Year round Greek holiday destinations

Year round Greek holiday destinations are easy to come by, although Greece is a country that is easily considered a summer classic.

As a precursor to summer, spring is the next most popular season to visit Greece, as the weather from March onward is on a gradual curve to reach summertime levels with the peak being in August. Read more about 5 Spring escapes to Greece that have made The Hotel Trotter list. That leaves two other seasons, Autumn and Winter, which can be thoroughly enjoyable times to explore the diversity of Greece too. Here are four year round Greek holiday destinations with fantastic travel experiences so that travellers can discover the beauty of Greece across any season.

All season Athens – The timeless city of anciency

Being the cradle of ancient civilisation, the birthplace of democracy, the navel of political thought, Athens is a city that enthralls. While gazing upon the Acropolis rock that stands proudly in the centre of the city, visitors only need to consider that the great Socrates and Aristotle once shared the exact same spot as them, some thousands of years ago. The Greek capital city offers a different experience to its visitors, depending on the season. Perhaps best avoided in the peak summer months when Greece’s many islands appear more enticing by default, any other season is equally enjoyable. Greece’s excellent climate allows for it to be explored almost every season. Autumn and Winter walks and strolls are an absolute pleasure. In fact, it is during these times when you can experience the best and more local side of Athens. Although steeped in ancient history and heritage that is overtly tangible, Athens has a modern, hip side. Even the diversity of its architectural design that spans from 19th century, to mid 20th century and modern day constructions, Athens is definitely a multifaceted place with its monumentality being evident everywhere one looks. The most scenic promenade of Athens will reveal the areas of Koukaki, Thiseio, Monastiraki and Psyrri, which are all within walking distance around the foot of the Acropolis. They are brimming with quaint cafes, bars, restaurants and tavernas that have ample outdoor seating space, capitalising on the mild Greek weather that allows enjoying the outdoor ambiance for the most part of the year. Yet for those who wish you stay in a place that blends its ancient past with its modern, sophisticated side, then the design hotel AthensWas is located in Athens’ most enchanting corner, near the Acropolis museum and boasting luxury suites with Acropolis view.

Autumn Island Cruising – The collection of marine gems

If you thought that island cruising in Greece is strictly a summer experience, then think again. The aforementioned mild climate that Greece benefits from can extend island cruising from the early months of Spring and well Autumn. Actually, the Autumn months of September and October especially are when the sea is at its warmest. The hot temperatures have subsided making island cruising a different experience.

The islands tend to be less crowded during Autumn, so island explorations are all the more enjoyable. You can still enjoy the warm sun and sun tan on the deck of a boutique cruise around the Greek islands, with added bonus of being able to cover a huge nautical distance and discover many islands in one go, and without having to move yourself or your luggage.

Autumn & Winter in Crete – Colorful diversity

Perhaps the most autonomous Greek island, that could easily be considered almost stand alone. Proficiently self-sufficient, Crete is Greece’s largest island with a local culture of its own and such diversity that it is capable of more than a handful of holiday experiences. Divided into four prefectures, deciding on where to stay can prove a difficult task. What is for certain is that you will want to explore the environs of your chosen location to get the most out of your Cretan holiday. In the summer, the seaside villages are quite popular however staying at a more central location makes it possible to visit the marvelous beaches of Crete as generally the island is well connected. Crete has numerous picturesque ports the most beautiful of which are in its capital in Heraklion, and in Chania. Although quite enjoyable in Spring and Summer, they have a different type of charm in Autumn and Winter. In the former case, the port is surrounded by age-old fortifications that offer an elevated position from which to admire the spectacular sea views.

Heraklion is a vibrant and modern city, and provides a metropolitan city experience to visitors any time of the year. It has many cultural events running throughout the seasons, and is a good first timer destination choice. Onward exploration of Crete is convenient from Heraklion as it is a heaving hub of activity, mixing business and pleasure expertly. Chania, is the second most beautiful port, although perhaps even more alluring than Heraklion’s. Smaller and more compact, the port of Heraklion is a very romantic setting and is surrounded with a myriad of colourful shops that are far from touristic and offer the visitor with a genuine local vibe. Attracting people of young ages too, Chania is a place that combines seaside ambiance with city attributes and an apparent island vibe that make it a truly unique location. Choose to stay near Chania Old Town in order to be close enough to the harbour and experience its full magic.

Winter exploring – Meteora touring

Greece is home to some incredible places and one of those is the site of Meteora, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. Ultimately a group of rock formations in central Greece that host a collection of monasteries built on their precipitous tops, are both a natural and architectural marvel. Although warm weather is favourable for mountainous excursions, by choosing to visit this immensely spiritual location during the winter will create a unique mystical feeling that would be lacking any other time of the year. The landscape will remind you of scenes from epic saga movies, and will create visuals that will take your breath away and remain etched in your mind for years to come. The best way is to explore Meteora by guided tour, this way you can get the the historical facts that will fascinate you further while visiting this incredible destination.