The climate in Greece is predominantly Mediterranean; producing hot, dry summers and cold, wet winters. However the country’s regions have unique geographies and micro-climates, which is why when booking flights to Greece, it may be useful to check the weather within the relevant region. Peak season begins in May and ends in August with temperatures ranging from 18°C to as high as 40°C. An exception is the Halkidiki peninsula and the Samothraki and Thassos islands where the most popular months to book flight tickets are July and August.
Off season:
Greece’s off season period is between late September and late April and particularly from December to March, which are the country’s coldest months when temperatures can fall below 0°C. During this period, although it is possible to find cheap flights to Greece, reduced ferry services to the islands may be a challenge. Something that not many people know however, is that Greece is also a skier’s paradise.
When is the best time to book a flight to Greece?
The cheapest flights to Greece will most likely be for the months from May to early June and September to October. During this shoulder season, travellers can take advantage of the moderately pleasant weather conditions while avoiding the influx of tourists during August, when 60% of Athenians take their summer holiday.
The major airlines that offer plane tickets to Greece are Qatar, Emirates and Etihad Airways. When searching for cheap flights to Greece, remember to check the number of stops each airline makes.
How to get from the airport to the city centre?
After you book flights to Greece, you could consider ways to get from the airport to your destination. Certain hotels provide for pre-arranged airport transfers. Other standard options include metre taxis and buses. Finding transport to the islands is somewhat trickier than finding the cheapest flight tickets. The handiest tip is to buy ferry tickets in the port of departure on the day of travel in order to avoid complications. Catamarans and hydrofoils however can be booked in advance. An alternative is to charter a boat or yacht (with or without a skipper).
Greece insider information
Travellers who get flight tickets to Greece over New Year’s Day are in for a traditional treat. Children go from door to door singing carols and sharing goodwill with neighbours, families prepare roasts and a pomegranate is smashed against the door at midnight.
Sampling delicious Mediterranean cuisine is just one delight a trip to Greece provides. Taramasalata (fish roe dip) is a traditional favourite along with Dolmades (grape leaf-wrapped rice parcels) and moussaka (a baked dish with layers of aubergine, meat, garlic and other ingredients).
The Greek Archipelago makes up 7500 kilometres of the country’s 16 000 kilometre coastline. Beaches, sand-dunes, pebble beaches and caves are waiting to be explored. That’s why a boat trip around the Greek islands is on our list of 25 unmissable travel experiences.
Planning a trip to Greece will more than likely include visits to its numerous ancient archaeological sites like the great Olympia which hosted the first Olympic games, the Temple of Apollo Epicurius and Greece’s breath-taking Byzantine churches.
Most popular destinations in Greece
(prices quotes are from Johannesburg)
Find flights to Greece
Select your preferred destination from the list below
