If you have ever wondered what it would be like to visit Greece in November, then this post will get your answers. Visiting Greece in November may not be great for swimming but it is ideal for exploring the country with shoulder-season rates in a peaceful environment as the crowds have already gone home.

Spetses Greece Travel Guide, Spetses town
Spetses Island

Another important factor to visit Greece in November is that the entrance tickets to all archaeological sites in Greece are also half-price. This is a great money saver especially if you are a history buff and want to explore as many historical sites as possible.

The port of Hydra Island
Hydra island

The top things to do in Greece in November are:

  • Visit Athens
  • Discover the Argo Saronic Islands
  • Explore Peloponnese on a 4-day trip
  • Delve into Unique Pelion Villages
  • Marvel at 3-Day Trip to Delphi and Meteora

*Some of the links below are affiliate links. That means I may make a commission if you click and buy. The commission comes at no additional cost to you.

Best Things to Do in Greece in November

Athens Quick Reference

  • Where to stay in Athens with stunning Acropolis view: Niche Hotel or The Foundry Suites
  • Book your ferry tickets with no-hidden-fees at FerryScanner or FerryHopper
  • Rent a car with Discover Cars for reliable new cars at affordable prices
  • 1. Visit Athens, the Ancient Capital of Greece

    best hotels in Plaka Athens-Monastiraki
    Plaka, Old Athens under the Acropolis Hill

    Athens is a large, modern metropolis, adorned with famous monuments such as the UNESCO Acropolis citadel and with thousands of history behind it.

    Acropolis Hill

    Strolling lively Athens streets with only a few tourists around in November is a wonderful experience. Wandering the city offers a wide variety of relics of the civilizations and religions that have passed through Athens over the centuries.

    best hotels in Plaka Athens- Anafiotika whitewashed houses
    Plaka Alleys

    Athens’ picturesque areas like Plaka, house beautiful monuments from ancient Greece and empires such as the Roman, the Byzantine, the Ottoman, and everything in between.

    best hotels in Plaka Athens-Greek Church in Plaka
    Athens Plaka

    Related Posts for Athens:

    You are reading ‘What Best to Do in Greece in November’

    2. Discover the Argo Saronic Islands

    Argo-saronic islands map
    Argo Saronic islands

    The Argosaronic islands are close to Athens connected with many ferries during the day, and with connections between the islands as well.

    Starting with the closest to Athens the Argo Saronic islands are:

    Hydra Island

    The Argo-Saronic islands offer a wide variety of things to do and see as they are all rich in culture, history, ancient sites, religious monuments, and beautiful beaches. They are also ideal to be explored by hiking as they all have hiking trails in both forested and rugged areas.

    things to do on Aegina Island, Aegina's main port
    Aegina Port

    You can take the ferry from Piraeus and stay a couple of days or more on each island and explore its highlights. Each island has its own characteristics and traditions to enjoy and each one of them is ideal for relaxing and low-key vacations.

    things to do on Aegina Island, Temple of Aphaia on a cloudy day
    Temple of Aphaia, Aegina

    Aegina Island has some very impressive monuments to explore besides its picturesque port:

    Temple of Aphaia, Monastery of Agios Nektarios, Medieval Paleochora, Centuries-old Olive Grove, Picturesque seaside villages, Souvala spa

    Find out more about the sites and where best to stay in Aegina in my related post here

    Agistri Sandy beach with blue church
    Agistri island

    Agistri is a small island covered in pine forests, with pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters. Agistri is ideal to hike in November and visit its three small bougainvillea-laden villages, Megalochori, Limenaria, and Skala. I visited Agistri last October and read here how I spent the day on the island.

    Poros Island

    Poros Island is another beautiful pine forest island in the Argosaronic Gulf. Poros island has yacht marinas, neoclassical buildings, an impressive clocktower symbol, tiny alleys laden with flowers and quaint shops, archeological sites, and fantastic beaches with pine forests reaching into the waters. Read the full post on Poros island here.

    Hydra Greece: the port with neoclassic buildings and yachts
    Hydra Island

    Hydra Island is the most popular and wide-known island of the Argosaronic. It is a classy and cosmopolitan island, where Greek and international members of the rich and mighty have spent time here on its iconic alleys.

    A free-of-cars island, with one of the loveliest port towns in Greece, Hydra will not fail to amaze you. Read the full dedicated post on Hydra island here.

    Spetses Island

    Spetses, just like Hydra, has an old-Greece cosmopolitan atmosphere, evident in the classy neoclassical buildings, the mansions, and the villas with impressive gardens. Famous for its turquoise waters, its romantic port promenades, and historical monuments, Spetses is one of my favorite Argo Saronic islands. More about Spetses here.

    Ferry Tip: Find out all about the schedules and prices from the best booking engine FerryScanner or FerryHopper

    Do you need a tailor-made itinerary in Greece? Visit my Plan My Trip Page

    You are reading ‘Fun Things to Do in Greece in November’

    3. Explore Peloponnese on a 4-day Trip

    The Temple of Apollo in Ancient Corinth
    Ancient Temple of Apollo in Corinth

    Peloponnese houses so many archaeological sites, castles, caves, and villages, surrounded by a spectacular coastline that you need many weeks to see in detail this magnificent area. I have gathered some of my favorite areas in a 4-day itinerary, taking into account the distances between the areas.

