September has emerged in recent years as one of the most popular months for summer holidays in Greece. More and more travelers are choosing to enjoy their vacation in September, taking advantage of lower prices, better weather, and the absence of summer crowds. The Greek islands are ideal destinations at this time of year, offering great experiences in a calmer and more relaxed environment.
Whether you’re looking for cultural events, such as the pistachio festival in Aegina, or you want to enjoy the clean beaches and natural beauty of Andros or Skyros, the options are varied. September gives you the opportunity to explore these islands with more comfort and without the crowds of the summer months.
Greek islands for holidays in September
Wondering where you could escape to this September? Don’t worry, there are plenty of options! Whether you prefer nearby destinations that offer quick access and easy accommodation, or you’re looking for more remote islands with a sense of exploration and adventure, Greece has it all!
Choose one of the following Greek islands for your September holidays:
1. Aegina
September is a great month to visit Aegina, offering a combination of wonderful activities, beautiful beaches, cultural events, and great food without the crowds of summer. Enjoy hiking and cycling on the scenic trails and water sports on the clean beaches of Agia Marina and Marathon. Especially in September, Aegina hosts the famous Pistachio Festival, which takes place until September 18, where pistachio farmers present their products, while concerts, exhibitions, and other events take place, making a visit to the island even more interesting.
For culinary delights, visit the areas of Agia Marina and Perdika, where you will find many tavernas offering fresh fish and traditional Greek dishes. Be sure to try local specialties with Aegina pistachio, and make sure to buy a few packets of this famous product before you leave. Also, don’t miss a visit to the Temple of Aphaia for unique views and historical value.
How do I get to Aegina?
The ferries from Athens to Aegina depart daily from the port of Piraeus and the journey time varies from 30 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes. Prices range between €10 – €17 each way, making Aegina an affordable option for a short getaway.
*Prices may vary depending on the day of booking, the type of accommodation, and the ferry company you choose to travel with.
2. Andros
September is an ideal month to discover Andros, offering a peaceful and enjoyable experience without the summer crowds. The island has excellent hiking trails that pass through picturesque villages and natural landscapes. You can explore cultural treasures such as the Archaeological Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art of Andros. On its beaches, such as Golden Sand and Apothikes, you’ll find clear waters and a relaxed atmosphere, ideal for a quiet holiday away from the summer crowds.
As for food, the areas of Batsi and Chora host many tavernas with fresh fish and traditional dishes. Don’t forget to try local specialties such as almond and furtalia. Before leaving Andros, make sure to visit the Monastery of Panagia Palatiani and enjoy the magnificent view from the Castle of Chora.
How do I get to Andros?
Initially you will have to drive to the port of Rafina. You can find routes from Rafina to Andros every day, and the duration of the trip is between 1 and 2 hours. The price of the ferry tickets starts from €25.
*Prices may vary depending on the day of booking, the type of accommodation, and the ferry company you choose to travel with.
3. Skyros
September is a great month to explore Skyros, offering a tranquil and authentic experience away from the hustle and bustle of summer. The island is known for its traditional architecture and natural beauty. You can enjoy hiking the scenic trails, visit the local museums and discover the island’s rich cultural heritage. On the beaches of Kampos and Magazia, you will find clear waters and a relaxed atmosphere, ideal for relaxing and swimming.
For culinary delights, visit the areas of Chora and Linaria, where you will find many tavernas offering fresh fish and traditional dishes. Don’t miss to try local specialties such as garpina and Syrian cheese. Before you leave Skyros, make sure you visit the Monastery of Agios Georgios and enjoy the view from the Chora Castle.
How do I get to Skyros?
Initially you will have to drive to the port of Kymi, on the large island of Evia. You can find routes from Kymi to Skyros every day, the trip takes between 40 minutes and 1 hour. Ferry ticket prices start from €20.
*Prices may vary depending on the day of booking, the type of accommodation, and the ferry company you choose to travel with.
4. Syros
September is the perfect time to discover Syros, offering an ideal combination of excellent activities, beautiful beaches, cultural events and culinary delights without the crowds of summer. The weather remains warm and pleasant, while prices are lower and the beaches are less crowded. You can tour Ermoupoli, the capital of the Cyclades, and admire the impressive neoclassical architecture, narrow streets, and beautiful squares. Visit local museums such as the Industrial Museum and the Museum of Cycladic Art and enjoy hiking the trails that crisscross picturesque villages and natural landscapes such as Ano Syros.
