
A Traveller’s Guide to Greece in the Off-Season: A Complete Guide
If you are frequently touring Greece, you will know that it feels completely different in the off-season. You will have the chance for a better interaction with locals, which is almost impossible during peak times.
There are very few tourists there, as many of you are afraid that many hotels and attractions are closed due to low economic activity, which is a fact. However, you can still manage to book hotels and don’t worry about restaurants, as they are open because locals usually eat there. In this guide, I will discuss each important aspect that you need to look at in your off-season tour to Greece.
How to Get to Greece?
If you are planning your next trip to Greece in the off-season from the UK, then there are lots of options available. You can book a year-round direct flight from Manchester to Athens. The best part is you will get there in 3-4 hours, and since you are traveling in the off-season then you will likely get cheaper rates. But don’t forget to avail the best airport parking deals from Ezybook. It will save you time.
What does Off-season mean in Greece?
In Greece, the off-season usually starts in Early October and lasts till April. You can say that it is the winter season, which is the off-season. Because in the Summer, a wave of tourists comes here. You will not even get a space to breathe, as you will see that beaches are filled, hotels are booked, and prices are skyrocketing.
When the season ends, even the popular tourist attraction like Mykonos looks empty. Many businesses shut down, especially those that are heavily reliant on tourism. But that doesn’t mean that Greece shuts down completely.
Instead, it starts healing, life comes back to normal, and the streets are calm and quieter. You will see the real look of Greece, not that commercial one. You have a better engagement with locals. Imagine you are standing next to the Parthenon with no one around. Accommodations are cheaper, and weather conditions are fairly mild.
You can say that it is heaven for travelers who want to explore without the buzz around.
Weather Expectations
Let’s be realistic, if you are coming to get relaxed on the beach, then the off-season is not for you. In winter, you can’t enjoy the beach wearing swimsuits. So it's a No, No for the beach lovers. One thing is sure, which is that winter is not as severe as in Northern Europe.
Islands like Crete, Rhodes, or Corfu are pretty much warmer than the mainland. Fairy services are also limited. You can say that the off-season is ideal for the tourist who seeks solitude and explores the beauty of the islands.
Is it still worth visiting Greece during the Off-Season?
In short, I would say yes, it is still worth visiting Greece during the off-season. As we discussed earlier in the winter season, the Greek Islands shift from tourist hotspots to quiet local communities. Many hotels, souvenir shops, and bars shut down due to limited business opportunities. Now, take a look at the other side of the picture. If you are seeking solitude and peace, then this is the best time for you to stay in Greece.
But here you need to make some extra efforts, you have to check which accommodations and restaurants are open. In this season, ferry schedules change frequently, so you need to look at the exact time and plan your schedule accordingly. In the end, I would recommend you to go for the cultural experience if you are not interested in beaches and bars.
What to Pack for Your Trip?
If you land in Greece during the off-season, you need to take for different approach. Because the weather conditions vary from mild to sunny, and you can’t get around with lots of luggage. All you need to do is pack some waterproof jackets. In the winter season, don’t forget to focus on layering.
Warm socks and comfortable walking shoes are essential as you have to walk on those cobblestone streets. You can keep an umbrella with you, as I said, the weather conditions are unpredictable. The most important one you need to carry some cash, as ATMs are not available on many islands.
Final Thoughts
In the end, I will not gonna give any verdict as I believe that it's up to you if you are gonna visit Greece in the off-season. It is a great opportunity to explore the local culture, meet locals, and see Greece's ancient history in a real sense.
Sadly, you need to struggle for the best accommodations, as many hotels are closed. Moreover, the beaches are not the ideal spot for this season, and ferry schedules are changed frequently. Lastly, if you love solitude and peace, no matter what, this is your time to explore Greece.