Greece in Autumn

The perks of travelling in low season

If you want to avoid long queues at the Acropolis and crowded buses, I suggest you visit mainland Greece during the low season. It lasts from 1 November to 30 March. During this time, you will pay half price for most attractions, which is especially great for adults, who usually no longer get any discounts on attractions. The temperature may still be pleasant and suitable for taking a dip in the sea.

A visit to the mighty Athens

In Athens, I recommend visiting the Acropolis of Athens and the museum at the same time, as you can see the real statues in the museum and watch a short film about the construction of the Acropolis and its history. I also suggest a visit to the Athenian Agora, where you can see the best-preserved temple; the Temple of Hephaestus. Do not forget to climb the Areopagus hill for a beautiful view of the acropolis and the city. During your visit to Athens, you can stay in Welcommon hostel which is part of the Hosteling International network. The hostel is special because it used to be a hospital. It is located near the centre, the metro station and the National Archaeological Museum.

Enrich your trip with GetYourGuide

Without a car, you are unfortunately somewhat limited in terms of time and sightseeing outside Athens. Certain well-known attractions are either inaccessible by public transport or take too long. I booked my own tours with GetYourGuide, where you get a 10% discount on activity bookings as a member of Hostelling International. First I visited Delphi and the mountain village of Arachova, which is a popular winter destination for Greeks as it is close to a ski resort. This tour requires a full day, as the bus ride takes at least two hours in one direction. With the agency, I also visited the Temple of Poseidon, which is known as one of the most beautiful places to watch the sunset. This tour was shorter and lasted about half the day. On the way to the temple, we passed by a 2500-year-old olive tree, said to be one of the oldest olive trees in the world, and the oldest ancient theatre, the Thorikos. In both activities, we were accompanied by a guide who told us interesting facts about Greek mythology, history and culture.

Discover the hidden gems of the Peloponnese

Nafplio is a hidden gem of Greece and, according to some travel guides, one of the most beautiful cities in Greece. I happily confirm this as well. In Nafplio, climb Palamidi Fortress in Acronauplia for a beautiful view of the city and the floating Burtzi Fortress.

In addition to Nafplio, I recommend a visit to Corinth and a short stop at the Corinth Canal, which connects the Ionian and Aegean Seas, and Acrocorinth, which offers visitors a wonderful view of the city and its surroundings.

If you want to get away from the crowds and get to know the local community, I recommend Elisson Hostel. Located in the village of Kryoneri Korinthias, close to nature, the hostel consists of three buildings, one of which was once used as a chicken coop. Today, the only trace of the former chicken coop is the name of individual rooms called chicken and goose.