Why Fall is the best time to visit Greece | 2 week itinerary for Zante (Zakynthos) and Athens
Imagine spending two weeks in Greece at the perfect time of year. Warm seas, golden sunsets, and ancient history all to yourself without the summer crowds. In this guide, I’ll take you through a two-eek itinerary in late September to early October, starting on the island paradise of Zakinthos and ending in Athens, one of the world’s great cultural capitals. We’ll cover the best time to go, how to get around, what to see and do, where to stay, what to pack, and a realistic budget for a couple. Let’s get started. From North America, most international flights into Greece, land at Athens International Airport. If you’re flying from New York, Toronto, or Montreal, you may find direct options, but many travelers connect through European cities like London or Frankfurt. The flight takes about 9 to 11 hours non-stop from the east coast. From Athens, we’ll fly to Zakintos. It’s about an hour by plane. You can also take a bus and ferry combo, but it takes four to 5 hours. With two weeks on hand, the flight is the smarter choice. Late September into early October is one of the best windows to visit. You’ll miss the blistering summer heat and the peak crowds, but the sea is still warm and inviting. Expect highs around 77° F or 25° C and lows near 60 fah or 16 C. Days are comfortably warm for swimming and sightseeing, while evenings call for a light sweater or jacket. It’s a sweet spot for both beaches and culture. Zakintos, or Zante as it’s sometimes called, is pure Ionian magic. Think turquoise waters, white cliffs, and villages surrounded by olive groves. We’ll spend about 8 days here and it’s the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure. For accommodations, you’ll find great value in late September near Civi, Laganas, or Kalamaki. These areas give you beach access and plenty of dining options, but without the peak season crowds. For something quieter, boutique guest houses and basilicos are an excellent choice. Renting a car is the best way to explore the island. In the shoulder season, rates drop, roads are easy to navigate, and you’ll want that freedom to explore the island’s hidden corners. [Music] So, what should you see and do in Zakintos? There’s a lot, but here are the top three must do experiences. Number one, Shipwreck Beach or Nagio beach. The most photographed spot in Greece. a white sand cove framed by cliffs and a rusting shipwreck. You’ll need a boat tour to get there. For a different perspective, drive to the clifftop viewing platform for jaw-dropping photos. Number two, the blue caves. These glowing sea caverns are best seen by boat, often on the same trip as Navajio. The sunlight refracts through the water, making it shimmer with neon blues. Number three, turtle spotting at Laganas Bay. Zakinthtos is home to the endangered loggerhead sea turtle. Echo tours take you out by boat to spot them in the wild. But that’s not all. Sikinthtos is full of experiences. Explore the Kerry Caves, kayak to Marathoni Island, or simply relax at beaches like Garacas or Porto Limnionas. Inland you can visit wineries, olive groves, and the hilltop village of Bohali with views over the island. Evenings are perfect for dining at a seaside diver where fresh caught fish and local wine rarely disappoint. After eight sun soaked days, it’s time to fly back to Athens. The 1-hour hop makes it simple, leaving you with 5 days to explore one of the world’s most historic capitals. Base yourself in central Athens in neighborhoods like Placa, Monasteraki, or Cintagma. Here you can walk to most major landmarks. A moderate priced hotel in these areas leaves you close to the action and saves you both time and taxi fairs. So, what are the top three mustos in Athens? Number one, the Acropolis and Parthononom. No trip to Greece is complete without it. The ancient citadel dominates the skyline, and stepping among its ruins feels like walking through history. Number two, the Acropolis Museum. A sleek modern space displaying treasures from the Acropolis itself, giving you context before or after your visit. Number three, the ancient Agora. Once the beating heart of Athens, where Socrates and Plato once walked, it’s an atmospheric site with temples and ruins. Beyond these essentials, Athens offers plenty more. Wander the narrow streets of Placa for shopping and dining. Hike or take the finicular up Mount Leetus for the best sunset views of the city. And explore neighborhoods like Paceri for lively tabernaces. If you have time, consider a day trip to Cape Sunnion to see the temple of Poseidon perched above the Aian Sea. And let’s talk food. Greek cuisine is all about freshness. Grilled meats, olives, feta, seafood, and plenty of local wine. For packing, think versatility. Lightweight clothing for the warm afternoons, a sweater or light jacket for cool evenings, swimsuits for zacanthos, and comfortable walking shoes for exploring Athens. Add a sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, and a universal power adapter for European outlets. With the weather so pleasant, you can travel light but stay comfortable. And finally, after 5 days in Athens, you’ll fly home to North America, carrying memories of turquoise seas, dramatic cliffs, and the timeless ruins of one of the world’s greatest civilizations. A September or October trip like this strikes the perfect balance. Sikintos for beaches and adventure, Athens for history and culture. It’s Greece at its very best. In the description below this video, I’ve provided a rough budget for a couple traveling for 2 weeks staying in moderate comfort. Please note that this budget is meant as a guideline only and prices may vary considerably from time of publication. Thanks for joining me on this journey. If you found this guide helpful, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share it with your fellow travelers. Until next time, happy travels.
Using our personal travel experience and updated information, this video provides a great travel itinerary for a trip to Greece in the shoulder season after the crowds have gone. It includes 8 days on the beautiful Island of Zakynthos followed by 5 days in Athens. I have included an estimated budget for the trip at the end of this description. Hope you enjoy it!
Agenda
00:00 Introduction
00:40 How to get there
01:21 Weather
01:59 Zakynthos Overview
02:18 Zakynthos Accommodation
02:39 How to get around Zakynthos
02:53 What to see and do on Zakynthos
04:24 Athens Overview
04:40 Where to stay in Athens
05:00 What to see & do in Athens
06:13 Greek Cuisine
06:24 What to pack
06:57 Going home
07:27 Travel budget
Travel Budget Guideline:
Here’s a rough budget for a couple traveling for two weeks, staying in moderate comfort:
Return flights North America to Athens: about $1,000 USD per person.
Return flights from Athens–Zakynthos: $200 USD per person.
Hotels: about $2000 USD for 13 nights.
Car rental on Zakynthos: $300 USD for 8 days.
Food: $1000 USD for two weeks.
Activities & entry fees: around $300 USD.
Local Athens transport: $100 USD.
That brings the total to about $5,400 USD, or roughly $7,400 Canadian for two people. Not bad for two weeks of beaches, ancient history, and incredible food.