Escape the cold: Greek islands that shine in the winter
The perfect islands for a quick winter escape!Who says that Greece is all about the summer? The winter months are an amazing opportunity to experience the beauty of the Greek islands in a new (cooler) light. With mild weather and thinner crowds, you can expect to see a quieter, more authentic side of Greek that is full of surprises you’ll never find in peak season.
To find out more, in this Ferryhopper guide we have listed our favorite Greek islands to visit in the winter! So pack your bags, embrace the off-season charm, and discover Greece like never before!
Mount Psiloritis in Crete is a true winter wonderland!
The best Greek islands for a winter trip
Winter might be right around the corner, but the sea is beautiful all year! No matter the season, Greece invites you to explore destinations with diverse landscapes and unforgettable experiences.
Here are our top 6 Greek islands to visit off-season:
1. Crete
Greece’s largest 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.
There are four main cities in Crete. Both Rethymno and Chania are university towns with plenty of places to eat and drink throughout the year. The Fortezza, the Venetian Harbor and the Egyptian Lighthouse are all noteworthy highlights in Rethymno.
In Chania, no visit is complete without strolling around the harbor and visiting the Firka Fortress, the Venetian Lighthouse and the colorful houses right on the water. If you work up an appetite, rest assured that winter in an excellent time to try out traditional dishes in Crete.
For a taste of Cretan history and culture through the ages, the island's museums and archeological sites remain open during winter. With fewer crowds compared to the summer, plan a visit to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum and continue with a trip to Knossos, the legendary home of King Minos and the site of the Minotaur's Labyrinth.
Getting to Crete by ferry in the off-season is very straightforward, with up to 7 ferries setting sail every day from the port of Piraeus near Athens. The ferry trip normally takes 8-15 hours, depending on your destination in Crete.
Tip: did you know that the village of Myrtos in Ierapetra, Crete enjoys approximately 320 days of sunshine per year, making it the warmest place in Europe?
The Old Venetian harbor of Rethymno, Greece
Athens (Piraeus) - Crete from €31
2. Rhodes
Rhodes is one of the major summer tourist hubs in Greece, but thanks to average highs around 15°C during the winter, the Dodecanese island is a perfect destination in the off-season.
With more forgiving weather, winter is arguably one of the best times to visit the UNESCO-listed Medieval Town of Rhodes or the ancient Acropolis of Lindos. The milder conditions and thinner crowds means it's easier to explore at your own pace and not feel rushed.
For a closer look at the island's natural beauty, make sure you bring along your hiking boots. With lower temperatures, the winter hiking options are essentially endless: from strolling along the coast and the seaside town of Lindos, to longer treks through the lush inland, there's something magical around every corner!
If you've made it this far, you should know that the people in Rhodes are particularly proud of their filoxenia (hospitality), so be prepared to enjoy the evening some wine, souma and mezedakia (appetizers) around a warm fireplace.
Getting to Rhodes by ferry is easy, with at least 1 daily departure from the port of Piraeus. The ferry from Athens to Rhodes normally takes as little as 15.5 hours to reach the Dodecanese island in the winter.
Tip: the "Island of the Knights" is well-connected to other islands in the Dodecanese and Turkey, making it easy to upgrade your holidays with a day-trip from Rhodes.
Lindos Acropolis, the most impressive archaeological site on Rhodes
Athens (Piraeus) - Rhodes from €46.50
3. Santorini
Few islands are as closely tied to the Greek island summer than Santorini; think whitewashed houses, winding alleys splashed with bougainvilleas and stunning seaside views of the sun dipping into the horizon. Santorini during winter is a completely different experience from the bustling summer season.
The famous sunsets at the caldera are just as magical, if not more so, when you don’t have to push through the crowds. The cooler temperatures also make it perfect for hiking from Fira to Oia or exploring the archaeological site at Akrotiri without the intense summer heat.
Life on Santorini slows down, to a more relaxed and tranquil pace. With the beach bars and summer shops closed, the few local tavernas and cafés that remain open reveal a more authentic side of the island.
