The best time for a summer holiday in Greece is not July and August when summer is in full swing. Instead of the hottest months of the year, it is better to choose June. The sea in all regions of the country is already consistently warm, there is no rain, but it is still far from extreme heat. Where to go in Greece in June?
Crete
Already by mid-July in Crete it will be up to +38 ºC in the shade. In the meantime, you can combine a beach holiday with walks along the streets of the picturesque cities of Chania and Rethymnon and excursions to the Palace of Knossos, to the south coast, along the Samaria Gorge and the island of Spinalonga. A feature of June in Crete is a calm sea. At this time, storms rarely disturb vacationers, waves rarely rise.
There are many interesting festivals and concerts in June. In all cities, celebrations are held on the occasion of "Sea Week" . The schedule and locations of June events can be checked at the tourist offices that operate in Rethymno, Chania, Heraklion and Agios Nikolaos. As for the prices for holidays, compared to May, they grow by 15-20%. But you can relax in Crete in June cheaper than in July or August.
Water temperature: +22 ºC
Air temperature: +19 ºC at night, +28 ºC during the day
Halkidiki
In June, summer comes to Halkidiki. In the first half of the month, the sea can still be cool, but it is quite suitable for swimming. Rain is possible but it doesn't last long. When going to the peninsula with children, it is better to choose resorts with a shallow sea depth, where the water warms up faster, as Vourvourou or Kallithea. Otherwise you could choose any village in the Toroneos gulf.
There is no suffocating heat in June in Halkidiki, so you can safely plan long trips and excursions to Thessaloniki, Metrora, Kassandra and Sithonia, or Mount Athos. If the day turned out to be cloudy, it is worth including a visit to the cave of Petralona, museums or monasteries (for example, the monastery of St. Anastasia the Pharmakolytria). June is the time when Halkidiki hotels offer accommodation at attractive prices. This is a great month to relax with the whole family and stay within your budget.
Water temperature: +21 ºC
Air temperature: +20 ºC at night, +26 ºC during the day
Rhodes
Rhodes is one of the southernmost islands of Greece. Therefore, in June there is no longer a place for rain and cool winds. The stable but not hot weather allows you to enjoy the sea and explore the beauty of the island in comfort. It is worth taking a walk through the Old Town of the Rhodes capital, visiting the Acropolis of Lindos and climbing the slopes of Monolithos Hill to see the castle of the same name and admire the expanses of the sea.
At the beginning of June, the Medieval Festival is held in Rhodes. It attracts all history lovers and takes you back many centuries, to the time when the Knights Hospitaller lived on Rhodes. The festival program includes costume processions, musical and theatrical performances, fire shows, fairs and knight tournaments.
Water temperature: +23 ºC
Air temperature: +21 ºC at night, +28 ºC during the day
Corfu
June is the perfect month to visit Corfu. Moderate heat is conducive to sightseeing trips: you can spend a few days in Corfu (the bustling capital of the island) and do not forget to include the Achilleion Palace in the itinerary. All conditions have been created for a beach holiday: the Ionian Sea is perfectly warmed up, and on 200 km of Corfu coastline it will be easy to find the perfect place for yourself under the sun.
There are several important holidays in June. On June 24, St. John's Day is celebrated on a grand scale in Corfu - events can be found even in large cities, even in small villages. If the holidays are not interesting, you can have fun in another way: go on a short cruise around the Ionian Islands. From Corfu, trips are organized to neighboring Paxos or to a more remote, but also picturesque Kefalonia.
Water temperature: +22 ºC
Air temperature: +17 ºC at night, +28 ºC during the day
Athens
Athens in June is an option for those who have long dreamed of combining walks through the ancient ruins and colorful Plaka with a holiday on the coast. Having examined everything that the capital is rich in, you can take a bus or tram (fortunately, there are no problems with transport here) and go to Glyfada, Voula or Varkiza, where comfortable sandy beaches, hotels for any budget and cozy coastal taverns await.
There is always something going on in Athens, and June is no exception. The Athens Festival is in full swing, the events of which take place at dozens of venues. It includes theatrical, musical and artistic events. An important Orthodox holiday, the Day of the Holy Spirit, usually falls in June. It will introduce you to the religious traditions of Greece, but you need to remember: many shops and museums will be closed. Music lovers should visit Athens for the Technopolis Jazz Festival. It is usually held in early June.
Water temperature: +23 ºC
Air temperature: +17 ºC at night, +29 ºC during the day
Tinos
Deprived of the noise of the big islands, Tinos is the best June destination for lovers of peace and quiet. It is lively here only in August, when the Greeks come to a major center of pilgrimage - the Church of the Annunciation - to celebrate the Assumption of the Virgin. In June, there is a chance to see the shrine without the crowds. And in the last days of June, you need to go to the village of Triandaros, where the apostles Peter and Paul are honored. In terms of beaches, this Cycladic island boasts the sheltered coastline of Agios Fokas and the beautiful sandy beach of Agios Sostis. Both are not crowded throughout June.
Water temperature: +23 ºC
Air temperature: +19 ºC at night, +28 ºC during the day
