We booked a flight to Athens arriving the 21st and departing the 30th of October to celebrate my 60th. I have been to Athens so only saving a day at the end. We are in our 60’s and not looking for beaches and understand the weather can be variable. Would appreciate island recommendations as so many travel posts on late October are several years old and discouraging. People are obviously visiting as many hotels on Crete, for example, are already booked. Looking for a chance to experience the traditional as we are off the beaten path types who enjoy a bit of town and country life.
Posted by
11569 posts
We have been on Paros and Crete in October. Some restaurants in Paros were closed but most were still open.
Posted by
NH (USA)
1222 posts
I go to Greece every October, usually during the first half but a couple times the second half. The weather for the most part was still nice, warm enough for short sleeve shirts during the day and maybe a light jacket at night. Some rain but no washouts.
However, there is no guarantee with weather.
Most of the islands will have closed their tourist infrastructure but they'll always be shops, markets and tavernas open for locals which will give you a more "Greek" experience rather than a tourist experience.
I would recommend some of the bigger islands like Naxos, Chios or Crete and even the nearby island of Aegina which is very popular with locals.
Still, even the smaller islands can be very interesting like Sifnos, Tinos, Amorgos. Lots of options depending on what you are interested in.
I think off-season travel to Greece can provide you with a more quieter, traditional and less touristy experience.
Posted by
Colorado Mountains, USA
7937 posts
Well be on Crete a couple weeks before you, and are in the same age range. We’ll be in the bigger cities for some of our trip, and using a rental car to visit ancient Minoan sites and less populous towns and villages around the island.
One more rural area we’re anticipating is the Lasithi Plateau, an agricultural plains area on an otherwise mountainous and seashore studded island. There were once 10,000 windmills up there, and many are now gone or just surviving for show. It sounds like the area gets some tour buses in high season, but you’ll be there outside of that. We expect it to be traditional with a capital “T.”
On the offhand chance you’re getting spidering hiking the Samaria Gorge - a big draw throughout late spring and all summer, so literally NOT off the beaten path (or trail), we’ve learned that they shut it down for the season some time around mid-to-late October. The exact date varies, depending on when it starts to rain regularly, so no one’s trapped in high water. We plan to hike it on October 8, so are keeping fingers crossed for a dry prior to that? Other, shorter Gorges exist that can offer a scenic bit of exercise and adventure, but I can guarantee their total accessibility in October. Gave a great trip!
Posted by
stevens point, wi, usa
1194 posts
Hi from Wisconsin,
One word, Sifnos.
wayne iNWI
Posted by
2 posts
Paros could be a good option. You may think also for a sailing trip that can reach at least 6 islands. It totally depend on your budget.