Tips for visiting Greece in Summer 2025, to help you make the most of your Greek vacation!
Tips for a summer vacation in Greece
Greece is a very popular summer destination. Visitors love Greek mythology and culture, Greek food, the beaches, the endless hours of sun, and every little aspect of Greece!
But, while summer in Greece is lovely, it can also be very busy and hot! Here are my top 10 tips for traveling to Greece in the summer.
1. Try to avoid July and August
Here is my number 1 tip: if you can, try to avoid visiting Greece in July and August, as they are both very hot and busy. Visit Greece in June or September (which is, technically, the first autumn month) instead.
Here’s why June and September are the best months to visit Greece:
- Accommodation prices are lower
- Flight costs are generally lower
- It’s easier to find last minute ferry tickets to the islands
- Most places in Greece are less crowded
- The weather is cooler and less windy
- The locals are in a better mood!
This is even more important for popular destinations such as Santorini and Milos. It’s also crucial if you love active holidays, and are planning to go hiking or cycling.
Athens and Thessaloniki are an exception to the above. As many Greeks go on vacation in August, the cities are busier with tourists rather than locals – but they are still very hot.
2. Prepare for the heat
Summer temperatures in Greece can rise above 35 C (95 F), and even above 40 C (104 F) in some areas. You will need to plan your days accordingly.
If you are going to Athens, visit the ancient sites as early as possible, in order to avoid queuing and walking underneath the scorching sun.
You can then visit a museum or two, and make best use of the air-conditioned spaces as it gets hotter around midday.
A late lunch, followed by a few hours on the beach, will also be appealing to most people, especially families. You can also visit the ancient sites just before sunset.
Even if you plan to spend all your time on the beach, you still need to think about the sun and the heat. Whatever you do, do not forget your hat and sunscreen – and make sure you drink enough water!
Check this detailed guide: How to stay cool in the summer in Athens
Sunset from the temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounio
3. Skip the best known destinations in Greece
If you are planning to visit Greece in the summer, you are not the only one.
The most popular Greek islands, like Mykonos or Santorini, can get very crowded in the summer months. July and August, when many Greeks also go on holiday, are the busiest time of the year in Greece.
If you prefer less crowded destinations, have a look on the map and pick destinations that you haven’t heard of. There are plenty of quieter islands waiting to be discovered, like for example Andros, Tinos, Kimolos, Nisyros, Kalymnos, Karpathos or Tilos.
You can also consider a road trip along the Greek coast in the Peloponnese, Epirus, Pelion, Chalkidiki, Evia or South Crete. Greece is not only Mykonos and Santorini!
4. Research the beaches you want to visit
Beaches in Greece are incredibly diverse, offering something for every type of traveler. The whole country boasts plenty of sandy shores, rocky coves with dramatic cliffs, and pebbly beaches, each with its unique charm.
As a rule, not every beach will appeal to everyone. For example, beaches with loud beach bars that attract young adults will not be appealing to families with small children.
Similarly, beaches that are ideal for windsurfing will be unsuitable for swimming and snorkelling – and secluded, hard-to-reach beaches will be more suitable for hikers or naturists.
Overall, if you are interested in a beach vacation, it’s worth doing some research on the type of beaches you are after before deciding where to go in Greece.
Have a look at this introduction to the Greek island groups for some more insight – it will help you decide which Greek island chain to choose.
5. Pre-book your ferry tickets and hotel rooms
Even in the age of budget airlines, Greek island-hopping on the ferries has never been more popular.
Only a couple of decades ago, it was common to just show up at Piraeus port in Athens, buy a ticket to an island, and hop on a ferry.
Upon arrival on the island, several people were waiting at the port, advertising rooms to let at the fishing villages. Even at the busiest times of the year, there always seemed to be ferry tickets and rooms available.
Times have changed. These days, if you are catching a ferry from Piraeus in the peak season, it’s best to book your tickets in advance. It’s even more important to pre-book your tickets if you are travelling on a Friday or a Sunday, when many Athenians also choose to travel, and the ferries can be packed.
Here are some tips on how to take a ferry in Greece. I recommend using Ferryscanner or Ferryhopper to check ferry routes and buy your Greek ferry tickets.
In terms of accommodation, you should be ok finding last-minute rooms in the shoulder season. If you are travelling in summer, it’s much better to book your room in advance.
6. Try all the food, as it tastes even better in summer
I am probably biased, but… Greek food is even more flavorful during the summer months! Delicious fish, fresh salads and plenty of vegetarian dishes complement the year-round souvlaki and moussaka.
