THESE ARE THE PERFECT PLACES FOR A SEPTEMBER HOLIDAY IN GREECE

While most tourists rush to book their summer holidays for July and August as early as January, experienced travellers who know Greece well often wait until September.

PHOTO: Pixabay

And this is not a compromise or a consolation prize after the peak season. Quite the opposite: September can offer a more relaxed and enjoyable version of Greece, with warm seas, milder temperatures, fewer crowds and, in many cases, significantly lower prices.

As the pressure of mass tourism begins to ease, accommodation and travel prices can drop considerably, while the sea remains at an ideal temperature for swimming.

Panos, the founder of the travel website Greek Trip Planner and a native of Athens, describes September as an “insider month” in Greece. Most people plan their holidays during winter and automatically choose the middle of summer, without considering what September has to offer.

And what it offers is plenty: warmer seawater, more comfortable temperatures, quieter beaches and a more relaxed atmosphere as locals emerge from the intense pressure of the peak tourist season.

The first part of September can still feel like high summer, as school holidays in some European countries continue into the month. But after September 11, Greece enters what many travellers consider the “sweet spot” — the perfect balance between summer weather, fewer crowds and lower prices.

By the end of the month, an even more authentic and peaceful Greece emerges. Some ferry routes become less frequent and certain clubs begin to close, but visitors gain something increasingly valuable: tranquillity, local life, autumn produce and the atmosphere of the grape harvest.

SANTORINI: ROMANCE WITHOUT THE CROWDS

Everyone knows what Santorini looks like in August. The famous caldera is packed with visitors, while the narrow streets of Oia around sunset can resemble crowded metro corridors during rush hour.

September changes the experience completely.

The spectacular landscape and volcanic scenery remain exactly the same, but the crowds become much more manageable. Visitors can take photographs without constantly waiting for a gap in the crowd, find a table at restaurants overlooking the volcano more easily and experience the island's famous charm at a slower pace.

September also coincides with the grape harvest, including the Assyrtiko variety, making visits to Santorini's wineries particularly interesting as travellers can see the winemaking process in action.

MYKONOS: LUXURY WITHOUT THE PEAK-SEASON CHAOS

Mykonos retains much of its famous summer infrastructure in September. Luxury restaurants and renowned beach clubs around Psarou and Platis Gialos continue to operate, while the peak-season celebrity crowds gradually disappear.

Visitors can stroll through Little Venice without constantly being surrounded by thousands of tourists.

The famous Meltemi winds also begin to weaken, making northern beaches such as Agios Sostis and Panormos calmer and more attractive for swimming and relaxation.

CRETE: A LONG SUMMER AND WARM SEA

Crete offers one of the longest beach seasons in the Aegean.

Along the southern coast, around areas such as Elafonisi and Matala, the sea remains pleasantly warm well into the autumn. In September, daytime temperatures are generally around 27 to 28 degrees Celsius, creating excellent conditions for both swimming and exploring the island.

The famous pink sands of Elafonisi are far less crowded than during the height of summer, while hiking through the Samaria Gorge becomes more comfortable as mornings are cooler.

NAXOS AND PAROS: PHOTOGRAPHY AND AUTHENTIC ISLAND LIFE

The Cycladic islands of Naxos and Paros take on a special atmosphere in September.

The lower, golden light creates excellent conditions for photographing traditional whitewashed houses against the turquoise sea. On Paros, windsurfing conditions around Santa Maria Beach can remain very good.

Naxos, meanwhile, begins to recover its authentic rhythm. Mountain villages such as Halki and Apeiranthos become quieter, allowing visitors to experience local life more naturally.

Tavernas also benefit from the arrival of autumn produce, adding seasonal flavours to traditional Greek cuisine.

MILOS: SPECTACULAR VOLCANIC BEACHES WITHOUT THE CROWDS

Milos is famous for its dramatic white volcanic formations at Sarakiniko and the spectacular hidden coves of Kleftiko, accessible by boat.

During August, these locations can become extremely busy. In September, however, many of them can feel almost private.

Boat and catamaran excursions continue to operate, the sea remains exceptionally warm and visitors have a much better chance of enjoying Milos' extraordinary scenery without dozens of other tourists appearing in every photograph.

RHODES: SUMMER THAT LASTS WELL INTO AUTUMN

Rhodes, in the Dodecanese, is renowned for its exceptionally sunny climate and long summer season.

September feels like a continuation of summer, with temperatures frequently reaching 28 to 30 degrees Celsius.

Because Rhodes lies farther south, its tourism season is somewhat less dependent on the timing of school holidays in northern Europe. While the decline in visitor numbers may therefore be more gradual, beaches such as Tsambika, Lindos and Anthony Quinn Bay are generally much more pleasant once the peak summer crowds begin to disappear.

ATHENS: THE PERFECT TIME TO EXPLORE THE CAPITAL

Visiting Athens in July and August, when temperatures can climb towards 38 degrees Celsius, can make sightseeing exhausting.

In September, temperatures generally fall to around 29 to 30 degrees, making visits to the Acropolis and Parthenon considerably more comfortable.

Demand for major attractions also begins to ease, allowing visitors to plan their sightseeing with less pressure than during the height of summer.

Athens also regains its normal rhythm as residents return from their holidays. Rooftop bars, cafés and restaurants become filled with local life, creating a genuine urban atmosphere rather than the predominantly tourist-oriented environment of the peak season.

For travellers looking for warm weather without extreme heat, beautiful beaches without overwhelming crowds and a more authentic experience, September may be one of the best times of the year to discover Greece.