When visiting Greece, many choose the popular months of June, July and August. And while high summer is a great time to go, September is often overlooked as an option.
September is still warm (albeit a little cooler), often less expensive and full of amazing events, festivals and seasonal shifts that can potentially make for a remarkable trip.
Check out these highlights:
1. Cultural Events and Festivals:
- International Film Festival of Drama (mid-September):
Held in the city of Drama in Northern Greece, this festival focuses on short films from around the world. It is a significant event for cinephiles and filmmakers. - Aegina Fistiki Festival (mid-September):
Celebrated on the island of Aegina, this festival revolves around the famous Aegina pistachio. It includes food tastings, music, dancing, and local arts and crafts. - Athens September Events:
Athens comes alive with various cultural events, such as concerts, theatrical performances, and outdoor cinema screenings in historic locations like the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, the Ancient Agora, and various parks. - Samos Wine Festival (early September):
This festival celebrates the island’s famous sweet Muscat wine with tastings, music, and local gastronomy. Samos is known for producing some of Greece’s best wines.
2. Religious Celebrations:
- Feast of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary (September 8):
Celebrated throughout Greece, especially in small villages and on the islands. It often involves church services, processions, and local fairs (panigyria) with music, dancing, and feasting. - Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross (September 14):
Another important religious event marked by services and celebrations, particularly in monasteries dedicated to the Holy Cross.
3. Seasonal Highlights:
- Tourism Peak and Shift:
September is a transitional month for tourism in Greece. While it is still considered high season, crowds begin to thin out compared to July and August. Temperatures are cooler, making it an ideal time for sightseeing, hiking, and outdoor activities. Many families, especially from Europe, travel at this time to take advantage of fewer tourists and pleasant weather. - Grape Harvesting (Vendema):
September marks the start of the grape harvest season, especially in wine regions such as Nemea in the Peloponnese, Naoussa in Northern Greece, and Santorini. Local wineries often host grape harvest festivals, offering tours, tastings, and a chance to learn about traditional winemaking.
- Olive Picking Preparation:
While the olive harvest peaks in October and November, September is when farmers begin preparing their olive groves. Visitors may see early activity in the fields and learn about olive oil production.
- Animal Migration:
September is the start of the migratory season for birds. Greece, located along a major migratory route, becomes a hotspot for birdwatchers. Wetlands like Lake Kerkini, the Evros Delta, and the Prespa Lakes are ideal locations to observe species such as flamingos, pelicans, and storks.
4. Agricultural and Food Festivals:
- Kastoria Chestnut Festival (late September):
In the mountainous region of Kastoria, this festival celebrates the chestnut harvest with roasted chestnuts, local products, and traditional music and dancing. - Mushroom Foraging:
In parts of Northern Greece and the Peloponnese, September marks the beginning of the mushroom foraging season. Greece is home to a variety of edible wild mushrooms, and local groups often organize guided foraging trips.
5. Environmental Changes:
- Sea Turtles Nesting and Hatching:
September is the tail end of the sea turtle nesting season on some Greek beaches, particularly in Zakynthos and the Peloponnese. It’s also a time when baby turtles hatch and make their way to the sea, a fascinating event for nature lovers. - Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables:
Markets are abundant with fresh figs, grapes, pomegranates, and late-season melons, as well as vegetables like tomatoes, zucchini, and peppers. These seasonal products are often celebrated in local dishes.
6. Sailing and Yachting:
- Ideal Sailing Conditions:
September is considered one of the best months for sailing and yachting in Greece. The “Meltemi” winds of the Aegean have usually calmed down by this time, offering more predictable weather, milder temperatures, and fewer crowds at popular mooring sites and islands.
Overall, September is an excellent time to experience both the cultural richness and natural beauty of Greece. Whether attending a festival, enjoying seasonal food, or exploring the outdoors, there is much to see and do!