Best places to visit in Greece in September

Let’s answer the obvious question first. September in Greece is warm, uncrowded and still fully open for business. Everything you want from a Greek summer... the beaches, the boat trips, the cold Mythos at sunset is still very much on the table. It’s just more enjoyable.

That being said, it’s completely different depending on when you go. Early September is not the same as late September.

Early September in Greece

Early September still feels like peak summer. The beaches are buzzing, nightlife is active, everything is open, and the sea is at its warmest after months of sunshine. If you want energy and atmosphere with a fraction of the August madness, early September hits the mark.

Late September in Greece

Late September is a different vibe entirely. It’s quieter, cheaper, and more authentically Greek. Locals reclaim their favourite spots, restaurant staff have time to chat, and you’ll feel less like a tourist and more like an expat. (For a week, at least.)

The only downside to going to Greece in late September is that the days get shorter as the month goes on. Sunsets move from 8pm to 7pm and the water can feel a little colder even if it’s not actually any colder, especially in northern Greece. None of that should be a dealbreaker though, as the pros far outweigh the cons. 

Rhodes — The All-Rounder

Rhodes runs a long season.  September temperatures stay reliably warm at 25–29°C, the sheltered north and east coastlines are calm and beginner-friendly for water sports, and the island has enough going on that you’ll never run out of things to do.

The Old Town is the real highlight in September. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site with medieval lanes, the Palace of the Grand Masters, and fantastic restaurants tucked into ancient courtyards. In August, it can be shoulder-to-shoulder. In September, you can actually wander about it. Without a care in the world. Like you’ve been transported to another world.

For those who prefer to be on the water, the calmer September conditions make it ideal for getting out on it. The north and east coast are brilliant for beginners — the sea is flat, the breeze is light, and there's less people on the water which means there’s less of a worry about getting in anyone’s way.

Fancy a trip to Rhodes? Check out Levante Beach Club. Based on the north-east coast it’s the perfect place to combine a trip to the Old Town with cycling, water sports, tennis and plenty of other activities.

Lefkada — Big Island Energy, Minus The Crowds

Lefkada is technically an island, but you don’t need a ferry to get there. It’s connected to mainland Greece by a floating pontoon bridge, which means less faff and a shorter transfer from the airport. You still get all the Greek island charm without having to reach for the sea sickness tablets getting there.

Porto Katsiki is one of the most dramatic beaches in the Mediterranean. White limestone cliffs dropping straight into electric-blue Ionian water, and in September, you don’t have to strain your eyes to see the sand through the crowds of people. Lefkada also gets a consistent Ionian breezes, which makes it one of the best spots for windsurfing. Calmer days are great for kayaking and paddleboarding too.

The best thing about it though? It’s a lot quieter than some of the more popular islands. No sprawling resort strips. No throngs of cruise ship traffic. Just an authentic Greek island experience, which is why it’s one of the best places to visit any time of the year.

September strips it back even further. The olive harvest gets underway, Lefkada Town is lovely in the cooler evenings, and the International Art Festival runs into early September with concerts and performances from across Europe.

Does Lefkada sound like a bit of you? Cosmos Beach Club is the ideal base for an active holiday on the island .

The Peloponnese — History, Hidden Coves And Hardly Anyone Else

The Peloponnese doesn’t get the credit it deserves. It’s less tourist-heavy than the islands, but just as picturesque and charming. It feels more like your visiting authentic Greece, rather than the postcard version.

It’s a serious spot for those who like a mix of history and activities. Ancient Sparta, the birthplace of the Olympics, Mystras, the ruins of Ancient Messene — it’s all here, and September’s cooler temperatures make exploring these sites far more comfortable than in August. The coastline around Messinia is particularly beautiful: turquoise bays, hidden coves, long sandy stretches with barely a sun lounger in sight. The Peloponnese also has some of the best cycling in Greece, with epic rolling hills, olive grove-lined roads and coastal stretches that lead to hidden bays and little coves. The bays are also protected for the wind which makes the waters calm and perfect water sports – especially for beginners.

Neilson’s Messini Beach Club sits right in the heart of southern Peloponnese. It’s a brilliant base for the coastline, the cycling routes, and day trips to the archaeological sites nearby.

Crete — Big Island, Bigger Adventures

Crete is one Greece’s largest and more popular islands and is an easy choice for one to best places to visit in September. Temperatures ease to a more manageable 24–28°C. Warm, but not scorching. The sea is still brilliant for swimming. And you can actually tackle the good stuff without the need to reapply the factor 50 and seek shade every 30 minutes.

Hiking Samaria Gorge, one of Europe’s longest at 16km, is the type of thing you’d maybe steer clear of in the August heat. But in September, it’s a pleasure and more than worthy of a post to the gram.