On hot days, you will probably find that a Greek salad and a big bowl of fruit will soon become your favourite meal – often alongside a cold beer or a glass of ouzo 🙂
Check out this list of 50 delicious Greek dishes, and this guide to popular Greek drinks.
7. See a performance at an ancient Greek theatre
With the abundance of ancient sites in Greece, it’s hardly surprising that some musical and theatrical performances take place in ancient Greek theatres.
If you are visiting Athens or the Peloponnese, check out any cultural events at the Herodion and Epidaurus theatre. The feeling of watching a performance in a 2,000 year old theatre is amazing!
Read about the Athens and Epidaurus festival in this guide to the best time to visit Athens.
8. Be aware of strikes
Sometimes, there are transport strikes in Athens and Greece. Ferries, trains, aeroplanes, taxis, as well as the Athens metro, tram and buses can all be affected.
Strikes are often announced at the last minute, and can seriously affect your trip. Sometimes, they are supported by gatherings or demonstrations, usually around Syntagma square.
If you are flying into and out of Athens from your home country, and are then moving on to another area, I strongly recommend allowing at least one day in Athens before you have to catch your flight back home.
I update my Facebook page regularly with strike information, so make sure to follow.
9. Accept that one week is not enough to see all of Greece
Greece is a small country, but visiting all the best known attractions can take you a surprisingly long time.
If you only have a few days in Greece, focus on two or three areas rather than trying to fit in five or six destinations. Chances are, after your visit you will want to return to Greece again and again!
Read more at this article: Planning a trip to Greece.
10. Siga siga – Take it easy!
If you want to experience life in true Greek style, you need to take things easy – siga siga! Enjoy a Greek coffee or frappe, a delicious Greek meal and a long chat with your newly made friends. This is what a Greek summer is all about!
FAQs about summer in Greece
Here are a few things you need to know if you are spending some of your summer in Greece:
What are the summer months in Greece?
The summer months in Greece are June, July and August. This is considered the high season in Greece.
What is the hottest month in Greece?
The hottest months in Greece are July and August. If you can’t tolerate the heat, and prefer mild weather, consider visiting in spring or autumn instead.
Is Greece better in July or August?
Both July and August are the warmest and busiest months in Greece. If you prefer fewer crowds, try to visit in June or September if you can.
Is summer hot in Greece?
Summer in Greece is hot. Average day temperatures can often exceed 35-40 C (95-104 F). Nighttime temperatures are lower, and you might even need a light sweater. Sea temperatures range between around 22-26 C (72-79 F), and the Aegean Sea is colder than the Ionian Sea.
Can you swim in Greece in June?
June is a wonderful time to swim in Greece and the Greek islands. The sea has warmed up after the winter, and the days are sunny and clear.
Are there any movies about Greece in summer?
Some of the most famous movies about summer in Greece include Sirley Valentine, Mamma Mia and the Big Blue. Here is a big fat list of movies about Greece!
Are there any books about summer in Greece?
There’s a book by Patricia Wilson which is called “Summer in Greece”. It’s a beautifully written story about a lady called Shelly Summer, who often escapes the British rain and spends her vacation on the Greek islands.
At some point, Shelly discovers the memoirs of her great grandmother, Gertie Smith. She realizes that Gertie had spent some of her life on the Greek island of Lemnos. The book follows a split timeline, linking Shelly to her great grandma and the Great War.
More travel guides about Greece and the Greek islands
Not a summer person? No worries! Greece is a year-round destination. Have a look at these articles – you might be surprised!
Hi and welcome to my blog! I am Vanessa from Athens, and I love summer in Greece. My favourite months are June and September, as the beaches are quieter, and it’s easier to get around – plus, the weather is better for hiking. Follow me on my social media:
- Facebook page and very active Facebook group
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Wow! Thank you so much for this amazing guide! I’ve already spent a lot of time to plan my trip to Greece this summer! By the way, one of the problem that I have is to find a suitable cell phone carrier. I found some companies that offer international calling plans – Have you heard smth about it?
In our (extensive!) experience, when we travel ourselves, it’s always best to buy local SIM cards. Here in Greece, we both use a prepaid SIM card called Cosmote Whatsup. Cosmote has the best coverage in Greece, and you can get several GBs for just a few euros.
Vanessa. Your letter is loaded with great ideas. My wife and I will be enjoying a 3 day stay in Athens in May. Its wonderful to read your thoughts and what to do in Greece, Thankyou
May is a fantastic time of year to be here! Enjoy your vacation!