Best Greek Islands to Visit in October

Best Greek Islands to Visit in October. Greece, top holiday destination in summer and ideal for couples, families, or friends. 

Were rushing to the gorgeous whitewashed islands to enjoy the sun, the golden sandy beaches, and turquoise waters. While summer is the peak season in Greece, it is not any less incredible in the fall.

October specifically is a great month to visit Greece. The weather is just perfect to enjoy still the sun, not too hot to walk around the small cities and towns or explore sites. October is also a great time if you wish to go hiking on the islands. Here are some of the ideal Greek islands to visit in October.

Santorini

Santorini is one of the best Greek islands to visit in October. Despite the summer months, it is less crowded in October, and it is much easier to find accommodation options. All the restaurants, taverns, cafes, and bars are open like the busy season, but you will avoid the long lines and the crowd.

It is perfect for couples; romantic sunset views, gentle Aegean breeze, and super delicious food will make your trip as unique as possible. The island has experienced a volcanic explosion around 3,500 years ago, which resulted in black-sand beaches and mind-blowing shades of cliffs. That’s the reason why the beaches in Santorini are not great for a swim, which is another point why October is the best time to visit Santorini.

Plan to go on day tours to explore the volcano and other sites of the island. Fira is the island’s capital with whitewashed buildings spread around the entire area. It is the busiest part of the island where all the high-class hotels, restaurants and stores are. Oia, on the other hand, is a quiet village worth visiting. Comfortably located on the island’s north, it offers breathtaking panoramic views to the north.

Explore this majestic island by walk, go up to the top of the island to feel the true spirit of nature. Santorini is pretty known for its wine as well. You will enjoy the taste of crisp, dry white wine, as well as the dessert wine called Vinsanto made from the indigenous grape variety, assyrtiko.

If you’re looking to dig into the history of the island, you should visit the Museum of Prehistoric Thera. Then you will learn more about how the island was before the volcanic eruption. And it will reveal the splendid site of Akrotiri displaying a Minoan city that has also been destroyed by the volcano.

A trendy option is taking a cruise to the other nearby volcanic islands of New Kameni and Palia Kameni.

You can find many luxury holiday villas that feature top-class vacations. For renting  Private Luxury Villas Santorini, you can check over 200 properties of RNT Maclaren.  See the collection.

Map of Santorini

Santorini a perfect destination for October
Santorini Image by: Mariamichelle from Pixabay

Crete

Crete is another excellent island in Greece to visit in October. There is so much to see and explore on this island that you should dedicate quite some time to explore everything. The weather in Crete in October is mild and is the warmest Greek island in October.

Chania, located on the western side of the island, amazes its visitors with its dreamy alleys and Venetian mansions. Delicious food and wine lovers will feel like heaven in Chania since it truly is an excellent gastronomic location with distinctive Cretan cuisine and great wineries.

The most populated region in Crete, Heraklion, is wonderfully located between two mountain ranges filled with ancient archeological jewels, picturesque vineyards, and olive plantations. The seawater is still warm in October, so you can still enjoy some autumn sun holidays in Crete.

An excellent location for swimming and sunbathing is Elafonissi beach, located on the southwestern side of Crete. You will surely admire the crystal water and the sandy beach at Falassarna beach, which is a short drive from Kissamos town.

Map of Crete

Crete in October
Crete Spinaloga Photo by Evangelos Mpikakis on Unsplash

Rhodes

Rhodes is one of the Greek islands standing out with its rich history and sites to visit. It is undoubtedly one of the best places in Greece to visit in October when the weather is mild, not as hot as in summer and not yet too cold. It is not as crowded in October like it is during the summer months.

It will allow you to skip queues to visit museums and archaeological sites, stroll around the stunning medieval town and enjoy the calm sea waves and the pristine beaches. When in Rhodes, it is a must to visit the gorgeous Lindos castle, which is truly one of a kind.

The best way to explore Rhodes is to book your accommodation in Rhodes town. Were you can walk around the narrow alleys of the old city and explore the exciting museums and sites. Rhodes is an island rich with superb beaches.

Rent a car on the island and drive around to reveal all the breathtaking shores. Anthony Quinn is one of the most famous beaches in Rhodes, which is ideal for snorkeling. Prasonissi, on the other hand, is the windsurfers’ paradise split into two shores. It also offers some great panoramic views you will not get enough.

You can easily combine visiting Rhodes with Marmaris. Marmaris is very close to Rhodes and can be visited for a day since Rhodes is one of the biggest and the most popular islands in Greece. There are direct flights to the island from many European cities.

Map of Rhodes

Rhodes Island Greece
Rhodes image by David Mark from pixabay

Corfu

Corfu is the queen of the Ionian islands, a beautiful blend of Venetian, British and French colonial influences. Many visitors find a resemblance to Tuscany, although the beaches are so much better here.

Corfu is one of the best Greek islands for older couples and is excellent to visit in October. The island has green forests and picturesque mountains. It will take one’s breath away with its superb weather, turquoise seas, and multi-cultural monuments and history.

Corfu, which is mostly called Kerkyra by Greeks, plays a significant role in the Greek cultural development. Spianada is the jewel of the city. It is preserved from the 19th century. It is the largest square in the Balkans.

Corfu is a center for many national events such as culinary and music fests, religious festivals, and carnival celebrations, which have significant Venetian influences. Fishing is the main occupation in Corfu.

If you’re interested in witnessing the entire procedures and learning a few things from local fishers, you should visit Agni, a small fishing village. Once here, visit one of the local tavernas to taste fresh fish and enjoy a glass of Ouzo.

The most majestic beaches in Corfu are in Dassia Corfu, Glyfada Corfu, and Kontakali. Visiting Corfu in October is a great idea. It is undoubtedly a destination worth spending a few weeks to fully enjoy the beautiful landscapes, enjoy the calm sea, and dig into Greek history.

You can find many luxury holiday villas that feature top-class vacations. For renting  Private Luxury Villas Corfu, you can check over 200 properties of RNT Maclaren.  See the collection

Map of Corfu

Corfu Greece
Corfu Photo by Karolis Puidokas on Unsplash

No matter which island you decide to include in your travel itinerary to Greece, we can say that all Greek islands will exceed your expectations. With their exquisite beaches, ancient history, and culture.

The hospitality on Greek islands surely is one of a kind you probably won’t experience anywhere else in the world. Talking about the delicious food in this country, your appetite will be satisfied with tasty local dishes and delicious seafood, which won’t cost you much. Visiting Greece in October is a great idea to avoid the crazy crowds and fully enjoy the magnificent ambiance of the gorgeous islands.

See also our web destinations .

Read also: Greece Island hopping ( 6days )