Autumn colours in Plaka.
Photo: Manos Chatzikonstantis
It’s a dilemma shared by few other European capitals in autumn: city or beach? Many Athenians prefer to escape to the islands during the milder, quieter months of September and October. And we keep hitting the beaches of the Athens Riviera until November. Though the weather in Athens in autumn can be a mixed bag, outdoor life still goes strong. There’s a spirit of renewal in the air as the city shakes off its summer haze, making it a perfect time of year to tap into Athens’ urban culture. You can explore downtown neighbourhoods on foot; dive into exciting cultural festivals; or set off on outdoor adventures not far from the city. Here are some of our favourite autumn pastimes to get you started.
Great things to do in Athens in September
- Go stargazing at the National Observatory of Athens on the wooded Hill of the Nymphs, and learn about the Greek myths hidden in the night sky.
- Experience a magnificent concert at the 2,000 year-old Odeon of Herodes Atticus, beneath the Acropolis, as Athens’ summer festival season draws to a close.
- Embark on an art walk around the cultured neighbourhoods of Thissio and Ano-Petralona and tick off galleries, museums and some historic lookouts along the way.
- Boost your Instagram profile at one of Athens’ scenic hilltops Lycabettus, Philopappou, or the Pnyx. All provide brilliant vantage points for photographing the city skyline, especially at sunset.
- If you’re here in mid-September, pop over to Aegina for the island’s annual pistachio festival, Fistiki Fest. Delicious pistachio products are laid out along the harbour and there are concerts and gastronomy events too.
Photo: Manos Chatzikonstantis
Discover Athens' gourmet revolution at Taste of Athens.
Courtesy: Taste Of Athens
Join the locals by:
Atoning for your summer excesses with a jog along one of the city’s scenic running routes, sightseeing as you go.
Plan your trip around:
Taste of Athens—Sample signature dishes from some of the capital’s most exciting restaurants at this annual food festival.
Athens International Film Festival—Catch some of the year’s hottest indie film releases at cinemas around the capital, screened over a fortnight in late September.
What weather to expect?
29°/20° C
Great things to do in Athens in October
- Spend a day touring the wineries of Attica, tasting exceptional Greek wines produced from some of the oldest vines on the planet.
- Discover Athens’ fascinating under-the-radar museums, where you’ll find everything from antique toys to vintage cars.
- Witness the hourly changing of the guard outside the Hellenic Parliament on Syntagma Square for your compulsory Instagram of the Evzones.
- Experience the buzz of Athenian café society at two of the city’s popular locations for a coffee date—upmarket Kolonaki and hip Agia Irini Square.
- Take advantage of the mild autumn weather to hop on a mountain bike and discover the green trails of Mount Parnitha. Enlist a local guide to help find the best route for you.
- Ferry yourself over to elegant Spetses to witness the annual Tweed Run. Cyclists dressed in their finest vintage threads explore the island on two wheels.
Autumn means less crowds at Athens' famous archeological sites.
Photo: Thomas Gravanis
Don't miss the spectacle of the Evzones in all their ceremonial glory.
Photo: Georgios Makkas
Join the locals by:
Waving a Greek flag as a military parade marches through the city on 28 October. Known as Oxi Day, it’s a patriotic holiday to honour Greece’s refusal to allow Italian troops to cross the border into Greece in 1940 (Oxi means “no” in Greek).
Plan your trip around:
Athens Avant-Garde Film Festival - You’ll need plenty of popcorn for this annual showcase of the most groundbreaking movies in world cinema, which usually takes place in late October.
What weather to expect?
23°/15° C
Autumn vibes at Tatoi royal estate.
Photo: Thomas Gravanis
Great things to do in Athens in November
- Even if you’re not competing in the Athens Classic Marathon, head to the Panathenaic Stadium to experience the electric atmosphere as racers cross the epic finish line.
- Or sign up for an Olympic Workout Tour and have a former athlete put you through your paces at historic sites connected with the Olympic Games. A fun family experience for all ages.
- Tap into the cool, creative energy of Pangrati. You’ll find edgy boutiques, hip cafes and a young entrepreneurial vibe—especially on Archelaou Street.
- Lose yourself in the whirl of tastes, smells, colours and sounds of the Central Food Market of Athens (aka, the Varvakios Market). You’ll find local restaurateurs vying over the freshest seasonal produce.
- See the must-visit Acropolis Museum in a different light on a three-hour night tour, led by an archaeologist.
The Athens Classic Marathon is the world's most famous running race.
Photo: Thomas Gravanis
Pack a picnic and head for Tatoi royal estate.
Photo: Manos Chatzikonstantis
Join the locals by:
Going for a hike in one of the national parks and mountains surrounding Athens. The Tatoi Estate, once the pleasure grounds of the Greek royal family, is a beautiful spot for a stroll and a picnic.
Plan your trip around:
Athens Classic Marathon - Register early for the world’s most famous running race. The 5km, 10km and half-marathon routes are also extremely popular.
What weather to expect?
18°/11° C