Many Greek islands make for a popular holiday destination, no matter the time of year. The temperature might drop in the winter, but the sun still shines bright on most days. Even if you’re visiting between November and March, there’s still plenty to do and see.
Ok, so the beaches might not be as accessible because of the colder weather. But a trip to Greece during the wintertime provides a chance to soak up the culture, sample great food, and enjoy the islands during a quieter time of the year.
But which islands should visit when the weather is slightly colder? We’ve got all the details on three Greek islands that offer an exciting winter break. So read on, and find out where you should book your next Greek adventure during the chillier months of the year.
Kea
You are likely to spend more time sightseeing on a winter vacation than you would relaxing on the beach. Fortunately, Kea is the ideal island for those who like to see the sights. Also known as Tzia, Kea is located in the Cyclades archipelago in the Aegean Sea.
It’s known as a hiker’s paradise with its ruins of ancient cities, remote coves, and green scenery. In fact, Kea features some of the best walking trails of all the Greek islands. Most of them are even marked with numbers, which makes the trails easy to navigate.
Aside from scenic walks, Kea has many local taverns to enjoy during the winter. They’re quieter in the colder months and will feel even more authentic with fewer tourists around. Kea feels like it’s a million miles away from cities like Athens, yet you can hop on a ferry via Ferryscanner and be on the island within an hour of departing the Greek capital.
Santorini
One of the most iconic Greek islands, Santorini is a popular tourist destination all year round with its iconic white and blue buildings. Much of the island is still open during the winter, which means you shouldn’t have much trouble finding stylish boutique hotels.
Santorini’s beautiful landscape makes it a great place to explore, as you stop to take Instagramable pictures without the hordes of crowds found during the summer. Head to Fira, the capital of Santorini, where there are stylish shops to browse and restaurants to dine in.
Other popular wintertime activities in Santorini include wine tasting, either at your hotel or on an organized tour. This Cycladic island might not have the same buzz as it does in the summer, but it’s still a great place to visit all year round.
Hydra
Hydra is a Argo-Saronic Island of Greece that’s filled with picturesque scenery. It’s also close to Athens, so you can enjoy a wintertime holiday in the capital and spend some time visiting Hydra. It has proved to be a hotspot with celebrities in the past too, with many A-listers relaxing the day away at one of the many waterfront cafes.
During the summer, Hydra is famous for its vibrant nightlife. In the winter, however, it’s a place to wander around and admire the local scenery. It helps that there are no cars on the island, and there are daily ferry connections between other Saronic islands, even in the winter.
That means you can spend the day hopping between islands, visiting places like Spetses, Poros, and Aegina. Places like Crete, Mykonos, and Corfu might be summertime favorites, but Hydra with its stone houses, a great place to visit, no matter the season.
If you want to get away to any of the above Greek islands during the winter months, all you have to do is book ferry tickets with the help of Ferryscanner. Your next winter getaway to your favourite Greek island is just a click away.