If you’re dreaming of mild weather, bright days, and a winter escape that isn’t freezing, you’re probably wondering: What are the warmest places in Greece in the winter?
Here’s the short answer: the warmest part of Greece in winter is southern Crete, especially the coastline facing the Libyan Sea.
Temperatures often stay around 16–20°C (60–68°F) even in December, January, and February.
And because I travel around Greece all year, I can tell you that Crete isn’t the only warm winter spot worth visiting.
Several destinations stay lively, sunny, and perfect for slow, crowd-free exploring.
Below is a clear, experience-based guide to the warmest places in Greece in winter, what to see, how to get there, and what actually stays open.
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Quick Links for Greece
- Chania Hotel with Breakfast: Kydon The Heart City Hotel
- Renting a car is the best way to explore Greece on your own.
- Book a 5-hour Safari Tour in Crete(Heraklion)with Quad, Jeep, Buggy & Lunch.
Warmest Places in Greece in the Winter: The Islands
1. Crete — Warmest Place in Greece in Winter
Average winter temps: 15–20°C (59–68°F), sometimes warmer on the southern coast.
Crete is hands down the warmest major destination in Greece during winter.
The island is huge, full of life year-round, with two very different sides when it comes to winter travel.
Northern Crete: Chania, Rethymno, Heraklion
This is where most of the action is in winter.
What to see
- The Venetian Harbor in Chania
- Rethymno’s old town and Fortezza
- Heraklion’s Archaeological Museum and Knossos
- Mild winter hikes like Imbros Gorge (Samaria is closed).
How to get there
- Daily winter flights from Athens
- Year-round ferries from Piraeus.
What stays open
Everything you need: restaurants, cafés, shops, museums, bakeries, and hotels. Northern Crete doesn’t “close” for winter.
Southern Crete: Ierapetra, Plakias, Matala, Agia Galini
Crete in winter is warmer thanks to the Libyan Sea. Ierapetra is often called the warmest town in Greece, even in midwinter.
What to see
- Sunny, quiet beaches
- Small coastal towns
- Peaceful villages and scenic drives
What stays open
Local life continues, but at a slower rhythm. You’ll find tavernas, minimarkets, bakeries, and a handful of hotels open. Resorts close until spring. If you prefer solitude, this side of Crete is ideal.
How to get there
You’ll travel from the northern cities by car or bus. There are no airports in the south.
Pack for Sunshine… and Snow
There might be snow in the mountains, and not every day will be sunny and warm. So pack for all kinds of weather. Add a warm hat and some gloves just in case!
Why should you go to Crete in winter?
- Because you can head into the villages, sit in the traditional cafés with the wood-burning stoves, and enjoy the freshest local products. Archaeological sites (especially Knossos) are quiet, no queues at all.
- You can enjoy omelettes, wood-fired potatoes, wild greens, and whatever the hostess or the café owner has cooked that day.
- Winter food in Crete will truly impress any visitor, because it’s the real, authentic Cretan cuisine — the kind we eat at home.
- Plus, your total cost will be like 50% less than if you were visiting in summer.
2. Rhodes — Mild, Sunny, and Lively Year-Round
Average winter temps: 16–19°C (61–66°F)
Rhodes stays pleasantly mild and bright, even in the depths of winter. It the 4th largest island in Greece with tons of things to do and visit.
What to see
- Medieval Rhodes Old Town (UNESCO-listed site)
- The Palace of the Grand Masters
- Lindos and its acropolis without the summer heat
- Explore the gorgeous villages around the island and stop for traditional coffee and tasty locally prepared meals.
How to get there
- Daily flights from Athens
- Long but reliable ferries from Piraeus.
What stays open
Rhodes Town stays lively all year. Lindos is quieter but not fully shut. A visit to the amazing archaeological site and the nearby wild nature hiking are must-dos.
Where to stay
I would stay in a beautiful hotel such as Hotel Ellique or Acandia Hotel in the main town of Rhodes, as it will be more lively in the evenings.
3. Karpathos — Quiet and Pleasantly Warm
Average winter temps: 15–18°C (59–64°F)
Karpathos is peaceful, mild, and full of local character in winter. It sits between Crete and Rhodes, so it enjoys similar winter conditions.
What to see
- The mountain villages of Olympos (with over 80 windmills), Menetes, and the old capital Aperi
- The wild coastline between Amoopi and Lefkos, the gorgeous beach of Apella
- Explore Pigadia, Poseidon’s cave, and watch the local women walking around in their traditional costumes!
How to get there
- Flights from Athens operate in winter.
- Ferries also run, but are long and weather-dependent.
What stays open
Karpathos is quieter than Rhodes. In winter, you’ll find supermarkets, a few local tavernas, bakeries, and small hotels open mainly in Pigadia. Other villages go quiet.
