I would like to take my son to the Greek Islands during break after Christmas for three weeks. However, from my reading it looks like most of the ferries are closed and many places are closed up. What is the weather like and is it worth a try to go or should we look elsewhere?
Posted by
Camarillo, California
3143 posts
Life on the islands doesn't just cease in the off-season. There are ferries to all the islands but the schedules are cut way back and some routes are only available during the tourist season. When it gets closer to December you will be able to see what's available ferry-wise here: http://www.gtp.gr
The islands will be cold,damp, windy and rainy. Most shops, restaurants and hotels will be closed. Those that do remain open are for the convenience of the local population.
Posted by
OP
York, Pa, USA
49 posts
Sounds like my reading was correct, will most likely have to save the Greek Islands for Spring and fall.
Thanks,
Posted by
Brighton, UK
1415 posts
Dean
We always spend some of December and January in Greece. Lee is right about transport being cut back, and it certainly isn't a good time to be island hopping, but it isn't an impossible time to visit.
We generally spend some of the time in Athens, which is lively at that time of the year, and have combined that with Crete, where the weather is often quite nice, Nafplio, which is a beautiful little town (although admittedly not an island!), and Syros, which, as the capital of the Cyclades is open all year round.
The weather is quite variable but for the last few years we've always had some days when it was warm enough to sit out for lunch or, under space heaters, an early evening drink under the Acropolis. On New Year's Day this year we were say in Syntagma Square drinking coffee in t-shirts. We have also had the odd day when it's snowed!
If you want to do a lot of travelling then spring is definitely better but Christmas and New Year have their own attractions.
Alan