Greece is buzzing this summer with packed ferries, new flight routes and lively festivals alongside its timeless traditions. From August pilgrimages and candlelit concerts to house prices, here’s what to expect if you’re travelling – or house hunting – in Greece during summer 2025.
July, August and September 2025 are bringing higher temperatures, more tourists and some fun events to Greece this summer. Planes and ferries have been so busy that airlines and ferry companies have been putting on extra to meet the demand. With little rain and more visitors, fires and water shortages are inevitable but Greece has the experience to deal with them, and property hunters are still keen to buy their own slice of this beautiful country.
Religious events in Greece this summer
One of Greece’s most important religious holidays was on 15th August, with many celebrations and pilgrimages taking place. Churches had processions through the streets and visitors were able to witness authentic Greek tradition at its best. As well as tourists from abroad, the Greeks also try to take holidays around this date. Pilgrims especially like to visit islands with shrines dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
Top pilgrimage destinations
The most popular pilgrimage destination is the Cycladic Island of Tinos where the church of the Virgin Mary, known as Panagia Evangelistria is located. It is visited by pilgrims from all over the world, who crawl up the carpeted street hoping for miracles from the Theotokos (Mother of God). Other places that are attracting a lot of visitors and pilgrims to Greece this summer are churches on Lesbos, Thassos, Kefalonia, Andros, Rhodes, Skiathos and Naxos, and in particular, the Church of Panagia Ekatontapiliani on Paros.
Local traditions around the holidays
On the island of Zagorohoria, the feasting and dancing in mid-August, goes on for three days. While on Kefalonia snakes miraculously appear on the dome of the Markopoulo village church. The story told by the locals is that at a time when pirates were invading these lands, the local nuns asked the Virgin Mary to transform them into snakes to escape their attention. To this day they return each year to thank the Holy Mother.
Festivals in Greece this summer
Epidaurus festival
In Greece this summer, the Epidaurus Festival at the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus has performances right up to 23rd August and at the Little Theatre of Ancient Epidaurus until 30th August 2025. I have been to a play there myself; it’s a wonderful ancient open-air amphitheatre with incredible acoustics. My tip is to take a cushion as the stone seating is very hot after a day in the blazing sun.
Andros festival
The International Andros Festival 2025 is loved by everyone who appreciates culture, art and nature. Situated in an open-air theatre on the island of Andros, some of Greece’s most wonderful concerts and theatrical performances are presented from 26th July to 23rd August.
A pirate battle
On the island of Paros, they hold “The Festival of the Pirates” on 23rd August. The event marks the anniversary of the pirate raid on the Cycladic Island, led by Barbarossa in 1537. The local legend tells of pirate’s kidnapping the women of Naoussa village and the locals battling to get them back. Each year locals dress up and reenact the pirate attack and celebrate with music, dance and traditional food.
Panagia Evangelistria on Tinos is the most popular pilgrimage destination in Greece (image: Milan Gonda via Shutterstock)
Music in Greece this summer
At various locations in Greece this summer you can see “Candlelight Concerts”. Even in September you can experience magical candlelight performances in Heraklion and Chania on Crete. If Rock music is more your thing, then the Rock Hard Festival is on 12th-13th September at Technopolis City of Athens. You will also find pop concerts and traditional Greek music being performed.
Greek dance
If you haven’t managed to see Greek dancing in one of the villages yet and want to see it with the traditional costumes and music, head to Athens this summer. At the living museum of Greek dance at Philopappou Hill you can pay to see a spectacular dance performance from a company that has 75 dancers, musicians and singers.
Wildfires in Greece
With the summer heat, it’s inevitable that you will also get some fires. Many countries have had them this summer, even southern England. As houseowners, the best we can do is ensure our land is ploughed to stop any fires from spreading to our trees. If a fire does occur in your area, you should keep doors and windows shut and stay indoors. You can now get air quality apps.
In Greece, this August there is a fire in the Achaia region of the Peloponnese near the city of Patras, which has destroyed forests, farmland, olive groves and even some homes. News reports are claiming that 5,000 firefighters and 33 aircraft have been deployed to get it under control, which at least demonstrates that Greece can access that amount of assistance in an emergency. Wherever you go during the summer, you should check news and travel reports to be aware of any problems. But remember that the majority of the country is not on fire and we shouldn’t be put off visiting the country.
