Greece In June -Your Ideal Destinations For Each Month Of Greece

Travelling to Greece in June is one of the best decisions to make if you are not a fan of extremely hot weather or crowds. There are, however, two distinct periods within June, early and late.

The latter is the one when everything starts to get a bit busier and pricy as summer starts to really kick in. Early June is still considered off-season so you are more likely to score a good deal on accommodation and wander around the streets of Mykonos and Santorini while experiencing a quieter version of these beloved islands.

Peloponnese

While the weather is generally good throughout the whole month of June anywhere you are in Greece, it is still preferable to be in the south of the country, where the sun arrives a little bit earlier, leaves a bit later and the water is warmer than in some of the spots up north.

There are over 200 islands to enjoy in the Cyclades and of course, Crete, but maybe a more suitable option for most would be the Peloponnese peninsula.

Where is that?

When you think of Greece, tucked away in between Italy and Turkey, there are a few key spots that come to mind. The countless dots that are spread around the Aegean Sea, the three fingers up the North end that make up the Halkidiki peninsula and the giant palm that is the Peloponnese.

What is there to see?

The Peloponnese peninsula is technically an island, even though you would not hear anybody refer to is as such.

The peninsula has been separated by the mainland since 1893 when the Corinth Canal started its operation. Nowadays, there are bridges that connect the two pieces of land both from above and underwater and you will most likely be travelling on one of them as you drive or train from Athens.

Peloponnese Historically

Between 1600 BC and 1100 BC this was the place where the Mycenaean civilization flourished. Even if you are not a history enthusiast, there are many things you can now enjoy due to the innovations of those that came before.

You can visit the archaeological site of Mycenae or Mikines and walk through the Lion Gate. The only monument of the Greek Bronze Age that survives.

There is so much to see and do depending on the type of travel you had in mind. From the charming little towns of Nafplion and Aigio to the history of Corinth and Sparta, the options are endless.

Dozens of beaches and castles waiting to be explored and unique flavours to be tasted.

Events & Festivals in June

Athens Epidavros Festival

This is an annual festival that takes place in Athens and Epidaurus between May and October.

For theatre lovers, it is a haven of cultural and musical events. It is also a great opportunity to see a play at the ancient Epidaurus theatre. It can accommodate more than 13,000 people and the acoustics are spectacular. Whether you are sitting in the front or the back, you will be able to hear everything that is being said and that is without fancy modern amplifiers.

While this is a trying time for professionals in the entertainment industry, this involuntary hiatus has given the Athens Epidaurus Festival a chance to dramatically rebrand, with some creative and exciting new approaches. The festival aims to bring people the joy created by live art, emphasizing many of Greece’s incredibly talented artists as well as international artists. While they plan to go ahead this year, if they are unable to, they will revert to an online version of the festival instead. You can find tickets, free workshops and live performances on their website.

Athens Rockwave Festival

Another annual festival and one of the biggest and most impressive in Greece, with a rich history and impressive lineups. (the festival for 2021 was recently cancelled but the 2022 festival is set to commence the 21 July).

You will find it between June and July, since dates can vary, outside of Athens in Malakasa.

Nemean Games

Some may recognize the name from the stories of Hercules when he was tasked to slay the Lion of Nemea with his bare hands. In ancient times, participants competed in foot races, wrestling, and horse racing, all in the nude, for a chance to win a wreath of wild celery, bestowing honour on the recipient and their city.

Nowadays, the Modern Nemean Games have also started taking place every 4 years. Competing in the nude would probably not be acceptable but you can still receive crowns made out of palm branches and wild celery.

Average Weather Temperatures for June

June is generally a very pleasant month, wherever you travel within Greece. But it can start to get quite hot around mid to late June. Sunhats, sunscreen and lots of water are always recommended in order to stay hydrated and be able to enjoy your holidays for longer.

Bring a light jacket and closed shoes if you are considering hiking or heading up to the mountains overnight.