Lonely Planet
How to Plan an Offseason Trip to Greece
The offseason in Greece trades hot days for quiet trails, uncrowded ancient sites and local festivals. This is why we love it.
Lonely PlanetAug 15
15 of the best things to do in Crete
Experience the best of Crete with this guide to the island’s top beaches, historic sites, hikes and more.
15 things in this story
- KnossosAttractionVisit for Minoan frescoes, see dolphins frolicking.
- Elsewhere
- Lerapetra MuseumMuseumIerapetra, GreeceSee the striking statue of the goddess Persephone.
- Samaria GorgeTrailAgia Roumeli, GreeceHike 18km through sheer rock faces, spot rare goats.
- Falasarna BeachSightKissamos, GreeceCatch the sunset at this west-facing beach.
- Spinalonga IslandSightElounda, GreeceDay trip to see former quarantine facilities and fort.
- Archaeological Museum in IerapetraMuseumIerapetra, GreeceSee the impressive statue of the goddess Persephone.
- Koutsounari BeachSightIerapetra, GreeceEnjoy a swim in its warm waters.
- Mosque of Kioutsouk HasanSightHania, GreeceDominates the Venetian harbor.
- Lasithi PlateauSightAgios Nikolaos, GreeceTour by bicycle among windmills and orchards.
- FortezzaAttractionRethymno, GreeceVast fortress built in the 16th century to protect the port.
- KouremenosSightPalekastro, GreeceThrill-seekers flock here for windsurfing.
- PalekstroSightPalekastro, GreeceWander through evocative ruined houses and roads.
- Zakros GorgeTrailAno Zakros, GreeceMeandering green river, towering rock walls, Minoan burial sites.
- Kato Zakros beachSightKato Zakros, GreeceEnd point of Zakros Gorge, has small tavernas.
- Koraï QuarterNeighborhoodIraklio, GreeceFind the best of the action in nightlife.
Condé Nast TravelerSep 29, 2025
The Best Time to Visit Greece—and How Long to Stay
Whether you’re looking for buzzy beaches or a quiet coastal escape, here’s the best time to visit Greece.
13 things in this story
- Knossos PalaceAttractionPalace on the island of Crete
- CreteSightIsland offering archaeological wonders
- Elsewhere
- AcropolisAttractionAthens, GreeceCultural site in Athens, perfect for hiking
- MonastirakiNeighborhoodAthens, GreeceThe area is home to clothing boutiques, souvenir shops and specialty stores, and is a major tourist attraction in…
- Temple of Apollo at DelphiSightDelphi, GreeceCultural site, best visited in cooler weather
- SantoriniSightThira, GreeceIsland known for iconic sunsets and volcanic beaches
- MeteoraSightKalabaka, GreeceMainland cultural site, good for day trips
- PeloponneseSightPatras, GreeceIt is connected to the central part of the country by the Isthmus of Corinth land bridge, which separates the Gulf of…
- PlakaQuarterAthens, GreecePláka is the old historical neighborhood of Athens, clustered around the northern and eastern slopes of the Acropolis,…
- Akrotiri archaeological siteSightThira, GreeceWell-preserved Minoan ruins on Santorini
- Mykonos Grand HotelHotelMykonos, GreeceLocated on Ayios Yiannis beach, opposite the island of Delos, this "delightful and marvelous" 2001 hotel was built on…
- Mykonos BluHotelMykonos, GreeceΚάνουμε το ταξίδι της Ηλεκτροκίνησης πραγματικότητα, με το δίκτυο με τους πιο γρήγορους ταχυφορτιστές στην Ελλάδα!
- OiaSightThira, Greece