If you’re looking for summer sun, look no further than Greece in July. The endless sunshine and clear skies provide an excellent time to explore this ancient wonder of the world. Everywhere you go provides the opportunity to explore ancient monoliths and tributes to long ago civilizations that helped shape our world today.
Couple ancient history with fantastical mythology, and then add in the dreamy beaches, delicious cuisine, and a general atmosphere that celebrates living life to the fullest – that is, Greece in July. It’s a bucket list destination for so many because of the eclectic assortment of sights and activities that appeal to everyone’s sense of wonder and adventure. Your ultimate holiday awaits – head to Greece in July to invigorate your senses under the Mediterranean sun.
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Where to Go in Greece in July
With the amazing weather that Greece experiences in July, your time will be best spent soaking up the summer sun on one of the hundreds of islands that make up the Greek isles. As enticing as the weather will be in July, you’ll also be seeking a reprieve from the heat to cool off and relax. Spending your holiday island hopping will ensure you make the most of the sunshine while also feeling refreshed by the waters of the Mediterranean and its gentle sea breezes.
Designer Journeys’ network of in-destination Local Designers will use their expert knowledge, local insight and travel planning skills to design your ultimate Greece experience. Begin designing your journey today! Greece is well-known and loved for its ancient culture, and mythology are woven throughout its fabric of society. And while this blog won’t feature mainland destinations and sights like Athens and the Acropolis, you’ll still find plenty of archaeological wonders up the islands. We recommend taking advantage of the accessibility of the Greek islands whilst holidaying in July, as everything is open and transport is readily available. Mainland Greece isn’t quite so affected by weather and seasons, so if you travel to Greece in July, it’s best to use the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful islands that see full vibrancy only a few months of the year. Two of the islands(Corfu and Santorini) we’ll discuss are featured in our 11-Day Ionian and Aegean Highlights trip. Check out our other “Greece in a Month” blogs to discover what the rest of Greece has to offer throughout the year. As well, use our Greece in August blog interchangeably with this one! The weather and activities are equal across both months, and either blog will be a great resource for planning your Greek summer holiday. Of course, date-specific festivals will differ, but the top destinations and climates are consistent. With over 6000 islands making up the Greek isles, it can be daunting when trying to decide where to visit. In this blog, we’ll discuss three popular islands for your trip to Greece in July, making it more convenient and manageable as you decide where you’d most like to explore. As August can be even busier than July, check out Greece in August blog for some less frequented islands to keep on your radar that are equally as enjoyable in July! If you dream of white and blue houses dotting Greek island hillsides, you’re likely picturing the Cyclades Islands. Located between Athens and Crete, these 39 islands are among the most visited Greek islands and include the ever-famous Santorini. You’ll be faced with crowds when you visit this iconic Greek island in July, but it’s well worth it. Everywhere you look is picture-worthy: from the blue-domed Santorini churches, the inviting restaurant terraces, and the stunning Oia sunsets. You’ll find some incredibly luxurious accommodations in Santorini, with more budget-friendly lodgings still being something to rave about. Food and wine are a delicious highlight of our 11-Day Athens, Naxos & Santorini Foodie Delights trip. After indulging in the scenery, and delicious wine and food, make time to explore the archaeological marvel that is Akrotiri. This highly important find is what remains of a Bronze Age settlement dating back 6500 years that was covered by a volcanic eruption around 2000 years ago. Incredibly well-preserved, this ancient marvel is a must-see when visiting the beautiful Santorini. Near Akrotiri, you’ll love soaking up the summer sun and sea on Santorini’s famed red beach. You won’t find white sandy shores here! Instead, you’ll witness the striking red and black volcanic rock and sand that gives this beach its name. Very small but worth seeing. Try and make your way to the beach earlier in the day to secure your spot! The largest of the Cyclades islands, Naxos is an ideal summer holiday destination. It features plenty of sand and sea, but you’ll also find mountains and many trees along the island, making for a unique visual experience compared to other islands of the Cyclades. With summer comes crowds, but you’ll be glad to visit Naxos in July, as the island truly comes to life during the hotter season. You’ll find popular beaches across the island, and for a quiet retreat, the lovely Agiassos beach is an excellent option. Calm and clear waters make it ideal for swimming, and you’ll find small tavernas in the area where you can indulge in local and traditional cuisine. You’ll also want to explore the history of the island, including the 17th-century Bazeos Tower, which hosts cultural events every summer – we’ll dive deeper into this in the festivals section of this post. Another fantastic historic site is the Naxos Portara, known as the Temple of Apollo, a massive marble archway overlooking the city and sea. It’s a fantastic place to witness stunning sunrises and sunsets, taking in the glory of nature next