Elafonissi, Balos and Stavros are all gorgeous this time of year, and all far easier to access than in the school-holidays. And popular attractions like The Palace of Knossos, the Venetian harbour at Rethymno, the old town of Heraklion — all far better without the summer hordes.

Then there's the water sports and activities. The sea conditions in September are brilliant, warm enough to stay in all day, calm enough to actually make progress if you're learning to windsurf or paddleboard. Kayaking along the coastline is a particular highlight, with sea caves and hidden coves that you simply can't reach on foot.  

Corfu — Lush, Lovely And A Bit Unexpected

Corfu is misunderstood. People think of it as a party island and move on, which means they miss rolling hills, olive groves, cypress trees and one of the most beautiful UNESCO-listed old towns in Greece. And September’s slightly cooler temperatures make it great for doing all of the above, and not just lying on the beach.

Corfu Old Town is Venetian in character with elegant arcades, Byzantine churches, and proper restaurants that have been there for decades. Glyfada and Agios Gordios on the west coast have wide sandy beaches that are perfect for exploring. The east coast is calmer, sheltered, and great for families. And the best part... it’s about a three-hour flight from the UK, which makes it easy to get to and easy to (reluctantly) leave.

Naxos — The Cyclades’ Best-Kept Secret

If you want the Cyclades without the Santorini Instagram scrum or the Mykonos price tag, Naxos is your answer. It's the largest island in the Cyclades group, and September is one of the best months to visit it.

Agios Prokopios and Plaka are among the best beaches in the Aegean. They’re long, sandy, backed by dunes, and much more enjoyable without the August crowds. The food is special too. Naxos is famous for its potatoes, its graviera cheese and its kitron liqueur — a citrus spirit you won't find anywhere else in Greece.

Then there's the history. Wander the marble village of Apeiranthos, explore Halki and Filoti, then catch sunset at the Portara, an ancient marble doorway on a promontory overlooking the sea that is, frankly, one of the most atmospheric things in Greece.

September isn’t just good weather and quiet beaches. There’s also a lot going on in Greece.  

Here’s a few of our favourite festivals in September.

Armata Festival, Spetses (second week of September): One of the most spectacular events in Greece. It commemorates a naval battle from the 1821 War of Independence, the centrepiece is a dramatic nighttime reenactment where a replica Turkish flagship is set ablaze in the harbour, followed by fireworks.

Nemea Wine Festival, Peloponnese (throughout September): Celebrating the Nemea wine region’s famous Agiorgitiko red, this festival covers around 30 wineries with tours, tastings, seminars and traditional music. A very good excuse to visit the Peloponnese.

Aegina Fistiki Festival (late September): A celebration of Aegina’s famous pistachios, a uniquely Greek foodie experience with tastings, traditional dance and music. An easy day trip from Athens if you’re staying on the mainland.

International Folklore Dancing Festival, Lefkada (late August to 2 September): Folklore groups from across the world come together for one of Lefkada’s most beloved annual events.  

International Art Festival, Lefkada (September): As the summer crowds thin, Lefkada hosts performers from across Europe for concerts, dance and theatrical performances staged around the island.

Mediterranean Folklore Festival, Rhodes (late September/early October): Folklore dance groups perform in one of the most historically rich settings in Greece. If you’re heading to Rhodes in late September, it’s well worth checking the schedule. 

• Book accommodation ahead for early September: It’s still shoulder-to-high season in popular spots. Don’t assume you can rock up and find a room.
• Pack a light layer: Evenings get noticeably cooler as the month goes on — a light jacket makes al fresco dinners far more comfortable.
• The sea is still glorious: Around 23°C in early September. Perfect for swimming, snorkelling and water sports.
• Early vs late September: Early September is still lively and fully open, slightly more expensive. Late September is quieter, better value and feels more authentically local.
• Getting around: Ferry routes are still running well but some schedules start to reduce toward the end of the month. Book ahead if you’re island-hopping. 

September offers the best of both worlds. The warmth and beauty of a Greek summer without the peak-season chaos. Whether you’re drawn to the calm Ionian bays of Lefkada, the history-packed Peloponnese or the dramatic beaches of Rhodes, there’s a corner of Greece that’s got your name on it.

Neilson Beach Clubs have brilliant bases across some of Greece’s best September destinations, combining all-inclusive activities with a proper beachside holiday. Take a look at our holidays in Greece and see what’s available. We’ll see you on the beach.

If you’re still looking for more inspiration check out our guide to family holidays in Greece, where to visit in Greece in October, the complete guide to cycling in Greece and 17 fun things to do with kids in Greece.