Low Season — November to April, the winter months, are the low season of the island. The cold and rainy weather deters tourists from seeking a beach getaway.
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The best time to visit Santorini for budget-conscious travellers is during the off-season between the end of October and March when hotels have vacant rooms and airlines offer lower fares.
Many flights, as well as quite a few restaurants and hotels, close up for the season during October, so you may find most things still open and a fair few people around at the start of the month and more things closed and fewer fellow visitors as October draws to a close.
October is an ideal time to visit Santorini. Many seasonal flights and restaurants finish for the year this month which means that, despite it being shoulder season, the crowds that filled Santorini over recent months are gone.
The best time to visit Greece is outside the busy summer peaks, during spring (April to June) and early fall (September and October). Temperatures are warm but not stifling, and you'll find that destinations are open but still relatively quiet.
And, yes, you can also swim in Santorini in October. In fact, the sea is sometimes even warmer than in June! Plus, you get a little extra when visiting the island's shores as October is a low-tourism month.
The best time to visit Santorini for budget-conscious travellers is during the off-season between the end of October and March when hotels have vacant rooms and airlines offer lower fares. Bargains can also be found in April and October when seasonal transportation and tour fees are less expensive.
Santorini is the top tourist destination in Greece and is world-famous for its unique natural beauty. The caldera with the white villages on top, the sunken volcano, and the charming sunset make it a popular place for vacation. In brief, we recommend staying 3 to 5 days in order to visit as many places as possible.
Beware, however, that some restaurants, hotels and other establishments begin to close for the season in late October or early November and won't reopen until spring. This is the least popular time to visit Santorini thanks to temperatures in the 50s – hardly pleasant for sunbathing.
If you don't want to spend too much on accommodation, you can easily find economical hotels in Santorini in the Kamari, Perissa, Perivolos, and Karterados regions. The hotels located on the Caldera side are more lavish and expensive.
Santorini is best known as a romantic island with one-of-a-kind views, whereas Mykonos is more about sandy beaches and spirited partying. Depending on the vibe you seek, both islands suit holidays à deux. Solo travellers and groups of friends will also find both appealing, though Mykonos offers more in terms of edge.
If you're planning a trip to Santorini, there are a few things you should know about the cost of your journey. On average, a trip to Santorini will cost around $1,500-$2,000 per person for a week-long stay.
The fact that it's less crowded in October often leads people to worry that Santorini is dead during the fall. That's simply not the case. Restaurants and tourist attractions open as early as April and stay open through October, November or all year round.
The shops in Santorini, especially during the summer months, are open from around 10 o'clock in the morning till late at night. Most shops in Santorini are opening in April and close around the end of October. Click here for more information about shopping in Santorini.
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.
Obviously, the weather will play a factor in what you're packing — but if you're going to Santorini from late spring to early fall, you should be fine with mainly “beachy” attire. Think sundresses, several bikinis, shorts, and cute tops, along with hats and sandals.
Crete is the warmest of the Greek islands in October because of its geographical location in the South Aegean Sea, close to North Africa. While the heat isn't as insufferable as it is during the summer months, it's still a bit intense, mainly if you're not used to mid-20s temperatures.
Visiting in October represents a good-value time to go, when you can enjoy cooler weather and fewer crowds. The islands start to wind down ahead of winter, but usually stay open until the end of the month.