The Greece Travel Guide for June It is official – it's the start of summer, which is arguably the best time to visit Greece, unless you are into scorching temperatures and busy, overcrowded beaches. The islands burst into life, and you can still enjoy their beauty without the northerly meltemi winds, which blow over the islands during the afternoons.
Top destinations Serifos
Serifos, a beautiful little gem in the Cyclades, gives visitors long beaches and hidden coves, authentic Cycladic architecture and a unique vibe, where scuba diving aficionados, beachgoers and lovers of nature will all find something to enjoy. Spend a day discovering the main clifftop settlement of Chora, which offers incredible views over the blue sea and the neighbouring islands.
Tinos
Exempt from the buzz that its other neighbours get, Tinos is the perfect off-the-beaten-track island for the summer. A major Greek Orthodox pilgrimage destination, thanks to the stunning Church of Panagia Evangelistria, the island is still an undiscovered destination that many tourists overlook, but this is a good thing – you can explore and discover it without the crowds. The strong artistic tradition is visible in the beautiful village of Pyrgos, dubbed the sculpture village, and the local gastronomy is one of the best of the Cyclades. Skopelos
Skopelos may not be part of the Cyclades, but it still boasts impressive Pelian architecture and a rugged beauty that makes it stand out. After all, who says you only have to visit the Cyclades? Skopelos features unspoilt beaches, green and lush forests with small villages and picture-perfect churches. If you loved the scenery in the Mamma Mia movie, you are sure to fall in love with Skopelos. Make sure to visit nearby Alonissos and Skiathos as day trips, should you feel you need to escape to the sea.
Annual events Panigiria While all villages across Greece have a feast (panigiri) to honour their saints, the last days of June see two celebrations taking place in Triantaros, a small village in Tinos. On the 29th and the 30th, the village celebrates apostles Peter and Paul and honours all apostles at the church of Agioi Apostoloi.
Practical tips Weather As summer officially settles in, and sunny and warm days become the rule, the average temperature is 24°C (75°F), with an average low of 20°C (68°F) and an average high of 28°C (82°F). The days are long, warm and sunny, and temperatures may sometimes rise above 30°C (90°F). Getting there Serifos and Tinos, both in the Cyclades, are easily accessible via ferry from Piraeus port, while Skopelos requires a different route. The closest airport is on Skiathos, connecting to Athens, Volos and Thessaloniki. From there, a 15-minute ferry ride takes you to the green paradise of Skopelos. Alternatively, you can journey to Volos, Thessaloniki or Agios Konstantinos and catch a ferry from there. Do not let this deter you from visiting Skopelos, though, as you will quickly see that all this is worth the trouble.