Island destination in December-January

I've only visited Greece once, and it was not in winter, but I am desperate to return and here is how I would approach your situation. I'd actually first consider making it a mainland trip--Greece has a lot to offer that many who visit the islands never get to see. I spent four days in Nafplio but easily could have filled more. I had planned a northern trip that was foiled by covid, so if the threat of winter weather is not too much of a hassle, I'd look into that.
I'm more of an outdoors person, and I would want to visit the islands at their best. My first impulse--if an island is a must--would be Crete as the largest island, plus knowing it has the site of Knossos.
There are some Greece experts who frequent the forum and I think you'll get more experienced advice, but I enjoy doing research, and if you google "Greece in December" you'll get great suggestions that give you the pros and cons of a winter trip.

Hotels and restaurants on a lot of the smaller islands and the tourist dependent ones like Mykonos and Santorini close down for the winter so you may be limited, Crete, Corfu and Rhodes are larger and popular with tourists from Northern Europe trying to escape snow and ice. Evan so, Weather at that time of year can be stormy and even snow. My choice would be Crete or Rhodes. Both are interesting islands with lots to see and do and Heraklion in Crete has a spectacular museum. Chania, also on Crete is a lovely city with a stunning harbour, narrow streets and small but attractive museum.

For guides to the Islands ignore Rick, he doesn’t cover them. I like the Rough Guide to Crete, you get the history, excellent information on just about everything Cretan. They also do one dedicated to the Greek Islands, or the Ionian Islands and also one on the Dodecanese and East Aegean Islands, Frodors and Lonely Planet guides are the best for hotel info.

We are always - well until this year - in Greece for some of December and January, and I’d second the advice to think of it as a mainland trip.

Even in Greece the weather can be cold and wet at that time of year, and the islands tend to be pretty exposed. A major problem though is the wind, which can stop ferries running and cut islands without airports off for two or three days.

If you’ve set your heart on an island then Crete might be your best bet. You can fly and, as the most southerly, it tends to be slightly warmer. It’s difficult though to do it justice in the time you’ve got. I’d probably go to Chania which is a nice little town.

One option would be to extend your time in Nafplio and Athens and then, if the weather is good, do a day trip to Aegena from Athens. It’s a nice place to get an island feel and relatively easy to do in a day from Athens. When we are in Athens in the winter we sometimes go there for lunch on the spur of the moment if it’s a nice day. Janet, who often posts here, can give you good advice.

I don’t want to put you off with comments about the weather. It can be cool but it can also be really nice: eighteen months ago we were swimming every day in Nafplio.

Have a great trip.

Alan

Hi Sharon,

What you are looking for are Crete or Rhodes island because of

• The lowest risk of bad weather all over Greece
• Connection by air with Athens airport
• Low budget destinations,
• Ideal for hiking as there lots of natural park areas and
• Plenty of archaelogical sites and museums.

After a quick search on google I found these complete tourist guides
of Rhodes island here----> https://gretour.com/best-things-to-do-in-rhodes-island/
and of Crete ----> https://www.goatsontheroad.com/things-to-do-in-crete/
Just keep in your mind that
Crete is the biggest greek island so do not expect to explore a large part of it. Instead Rhodes that is the 4th biggest can be all explored in 4-5 days.
During these months wherever destination you will choose, lots of attractions-sites-museums possibly will be closed.
Let me know if you need any further info!
Kind regards,
George

Valadelphia, Lanlubber, Alan, and George,

Thank you for the helpful information! This helps us decide if we will indeed go to an island on our winter trip or stick to the mainland. If we decide to venture to an island, it sounds like Crete and Rhodes are our best choices. We will cross our fingers for favorable weather but pack for wind and rain.

I will definitely check out the guidebooks you mentioned since Rick focuses on three that don't seem to be the best choices in the winter.

We'll be back with more questions soon,

Sharon