We’ve said it before: fall might be the best time to visit Greece. Besides the freedom from hordes of other tourists that can easily become a distraction from enjoying natural environments and authentic experiences during summer, the weather is milder and the sea is warm, not to mention that locals are always happy to see you, as it’s in everyone’s interest for the tourist season to grow.
The Guardian recognized the charms of visiting Greece in the fall in an article published on Sunday titled “10 of the best autumn sun holidays in southern Europe,” which also named an accommodation option for each place. Two of the spots on the list, including the top one, were given to Greek island destinations: Makriyialos on Crete, and the island of Leros, in the Dodecanese.
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The journalist wrote about Makriyialos:
“Autumn is near-perfect in Crete: the masses have left, days reach 24C, the Libyan Sea is still bath-like, and tavernas are still open and pouring raki. Much of the island’s east has been overdeveloped but there is a lovely, low-key alternative on the south coast. White River Cottages is a hamlet of rustic self-catering stone houses amid olive, pine and carob trees in the rocky Aspros Potamos valley, near the pretty harbour of Makriyialos. The sea is a 15-minute walk, and there’s is good hiking inland, up through the gorge to the mountain village of Pefki, where an excellent taverna awaits.”
About Leros, she said:
“This under-the-radar Dodecanese isle remains delightful in October: T-shirt weather, seas warm enough to swim (or wreck dive) in and, thanks to a year-round local population, none of that sad out-of-season feel. Hotel Archontiko Angelou is a converted 19th-century mansion that has retained much of its original grandeur, and is a short walk from Alinda, Leros’s best beach. Owner Marianna serves vegetarian breakfasts outside under a jacaranda tree, and can make up picnics for those heading out to explore the island’s fishing villages, ancient ruins and unusual art deco towns.”
