Red Greece

when is the best time to travel to greece?

been trying to plan a trip to greece adn maybe turkey at the same time. when is the best time to go? any tips on what to see and where to stay?

Public Comments

1. May is the best time to visit both countries. This is just before the BIG crowds arrive for the summer and before the heat gets unbearable. Athens is amazing, but I always have the best time island hopping. You can island hop your way all the way to Turkey if you want to. In Greece, I have done Athens, and the islands of Ios, Santorini, Rhodos, Naxos, and Samos. In Turkey, I have been to Istanbul, Epheseus, Kusadasi, Fethiye, Olympos, and Gereme. All great places to visit.
2. late May to early June is a great time... just before the summer high season, so you avoid the crowds and the high costs... the weather at that time is sunny and bright. I did a trip to greece and turkey during this time in 2000 and I would pick this time on my next trip. Definitely see the ancient ruins in Athens... a couple of days there is plenty, then take a flight or a ferry to the islands... late May is good because most of the shops will begin to open (not every shop is open before June)... and you'll definitely want to stay up late... the locals don't eat till at least 9pm... for your first time, I'd hit the popular islands, Mykonos, Santorini, Crete... Istanbul is a must see... especially if you're from the US, the place exudes a sense of the exotic... the daily muslim call to prayer over the city takes you back in time... and then there's the history... the city of Constantinople that straddles europe and asia...