    Day 1 – Corinth and Argolis

    Mycenae tomb of Agamemnon
    Mycenae

    Corinth and Argolida regions are full of amazing sites:

    In Corinth, you can visit Corinth Canal, Ancient Corinth and Acrocorinth, and the Isthmia Archaeological site.

    In Argolida, you can visit Mycenae (UNESCO), Nemea (great for wine tasting and for visiting the archaeological site), The Asklepion Sanctuary of Epidaurus (UNESCO.), and Nafplion town. Overnight at Nafplio, the beautiful medieval town at Ippoliti hotel.

    Day 2 – Messinia

    Messene archaeological site

    Leaving behind Nafplion you travel to Messene, Pylos, and the beautiful seaside village of Methoni with a large castle area.

    Nearby is Gialova town with the striking Voidokoilia beach.

    Voidokilia beach and Gialova lagoon from a drone
    Voidokoilia Beach

    Overnight at Methoni at my favorite Ulysses Hotel or if you prefer upscale accommodation you should stay at Costa Navarino. A beautiful luxury hotel set in one of the most unspoiled and breathtaking landscapes in the Mediterranean, near Voidokoilia beach, a perfect semi-circle of a beach.

    Day 3 – Ilia

    4-day Peloponnese Itinerary, Kyparissia beach
    Peloponnese beaches

    On your 3rd day drive along the western coast of the Peloponnese, stop at the UNESCO Archaeological Site at Bassae of Phigaleia with the impeccable Epikourios Apollo Temple, a site of tremendous importance and beauty.

    Epicurian Apollo Temple in the Peloponnese
    Epikourios Apollo Temple

    The next stop is at Kaiafas Lake. Cross the road across the lake and stroll on Kaiafas beach, one of the most beautiful sandy beaches in Greece.

    The next important site is the UNESCO Ancient Olympia Archaeological Site where you will be visiting the birthplace of the Olympic Games.

    Ancient Olympia © ATHellas

    From Ancient Olympia drive to the traditional mountainous village of Dimitsana.

    Overnight at Dimitsana Village in Enastron Guesthouse, with fabulous spacious rooms, super large and comfortable beds, a fireplace, and a huge breakfast!

    You are reading ‘What to Do in Greece in November’

    Day 4

    The next day you can explore the stunning sites around Dimitsana Village:

    Rafting in LOusios river
    Lousios River

    Hiking in the Lousios Gorge or if the water allows it, rafting as well.

    4-Day Peloponnese itineraryMonastery in the Peloponnese Timiou Prodoromou Arkadia
    Monastery Agiou Ioannou Prodromou © clickatlife

    Visit stunning monasteries: Moni Emialon and Rock built Monastery of Agiou Ioannou Prodromou. On your return way to Athens stop at Vytina village, one of many beautiful mountainous villages in the area. Visit its interesting Folklore Museum, stroll the tree-lined street of love, and taste the local products.

    You can return to Athens or go towards the north of the Peloponnese to another fantastic area, Kalavryta, with the gorge train (odontotos).

    Find here a complete guide to Kalavryta, what to see, where best to stay, and what to order in the local taverns

    4. Delve into Unique Pelion Villages

    © The Travel Ant

    My very favorite place to hike in Greece is Pelion mountain located in mid-eastern Greece, some 360 km from Athens.

    Imagine a deeply forested peninsula with 70 traditional, beautiful villages full of old mansions and monuments, trees laden with pears, apples, chestnuts, planes, streams, and centuries-old bridges.

    Centaurs Trail in Makrinitsa Pelion

    The most famous villages are Tsagkarada, Milies, Portaria, Makrinitsa, and Zagora with museums, libraries, and monasteries to visit and a lot of outdoor activities.

    Greece in November, Tavern Dimitsana
    Remoutsiko Tavern

    My favorite thing to do in Pelion is after I have hiked on a cold day, I get into one of the many taverns with a fireplace and have a great meal. Pelion is famous for its local cuisine, a very traditional one, using its own farmed products.

    Greece in May, Plaka beach in Pelion
    Pelion Plaka Beach

    As if that was not enough, the peninsula is surrounded by endless golden sandy beaches, where you can have romantic walks and dream of next summer!

    You are reading ‘Top Things to Do in Greece in November’

    5. Marvel at 3-Day Trip to Delphi and Meteora

    Delphi Oracle Ionian pillar and natural environment
    Delphi Archaeological Site

    Greece is a mountainous country so some sites are much more difficult to get to them than others especially if you are visiting during the heat of the Greek summer. Two great examples are the steep uphills of the Delphi Archaeological Site and the endless steps to get to some of the Meteora Monasteries.

