New Year to Greece

The warmest options for a winter break cluster in the south and on the larger islands, where the sea and air hold heat longer than on the mainland.

• Crete: Crete is Greece's largest island, and its southern coast sits noticeably warmer than the northern mountains through the winter months. Heraklion is the main airport and port, which keeps domestic connections practical if you want to explore the island by car or bus. Expect quieter restaurants and fewer open attractions than in summer, but daytime temperatures often allow a walk along the coast in the afternoon. We recommend the south and west coasts for the most reliable winter sunshine. It is exactly the brief our Crete holidays deals are built around.
• Rhodes: Rhodes lies in the Dodecanese and is one of the warmest islands in the eastern Aegean during the late autumn and early winter. The resort area of Faliraki is roughly fifteen kilometres from the medieval Old Town, which gives you both a beach-side base and an easy day trip into history. Some seafront bars and beach facilities close for the season, so we check which hotels confirm year-round operation before recommending them. Rhodes works well for travellers who want reliable warmth with a clear sense of place. It is exactly the brief our Rhodes holidays deals are built around.
• Corfu: Corfu sits in the Ionian Sea and tends to be milder and greener than the Aegean islands, with rainfall more likely in the winter months than in the south-east. The island's main settlement is also home to Venetian architecture, which is one of the strongest reasons to visit at any time of year. Some beach resorts reduce services in the cooler season, so we confirm which properties remain fully operational over the festive period. Choose Corfu if you value lush scenery and a gentler winter climate over guaranteed dry weather. It is exactly the brief our Corfu holidays deals are built around.
• Athens: Athens generally avoids the harshest temperatures of the mainland, and the city's sunny afternoons make it a reliable base for a winter break. The Acropolis and the Plaka district are within walking distance of the centre, and the metro links the city with the port district and the airport. Evenings can be cool, so pack layers and expect some rain on certain days. Athens gives you warmth from the sun and full cultural interest even when island services slow down. It is exactly the brief our Athens holidays deals are built around.
• Santorini: Santorini's caldera is exposed to winter winds, so daytime warmth can feel less consistent than on other Aegean islands, though sunny spells are common. Fira is the main town and the northern tip has hotels that stay open through the winter if booked in advance. Many smaller restaurants and boat tours reduce their schedules after the autumn peak, so we match you with properties we know are operating. Santorini is best for travellers prioritising views over reliable beach weather. It is exactly the brief our Santorini holidays deals are built around.