Cyclades in low season : Greece in October

The Cyclades in October? What about the weather? Sometimes we hesitate. And yet!... Jean Claude and Anne-Marie, the founders of Grand Angle, took a trip to Naxos, Amorgos and Sifnos from 14 to 28 October. We've already come to the conclusion that the Cyclades in October are really top-notch!

Fine weather, warm water? 

We arrived in Athens on the evening of the 14th; it was mild, but the streets were wet... The Ballos low had just passed through. We'll have a ‘tail’ of it the next day (Athens) and the following 2 days on Naxos. But the temperature remained mild and, despite a rainy day, we were able to go for a walk.
 

Alternating days of ‘cloud + sun’ and ‘100% sun’ were the order of the day for the rest of the trip, albeit with a strong wind. Temperature in the low 20s, cooled by the wind. It's ideal for walking (most of the time in shorts), but also for sunbathing on the beach, sheltered from the wind. Some dreamy bays offer crystal-clear, flat water at around 20-22°C: much warmer than Brittany in summer!

Did you say ‘off season’? 

Here, off-season doesn't mean complete desert. We're not the only ones to have picked up the ‘good plan’. But everywhere you go you feel at peace, sometimes with the fabulous illusion of being a pioneer, alone on a paved ‘monopati’, right in the heart of the islands and facing the sea. It's true that buses are becoming less frequent and, in the villages deep in the mountains or on the isolated coves, many of the tavernas are already closed. It's just a question of planning ahead, which isn't too difficult: use taxis a little more, maybe hire a car (really cheap!) and pack a minimum picnic, just in case. The welcome is lovely, without the stress of high season.

Landscapes and light 

The Cyclades: a dry climate, as we all know. In spring, the Mediterranean vegetation, both short and shrubby, explodes; in October, once the heat is over, the islands are dry, partially offset by olive trees, some evergreen (and prickly!) shrubs and a few village gardens. 

But when 3 drops fall, little shoots and flowers spring up everywhere! As for the light, the mildness and the wind give us the gift of clear, exceptional luminosity, without the usual heat haze that blurs the horizons.

Magnificent paths and stones 

Of course, there are the cultural ‘stones’, like the Kouros of Apollona on Naxos, a reclining marble colossus. But no, I'm talking about geology here.

The islands are essentially made up of metamorphic rock. While schist and limestone predominate on Amorgos, sandstone and marble form a symphony of colours on Naxos and Sifnos, particularly on Sifnos, where the sandstone is studded with glittering patches of gold or silver. The island was famous for its gold and silver mines. On the extraordinary paths, often paved and bordered by low dry-stone walls, palettes of browns, greys, greens, ochres, pinks and reds intermingle, either in the sandstone or in the white marble blocks. Yes, this is the place to walk on marble!

Flowers and fruit 

In October, the villages are still overflowing with bougainvillea and the scent of jasmine; the lemons have finished ripening; the oranges splash with colour and make you want to go on the prowl; the pomegranates burst from the trees; the olives dot the grey-green foliage with black; the tomatoes and shiny aubergines adorn the gardens. The wild vegetation may be dry, but the same cannot be said wherever there is water. 

Before our winter, it feels good, it looks good and it tastes good!

Sifnos, a huge favourite 

We loved all 3 islands, with their cobbled paths, their white staircase villages, their monasteries perched high in the mountains or dotted around them, their stone lace dovecotes, their placid tinkling goats, their countless friendly cats, and their fabulous panoramic views over the sea to other islands that seem to float in the sky. 

But we really fell in love with Sifnos. 

It's the smallest of the 3 islands, and the closest toAthens too: convenient. It's also the least elevated and the least arid. It exudes a unique harmony, serenity and gentleness. Its paths are magnificently mapped out and impeccably signposted, and several of them open onto dreamy bays, completely peaceful at this time of year. 

We'll be back for a whole week, that's for sure: there's plenty to do...

Conclusion: we'll be back!

The rare inconveniences of arriving at the end of the season (October; because at the beginning of November, everything is closed!) are largely offset by an ideal temperature for hiking and discovering the islands, still warm water, a very pleasant attendance rate and, as always, an adorable welcome with relaxed hosts (it's almost the holidays!). In addition, we eat well.

It's a cure of sun and vitamins before winter, and it's quick to access. Individually or on your own, it is a destination to remember. Groups, beware: plan your trip in advance!

Comfort: choose your options

It's a very personal opinion: choose the standard level of comfort that Grand Angle offers you on the islands.

Long-standing partners, these are small, warm family hotels, impeccably clean, well equipped, offering good breakfasts with quality local products, and particularly well located. Some correspond to 3* comfort, others are simpler. What does it matter? You will find the local, family and warm atmosphere that we like to discover in this kind of holiday.

If we go to Athens?

In addition to visiting the Acropolis site, it is also very pleasant to walk around the hill, through the lively streets, with the monuments always in sight.

We love the archaeological museum, right next to the Acropolis. Completely renovated in 2004, it is a museum whose modern design offers a very pleasant and attractive discovery of the extraordinary collections presented.

Good to know: October 28 is a national holiday in Greece; As such, admission to many sites and museums is free!

Are you planning a hike in the Cyclades?

If this story has inspired you, Grand Angle offers you similar stays on this dream Greek archipelago:

Explore the entire Grand Angle catalog in the Cyclades Islands of our walking trips during guided or self-guided hikes

Need a little more inspiration? Let yourself be transported by our other island illustrated travel story in Greece: "Getaway in the Cyclades" or discover the other islands of Greece in our selection of nature trips. 

Crédit texte et photos © Anne-Marie Billault