Depending on the ferry route, there are seasonal crossings or ferry trips active all year round. So, before starting to plan your ferry trip, make sure to check the available ferry schedules for the Greek islands.
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Most of the tourist sites and attractions are open all year round in Greece, but some of them may have reduced hours or be closed during the winter months. Additionally, many of the islands may not be as lively during this time of year, as they are more popular in the summer months.
Most ferry companies issue their schedules for the summer season in March of that year. Seajets issue their schedule towards the end of the year prior to the summer season.
The vast majority of visitors hit the Greek Islands in the hot heyday of summer, but January offers sublime tranquility and bargain prices, with no other tourists in sight. Weather is unpredictable and chilly, but the sky is often crystal clear.
1. Crete. Greece's largest and most southerly island, Crete has mild and sunny weather throughout winter; in fact, it has some of the warmest winter weather in Europe with average highs generally around 15-16°C and average lows around 9-11°C.
Greek islands which are smaller and less touristic have a shorter season, larger islands like Crete, Corfu and Santorini have extended seasons sometimes up to full year. Hotels have different opening/closing dates but the general rule for islands is that they open in April and close at end October.
Things to Know About Taking Greek FerriesMost ferries don't sell out, but if you're trying to plan, you can go ahead and book 2 to 3 months in advance. Keep in mind that some ferries are seasonal and don't run all year long. For those who are island hopping, Eurail offers a ferry pass for the Greek Islands.
Islands with large cities like Rhodes, Lesvos, and Crete are like cities anywhere. They don't close for the winter. Life just changes. People spend more time indoors, but the restaurants and cafes, bars and clubs are still open and on warm sunny days people still sit outside to eat and drink, at least in the day.
The temperature of most Greek seas is about 14-16°C during the coldest winter months (January through March), with 14°C being suggested by the Open Water Swimming societies as the minimum water temperature at which wetsuits are optional.
Winter (November - March) is the low season of sunny Greece. While the big islands like Crete, Rhodes and Corfu entertain visitors all year round, the smaller islands wind down for winter. This would be a wonderful time to visit Greece for a laid-back holiday if you don't mind the cold.
May, June, andSeptember are great months to visit the Grecian isles if you're looking for nice weather but still hoping to avoid the crowds. The high season (mid-June to mid-September) offers more ferry routes and flight options.
Best Time to Visit the Greek Islands: The Greek islands are at their best from late May to early October for swimming, suntanning, and beach weather; and from April to early November for sightseeing, hiking, and exploring. A good travel itinerary for Greece should consider the weather patterns of the Greek islands.
There is 14,5% tax levied on each ticket and then 13% VAT. One of the ferries' major cost is fuel. and its price doubled since last year. There are 74 long distance ferries in Greece, 53 “conventional” and 21 “fast” (ie catamarans) ferries.
Can I visit the Greek islands in the winter? You can visit the larger Greek islands in the winter ( Crete, Rhodes, Corfu ); the experience on the island will not be the same as in the summer. It is a different product than the summer offering.
Visiting Greece in winter, you will find that the beaches are quiet, the islands are a little deserted, and the weather is undoubtedly chillier. But that doesn't make it a wrong time to visit. In fact, in many ways, winter is the best time to experience this ancient nation's culture, history, and versatility.
1. Crete. Greece's largest and most southerly island, Crete has mild and sunny weather throughout winter; in fact, it has some of the warmest winter weather in Europe with average highs generally around 15-16°C and average lows around 9-11°C. This makes it easy to get out and see everything this island has to offer.