Greece in October

[Isabella777]

Thinking about Greece for the October half term as one of my DC have been reading Percy Jackson series and is very interested in Greek mythology now. Looking for a bit of inspiration on where to go beyond Athens for a mix of historical sights, nature, and relaxation. Even if it’s too cold to swim in the sea I know my kids would like some time in a coastal area to run around and explore. But is it worth going to an island or better to stick to the mainland that time of year? Just curious what others have done this time of year…..

(For reference- we went to Gdansk for a few days at the half term last October which was fun and we even spent a sunny afternoon at the beach there- not in the water obviously but my kids still enjoyed it! But I’d like to go somewhere a bit warmer this year)

Crete. Beautiful small island.

Crete at that time of year. Knossos - home of the Minotaur!

Another for Crete. If you stay near Knossos, then a trip to Spinalonga island is easy. This is a small island that was a leper colony, now abandoned but an interesting trip. If you read The Island by Victoria Hislop before you go, which is based in the area, it will give you a good idea of how people lived there.

If you go to the west end of the island, near Chania, the bay near Chania is where Jason and the Argonauts fought the metal giant. The area is also where the Germans invaded in 1941, a bit more modern. Chania harbour is lovely.

Late October in Greece can be quite rainy, it’s end of season. You may be lucky and get some sunshine, but I wouldn’t rely on it.

If you go to Athens then you get lots of the urban vibes and cultural spots, but you can also hop on a quick ferry and do day trips to the nearby Islands. There are some very close that you can get to within an hour from Piraeus. There’s also the Athens coastline which is lovely and a tram takes you there from the centre. Best of both worlds?

Thanks all! I’m actually really tempted now to rent a car (if I can convince DH, lol) and go to Delphi and the Peloponnese peninsula. And then maybe do an island-only trip in the summer another year. I like the suggestion of a daytrip to one of the islands close to Athens too.

Big fan of Andros - quick ferry hop from Athens, easy to hire a car and get around (they meet you at the ferry terminal), loads of beaches to choose from and very quiet compared to other spots.