For beaches, choose beaches such as Galissas, one of the most popular shallow-water beaches ideal for families, and Agathopes, offering clear waters and plenty of amenities. Throughout September, many Syros Cultural Summer events continue, including concerts, theatre performances and exhibitions. In the areas of Ermoupolis and Ano Syros, you will find many tavernas with fresh seafood and traditional Greek dishes. Try local specialties such as Loza and caparossa salad. Before you leave Syros, visit the impressive Ermoupolis Town Hall and the Cathedral of Agios Nikolaos, and make sure to buy local products such as Syrian loukoumi and cheeses.
How do I get to Syros?
You can find routes from Piraeus to Syros every day, the duration of the trip is 2h 20min – 3h 40min and the ferry ticket prices start from €45.
*Prices may vary depending on the day of booking, the type of accommodation, and the ferry company you choose to travel with.
5. Spetses
September is the ideal time to discover Spetses, the island of aromas and history. At this time of year, the island offers a peaceful atmosphere without the summer crowds, allowing you to enjoy the beauty and activities it offers in peace and quiet. You can wander through the picturesque streets of Spetses Town, admiring the traditional architecture and historic buildings.
Visit the Museum of Bouboulina and the Mansion of Hatzigiannis Mexis to learn about the rich history of the island and feel the atmosphere of a bygone era. For swimming, choose beaches such as Agioi Anargyroi Beach, one of the most popular beaches with clear waters and plenty of amenities, and Agathopes, which offer clear blue waters and beautiful nature around them. September hosts the famous Armata Festival, which takes place on the second weekend of September and includes a re-enactment of the Battle of Spetses with fires and fireworks, attracting visitors from all over Greece and the world. This event is filled with cultural activities, traditional music, and dances, offering a unique experience.
In the areas of Spetses Town and the Old Port you will find many tavernas and restaurants serving fresh seafood and traditional Greek dishes. Try local specialties such as Spetses’ almonds and cacavia. Before you leave Spetses, visit the lighthouse of Spetses for the wonderful view, and make sure to take traditional products such as spoon sweets and local wines with you.
How do I get to Spetses?
You can find ferry tickets from Piraeus to Spetses every day, the trip duration is 2h 35min – 2h 55min and ticket prices start from €50.
*Prices may vary depending on the day of booking, the type of accommodation, and the ferry company you choose to travel with.
6. Crete
Are you looking for a destination that combines history, natural beauty, and gastronomy? Crete in September is the answer. During this month, the island offers a more relaxed atmosphere with fewer tourist crowds, allowing you to enjoy the sights and activities at a more leisurely pace. The climate remains warm and pleasant, perfect for exploring and relaxing.
For swimming, visit beaches such as Elafonissi, famous for its pink sand and crystal clear waters, and Balos, a stunning lagoon with turquoise waters. Falassarna is also one of the top beaches with endless sand and clear waters. During September, various cultural events and festivals take place all over the island.
For culinary delights, visit Chania, where you can find tavernas in the old town serving traditional dishes such as gammopilafo and calzounia. In Heraklion, try Cretan wines and raki accompanied by local delicacies, while in Rethymno, enjoy fresh fish and seafood in the seaside tavernas. Before you leave Crete, make sure you buy local products such as olive oil, honey, and Cretan cheeses, and visit the Lighthouse of Chania for the wonderful view and a stroll around the Venetian harbor.
How to get to Crete?
You can find routes from Piraeus to Chania every day, the duration of the trip is 8h – 9h and ferry ticket prices start from €49.
You can find routes from Piraeus to Heraklion every day, the trip duration is 8h – 9h and ferry ticket prices start from €37.
*Prices may vary depending on the day of booking, the type of accommodation, and the ferry company you choose to travel with.
Book Ferry Tickets for Your September Holidays
Don’t wait! Book your ferry tickets for your September holidays on the Greek islands using Ferryscanner. With this search and booking engine, you can compare prices, routes, and ferry companies, ensuring the best choice for your trip. With just a few clicks, the process is quick and easy. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy the beauties of the Greek islands this September!