Thinking of an alternative Christmas this year? A slightly unconventional New Year? The Greek islands at Christmas or New Year are a very interesting choice if you are looking for tranquility, romance, contact with nature but also with the friendly Greek people and their typical way of celebrating. During the Christmas holidays, you can find good accommodation deals and low-cost flights. The Greek islands are known as a classic summer destination, but if you can do without swimming in the sea and the evening nightlife, they can surprise and satisfy you even during the Christmas season. Of course, if you choose a less touristy island, you will face more difficulties in reaching it because off-season (including the Christmas holidays) flights and sea routes are reduced, and many hotels or studios are closed. Therefore, the advice is to choose an island well-served by connections even in winter and with a tourist character.
If you want some information about the climate during that period, you can consult the article "Climate of the Greek islands: weather and temperatures for each archipelago".
But what can you expect at Christmas or New Year on the Greek islands? The people are mainly of the Orthodox faith, and the religious aspect of the Christmas holiday is predominant. Celebrations start on December 6 (Agios Nikolaos), and wooden boats are decorated instead of Christmas trees. On Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve, and Epiphany, children traditionally roam the streets playing music and singing to receive sweets or coins. On December 24, unlike us, the population has a near-fast day in preparation for Christmas, which begins with mass and continues with a big family lunch. For children, the gifts will arrive on New Year's Day, brought not by Santa Claus but by Saint Basil. As for fireworks, even on the Greek islands, the New Year is celebrated similarly to our own.
Below we list ten Greek islands where you can spend your Christmas holidays: the choice is yours, and Happy Holidays!
KEFALONIA (IONIAN)
The island is very varied, and during the Christmas period, it generally has a fairly mild climate, although a bit rainy. You can walk on the beautiful sandy beaches and visit the various characteristic villages, both fishing and inland.
🏡 See the best hotels and studios in Kefalonia 🛳️ Find a ferry to KefaloniaCORFU (IONIAN)
During the Christmas period, Corfu shines with decorations, resonates with songs, and offers various shows. Residents love to gather around the table to celebrate, enjoying the traditional foods of this time of year. In addition, the island awaits you with beautiful walks in the greenery, among characteristic villages and panoramas over a sea that, although not ideal for swimming in winter, is always colorful.
🏡 See the best hotels and studios in Corfu 🛳️ Find a ferry to CorfuCRETE
The climate in Crete, located very south, is mild even in winter. You can walk on the beach, hike in the mountains (sometimes snowy), discover incredible nature, or wander around beautiful archaeological sites in complete tranquility. And remember to enjoy the culinary specialties!
🏡 See the best hotels and studios in Crete 🛳️ Find a ferry to CreteKOS (DODECANESE)
At Christmas, you can indulge in some archaeology, visit fortresses and monasteries, walk in the hills or along the beautiful sandy beaches. Also, remember that the island is the birthplace of Hippocrates, the father of medicine.
🏡 See the best hotels and studios in Kos 🛳️ Find a ferry to KosMYKONOS (CYCLADES)
A holiday on the island during the Christmas period allows you to enjoy situations unimaginable in the high season when nightlife and entertainment are the main attractions. You can walk on the panoramic hills, enjoy local traditions, and stroll on the beautiful deserted beaches. For New Year's Eve, there is also a bit of animation!
🏡 See the best hotels and studios in Mykonos 🛳️ Find a ferry to MykonosPAROS (CYCLADES)
At Christmas, the island lights up with decorations, especially for the boats. You can walk through the various villages, both hilltop and fishing, in an atmosphere typical of the Greek Christmas period.
🏡 See the best hotels and studios in Paros 🛳️ Find a ferry to ParosRHODES (DODECANESE)
At Christmas, the weather is generally mild, and walking through the old town, with its walls, castle, beautiful buildings, and Turkish quarter, is definitely a great experience. Even the port, free of the summer hustle and bustle, reclaims its charm. There are also museums and archaeological sites to visit. In short: lots to do and see even in winter!
🏡 See the best hotels and studios in Rhodes 🛳️ Find a ferry to RhodesSANTORINI (CYCLADES)
Being able to have this fantastic island almost all to yourself during the Christmas period is already a gift. For example, not having to wait for someone to move to take panoramic photos in a truly unique color setting, especially at sunset. In complete tranquility, you can visit monasteries, beautiful villages, and fully enjoy the caldera scenery with its "lunar" islands.
🏡 See the best hotels and studios in Santorini 🛳️ Find a ferry to SantoriniSKIATHOS (SPORADES)
At Christmas, on this island, you can walk through incredible landscapes. The bright blue sea touches white beaches and beautiful cliffs. You can search for monasteries and enjoy the beautiful architecture of the villages, especially the white Chora.
🏡 See the best hotels and studios in Skiathos 🛳️ Find a ferry to SkiathosZAKYNTHOS (IONIAN)
The mild climate of this island allows for a pleasant vacation even during the Christmas period. You can walk on the white sandy beaches, visit the many sea caves, explore the alleys of the Chora, or venture into the green hinterland and its characteristic villages.
🏡 See the best hotels and studios in Zakynthos 🛳️ Find a ferry to Zakynthos