to a monument standing the test of time. You’ll discover Naxos and more on our 7-Day Cyclades – The Authentic Way trip. If you’re looking for a fun mix of things to do on your holiday to Greece in July, check out the blend of wonders that Corfu has on offer. Located in the Ionian Sea and part of the Ionian islands, Corfu is a complex and diverse destination, absolutely brimming with opportunities. Rich in nature, culture, and history, you’ll find everything you need to relax and unwind or fill your days with adventure. Nature lovers will face an abundance of choices: from deciding which hike to try, which beach to bask upon, or how to best spend your day, whether it’s in or on the sea. Corfu is home to numerous trails that lead to a multitude of destinations. Hike to lesser-known beaches, stumble upon rural villages, or discover viewpoints displaying the breathtaking views of the Ionian Sea and the evergreen land of Corfu. The beaches are as abundant as the trails, and you’ll find both rocky and sandy shores across the island. Paleokastritsa is the most famous of Corfu’s beaches, featuring bright green cliffs banking the shimmering sea. You can snorkel, dive, or sail upon the Ionian waters, enjoying the best of summer weather throughout it all. The Paleokastritsa Bay is a highlight of our 8-Day Athens & Corfu Family Adventure trip. Designer Journeys’ network of in-destination Local Designers will use their expert knowledge, local insight and travel planning skills to design your ultimate Greece experience. Begin designing your journey today! The island’s mixed past makes it quite unique compared to other Greek locations, finely balancing the effects of prior Venetian, French, and British occupation. Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is where you’ll notice the various influences on architecture and cuisine. Corfu is known for its excellent gastronomy, featuring a vast collection of fine dining as well as more casual eateries. Travelling to Corfu in July will be busy, but it will be worth it to see this ancient island come to life through its natural beauty and cosmopolitan offerings. In the centre of Naxos, you’ll find the 17th-century-built Bazeos Tower. Once a monastery, the tower is now home to exciting cultural events occurring every summer. There are various celebrations held at Bazeos Tower, including art exhibitions, concerts, and local workshops. It’s a great way to experience the heart of Naxos and the heritage of the island. Visit once or multiple times during your stay, and explore the centuries-old building which has been refurbished and well-preserved as a tribute to the past. It’s a fantastic opportunity to discover the modern-day culture of Naxos within the halls of one of its oldest structures. For a truly rich and cultural experience while on your Greek holiday, you’ll want to attend the Philippi Festival held in Kavala, Macedonia. While we’ve extolled the wonders of the Greek islands throughout this article, heading to northern Greece for this festival is a worthy exception. For the ultimate travel inspiration, local insight straight from our expert Local Designers and exclusive offers you won’t find anywhere else from Designer Journeys, sign up today! Don’t miss out.
The second oldest of all festivals in Greece, the Philippi Festival is held in the ancient theatre of Philippi. During the summer months, the theatre becomes home to theatrical performances and concerts just as it did thousands of years ago. You’ll be transported to ancient Greece as you witness dramas or comedies performed just as they were so long ago. It’s an unforgettable experience that truly can’t be missed. Greece in July is hot, and there’s no way around it. When you visit Greece in July, you’ll be experiencing the country at the height of summer, with temperatures reaching their highest. Expect temperatures in the high 20s to low 30s every day, with some days even peaking in the high 30s. Mainland and southern Greece will face the highest temperatures, but hopping from island to island has the added benefit of sea breezes to help you cool down. You can pack a simple wardrobe of staple summer items with no need for sweaters or bulky clothing. Pack a light and airy wardrobe to keep cool, with plenty of sunscreen for your adventures. With July being incredibly sunny and bringing little to no rain, the Greek islands see a large influx of tourists, making things crowded as well as costly. The benefits of the incredible weather are well worth the crowds you’ll face. Just make sure to book ahead! Our 11-Day Greek Island Adventure is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the July weather. Many people think of avoiding Greece in July because of the popularity and crowds. Truly though, it’s so popular because it’s such an incredible place during the summer. It’s the best time to soak up the seemingly endless summer sun, and relaxing seaside or on a Greek terrace overlooking the Aegean is an experience you’ll never forget. Planning to Visit Greece?
What to Do / Best Places to Visit
Santorini
Naxos
Corfu
Planning to Visit Greece?
Festivals / Special Events
Naxos Festival in Bazeos Tower
Philippi Festival in Kavala
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Weather
Things to Know Before You Go
Be sure to take advantage of the Greek Islands during July. It’s when transport is readily available, and it’s when the islands fully open their doors and come to life. Build your dream trip with one of our Local Designers! Let them know what you’re after – archaeology, beaches, gastronomy, or all of the above! They’ve got you covered, so connect with our Local Designers today to experience all that Greece has to offer or discover our fully-customisable tours to Greece.