During the winter months, there are at least 4 daily ferries that set sail from the port of Piraeus near Athens for Santorini. The ferry trip usually lasts as little as 5 hours on the high-speed catamarans, with a few stops along the way.
Tip: for more ideas and inspiration on where to go and what to do, check out our detailed Santorini itinerary.
Oia in Santorini is breathtaking all year round!
Athens (Piraeus) - Santorini from €46.50
4. Hydra
Hydra is one of the most picturesque islands of the Argosaronic Gulf, and in winter it takes on a quieter, more atmospheric charm. With its neoclassical mansions bathed in soft light and fiery sunsets over the harbor, the island near Athens takes on a calm and photogenic charm that feels worlds away from the summer bustle.
Wandering the cobbled lanes on the car-free Greek island is a highlight any time of year, but in winter you’ll have them almost to yourself, allowing you to slow down and soak in the atmosphere. Make sure you visit the Historical Archive - Museum of Hydra for a fascinating glimpse into Hydra's maritime past.
Hydra is also a rewarding place for hiking in cooler weather. Trails from the main town lead into the hills and along the coast, with the path to the Zouvra Lighthouse being one of the best opportunities to enjoy dramatic sea views and sunset.
Reaching the island of Hydra from Athens is easy, as there are around 8-9 daily departures. The trip from the port of Piraeus with high-speed catamarans normally takes 1.5-2 hours.
Tip: the cobblestones around the port in Hydra town can get quite slippery in winter, so pack comfortable shoes with good grip.
Sunsets in Hydra just hit differently in the winter
Athens (Piraeus) - Hydra from €28
5. Halki
Tiny and tranquil, Halki is one of the quietest islands in the Dodecanese and winter makes it even more serene. With under 500 residents and a single inhabited village, time here seems to move at a far slower pace, offering the perfect antidote to busy city life.
Winter on Halki is best spent outdoors. Lace up your shoes and hike to the island’s high points, such as the medieval crusader castle of Kastro or Mount Maistros, where you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the Aegean.
Back in the village, warm up with a plate of Halki’s signature pasta topped with caramelized onions and cheese, and finish with thick Greek yogurt drizzled in fragrant thyme honey.
You can get to the island of Halki with 2 weekly ferries, which usually set sail from the port of Piraeus on Monday and Friday. The trip takes 16-22 hours, depending on the day you travel.
Good to know: Halki has embraced eco-friendly initiatives, is one of the most sustainable islands in the Dodecanese.
Magnificent sunset over the colorful port of Halki, Nimborio
Athens (Piraeus) - Halki from €46.50
6. Tilos
For a romantic and off-the-beaten-path winter getaway, nothing quite matches what Tilos has to offer! Nestled between Rhodes and Kos, it’s one of the quietest and most authentic Greek islands that fly under the radar.
Nature lovers will find plenty to enjoy, as the entire island is part of the Natura 2000 network. Around 54 km of marked trails crisscross Tilos, leading to secluded beaches, hilltop chapels, and panoramic summits. Winter is also an excellent time for birdwatching, as many species pass through the island.
Cultural highlights include the abandoned village of Mikro Chorio, which feels especially atmospheric in the off-season, and the capital Megalo Chorio, where you can explore at your own pace. End your day in Livadia, the island’s small port town, where locals gather in cozy tavernas.
You can travel to Tilos by ferry with 2 weekly crossings from Athens. The ferries usually depart from the port of Piraeus on Thursday and Sunday, with the journey to the Dodecanese island taking just over 14.5 hours.
The church of Christ the Savior standing at the top of the deserted village, Mikro Chorio, in Tilos
Athens (Piraeus) - Tilos from €65
Who said you need to wait for the summer to appreciate the Greek islands? From fiery sunsets to quiet cobbled streets, the Greek islands in winter are unforgettable. Why stop though at just one island? On Ferryhopper, you can visualize and plan an Greek island-hopping adventure with our Map of ferries, then book your ferry tickets in just a few clicks and let the good times roll!