Greece addresses water shortages
On some islands, they have to be extra careful with their water usage. In some cases, ships bring tanks of water. In addition, a water management program has been introduced for 61 municipalities, as part of a Special Action Plan to address water scarcity. Improvements are being made to water supplies, enhancing residents’ quality of life and supporting island communities. As well over €9m from a Public Investment Program, an extra €20m is being designated to areas with the most urgent water needs. One of islands that will benefit is Megisti, the easternmost island in the Aegean, with its horseshoe shaped port and castle built by the Knights of St. John.
Transport news
According to the latest report by Airports Council International Europe (ACI Europe), Athens International Airport ranked among Europe’s top performers, recording a 7.6% rise in passenger numbers in the first half of 2025. Syros and Volos airports also had big increases in the numbers of European passengers. In June 2025, Syros Island Airport (JSY) more than doubled its traffic, while at Volos Airport (VOL) it grew by over 50%. On average, across the country international travel increased by 5.7%.
New flight routes from the UK
Airlines are reaping the rewards of putting on more flights and lengthening their season this summer. Confidence in Greece is so high that they are already talking about adding new routes to next year’s schedule. Starting in May 2026 Jet2 will launch a Tuesday flight from Glasgow to Kos, and East Midlands Airport to Chania, Crete. In 2026, EasyJet are introducing flights from Newcastle to Rhodes and Newcastle to Corfu.
New flight routes from the US
Confidence in Greek tourism is also growing in America. This summer, American airlines inaugurated a new summer route connecting Charlotte (CLT) with Athens. They also plan to run them next year along with flights from Chicago (ORD), New York (JFK) and Philadelphia (PHL). In addition, 2026 will see the launch of a new connection between Athens and Dallas-Fort Worth. Athens is a very popular destination for those seeking a city break that offers history and culture.
Packed ferries in Greece this summer
As thousands of Greeks and tourists flock to the islands this summer, Piraeus Port has reported almost 100% capacity in mid-August. More sailings have had to be added to meet the demand. On the Wednesday before the Dormition of the Virgin Mary bank holiday, passenger numbers were staggering. 24,130 passengers departed Piraeus on 25 ferries, with 7,783 more travelling to the Saronic Gulf on 36 ferries. From the port of Rafina there were 10 departures carrying almost 7,000 passengers, while the port of Lavrio’s had 8 ferries which transported over 2,000.
Property sales on the rise
It’s been published by Greek Reporter News that sales of luxury properties are currently booming. This demonstrates that there are high quality properties in beautiful locations across Greece, which meet the demands of those with a high budget. Buyers are attracted to Greece’s natural beauty, authentic community atmosphere and relaxed pace of life. Islands that offer such high-end properties include Paros, Skiathos, Corfu, Tinos and Kefalonia. Athen’s city centre and riviera are also attractive areas for high earners, who want to be close to Athens Airport. You can see some of these luxury homes on Your Overseas Home property page.
Cheap properties in Greece
Despite rising house prices and the increase in buyers for luxury homes, there are still cheap properties to be found in Greece too. Houses to renovate on Crete start as low as €55,000. There are also many great offers around the Agios Nikolaos area.
What’s the weather like in Greece this summer?
The summer started with record temperatures, averaging 27°C-35°C (81°F-95°F) across the country. It has even reached 40°C (104°F) in some areas. July 2025 was the hottest July since 2010 in central and northern Greece, with a heatwave in the second half of the month that went on for two weeks. It was also the fourth hottest July in Crete and the fifth hottest in western Greece and the Ionian Islands. In Athens, the average maximum temperature for the month was 2.1°C above normal. With a summer of sunshine and blue skies almost every day, the sea temperature has reached a warm 26°C (79°F). However, after a long hot summer Greece is likely to get some storms at the end of August and the beginning of September. But they usually pass by quickly and freshen the air. For the majority of the summer, you can safely make plans to eat out in the evening and enjoy the fresh sea air.
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