Where to stay
In Pigadia, Karpathos’ port and main town, you can stay at the Amaryllis Hotel.
4. Kasos — One of the Southernmost Islands in Greece
Kasos is small, authentic, between Crete and Karpathos, meaning mild winters and a calm atmosphere.
It has 1223 permanent residents, and it is a real hidden gem of an island.
Winter highs usually sit around: 14–18°C (57–65°F).
It’s an excellent destination for travelers who want warmth and solitude. Kasos, despite its small size, has a rich and wonderful local cuisine that’s absolutely worth exploring in detail.
How to get there
Flights from Athens and Rhodes operate in winter. There are ferries (Blue Star) from Athens, Rhodes, Crete and Karpathos reaching Kasos.
Where to Stay
This is a new property with sea views: Theoxenia Kasos Luxury Apartments
Warmest Mainland Destinations in Greece
5. Kalamata, Peloponnese
Typical winter temperatures: 12–17°C (54–63°F)
Kalamata is a large town (second largest after Patras), built around the Messenian gulf. It is a warm, lively town with numerous sites and landmarks to explore in the southern Peloponnese.
What to see
- Long waterfront promenade
- Old town, the castle, Byzantine churches and monasteries, small museums, and food tours.
- Day trips: Mani, Pylos, Ancient Messene
- Winter hikes in the lower Taygetus.
How to get there
- 2.5 hours by car from Athens
- Regular buses Ktel.
What stays open
Everything — it’s a proper city.
Where to stay
One of the best hotels in Kalamata is Grand Hotel Kalamata.
6. Nafplio, Peloponnese
Average winter temps: 13–18°C (55–64°F).
Nafplio is one of Greece’s prettiest towns and an easy winter getaway from Athens. Although it is seafront, it is protected from the northern winds, so winters are gentle.
What to see
- Palamidi Fortress
- Bourtzi Castle
- Nafplio’s charming old town
- Day trips to Epidaurus and Mycenae
How to get there
- 1 hour 45 minutes by car from Athens
- Frequent buses
What stays open
Everything. Nafplio is popular year-round, especially on weekends.
Where to stay
Ilion Hotel is a gorgeous historic building with some of the most charming hotel rooms in Greece.
Related Articles:
- 15 Incredible Hotels in Nafplio
7. Athens
Average winter temps: 11–17°C (52–63°F)
Athens stays milder than most European capitals thanks to the mountains surrounding it (Parnitha, Penteli, Hymettus, and Aigaleo), which block cold northern winds.
What to see
- The Acropolis without crowds
- Plaka, Monastiraki, and Psyrri
- The Acropolis Museum and National Archaeological Museum
- The Athens Riviera on sunnier days.
How to get there
- Year-round international flights
- Efficient metro and bus system
What stays open
Absolutely everything. Athens never shuts down. But if you seek inspiration, here is a post about the best areas to stay in Athens.
So… What Is the Warmest Place in Greece in the Winter?
✔ The southern coast of Crete
✔ Especially towns facing the Libyan Sea
✔ Warmest temperatures in all of Greece during winter
✔ Few frosts, lots of sun, calm weather
FAQ for Greece in Winter
Is Greece warm enough for swimming in winter?
Not really — but southern Crete can reach 18–19°C (64–66°F) on sunny days, and some brave swimmers go for it.
Are there Christmas Markets in Athens, Greece?
Yes, plenty of them! The most impressive ones will be in Syntagma Square, Pedion tou Areos Park, in Gazi, and Technopolis.
And you definitely need to go to Stavros Niarchos Foundation for New Year’s Eve as its celebrations are always absolutely stunning.
Discover here what you can do in Athens during Christmas.
Do I need to pack warm clothing for my winter trip to Greece?
Definitely yes! But also pack layers so that you have clothes for any occasion and weather.
Which are the coldest places in Greece in winter?
Mostly the northern Greece: Florina (Western Macedonia) — Coldest City in Greece. Temperatures often drop to –5°C to –15°C (23°F to 5°F) in January.
Kastoria (Western Macedonia), Regular winter lows: –2°C to –10°C (28°F to 14°F).
Kozani Region (especially Voio & Velvendos), Winter lows can reach –10°C (14°F) or lower.
Drama & Nevrokopi (Eastern Macedonia), Nevrokopi is often called the “Greek Siberia”. Temperatures have dropped to –20°C (–4°F) and below.
Final Thoughts
If you’re chasing winter warmth in Greece, your best bet is southern Crete, but Rhodes, Karpathos, Athens, Nafplio, and Kalamata all offer mild weather, open restaurants, and a relaxed winter atmosphere.
With temperatures ranging roughly from 11–20°C (52–68°F) depending on the region, winter travel in Greece feels easy, comfortable, and wonderfully crowd-free.
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