    A man standing and looking at Meteora Monasteries
    Meteora Monasteries

    Delphi and Meteora are best visited in May and on a 3-day trip, spending a night in Delphi and one night in Meteora. A draft of the itinerary can be:

    Day 1: Athens – Ancient Olympia in the Peloponnese – Galaxidi seaside town, 30 km far from Delphi. Spend your evening in the beautiful Galaxidi and stay at the best Boutique Hotel in town with the most delicious handmade marmalades: Ganimede Hotel, Galaxidi.

    agios stefanons of Meteora Monasteries
    Meteora Monasteries

    Day 2: Visit Delphi Archaeological Site, stroll Arachova town, go to UNESCO Osios Loukas Monastery, drive to Meteora, and stay overnight in Kalambaka town. The best Hotel to stay at in Kalambaka is Archontiko Mesohori Suites & Apartments (Doubles from €109).

    Day 3: Visit Meteora Monasteries.

    Hassle-free 3-day tour to Delphi and Meteora organized by Get Your Guide Operators

    FAQ about visiting Greece in November

    8 Days in The Peloponnese Kardamili
    Kardamyli

    What is the weather like in Greece in November?

    According to last year’s weather forecast, during November in Greece, the average temperature was between 10-20 C with 3 days of rain.

    However, the temp will be 3-5 C higher or lower depending on whether you are in the north or the south of Greece, in a city, or on a mountain.

    What time do the Greek Archaeological sites close?

    Acropolis’ gates in winter close at 5 pm (17.00) but the rest of the sites all over Greece close at 3 pm (15.00). Avoid going very close to the closing time, they will not let you in. Be there at least an hour before closure, so that you have ample time to explore.

    The good news is that between the 1st of November to the 31st of March all archaeological sites in Greece are half-price!

    And even better, there is free entrance for everyone every first Sunday of the month. For November that would mean that on the 7th all sites will be free to visit (the sites, not the stand-alone museums).

    Are there any days that the sites are closed in November?

    No, there is no national public holiday during November, everything will be open for business.

    Does Santorini/Mykonos/Rhodes etc close down in November?

    Santorini Oia impresive sunset
    Santorini Sunset

    No, they don’t!

    The Greek islands have permanent residents that stay on the islands throughout the year. For instance, Santorini has 5 high schools, with a permanent population of 15.520 people! Some businesses do close down but those are usually the large hotel complexes, clubs, big restaurants, etc.

    So, don’t worry about going to Santorini or Mykonos in November and it will be just you and 3 stray fat cats. You will definitely find everything that you need on the islands just at much lower prices, with better – fast – service, and in a much more relaxed environment.

    FAQ for Driving in Greece in November

    Meteora Monasteries road sign to the monasteries
    Meteora sign about the Monasteries
    • If you are a citizen out of the EU, you will need an International Driver’s License to rent a car
    • Always carry chains for your tires, you never know when the next crazy blizzard will find you
    • Most of the country is connected by a highway system that uses tolls – open all year through
    • Belts are mandatory and you get a huge fine if you haven’t fastened them up
    • Children should always be kept in their special seats, fastened, in the back seat
    • Driving and talking on the phone also can give you a gigantic fine, use hands-free options
    • The high-speed roads are in excellent condition. When you get off the main highways, the roads get significantly smaller and as all the ski resorts are on mountains, they may look a tad intimidating
    • All the ski resorts in Greece have parking places and they keep the roads clear from too much snow or add some salt to make them less slippery.

    What is Best to Wear in Greece in November?

    Me Evgenia Pelion Milies November
    Me Early November in Pelion

    Weather in November can be from spring warm to chilly, with a bit of rain and perhaps wind – so you may have to be prepared for all kinds of weather and use the layering technique.

    Read here a dedicated post on what to wear in Greece in November.

    Do you need a tailor-made itinerary in Greece? Visit my Plan My Trip Page

    Plan Your Next Trip to Greece With These Guides

    The best things to do in Greece in November are:

    • Visit Athens
    • Discover the Argo Saronic Islands
    • Explore Peloponnese on a 4-day trip
    • Delve into Unique Pelion Villages
    • Marvel at 3-Day Trip to Delphi and Meteora

    Did you visit Greece in November? Let me know what you think about visiting Greece in winter in the comments, I’d love to hear whether I managed to get it onto your bucket list! Till next time, Evgenia❤️

    All rights reserved © Travel the Greek Way. Republishing this article and/or any of its contents (photographs, text, links) is strictly prohibited.

    Some of my Favorite Travel Resources for Greece

    More Inspiring Reading on Greece

    Follow Evgenia Mataragka:

    Hi! I am an Athens-based Greek obsessed with exploring Greece and bringing you the best travel experience ever!

    2 Responses

    1. Nick

      People think that Greece is only great during the summer months, but this isn’t true. The weather is still lovely in November, and it is very peaceful. It’s a good idea to visit during this time of year and you’ve given us some excellent tips.

    2. Evgenia Mataragka

      Thanks, Nick for your kind comment. Indeed, Greece is year-round wonderful to visit and I hope people will visit Greece and have a great time here.

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *