse, which is the oldest to ever exist in Greece.
For those eager to swim, there is the option of Zogeria Beach and Spetses Beach, to enjoy the lovely sea of the Argo Saronic Gulf.
What else to do in Spetses:
- Visit Anargyrios School
- Discover the Church of Agios Nikolaos
- Take a boat trip to the Cave of Bekiris
- Visit the historic Church of Panagia Armata
Milos
A most stunning Greek island with its volcanic moonscapes, Milos is among the best Greek islands to visit in September. During high season, it can get windy, like most Aegean islands, and it gets crammed with travelers from all over the world. In addition, it can be difficult to find affordable accommodation, if you don’t get to book early on. In September, none of these problems applies.
The most visited and photographed places on the island are Kleftiko and Sarakiniko beaches, known for their peculiarly shaped white-shaped rocks. In Kleftiko, they look like pillars in the sea, creating arches and a cave worth exploring. The crystal-clear emerald waters are out of this world!
Another option is a boat tour around the island, which gives you access to the Cave of Sykia, a round-like opening in the white rock that will surely take your breath away.
- Stroll through the town’s alleyways
- Visit the Venetian Plaka Castle in Plaka Village
- Visit Pollonia for a romantic dinner by the sea
- Explore Trypiti, Mandrakia, and Klima village with its traditional dwellings.
Naxos
Naxos is another jewel of the Cyclades, and worth a visit, especially during September, when the average temperature is 25 Celsius, ideal for sightseeing, away from the crowds of tourists. The sea temperature rises to 24 Celsius, warm enough for a swim in Naxos’ crystal-clear waters.
While in Naxos, you can’t miss Portara, the imposing ‘great door’ made out of marble, which is a remnant of the ancient Temple of Apollo in antiquity. Sunsets in Portara are ideal for photos and a romantic evening stroll. In Naxos Chora, you will explore the Cycladic beauty of white-washed houses, cobblestone alleys, and the castle of Chora, with its many entrances.
Naxos is known for its wonderful beaches, with beautiful turquoise waters. You can choose Agios Prokopios or Agia Anna if you are into organized sandy beaches with sunbeds, umbrellas, and amenities provided by the beach bars. Mikri Vigla is ideal for water sports such as windsurfing and kitesurfing.
What else to do in Naxos:
- Visit the village of Halki
- Go sightseeing at the Ancient Temple of Dionysus
- Watch the windmills at Vivlos village
- See the marble remains of Kouros
- Visit the Temple of Dimitra
- Discover the beauty of Apiranthos
You might like: The best things to do in Naxos.
Hydra
The beautiful island of Hydra is so close to Athens, that it can make for the perfect weekend getaway in September. Take a day or a weekend trip there and explore the island. Walk along the paved streets to the Bastions to get glimpses of the glorious past of 19th-century cannons.
For its folklore element, go on a tour around old churches such as the Monastery of Agia Efpraxia, the Monastery of Prophet Elias, and the Church of Assumption. Alternatively, if the weather permits it, take a trip to Dokos island to discover isolated beaches in the virgin nature of the small islet or Swim at Bisti beach.
- Relax at Spilia Beach bar
- Go horse-riding at Harriets Hydra Horses
- Visit the Koundouriotis Mansion
- Explore the history in the Historical Archives Museum
- Visit the Merchant Marine Academy
You might also like: How to get from Athens to Hydra.
Zante
Similarly, the Ionian beauty of Zakynthos, also known as Zante, is warm enough for the September holidays and not too crowded and hectic. The weather permits sunbathing and swimming, as well as sightseeing and active adventure.
The highlight of the island one of the most photographed places in Greece, is the famous Navagio of Zakynthos, a virgin beach with a rusty shipwreck, accessible only by boat. The waters are the endless bright blue of the Ionian, and the sight of the shipwreck imposing and awe-inspiring. Similarly, the island is known for the Blue Caves in Agios Nikolaos Schinari, a complex of arch-shaped caves perfect for day trips by boat.
Opposite Limni Keriou beach, you will find the most exotic islet Marathonisi, with amazing shallow turquoise waters, sandy shores, and lush vegetation. It is also the place where the rare Caretta-caretta turtles lay their eggs.
What else to do in Zante:
- Visit the Venetian Bridge in Argassi
- Stroll through the Venetian Castle in Town
- Enjoy nature in Askos Stone Park
- Visit Solomos Museum
- Tour the Monasteries
Rhodes
Rhodes is the island that keeps on giving to its visitors, and also one of the best Greek islands to go to in September is Rhodes of the Dodecanese. Rhodes is perfect in September, as the weather is temperate and ideal for walking and sightseeing, 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 past St Catherine’s Gate to find the fairytale-like 14th-century palace.
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 Nymphaia, the Odeon, Artemision, and the Temple of Pythian Apollo.
What else to do in Rhodes:
- Day trip to Symi island
- Visit the village of Lindos with its archaeological sites
- Visit the Byzantine Art Museum
- Admire views from the Roloi Clock Tower
- Swim at Antony Quinn Bay.
- Try the famous ice cream in Old Town
- Spend the day at the Valley of Butterflies
Kefalonia
Yet another Ionian Island, Kefalonia is the crown jewel of the island complex, at least as regards its stunning beaches and exotic sea. Like the rest of the islands mentioned in the article, Kefalonia’s weather is ideal during September, and availability is also high.
While in Kefalonia, visiting the region of Sami and exploring the caves there is a must. Melissani Cave is an awesome site to swim in and marvel at this natural miracle. Visitors can access the cave via an underground path. Nearby, just 5km from Sami, you can find Drogaritis cave, which is full of stalagmites. It is a cavern of about 150 million years, and it is also used as a concert hall thanks to its great acoustics.
The stunning beaches of Kefalonia are most popular, thanks to their very bright and crystal-clear waters. Among the most visited ones are Myrtos beach and Antisamos beach, as well as Makris Gialos. Foki Fiskardo is a cove of immeasurable beauty, with lush pine vegetation almost touching the sea.
- Visit De Bosset Bridge
- Visit the Archaeological Museum in Argostoli
- Enjoy the view from the Lighthouse of Saint Theodoroi
- Explore the Monastery of Kipoureon and Agios Gerasimos Monastery
- Stroll through the Castle of Saint George
Paros
If you’re thinking of the best Greek islands to visit in September, you can’t ignore the beauty of Cycladic Paros. From the beautiful windmills in Paroikia to the picturesque and quite romantic Naoussa with its old port, Paros is the perfect destination for September, to enjoy its cosmopolitan character without the fuss and crowded alleys and beaches.
Explore the white-washed dwellings in Naoussa, with the colorful bougainvillea, and spend the evening and late night in one of the luxurious but cozy bars, enjoying a refreshing cocktail.
During the days, chill out by the sea at Kolymbithres beach, organized yet relatively untouched, with rocky surroundings and shallow clean waters. Another option is a boat tour around Small Cyclades and Antiparos, where you get access to untouched isolated coves, and hidden caves.
- Try out its exquisite cuisine
- Visit the picturesque village of Lefkes
- Explore the Monastery of Panagia Ekatondapiliani
- Visit the Archaeological Museum in Paroikia
- Spend the day at sandy Monastiri beach
You might also like:
The best Greek islands to visit in October
The best Greek Islands to visit in Winter
Quiet Greek islands to visit.
Best Greek islands to visit in May.