1. Τhe temperatures in October are ideal to explore Athens
Although in the middle of the fall season, summer is still present in the Greek capital, with temperatures usually around 20°C (68°F). With pleasant sunshine and optimal daytime temperatures, it is the perfect season for you to take out your map and start discovering corners of Athens, without having to worry about the heat or the cold. The day gives way to a nighttime chill and you may need to wear light cardigans. You can sit in a beautiful yard or a local square and enjoy your hot drink with a thin blanket on your legs; a perfect ending to an October day full of new discoveries and memories in Athens!
2. The hills surrounding Athens are at the peak of their beauty in October
With such a pleasant climate, it is the perfect setting for you to get outside and explore outdoors, beyond the main attractions. Enjoy the changing colors of fall and set a course for the green spaces of the city. From Philopappos Hill and the National Gardens to Kaisariani Park and mount Parnitha, there are plenty of options for you to retreat. Get a hot drink from a café in Vasilissis Amalias Avenue and walk towards the three-colored trees of the National Gardens. This season is a photographer’s dream and makes for breathtaking views of Athens’ top sights!
3. Athens is awakening with the locals filling its busy streets
If you ever visited Athens in the summer you might have noticed the lack of locals, especially in August. It’s not because you are visiting tourist areas; it is because all Greeks are taking their vacation leave during summer and the ones who stay in the city don’t like wandering around its streets in the heat. All, if not most, Athenians will be back from their summer vacations by the end of September. By choosing to visit Athens in October, you will have the opportunity to know the real vibrant rhythm of the city with the locals all around you, hurrying to their jobs, walking with their umbrellas, or enjoying their -first for the upcoming winter- hot cups of coffee. You will discover the authentic side of Athens and you will surely feel the local vibes!
4. Enjoy a calmer Athens with fewer crowds in October
Athens in October offers arguably the best opportunity to visit the famous ancient sites, especially the Acropolis Hill. The tourist season is almost over, so you will be able to enjoy the ancient temples and feel the energy of the place without an ocean of people around you. Plus, no matter how sunny the day is, it will be a pleasant warmth instead of a devastating heat. So, take your time and enjoy an Acropolis tour before joining a local guide for a food tour and a journey in the Greek gastronomy! Wander around Plaka, Monastiraki and Psyri, and philosophize for hours in the beautiful autumnal Ancient Agora.
5. Take part in the wine celebrations
This is the perfect time for those of you who love wine to indulge in the Greek wine season! Greece produces plenty of grape varieties, especially juicy, delicate peel. In October, many local wine festivals are taking place around Athens and especially in the Mesogeia area of Attica. It is no coincidence that Greece is the place where the god of wine, Dionysus, was worshiped. Many centuries and countless vine harvests later, in the same soil, Greeks have their vineyards, drink their wine and enjoy the achievements of technology and science. Most of the wine's secrets may have now been revealed, but the divine spirit is ever-present!
Tip! During your excursion to the Mesogeia area, do not forget to visit the Wine Museum, which will take you, in its own way, to the magical world of wine, through its history and art. Contact us if you wish to arrange a guided visit.
It smells like fall is coming to town!
