Last Minute Holidays to Greece in October

The Cyclades and Crete offer island variety in October, with fewer visitors on the beaches and ferry routes that run to a reduced but dependable timetable. Our Crete holidays range suits travellers who want a larger island with plenty to see.

• Naxos: Naxos is the largest island in the Cyclades and is served by ferries from Piraeus, with the harbour town of Chora offering a Venetian castle, narrow lanes and waterfront tavernas. Set against the busier islands further along the chain, it feels noticeably quieter in October, and the long beaches on the west coast are easy to reach by bus. Many visitors find that the same relaxed brief our Greece holidays deals are built around, balancing unhurried swimming with easy access to the island's villages, makes Naxos a natural choice. The main trade-off is that ferry frequency drops through the autumn, so we plan connections carefully when you book.
• Paros: Paros is a less crowded island than its neighbours, with a traditional harbour town at Parikia and beaches on the west coast that stay pleasantly warm into early October. Ferries from Piraeus make the crossing manageable, and the island has a good range of mid-priced hotels that remain open through the month. We think Paros suits travellers who want Cycladic charm without the peak-season prices.
• Milos: Milos is volcanic in origin and has coloured rock formations and beaches that feel remote even in autumn, reached by ferry from Piraeus. Accommodation is smaller in scale than on the big islands, so availability for last minute bookings can be tight and we advise moving quickly. Its quieter character makes it a good pick for anyone who wants walks and swimming rather than nightlife.
• Mykonos: Mykonos has whitewashed windmills, the waterfront of Little Venice and a lively bar scene that continues into the shoulder season, with short domestic hops from the mainland capital taking under an hour. October brings lower room rates than summer, though some seasonal venues close, so the nightlife is more selective than in July. We find the island works well for a short extension of a longer trip.
• Heraklion Port: Heraklion is Crete's largest city and its port handles ferries from Piraeus and cruise calls, while the nearby Knossos palace is only about 5 km away by road. Crete is Greece's largest island and October weather is generally warm enough for both sightseeing and swimming on the north coast. The trade-off is a busier city feel than on smaller islands, which many travellers find useful for food and shopping.