October Half Term to Greece

October still delivers reliable sunshine in several parts of Greece, and the places below stay warmest for the week.

• Crete: Crete is the largest Greek island, and its southern and eastern coasts tend to hold onto warmth later into October than the more exposed northern Aegean islands. The island's airport sits within easy reach of the north coast resorts, where sheltered bays and mild afternoons make beach days easy to plan. The trade-off is that the island is large, so a base near the airport saves transfer time but puts you further from the western mountains. We think it is the strongest choice for a warm, dependable October week with plenty to do between beach days. It is exactly the brief our Crete holidays deals are built around.
• Rhodes: Rhodes benefits from its southeastern position, which typically keeps temperatures agreeable well into the autumn months. A lively beach strip sits within a short journey of the medieval Old Town, giving you something different for days when you want history rather than sand. Its drawback is that the beach resorts can feel busier than quieter options, so it suits travellers who enjoy an active base. It is a dependable pick when you want warm sea and direct UK flights in the same week. It is exactly the brief our Rhodes holidays deals are built around.
• Corfu: Corfu sits in the Ionian Sea, where the weather in October remains mild and the green landscape stays lush after the summer. The main town offers Venetian architecture alongside a steady stream of cafés and seafront walks. The island is more humid and greener than the dry Aegean islands, which some visitors find less dramatic but more comfortable for relaxed beach days. We recommend it for travellers who value shade, gentle seas and a slower rhythm through the half term week. It is exactly the brief our Corfu holidays deals are built around.
• Athens: The Greek capital is one of its warmest large cities in October, with afternoon temperatures that make sightseeing comfortable rather than punishing. The historic hill and old quarter are the centrepiece of most visits, and the metro links the city centre to the airport. The city offers little beach time on its own, so it works best as a short stay before or after an island trip. For a warm, culture-led half term week, it is a sensible choice. It is exactly the brief our Athens holidays deals are built around.
• Naxos: Naxos is the largest island in the Cyclades and tends to stay warm and settled through early autumn, with beaches on both coasts and a relaxed harbour town that suits the same brief our Greece holidays deals are built around. A memorable evening walk takes you to a famous gateway on a nearby islet, and inland villages offer hiking routes that stay pleasant in the mild afternoons. Ferry connections remain in service in October, though with fewer sailings than in midsummer, so timings need checking before you book. It is a good option if you want the Cycladic setting without the heavier crowds found on the best-known islands.